An Exposed World

Cael's body gradually warmed as the heat from the fire and crystals seeped into him. His fingers and toes tingled as blood slowly returned to his extremities. He had spent the better part of the past several minutes curled up in a towel and blanket and huddled close to the fireplace on the couch. At least now he was finally thawing out and his body was starting to function again.

However, as Cael's senses returned, so did reality.

He was basically naked in front of Val.

His cheeks flushed red, and he suddenly became very well aware of Val's eyes on him. She hadn't spoken a single word since they'd come into the living area, merely staring as she worked to warm him.

Cael pulled the towel tighter around his waist. "Uhm, thanks for… helping," he mumbled awkwardly. He tried not to make eye contact with her, but he couldn't resist stealing a quick glance.

Val's gaze met his, and her own face flushed scarlet. "Of course. That's what friends do. They take care of each other."

He suddenly felt frozen again, but not because of the cold. "Val, I uh… never mind. Sorry." He looked away. His heart hammered in his chest, and his throat felt like sandpaper.

"What is it? Are you feeling okay?" She drew a little closer, concern written plainly across her face.

"Y-yes, I'm fine." He coughed lightly, trying to clear his throat. "Erm, but can I ask what happened with the crystal? The way you reacted… This isn't normal, is it?"

Val's lips pursed, and her brows furrowed in thought before she shook her head. "You're right. It isn't. The water crystal is Fyttsaffoic-affected."

"Fy… Fyttsa… what does that mean?"

Her pupils darted up to the corners of her eyes as though determining the best way of explaining something she'd never had to put into words before.

"Fyttsaffoic is… an event. It happens sometimes. Magic becomes more difficult to use. Crystals stop working. Things break. Mana slows." She made a gesture with both of her hands like she was compressing something. "Things are… packed tightly? They don't flow as freely as usual."

Cael frowned. "So it's like an interference in the mana or something?"

"Interference…?" She paused, then nodded in affirmation. "In a way. You could describe it as something hindering the mana. But interference doesn't convey the entire meaning."

He tried piecing together another equivalent word in his head from what she was telling him, and eventually, Suppression came to mind.

"…I think I kinda get it now. But is Suppression dangerous? I saw your reaction, and it wasn't good."

"It is… not directly dangerous, but it's not safe either. When Suppression affects crystals or magic tools, it can spread, almost like sickness." Val grimaced.

Cael's frown deepened. "Wait, spread? Like to other things?"

"Yes. It can infect other items and spaces. For example, if the crystal in the bath becomes Suppressed, then it may eventually spread to the rest of the house and the land. It shouldn't affect certain things though, like my pendant." Her hand instinctively moved towards her chest.

"I see," he muttered. "Any reason why?"

She nodded. "Only naturally magical items are susceptible to Suppression—crystals fall under that category since they form from underground ley lines. The pendant my mother gave to me though is enchanted. Enchanted items are immune to Suppression since they bolster their magic from the spellcaster's life force." She tapped her finger against the pendant. "As long as the life force is maintained, regardless of distance, enchanted items will remain unaffected."

Cael only sort of understood what she was saying. He still had a lot to learn about magic, especially the rules. But her point was clear enough—while enchanted items like her pendant would be fine, a lot of things in the cottage would not be.

"So then, what do we do? Is there a way Suppression can be reversed?"

Val hesitated. "No. Suppression is permanent. Once it's infected an object, the item is forever changed. I'll have to destroy and then dispose of the bath crystal properly, or else it will infect the others in the house."

"Crap. You don't happen to have another one just lying around then?"

"I do not," she replied solemnly. "And before you ask, it's not possible to simply swap out the ones from the sinks. They may produce water, but not with the same volume, nor can they adjust its temperature. A bath's water crystal is specialized."

"Are you serious? Then how do we get a replacement?"

She frowned at him. "I'm afraid we can't. Experts far more skilled than myself are required in order to shape and create them from base crystals. The only place where we could still maybe find some would be in the city, but given how dangerous it is…"

Cael sighed. So he was right, he had lost his final sanctuary. There would be no more bath time, no more solitude, and no more safety away from her dangerously alluring presence.

"…Crap," was all he managed to say, hanging his head low and staring at his hands.

"Ah! Wait, there may be one option, but I'm uncertain." Val's sudden voice startled him, and his head snapped up toward her. "Naturally occurring water crystals that can work for the bath might be possible to find. It would be much rarer than something artificially made, but it is technically possible."

"Where can we find them?"

"A cavern to the north," she said. "It'll be a multiple day trip at a minimum since it would be an entire day just to reach the entrance. And that's assuming there are no monsters or other dangers in the way."

Cael frowned. "That's really far. And if it's still going to be dangerous, isn't the city closer?"

"The city would be closer, yes," she agreed, but her expression darkened. "But it's also a lot more dangerous. Only my parents would've been comfortable enough to venture there casually. Every time I've gone, it's with the expectation that I run away from anything I encounter. The cavern in contrast isn't too dangerous. The most difficult part would likely be getting there through the forest."

"…So we have to go to the caverns if we want a replacement?"

"I believe so," she replied. "But it's not a risk-free journey, and the caverns are not without danger. The terrain inside is supposedly hazardous with uneven footing. And of course, there is no guarantee that there will even be a crystal."

He mulled over the options. Either they go to the caverns to get a replacement crystal, or they go throughout the entirety of the foreseeable future without easy baths. While he certainly didn't like the prospect of going through an entire winter without being able to bathe, was it really worth it to venture into an unknown, potentially dangerous cave? Especially considering that there wasn't even a guarantee of finding anything there in the first place.

Val likely was pondering the same question before she shrugged and said, "Well, it's unfortunate. But at least it's not worse. We can get around the issue of the baths by heating water directly on the stovetop and then filling the tub manually."

He groaned. That would take forever. Still, it was feasible. It was a lot better than not being able to bathe at all, so perhaps it was the best solution—

"I would also insist that we bathe together to save on water," Val continued. "Filling up the tub multiple times a day would be quite an inconvenience." Her face turned a little red as she smiled. "But it is nothing to worry about. I don't mind sharing a bath with you at all. In fact, I think I'm rather looking forward to it, Cael."

"…"

"Cael, did you hear me?"

"…"

"Cael?"

"We're going to go get a new crystal."

Val's eyes lifted. "What? You're certain? B-but doesn't the idea of us bathing together not appeal to you? I'd get to see you naked again, and the caverns are—"

Cael almost died then and there. Did this damn girl have no shame?! Why was the extent of her embarrassment moaning from eating some good food or being carried around? The way she had suggested—and then addended upon—that idea was absolutely…

Absolutely…

Crap. It was making him feel things he didn't want to feel, especially in the current state of his undress.

"I-I'm sure!" he managed to choke out, his cheeks flushed a bright red. He really needed to 'suppress' the growing problem in his towel. "We'll get a new crystal from the caverns. It'll be, erm, an adventure! And besides, baths are important. You know, for cleanliness and stuff. So, let's get ready. When should we leave? I'll, uh, pack some things. Food, weapons, water—"

Val frowned very noticeably—and cutely—at him, crossing her arms. "Cael, while I appreciate the stories of hero's exploits, I'm not the adventuring type. Besides, I've never camped in the wilderness before. Do you have experience with it?"

"Uh…" he trailed off. He did have some, but not the kind she was probably looking for.

"I… used to sleep outside sometimes when my luck was particularly bad, and I couldn't find a place to stay." He paused, remembering the nights spent huddled up in alleyways, under bridges, or in an encampment.

Val stared at him for a long moment before her face softened. "I'm sorry, Cael. I shouldn't have brought it up. I sometimes forget that you had a different life than me." She looked a little upset now, although it was likely aimed at herself.

"No, no, it's fine, really," he assured her, waving his hands dismissively. "Besides, I technically have at least one normal camping experience. My dad took me and my sister camping a very long time ago when we were little."

Surprise crossed her face. "Oh! I hope you were safe!"

"We were, although, that was also the trip where my sister fell and twisted her ankle. So… uh, it was good, but maybe it wasn't exactly the greatest." He sarcastically laughed and scratched his head. "But, uh, all that to say: I know the basics of camping and perhaps a little extra."

Val looked like she wanted to say something, but she shook her head instead. "Are you certain? We'll potentially be out there for three or more days, and we don't really need a new bath crystal—"

"I'm certain!" Cael said. "Won't we also be able to get other crystals too while we're there too? And that's not even considering that the trip might actually be a bit fun—almost like a normal camping experience."

Val's eyes widened slightly. "I didn't even consider getting more crystals. You're right, it would be a great opportunity to collect some just to be cautious. However…"

She trailed off, tilting her head at him. "What do you mean fun?"

Cael shrugged. "Camping can be a fun activity. Back in my world, families often go camping together. It's an opportunity to experience the outdoors and enjoy nature."

She looked confused. Her eyebrows scrunched up. "I thought camping would only be necessary if you wanted to travel long distances and didn't have anywhere to stay? Isn't camping rather dangerous in your world as well?"

"Er, no, not exactly. While it can be a little dangerous, it's not too bad if you know how to do it right. What did you think I meant when I said camping with my dad and sister was good?"

"…I thought you were trying to reassure me, but now I'm not sure." Val rested her chin on her hand. "So… people in your world voluntarily go out and risk danger for… fun?"

Her eyes widened as if she just had an epiphany. "Hold on. Are people in your world insane?"

Cael couldn't help but laugh. "No, no, it's not like that. It's just an adventure. You get to go out there and explore the world around you. It can be exciting to experience the unknown."

"But why would someone want to sleep on the hard, dirty ground?" She seemed genuinely puzzled, and the way she was staring at him made it hard to keep a straight face. "Do you like pain?"

He nearly doubled over at the question.

"P-perhaps once we experience it ourselves, you'll understand," he said, trying to calm himself. "But, yeah, we should probably leave soon before winter. Does that sound good?"

Val looked at him dubiously, but she eventually nodded. "If you believe so, then I'll trust you. We'll leave in three days. That should give us enough time to prepare, research, and gather supplies. I'll have to ensure the wards are strong enough and that all the animals are locked in the barn with extra food too. Then we'll also need to pack."

She looked lost in thought for a few seconds. "For the supplies… Can you help me write down what we should bring? You know what's needed for camping most."

"Yeah, I can do that," he readily agreed. It seemed that he would have time to put his writing lessons to the test.

The two of them just sat there in the living room for a moment, both lost in their thoughts.

Then, Val suddenly looked over at him and smiled. "Well, you certainly look better now. Although, you still haven't exactly taken a bath yet, have you? Since we'll be leaving in three days, we'd best get used to bathing together now, don't you agree—?"

Cael almost launched himself off the couch, and his heart nearly leaped from his chest.

"Uhm, I think I'll just… I'll just wipe myself down today!" he said, practically dashing towards the washroom before she could even respond. He paused at the doorway and looked over at her. "Thanks for the help. Really. I'm feeling better now. Sorry again."

And before she had a chance to say anything else, he closed the door behind him, slumping down against it.

He was dead. He was so, so dead.

How in the world was he going to survive this trip with her?