S03E06B - Post-Quest Rigors (Part 3.2)

Author's Note: S03E06 was too long for Honeyfeed, so I had to split it up

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S03E06B - Post-Quest Rigors (Part 3.2)
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"Mink? Roofe? How's the business at the canned goods store?" Ingrid asked. The two adorable dogs looked up at her and politely wiped their snouts.

"Business is picking up much faster." Mink replied, "we've heard some rumors from our customers that some potentially troublesome folks were eyeing our store hoping to cause trouble and extort us, but when you came over...well, let's just say seeing us as friends to a really smart and talking Nemesis-Stalker caused them to reconsider their actions."

Ingrid couldn't help but laugh at that. "I'm not the one they should be worried about." she glanced at Philia, who raised her mug and an eyebrow. "I punch people," Ingrid chuckled. "Philia puts people in a wood chipper alive."

Sammy and the garm girls chuckled darkly, noting the door to the basement was just close. A basement where more than a few guileheads met an ignoble end at the hands of the former villainess.

"Not that we're running out but we need to consider selling other products as well," Roofe continued for Mink "considering that Philia at the moment is currently saddled with a lot of things to enchant, we need to consider the possibility of running of canned goods if the rate of sales pick up even faster. Now we've been talking to Cataline regarding this issue but she says she's still low on material to make any potions that are profitable. Could we have a look at the monster carcasses in the dismantling house? Maybe she can derive some ingredients from them."

Ingrid nodded thoughtfully "Kinu?"

"Sure." The garm replied. "It's not realistic to be able to sell everything anyway, we will have to turn some in for the kingdom's government so yeah.. let's have Cataline have a look."

"Iohann?" Ingrid asked.

The Felmoon priest nodded solemnly. "The fallen adventurers are ready for their final rites. Funeral pyres will be lit tonight."

"So about the thing I asked...?"

Sammy shrugged "The Church of Saint Ygris lets mourners enact their own customs within reason."

"Ingrid was asking about the 21-gun salute. It's a custom in her world in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice." Iohann explained "I've asked the Curate and he allows it, you should see orcish funerals. There's a lot of loud war cries and clashing of drums to welcome the valiant fallen into the Golden Abode."

"Thanks." Ingrid said "I just wanted to show my respect for their bravery."

Iohann nodded her head in understanding. Philia gently patted Peanut's back, the little mushroom had been quieter since the mention of the funeral.

In an attempt to dispel Peanut's sadness, Ingrid quickly went back to discussing what the team would do with their five days of off-time. "Alright so, our mages will be enchanting, I got mice that need training... Kinu and Kvaris will be handling the consignment of the spoils we got... Sammy, Gwen and Cecil and I are handling the mice's training..."

"Actually about that..." Philia added "Please hand over the M-14's I'll be upgrading them to EBR's; Enhanced Battle Rifles."

The mice squeaked in excitement at the mention of their new toys.

"I'm free after tomorrow." Iohann said, sipping her tea "I can help spar with the wolian girls and work on my staff fighting."

"Ermmm..." Cuddly murmured, happily munching on a spring roll.

___

Cecil joined Ingrid, Sammy, Neith, and the mice at the firing range. With the mice that will join the 189 decided, that left Rykard, Otto, Trent, Orlando, and Owen to enter his dimension.

"Anytime you're ready, Cecil!" Ingrid said "But don't push it! Just see if you can make one portal, that's all we need for now!"

Cecil, feeling confident after two slimes in the dungeon had gifted him with themselves, took a deep breath. The mana around his baby blue translucent body swirled and grew in luminescence, just like the first time Ingrid had opened up this dimension and reunited with her beloved slime familiar, a bright blue dot appeared in thin air. It then grew to the size of an apple before flattening out and expanding until it took a rectangular shape and grew until it was the size of a 50-inch flat screen TV. Colorful motes of fairydust gently drifted down an inch or two before fading.

Cecil had his back to Ingrid from his usual Dialog Window portal, and he had opened up this new portal from behind her. As a result it created an "infinity mirror" effect. Cecil then moved this portal away and called for the mice that would form the Lakota Team.

"Rykard! Orlando! Otto! Trent! Owen!" He called out. The Foxy mice looked up and waddled over.

"Come in!" he said. Tentatively the mice hopped into his dimension, into the Roof Deck that served as his dimension's "battle stations."

"Rykard, you're piloting this portal" Cecil said "You five will form Team Lakota now."

The mice squeaked their acknowledgements.

Just like his "seating arrangement", Cecil had set up the Lakota team's room-side portal facing a coffee table. That way Rykard, the pilot, would sit in the middle, his back to the coffee table. The other two would sit on either side of him, while the last pair would be perched atop the table, which was the highest point they could easily reach.

A PKP Pecheneg, the same light machine gun that Cecil, Zefir, and Philia used during the Battle of New Gorpisal sat in front of Rykard's place.

"Sit here, Rykard." Cecil said, patting a squishy tendril behind the machine gun "This will be your gun while you pilot this portal."

Cecil wagged a tendril at Rykard however. "When we go into battle, I need you to hold fire until things get really serious. This is a powerful gun you see, and we need to save the bullets for when we really need them."

The mice nodded. The slime then crawled over to a crate where a set of guns were propped up against. It was the H&K G36 pellet gun.

"In most situations. We will be using these pellet guns." Cecil explained. "Don't underestimate them. First of all, this carries 4000 rounds. Originally 2000, but because of Qhethar's Blessing all forms of storage that enter my dimension get doubled in size..."

Cecil continued to orient the mice regarding their weapons.

Rykard being the pilot would focus only on the Pecheneg, again, only when heavy firepower was needed. Otto and Trent, if they needed additional firepower would use M4 Specters; an Italian submachine gun with a built-in foregrip. When higher caliber bullets were needed, they would use the Belgian FN F2000's, a bullpup assault rifle known for its excellent handling even on full-auto.

The two potato mice Orlando and Owen were given the same as Otto and Trent, but Cecil gave them a special mention.

"You two given your excellent aim will be snipers." The slime held up the big H&K G3SG/1 marksman rfile. "This will be your primary weapon. In battle, I want you to seek the most dangerous target and take it out first. The rest of you will provide cover fire. Understood?"

The two mice nodded eagerly, their eyes glinting with excitement.

"Now fly!" Cecil said, "let's move this portal!" he added happily.

The mice squeaked and squealed in a combination of fright and excitement as Rykard, the designated pilot, willed the portal to move and slowly climbed into the sky. Ingrid and Sammy watched with bated breath as the floating window to Cecil's dimension ascended. The mice's little paws gripped tightly onto whatever they could grip, themselves, each other, the edge of the table, but the floor they were on was rock steady. There was no interia felt in Cecil's room. emboldened, Rykard began to soar through the skies of Autumnhollow, the mice squealing in delight.

___

Church of Saint Ygris:

That evening, Iohann and a few priests of the Church made the final prayers for the fallen adventurers. The ceremony was held behind the church, in a big colonnaded courtyard held for such solemn rites. In the middle of the courtyard, a grand pyre had been built from seasoned logs and fragrant herbs. It was a traditional way of sending off those who had passed in this world to the next, especially for warriors who had fought valiantly.

Peanut was quietly sniffling as she laid flowers on her fallen friends, the little mushroom's eyes quickly filling with tears while Siria cradled her in her arms, a hand stroking her velvety cap for comfort.

Ingrid and Philia attended in military regalia. Despite the sorrow in the air, Zefir had to put some effort wiping a smile in the knowledge that the two were cosplaying characters from a Shojo Kantai; a well-known gacha game featuring "ship girls" i.e. anthropomorphized real world warships in the form of cute girls. But it was still military and official-looking enough and the medals, especially the purple heart were no joke. It was a somber reminder that Ingrid and Philia made the ultimate sacrifice back on Earth.

The woolly gnu priest that Zefir saw yesterday was once again making his deep, guttural throat song as made his final prayers for the dead. There was a moment of silence before he gestured it was now time for the others to enact their own funeral customs. The orcs raised a loud war cry, congratulating the spirits of the valiant dead, attesting to the Gods that they were worthy of exalted places in the Golden Abode. Garms and kobolds howled loud and deep at the rising moon, the wolves from the surrounding forest joining in.

There was a pause for Ingrid, Philia, Zefir, and Cecil's turn.

Ingrid and Philia sharply turned and barked out their commands. The mice marched in step, their guns held to their chest. They formed a line and aimed their guns high.

Another command and the mice let out one after the other a 21-gun salute, making a loud squeak as they did.

It was now Zefir's turn. He was part of the scouts back in Sarasota and he picked up his borrowed trumpet and played a mournful Taps. Even though they were in another world everyone could tell this was a mourning call; a lone trumpet, the painful poignant pauses between notes cutting through the air like a knife.

As the congregation broke up and mingled with each other, Ingrid quickly glanced at the mice, some of them quickly moving along with Cecil to pick up the spent pellet shells.

Among the mourners were acquaintances of the Grand Haloes, as Peanut was a rather recent addition, she didn't know much of them. Siria kept the little mushroom cuddled to her chest, whether it was to soothe the grieving Peanut or to shield her from any reproach by using her reputation as the Legendary Solo Adventurer, nobody knew. Ingrid must have sensed this as well as she also kept close to Peanut as they mingled with the others. Seeing Siria next to such an intimidating Nemesis-Stalker would surely halt any unpleasant interactions.

Philia on the other hand kept close to the mice. They hovered closed to one pyre, where their own was being carried away by the flames. The mice took out their rations and tossed them into the flames. Cuddly, in a moment of solidarity, chucked his carrot as well.

The mice saluted by the fire. Philia considered approaching the mice to pat them but stayed her hand, and simply stood by, telling curious on-lookers with her eyes to leave them alone.

Gwen shyly approached Philia and they embraced. She understood now what she did back in the border of Veles and Elion-Nosco, when she had emptied magazine after magazine into the air after killing her own maids. As cold as her reasoning was that they would not keep their mouths shut, she genuinely grieved for the girls who had raised her.

___

Dinner back home at Autumnhollow restored everyone's spirits. The mice gathered around the grill in a circle, swaying back and forth in unison as they squeaked their mouse songs. Ingrid let the mice handle the barbecue tonight; something to help keep their minds off the grim events. Putting Peanut and Cuddly to work preparing the vegetables was like putting a seal to work in a sushi joint as they kept eating half of their prep work, the root crops were a lost cause thanks to the hare's appetite.

Meanwhile Cecil and Zefir were working on pasta. The Muse Box in Cecil's room was predictably blasting "La Donna E Mobile" as they sang along and made the meat sauce. They originaly thought of adding meatballs but as the mice were already making the barbecue and two big salmon-like lake fish were currently testing out the new smoke house, the ciltran and slime decided to skip the meatballs for tonight.

"That's quite a song!" Kvaris said, giggling with amusement as they and Kinu chopped up the veal they would use for the ground meat.

"Correction." Zefir said "It's opera... it's a kind of play where all lines are sung, not spoken, so it's not just an 'opera song' it's an entire scene!"

Cecil chuckled "Yeah, well, in most movies whenever La Donne E Mobile is playing, someone is always getting beaten up in the background. You know what... let's finally get some videos rolling later..."

Sammy and Gwen returned from the market, having bought enough ale to keep the party going all night as well as wheels of zesty cheese. Kinu returned from the Arcane Pasture, having given Cataline the various flowers they had taken as gifts. The Maiyea witch beamed with pleasure as she recognized some of these flowers were quite valuable ingredients for her potions.

They had their dinner not inside the house but in the front patio of the house, with Ingrid radioing Farlan to call in all the villagers. Everyone had made too much, she said and it was long past due that everyone had a good feast together.

"I would be remiss as a landlord to have put this off for so long..." Ingrid said as she raised her glass "but it's about time that we all here in Autumnhollow had a proper feast. I know it's late, but once again, welcome to Autumnhollow, welcome to Ram Ranch..."

The Whales suppressed their giggles as they remembered that "song" that got everyone laughing last time.

Ingrid continued "We're also holding this feast for three other occasions. One is to welcome Selphie and Kirtus to our home. I would like all of you to know that Selphie has proven such an invaluable help to our team during times of battle. Her floramancy has time and time again held back the onslaught of enemies that would have overwhelmed us. And Kirtus, your courage in the face of danger allowed us time to step in and rescue these fine folks from the Guileheads..."

Ingrid paused to let the villagers and the Whales applaud the minotaur for his selfless bravery.

"Another reason for this feast is to welcome Peanut Mallowcap, a survivor of the Grand Halos. Tonight they have been welcomed to the Golden Abode with all the due honors."

The little mushroom floated up and bowed as everyone applauded her.

"Last but not least, to our brave new mice, who have never given up hope. We have rescued them from the clutches of the Dead Eaters that have infested the dungeon. They will be joining our party and with their help, we will once again make the dungeons of Teth-Odin set to the odds of us adventurers, and not the monsters."

The new mice, Umbra, Foxtrox, and Potato stood up on their seats and squeaked cutely as they took their applause.

"Oh and let's not forget... we're making a killing on the market!" Ingrid said "To Mink and Roofe's canned goods store, and Nod's talent in fishing you three are heroes to our humble village of Ram Ranch." The two dogs and garm-folk shly stood and took a bow as everyone clapped.

"And also, let's not forget the services of Cataline, your potions have made the raid on Irons a success, thanks to you, casualties have been brought to an absolute...minimum!"

The Maiyea witch stumbled a bit as she tried to stand and take a bow, her cheeks flushing red with the unexpected praise. Some of the Whales, including Philia, Kvaris, and Cecil glanced at Ingrid, there was a flicker of regret in her eyes telling them that she still was troubled with the Sarin attack she had ordered on the town, but she kept herself under control.

___

Rather than a traditional, stuffy dinner setting with set seating arrangements, and due to her desire to have people mingle, Ingrid had instructed her team to set up tonight's dinner as more of a potluck style gathering. The dishes were all placed on a central table but the seating was scattered across the patio. People shifted about and chatted with one another as they swapped stories. One by one the villagers came over to thank Ingrid for her generosity.

"Well, it's not really a generosity... it's a give-and-take" Ingrid reminded them.

"So how's the boat going, Nod?" Ingrid asked.

"We just finished caulking the seams," Nod answered, "I just need it to dry and soon I can start rowing out to the deeper waters."

"Good, good," Ingrid beamed. "The fish in that lake are so tasty... it's no wonder they're selling so well in the market."

She patted his shoulder. Part of her still had her suspicions about him but in the end, he was a hunted man by the Guileheads and had nowhere else to go.

"I'll stay..." Kirtus said as he walked up to Ingrid "There's no such thing as too many farmhands, and Selphie mentioned Red Moon fertilizer, it'll go to waste if it's not used in time..."

Ingrid smiled "you're like a father-figure to Selphie, she'd miss you if you left, you know?"

Kirtus made a gruff bovine rumble "Erm, I know, I know... I just don't want to impose."

Sammy was regaling the group with tales of the team's battles "You should have seen how strong Ingrid was.. one swing of her fist and POW!" she made an uppercut gesture, causing the villagers to gasp "Over fifty Dead Eaters were sent flying into the air like ragdolls!"

The mice, Cuddly, and Peanut were being showered with affection by everyone, their eyes closed as they were patted by various hands. Even Iohann's Nyx Fish Yogzolom floated about, gently darting at the table to sample terrestial dishes one couldn't find deep under the sea.

___

It was well past noon when everyone had gotten up, Nod was hurrying tight-lipped to his stall, he and some villagers hauled yesterday's smoked catch onto the wagon as Gwen hitched the Aurochs for their daily journey to the market. Mink and Roof opened up shop with a slight hangover, wagging their tails and chuckling amongst themselves at the memory of Ingrid drunkenly singing loudly of a "Photograph" which they later learned was a portrait painted not with a brush but with light. Her singing sounded quite out of tune, but it seemed that her otherworlder companions were more amused at her choice of song rather than her singing prowess. Still, it spoke of nostalgia and joy, a good omen for the day ahead.

"I miss that town, I miss the faces
You can't erase, you can't replace it
I miss it now, I can't believe it
So hard to stay, too hard to leave it..."

The song in question was playing in the Control Room. Ingrid was idly spinning her glass on the table. A cold jug of ale rested on the table, condensation rolling down and onto the table's surface. Philia downed her drink and signaled for Neith to begin. She sat opposite Ingrid on the table while Cecil floated between them.

"Are you sure about this?" Arek said.

Ingrid looked out the window, at Peanut playing with mice. The memories of Peanut breaking down in the dungeon when she pulled back the sheets and confirmed that those who lay on the stone cold floor were indeed her friends were still fresh in her mind.

"Yes..."

Arek sighed and left the room.

There were sounds of footsteps, human feet this time, as someone climbed down the stairs into Arek's basement.

Philia, Ingrid, and Cecil uncomfortably couldn't meet the gaze of Cindy before them.

“Before you say anything, Cindy.” Philia said “We ARE dead. On Earth that is. I had to start from day one as an infant, Ingrid and Cecil came in barely a week ago.”

"I can't explain how we're here. But we're not returning even if there's a way." Ingrid said. "We're needed here. That’s what Starchasers do, that’s what heroes do."

"I see...but why tell me this?" Cindy asked.

“Because little Cecil was parroting everything I was saying.” Cecil said regretfully.

Cindy sobbed a little, but there was relief in her voice.

“I’m j-just glad you three are okay.”

“We’re dead!” The three chorused.

“Y-yeah, on Earth… So you three have been Isekai’d or something… but, why did you have to tell me? I mean it’s good to know you’ve found a way to breach dimensions but…”

“Cindy! Me and all the Starchaser familiars have been pulled out from another dimension.” Cecil reminded her. “It shouldn’t be a leap in logic.”

“Okay, so why?”

"Just a few days ago a friend of ours lost someone important to them. We've kinda forgotten what it's like to see and hear someone grieving. It must have been painful for you folks, but the reality is, we're dead. Philia, Cecil, and I are dead. This would have never happened if I was such a loner back on Earth. It cost us Philia, it cost us Cecil, and it cost us me. There's no sense trying to bring us back. Move on… also as thanks for giving the little Cecil to Arek for safekeeping."

"About that…" Cindy hiccuped a little, "some of the Starchasers are starting to think whatever he said might have been connected to the real one..."

"Ignore it." Philia said "You know how this works, denying only makes it worse. And, whatever you do, you cannot let Taffy know about this."

There was a pause as Cindy sniffled and wiped a tear from her eye.

"Athena's been going back and forth to Taffy's place..."

"Wrench her out of it." Ingrid said firmly. "Focus on Melrondia's successor."

Philia groaned, slumping back in her chair "I knew I shouldn't have thrown that annoying brat off of a cliff..."

"Alright..." Cindy said.

"Sorry for whatever I said Cindy." The slime said but Cindy sniffed and wiped another tear.

"No, I don't have a right to protest about that. You've stepped up where all other familiars were too afraid to-WHAT IS THAT!?"

Some of the tixi mice waddled into the room and curiously chittered up to Ingrid, Philia, and Cecil, Ingrid and Philia picked up a mouse and laid them on their laps, cuddling them to their chests while Cecil's mouse patted him down like a mochi ball.

"Why we can't leave." Cecil said, his voice melting as a second mouse climbed in and pattycaked him.

"If anyone dares take us out of this world or mess with it, I WILL tell Taffy to burn Earth to the ground." Philia said as she cuddled her mouse.

"I WANNA PAT THEM!" Cindy cried, tears of envy in her eyes as she pressed herself to the screen.