After a bit of time we made it to the trafulfluf's domain. A small lake sat before us and the figure of the alert beast lay just below the surface.

"Now, just as I told you." I whispered.

With a short glance over to me, Warren nodded and jumped into the water.

Swimming down, the monster so similar to a crocodile met him halfway.

Holding tight to the substance in his hand, he threw it forth once the beast was mere inches from his face.

"Limestone." I spoke as I bashed my sword against rock.

"Limestone?"

"Indeed. Throw this into the face of the trafulfluf underwater, and you won't have to struggle anymore."

In a split second the beast began thrashing. Surfacing, the creature sped off to the shore.

Now unable to see or smell due to the solidified limestone dust that entered its system, the trafulfluf that has run to land is no more than prey.

Emerging from the water, Warren begins cutting the beast to shreds. Avoiding its tail and flailing limbs he finished the beast off. A pool of blood began settling underneath the creature, only to seep into the ground.

Twirling around to me as I approach he shouts.

"You're amazing!" His face was full of awe.

"I've read tons of books, gathered every single story I could from experienced knights on these beasts, but you-!" He approached me with a smile just like the sun.

"You braved the danger of the unknown, and fought tooth and nail for all you have learned from these monsters! It has granted you more insight, knowledge, and valor than the imperial family! Kali! You are brilliant!"

Picking me up he twirled me around.

"I never once thought I'd be able to beat a trafulfluf unscathed, and yet all thanks to you, Kali, I am a man capable of much more now!"

It felt like every atom in my body was tingling.

"I–I don't think it was all that much, Warren."

"Kali. " He pulled me closer.

"There are multiple lakes in the capital that have become infested with these beasts. So many in their number not even the imperial family can handle it."

He looked me right in my eyes. I could feel his breath on me as he spoke.

"And using what you've taught me here, I could clear the capital and gain the honor I have been searching for, Kali. This is all thanks to you… "

Mere inches apart, the deep stare we held with one another's eyes had my heart racing. As we both made no movement to leave this arrangment I closed my eyes and leaned closer.

Mrahhhhh.

Jumping from the noise, we both turn to where the creature laid lifeless. My eyes widened.

A juvenile trafulfluf sat next to its parent, crying out softly.

"Ah. I suppose we should put it out of its misery."

"What!?"

Warren turned to me with a look of gentle surprise.

"The youngling won't be able to survive without its mother's hunt at this stage. It will die slowly from starvation if left alive."

"No!"

"Kali?"

I couldn't understand why I was so shaken at the thought. It was like my stomach was in my throat and my heart sank to my feet.

"No. Don't kill it, please, Warren."

"A-alright. I won't, but…" He looked at me with remorse and then to the small creature.

"I-" It felt like my head was spinning.

"Kali!"

Holding me tight Warren kept me from collapsing to the ground.

"I-I'll take it. I'll take care of it, so- "

"Kali." Warren said gently. I looked over, adrenaline still pumping through my body. He gazed at me softly and brushed his hand across my cheek. "It's all right. I won't hurt it."

"O-okay." I said. Taking a shaky breath, I felt my own heartbeat slow down while my body still trembled lightly.

The fear that gripped me was so instinctual-like it had been burned into my body. Did I experience something like this before? I couldn't remember…

"Kali? Would you like for help getting the trafulfluf home?" At this stage the juvenile was about the size of a large dog, it would eventually become the size of a beast.

"Yes, I would."

The youngling seemed resistant to letting Warren touch him until I walked forward. Truly, like a dog seeing its owner, the trafulfluf wobbled over to me and leapt into my arms. The force nearly knocked me over in the process.

Ragged, I smiled up at Warren who caught us.

"Will you have anywhere to take it? These beasts need plenty of water to flourish."

"There's a sizable lake close to my home. It's within walking distance and the path is clear. So I'll take care of it there."

"All right. We should get moving now before it gets too dark, lest Amelia scold you."

I laughed a little.

"I suppose you're right. Come along now, let's go home, Fluffy."

"Fluffy?"

"That's their name. Befitting, I know."

Warren looked between the beast and I and laughed. 

"Of course."

From the shore, Warren threw cut up monster pieces to Fluffy.

"Make sure they have plenty to fill their stomach, and they'll do just fine."

I sat down with my arms over my knees, staring at the water as Fluffy swam happily and ate their fill.

The sun was already setting at this point, and with the trafulfluf corpse, Warren had parts to take back today. The day would soon be over…

Laying my cheek down on my arm I sighed. I…didn't want today to end. Seeing Warren smile as Fluffy had fun. Even his features in the light of the setting sun gave me comfort. Assurance for the fear that had surged through my body. He gave me a bit of peace I hadn't before.

Knelt down at the shore only a few feet away Warren turned to me. He looked wistful and his eyes reflected the water.

"I wish this night wouldn't ever end. The excitement of your company makes me happy to be trying so hard for my own life, Kali."

A small blush crept up my neck and face. I couldn't even say anything to that, as if he had said all that was weighing on my mind.

"But, worry naught. I'll be back tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that. I-" He looked away, and I could see his ears were bright red as he looked at the water. "I'd like to make it stranger for me to be gone, than to be here, Kali." It felt like a breath of fresh air entered my body.

"I'd like that too, Warren." I said, smiling gently. I caught him looking at me out of the corner of his eye and he turned away, face red.

He cleared his throat, and got up, offering me his hand.

"I suppose I should escort you home."

"Pffft. Sure, Mr Noble."

He huffed at me and I took his hand with a small laugh. He walked me back home while we chatted the whole way, excited about the beasts we'd be hunting together in the future.

And the future did come and pass. Now, it was the spring of my 18th year…