".... I think the best option would be Impeto."
*Kroo?*
You could see in his eyes the question, "What do you mean?!".
But I have reasons for choosing him.
First, he's the strongest in the flock of chickens, so he should be able to hold his own against monsters we don't even know what they're like yet. This also applies to Lumi; even though he's small and spoiled, he can be fierce when he wants to be.
Second, while taking the chickens might be better considering the coordination they showed in our fight, they still couldn't react quickly enough to adapt, and they're also a bit slow (from my perspective), which could be dangerous for them, so it's best not to risk it.
Third, from the brief "conversations" I had with Impeto, I know that his phoenix-infused blood allows him to heal quickly, both from injuries and from recovering his energy faster than normal. This only didn't happen in our fight because my [blood sucking] ability was, well, sucking his blood with the ability to regenerate wounds, so... Anyway, it's unlikely something like that will happen in a fight with these monsters.
Like, seriously, let's be realistic. What are the chances of not just one, but several of these monsters having a similar ability to mine?
And even in the microscopic possibility of shooting yourself in the foot with this, Lumi and I would still be together to help and retreat if necessary. Lumi with his "light" distraction attacks and me with quick and deadly shadow attacks.
"... I still think it would be better if you went with someone else."
"From a practical standpoint, is there anyone who qualifies for this besides you?"
At that moment, I felt something give a strong, painful squeeze to the tip of my index finger. Turning down, I saw Beth with a look that said, "I'm right here and I didn't mind what I heard."
....
'HOW CAN A TURTLE SHOW THIS KIND OF REACTION IF IT DOESN'T MOVE ANY FACIAL MUSCLES!!!'
If anyone could hear my thoughts at that moment, they might be deafened by the volume.
"I said, from a practical standpoint, Beth, carrying you wouldn't be difficult. But it wouldn't be practical either. I'd have to, what? Carry you on my back so I could throw your water balls near my head? No thanks."
She seemed irritated but convinced by my logic.
"You know he's right about that, Beth, and besides, I need you here. With the other chickens, the area we have to worry about has increased, and you're the one with the most accurate long-range attack among us."
'Does she?'
Trusting my instincts again, I threw my back just in time for a ball of water to pass over my head. Beth didn't even bother to hide it, especially since it would have been pointless.
"It was a valid question. You don't have to overreact like that all the time, you know."
Seriously, this turtle couldn't be more like Mei. Look at her there, not paying attention, she's even dozing a little.
Snitch rustled the leaves a little harder. I have no idea what she meant, but Mari responded with a slightly embarrassed tone or some similar emotion.
"Yes, I know you have a strong long-range attack. But it doesn't have the same range as Beth's, and you won't be able to use it."
Another rustling sound, this time smaller, that even I understood what he meant.
"Because I want you to share your consciousness with the plants in that area to monitor both the monsters and the three of them. If anything happens, I can send some of the chickens or Nawa to help if necessary."
That's a great idea, actually, and it'll also help keep her from falling asleep.
"Who would sleep with the pressure of sending their brother and their precious 'baby' to a place with almost certain mortal danger?"
"Yeah, but you could have paraphrased that differently. And one more thing, the second I know you managed to get Mom and Dad out of that gas station, I'll curl up in bed guilt-free and sleep for three more days straight, you hear me?!"
She said, pointing right at the center of my face in Pixie form, making me cross-eyed again. And how did she know exactly what I was thinking, including the way I thought it?!
"Okay, okay, I think after all this, you'll have earned a good rest. And so will I."
*Hau auuu*
*Krroorr-kkkooo*
"Yes, you too, after you've eaten well. Including magic stones. Oh yeah, remember to get as many as you can; we'll need a supply now to feed the chickens too. And for Pomo, constantly sharing her consciousness will be very tiring for her."
"Okay, sure. Very well, I'll just grab some thick clothes and a blanket to leave in the [item box] and then we'll go. You two, take care of whatever you need before we go, because I'm not going to (Lumi) stop (Lumi) at every tree or post (Lumi) for you to mark your territory, Lumi!"
He said, pointing directly at the Beagle, which was previously brown and white, and now half gold and white.
*Hauuuuu~*
*Krrroo?*
"It seems to be something dogs do. I'll explain later if you want, but the main thing is for you to get yourselves sorted out, and by that I mean mainly take care of whatever you need to do before we go. Because afterward, we won't have the key to do anything, okay?"
*Kroorkk!*
Impeto responded eagerly and took the chickens away soon after. Whether to "spend time" with them or simply because he didn't want to spend any more time with us, I can't say, and I don't care to know.
"There, there, sweety, you don't have to stay like this."
Mari said, petting Lumi, who, for a change, was playing the victim when I said he had to stop every few seconds to mark his territory. But let the owner, guardian, trainer, etc. who lives with dogs, who says they've never had to stop ten times just for a dog to mark their territory during a walk, cast the first stone.
"And he's right, you can't pee on the plants. You might end up peeing on the pommel while it's rousing you, and you don't want that, do you?"
I could hear the *zing* of the leaves becoming sharp when Pomo seemed to just consider this possibility. Which immediately made my sister's "little prince" stop playing the victim and get ready.
*Whraauu*
"Great, great, so much for that, how about some food."
*Waaauuu*
*Waaau auuuu*
I left her and the dogs and went to get my things to put in the item box. I just hope things don't go too badly.
N/A: Sorry for not posting daily, work is busy here so I'm having to do it at a pace but I haven't found the right one yet. Thanks for following and I'll still post on the other stories too, thanks.