In the owl sanctuary life was good. My slow and lazy life dream finally seemed to be achieved. Well, sometimes the owls would still be annoying and try to nest on my head. And I can't understand what they're saying. And at times… even mom's translations are… off. 

For instance she once said: "okay, that's a tough one. He is either saying that he wants to buy a new pair of shoes or he wants your help flushing out a mouse" and stuff like that. Of course the correct translation was the later. Owls don't need shoes. But you get my point. And I didn't feel like asking Edel-chan either. Not in the mood to learn a new language.

But overall I can truly say that my hand experience here is good. Edel-chan agreed to help my girls grow even stronger. So naturally they managed to improve greatly under her guidance. But as you would expect… she really is a rough teacher. Nier is probably the only one that enjoys being pummeled around due to her nature.

As for me… I am facing one of my hardest challenges ever.

"Huh. Your judgement is pretty good for a creature of your caliber. A worthy opponent indeed. Our battle will be legendary!"

"Umm… Ayaka… you realize you're just only fishing, right? Your opponent… is a fish that is just circling around the bait." 

"Lina, the art of fishing is a battlefield in itself. Just watch. It's a battle of patience and wits. This fish won't outsmart me. I'm going to figure out his weakness no matter what."

"Fufu. You're really cute when you try hard like that."

"Shhh. Be more quiet, you're going to scare the fish away. Look. It's getting closer."

The fish was indeed going towards my bait. I wanted to catch one fish. At least one fish. Lina was an expert in this. She was beside me and in 1 hour she managed to catch 6 of them. Come on! It's not fair. I want one too. Just one! And now it's finally time! I got a bite!!

"You're mine now! Oraaaa!!!"

I pulled as hard as I could but… because of that, the tension was too big… and my line… snapped.

"Eeh!? No way… after *sniff*... all my hard work. Awwwaa!!"

"Ayaka! Please… don't cry. It's all right. It's all right. Look, look!!"

After I wiped my tears and opened my eyes, I saw the fish wiggling at my feet.

"Eh?"

"See? The fish was actually excited to meet you. It wanted to be caught by you so much that it jumped out of the water on it's own!"

"Really?"

"Yes! Look. It's wiggling with excitement."

"I guess… you're right. Come here fishy!"

Phew. I can't stand to see her cry, even though Shera told me not to pamper too much. But I can't help it. When she closed her eyes I immediately slashed with my hand in the water and scooped the fish out. The things I do for love… this cute loli will be the end of me one day. But I am perfectly happy with that.

"Lina, stop grinning like an idiot. Let's go back. I bet Rena is going love this fish. After all, dogs like fish."

"Umm… Ayaka, I don't think that's quite…"

"DOGS… LIKE… FISH!"

"Okay okay. You're right."

I always am. So we strolled back to town. But to my surprise the people were kind of hiding. The reason for that became clear shortly.

"Oh. Hi, Edel-chan. It's rare to see you walk around like this."

"I have serious business to attend to. It's kind of bad. Ayaka, would you please accompany me?"

"Umm… sure. But what's up?"

"There is something outside that is trying to enter by force. Normally that would be impossible, regardless how powerful you are. But whoever is out there is trying to make a hole, disabling layer after layer. As Queen of the sanctuary I must prepare for the worst."

"Well sure. Don't worry. I got your back. This is my home too now. Lina, go warn the girls."

"Understood."

With Lina dashing away, me and Edel-chan headed towards the area with the problem.

------

We reached the border of the barrier. There was definitely something there trying to distort it. I can't put my finger on it, but something doesn't feel right. I don't think I like what's on the other side…

Edel-chan was on guard. A hole did appear in the barrier and 2 figures surrounded by darkness jumped it. The force behind the jump sent them flying straight towards us.

"Out of the way!"

Err… maybe they couldn't stop their moment? Well, dodging is child play but Edel-chan had no such thoughts. Her Full Counter kicked in. Any physical form of attack that gets in her striking range is easily stopped. The 2 shadows were sent flying sideways. But they adjusted their position in the air and landed on their feet. Not bad.

"Now just wait a second, miss. We aren't here looking for trouble."

"Impudence. Do you actually expect me to believe a lie like that? You are clearly a great threat. Nobody should be able to pass through the barrier."

The 2 guys stood straight and threw away the robes that were covering them in shadows. I was shocked by their appearance. They were 2 muscular men… wearing Egyptian style clothes and… they had jackal heads. One of them took a step forward, raising his hands in a surrendering manner.

"It's the truth. Sorry if we seemed hostile, noble Queen. But will you hear us out?"

"Speak."

"My name is Zyr and my friend over here is Balek. We are warbeasts that must carry out an important mission. We come from the legendary city of Kwan Kwan. And now, after an extremely long journey, we have found what we were looking for."

Both jackal dudes then looked straight at me. And then, they kneeled before us.

"Your Majesty, Ayaka Safiria, it is good to see you are alive. My princess, my heart is filled with joy."

"Er… you guys are creepy. I have no clue what you're talking about. Get lost."

The 2 guys turned as stiff as a stone. Okay. I guess we'll have to have a long chat. Something definitely is screwed here.