BOAT HOUSE

It didn't take long for Vvh to follow after Sponge, leaving Cecil tied outside JM's boat—or boathouse, as they called it.

"You found the same thing I'm trying to find," Vvh said, her head tilting slightly as she studied Sponge.

Sponge glared at her, fists clenched. "I almost died!" she snapped, pointing an accusatory finger at Vvh.

"But you did not," Vvh replied evenly, wagging a finger back at her.

Sponge let out an exasperated huff. "I could have!" she grumbled, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.

"I believed in you. That's why I left you," Vvh said matter-of-factly, just as JM returned, holding a steaming mug in her hands.

"You look so awesome! That mask is so interesting!" JM chirped, her voice bubbling with excitement as she handed the mug to Vvh before plopping down beside her.

Vvh gave a small nod of thanks, but Sponge wasn't done.

"Is this the thing you forgot to mention? The fact that the river has some self-cleaning death trap technique, and you just let me stand so close to the edge?!" Sponge growled, glowering like a child denied their favorite treat.

Vvh didn't respond, instead turning her attention fully to JM. "Are you the Joyce Marina they talk about? The one who owns the Lost and Found?" she asked, completely ignoring Sponge's outburst.

Sponge gritted her teeth, scowling at the lack of acknowledgment.

JM blinked in confusion, tilting her head like a curious bird. "Lost and Found? I'm not sure... but I am Joyce Marina!" she said with a bright grin.

Vvh hummed thoughtfully, looking down at her mug for a moment before meeting JM's gaze again. "Perhaps. Do you sell magic items?"

JM's eyes lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically. "I do!"

"Then you are the woman I am searching for," Vvh said calmly.

Beside her, Sponge groaned, muttering under her breath. She could feel the next headache coming on.

"Vacation, my ass," Sponge grumbled, watching as JM eagerly grabbed Vvh's arm and dragged her toward another room, babbling excitedly about items she'd fished out of the river. Vvh followed silently, nodding occasionally, but not before giving Sponge a glance over her shoulder.

Sponge only grumbled louder, slumping into the sofa. Of course. She should have known. Vvh wouldn't just come here for a vacation—there was always some business involved.

By now, Sponge figured she should've learned how Vvh worked, but it was always an unpredictable rollercoaster with the other woman. Some days, Sponge was glad she'd met her. Other days, she wished she'd sprinted away the first chance she got.

Today? Definitely one of those days.

Sponge scratched her head, annoyed, before standing up and following after the other..

"I have dozens of magic scrolls lying around," JM said, darting around the room, gathering scrolls into her arms like an excited squirrel. Vvh stood calmly in the middle of the cluttered room, holding a scroll in her hand, her head tilted as she examined it.

"So, what's all of this? And where did you even get all of it?" Sponge asked, eyeing the books on the shelf.

JM stopped, lowering the scrolls onto a desk and brushing her hands off. "I fished them all up from the river!" she declared cheerfully.

Sponge blinked, then looked around at the chaotic room. "You fished all of this out of the river?" she asked incredulously.

JM nodded, twirling a piece of her hair shyly. "Unlucky, huh?" she mumbled before focusing back on the scrolls, muttering to herself as she read.

Sponge glanced at Vvh, who was watching the exchange in silence, before rolling her eyes. "I doubt that, unluckiness of yours. And… are those potions?" she asked, walking over to a shelf and grabbing a glowing glass bottle.

"Yeah! I think those are healing ointments. I'm not too sure—I fished those up too," JM said casually, not even looking up as she handed a stack of scrolls to Vvh.

Vvh inspected the scrolls, gave a small nod, and handed JM a few gold coins before slipping the scrolls into her bag.

"Anything interesting to you?" JM asked, walking over to Sponge, her bright smile almost blinding.

Sponge shook her head. "No, not really. Uh—do you know if there are any inns or hotels nearby?"

JM rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Well, there are, but most of them are full," she admitted.

Sponge raised an eyebrow. "Full? Why?"

"Many people from faraway lands want to see the Crystal Flower of Saphria," Vvh interjected before JM could respond. She stood beside Sponge now, her presence as steady and calm as ever.

JM perked up. "You know about it? That's great! Then maybe you should head to the city to find a hotel. Most of the places around here are packed," she giggled, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly.

Vvh shook her head. "No. We're not interested in the flower."

Sponge raised an eyebrow at her mentor. "How about you, JM? You seem interested in it. Aren't you going to go see it?"

JM's cheerful expression faltered slightly, and she released a soft sigh. "I am, but they don't really allow people like me inside the city," she confessed, her voice quieter now, tinged with embarrassment.

"People like you?" Sponge asked, confused.

"An immigrant," Vvh interjected on JM's behalf.

JM nodded, her bashfulness returning. "You know me so well! Maybe you have heard about me from other travelers!" she said with a bashful grin.

"Oh… that's unfortunate. Is the flower worth it?" Sponge asked, still trying to process the conversation.

JM nodded. "I suppose so. People come from all over just to see it."

JM's demeanor brightened again as she turned back to Sponge. "Anyway, Spongey—uh, Spongey right?—are you interested in buying anything?"

The familiar nickname made Sponge pause, a pang of something she couldn't quite place lodging in her throat. She turned toward Vvh, who avoided her gaze entirely. "Uhm," Sponge croaked before clearing her throat. "No, not at the moment. I think I'll go see if there are any inns, hotels, or rentals that still have space."

Without waiting for a response, she slipped out the door.

JM frowned, rubbing her hands together nervously. "Did I say something wrong?" she asked, glancing at Vvh.

"Her name," Vvh replied simply, before following Sponge out the door.

Turns out, JM was right—most of the hotels and inns were full. Sponge eventually found herself back by the river, where she spotted Vvh sitting on a stool, sipping from a mug through a straw.

Sponge sighed, walking over to her. Vvh had her leg crossed over the other, her calm demeanor as infuriating as ever.

"Find anything?" Vvh asked without looking up.

Sponge groaned, slumping onto a nearby rock. "Nope. Everything's full. I guess the Crystal Flower is a big deal. No boathouses to rent either," she grumbled, absentmindedly twirling a stray strand of hair in front of her face.

"Outside is fine. This isn't our first rodeo," Vvh said offhandedly before taking another loud sip from her straw. The noise grated on Sponge's nerves, and she shot Vvh a small glare.

"Did you get that from JM?" Sponge asked, tempted to snatch the straw and toss it into the river. But she thought better of it—unless she wanted to end up in the river herself.

Vvh sipped loudly again, ignoring her.

Sponge sighed, rubbing her forehead, only to jolt upright when she heard footsteps behind her. The squelching sound of wet soil gave away the intruder.

"Hi! Did you find anything to accommodate you two?" JM asked, dressed in her raincoat again, though her hood was down, revealing her cheerful face.

"Nope. We're sleeping outside," Sponge said flatly, leaning back.

JM tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I could probably lend you both a room. But… it doesn't have a bed. It was supposed to be for my fish, but—" She trailed off, wincing slightly.

"You haven't caught any," Vvh finished for her, tilting her head toward JM.

JM flushed a deep shade of red, her antenna-like wires twitching slightly. Sponge's gaze flicked to them and back to JM's face.

"Th-That's right. So! What do you say, Spongey—uh, Sponge?" JM scratched her head shyly, glancing nervously between Sponge and Vvh.

Sponge turned to Vvh, who gave a small nod. "I guess. Sure. How much gold are we talking if we stay for… half a month, maybe?" Sponge asked.

JM's excitement visibly bubbled over, and she bounced on her feet. "Sponge, your master here said you're good at fishing!" JM chirped.

Sponge furrowed her brow, turning to Vvh with an accusing glare. "Really?"

Vvh shrugged.

"So you want me to fish for you?" Sponge asked, exasperated.

JM nodded eagerly. "Yes! That can be your payment!"

"A fair trade, no?" Vvh mused, and Sponge could almost imagine a smirk under her mask.

Sponge groaned, rolling her eyes. "Fine. I'll fish for you."

"Yay!" JM squealed, jumping up and down like a child in her oversized raincoat.

For the first time all day, Sponge couldn't help but laugh softly at the sight.

—

February 16 of XXXX, The Land of Aquithis

We encountered a peculiar woman named JM or Joyce Marina—what a lovely name, I must say. It's not every day that I hear such a name. She resides inside a boathouse—it seems like everyone does. All the boats are interconnected by bridges, except on the other side of the river where there are just plain trees.

Her boat is rather large, containing numerous rooms, primarily for the items she sells. If I could convey to you the value of the expensive items she possesses, it could likely purchase a small town! It's astonishing how little she seems to care about it all.

She graciously allowed us to stay with her for a while, requesting that I catch fish as payment. It's a bit strange, but since it's free, I won't object.

The issue arises from the fact that she only has one fishing rod, and she prefers I not use it. I'm reluctant to spend our money on buying another rod just for this purpose. Instead, I've resorted to catching fish barehanded and using a stick that I fashioned into a makeshift spear.

As I write this, the lower half of my body is soaked, and I smell like a fish.

Signing off,

S.

—

February 17 of XXXX, The Land of Aquithis

There is a sense that this is truly not a vacation. Not only am I required to fish every day, but I also have to train ON THE RIVER! It seems I must hone my balance skills. I find myself soaked and drenched constantly, and if I fall ill, VVH and JM will bear the blame!

I can't shake the feeling that I am their personal servant, but at least JM expresses gratitude, unlike VVH, who seems reluctant to thank me when I help her out of the kindness of my heart.

Signing off,

S.

—

February 18 of XXXX, The Land of Aquithis

I'm not sure if it's just me, but JM seems a bit peculiar. I don't intend this in a negative way, but she has that... thing on her head; I believe it's an antenna. Perhaps she comes from a background where her parents were involved with non-human beings, which might explain why she's an immigrant in this location.

She wasn't born or raised here, and although I'm curious, I'm still hesitant to ask. Maybe I'll muster the courage when the opportunity arises. Initially, I mistook the object on her head for a type of headband, but it's evident that it moves when JM becomes excited.

It somewhat resembles a roach's antenna... Hold on, that comparison is rather impolite. JM is definitely not a roach, but I must admit that roaches do frighten me…

Signing off,

S.

—

Sponge dropped another fish into the bucket, the satisfying plunk sound earning a delighted clap from JM, who swung her legs happily from her perch nearby. Sponge rolled her shoulders and waded back into the river, her sleeves pushed up to her elbows, eyes scanning the shallow water. With a sharp strike, she plunged her hands into the current, grabbing another fish and tossing it effortlessly into the bucket.

"Amazing! Every day you manage to catch more than the last," JM said, awestruck.

"Maybe you should come down here and try catching some yourself," Sponge replied, raising an eyebrow at JM, who blinked nervously and twirled her fingers.

"I don't think I'd be lucky enough to catch even one," JM admitted, her voice small.

Sponge stared at her for a moment, her expression unreadable. "You don't need luck to catch a fish—just skill. Come on," she said, motioning for JM to join her in the water.

JM hesitated but eventually slid off her seat, following Sponge to the riverbank. "But—" she started to protest, only for Sponge to grab her arm and drag her into the shallows. JM squeaked in surprise as the cold water surrounded her.

"Huh… maybe this part's a bit too deep for you," Sponge chuckled, noticing how the water had risen to JM's chest. They backtracked to a shallower area, closer to the bank.

"What do I need to do to catch one?" JM asked, puffing up her cheeks in determination.

"Just—ehm, grab them, I guess?" Sponge said, shrugging. As if to demonstrate, she bent down, her movements quick, and snatched a fish that swam too close to her legs. Without even looking, she tossed it into the bucket.

JM tried to copy her, only for the fish she reached for to slap her across the face with its tail.

Sponge froze for a moment before snorting loudly, struggling to hide her laughter behind her fist.

JM pouted, rubbing her cheek. "It slapped me," she said, sounding more offended than hurt—like she couldn't quite believe a fish had dared to assault her.

"It did slap you," Sponge echoed, her voice shaking with barely contained laughter.

JM huffed, bending down to try again. This time, the fish jumped clean out of her hands, splashing water everywhere. Sponge grinned as she watched.

"Try gripping tighter—as if you're closing your fist around it," Sponge instructed. For emphasis, she bent down, her hands darting out like a snapping turtle, and pulled up another fish, holding it up for JM to see.

JM gaped at her. "So cool," she muttered in awe.

"Just do what I did," Sponge said, motioning for JM to try again.

JM mirrored her movements but stumbled on the slippery stones underfoot. With a small yelp, she fell backward into the water, arms flailing.

"Oops," JM said sheepishly, looking up at Sponge with an embarrassed expression.

Sponge couldn't help but laugh, reaching out to help JM back to her feet. "Look, try not to lean too much. The rocks here are super slippery," she advised. JM nodded, tentatively moving her feet against the riverbed.

"They really are slippery," JM said, surprised.

Sponge grinned. "Yeah, you've seen me slip here plenty of times. Of course it's slippery. Just bend your knees, stop moving, and wait for the fish to come to you. Then—" Sponge darted her hand into the water again, pulling up another fish and holding it aloft like a trophy.

JM clapped her hands in delight. "That's amazing!"

"I know, I'm pretty cool," Sponge said with a playful smirk. She glanced at the bucket. "Anyway, is this enough?"

JM trudged after her, taking off her boots to pour out the water inside. She peeked into the bucket and nodded excitedly. "Perfect!"

She bent down to lift the bucket, but Sponge grabbed it first. "Let me carry it," Sponge said, hoisting it with ease.

Together, they made their way back toward the bridge and JM's boathouse. Vvh stood near the bridge, hands on her hips, staring at the river. As they approached, she turned to face them.

"We got a lot of fishies!" JM said, waving excitedly.

Sponge shrugged nonchalantly as Vvh gave them a nod. "Training later," she said.

Sponge groaned internally, already dreading it, as JM sprinted into the boathouse, her excitement palpable.

Once inside, Sponge set the bucket down on the floor while JM slipped off her raincoat, boots, and gloves. The floor was a wet mess from their dripping clothes. JM grabbed a mop and began cleaning up the puddles around the door.

"Sorry," Sponge muttered, wringing water from her pants.

JM just hummed, happily mopping the floor. When she was done, she leaned the mop against the wall and handed Sponge a towel.

Sponge took it and started drying herself off. JM stood beside her, bouncing on her feet as she stared at the bucket of fish with a bright smile.

"So many," JM said, almost in awe.

"It's strange for someone to be so obsessed with fish," Sponge said, raising an eyebrow.

JM turned to her, indignant. "I'm not obsessed! This is just the first time I'm able to see fish—right in front of me!" She pointed at one of the fish twitching around in the bucket.

"You're a fisherman, aren't you?" Sponge asked, still skeptical.

JM blushed, her antenna-like wires twitching slightly. "I-I am! But it's hard to catch fish here—for me, at least. None of them bite my bait. All I get are these stupid scrolls," she grumbled, glaring at the wet magic scrolls scattered across the table.

Sponge followed her gaze, then snorted. "Not stupid scrolls. Do you know these things sell for almost fifty gold each? With everything you've got here, you could probably buy another boat."

JM sighed, grabbing her mop again to clean up the water pooling under the table. She grabbed a rag to wipe the water off the scrolls, as Sponge picked one up to help.

"What I want is fish!" JM said, her voice firm with determination.

"Right, right… fish, of course," Sponge said dryly, handing the scroll back to JM.

At that moment, Vvh appeared at the door. "Sponge, let's go," she said simply.

Sponge rolled her eyes, handing the scroll back to JM.

"Good luck with your training!" JM said, waving cheerfully.

"Thanks. I'll need it," Sponge grumbled, trudging after Vvh.