DO BETTER....

Sponge spent half her day in the river, half-soaked as she swung her axe, battling a pretend enemy in her mind. She hadn't slipped once during this ordeal—somehow, she wished Vvh could see her.

Letting out a sigh, Sponge breathed heavily, her chest heaving as she stared at the water lapping at her legs, pushing against her and holding her back. The axes in her hands felt heavy—maybe she was just tired.

"Spongey! I mean—Sponge! Do you want some snacks?" Sponge flinched at the familiar voice. Turning, she saw JM in her usual raincoat, waving to get her attention. In her other hand, she held a plate with food.

Sponge sighed, lowering her axe as she walked up to JM, who smiled brightly at her. "I thought you'd take today to rest, but it seems you're still training," JM said, sitting down on the bank and handing Sponge the plate.

Sponge eyed the chocolate, then took one and popped it in her mouth. "I can't slack off. Even if Vvh says to take the day off, I know she wants me to train daily," Sponge replied, slowly trudging out of the river, her pants dripping wet as she sat beside JM.

JM's antennae twitched. "I don't think that means you should overwork yourself," she said quietly, sneaking a glance at Sponge, who was staring at the river and mindlessly chewing the chocolate.

"That just means you don't know her well enough," Sponge said, rolling her eyes as she stood up, pulled out her axes again, and stepped back into the river. JM frowned, placing the plate beside her and wringing her hands as she watched Sponge move around, swinging her axe in practiced strokes.

—

February 19 of XXXX, The Land of Aquithis

I feel like I'm slowly mastering the art of fighting in the water—I didn't slip once during practice. I'm tempted to tell Vvh, "I told you so," but she hasn't returned yet. I wonder what she's up to out there.

At this moment, I'm sitting outside JM's boathouse, near the river on the opposite bank. The boat sways so vigorously that I'm concerned I might lose my lunch because of it.

JM mentioned she could add another anchor to reduce the swaying, but I feel embarrassed and guilty about making her do that, considering the boat is her home and she enjoys the motion. I really want to urge her to stop being so generous to others. It's admirable, but almost overly so!

I can't help but worry about her.

Signing off,

S.

—

The lantern flickered, catching Sponge's eyes for a moment before she sat up as JM entered the house, looking excited. The light barely illuminated her face, but Sponge could discern her grin. Intrigued, Sponge rose from the couch.

"You seem thrilled," Sponge remarked, observing JM bound next to her and settling on the couch.

"There's an event happening because most of the townspeople have never seen the Crystal Flower of Saphria before. We all have our own assumptions about how it looks, given the abundance of flowers that exist!" JM exclaimed, her hands animated with excitement.

Sponge grinned, feeling JM's infectious enthusiasm, and nodded. "So, everyone has to discover a flower that's never been seen before! We can bring it home, carve it in wood or ice, or draw it," JM explained.

"Are you planning to participate?" Sponge inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes! I plan to find a beautiful flower to draw, and hopefully win this time," JM replied, her excitement almost causing her to leap from her seat if Sponge hadn't placed a hand on her shoulder to keep her grounded.

"It sounds like a big deal," Sponge whispered with a chuckle. JM turned to her. "It is! And I was thinking, would you like to join me in searching for the perfect flower to draw?" JM asked eagerly, wringing her hands in excitement—a mannerism Sponge had noticed whenever JM tried to contain her enthusiasm.

"Yes! Last year was tough because everyone was so quick to find their own flower. Some made carvings, some drew, and some even wrote poems about it! But I couldn't find a single beautiful flower that looked like the Crystal Flower of Saphria," JM pouted, crossing her arms over her chest.

"How hardcore," Sponge replied, a bit dryly. JM's pout deepened, giving Sponge a kicked-puppy look.

"Kidding, kidding! But sure, I can help you with that… if you let me catch fewer fish," Sponge smirked as JM's face fell.

"But," JM said, clasping her hands together, "please, Sponge! You have to help me—don't make me choose!" She whined, and Sponge giggled behind her fist, unable to hide her amusement.

—

Vvh tilted her head, observing as Sponge leaped from one log to another with steady precision. Sponge appeared focused, yet there was a hint of distraction in her demeanor. Letting out a small breath, Vvh called out, "Sponge," but the other didn't seem to notice, continuing to hop from one log to the next, the water beneath lapping at her ankles before she leaped again, completely oblivious to Vvh's presence.

Tapping her finger on her thigh, Vvh reminded herself that Sponge might not hear her over the rushing river. "Sponge," she called once more, this time catching Sponge's attention. 

Startled, Sponge slipped and tumbled into the water with a loud yelp.

"You scared me!" Sponge exclaimed, quickly getting back on her feet, trying to mask her fall with a faint blush tinting her cheeks. Vvh cocked her head. "Have I not taught you to be more aware of your surroundings?" she inquired, watching as Sponge approached, pulling herself up by the riverbank and wringing the water from her pants.

"Y-You have," Sponge stammered, standing up and shaking the water from her hair, the damp strands clinging to her face, giving her a disheveled appearance. "It seems you're not heeding those lessons," Vvh remarked, her tone neutral as Sponge rubbed her forehead.

"Hey! I do—It's just that I was a bit distracted," Sponge explained nervously.

"Have I not mentioned that distractions can lead to accidents?" Vvh's tone turned slightly stern as Sponge winced and nodded.

"I-I know, but-" Sponge began, faltering when she saw Vvh cross her arms. "Right—Right, I'll be more attentive next time, stay alert on all fronts," Sponge replied, letting out a sharp sigh as Vvh turned towards the river. "I've been training you for months now," Vvh began, causing Sponge's heart to sink. "There are crucial lessons I've imparted that you should adhere to—your safety could hinge on these very principles, Sponge," Vvh emphasized as Sponge scratched her head, acknowledging her words.

Sponge scratched her head, nodding, though a twinge of hurt lingered from Vvh's tone. It felt as if she was failing her mentor. "Sponge, are you listening to me?" Vvh asked. Sponge looked up, surprised to realize she had been staring at the ground.

"Uh! Yes! Yes, I understand what you're saying. I'll be more focused, I need to sharpen my concentration," Sponge affirmed, nodding and lightly clenching her fist as Vvh acknowledged her response. "Good, now return to your activities," Vvh instructed, nodding at Sponge.

Sponge was about to turn back to what she was doing, not until she remembered something important.

"Oh, wait—I was thinking of assisting JM with the upcoming event that's being talked about," Sponge mentioned.

"I heard," Vvh responded.

Sponge narrowed her eyes, "Were you eavesdropping again?" she asked.

"No, I've gathered enough information from the conversations around," Vvh clarified, prompting Sponge to roll her eyes. "Sure."

Vvh tilted her head. "Will you resume your training, or would you prefer an impromptu bath?" she inquired, causing Sponge to wince, take a step back, and hastily retreat into the river, climbing back onto the log, slipping once more and splashing back into the water.

Vvh sighed, shaking her head in exasperation.

—

February 20 of XXXX, The Land of Aquithis

When I mentioned that the people of Aquithis are hardcore, I truly meant it—they are incredibly hardcore! I was simply assisting JM in finding a flower that resembled the Crystal Flower of Saphria when, out of nowhere, someone actually plucked it right before our eyes!

Just as JM was prepared to sketch it on paper, all set and ready, I was perched on a nearby tree, only for someone to snatch the flower from the ground. JM had to restrain me to prevent me from confronting that individual. It's astonishing how important this event is.

However, considering they've never had the opportunity to witness it, I can comprehend why they might be a bit desperate to envision its appearance. There's just something about the allure of witnessing something so exquisitely beautiful that I can't even fault them for their actions...

Signing off,

S.

—

JM sighs, her grip on the paper in her hand loosening as she sits down on the grass, looking defeated. Behind her, Sponge walks up slowly, one hand holding an axe. Upon noticing JM on the ground, drained of energy after a day spent searching for a flower, Sponge sits down beside her.

"Hey," Sponge says gently, as JM emits a small sigh. "No flower seems pretty enough to be the Crystal Flower of Saphria," JM laments. Sponge glances around before returning her gaze to JM.

"I think all flowers are amazing," Sponge offers.

"Yeah, but…" JM trails off, her gaze dropping to the paper in her hands, where multiple beautifully sketched flowers are depicted. "Would the Crystal Flower of Saphria look like that?" JM wonders, and Sponge peers over her shoulder.

"How about you tell me the story of the flower first before asking me that," Sponge suggests with a smile. JM raises her head, her eyes shifting back to the papers in her hands before nodding.

"It all began with a lone sailor who survived a sunken ship. They say he was adrift at sea for days, longing for rescue, hoping for a passing vessel to spot him," JM begins. Sponge settles in, making herself comfortable, lowering her axe to the ground as she listens.

"He also prayed for divine intervention, for a god to save him. At that moment, our goddess Saphria—she was a lesser deity then—came to his aid, guiding him back to shore and saving him," JM continues.

"Instead of seeking civilization, the sailor chose to honor the goddess Saphria with offerings and prayers. These acts of devotion persisted for months until, one day, Saphria revealed herself to the sailor. Over time, a bond blossomed between the sailor and Saphria," JM narrates. "The Crystal Flower of Saphria is said to be a blossom formed of crystallized water, symbolizing the eternal love of a goddess for a sailor. Revered as a sacred relic preserved by Her followers as per Saphria's own wishes."

JM lets out a sigh, a small smile on her face before turning to Sponge, who was on the verge of nodding off. "Sponge, are you still with me?" she inquired, puzzled, as Sponge shifted, nearly losing her balance, until JM's hand on her shoulder jolted her awake. "Yup! I was... I was listening. Please continue," Sponge mumbled, yawning and gesturing with a wave of her hand.

Observing Sponge, JM chuckled softly. "I've already finished discussing it," she revealed, prompting Sponge to laugh awkwardly and cough behind her fist in embarrassment.

"It's okay, I get that you're tired," JM reassured, laughing. Sponge groaned, shaking her head. "No, ugh, I'm sorry, that was quite rude of me. You do have a pleasant voice," Sponge admitted, wincing slightly.

"Nice enough to doze off and not hear me out?" JM tilted her head, teasingly. Sponge paled, quickly shaking her head. "No! I mean—yes, your voice is lovely, but I was just a tad fatigued," she explained, grinning as JM giggled behind her hand.

JM waved a hand. "I get it, Master Vvh can be quite hardcore on you," a glint in her eyes as Sponge rolled hers.

"Did you just throw my words back at me?" Sponge raised a brow, JM grinning proudly, her retort feeling like a small victory. Sponge chuckled inwardly. "But—about the story, I did hear it, I just closed my eyes, I swear," Sponge raised a hand, JM giving her an amused look.

"Has the story mentioned what kind of flower Saphria loves?" Sponge inquired, leaning back slightly as JM hummed, rubbing her chin. "Not really, as far as I know. It was never specified what kind of flower, just that it's a special flower of some sort," JM explained, deep in thought.

"So it was never specified... Oh gosh, we're so stupid! Why didn't we just ask someone who has seen it?" Sponge slapped her hand to her forehead, JM's eyes widening. "You're absolutely right! How did I not think of that sooner?" she exclaimed, swiftly rising to her feet, catching Sponge off guard, causing her to stumble before catching herself with her hand.

"So you're telling me you never considered that? How the—" Sponge cut herself off, standing up, picking up her axe, and dusting off her pants. "Well, not really, But! I owe you for the idea!" JM snapped her fingers as Sponge raised a brow at her, silently judging, then shaking her head.

"Exactly—thank goodness I was here," Sponge smirked, glancing at JM, who shot her a look. "I-I could have thought of that too!" JM pouted, slightly huffy, as Sponge chuckled. "You could have, but it might have taken you a few more years," Sponge teased, wagging a finger at JM, who let out an indignant huff, a mix of offense and amusement.