Chapter 14.5: “Mandatory Filler Episode: Hot Springs and Identity Crises”

Exiting the forest with a moodboard problem, we stumbled into what

the map called:

"Soothing Springs of Eternal Healing and Slightly Inappropriate

Steam."

Kyuu dragged us there. "We need to recharge," she said. "Also, my

tail's frizzy and that's a war crime."

The springs were divided by a giant stone wall labeled "Boys on this

side, girls on that side. Or else." Who enforced it? Probably divine

law. Or anime rules.

We split up.

On the boys' side, Vish sat in the water like a tormented Greek

statue. Steam swirled dramatically around his shoulders. He sighed

every 45 seconds.

"You good?" I asked.

"I was never good," he replied. "Just tolerable."

Meanwhile, I was trying to enjoy the water, but my brain wouldn't

shut up.

"Why am I even here? Do I matter? Am I the comic relief? No wait—

am I the mysterious secret weapon that unlocks at the final battle??

Or am I just... Exposition Man?"

I dunked my head underwater to reset my thoughts. It didn't help.

On the girls' side, Allie was making Kyuu laugh by doing impressions

of Vox:

"'Ooo I'm a fancy British sword, I roast children and critique battle

strategies like a food critic.'"

Kyuu was howling. "She even nailed the smug tone!"

Back on our side, Vox (resting in a towel) decided to get deep.

"You know, for all your flaws, you do have one strength."

"Oh?" I said, hopeful.

"You haven't died yet. Which, honestly, is statistically impressive."

...

By nightfall, we regrouped around a campfire. Relaxed. Healed.

Philosophically confused. Vish actually smiled once. I think.