It was a lot of work, surprising Wolf. He knew his dad was always busy, but he kind of glossed over it. He was thankful he had Nina to help. "Thanks, sis."
“I need this help more than I knew,” Nina, with her tail wagging, was happy with the praise.
“You know me, brother, I’m always here!” She hummed in the background, helping things go faster, but stop humming…
Throwing him off, he was used to the rhythm of her voice when a soft, new voice spoke. “Hey, cutie, I missed you.” He turned no… he thought.
Is it really her?! Teva... She came to see me! He could not help but smile. "It has been too long,“ he wanted to catch up and share the events that led to his shop, but he saw her looking past him, confusing him.
“Nina, it’s good to see you too,” he grimaced. This wasn’t the time for fun and games… They had to work, and he involuntarily said, “Right, we’re working.”
“I can help!” she said quickly, startling him. He wanted to say something, but Nina spoke first. “Just don’t destroy anything, brother and I worked hard to earn this. It’s not a game…”
He wasn’t sure how to respond to that; it seemed a bit harsh as he was trying to compose himself. He saw them both watching him, waiting for him to pick a side. Why? We’re all friends, no? he thought. Teva looked defeated at the look he gave, and that hurt him. This was supposed to be a good thing…
“I’ll go, sorry. I did not mean to spoil your fun,” she said.
“NO!” he did not want her to go!?
He gently put his hands on her shoulders and said, "Sorry, no... I want you to stay." She had always been there for him.
We can work something out, so no fighting, ok, Nina?” He said it calmly, but he was ready for her to fight him, and if he had to choose, he would not let his sister destroy his friendship…
A sigh from Nina: “Fine, if that’s what you want, brother, she was my friend too.”
That made him happy she hadn’t been petty. Well, not too petty. He could understand why she did not like to share, but he did like Teva…
"Since we reached a compromise, let's keep working. Ok?" He smiled while looking at Teva. She couldn’t help but smile back.
Despite their effort, it was going to be more than a one-day effort, and he called it a day, showing Teva around with Nina chaperoning to make sure nothing happened…
He enjoyed showing her all the different stuff, especially his house, which amazed her, and she got excited, saying how amazing it was he was a homeowner. He laughed, enjoying being an adult a little more.
She wanted to stay longer but had to work at the inn, but he made her promise to help more tomorrow. Although the first night alone was a little unsettling, Nina's early arrival and warm greeting made him feel loved.
The cycle of events went like that for a few days, with little friction but a tentative peace. The issue started when he was sharing a moment with Teva, making potions.
He was showing her his craft and all the things he could make and the struggles of making them work, not using any powers. “I have an empty bottle but need water. Give me a sec." Teva reached out, filling it easily, and he laughed.
“I forgot you could do that. That is very useful. I could use you in my shop!” She smiled and spoke.
“With me, you have infinite water, and use your power. We can turn them into any potions!”
"We would be unstoppable!" They both laughed, enjoying the idea. Nina, however, scoffed, "It's not that special."
“I saved you with my power, remember? Bet she can't do that," Nina said smugly.
That soured his mood, embarrassing him and reminding him of his weakness, and the potions no longer felt fun.
Teva sensed the shift and hated Nina for that, but she could not recover the positive mood and relented.
"Maybe it was best I call it a day," she said, knowing it was over... Nina refused to leave, believing she did no wrong and wanting to support her brother. Even if he was upset, she would make it better.
He understood her intentions were harmless. All she wanted was his time. He felt the same in that sense. He did not want just to be left alone with no family.
Teva promised she would be there tomorrow to help; his uncle even checked on him, ensuring he hired Arlin again for the opening and made sure things remained calm.
Major crowds were waiting in the morning. He tried to prepare any potions he could think of, but limited supplies and time hampered his efforts.
He saw Arlin forcing them into lines and only letting ten in at a time. It helped him that there was a mix of those just wishing him well or handing gifts, and while he was thankful, it was awkward.
Nina helped by taking them to the back while he focused on the guest. Even then, it was getting overwhelming, with simple questions being asked repeatedly by a new set of customers.
He struggled to guide people to supplies or show labels without just standing in front of bottles. He was torn between assisting people at checkout and showing the same item repeatedly and engaging in conversation to learn about their hero.
Even Nina used to work, was showing stress. Running a new shop was a lot of work… “Over here is the medicine for cramps. It's amazing. I use it.” That voice surprised him.
“Don’t worry, this potion works for hangovers."
"My mom is a lightweight, and she has used it to recover a few times, I promise." He saw her smiling and directing random customers, who then met him at the counter.
She looked stunning today, wearing black shorts and a green top, making her eyes stand out in that pretty blue, and she never lost that smile as her tail danced and helped point to new items.
“I love your helper, such a lovely girl. Help me find these potions!”
The voice brought him back to focus as she went on.
“Thank you again for saving us."
“I promise to come another time. "
The customer was a middle-aged woman, but friendly as the line went on the cycle. Continued, they even had a system finally working out.
Nina got more stock from the back or worked the register when an item was out. Teva helped bring supplies as I made them if Nina was busy and even cheered me on, which I loved. Nina seemed to be even softer to Teva, which was nice, as she knew we needed her help.
It was still too much, and he was going to have the shop close for tomorrow to rebuild the stock; even then, he was missing too many random items…
Technically, he could use his gift for something, but powder types? Or even beyond that, it would drain him too much. He looked at all the unused tables and knew what his uncle wanted to avoid, as this was going to be his life with no options to live.
And he did not want to stop helping …. He just wanted more free time. “We did good today!" Teva said, with a bit of pride. Hearing her voice made him smile.
“Sorry, I’ll make sure you get paid for your trouble,” he admired her effort. She waved her hand. “I mean… I would like for you to be here full time.” He heard her gasp and saw her turning even redder and getting even shyer. He realized it sounded a little like he wanted her in his home, not at work… so he clarified.
“To work!”
“I do like you.“
“WORKING! I mean, working here…”
“You helped a lot, and I would hate to lose that.” He was fumbling with his words, and Teva knew he was covering, but she did not mind. She wanted to be here and work for him.
Also, she thought the grump the tavern bear was fine. He had plenty of staff, even with the increase in business. She never cared much about the money, but her mom was crying for potions…
“It’s a deal. Just make some potion for my family,” she said casually.
"Mom wanted to try some, but she's cheap," she mumbled, trailing off. He chuckled, "It's a deal."
Nina was outside the alchemy room, listening. She wanted to intrude but was trying to give her brother some space. She knew he wanted alone time, and she did not want to take that away no matter how she felt…
“Sooo, why are we hiding in the hall?” A voice whispered in her ear.
“Eek!” she squeaked, turning to see Arlin trying to peek around her. She was flustered, but he was. Indifferent, it seemed that Wolf and Teva were lost in their own little world and did not hear her.
Yet Arlin saw them and smiled. “Looks like he’s happy, good for the kid,” smiling went on. “Glad you’re giving them space."
"Thought you would be up his butt even now." watching her.
Nina was tempted to slap him but remembered feeling bad about it last time.It was rude, and he helped her brother more than once. So she scowled instead.
"Relax, Foxy, we're friends," arlin said loudly enough for Wolf to hear and investigate, wondering what was going on.
“Arlin, you’re still here?" Wolf said, surprised.
“What, only the girls get to stay? arlin quicly retorted“Did not know you did that already…” He pretended to see Wolf in a new way before Nina could react.
Water was splashing arlin face while he sputtered. Teva said, “Wolf is a gentleman,“ and pulled the water from his face as quickly as it splashed. She cleared it away.
Arlin was annoyed, shocked, and amazed all in one. It was a clever trick, and since she removed the water, he wasn’t as sour. Wolf felt bad. It seemed like he always got praised, but Arlin got treated like a heel for wanting to be included, so he tried to mend that bridge.
He invited everyone to the back to enjoy drinks and show off his house; Nina and Teva saw it before so remain calm, but Arlin was impressed, and never having seen the home, it made him want his own place. Conversation turned casual, and everyone enjoyed the peace until a knock surprised Wolf, who went to investigate. ” Sister? Why knock your family?" leena hugged him and entered the room, saying,
"Nonsense, brother."
"This is your new home."
“Besides, you may have company and not wish to be disturbed.“
"Oh, my!" Leena exclaimed in surprise. “You already do have company.” She tilted her head, wondering why everyone was here.
Nina stood up for a hug. Teva waved, and Arlin refused to look, trying to act cool and independent.
“I'm glad you're here, Len,” Wolf started explaining.
“I need more supplies. Crestfallen, she said, "We got everything we could before, brother."
We tried to plan ahead."
“You went through that much stock?” Leena wondered, and Wolf grimaced.
“I did.“
"And more."
“I used my gift for the rare items but got a bit sick, so I had to stop."
"Even then, I can only brew so fast, and the lack of supplies..." he trailed off as Nina rubbed his back. Teva wanted to help but wasn't sure how, while Arlin was lost in thought, trying to figure out how to be cool.
“Well, Coby hopefully will be back soon. We can run the dungeons then."
“I CAN HELP,” shocking all in the room as Arlin flinched at his voice. “I mean, I can help. We did it before."
Nina wasn’t too happy having to go back, but she knew they did not have to face that beast… ” Me too,“ Nina said, not going to leave her sister alone.
At first, Len did not respond, merely saying, “I’ll keep it in mind,” and remaining uncommitted.
Wolf did not like the shift but knew he needed more supplies. "Teva can help me sell what I still have."
“And I can make more while you guys help with my supplies. It could work,”
Nina did not like that even more, and it soured her mood, but Arlin was on cloud nine for a chance at getting closer to Leena. Talks went on about working out the details.
As the night drew to a close, the house felt a little empty and alone still, but he had many people who loved him, and that was enough for now.
***
Business was down, and Tommy struggled to expand into a nearby town, which annoyed him. Nothing he was doing was working… It made little sense.
For years he has ruled as a king in his market now. He was losing staff, and people brought him fewer items every day and even bought less of his stock…
He had plenty of cash; he could build a kingdom…. Well, he could have built a small town and still lived okay, but he did not just want money… he wanted power. And THAT was fading.
Some boy… wolf? That was a name that was whispered. He even laughed when they asked if they were working together, and he said no…
That was a week or so ago when that happened, and it just declined from there.
He heard it from the bar talk. It was the town past the crossroad; they even said they were building him a shop madness…
“You good, boss? It was his favorite thug asking to stay close."
“What do you think…” He gave a look saying that, and the thug shrugged back. He sighed. He did not keep them around for their wit.
"Thank you, I'm fine."
“I just need to travel soon and prefer not to,” he went to pour himself a drink, surpassed the thug, and did not leave.
“Why, boss?”
Tommy laughed a little at the fact that he was concerned or bored. “Personally, matters need to be addressed.“
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“Nothing more.” The thug nodded and left while he sipped his drink. Perhaps they could work together; he'd done it before with others, so he'd find out who this wolf was. Sharing power was fine with him. He smiled. How else does one grow?
***
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Wolf met with his dad later at the shop to discuss the closing of his shop. The people were upset but understood that things take time to stock, and though he launched, he was underprepared for the influx of businesses.
“How do you do it, Dad? It's all too much…“ Wolf said, upset, and his dad laughed.
“You thought all those times I complained were for fun, son? Wolf was annoyed.
“You had it easier, and you get normal stock. I got to make mine, and supplies are limited." His dad nodded.
“True, so raise prices to slow sales.“
“I want to help, not gouge people,” his dad sighed.
“Son, the church wants to feed all of us, but there's only so much food. So they got to pick who they feed.”
“What you are selling is not needed. You need to price them as a luxury to balance supply and demand.”
“And lower prices to sell off stock…” He saw his son was still upset.
“I don’t want money… But I do need help,” Wolf said dejectedly. “So, can you help me work out the details?“
“Please… Dad.” Wolf looked defeated, so his dad hugged him.
“Son, you’re still and will always be family. You are not alone. We were already trying to get you help. Your uncle had the right idea.“
“With the expansion of the shop, we sent letters to the guildhall to see if they could bring anyone. Till then, we encouraged Adventure to get herbs for us.”
“It was you and Herbert needing them, and he got the first batch.”
“He needed it for the cure, or we already loaded you up.” Wolf flinched at that since he healed his mother and could copy it…
He did not think beyond that. ” Will get you at least one person to overseas sell and help customers.“
“And one alchemist. We can always expand from there.” His dad said, then looked lost in thought.
Nina and Teva are working for me. Technically, Arlin, too, as a guard“.
“But he has been temporarily nobody, trying anything since the first day. Even that was mild, just overwhelming," his dad nodded.
"Who is Teva?" His dad was wondering...
"Oh, she's a friend you met before the catkin," he stammered. His dad, after a moment's thought, apologized.
"I've probably seen her a few times, but between work and your mom…" Wolf held up his hand. "It's fine; she's just a friend, and she helps….that's what's important," a fresh voice chimed in from the side.
“That was partly my fault. I underestimated stock and prices."
It was Nebo’s surprising wolf.
“I thought we were alone. Sorry, I would have said hi."
"Nonsense," Nebo waved him off. "I was busy in the back and didn't want to interrupt your visit. I just happened to overhear the end of it."
“Nina has been bugging me since she found out you need help. Acting like we did it on purpose, so I was going to hope for the best next trip in the city.“
But there, we are competing with their alchemist. Wolf nodded, knowing he just needed time. He was happy to hear they were trying to help him.
"How, Mom?" Dad laughed.
“Ask her yourself. You're welcome home anytime." Homesick, he visited Leena and Nina, enjoying a pleasant visit with his family. While he valued his independence, he also welcomed a night with loved ones.
He awoke the next day a bit disoriented, not sure where he was. It seemed he forgot he went home and felt childish for reverting to old ways.
Nina was still happy waking up early to see him and wanted to chase him around, but he told her he wanted a day to himself, so she relented, saying she would try to go to Dad's shop and yell at her brother to get him supplies.
Leena promised she would work out the details to go to the dungeon. She wanted to try fighting more and was looking into weapons and armor, which surprised him; his sister was very loving, so her wanting to fight threw him off. Guess we all are changing….
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The day was a nice one, the air fresh and full of promise. He wandered a bit, unsure where to go...
He went to his shop more out of habit than desire and saw Teva standing out front, looking around. He felt bad. How long was she there?
“Teva?” She jumped and turned, then smiled. “There you are. Where were you?” She wondered
“Sorry,“ Wolf replied. "I went home to the family to spend some time away from the shop.”
She was still smiling and bouncing toward him. “What are your plans for today?”
He thought about it, but he wasn’t sure. “Just roam, I guess,” she giggled at that. “There is a new shop we can go to.“
“Really?” That might be fun, he thought. “Ok.”
“Yeah!” she got excited, making him smile. It was nice to see her happy. She led them while chatting down a new side street he had not been to before since the town expanded. A lot of people recognized him but showed respect, giving him his space, which he appreciated.
As they neared the shop, it was a nice sight to see the building itself was white, with sets of tables in front to enjoy the weather and a canopy to offer shade. It had big glass windows much like his shop to show off the inside and display goods, but unlike his shop, all he saw was sweets.
Teva dashed forward excitedly. “Come on, wolf!” encouraged by her joy even as those who watched them go wondered what their problem was…
The inside was much nicer than he thought it would be. Even the smell was pleasant. There were booths inside. He noticed a few people dressed like butlers and maids. It was odd to see… Teva saw his look and said, “It is the setting where people like to be served by cute people. He nodded; it made sense, and they were all nice-looking.
They decided to go outside and sit to enjoy the weather, and a nice-looking gentleman dressed in a suit bowed and gave them a menu.
Please take your time."
“But may I offer you a drink to start?”
“We have teas, coffees, and berry drinks."
"We even have chocolate varieties," he said smoothly. "
They browsed the selection. Teva opted for tea and would do the same.
The setting was pleasant, and, unlike the chaos from constant work or being surrounded by people, Teva was also happy this was her first time not being surrounded by kids at the church or adults at the inn all waiting for attention. It was just them enjoying a moment alone…
“Thanks for taking me here, Wolf. It means a lot.” She became bashful and self-conscious. She saw Wolf's surprise and his blush. She brought him here, he thought to himself, but he liked how it sounded and wished he really did next time… I won’t be unsure and will make sure I do something nice on purpose.
He gave her his best smile. “I wanted to treat you to something nice for all your help. He looked away, seemingly lost in thought. She was concerned something had happened. “Everything ok?”
He shook his head, saying, "It's fine."
“Just supplies are an issue.“
“Shops have to be closed for a bit while I work out details,” she nodded. She was happy to be working with him, and things had gotten better with Nina. She hated that it was fleeting but knew it wasn’t going away.
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"It’s ok, we’ll work it out." The way she said it made his heart skip a beat. We would work it out? He smiled at that as they lost themselves in the moment. The drinks were served as a pleasant, simple tea. They both ordered little mini cakes, which he knew his sisters would die for.
But it was just ok to him; he liked meat things much more, but he enjoyed it all the more listening to Teva praise and get excited over the little desserts.
It was a fun adventure, or maybe a date?! He panicked a bit at the thought he was alone with her and she did like him…. He blushed.
And she saw him smiling with eyes knowing his thoughts but refusing to speak, as if to tease and tempt him to ask, yet he was afraid they were friends, and he did not want to lose that to misunderstandings.
Yet as he saw her smile slowly fade and a sense of longing and loss enter her eyes...
He wondered why I was waiting when this is my life, and the one I wanted, and she wanted to share it with me…
“Hey… Teva,” she watched him expectantly, afraid to speak lest he never utter a word again. “Do you want a date?” He watched as her eyes teared up, and he feared he had assumed too much and was about to take it back.
“Yes…” she said, “I would like that very much,” and she reached out across the table, taking his hand… It was a start, they both thought, the beginning of something new.
The day ended on a high note. He wanted to share his joy, but with whom? He did not want to tell Nina, afraid she would take it the wrong way, the same with his sister, who could tell Nina… He sighed. Guess he would have to wait for Coby later.
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The next day, he awoke to knocking at his door. To his surprise, it was a visit from Arlin. “Um, the shop is closed, and I’m still lacking supplies,“ he tried to explain, not sure why he was there.
“Why do you think I’m here, kid?” I managed to get you some supplies, thanks to Mom for keeping stocks."
“Doubt it'll be enough for whatever you do here, but it should help.”
“The people love you, so they've been trying to farm where they can and sell it cheap to give back,” Arlin said it all quickly as he pushed past Wolf, letting himself in.
He nodded as he talked and just stood dumbfounded as he went to the kitchen for a drink… He did not mind just seeming a little bold, and he was not a kid…
“At least you're keeping the place clean; it looks good."
“Well, probably because you don’t have anything, but there's nothing wrong with that.”
He was in a really good mood, and I'm not sure why….
“Why are you so… um… happy?” Wolf asked
Arlin, tilting his head. “Uh?”
“I get to go hunting with your sister and help a bro out?”
“It’s a win-win!“ he smiled as he said that. While pouring himself a drink, how was that a win-win?
Arlin saw the look on his face, then smacked his head. “Right, you moved out.“
“Well, your sister talks to my sister about you needing help.”
“Mom overheard and said she could help in the short term while we get a better supply chain going.“
“And your sister asks my sister if I would help train your sister!” He got excited with the last part: “We won’t go deep, I promise, level three tops. Well, it depends on how the door looks on four.“
“But odds are good for training. Two is best, and three should be tops.”
Lost on Wolf, his rambling details were interrupted by a voice booming from the door: "Brother, we're home!" Happy, Nina rushed in, freezing momentarily when she saw Arlin before quickly regaining her composure and joyful expression. Arlin was looking self-assured and smug till he saw Leena and then floundered, staring at his drink as if afraid to be called a liar.
Wolf was still amazing at the 180 change when Nina grabbed him in a hug, “Missed you!” Leena walked in front of him and smiled while he was lost in a daze.
“Brother, I managed to get you supplies, but I still want to train in the dungeon.”
He nodded lamely, “Yeah, I heard. Tilting her head, she looked unsure.
“How?”
“I just did it yesterday and have not seen you since.” Looking at Nina, she nudged him and joyfully said,
"It wasn't me, I promise!"” There was a cough in the background when Len looked; she gasped.
Awkwardly holding his glass was Arlin, trying to hide in plain sight and kind of succeeding too, as his shadows were starting to engulf him. “Uh,” Arlin spoke up.
“I… I told him,”
“Did not know it was supposed to be a surprise, sorry.” He looked away, a bit ashamed of ruining the family moment. Len smiled, making Arlin's heart skip a beat.
“It’s fine,” she said. “My brother just needed to know. I still need weapons and armor. But he deserves to know we are helping. Nina chimed in,
“I’m going too.”
Arlin frowned at that but said nothing. Wolf was wondering, so he asked, “So is it the old team, then?” Arlin spoke first: “Look that way,“ not happy his adventure was not more intimate.
Another knock at the door, surprising everyone. Wolf went to see who it was and was pleasantly surprised to see Teva.
She rushed and grabbed him in a hug, kissing his cheek, overjoyed to see him. “Hey! I know it's early, but I wanted to see you. I figured we could visit for a bit before we focus on the shop."
It happened faster than he could respond, and though he loved her attention,
He also was in a bit of shock knowing his family and Arlin were feet away; he felt her stiffen in his arms and knew she saw them.
“OH HEY, YOU GOT COMPANY ALREADY,” she said in a flurry of words, followed by more... “WHAT A SURPRISE! DON’T MIND ME!” She was hiding in his chest, trying to make them notice her less.
He felt bad as Arlin laughed, and he could feel Nina glare at his back, knowing they seemed a little too friendly from before… He tried to defend Teva:
“What, I can’t have company?“ Leena broke the tension.
“It's fine, brother.”
“I’m happy you got someone to help with the shop while we're away.“ He watched Teva's tail swishing antsy, and he rubbed her back to calm her.
“Thank you guys for checking in with me; I will be fine.”
It was a bit of a dismissal, but he wanted Teva to feel welcome, and this felt awkward. Besides, his sister had things to do when he looked to see how they were responding.
It was no surprise to see Nina's disapproval, Arlin's amusement (happy he wasn't the focus), and, to his surprise, Leena's approval.
He thought she would be jealous like Nina but only saw love and support. He felt bad doubting his sister. “You all don’t have to go.”
“Just…”
“Teva and I wanted time to visit before everyone else was around.”
It was technically a lie; she arrived unannounced, but he felt the same way she did, wanting to see him, and alone time with her would be nice. He felt Teva relax from hiding to really holding him in love, and it was a stability he did not know he lacked. “It's fine, wolf!”
“Their family”
“We all need to get along, right?” She rushed from behind him and embraced Leena in a hug, surprising everyone. “We never get a chance to meet outside of work.”
“So it's nice to finally see Wolf's other sister at home.“ She beamed a smile as she said it; it wasn't his old home, but it was true. Leena giggled before responding.
“You're sure full of life," Leena said.
“I can see why my brother likes you,”
He coughed at that being called out.
Nina grunted disapproval but kept silent. And Teva. Dance towards the wolf. “Does he really like me?“ She looked him in the eye, the secret untold that they were dating. As she knew how he felt, he smirked, trying to compose himself.
“Well, kids got good taste,“ Arlin spoke, shattering the moment. “He could do worse.”
All three girls turn as one and stare him down, surprising Arlin. "What I meant it in a good way."
Wolf finally got his turn to laugh at his misfortune, and everyone slowly grew closer.
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As the day began and ended with much awkwardness and mirth.
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