> Kira PoV

“Watch it, there’s a big rock in the sand up ahead that’s easy to trip on.” (Kira)

“Okay.” (Ellie)

A little more and we’ll be at my old secret base near the ocean shore. The sand, rocks and waves around here are exactly how I left them more than two years ago, so I can flawlessly guide Ellie. The place is a bit far from the city, but it's worth it.

It's a shame places like this don't exist inside the capital itself. Those nobles had occupied every shoreline within the walls with ports and piers. You have to leave the safety of the capital if you want a proper, sandy beach like this one. Well, the guards patrol regularly anyway so there’s no monsters or bandits around the area.

It’s still late afternoon. We’re going to let the girls run around and play until sunset. After that we should head back inside the capital. The nights out here get cold, so we need to be careful.

“Are we there yet?” (Sophie)

“Almost, sweetie. Ellie, go around that rock to the right.” (Kira)

“Okay.” (Ellie)

“No fair, I want to see!” (Lara)

I want to surprise the girls, so their eyes are blindfolded with some cloth. Ellie’s carrying us with [Star Magic] to make sure the girls don’t trip.

I’m getting carried too. I hate to admit defeat, but it’s actually fun and doesn’t feel dangerous in the slightest. Somehow, Lara and Sophie seemed to have less fun than before, though. I guess the thrill of doing something behind my back is gone.

This is an interesting strategy, I should keep it in mind if they try something else I don’t approve of.

Kelly somehow decided to stay behind though. Something about sand getting in her boots and then into Scrappy seemed to worry her. I think there’s more to it, but I’m not going to pry.

“Ohh! Is this the place?!” (Ellie)

Obviously Ellie isn’t blindfolded. She has to see where she’s going, so she’s the first one to see it. At my signal she gently puts us down.

“Alright girls, we're here!” (Kira)

They quickly unwrap the cloth blocking their view and get their breath taken away. We’re inside a small grotto. There’s tall cave-like walls on the left and right, an unobstructed view of the ocean in front, fine white sand beneath our feet and blue sky directly above.

The ocean water around this area is really shallow and clear. I remember spending hours staring at the sunlight dance on the sand beneath the waves.

“Wow! It’s so pretty!” (Sophie)

“This place is really cool mom! How did you find it?” (Lara)

“Hmm? Plain old exploring you know? I actually remember the first time I found it when I was 12. This group of boys used to chase me all over the city and bully me almost daily after class.

They were scared to leave the walls so I sneaked out all the time to avoid them. Then the guards would catch me, yell at me and send me back. So I kept going farther from the wall. Eventually I found this place. It felt somehow less lonely than being surrounded by my fellow students. Isn’t that weird?” (Kira)

*Sniffle*

I used to spend about 2 or 3 nights every week sleeping out here since it was so peaceful. I could also cry as much as I wanted without getting teased for crying like a girl. Even though I was a girl.

*Sniffle*

Even crying wasn’t allowed. It’s normal for a little girl to cry when she’s sad, isn’t it?

*Sniffle*

Yet even that was seen as something bad. How is that fair?

*Sniffle Sniffle*”

*Squeeze*

My legs and back were hugged tightly while I was wallowing in self-pity. I didn’t even notice the tears running down my face until just now.

“It’s okay Kira. We’re right here.” (Ellie)

“Please don’t be sad, mommy!” (Sophie)

“Yeah! Mom is super cool and strong! I’m sure you’ll send those jerks flying they try something again!” (Lara)

I see, somehow I thought this was a happy place, but that’s wrong. I came here to let out all the tears I was holding in. I completely forgot why I knew the nights were cold.

*Sniffle*

“Sorry everyone. I remembered some bad things. Now then!” (Kira)

*Sniffle*

I wipe my tears on my sleeve and get myself fired up. This is no time for being gloomy!

“Enough with that! This place is still beautiful and fun to play around in so let’s enjoy it to the fullest!” (Kira)

* * *

We spent a few hours running around, playing tag or splashing in the water. No swimming though, we didn’t bring swimsuits after all. We’ll do that next time - it’s a good chance to teach them to swim.

“This is nice.” (Ellie)

“Yes, it is.” (Kira)

Right now I’m sitting on the sand with Ellie. We’re leaning against each other’s shoulders and watching the sunset. Lara and Sophie are still running around playing with that ultra-light discus Nano prepared. I didn’t get the point at first, but it’s a fun game.

We could start selling it at premium prices.

No! Bad Kira! Now is important family time!

“Everything bathed in red like this is beautiful, isn’t it?” (Kira)

“Kira’s smile is much more beautiful.” (Ellie)

“Oh you ~♡!” (Kira)

I wrap my arm around her and hug her tight. It’s rare for Ellie to compliment me directly like that so I’m really happy!

Things feel like they’ve been hectic for a long time. Something is always going on whenever we’re in Runetap. Even trying to live peacefully for a week in our remote home doesn’t work out. There’s always some monster attacking our tower or an invasion on the city or something or other.

But out here, I can finally relax. Even that sad and lonely place from my past is now comfortable. Since my family is here with me. It must be the same for Ellie.

So yeah, this is nice. Just relaxing peacefully for once.

…

...

“Mom?” (Lara)

“Ack! Huh?” (Kira)

What? Where? Oh no! I dozed off! It’s already dark out!

“Ellie! Why didn’t you wake me!” (Kira)

“Kira’s sleeping face is too cute. I couldn’t bring myself to disturb it.” (Ellie)

…

No, I can’t fault her for that. I probably wouldn’t be able to do it either if our roles were reversed.

“This is bad… The guards don’t let anyone in or out of the capitol at night.” (Kira)

Where’s that responsible adult I wished for!? Wait, aren’t I pretty irresponsible myself? This is pretty bad for the girls' education, isn’t it?

“We can just climb the wall.” (Ellie)

“Oh no you don’t! I don’t want to spend the night in a jail cell either!” (Kira)

“Mommy, I'm cold...” (Sophie)

Now that she mentions it, the cold sea breeze is wafting into the grotto.

“Since it’s come to this… we’ll be camping out here tonight. It’s completely safe, so if we get the blankets and start a fire we’ll be fine.

Ellie, go grab some firewood, there should be some dried out branches and tree trunks all over the beach.” (Kira)

“Got it.” (Ellie)

Ellie replied and went outside the grotto. She’s got Nano’s flawless navigation and her eyes see in the dark so she won’t get lost.

“Okay girls, come with me. I’ll show you something interesting.” (Kira)

I lead the two girls a little deeper into the grotto. I didn’t bring my staff, so I’m lighting the way while manipulating a small flame in my hand with basic magic. I can’t throw it or anything, so it’s useless for combat. But it can still start a campfire or act as a torch.

“Let’s see… it should be right around…” (Kira)

I feel around a familiar area of the rock wall. I used to sleep here quite often so I stashed some blankets and pillows in a secret place I made with [Earth Magic].

*Click*

“Got it!” (Kira)

I pushed the prepared stone wall in and it falls over, revealing a hole that’s big enough for me to crawl into. I reach inside it and find a familiar wooden box. I open it and see my old ‘friends’ after a long while. The box and hiding place kept them dry even after all these years, that's good.

As Ellie likes to say, preparation is important.

"So cool!" (Sophie)

“Wow! As expected of a secret base!” (Lara)

“I know, right?! Ah, I almost forgot.

Ellie, there should be some Pond Fruits on the very tall palms around the beach. They're the only fruits around so you can't miss them. Pick a few for each of us, okay? Make sure you get ones that are entirely yellow or red, with no green spots.” (Kira)

{“Okay. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”} (Ellie)

“Mommy, what’s a Pond Fruit?” (Sophie)

“They’re this big, hard fruit that only grows near the ocean. You crack the shell with a rock and you can eat the insides. The taste is a bit bland, but it’s filling.” (Kira)

“They’re called Pond Fruits even though they’re near the ocean?” (Sophie)

“That’s right, sweetie.” (Kira)

It’s a conspiracy by the Department of Label Designation you know! They refuse to change it even after decades of complaints, it’s on purpose. That way they can collect on the complaint fees.

It’s a conspiracy I tell you! A very poor and uninteresting one, but a conspiracy nonetheless!

“Pfft! What’s with that? Hahaha!” (Lara)

“Is it really that funny?” (Kira)

“Hehe, a little bit.” (Sophie)

Alright, I’ll forgive them for that stupid name since it put a smile on my daughters’ faces.

Ellie came back a minute or so later. We started a campfire, ate a dinner of Pond Fruit. I put two blankets on the ground and then we snuggled up together as a family, with the kids between us mothers. We covered ourselves with the other three blankets.

The kids fall asleep almost instantly since they played earnestly in the afternoon. Seeing their carefree laughing faces was the best gift I could ever get.

* * *

*Woosh*

“Peh! Peh! Ptui!” (Kira)

Damn wind! It blew sand into my face! This is not the way I wanted to wake up!

I forgot I used to make a small tent out of sticks and the extra blankets to prevent this. I wipe my face with my sleeve without getting up since I don’t want to disturb the girls’ slumber due to my misfortune. My vision is a bit blurry but I see the morning sky above and a white tail that’s gently swaying in the wi-

Tail? I do a double take and stare at the errant figure in the grotto.

“...” (Kira)

“...” (Lilly)

Lilly is there, staring back at me. She looks like she froze mid-step as she was leaving. There’s a wicker basket on the ground near us, it’s covered up with cloth and there’s a nice smell wafting from it.

There's a note with 'Good Morning!' written on it.

“A dream, huh?” (Kira)

I turn my head around and lie on my side so I’m facing Sophie, Lara and Ellie. I gently embrace Sophie. The warmness of family should help ward off this strange dream behind me.

“Um…” (Lilly)

I raise my hand towards the figment of my imagination without looking at it. I motion for it to stop with my palm. Then I wave my index finger left and right a little before gesturing that it should shove off. The apparition seems to get the hint and leaves quietly.

Good, please don’t disturb my family’s peaceful slumber even though you’re just an illusion.

Tried re-posting this chap, I think I posted the old one as a closed thread by mistake.