Chapter 5: A Mediator

From the moment Prahsehss found me in the forest, my life has been nothing short of intense. Between Prehp and Master grilling Prahsehss for answers and Prahsehss trying to find something for me to wear, no one noticed when wide eyes peered out of the bushes and laid out a yellow dress before scurrying away. I quickly slipped into it and tried to sneak away from the chaos, but Prahsehss had other plans. She wanted to talk. A lot.

It was fun at first. Learning everything that had happened on Storyteller Planet and the possibilities of what could happen next. But then she wouldn't stop talking. So much so that I had to ask Prehp to control his wife before I threw her in the nearest river to cool off. Once the chatter subsided and I was able to wander around the forest, things seemed peaceful. Aside from Master watching me from a distance every time I wandered near Breather Beach.

They didn't seem dangerous or even creepy. Just curious eyes peering from down the path. But seriously, can't I get a moment to myself on this planet? I wish that I could have someone to advocate for me. Who understands that personal space is necessary, and that the need to watch me constantly is unnecessary. But then Master eventually walks up to me once I wander back into the forest and holds out a handbound journal.

“Life must be overwhelming,” Master says, a blush tinging their cheeks. “But maybe writing about it can help?”

I hold the journal with a tender smile. “Did you make this?”

“Yes, well, I tend to write a lot, and-”

Just then, the wind whips around us in a flurry of golden leaves, and I instinctively cling to Master out of fear. We watch in fascination as the leaves swirl in a field of wildflowers.

Out of the leaves falls a woman with pale skin and auburn hair.

“Looks like you didn't need me after all,” she smirks at me.

“Who are you?” I ask.

“A mediator,” she says, looking around with a frown. “But I seem to be missing my husband. Have you seen him?”

Master and I shake our heads, and she simply shrugs, looking up at the clouds. “Oh well. He'll be here soon enough.”

I glance at the flush growing in Master's face and slowly release them, holding out a hand to our newest member.

“Come on, mediator. Let's go find you some clothes. I know a girl.”