???: Again...boy. Stop sleeping. This is why your "friend" will die...You're too weak.

-Shrieking with evil laughter caused me to awaken in a pit of sweat-

Jiro: Why can't you just leave me alone? Dammit, these sleep paralysis demons messing with me! 

-Removing his shirt and tossing it into the laundry basket, I went to take a bathe-

Jiro: (Relaxed) Ahhh! I could use this... <shutting his eyes>

-He felt a chill aroma in the bathroom, and checks the water...slowly freezes his dong off-

Jiro: Shit! Can I catch a break for once?! PLEASE! <frustrated> 

-Rubbing my shoulders, my teeth began to jitter and I needed to get outta here-

Jiro: W-w-w-wa where's the TOWEL? 

-Panicking as he roamed around the large area until he came across it-

Jiro: Here we go, nice and warm Jiro---and it's cold----awesome <annoyed>

-Listening to the girly laughs inside my head....this shit was not funny-

Jiro: I'm serious...whoever is laughing...stop it creep.

-Finally able to hear nothing was good...but the bad part is migraines...they're all coming back to me. Freaking perfect. And to make matters worse, the doorknob is frozen shut. Yes, that means I can't get out...but I got an idea

Jiro: (Spitting both of his hands) Tch, tch. OPEN SESAME! <pointing to the door>

-The door handle remained unmovable... i'm so screwed...-

Jiro: Welp, time for plan b4 a 969

-Getting into a running stance, I ran towards the sealed door and clashed my body against it...but unable to knock it down-

Jiro: Fuck! Gotta try again, Ren! 

-Going back a couple feet, I started to act upon my current crisis and crash the door down more times than I can count. Feeling tired and in a near-hypothermic state...there is no way I will die here. Not in some damn bathroom while a perverted chick laughs inside my head-

Jiro: HELL NO! I WON'T DIE HERE! THAT'S A MOTHERFUCKING BET! 

-Lifting my foot high enough in the air, I charged up my foot to gain enough power to smash the damn door...and once it landed. Freedom was obtainable...-

Jiro: Oh...warm air...how weird it feels now? <curling up into a ball>

-I wrapped my naked body with a towel and laid on the floor-

Jiro: wooo- that was close, Jiro! Almost died...

LATER 

After my body finally started to warm up. My toes seemed to move slightly. That's the good part. The hardest...was to get up...and as I stood...I stumbled...

Jiro: Come on, Jiro....You gotta get up...Subaru needs you...now more than ever!

-Grunting to his feet, I was determined to get ready for my early trip to the mansion-

Jiro: Haha! LET's Go! 

-Checking throughout my wardrobe, I snatched a few pair of clothes and stuff them inside the bag...looking for my current outfit and the newest one I'm gonna use today...I decided to choose a long black-sleeve shirt and charcoal colored pants-

Jiro: Alright...now it's time to go...

-Picking up my backpack, I tossed it over my shoulder and walked out the door...swinging it open...there was a familiar face standing outside the door-

Jiro: Reinhard van Astrea <sounding joyous>

Reinhard: Good morning, Jiro. You're up very early? 

Jiro: Yup, today I am leaving to visit Subaru.

Reinhard: I figured...here take this...

-Handing over a bagful of coins, I couldn't take it...-

Jiro: I---I can't take this, Reinhard <politely declined>

-Shoving it away from me, he smiled before pushing it forward and told me-

Reinhard: And why not? You worked hard these past couple of days...you deserve a reward.

Jiro: But---it doesn't feel right to be handed money from a friend...

Reinhard: I am humbled you consider me a "friend" but really...for your journey to the mansion. I suggest you take this. You never know whom you might encounter on the road.

Jiro: Are---Are you sure? <hesitant to receive it>

Reinhard: Absolutely, my friend! 

Jiro: Alright, thank you...

-Receiving the gold, I began walking down the hall before he called out to me-

Reinhard: Hey, aren't you forgetting something?!

Jiro: I don't think so----Wait?! Where's Mokkinbãdo?! (Japanese version of Mockingbird)

Reinhard: I have no clue...where did you last leave it? I'll help!

Jiro: Hmm, that's no problem...because <thinking> ......i left it inside Felt's room last night.

Reinhard: That's nice to hear. Keep track of such a "legendary" blade....you don't wanna lose it.

Jiro: Will do! 

-Walking away, I stopped before turning back around and held out my hand-

Jiro: Can't leave without saying "goodbye" right?

Reinhard: (Smiling) We'll meet each other again, Ren Jiro. This isn't "goodbye" but <shaking my hand> I am glad we were able to spend time. I've learned much about you.

Jiro: Same! <checking the hallway window...he perceived that the sun was rising soon> Welp, I gotta hurry.

Reinhard: Of course...

-Rushing out, he called out one last time to say something important-

Reinhard: Remember! To buy yourself a dragon carriage...one of the fastest land creatures on this continent!

Jiro: Thanks! I'll remember that! See you around, Reinhard!

Reinhard: "Farewell" Ren Jiro... <smirking>

-Watching me disappear from his vision, he began walking away whilst I ran to Felt's room...finally able to reach it...I slowly turn the knob quietly to not disturb my little sis-

Jiro: Ok...use baby steps...super quiet...<creak> dammit

Felt: (Sleeping) Mmmhhmmm <turns over to face me>

Jiro: Silent...<creak>

Felt: (Yawns) uh----ahaaaaa

-Facepalming my forehead, I noticed she was holding onto my sword in her sleep...fuck-

Jiro: I still have to get it...no matter what

-Prying my hands over to grab Mokkinbãdo in a sneaky fashion, Felt left me an opening which was perfect for me to take it-

Jiro: Awesome....now I can go---

-Pausing over to see his sleeping sister in bed, he didn't want to leave her behind...but has no other choice...sitting lightly on her side. He made a promise to her-

Jiro: I promise...once I come back...we'll go and have a lotta fun. I'll buy all the cotton candy you want <snorts> anyways, it's time for me to become the "Man" you always wanted me to be...

-Kissing her forehead, I got off the bedside-

Jiro: I love you, Felt. Be safe...Little one...

-Closing the door behind him, he exhaled in nervousness-

Jiro: I'm ready...

TIMESKIP

While Jiro went to the marketplace inside the capital, he found a stable which held a dragon carriage currently...bargaining with the...aka..."taxi driver"...we came to an agreement that he would spend less because I'm a tourist...truly wonderful this world can surprise me with. Hopping onto the cart, he whips the earth dragon to sprint outside the gate...and for a couple hours, we rode to the mansion...partially to our destination...I didn't feel like talking or distracting the rider. But, I had to ask a question.

Jiro: Excuse sir, how far are we from the mansion.

Dragon Driver: Hmmm, <rubs his hairy chin> about 3/4 of the way there...

Jiro: Whew, that dragon sure is fast...

Dragon Driver: I know...isn't she a beauty...

Jiro: Yeah, she is. What's her name? 

Dragon Driver: I call her Yui. Her and I have been through a lot...and has saved my sorry-ass too many times...

Jiro: That's one loyal pet...what did you mean by being "saved"? What kinda trouble were you in?

Dragon Driver: (Scared) I shouldn't say...but there's something in woods even the fiercest beasts don't dare challenge...

Jiro: It's that terrifying, huh. Well, I'm glad you got out alive then...

Dragon Driver: Thank you, Mr. Ren. I'm sorry we had to take a break, Yui needs some rest before we continue...

Jiro: Not to worry...take your time.

MOMENTS LATER

The sun began to lower each hour, and the daylight was disappearing...clearly off the road making it darker to see...but worst of all, I could hear Yui began to squawk in fear...

Dragon Driver: WOAH GIRL! CALM! <rubs her neck softly>

Jiro: (Confused) What's wrong with her?

Dragon Driver: She's afraid...of the---

Jiro: The what?

Dragon Driver: Shit---this fucking mist...a pain in my ass...

Jiro: The mist?

Dragon Driver: You haven't heard the stories...damn tourists <chuckles> the mist is a very bad sign...

Jiro: Why?

Dragon Driver: The Witch Cult, Mr. Ren...they're a group you don't wanna mess with...especially if you're not a fighter...

Jiro: Witch Cult?! Are they like thugs?

Dragon Driver: Way worse!!! All of their members are insane, more like psychopaths built on the ideas of their cursed gospel. If you're an enemy of the Witch Cult, you are entirely screwed...no one can escape their wrath...no one <turning very pale> the mist clouds the path ahead to the mansion meaning we gotta resume tomorrow morning...otherwise we'll die... May we please find somewhere to sleep? Mr. Ren?! This isn't a good time to take chances!

Jiro: I completely understand...continue onward...we'll find a tavern or a resting stop...

Dragon Driver: Thank you, sir. I will reduce the fee...

Jiro: Umm, that's nice. But, why?

Dragon Driver: I'm obligated to follow the payers procedure...even it is crazy...

Jiro: Oh....well be glad I'm not insane like those guys you spoke of...

Dragon Driver: Hehe, if you were one of them...we'll have problems...For sure...

LATER THAT NIGHT

The rider finally stopped near a four-way route, and one leads to the mansion which is just north of our current position. In the east, there lies a nearby tavern. The place we needed to stay tonight. I can't blame the guy, because I wouldn't want to spend the night fighting off merciless killers and psychotic maniacs whom please their so called "master" or the term he said...was the Witch? I thought it was Satan to be perfectly honest but I guess "she's" a close second...Whilst we headed east, the dragon reached the destination and enters into the stable. Tying up against the post...both of us entered the tavern...many wenches and dirty folk alike in these parts just like any other bar...no one would dare attempt to purge here...there is enough sinners as it is...why kill...when they are already drinking themselves to death.

Jiro: 1 room please...for two...<trying to not sound awkward>

Innkeeper: Whatever, kiddo... <checking out the dragon rider> don't make too much noise...

-Handing out the room key, I paid him the amount and took it-

Jiro: Thank you, sir...

Innkeeper: Uh huh, now get outta my sight you little rascal.

-Leaving the bar table and walking upstairs, I laid on top of the bed exhausted after today-

Jiro: Man, it was rough! 

-Resting beside me, the rider...was right next to-

Jiro: Hey, I called dibs first...this is my bed...get your own.

Dragon Rider: I would but...THERE IS THE ONLY BED. WE GOTTA SHARE!

Jiro: Ugh, fuck...why did I say one room? Whatever...

Dragon Rider: Thanks, I appreciate---

Jiro: (Interrupts) But, no funny business....GOT IT!

-Turning to flick the light off, I went to sleep and dream of the following day-

8/24/20--->8/25/20