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Warm weather always brought about a better mood.

With the StarFall festival in full swing, one of the few things Xyla most definitely wanted to do was spend time at the reservoir, dip her feet in the water, and run in the squeaky sand. An activity that she could only do while in glamour since it would raise eyebrows if she ran around as a mauvian acting much like a dog.

Saddly, she didn’t have a swimsuit to wear, but she did have a rather cute summer dress that would allow her to blend in with the crowd of other people.

Unfortunately, time seemed to pass more quickly when she was having fun, especially when in the company of a precious friend. As the hour of glamour neared its end, Xyla had to part ways for a short while to find a safe place to hide before the magic wore out and she was suddenly turned back into a mauvian for everyone to see.

Easier said than done since the restrooms were crowded and there was no alley to duck into. The caves, however…. The caves would do just fine as long as she could make it there in time.

Xyla hustled towards a known entrance where only a few people were loitering by the opening. She gave the small group a brief nod before rushing past them further into the tunnels until the light was dim enough that she was certain nobody could see her.

“Never enough time,” she commented to what she thought was herself as the glamour faded and all that was left sitting behind a large rock was a blue and black-furred mauvian. At least in this form, she could use magic and sense nearby auras, which was perhaps the only reason she knew she was not alone this deep into the cave.

“Hello?” she called out, her voice echoing down the rocky tunnel.

Xyla glanced back over her shoulder where the cave entrance was.

It wasn’t lost upon her how this invitation could easily be a trap but she senses no other auras within the cave. But that didn’t mean the two of them were alone. She knew that when using her glamour that her aura was hidden, Xyla also knew that there were some senshi and agents that had some medallion that diminished their aura as well.

Mauvians also had the ability to mask auras, which was exactly what Coco might be doing now. However, her friendliness almost bordered naivety which lent itself to the contrary of her assumption.

“I supposed I could,” Her paws and fur were already wet and it would be unwise to rejoin Amara after being discovered here. It might put her in danger if Coco were to follow and see her talking to the girl. No, she couldn’t compromise her friend’s identity so carelessly.

Forgive me, I’ll join you soon, she thought the apology knowing that her friend wouldn’t be able to hear. Fortunately, if things became dire, Xyla could always teleport away so she might as well play nice for now.

Xyla chuckled softly to herself, the sound echoing faintly off the damp walls. A strange one indeed, she thought to herself, her sharp yellow eyes glinting with curiosity. This should at least prove entertaining.

Outside, the warmth of the day had reached its peak, but here within the reservoir caves, the air clung to her fur like a second skin. The damp stone walls exuded a coolness that did little to counter the humidity pressing on her small shoulders. Her paws felt heavy with waterlogged fur and a fine coating of gritty sand that clung stubbornly between her toes.

The dim tunnels stretched endlessly ahead, lit only by a faint phosphorescent glow of pastel lights. Xyla followed Coco’s aura with ease, her voice lifting as she spoke. “The wise often see what others miss. So tell me, what treasures have these caves whispered to you?” she asked since it seemed Coco was at least somewhat familiar with the reservoir caves where she was not.

Xyla approached cautiously, peering down at the little glow worm with an expression mixed between mild curiosity and disgust. They gave off no aura, like youma’s, and did not seem hostile. But that didn’t negate the fact she did not want to get any of their slime on her fur.

“Interesting…” her voice trailed. “Do you suppose these might have some relation to the monster that has been rumored to grab people in the reservoir?”

Xyla’s tail swooshed thoughtfully as she glanced around, her sleek blue and black striped fur catching the faint light from the luminescent worms. “Whispers along the beach speak of hidden paths. Tunnels that thread through the earth like veins, some even speculate that a few reach toward the lake.” She paused, her voice taking on a more cryptic tone. “How they connect, though… I do not know. But it’s an intriguing thought.”

Her gaze swept across the cave, her sharp eyes catching every glimmer of light. “Tunnels from the lake to here? Perhaps it’s true, but if so, the path is likely older than the stories people tell. Something hides in the depths of the reservoir, something that doesn’t want to be found.”

She flicked her tail, her whiskers twitching as her voice softened. “The glowworms and the monster may be mere clues in a riddle whose answer is still out of reach. But all things, strange or not, are bound together and pulling us towards something… more.” Or not… but the enigma of it all stirred something in Xyla, drawing her in with a quiet curiosity.

Xyla’s ears twitched as she watched Coco with an amused glint in her yellow eyes, “The sunlight awaits,” she flicked her tail, her tone carrying a playful edge. “But be careful… monsters in lakes often have stories to tell, and not all of them end well for the listener,” she added, her voice a soft purr of riddles.

As she watched Coco turn to leave, Xyla remained where she was, her striped fur blending into the shadows of the bioluminescent cave. Her gaze lingered on the glowworms for a moment longer. With a quiet hum, she murmured to herself, “Two paths crossed, then parted again. But the threads they leave may yet tie to something greater.”Perhaps they may meet again, or perhaps the thread that led them both here might snap, only time would tell.

With that, she teleported out of the cave to a secluded place where she could sunbathe until her fur was dry once more.