Aqua pushed open the door of The Shack. That familiar news reporter way of speaking met his ears.

"...orest has just broken its previous record. Survey teams say that this is the longest they've seen it without a single fire."

Tropi looked over her shoulder. "Can you believe that Aqua?"

"Fake news?" he joked back. He was relieved to see Lunar and his friend enjoying some tv. Or maybe enjoying was the wrong word for the lynx, as she seemed to be more enthralled by the screen.

"Want some lemonade?" Tropi got up from her cushion.

Aqua followed her to the kitchen. "Sure."

"Is it okay if you head into the city today?" she began pouring his glass.

"Why?"

"Well," Tropi titled her head towards the brochure stand. "We're running low on brochures and I was hoping you could fetch some more from Mr. Crunch."

"I'm working today."

She handed Aqua his drink. "Chill can take over your shift. Plus, this'll be a great opportunity to show Lunar around!"

The lemonade went the wrong way and he began spluttering.

"Aqua! Are you okay?" Tropi began patting his back frantically.

He cleared his throat and set his glass back on the counter. "There was sand in that."

"What?! That can't be right. I'll make you another one."

Lunar appeared in the kitchen with concerned eyes.

"No thank you. I'll just have a drink from here…" his voice trailed off as he opened the fridge.

"What the heck, Tropi."

"Hey! There was a bulk sale and I thought, why not try running a lemonade stand for some fun?" she pouted.

Lunar started dusting off the lemons which fell out of the fridge and putting them back in.

"Thank you, Lunar." Tropi joined her.

With the closing of the fridge and no new drink, Tropi placed her paws on Lunar's shoulders. "So, back to the original topic. Is that a yes?" Tropi asked behind her unsuspecting captive.

Aqua frowned and looked up at the ceiling. "...We'll probably drop by Lunar's home first though."

"Sounds like a plan!" Tropi turned to Lunar. "You two have fun, alright?"

"Yes, ma'am!" Lunar saluted.

***

Aqua made sure they ascended over the rocky wall on the side facing bush instead of the open beach. Once over, they were met with another mass of stone.

"...I think it's this way," Lunar led.

Sure enough there was a gap, partially hidden by aged rubble. The small lynx disappeared into the darkness with a light green glow following.

Aqua pressed through the cold stone a bit slower, allowing his eyes to adjust.

A field of light blue glowing flowers stretched before him.

"I'm back!" Lunar announced, making her way through the field towards a grand tree that stood in the center.

Aqua followed her hesitantly. "Um, Lunar…" he cringed as his low voice echoed throughout the cave.

"Yes?" she turned to look at him.

"Where's your family?"

"They're here."

He couldn't rid himself of this strange feeling that only began once he entered. It felt like ancient energy, flowing throughout the place. "...What do you mean?"

"The flowers and The Great Tree! But they might be a bit shy, that's why they're not talking," she tilted her head.

Aqua stopped in his tracks, "O-okay?"

New concerns immediately rose up from the previous. No one in their right mind would pretend to live in a place and talk to plants, not even trespassers. He was dealing with a wholly unique situation which he most certainly wasn't certified or trained to handle.

…Then what was there to do except play along?

"My name is Aqua, it is a pleasure to meet you all." He dipped his head.

Lunar's open mouth soon turned into a smile. "He and Tropi helped me with my wound!" She went on to recount all that had happened so far.

"...Aqua wanted to know if you happened to hire any guarding services."

…

……

"Hm… still not sure then," Lunar shook her head.

"That's okay. I can double check my contract with the Earth Kinds office later," he said outloud, mostly to reassure himself.

"Ah! Also!" Lunar exclaimed, suddenly remembering something. "I brought you guys back something from the outside!" She sat down and unzipped her bandana pocket.

"Ta-da!"

"It's a- um… erm…"

"Shell."

"Shell! And it's super pretty!" Lunar placed it gently in front of The Great Tree. "I thought it would be nice if I collected something from every new place I explored!"

Aqua was standing off to the side watching. Usually he wouldn't allow people to take shells as it was destructive to the ecosystem, but weirdly enough if it wasn't for the grass, he felt as though the shell was meant to be there.

"Aqua and I are going to the city now. I'll be back soon!"

He gave an awkward bow to the flora and accompanied Lunar to the exit.