The Journey There: The Small Town Magic Arc Begins!

"Mitch, how much further to Aplonica?"

"The GPS says another 4 hours Rick." Mitch replied as he drove the rental car. Rick sat beside Essie in the back, while Cerissa was up front.

"We'll save the townspeople there, and maybe learn about Glicko as well." Cerissa smiled hopefully.

"Yeah." Essie added with a sweet smile of her own, which made Rick blush just like it always did. "We will be one step closer to getting Rick's parents home safely, Cerissa and my memories back, and Petunia cured as well."

"All thanks to the best crew I could hope for!" Mitch said enthusiastically. "I've got all of your backs, always."

Essie smiled and laid her head on Rick's shoulder, peacefully falling asleep. Rick grinned ear to ear before clonking out as well.

"That was quick." Cerissa giggled at the sounds of their snoring comrades. "Although it's good that we squeezed in some more practice in the Training World before we set off. We don't want a real world loss like we experienced in our mock battle with Tate and Wasila."

"Agreed." Mitch said warmly. "That fusion spell in your book was worth learning through our mutual training session, and it'll no doubt make for a good tactic. Rick told me that he and Essie also learned something worthwhile when they practiced together in their own simulation."

"Essie told me that too, and I don't think she minded some one on one time with Rick." Cerissa smiled.

"They're good for each other, and their bond will make them a force to be reckoned with as well. The same can be said for us, although our dynamic is not quite the same." Mitch chuckled.

"True." Cerissa laughed once again. "I may not remember my past yet, including my family. But having a father figure like you eases that burden Mitch, and that connection between us will remain even after I regain my memories from Glicko."

"Yes, having never had children of my own, I am grateful to be able to call you a daughter, Cerissa."

A call then came through on Mitch's phone. It was none other than their new client, Tamma Aplonica.

To be continued....