Pixa

Bela and Sabio, newly Undertide after moving to an archeological Dugout in the Icewarden's domain, take in the sights, both feeling out of their depths in completely different ways.

"I know I said I needed a vacation, but I'm not sure there's going to be much relaxation going on here." Bela says, though she can't help smiling at all the festivities.

Sabio, Bela's brother, nods and squeaks to himself as doing so jostles the bundle of eggs he's got carefully secured. Two new members of Sunset's legacy are only days away from hatching, so he took the opportunity to bring them along.

The final member of their entourage, Bela's plus one, Pixa the Mirror messenger holds up a map to the two Undertide. She peeks out from behind it, with an excited smile.

"Bela, we're on the coast here! You hardly get any chances to swim these days. Not to mention, they've got hot springs. No need to stick around busy spots and socialize too much." Pixa says, speaking quickly enough that it's a little overwhelming.

Sabio snorts. "Looks like you've got your day planned for you for once, Bela. As for me, I think I'll head to the Glittering Library." He spreads his wings and takes off without another word.

"...I wanted to check that out too." Bela tsks.

Pixa snickers. "We can meet up later. I saw that gleam in your eyes, those hot springs are enticing aren't they?"

Bela rolls her eyes fondly. "You want to go as much as I do, Pixa."

Pixa laughs properly this time, "I'll race you there!" She says, crouching into a ready position.

"You're on," Bela says, getting ready to take off.

It's no contest; Pixa is already lazing around in the spring by the time Bela arrives.

Bela and Pixa enjoy sampling the different flavors of fruit drinks available at the hot springs! A pair of brightly-colored aquatic birds seem interested in sampling them, too...

Says Simera - "Careful, once you feed them, they'll remember your face and follow you around all week! You can just shoo them away, they'll take the hint...for a while, at least..."

Bela, Pixa, and Sabio had had a great day relaxing and socializing with many relatives, and by the next morning were energetic and excited, with the atmosphere only heightening that feeling.

They each wished Sunset a bright 'Happy Birthday!' and followed the crowd to the shore.

Pixa graciously took Sabio's eggs to keep them safe while the siblings went treasure hunting.

"I'll be heading into the coral reef, I think," says Bela, "I've never been in one before."

"Those caves sound interesting; plenty of spots to hide things, I'm betting." Sabio says, flexing his fins in anticipation.

"Good luck!" Pixa shouts, as they both dive into the water.

Pixa hefts the eggs carefully in her grasp, looking at them with a sort of longing. She sighs, staring out to the beautiful, calm seas that Bela and Sabio are made for.

"I'm excited for you," she begins, speaking to the eggs,"you'll never know a life like mine. A father and aunt that love you... the ocean's embrace, an extended family like no other...! It's more than I have ever had."

She shakes her head, though her face shifts into something sorrowful. "She would never-!" Pixa chokes away a sob. "Oh," she says, glaring at herself, "listen to my dire thoughts, how terrible of me to think of something like that here."

Pixa carefully rubs her face against her arms. Her next sigh is shaky. "Bela, I love you." she whispers.

The days flew by for Bela, Pixa, and Sabio. Though they didn't get many chances to speak with their relatives, they were happy enough to relax and have fun as their own little group.

Bela found herself swimming more than she ever had before, taking her mind off of her worries. Pixa was always there to meet her when she resurfaced. The two of them became closer friends, and were almost never seen very far from one another. Bela and Pixa had an uproarious time at the feast, each enjoying as much on offer as they could, Bela savoring the oyster chowder, and Pixa loving just about every meaty dish available.

Bela and Pixa watched the fireworks together, in awe of the display. Pixa seems to say something to Bela quietly as the fireworks bloom in the sky, her voice inaudible. Bela is smiling sadly, imagining a bittersweet departure from the reunion already.

They begin their long journey home the morning after, feeling optimistic for the future.