Chapter 9: A valet for your vows.
Pip's pulse crystals strain under the behemoth of a backpack stuffed to the brim with maps, scrolls, potions, ropes, various foods and fittings and what he could only assume was some kind of mobile alchemy lab.
His mechanical servos groan under the weight of their journey's provisions.
Behind him, Vuvi emerges from the apothecary, draped in full traveling regalia.
It was certainly... a look.
A set of light armour hugs her frame, covered in strange runes. Beneath it she wears a leather-reinforced ensemble, thick boots and a short sword that hangs from her hips. And hanging from her back was a strange weapon, like a magical-gemstone infused brass pumpkin with a handle and trigger. She calls it The Boombuster.
"Ugh! I hate this." Vuvi groans, tugging at her chest plate and belts. "Feels like I'm wearing a chastity belt over my entire body. My boobs can't breathe! And this bloody sword... it's just not me."
Pip stares at her and tilts his head.
"What?! I'm a tinkerer. An inventor. My mind is molded for alchemy and science... I'm no soldier!" she huffs and pouts. "Buuuuut... Mother insists! Says we have to be ready to stab or shoot something at a moment's notice."
Maribelle stands at the garden gate, staring at them with half-lidded, expression-less eyes, arms folded under her still bare breasts.
"Make sure you aim the Boombuster away from your face next time, Vuvi" she says wistfully. "I'm sure you don't want to blow off your eyebrows again... like you blew up half my pantry."
"It's properly calibrated this time, Mama!" Vuvi snaps. "...I think."