The Enchanted White Cat

Episode 7: The Calm After Chaos

The sun was high in the sky as the group made their way back toward the village, the tension of the previous encounter behind them. Despite the chaos they had endured, there was a sense of lightness in the air, a shared camaraderie that made the journey back feel almost like a victory lap.

Phuwin, still perched on Pond's shoulder, flicked his tail lazily as the group walked in companionable silence. Every now and then, someone would chuckle at the memory of Phuwin's impromptu cat performance during the battle, and though Phuwin tried to maintain his dignity, even he couldn't help but laugh.

"I have to admit," Phuwin said, his voice filled with amusement, "if I have to act like a cat, at least I'm doing it in style."

"Style?" Joong grinned, casting a glance at the tiny crown still perched on Phuwin's head. "That's one word for it."

"Hey, don't knock the crown," Phuwin shot back, adjusting it with his paw. "I'm royalty, remember?"

"Royalty or not," Dunk said, laughing, "that was the best distraction we've ever had in a fight."

Pond chuckled, reaching up to give Phuwin a playful pat. "I think we all needed a good laugh after everything we've been through."

As they continued walking, the village slowly came into view, its cozy rooftops peeking through the trees. The sight of the familiar inn brought a sense of relief, and the prospect of rest and good food was more than welcome after the exhausting battle with the rogue mage.

"Do you think Satang's team made it back yet?" Dunk asked, glancing around as they entered the village.

"If they did, I'm sure they're already gloating," Joong said with a smirk. "But we still beat them to the rogue mage, so that's what counts."

"Besides," Pond added, "I'm not really interested in who wins. I just want a hot meal and a long nap."

Phuwin yawned dramatically from Pond's shoulder. "You and me both."

As they approached the inn, the door swung open, and Satang stepped out, his usual mischievous grin in place. "Well, well, well. Look who finally made it back."

"We beat you to the mage," Phuwin said smugly, hopping off Pond's shoulder and landing gracefully on the ground. "So if anyone's winning this little competition, it's us."

Satang laughed, clapping his hands together. "Alright, alright. I'll give you that. You found the rogue mage first. But did you manage to keep your dignity while doing it?"

Phuwin's tail flicked in annoyance. "Let's not talk about dignity right now."

"Oh, we're definitely talking about dignity," Satang said, his grin widening. "Especially since I hear you were chasing your own tail during the fight."

Pond, Joong, and Dunk tried—and failed—to suppress their laughter. Even Phuwin had to bite back a smile, despite his best efforts to look annoyed.

"You just wait, Satang," Phuwin said, narrowing his eyes playfully. "Next time you're in trouble, I'll remember this."