Code S.L.I.M.E.

Chapter 16: Fishin' Gone

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Aoki's POV

The plate in front of me was completely empty of what was once there. I didn't remember what it was called, as it was too bland.

So I sat silently on Mother's lap for a long time.

Eventually, Mother got my attention again by poking me. "Aoki, do you want to know what we're doing today?"

I thought about it for a few moments with Thought Acceleration before giving up. "Tell me."

Mother made a sound similar to laughing. "We're sticking together, that's what. All day. How does that sound?"

I wanted that, so long as Mother wouldn't set me down without me asking to be. "You won't put me down?"

"Nope."

I had another requirement. "Or give me to the goblinkin?"

Mother did the thing close to laughing again, my dictionary skill defined it as giggling after prodding it. "Nah, Kokobu is off the hook for today."

There was still something I wanted... "Can I be on your head?"

Mother didn't even answer and just placed me on his head. That made me happy.

"Today I've decided to take you fishing, since you haven't seen that much of Tempest yet, and it's a good way to see something new." It sounded like Mother was hiding something, and that came across slightly through our contact.

The big orc spoke up from the spot next to us. "A wise decision, Lord Rimuru. My Kokobu can help you both prepare for your outing."

Mother shook his head. "No, that's fine. I have everything I need already."

Kokobu stood up and began speaking loudly. "Lady Shuna would scold yo–... No, she would scold both of us if I don't properly prepare you and the Princess for a trip!"

The big orc reached out to place a hand between Mother and Kokobu. "Kokobu, be more careful with your words. All of your siblings are listening."

She moved back in response and made some gesture of apology. "Sorry Father, and sorry Lord Rimuru. I wasn't intending to be disrespectful."

Mother giggled again, having done it a lot this morning. "No worries. You were just looking out for me, right? The last thing I need is a lect– meeting with Shuna over this."

The conversation was starting to bore me, though.

"What is fishing?" I asked.

Mother placed his hand to his chin, and made a 'hm,' before continuing. "It's when you use a tool called a fishing pole to catch a type of animal called a fish. Well, I guess some people use nets instead, but we'll be using poles today."

I tilted my head in response to the explanation, it made little sense. "I know what fish are. Why use a stick when you can eat fish directly from the water?"

Mother patted my head. "Because it's not as fun. Plus, you stay dry that way."

That did not make sense either. "How is it more 'fun'? And staying dry is easy. Water just slides off. Or you can eat it to make it go away."

"Part of us doing this together is so you can learn to have fun. Just give it a chance, okay?"

"Okay."