At any point when Ozzy hugs you, Ember, is there ever time he forgets that he's hugging his best friend and squeezes too hard, like he's crushing his prey? I would think at that point, you'd have to remind him who he's hugging his coils against.

'Oh, no,... Ozzy is always very gentle with his hugs, and never squeezes too hard,... although he does really hunt like that, atleast not anymore,... I'm not sure if he ever really did, to tell the truth,... he's very happy eating fruit and the fish the Islanders catch. I've never had him hug too hard, but I imagine he wouldn't be too hard to remind if that did happen.'

*Smiles and rubs the big snake's snout, causing him to lean into her, tail tip wagging as he lets off a sound like a hissing purr almost*

How is it that you came by your current duties as an Island Protector?

'Oh, you mean how did I become the Guardian of Nightshade Island? Well, that is a bit of a story,..'

*Sits and begins to tell her tale* (Found here: https://www.furaffinity.net/journal/9484078/ )

I'm...sorry you were ripped from your old island.

'Thank you,... I miss my old island and my family there, but I hope to find my way back there someday.'

I have three questions. Two of them are for Ember, and one for Ozzy. (Hope that's alright)

The two questions for Ember. How do you feel your friendship is with Lucia, Mikey, and Tu Li? The second being, if Mikey and Tu Li were to need your help, in a way regarding the portal that tends to pop up for you, will you let them use it?

The question for Ozzy. How would you be if you have met Mikey, Tu Li, and their pet Jaguar Seishin?

'That is fine' *Both Ember and Ozzy nod*

'I am very happy to be friends with Lucia, she and I have alot of fun together, and she is great to have with me in a fight, I am lucky to have her as a friend. I do consider Mikey and Tu Li to be friends and I am happy to have them as friends as well, but I do have to admit that I don't know them as well as I do other friends, like Lucia and Hula Girl, especially Tu Li, but I would love to get to know them better. Hmm? Oh, of course, if they needed help, I would be happy to give it, and they are certainly welcome to use the gates on my island, if they need, but I do caution that the Gates, if the place they want to go is not a place the Gates have already sent me to, then they may end up somewhere completely different.'

*Ozzy blinks, and tilts his head a moment, then nods, tail tip wagging happily. As Ember smiles and giggles, patting him on the head.* 'He is always happy to make new friends, and anyone I call a friend is already is friend as far as he sees it.'

Thanks :)


Yeah I can admit that those two have been kind of on their own for quite some time, mostly with both of them trying to find their place in the mysterious and Unknown World they found themselves in. But I am sure that may change in time :) . And glad to hear that you would be glad to help them :) . But for the Gates, who knows ;) .


I am really happy to hear that. Who knows what the future holds down the road for them :)

'You are welcome.'

'It sounds like they have been trying to find the path that is right for them, and where they need to be, and I'm sure they will, in time. Of course I would be happy to help.'

'I look forward to hearing more of their adventures in the future.'

I can say they have been. Especially considering that they are from two very different Worlds. Mikey being a skilled archer about to attend college, and Tu Li being a Huntress born and raised in the Jungle, even being given the title "Altor" by her fellow villagers. For Mikey to be in the Jungle, it's all completely new and unknown territory for him, which can be a problem for him not knowing the dangers. But am glad to see he has Tu Li, who has experience and knowledge about all of this, and can help him.

I also had one additional question for both Ember and Ozzy.

For Ember, despite having only brief times where you have met and hanged out with both Mikey and Tu Li, have they ever mentioned anything about a small grey cat creature with a symbol on its back that went by the name of Chirithy?

For Ozzy. Have you ever encountered a Spirit? And if so, how did you feel around one?

'Altor?' *Ember blinks*

'Chirithy? Hmm,... no, I can't say that name is familiar, nor have I heard anything about any kind of grey cat creature.'

*Ozzy blinks, and then nods at the question, tail tip wagging* 'He has met the Jungle Wisps, and they get along just fine.'

It was a word that they said was Latin? I think? They called her that because it meant protector. And since Tu Li was the biggest and tallest out of everyone in her village and when in a hunting group, they saw her as their "Altor".

Not many people have heard of it as far as I know. But they are said to be a grey cat creature that can mysteriously pop out of nowhere whenever they feel like it, and only when their chosen caretaker is nearby. I think the only ones besides Mikey and Tu Li who has seen one would be Hula Girl. Though she never interacted with one, she just saw it.

Glad to hear Ozzy is alright around the Wisps :) .

'Ah, okay, it makes sense that they would call her 'protector' then.'

'I see, well, I can't say I've ever seen one before, sorry.'

*Ozzy nods as Ember smiles* 'Yeah, they are friends, and I am happy to have Ozzy and the Wisps as my friends.'

Not many people know about this. Tu Li back then tended to keep to herself in the beginning when she met her friends and comrades. That was until they were friendly and accepted her and began to open up to them.

Maybe one day you may be able to :)

It's really great to hear that :) .

'Okay, I guess that is good to know.'

'Yeah, I'm very glad they get along'

I guess I was trying to say that since she's on a tropical Island again, she feels more at home, and has met friends who are also jungle Girls and Islanders.

But there was one question that I never got to ask you, Ember. I know you, Hula Girl, and some of your friends have gotten into sticky and muddy situations regarding quicksand pits. How difficult is it for someone to get out if anybody got stuck in a situation like that?

'Glad to hear she feels better now.'

'Hmm,... it can be pretty tough to get out of quicksand, especially on this island, and especially if you don't have experience with it.'

I feel the same way too.

Well then. Sounds like this would be real trouble then if that is the case.

'Oh, yes, quicksand is something that can be a lot of trouble, it is best to avoid it.'

Is there any recommendations on what to do if one were to find themselves in that particular situation?

'Well, it's hard to say, each situation is different, but mostly, stay calm, don't thrash or struggle more than you have to, try to find something to grab onto to pull yourself out, or at least keep from sinking. And don't be too proud to call for help.'

These are really good tips and really helpful advice :) . Thanks :D

'You are most welcome'

Do you know any magic, Ember? If so, what spells do you know? If not, have you ever considered learning it?

'Magic spells? No, I don't know any of those. I think, sometimes, that things like that could be helpful, but I do just fine without them,... just the magic in the weapons I have and the blessings of protection granted to me.'

I am sure that if you could learn spells to help you escape from quicksand, they'd be the first that you learn.

'Those could be helpful, I can't deny,... but I just don't think I'd make a very good spell caster,... I prefer to rely on my skills and weapons than on magic spells.'

Understandable. There are good sides and bad sides to all combat methods. Magic is no exception.

'Exactly, and some people are better suited to certain fighting styles than others.'

Alright, so questions for Ember.


What kind of tourists usually show up to the island? And do they generally listen to you as the guardian of the island?


How do you feel about friends like Adrian being a bit more... Revealing?


Borgar?


Do you think Wrath is Dio?


What colour is my underwear?


If Ozzy sheds his skin, do you use the old lair for anything?


And questions for Ozzy.


How much do you love Ember and helping her out?


What do you think is the point? Why do we float around in this vast galaxy of ours, sitting here wasting our time as we all slowly but surely turn to dust?


Borgar?


Well I think that's it...


"Oh! Oh! I got something! Ember, I was cooking some stuff and I wanted to know, what's your and Ozzy's favourite food? Also, how do you think Harlow and Ozzy should be kept apart with how much she screamed at him last time?"

'Hmm,... well, there are a few different kinds of tourists that come to the island,... the 'science' tourists definitely don't listen, they want to learn all about the jungle and wander through not paying attention to the dangers, or my warnings. Everything is 'fascinating', and they tend to leave behind these bowl-like tan hats, that float really well. The 'wow' tourists are very much like that, they walk into the jungle, looking at all the pretty things going 'wow' and not minding where they go,... they sometimes listen to me though. And then there are the 'beach' tourists, they don't have much interest in the jungle, and they do listen,... they tend to stay on the beach, doing things like surfing and having fun, and they like to trade things.'

'Well,... I may not agree with wearing so little, but that is their choice,.. of course what I wear is mostly for protection, they may have other reasons for wearing what they do.'

'Huh?' *Blinks*

'Hmm,... no, I'm pretty sure the Wraith is the Wraith.'

*Blinks* 'I don't know, what color is your underwear?'

'Hmm,... I've never seen Ozzy fully shed his skin like that, yet,... he does shed a few scales now and then when they get damaged, and quickly grows them back. I collect up the scales he sheds, sometimes having acouple on me will keep jungle animals away, maybe from his scent, but I haven't really done anything with the scales I collect yet, just keeping them safe for now.'

*Ozzy blinks and seems to consider this, then rubs up against Ember, tail tip wagging as he lets off a sound like a purring hiss, as Ember giggles and pets his head* 'I think that means 'very much'.'

*The big snake blinks again, and cants his head, seeming to consider this question for a few moments, before he nods and rises up, coiling alittle around Ember's legs, and pressing his snout to her face, nuzzling gently, as he 'hugs' her abit, as Ember smiles and hugs the big snake in return, causing him to purr-hiss again*

*Ozzy's eyes reopen at this next question and he looks right at you, nodding enthusiastically, forked tongue licking across his scaly lips*

'Oh, hey Lucia,... Hmm,... well, I'm really fond of the lobsters and crabs that the Islanders catch and cook,... but my favorite food, I think, are strawberries, especially when dipped in chocolate,... Mmmmm,.... As for Ozzy, he likes just about any fruit, and fish,... he seems to really enjoy roast Tuna fish. Oh, yes,... as much as I want Ozzy and Harlow to be friends, it might be best to keep them apart,... Harlow seemed really upset when she saw Ozzy, and her screaming really scared Ozzy alot.' *Ozzy whimpering abit at mention of this, but Ember pets him reassuringly.*

I see, sounds like there's a lot of tourists that can be huge pains, and I imagine you've had to pick up many of those hats and other junk they leave behind quite often. So I guess that makes the beach tourists the favourite?

Yeah, I do see you're point there. I believe she had a whole thing about aerodynamics .

You heard me, do you want borgar?

Are you sure?

Grey.

Sounds great!

Wow, such a amazing answer.

*Gives Ozzy Borgar*

"Chocolate dipped strawberries and roasted Tuna... Yeah, I think I can make that. Hmm... Yeah, good point, I think it will be best to slowly bring them closer. She got really protective last time."

'They can be a pain, and yeah, I've got a whole pile of those hats at the edge of the village, and other junk too, but I, and the Islanders, try to find a use for such things as best we can. Oh, it does, yes, they don't cause trouble and tend to be fun and respectful, and I can even learn things about the world beyond the island,... and sometimes trade for candy. Hehe'

*Blinks* 'Air-oh-die-namm-icks?'

'Umm,... sure, okay.'

*Nods*

*Ozzy nods*

*Ozzy nods again, nuzzling Ember abit more.*

*The big snake blinks, eyes going wide as he accepts the burger, gobbling it up happily, tail tip wagging.*

'Thank you, that would be great. Yeah, I think we need to do that slowly, but I would like them to be friends one day. Yeah, she does a good job of protecting you.'

Defiantly sounds like a pain, though at least you and the islanders do you're best to reuse their stuff. Good to hear that they are quite respectful and don't give you much trouble, even telling you about stuff and giving you candy. Like this *Hands Ember a chocolate bar*


Something to make her move a bit faster and easier. Been a while since I asked.


*Hands Ember a cheeseburger as well*


Well, Ozzy seems to enjoy a borgar.


'Yeah, it would be nice to have them be friends, but that has to be done slowly. Well, that's one way too put it.'

Yeah, but we do try to make good use of it, as best we can. Yes, it is nice that some tourists to the island are respectful and kind, and do give candy' *Giggles then blinks at the chocolate bar before accepting it with a smile, then hugging you* 'Thank you very much!'

'Ah,... I don't see how wearing less would do that, but okay,...' *Shrugs*

*Blinks and accepts the burger* 'Oh, I thought these were called something else, thank you very much.' *Eagerly takes a bite* 'Mmm,... these are really good too,...'

*Ozzy nods happily, tail tip wagging.*

*Ember nods* 'I agree, I do want them to be friends, but we have to be slow and careful. I guess it shows how much she cares about you.'

I can understand that. Yeah, I can defiantly understand those types of tourists are fun. *Hugs back* No problem!


Well don't you not wear more leaves because more become much more heavy, hot and a pain to deal with? I feel like that's the idea Adrian has, just more extreme with how little she wears.


Good to hear you like the borgar!


"Yeah, I guess that's the best option for now. Oh! Actually, there are two things that I've also always wondered about you Ember.

First, does you're hair just grow like that? Like has it always just had red tips, and those two hair pieces sticking out on the sides?

And you've told me before that the StoneBark Leaves come from this island, and that makes me wonder, what did you wear before being on Night island? And what did you do with it?"

'They can be alot of fun' *Smiles and hugs*

'Hmm,... I guess that makes sense, yeah,... I balance protection and movement,... maybe she does the same.'

'I do, these are good, thank you.' *Taking another bite*

'I think so too.'

'Hmm? Oh, yes, it does just grow like that now, though it didn't used to have the red tips before I was brought here, I think it might be because of the blessings the Primal Forces bestowed on me.'

'Oh? Hmm, where I lived before here the people wore a combination of tanned animal skins, and cloth woven from certain plants,... what I used to wear was a lot like what you wear, Lucia.' *Blinks* 'What did I do with it? Huh,... i think it's somewhere in my hut in the village, though I haven't worn it in years,...'

I'm sure they are.


Yeah, that seems to be the case, she just values more speed a lot more then defence.


Good to hear!


'Really? well that's pretty interesting. Well at least it's a easy way to see who the guardian is. But it is also fun how it even has red tips on those sides parts of you're hair.'


'Oh really? Well that's pretty interesting to know, I guess those where just the easiest things to get for them, even if you aren't a big fan of wearing animal skins. *Blinks* Now there's something hard to imagine, Ember in a outfit like mine. *Nods* Makes sense, you've got a better outfit now, not too many reasons to wear it again, or keep track of it.'

'Yeah, that makes sense,... I try to balance speed and protection.'

*Taking another bite of the burger*

'Yeah, it was strange at first, but I have grown to like it, and yeah, it does kind of 'mark' me like that. I'm glad you think so.'

'Yeah, we didn't have StoneBark Trees there,... or a need for that kind of protection, so we used what we had.' *Giggles* 'Well, it was a different place and a different life back then, I've changed alot from the person I was back then.' *Nods* 'Yeah, I know I put it away some place safe, but I've not had any reason to wear it here.'

I do defiantly get that impression from the outfit. Though it is slightly odd to not have any protection for the stomach, since that where you'd think most blows would usually be dealt.


'They do really suit you, so it's good to hear you like it!'


'Hmm... Yeah, I feel like you didn't have big cyborgs and dark creatures attack you there. I see what you mean, and I'd believe you when you say you're absolutely nothing like what you where when you first arrived.' *Nods* 'Makes sense, you now have a outfit that is more useful for you, you like more, and have plenty of spares for, so no real reason to wear that.' *Leans closer* 'But between you and me, you should really show me it sometime. It would be fun to wear something matching sometime.'

'I understand why you would think that, but the stomach, or rather that whole portion of the body, can be essential for quick movement and fast turning,... leaving it open does make me a little more vulnerable there, but it leaves me a lot more able to dodge attacks and turn quickly in battle to block and attack.'

'Thank you, I'm glad you think so too.'

*Ember giggles.* 'No, I didn't have any of those things there,... the worst we had to worry about there were wild boars and jungle cats, and even those rarely caused problems. Yeah, I have changed a lot from what I used to be back then.' *Nods* 'Yes, this outfit suits me better here and is easy to replace, so no reason to wear the old one.' *Blinks, then giggles* 'I'll think about, that could be fun, though I'm not sure if it would even still fit me anymore.'

Really? Hmm... I suppose I see you're point there. Not wearing anything over it lets you dodge with it much easier and allows you to turn much easier and further then a outfit could allow. So it's making it a bit more vulnerable in order to keep it easy to move.


*Lucia nods*


*Lucia laughs* 'Yeah, I thought as much, so that outfit worked there, but not really here. And with you changing, and there being a outfit like that one you can make, it doesn't surprise me you don't use it.' *Chuckles* 'Well I think it will be fun, and besides, I don't think you have grown so much with how big you are.'

'Yeah, leaving that area open lets you turn and move more easily, while covering it can slow you down or make it harder to turn as easily. Yeah, more vulnerable, but faster.'

*Ember nods* 'Yeah, more dangerous island needs more protective clothes, and yeah, I can replace this one more easily.' *Giggles* 'Hard to say, I have been here a while, but I'll think about it.'

I see, defiantly feels smart then to leave it open for movement.


'Yeah, you defiantly have a point there, and that's defiantly true. Well, it's hard to grow out of a two piece outfit, alright then.'

I see, defiantly feels smart then to leave it open for movement.


'Yeah, you defiantly have a point there, and that's defiantly true. Well, it's hard to grow out of a two piece outfit, alright then.'

'I think so, yeah'

'Hmm,... I suppose that is true,... I guess I'll have to try to find it and try it on after all this time'

'Alright then!'

A question for Ember!
I think it's safe to say that your spear and knives are your preferred go to weapons when you have to defend yourself. Are there any other weapons that you are skilled with but you don't use quite as often though?

'Oh, my spear and knives are my main weapons, but I have tried out others,... either found in the ruins, or left behind by enemies. I'm pretty good with Staves, though they are kind of just spears without blades,... I'm okay with Bow and Arrows, but I am better throwing than shooting when it comes to ranged weapons. I have tried Swords and I have to say, they feel good, they have good reach, speed, and strength,... not as flexible in use as a spear, but if I could find a good sword I wouldn't mind adding to my regular weapons.'

(Hmm, well, I suppose I never really 'ended' this, even if it has been inactive for like 2 years, so yeah, it's cool.)

'I do encounter a lot of quicksand, which I would much rather not encounter at all,...'

'Hmm,... There have been points where I have been completely submerged, it does happen, but I've always managed to get out, or get pulled out.'

'Huh,... I am not aware of anything like that existing on the island, and since the only way I'd find out would be to sink to the bottom of a bog and hope there is a secret passage I don't think I'm going to go looking for the answer to that question.'

'I have been in dry quicksand before, there is a bit of that around the island. Hmm,.. well, I suppose mostly it's not wet and sticky, and it's more, umm,... 'shifty', I guess you could say, movement disturbs it much more so than wet quicksand'