I Want To Help, Too

(I really wanna do something nice for Aldo...) (What would be good, I wonder...)

Here you go. One beef manju.

Ooh! It looks delicious! Thanks so much, Lingli!

It's really hot, so be sure to blow on it first, okay?

*huff*

And just make sure to eat it piece by piece, try and scarf it down whole and you might choke.

...What's the matter? Not hungry?

I might be misunderstanding something here, so sorry in advance if I am, but I just have to ask... Do I look like a child to you?

What? No! Why would you say that?

Well, do you go around telling your adult friends how to eat their food?

Oh... Good point. Sorry, I guess you just remind me of Feinne when she was younger.

I knew it! But I'm not a little girl! I've been alive for over a thousand years!

Okay, so I slept through most of that...

But that's not the point! It's beneath my dignity as a teapot pixie to be treated like a child by my master!

Yeah, but you don't really need to worry about all that anymore, right?

Oh, yes I do! You're the first master I've had in a long time, and I want you to feel you can depend on me!

Fine, then will you pass me those chopsticks?

Sure, but that's not what I mean! I mean something more...I dunno... Like, I want you to think I'm amazing.

Um, okay...

Anyway, is there anything you're planning to do today, Master?

Nothing much, just buying supplies for my travels, things like that.

Shopping, huh? Still not what I had in mind...

But fine. I'll do it.

You'll do my shopping for me? Really?

Of course! You just sit back and relax, and be sure tell me how much of a wonderful job I did when I get back, okay?

Um, sure. Have fun!

I know I really pushed for this, but it's not like I actually wanna do his shopping. If I wanna be useful, maybe I should learn some skills needed for adventuring?

Hey, you! Wait up!

Yes, you! The stylish lady with the kettle!

It's a teapot.

Oops, sorry! Well, I really love your teapot! You've polished the heck outta that thing. It's so shiny!

Thanks! I cleaned it up real nice because I didn't want my master to see me with a dirty teapot...

But he didn't even notice! After all the time I took getting it to look nice...

Aha! I knew it! The only people who care that much about their ketttles are people like me...

Which is why I think you're a kettle spirit!

A teapot pixie, actually.

Oh, call it what you like! The point is, I KNEW I sensed a competitor, and I was right. Who do you think you are, coming into MY neighborhood and tryna set up business? Get out of here!

But I'm not trying to do business...

I'm not letting you swoop in and steal all the good masters! I, Myunfa, will never allow it!

Look, you don't need to worry about that! I already have a master, and I'm never taking another.

You're not meant to KEEP masters, you're meant to grant their wishes and move on. Don't you know anything about being a kettle spirit?

Oh, call it what you like! The point is, I KNEW I sensed a competitor, and I was right. What do you think you're up to, loitering around my neighborhood?

Ah, I think I know what's going on here. You want my master for yourself, don't you?

What? No! I already have a master, and I'm never taking another.

Ohhh, you're under contract already? Well, why didn't you say so?! Y'know though, you're not meant to KEEP masters, you're meant to grant their wishes and move on. Don't you know anything about being a kettle spirit?

We're supposed to grant their three wishes, make them happy, then move on to another master. Harbingers of happiness, that's us. What kind of a kettle spirit doesn't grant all their master's wishes?

Look, I already told you. I'm not a kettle spirit, I'm a teapot pixie. Don't you listen?

Here, take a look for yourself! Does this look like a kettle to you?

Oh? I did think it looked odd, but I just assumed it was some sort of mistake. Now, I see it. What it holds is far too cold for a kettle. Like tea left forgotten on a bleak winter's day. I guess you really aren't a kettle spirit after all.

Cold? It's not cold! But at least you get it now.

Look, I'm sorry for being so rude before. I wish you nothing but happiness with your master.

Kettle spirits exist to make their masters happy?

Um... Can I help you?

Yeah... Can I ask you something?

Do kettle spirits tend to go through a lot of masters?

You make us sound fickle! Sure, I've served a lot of masters, but it's not like I take on just anyone.

I knew it! I could tell you're experienced! You're incredible!

Err, thanks?

You see, I've got a problem. I really wanna help my master, but I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I need someone like you to teach me.

Teach you? I mean, it's pretty simple. You just, y'know, grant your master's wishes.

Yeah, but I don't wanna use my pixie powers...

Now you've lost me. Even if I wanted to help, I don't think I could.

Oh, don't be like that, Teacher!

Don't call me that! I never agreed to be your teacher.

How about "Sister," then? Pleeease, Sister?

"Sister"? Yeah, I kinda like that. It's been a long, long time since anyone's called me their sister...

You could always go one step further and call me Sis.

Um? Pleeease...Sis?

You've got me, I'll cave! I dunno how much help I can be, given our differences... But I'll tell you everything I know about being a kettle spirit.

Yay! Thank you so much!

You know, this is probably gonna take a while. Why don't we talk down at the tea house on Vermilion Road?

Come to think of it, I haven't even asked you your name. I'm Myunfa, by the way.

Oh my gosh! I'm called Myunfa, too!

So we have the same profession, AND the same name? This is way too much to be a coincidence.

Maybe it's fate?

Okay, so a kettle spirit is a being born of a craftsman's desire to bring joy to those drinking tea. And you said you're a teapot pixie, right? You must have something similar going on.

Knowing why you're here is key to knowing how to use your powers. So, what d'you know?

Mr. Pot did say something about where he came from, but he was blabbering on for so long that I dozed off. I think he said something about a grudge that his craftsman imbued into him...

It sounds like we need to speak to this Mr. Pot and ask him directly. Where will we find him?

Oh. He, um, he's no more. His teapot body smashed and he passed away... It's not my fault! I didn't realize open flames were a no-go!

O-Open flames?

I wanted to boil some water, but I didn't have a kettle or anything. So I just filled Mr. Pot up with water and put him over the fire...

What is WRONG with you? A kettle is a kettle spirit's body! You feel everything your kettle feels! And you put it ON A FIRE?! That must have been torture!

Yeah, well I know that now. Mr. Pot gave me a lesson I'm not gonna forget in a hurry...

Okay. Gruesome details aside, you're saying Mr. Pot smashed before he could teach you anything else?

(She's more trouble than I thought. Who knows what she could do if left untrained and to her own devices.)

I'm never gonna be able to make my master happy, am I?

(Even though she was born of hatred, she still has the desire to make people happy...) (If I can just teach her the ways of the kettle spirit before the malice takes over her completely...)

That settles it. I'm gonna have to take you under my wing.

Really? Yay!

I didn't become the awesome kettle spirit you see today all on my own, and neither should you. Besides, I'd feel bad about leaving you out in the lurch just because your mentor died too soon.

Yay! Thanks so much, Sis!

Okay, let's get going.

To where?

You can't use your pixie powers, right? Then there's only one thing for it. What are we?

You want me to say kettle spirit, but again, I'm a...

Right! Kettle spirits!

I was still talking, you know!

Kettle spirits don't exist purely to grant their masters' wishes, that's just a by-product. Do you know what the craftsman was thinking of when he crafted his kettle?

If I sell this kettle, I'll make some money?

No, silly! Weren't you listening to me? It's all about the happiness of those who drink tea! And with that in mind, if you wanna make your master happy without using your kettle spirit powers... The only way would be to make them some tea.

But I'm a teapot pixie, not a kettle spirit.

Not anymore! We're sisters now, and that makes you a kettle spirit like me. So let's go find ourselves a nice little kitchen in Nagsham and practice your tea-brewing skills.

How about Lingli's place? She's so sweet, I'm sure she wouldn't mind lending us her kitchen.

Okay, tea-brewing 101, here we go!

Sorry for taking over your kitchen, Lingli.

Don't mention it! I might pick up a thing or two myself.

I thought you just took some tea leaves and poured boiling water over them? It's not exactly complicated.

No, no, NO! You couldn't be more wrong if you tried!

Now, there are three things you need to make the perfect cup of tea. Good water, good tea leaves, and a good kettle! Then you also need some charcoal and a nice teacup.

That's more than three things...

Don't talk back! First, you boil the water... A good kettle will mellow the taste of the water, so you want to make sure you choose the right one.

Doesn't all water taste mellow anyway?

Did you say something?

Eep. No, nothing...

Good. Then let's get started.

The thing is, all of my kettles are the same. The water will taste the same whichever one you use.

Sis, maybe I could borrow yours?

You want to engulf my body in flames like you did with your Mr. Pot?

Pleeease? Yours is easily the best kettle here.

Flattery will get you nowhere with me. Use one of Lingli's.

Finally, you've made a drinkable cup of tea.

Why do you have to be so strict? It's just tea! So long as it tastes of something, I've done my job right.

If you wanna comfort your master with a cup of tea after his adventures, you can't compromise, not ever.

Fiiine. But I passed, right?

Yeah, you passed. But it still needs perfecting.

STILL? I can't take much more of this! Any more tea facts and my brain's gonna explode.

Don't worry, I've taught you all you need to learn. It's just, I wanna change up the ingredients.

We've got the tea leaves and kettle covered, but the water and charcoal? Now, they leave a lot to be desired.

Hey, what's wrong with the water? It's real meltwater from Kunlun Mountains!

Maybe, but it's picked up all some contaminants on its journey to the city.

If it's pure meltwater you want, you'll have to go to the mountains yourself and scoop it up fresh.

Guess so. There'll be specters and monsters at the top of the mountains, but it should be safe at the base. Then there's the charcoal...

I know a place that sells it. I can take you there if you like.

Great! I'll source the charcoal and Myunfa, you source the water. Come straight back once you've got it. No detours, okay?

Whaaat? I have to go alone?

Well, yeah. It'll go much faster if we split up.

......

Why don't I go to Kunlun Mountains instead? You can be in charge of the charcoal.

No, I can do it! We're doing this for MY master, so I'LL handle the hard parts!

I'm not sure this is a good idea, but okay. If you're sure.

I've got this! It's gonna be cold up in the mountains, so I should bring a hot drink with me!

This looks like as good a spot as any.

It'd be faster to scoop up the fallen snow, but it must get dirty once it hits the ground.

And Sis accepts no compromises, so I guess I just gotta wait till enough snow falls into the pot.

At least I brewed up myself some hot coffee to keep me warm...

Oh. It's gone cold...

Urgh! If only there was a pot that never let things go cold... Brrr... It's s-s-o c-c-c-old... But I h-h-have to hold out... I h-h-have to make my m-master happy...

Hey, you!

This is specter territory! What d'you think you're doing, loitering on our turf?

Um... I'm...gathering snow...

Snow? SNOW? If you're gonna lie to me, at least make it convincing! No one in their right mind would wander out into the freezing cold just to collect some snow!

I'm telling you the truth! I really am gathering snow!

Just shut up and scram, puny human! Before I make you wish you never set foot here!

Eep! I think there's been some mistake!

WHAT did you say?

My grandpa told me that the mountains belonged to everyone. I guess I don't understand how this could be your territory.

The land's near Specter Palace, therefore it belongs to the specters. What are you, stupid?

No, but I think you might be. That's not how land ownership works. Now, can you please leave me alone before you infect me with your stupidity?

Oh, that does it! You're in for it now!

Eep! Help me, Master!

She's taking too long, even by her standards.

All she had to do was pick up some snow... Maybe something happened?

Lingli? Are you there?

Aldo, welcome! Can I get you some beef manju?

Actually, I'm not here to eat. I was looking for Myunfa. She went to run some errands, but never came back.

You're looking for me? But I don't believe we've ever met...

Oh, is your name Myunfa as well? It seems to be a popular name in Nagsham.

Sorry for the confusion, but I'm actually looking for a different Myunfa. The Myunfa I'm looking for carries a teapot around with her, if that helps.

Ah, you must be her master! Yes, she went out, but we're still waiting on her to come back.

Master? I can't believe you came looking for me! I'm so sorry if you were lonely without me! I can't think of a greater shame as a kettle spirit. But I gotta admit, I don't remember you asking me to run any errands for you.

Myunfa? I didn't expect to see you here.

Sorry, this is awkward, but I'm actually looking for a different Myunfa. The Myunfa I'm looking for is a teapot pixie, if that helps...

Huh?

Myunfa, what's wrong? Are you mad at me or something?

Mad? Why would I be mad, Master? Though, do you mind if I ask you just one little question? Did you make a deal with the teapot pixie? Are you her master?

Yeah, I am.

Grrr!

You cheating scumbag! How could you go and throw in with another kettle spirit? What about me, Master? What about me?!

Hold on a minute! She's not a kettle spirit, she's a teapot pixie!

Oh come on, it's just a name, and you know it! There's nothing in the rules saying you can't be master to multiple kettle spirits at once anyway. But this isn't about the rules, Master! How could you be so unfaithful? After everything I've done for you! Don't you even care how I feel?

I know you're mad, but you have to calm down! We still don't know where the other Myunfa is, remember? She's who you should be focusing on right now, not Aldo!

What?

Yeah...you're right.

I'll have to save the lecture for later.

Did something happen to Myunfa?

Maybe. We sent her out on an errand, but she never came back.

Aldo? I can't believe you came looking for me! I'm so sorry if you were lonely without me! I can't think of a greater shame as a kettle spirit. But I have to admit, I don't remember you asking me to run any errands for you...

Myunfa? I didn't expect to see you here.

Sorry, this is awkward, but I'm actually looking for a different Myunfa. The Myunfa I'm looking for is a teapot pixie, if that helps...

Huh?

Myunfa, what's wrong? Are you mad at me or something?

Mad? Why would I be mad, Aldo? Though, do you mind if I ask you just one little question? Did you make a deal with the teapot pixie? Are you her master?

Yeah, I am.

Grrr!

You cheating scumbag! How could you go and throw in with another kettle spirit? What about me, Master? What about me?!

Hold on a minute! She's not a kettle spirit, she's a teapot pixie!

Oh come on, it's just a name, and you know it! There's nothing in the rules saying you can't be master to multiple kettle spirits at once anyway. But this isn't about the rules, Aldo! How could you be so unfaithful? After everything I've done for you! Don't you even care how I feel?

I know you're mad, but you have to calm down! We still don't know where the other Myunfa is, remember? She's who you should be focusing on right now, not Aldo!

What?

Yeah...you're right.

I'll have to save the lecture for later.

Did something happen to Myunfa?

Maybe. We sent her out on an errand, but she never came back.

We were starting to wonder if we should go look for her.

Poor Myunfa, I hope she's okay! Why don't I go look for her for you? Where was she headed?

She went to Kunlun Mountains.

Sorry to trouble you like this. We'll stay here in case she comes back while you're out.

Got it. See you later.

HEEEY! MYUNFAAA! Myunfa, are you here? Myunfa! If you can hear me, answer me!

She's not here. Maybe she climbed all the way to the top? Or fell off a ridge somewhere?

MAAASTEEERRR! HEEELPPP MEEE!

Hey, that's Myunfa's voice! Where is she?

Maaaster! The specter's bullying me! And I did nothing wrong!

Nothing wrong? As if, you little brat!

I was just gathering snow!

Look, I don't know what's going on here, but if you mess with Myunfa, you mess with me!

Myunfa, are you okay?

I really didn't do anything wrong! I was just gathering snow...

It's okay, I know. You were sent here on an errand, right?

Huh? How did you know that?

Myunfa and Lingli told me. Come on, let's get you back before they really start to worry about you.

Before that, can we go get my pot? I left it behind when I fled from that nasty specter. I bet it's full of snow by now.

I'm baaack! And I brought some fresh, clean meltwater, as requested!

You're late! What took you so long?

Waah, don't be mad! It's not like I chose to be late.

A specter attacked her while she was out gathering snow.

Exactly! I'm a victim here, okay?

So you were out by Specter Palace? Have you no sense of danger? Why didn't you choose someplace safer?

Look, the important thing is that she's safe now.

If you keep babying her like that, she'll never grow independent. And if she can't stand on her own two feet, how's she ever gonna become a worthy kettle spirit?

You mean T-pixie.

Okay, I've had it up to here with you! Teapot pixie does not need abbreviating!

Myunfa, relax! At least let her finish up here first!

I take it you weren't just gathering snow for the sake of it, right?

Nope, it was all for a tea party! I know you're weary from your travels, and I wanted to help you relax. Right, I'm gonna go brew the tea. You just wait there, okay?

Here you go, Master! I really put my all into this, so I just know you're gonna love it.

(That's not for you to decide, Myunfa! Don't be so presumptuous!)

Thanks. It smells amazing.

Mmm! It's delicious, Myunfa! It's the perfect temperature. Not too hot, not too cold.

I'm so glad you like it, Master! Is it helping you unwind at all?

Yeah, I think so. It's calming.

(She knew to bring the water to her master's preferred temperature! She's all grown up now.)

(Her existence may have begun with malice, but she never lost her desire to make people happy with tea.) (If she strives to bring happiness to her master, then she really is a true kettle spirit.)

Teehee, you're too kind, Master! You know, I could never have done this without Myunfa's help!

I'm glad this went well, but you're still a long way off being a full- fledged kettle spirit. Back to training with you!

Whaaat? Can't we wait until tomorrow? I'm exhausted!

Fine. I'll let you off, just this once.

Yippee! Time to go relax with my master!

Ooh, I know! I'll brew up a nice pot of coffee!

Coffee? You're a kettle spirit! You're supposed to drink tea!

No, I'm a teapot pixie.

Maasteeer! I wanna drink coffee but Myunfa's tryna make me drink tea. Tell her to stop harassing me.

My goodness, you're SO spoiled!

Look, I know I let you have him today... But I want us to be VERY clear about something. He was MY master first.

Huh? But he's my master... Meh, whatever. Can't he be both of our masters?

No! You know what he's like, forever the heartbreaker! I don't wanna have to deal with ANOTHER rival!

Waaah! Masteeer! Myunfa's being mean to me!

Hey, don't snitch on me! You sneak!

Can't you both just get along?

Look, I know I let you have him today... But I want us to be VERY clear about something. He was MY master first.

Huh? But he's my master... Meh, whatever. Can't he be both of our masters?

No! You know what he's like, forever the heartbreaker! I don't wanna have to deal with ANOTHER rival!

Waaah! Masteeer! Myunfa's being mean to me!

Hey, don't snitch on me! You sneak!

Can't you both just get along?

Oh, I almost forgot. What happened to that shopping you said you were gonna do for me, Myunfa?

I'll go do it now!

It might be a little while longer before she becomes a dependable teapot pixie...