Traveling back the tunnel we come from, the sun brightens the hall a bit as it slowly rise while dawn slowly arrive. Walking back side by side while Daniel still hold me close I wonder,
"Are you afraid of the dark Daniel?"
"H-Huh!? O-Of course not! I'm not afraid of some tiny darkness!"
I pat his head replying:
"It's fine... I was afraid of the dark back then too."
(Especially when I first move to my new home).
"R-Really big bro!? How did you overcome it?"
"Simple, compared to heights, the darkness give me comfort since I won't be seeing how my body will become when I splattered."
"That doesn't sound very reassuring..."
"Yeah, you might need help, Sova."
Daniel and Cheo respond back but I change the subject by asking Moriz in Hwansea,
"By the way, did we actually win or lose? I haven't heard the anchor say anything, Da Shifu?"
"It's a draw, especially when we both forfeited too."
Moriz shakes his head replying in Hwansea.
" "Wait, what!?" "
"Wait, what, Da Shifu!?"
Cheo, Daniel, Juha, and I shout at him but Moriz simply says,
"It's not that surprising when you figured out why they are here and did you forget why WE entered the tournament? It's to have fun. And I think we had more than enough fighting real War Veterans like them. Especially, the former God of War."
" "Double what!?" "
"Double what, Da Shifu!?"
Cheo and Juha's eyes almost seem to pop out hearing Moriz while my mouth is wide open hearing that sudden revelation. Moriz looked at us confused replying:
"What, you guys didn't notice? He may hide his power and presence which is a given but didn't his size gave it away- Ah right, many knows the God of War but very few have even seen the real thing. To sum it up, every God of War becomes massive titans when they awaken and take that role. Like have you wonder why The God of War's statue is always the biggest?"
(Wait, they have statues of them? How come I never see one in my sector? Or the spirit temples within them?)
"Isn't he the biggest because conflict and war is simply such a normal and common thing? Plus with the warrior traditions all around gifts are just aplenty..."
"That's here, stupid oppa. From what I gathered, the ruler of Law is more popular in the west while the God of Wealth and Void is popular in the north."
Cheo comments followed up by Juha who added more. But Moriz shake his head replying:
"Well you're not wrong, it depends on the culture, region, and influence of the spirit church. Though some fanatics do make some bigger but the real reason is they're just sculpting it base on their actual size. Honesty is important to rule such a large populace after all. Lies can only get you so far in a long term when you're governing countless souls. You can read the 3rd generation Ansei A Jusei for reference and see the consequences after the War of the Titans and the War of V. Misunderstandings and lack of communication is a very dangerous thing when you carry weapons."
(War of V... Didn't I hear that before? From the blue phoenix girl).
Moriz then ponders twirling his long female form hair and continue saying:
"Oh, sorry that history is probably not available outside of what you call Heaven so kinda try to research it when you get the chance to visit heaven. Luckily the turtle and fish sector is the closest up here so with enough money you can easily ask the fish to swim and take some knowledge from the turtles."
(So that's the Legendary God of War? And wait, Sis Yuwei has a God of War by her side!? Former he may be but he is still a God of War, how did she do it? And I thought he is the grand elder of the secret orange group or something. And aren't they allies with the triad? I feel like my head is gonna explode).
Cheo rubs his forehead before closing his eyes saying:
"Sigh... Things have just been getting crazier the more I hang out with you."
(Yea...)
"Huh? What are you talking about, Moriz Big Bro? Everyone seems so surprised."
"Just the God of War."
"Huh? The God of War? He sounds very imposing, is he more powerful than you big bro?"
Daniel looks at us and Moriz nods saying:
"Yup definitely stronger, this Confederation is run by transcendence like him. Basically they are people who kings and those Sec Lords will kowtow to."
"Woah! And you actually dueled him? Awesome."
"Nah, that game probably can't even display 0.001 % of his power so its definitely safe to say we didn't dueled. Anyways, back to our rooms, the girls are definitely missing us."
(It seems there's a big difference in knowledge from people outside Rucina city it seems. Or people from Central... He is from Central right?)
Saying that, we arrived at our break room-
*Slam*
"Sova! Welcome back!"
Yoo-Ah jumps out hugging me which surprises Daniel that he lets go. Feeling her cheeks rub against mine, I hug her back and she says:
"Hum! Hum! It's a bit surprising to see you lose so quickly!"
"Yea, the enemies are pretty strong."
Yoo-Ah brings me in as the others follow. As the break room we use have no windows, Miso or Yoo-Ah seems to use an orb and place it where the lights are so that this place looks like it never blacked out. The bright room among the dark corridor is a creepy sight but with company that thought barely surface.
"Haaah! Back to the break room, I'm... I'm exhausted... ZZZzzz..."
Daniel throws his mask away before falling to one of the long sofa and quickly fell asleep. Moriz removes his mask and sits beside him patting his head saying:
"Leave him to me, I'll bring him to bed later."
Juha, Cheo, and Ae settle at the corner saying:
"It seems you haven't lost your touch."
"Of course, I've been practicing everyday after all. I dare say I'm much stronger."
"Said the one who ejected first! You suck!"
*Puff* *puff*
"Ow hey, don't just hit me so suddenly, Ae. Your big bro is doing his best."
Seeing the small family banter, I look back at Miso who's watching everyone with a distant smile and soon I feel Yoo-Ah pulls me shouting:
"Come, Sova! You haven't properly introduce yourself right!?"
(Right, Moriz carry me away after the performance).
Maybe thanks to the winter, the room isn't so hot and damp, Yoo-Ah urge me to sit as they seem to order themselves a glass and more.
"Here she is, Miso! This is Sova who I talked a lot!"
Sitting across me, she is a girl close to my age, Miso has the same traits as many who lives here but the charm and charisma she exudes is just so different...
(Just like Rana).
"Um, hello, my name's Sova Anmao. Nice to meet you."
I remove my mask and bow my head down when I hear,
"Heh ~ So you're the one who's been stealing my best friend away?"
"Huh?"
"Geez, Miso! What are you saying!?"
"I'm jealous, Yoo-Ah. Your messages decreased by a lot ever since you met, Sova Ssi. I feel so left out."
"Don't guilt trip me, Miso! I'm still your biggest fan! Come to think of it, it's been so long since you perform privately!"
"Hum! Hum! Agreed! But I honestly prefer if it was someone I know so I'm happy you showed up! I mean I can't say no to a black medallion holder, even the Tower master is shitting his pants trying not to offend her."
(Oh? So they do the same Hum Hum...)
Miso's tune and accent seems to change, she turns to me and smile brightly saying:
"Name's Miso! Just Miso! It's nice to finally meet you!"
Miso extend her hand and realizing she's greeting the Owlian way, I accept it replying:
"Oh? Sure."
"Hum! Hum! I'll take this as a free handshake event."
"Yoo-Ah's right, you do change your accent when you get comfy."
"Heeh~ so she's even telling you that? You got so close so quickly."
"Hum! Hum! Yup! Sova clicks well with me! Like Asa and Mau!"
(What's that?)
"Then I suppose, I can't lose to you then, Sova Ssi. Yoo-Ah is too precious to be handed to you no matter how important you are."
"What does that mean?"
"Oh, you'll see~! Still, it's such a shame, with your looks you should've been scouted already."
"I know right!? Sova's cuter than a button! But her scar is probably the biggest holdback!"
"Hum! Hum! Don't worry, I actually know someone who can hide that scar easily. He's the best makeup artist I know off, Owlian or not, he could transform a granny into a teenager."
"Eeh!? That's amazing!"
(Wait makeup artist? Didn't Saya use to say that way back when?)
"Um, wait, I think I'm quite comfortable with my looks."
(And I'm not even good at singing or dancing- Wow, I suck at social events).
"Don't sell yourself short! Negative attitude will reflect you, you know!? Gotta always say you can! Though if I need to say the fact that you know Lord Xuyin is even more amazing. I mean honestly speaking..."
Miso moves closer to us and sit beside Yoo-Ah, leaning close she whisper:
"(I'm surprised to see someone with a much bigger breast than the queen)."
"Prffd, huh?"
(That's what you're more interested!? Oh yea, breast size is important for woman here... Wait, could the first thing they observe is a girl's breast?)
"I know right!? I thought she is suppose to have the biggest in the Peninsula, people from Heaven are simply unfathomable!"
"What's this? Am I picking up someone talking about me?"
" "Eep!" "
Moriz appear surprising both Miso and Yoo-Ah who hug each other in panic. Moriz shrugs them off saying:
"No need to be so alarmed, I'm delighted that you're getting close to Sova. Though if I have to say, I'm more amazed by how all of us knew one another in some way. It's like fate is it not?"
"He~ Lord Xuyin, you talk like some bad pick up artist."
(Pick up artist? That's another new artist or is that unique here in the peninsula and their language?)
Miso's voice return when replying to him and Moriz rubs his chin replying:
"Haah, that may be true since a certain friend of mines way of speaking rubs a lot to me. But woe me not, a friend of Sova is a friend of mine as well. And I am willing to talk a lot more if I can make you smile."
"Woah~ you sure talk much different than when we first met."
"Hum! Hum! Oh yeah! I gotta thank you a lot again for letting us choose those gifts!"
"Think none of it. I'm just paying back the help for what her Sis did after all."
"And! Mind telling me more about, Sova!? More like how did you met or how is her Sister like!? I heard from Sova she's a Special Rank Hunter!"
"Wait, why not just ask me about that?"
(And isn't that suppose to be a secret?)
"Hoh!? Really!? I didn't know she's connected to someone that amazing."
As I'm getting ignored and Miso is surprised, Moriz leans back crossing his legs replying:
"Hoho, that's quite a long story but to sum it up, her connection may not be by blood but by bond."
"Huh? What does that mean!?"
"It means Sova's an only child, the sisters she talks to you about are merely sisters by name or step sisters you could say."
"Heeeeh...!?"
"Oh! Really!?"
"Honestly, I know not much about hi-er or her parents since I heard she lost them early on. But I am close friend with one of his sisters and that's how I get to know Sova, albeit accident or not."
(Is he talking about the time we met at the diner? Or that time we met at the forest...)
"Sisters huh..."
"Heh~ I guess we got something in common huh, Sova Ssi?"
Miso look at me as she ask and I tilt my head replying:
"You're an only child too?"
"Yup! I kinda always want a sister so I think of Yoo-Ah as the lil one!"
"What?! I'm the big sister okay!?"
"Nu-uh, as we agreed, the taller one is the big sister."
"Oh...! This is perfect then! Stand up, let's compare heights immediately! Just so you know I've grown many centimeters since our last bout!"
"Heh, just so you know too, I've taken in many milk, nutrients and supplements, your chances are nil! Besides, the big sister title is for Yoo-Sui Unnie is it not?"
"That's true but there's no way I'm calling you Unnie!"
(I think I now know why she wants to think I'm the lil sis).
Miso and Yoo-Ah jumps from their seat and stood back to back, going so far as to extend their neck before they turn to us asking:
" "I'm taller right!?" "
Moriz stands slowly towering over them as be stands over 2 meters tall, casting a massive shadow overhead as they both quiet down from realization that their height doesn't even reach his shoulders. He pats their head as to stop them from moving their necks before he says,
"Hoh? You're both the same height, 1.71 m, you're actually already on the taller side for an idol Miso Ssi."
"Wait! At least there must be, at least a few millimeter difference right!?"
"Yeah! There's no way I'm the same height."
"There's no point in proving your height if you count in millimeters, why not compete in something else? Adulthood is counted with your attitude you know, be professional, be mature."
Miso moves away holding her waist and puffing her chest with pride saying:
"Heh~ehe, then you're going down Yoo-Ah, no body beats me when it comes to being professional."
Yoo-Ah pounds her chest
"Hum! Hum! Don't underestimate me, Miso! I gain a lot of professional attitude working as an adventurer guild staff! In fact, I'm one of their favourites!"
Moriz smirks seeing the both of them and simply sits down and sips some drink saying:
"Showing off is not very professional."
"..."
"..."
The confident smile seems to crack as cold sweat rolls down both their necks. Wondering how long they'll keep their silence, I pick one of the glass they have and take sip and look at-
"Oh! Sova! Your new hair!"
Yoo-Ah dives beside me to lift my hair, the long jet-black hair with deep blue highlights is one of the unique hair colours Owlians seems to have if what Moriz said when he help me colour it.
"Heh, it's surprising to see you change it so quickly. Oh yeah, you said you actually manage to wake up a day before right? How did you manage to sneak in and out without anyone noticing?"
Yoo-Ah looks at Moriz and he just wink replying:
"A girl always keeps a few secrets. Other than that, who's hungry? What do you want for breakfast?"
"Oh? What do they have here, Da shifu?"
"Anything? Oh, do they have fish and chips? I've been wanting to try it again."
"Fish and chips for breakfast? Quite unhealthy but I like your taste. What about your friend there?"
"Eh! Really?"
Yoo-Ah looks surprised by Moriz, fidgeting her finger she hesitates but Moriz encourage her by saying:
"I insist, they extend their hospitality to us and it would be very rude to reject it."
"Oh, then I'd like some of those fish and chips whatever they are Sova's gonna have!"
"Well if you're having that, I'll take it too."
"Alright, alright."
Yoo-Ah and Miso place their orders and Moriz happily nods before turning to where Cheo saying:
"Cheo, what do you and your family want?"
Cheo who's trying to get Ae off his shoulder looks back at Moriz replying:
"Huh? Well..."
*Slap*
"Ow! Hey!"
"Oh! Oh! I want the sandwich Yoo-Ah Unnie makes! They're super delicious!"
Ae slaps his face from above with her tiny hands excitingly which cause Moriz to smile asking:
"Oh? You cook, Yoo-Ah Ssi?"
"Hum! Hum! Yeah! But sorry Lil Ae, Unnie can't cook for you right now."
"Aawww..."
Juha ruffles Ae's hair and helps Cheo carry Ae down saying:
"We'll be having some fish porridge with eggs and toast. It'll balance out the unhealthy meal we ate yesterday."
"So sandwiches are unhealthy huh? People living with you are gonna suffer."
"Shut that mouth, Stupid Oppa. That sandwich is fried and covered with butter."
"Alright, alright..."
Cheo reluctantly agrees while Moriz nods as he stands and walk towards the door saying:
"Okay, stay here everyone, since the conductor is off, I'll be talking with some staff."
"Oh? Can't you use your small panels or something, Da Shifu?"
"Aren't you sweet for wanting me to stay?"
"Please don't twist my words."
"Magic like that only works when the conductor is on, Sova! Since the entire stadium is shut the best we could do is go out the stadium to call for the local conductor! Plus I doubt any of us have long distance spell for communication."
Yoo-Ah helps me explain, as I realize I guess magic may not be so omnipotent.
"Oh? Is that how it works here?"
"Yup! But I guess that's only for the peninsula, Silla's magical development are not advanced enough for long distanced private mobile communication like in Heaven without a conductor. Though maybe Owlian have the advantage in that with their satellites but that's only limited to the Empire or is it States?"
"Oh, Interesting..."
"Wait, they can contact long distances like that in Heaven and even Owlians can do it!?"
"Yup! Just give them a few minutes and I'm sure they'll restart the thing."
Yoo-Ah and I are surprised by her explanation when Moriz open the door saying:
"I'll be back, enjoy the break. Now where's that pink haired girl..."
*Click*
Left alone waiting-
*Click*
"Hey, Sova accompany me."
"Eh, Why, Da Shifu?"
Moriz who suddenly came back poke his head in and gesture his arms. I try to resist but inclined to walk either way asking:
"What is it? Do you need help carry it or something since the lights is out?"
"Hoh, you'll see. Sorry ladies, but I'll be borrowing, Sova. Out we go-"
*Grab*
Moriz tried to yank me out but it seems Yoo-Ah has something else in mind as she holds me down.
"Oh? What seems to be the problem, Yoo-Ah Ssi?"
"I don't know, even if she trusts you and that you know her Sister but...! But my senses tingles and is shouting that you'll be corrupting her or whatever similar to that!"
Moriz in his woman form has quite the natural red lips like Sis Yuwei. As she smiles with her teeth, he shows a fatal charm that seems to dominate and I realize,
(Yea, I think I realize why nobody suspect he's a dude even in that form. Even if he remove all the female assets).
"Quite an active imagination you have there. I wish for you to elaborate what corrupting is but if it worries you that much, come with us. Maybe that'll lower your-"
*GRASP*
"Heh~ forgive me Lord Xuyin but not saying I suspect you or think you're not useful, but I definitely don't trust you."
"Such honesty can be quiet heartbreaking."
(What is with this development? Did something happen between Moriz and Miso?)
This time, Miso arrives grasping for Yoo-Ah's arm, then hugging Yoo-Ah as if she is trying to stop her. Miso's pupils seem to dilate so much her eyes becomes completely black with golden pupils.
(Woah, creepy. I mean, woah that is creepy as fudge!)
"Huh? What's wrong, Miso!? Isn't she your boss? Is it okay to say that- your eyes! Are you okay!?"
Miso smiles innocently with her eyes closed replying:
"Yup!"
Cheo appears between us and unhand Yoo-Ah's from me saying:
"Woah there, scary stuff. Didn't know Miso had such a scary side... My dreams are kinda crush."
"Quiet you, stupid oppa. If it worries you, I'll follow Sova along and if she's going I'll follow her anyways."
"Well...! I guess that works! I got bad feeling of Sova with Lady Xuyin! Can't really believe I'm saying this to you but be careful."
"Hmph! Dumbass, no need to be said."
"Now that's harsh, right Cheo?"
Moriz looks to Cheo for support but he seem to shed a rear replying:
"Sniff, I'm happy to see you so enthusiastic for a friend other than Hu-Sae Ssi. Well, Ae what do you say you spend time with Big Bro's favourite idol?"
Ae hugs his legs rubbing her face on Cheo as if she's shaking her head shouting:
"Nnn...No! She's scary."
Miso golden pupils widened before her eyes return to normal with regret on her face a she grows quiet hugging Yoo-Ah. Cheo sighs and carry her to sit on his large shoulder saying:
"Say, you wanna meet the other Heroes of the Coalition?"
"Eh!? Really!? I thought Oppa always refuse?"
"Usually yes, but now they're bound to come to me soon so why not crash unto their parties first? Hwang-So gramps saw me before too. Well then, see ya! And get along people."
Cheo opens the door and crawl to leave while Moriz pulls me closer saying:
"Alright then, take care of Daniel for me while we're away. Thanks!"
As I am now accompanying him, Juha follow suit saying:
"I'm with her now, though I suggest you don't jump to action so suddenly like that even if it's true. It is clearly disrespectful."
Leaving Miso who's still embracing Yoo-Ah, Yoo-Ah look at Miso as if she wants to talk when the door closes. Juha pulls out a light orb from her watch that lights up the way and it seems Cheo and Ae is already out of sight. As Moriz start walking, I follow suit along with Juha accompanying close by my side. Seeing the people here, I can't help but feel worried as this group composition doesn't bring good memories.
"Say, Da Shifu, is it true Girls naturally don't trust you?"
"Hoh? Where did you hear that?"
"Daniel told me, Da Shifu."
"Hehe yea that might be true, more like everyone does but it seems females are more amplified. Maybe because I got cursed back then but that's unlikely."
"Wait, really? That's horrible, Da Shifu."
"Nah, that's just too much superstition even with magic. After all, action speaks louder than words. The fact I'm pretty successful says for itself or maybe I'm still cursed but my persistence prevail."
"I thought you're still on the run- hmmp!"
I quickly shut up as I realize Juha is still hearing but Moriz shrug it off replying:
"That's true, as a lady with my looks I'm always on the run."
Juha looks at us both suspiciously as I try to change the subject with,
"I've been wondering but what do you consider good looks, Da Shifu?"
Moriz turns around with a frown replying:
"Really? Sova you're literally surrounded by good-looking guys and girls who's somewhat decent as far as I know and you don't realize that? Have you look in the mirror? That's one good example. Do you know how much everyone would sacrifice to have your MC magnetic might?"
"My what, Da Shifu?"
"Well, I have it too but it only works on- Oh, look over there!"
Moriz points out to an opening as we reach a section I've never been before. Maybe because of the small lighting Juha provides but I can't seem to differentiate the roads and corridors. At the end of the road is a small girl sitting alone at a bench surrounded by wildlife, expressionless and silent she looks more like a doll than a living being. With the morning sun rising, the opening is a man-made garden with natural decorations and multiple resting spots.
"Oh! Look at that adorable girl."
"Is that a ghost, Da Shifu?"
"I think the appropriate action would be asking if she needs help in this darkness.
Moriz looks at a doll-like girl with suspicious eyes while Juha is filled with concern and I agree with her. As we get closer, her features become more visible. Her long blue hair, large silver eyes, small mouth, and clear whit skin only serve to show how doll-like she is. Wearing a very beautiful dress with many embroidery and frills, she sits quietly even as we approach her.
What worries me is not the foreign dress she wears but what she wears underneath. The sight of the familiar black tight suit with a U opening on her neck which tells her allegiance and it seems Moriz notice something and stop as Juha approach her first asking:
"Hey there little fella, you lost? Where's your parents?"
Juha kneels down to speak face to face and speaks to her with a different voice which surprised me but the little girl ignores her, no more like making an attempt to avoid her as she looks away from Juha. I look at Moriz who's clearly contemplating about something before he says,
"Can I pat her? I wanna pet her... Ah, screw it, I'm gonna pet her."
"W-Wait-"
*Pat* *pat*
"There! There! You're so cute!"
"Identifying..."
Moriz who suddenly appear behind to pat her makes The little girl jolts looking at Moriz shouting:
"Dangerous person!"
She dash away and as she notice me she quickly change direction to hide on my back and I realize how small she is that her head doesn't even reach my waist. Grabbing my legs she looks up saying:
"Identifying... Important person."
"Um..."
"Damage calculation alongside important person against dangerous person and bystander, Unimaginable. Course of action, retreat."
The little girl picks up some rocks on the side and throws it at the darkness. She runs away to it disappearing before I can fathom a guess to what she did.
"What the fudge-"
"Now that's rude."
"I think that you suddenly pat her head is rude, Da Shifu."
"Ah, quiet you rude disciple!"
"That. IS. YOU. Who is rude. Do you realize she might be in danger in the dark now!? I care not how important you are but it doesn't excuse your wrongdoing."
Juha comes scolding at Moriz with fury in her eyes before she looks at where the girl dissapear and says:
"Sova, please follow me to find that girl. I think you can easily find the staff on your own, excuse us and tell them about the girl as well, splitting ground is a sound logic is it not?"
(Huh? Me?)
Juha grabs my arm and pulls me along as we separate from Moriz.
"Um... Thanks?"
"Hmph! Stupid."
"So do we know where we should go?"
"Before we find the staff, we should find that lost girl. So simply stick to the walls and the area she might've gone to. And always stick together, I don't want another lost person here as well."
"Uh, okay..."
Even as the sun starts to rise, the light can only reach so far across the long winded corridors. Noticing that the tight corridors are being lit up by small thin red lights, Juha with her orb of light brightens the way while she tries to look for the kid, leaving no doors and pots unopen as she shouts:
"Hey~ little girl, we just want to help you!"
Wondering how looking for a staff turns into a search for a little kid I try to help along saying:
"Um... Hello! Is anyone there?"
"Louder, Sova! Or else the kid won't hear you!"
"H-Hello!!!"
"That's better."
I turn to look at Juha who's opening doors that can be opened and searching the empty rooms while even turning pots. I help her out asking:
"Have you done this kinds of things before?"
"Aplenty, family members always try to sneak out and find the keepsakes of their deceased in abandoned towns, cities, battlefields, and other facilities, people also look for buried treasure, loots or spoils even when we prohibited them and sometimes explorers wannabe who venture into one of the natural exhibit like underwater caves and abandoned ruins for god knows what. It resulted in many missing people who are never found in the wilds.
Sometime, monsters are not the cause of people to disappear, and the cities are not exempted, especially the cities where we lack personnel so they call upon other unrelated branches and divisions for help."
"That's horrible."
"Unfortunately that's only the early days of the post war problems and we had to deal with worse coming forward. It's gotten so bad that kids nowadays are forced to stay inside and rarely go out without multiple supervision."
"Huh... Now that you say that, I never see any kids walking about except for Bai-Sik when we eat at that bakery and Jin-Ae your little sister I suppose and Daniel."
"Ae will always have someone watching her either my Mom or My useless brother since she hangs in his room all the time (Not that I find anything worthy in there but his war gear). Though hopefully these last few years time will be better where kids have no need to worry and play in public. Problems are being dealt one at a time and the attractions outside the cities are slowly being reopen."
Hearing her, I'm reminded that they have just finished a war and is still recovering. The whole spectacle and events happening seems to make me forget. Juha looks up as probably remembering the event from that night and brush it off saying:
"Now, enough chatter. Seeing how empty the halls and the security stations are, the staff must be busy escorting the guest at the opening and entrance. Shout louder! Once life lost is one life too many! Hey! Anyone there!?"
I nod along and wonder if the problems are bad here, I wonder how is it back at my home. Hopefully not,
"Please! Come towards us! We mean no harm! We wish to ask you something!"
"That's not how you call them, Dumbass! Though this is a bit hard since we don't have a name."
"So how- huh?"
*Tap* *tap*
Slowly someone comes out from the darkest corners, it's the little girl from before. The tension on Juha's face wash away as she rush to her checking to see if she's hurt. Juha holds her so she doesn't wander around asking:
"Hey, are you okay? Where's your parents?"
"Assessing... Stranger is asking... Access Denied."
"Huh?"
Juha's face flatten from confusion as seeing how she acts I try asking:
"Um, can I know why you're here?"
The little girl looks at me, staring with her dead pan silver eyes says:
"Assessing... Important person is asking... Access granted. The sudden appearance of the previous God of War in public a few days ago has cause mass hysteria and panic among the many upper management. So many detachments are ordered to survey the previous God of War. To make sure that... And I quote Lord So-Ju,
"That "fuck all" wild card doesn't do something dangerous that might foil our plans and calm the others from running amok,"
And we are also told to watch other conspiring factions who has their eyes on the previous War God as well and make sure they... And I quote Lord So-Ju again,
"Don't do anything "funny" either."
Is why I am here."
"W-What...? Uh... Little girl, I-I'm sorry I don't understand. Mind explaining more...?"
"Identifying... Stranger is asking... Access denied."
"Um, did you eat something wrong?"
"Identifying... Stranger is asking... Access denied."
Juha tries to ask but everytime she did, she would get the same answer.
(I guess they must mistaken me for someone from Taiga's group but I guess we should help her out).
"Um... Can we know your name?"
"Identifying... Stranger is asking... Access Denied."
"Um, Juha I think we need to just bring her to the staff. So, can I know your name?"
"Identifying... Important person is asking... Access granted. My given name is Chun-Ja."
"Ah, okay Chun-Ja, follow us, let's bring you to safety."
I reach my hand out and she's hesitant replying:
"Accessing situation... Risks minimal, situation acceptable. Request accepted."
Slowly she grabs my hand and sticks close to me.
"Heh, I guess I got a knack for this."
"Hmph! Don't get overconfident from just one lucky turn of event! Quick, let's head to the exit, her parents must be worried sick."
"I wonder where is the nearest exit? I'm sure there's guards there right?"
"I memorized this part of the building. Just follow me and make sure you hold her tight and close! We don't want to lose her again!"
"You got it."
Juha watches me closely as she walks back to where we came and I follow along with Chun-ja hand in hand...
*Thump* *Thump* *Thump*
Juha's steps echo loudly as she leads us and to break the silence I start asking:
"So, where are you from? Are you born here?"
"Identifying... Important person is asking... Access granted... I don't know..."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
(Why do you need to think if you don't know?)
"Assessing question... Elaborating, I have no memories of this body's past."
"Excuse me?"
"Sorry, what?"
Juha and I turn to Chun-Ja with confusion and Chun-Ja merely reply again with,
"Evaluating... Important person is asking... Access granted... Elaborating... I am what commonly known as cyborgs. This body which is given to me by mother Matilda is but a corpse embedded with cybernetic enhancements and multitude layers of spells."
" "Huh?" "
Both of us stop in our tracks and is stunned by the sudden revelation as I wonder,
(What is a cyborg? And cyber what magic?)
"Accessing confusion... Elaborating... It is said that seeing is believing, please observe."
Still holding my hand Chun-Ja pulls back and the hand I'm holding simply detach itself,
"Waaah!"
Shock by the sudden development and in panic, I let go of her detached hand as her hand shakes and flew right back and reattach itself.
"Is that enough of an demonstration?"
"..."
"..."
"Evaluating... It seems I have to display more of my capabilities. Please, observe..."
Simply silent and stunned, Chun-Ja continues to reach for her right ear and then,
*Psssh*
Her ear moves away as something slowly protrude before she taps at it saying:
"This is the nervous telepathic communication chip or NTCC for short. I use this to communicate with my fellow comrades. But I can also use it to telepathically communicate with other Zerians. I wish to show you its capabilities but sadly important person is an Owlian."
(What kind of isolation have I been living in to not know so many crazy things so close to me?)
"Hahahaha!"
*Clap* *clap* *clap*
"I think you showed enough to our guest there, Chun-Ja. They are simply flabbergasted by our tech."
Hearing someone talk in Owlian, Juha and I push Chun-Ja behind us as we raise our arms towards the darkness from where the voice originates.
*Tap* *Tap* *Tap*
Slowly somebody appears from the shadows, a lady in her late twenties with a very eye catching long platinum hair and crimson stare. Her long white coat flutters to reveal the black tight suit with a U opening on her neck. She gestures her to come closer saying:
"Chun-Ja, return to mommy."
Hearing her command, the the little girl behind us rush and jumps where the lady catches and holds her up in her arms.
"So this is why you're not following directives. The important person is asking for your help huh?"
Chun-Ja nods and the lady pats her head and presses her nose and forehead to her to show affection.
"W-Who are you! Identify yourself! A-Are you her parent?"
Juha speaks in Hwansea and is ready to pull her weapon out as she demands and answer but I notice her crimson gaze to me. But it seems all the tension is gone when she hunch her back and scratch her head saying:
"Haha... This is a bit awkward, didn't know that I would meet you again after so long. Not like this..."
"Huh? Do you know me?"
Ignoring Juha she converse with me in owlian instead before she puts down Chun-Ja and continue saying:
"Hey, hey, hey, do you really don't remember me? Your foster mother for 4 years! You may have changed your hair to resemble those stinking nobles but there's no way I could forget the face of whose diapers I have to change for years when I was working with your mother! After all, even Chun-Ja recognize your data."
Making folding gestures as she speaks I can't help but ask,
"Huh? Wait, you know my Mommy?"
"How could I not!? She drag me out of my basement to work in her crappy basement! Aaa~ now I feel so hurt that all my effort has been in vain! Curse you, Adria!"
(So from one basement to another? Wait...
"Sorry, did you say my mother!!?"
The lady falls to her knees where Chun-Ja gives her a pat on the head for comfort.
(Adria? I thought her name was Urva... Or is it Sheva? Wow... What's wrong with me?)
"Well, honestly, I was hoping you would look a lot more like your dad since you're a boy and got his blonde hair but I guess you resemble your mother more and it kinda pisses me off, ptui!"
"E-Excuse me?"
(Does she hate my mom?)
"But this is good... Remember her explanation just moments ago? My name changed to Matilda Oakborn or you can call me Maka now. Like the money used in those Demon summoning games, do they still make those? I hope the IP is still active.
Anyways, it seems you meet one of my precious children, Chun-Ja. That's her real name by the way. She's a treasure isn't she? I wonder what her parents was thinking when they threw her away...?"
"Um..."
"Don't speak in foreign tongue! Answer me! Who are you and state your purpose!"
"Haaah..."
Juha demands an answer but Maka sighs heavily before she stands holding Chun-Ja's hand replying:
"Sheesh, can't you let me have a decent reunion? That's right, I'm her parent and I'm here to bring her back. Thank you for accompanying her Jade Bone Goddess now if you'll excuse mua! May we meet again~"
Maka speaks in hwansea before she bows and the darkness behind her expands to swallow them both, Juha in panic reach her arms out shouting:
"Wait! Dammit!"
Juha turns around in a snap and grabs me shouting:
"What did she say!?"
"Um... She is her parent, then her name is Maka, and Chun-Ja is the little girl's actual name."
Juha takes in the cold air before letting it out saying:
"Fuuuh, it never seems normal when I'm with you. Whatever it is, she is safe right?"
"Yup!"
(Hopefully...)
"Tch! Well, there's nothing I can do again... Let's reunite with Lord Xuyin and find that staff."
"Yea."
(What's with all these people I'm meeting? Something is definitely looming closer. And I guess Juha's feeling pretty helpless, maybe there's something she can help with).