"D-do I have to!?"
July tries to back away as her breathe becomes visible with the cold.
"Of course, you wish to help me don't you?"
"B-but... But!"
"Shush, tighten it up, and I'll be still until you're ready."
"Uuuhhh...."
*ziiiiip*
"There! I did it! I can't believe you make me do that! You... Mumble... Mumble..."
July zips the cold suit from my back as she mumbles something I can't hear. As I felt the warmth gathering up around me, I look back at her replying:
"What wrong with helping me pull a zipper? And if you want to blame, then what kind of male clothes actually has a zipper on the back!?"
"Eh? Male zippers are always in the back. And females have their zips on the side... Could it be you forgot our traditions too?"
(Really why? It just seems so impractical!)
"Oh... In all honesty thanks! I was worried it will take so long to wear the clothes by myself."
"Uhm, now let's get going."
"Alright, you got what you need?"
I manage to change the size of the tools and the bag larger. We got all provisions and some more tools to help us on the journey.
"Uhm, I manage to stock up on potions and other magic items!"
"Great, now lead the way."
*crunch*
I bite through one of the extra provisions I managed to find... To put it simply, it's instant noodles!
"W-what are you eating big bro!?"
July asks me in surprise as she shines the candle my way.
"What else? Its provisions! This food is best when served raw! Can't you feel the crunch?"
"No! Spit it out, or you'll get a stomach ache!"
July places her candle down and tries to reach for the food with both her hands. But with my height and reach, I effortlessly distance her catch and watch her desperately jumping to catch my food.
(That's so cute!)
"But how do you know?"
"Huh?"
July stops mid-way and stares up at me as I ask. I lean down and brings my face close to her, making her blush and backing away before saying:
"I mean, did you ever see someone get a stomachache for this? Or could it be, you experience it yourself?"
"Eh? I mean... I mean..."
"See? You can't prove it! *crunch*"
July falls to her knees and looks down in grief.
"Uuhhh... I'm just worried okay! I mean you're my- umph!"
I drop the food down and pat her head before she could say anything else.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. It's just that I felt really happy eating it raw. So maybe it could help gain my memories."
"R-really? Then... Ugh, still no! Don't eat that raw anymore okay!?"
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I'll listen to you more now. Since you know more than me and all."
"... Um..."
July nods and punches at my stomach softly before turning her back at me as she brings the candle along.
*************************************
"I... I can't believe this..."
July stares into what seems to be a black chasm. The air was hot even at this desolate storm, fountains of black sands erupted like an explosion. Pieces of what seems to be a human body and weapons lay indifferent from each other.
"T-this, this is the western gate?"
July's voice became weak as we stare into what seems to be the ruined gate of a prosperous city.
(If I remember correctly that giant black spaceship blew the west and east gate with some giant beam right? I mean that's the reason why I decided to go to the mountain in the first place...
I feel like I can think more calmly and proficiently with a human body, unlike my monster counterparts which priorities food more).
"More importantly, can we actually pass here? I mean even the snow doesn't cover this place. So it must be pretty hot... Wait, are all of those cursed stones you told me about?"
"I don't know, but it's probably not. I don't feel like my magic's being absorbed."
"I see... Well no point looking around, let's try going down there. We're not going anywhere by just standing."
Sliding down the edge of what seems to where the beam started. I begin to wonder the path we've taken. The safest road that leads to her city, passing through the road sandwich by mountains and coming out into the aurora river.
(Now, I'm curious about that river. Does that mean the river will be like rainbow coloured or something?)
The sight of black goo, charred ground, blackened limbs and swords across everywhere my eyes can see.
"This place is not as bad as the one in that hotel. I mean, at least-"
"Uwaah!"
As I hear July scream from above, I look back and see her slipping and tumbling before soaring into the sky.
"Oh, no! Don't worry, I'll catch you!"
I try to figure out where she would land and stand there.
"It should be right here... Wait..."
(This is supposed to be a world of swords and magic right? Not counting that space thingy).
"July, don't you have any wind magic to soften the blow!?"
"What are you saying!?"
"Ah, dammit! There we go!"
(Wait, a minute how am I supposed to catch her with one arm? Catch her from her stomach? Wouldn't that hurt-
*smash* *crash*
"Ugh!!!"
"Owww, huh! Big bro, are you okay?"
July asks while laying on top of me. I gave her a pat in the head replying:
"Yeah, it doesn't really hurt. So, are you okay? Your magic is not being absorbed right?"
She shakes her head replying:
"No, in fact, all I felt is nothing but strong magic energy floating around."
"I see... Can you get off now? I can't get up."
"Oh right! Let me help you, big bro."
As she steps up, she lends me a hand and pulls me up.
"Hmrrrhhh!!!"
"Ah! Thanks, July."
"Uhm!"
I brush the black dust off and walk past her asking:
"So, do we just keep going? I mean, from the map it's just a one-way road."
July nods points at the mountain with a shape that seems to swallow the skies.
"Yea, once we get to the Sngui mountain. We'll encounter a post where we could ask for transportation... And in case there's none, I guess we could always just take one."
"Oh... I guess that makes sense, now, I'm being real here, are your legs are okay? No scratches everywhere? We can't let it fester into an infection."
July starts turning around and taps her body saying:
"Infection? What's that? But, I guess I'm fine."
"Alright then, if anything hurts tell me immediately. I may not remember much about advance medical treatment, but I'm definitely a professional at simple medicines."
"Medicines? Are you talking about potions big bro?"
(Ah right, sword and magic... Still, no medical advancements at all? How is that even possible if even guns and architecture and the economy is at this level?)
"Oh, I think it's something like healing magic?"
"Healing!? Big bro, you can actually use healing magic? I guess that's why her light shines so bright on you! I guess we wouldn't be wasting our potions that much then!"
(Her light? Who? Wait, her light? She's talking about the Goddess right? So she can see like my blessing or something? Well... I'll think about this later).
"Oh, nothing fancy like magic, just something like... Alchemy?"
"You can even do those!? You're amazing!"
I scratch my cheek saying:
"Hahaha, you're making me blush."
"No, it really is! You must be a really amazing person big bro! Since its a very experimental research in the southern plains and how it doesn't need to use magic. It's been a really popular subject that everyone can do. Only the best of the best of minds seem to manage to make something! You must be super smart!"
July raises her hands in excitement,
"Hoh~ well, I'm not really that amazing (which is a lie since I'm a world award winner. Then again, in a world of magic my skills are probably useless... Fuck it, it's like saying all my 43 years of research and experience is worth nothing!). But, just be careful along the way okay? Just because we have potions along the way, doesn't mean you should spendthrift. You know what they say, going to the doctor is good, but never needing to is better."
"Huh? What's a doctor? And I don't think I heard any of those quotes before..."
July twirls her finger at her temple as she tries to remember with a hard thinking face.
"Well, not much to think about. Now let's go!"
"Yea!"
July runs ahead as I was forced to follow along with the heavy tow on my back.
*************************************
As the sky blankets the earth with a soft patch of amber and gold, it seems we have left the charred road behind us and enter into a what seems to be a discarded farmland...
(Seriously how tall are the mountains and how the fudge is there no snow here!? We're in the middle of a blasted blizzard wasteland right!?)
"Look, look, big bro! Its a farmland! Look, there's even a house!"
July excitement prompts her to jump in joy and pulls me ahead as she points at the house behind the field of gold.
(Man that house looks so comfortable... I wonder what kind of furniture do they possess? Having a dependent house really brings creativity to its exterior. I prepared so much for my house to be the most welcoming and comfy but it seems no one really bothered to even visit... I wonder why? I even gave them some apple pies as those Americans do... Oh, it seems I remembered something about my past. But that's then and this is this).
I try to focus my eyes at the house to see if there's anyone before asking:
"I wonder if we could ask for shelter."
"Hehehe, of course, we can! Especially with you around!"
"Huh? Wait, do you know something I don't?"
I stare back at her baffled as I think,
(Like what does she mean? With me around?)
"When my dad and I travel to the city, we came along this road. To be honest we were supposed to pass along two more settlements before getting to this farm."
(Suppose to?)
"Oh, sorry for hearing that."
"It's okay... But anyway, you have her light shining out of you like a beacon! So I'm sure she'll definitely trust you!"
(Ah, I'll make sure I'll study more when I get to a proper library next time so I don't get confused... And I better make sure I don't get distracted by otherworldly... Magazines...)
"I see... Well, you know the stuff, so full speed ahead!"
"Yea!"
July led me by the hand as we travel side by side. As the field gets close, I could see the golden plants growing by the way.
(Man, living back at my homeland is a mistake. I mean, maybe I should've brought farmland. Seeing your own food grown by your own hands feel nice... But then again, mosquitos, parasites, pests, and flies, maintenance and full-on day in, day out of hard work... Hard decisions...)
We entered the tall patch of... Groves? Its height reaches my chin while July is being completely swallowed, making her clinging to me like a bear as I felt her head digging under my chin.
(Aw, that's cute! Still... This place is awfully quiet- ah, don't jinx it, Anselm!)
July looks around me as she hugs me close, before saying:
"I suddenly have an urge for Agdus..."
"Um... What's that?"
"Eh? You don't know even when you cook that good- no, wait, you've been mixing food randomly up till now."
"Well, you don't have to say it like that. Call it experimenting, it has a nice ring to it."
"Well, it's basically, cold porridge made by the fruits grown here."
"Hoh~ wait, cold porridge?"
(Is that even possible? Like isn't porridge suppose to be warm? Then again, there's cold soup. But they are made by cooked food and milk so it doesn't count whereas porridge needs to be boiled...)
July lets me go and walks slowly beside hand to hand saying:
"Hehehe, never had one? Then I'll cook you lots of food to help you out, big bro!"
"Now that's something I could totally agree."
As we crawl out of the tall groves and reach some sort of fence. July crawls over the fence with excitement.
"Hey, wait up. What's with the excitement? Do you want to eat it so badly?"
I proceed to follow suit when she stops in her track and return back to me...
"Um, is there something there?"
July hides behind me replying:
"N-no, it's just that I always forgot something when I'm with you."
"Isn't that bad? Like really bad?"
(It kinda makes me sad hearing that. I mean what happens if she forgot her supplies or tools?)
"J-just knock on the door for me will you!"
"Fine..."
As I got closer, I soon realize one of the windows on the top floor was broken. My hope and expectation were shattered and plundered below what you can call low.
(I guess I shouldn't expect much after an invasion but still, if all they do is kill people and leaving everything intact, isn't this nothing more than genocide?)
I hold July's shoulder, as she looks back at me with a curious smile, It pains me to shake my head at her. Indicating that something is terribly wrong. July's smile turns upside down from my signal and she went and open the door.
*creek*
Unlocked without any resistance, a golden shower pours into the dimly lit black floor. A stone carved hall with marble pillars comes to our view while the gleaming black floor seems to reflect our steps. At the end of the road is a huge statue of a beautiful lady with her face covered by her bangs as her hair spiral around her body, she wears a huge baggy robe that covers her whole body and in the middle is a huge symbol with an arrow that encompass all direction, while blue flames burn inside a marble pillar beneath her feet as offerings are being placed around her.
(Por qué!? the outside looks nothing like this! Heck this looks more like a temple from the classical era than a farmhouse!)
As we step inside with the worst anticipation. I look back and forth outside and inside while July stares around the ceiling and walls filled with paintings of mosaic crystals before looking at another statue between the pillars saying:
"So this is what a farm looks like..."
"No, it's not! Or that's how I remember it..."
(I mean this is a world of magic so who knows how they do things, if they followed those books, I'll be sorely disappointed).
I quickly correct her as I walk close, looking at what her eyes are seeing. The statue looks similar to the one at the end but wearing different clothes and actually having a face. With a huge jar filled with water and a hand grasping some sort of plant, she gives a distinct personality of someone that governs food and harvest.
"Oh~ this is some nice looking sculptures."
"Mhm! This is Libera herself after all. But then again, I heard back at their homeland, people are free to use whatever they like as her idol."
"Oh, who?"
I look at the statue closely as I ponder...
(Now that I think about it, didn't that Tyo boy told me her name is... Archiwawa? Yea, maybe that's it. Still, for some reason, I can't seem to talk so casually with July. I mean it feels weird having bro talk with such a cute and innocent girl like her...)
When I look back at her, July stares at me with a baffled face while her eyes look like it has been pried open by tape.
"What!?"
July shouted in surprise before calming down and tiptoed on her feet. She gave me a pat in the head saying:
"Right, no memories... Poor big bro... You really are lost."
I grab her wrist and stop her saying:
"If you're so worried maybe you could tell me about her. I mean the sun's about to set and it's best we rest after a long journey."
"Mhm! I'll tell you all you need so people won't call you weird big bro!"
I gave her a pat in the head saying:
"Well aren't you just the nicest person? I can't say enough but thanks July... You know, maybe I should train my tongue and learn to talk so I can say your name right... Jelkuy is how you pronounce it?"
"Jqui, big bro..."
"Well, back to the basics to me then. But first, let's stroll around and search for this place to see if it's safe or not."
"Yea!"
July checks around the statues while I walk close into the offerings and flames.
"Hmm..."
I kneel down and place our bag down. I decided to place one our can of food whispering:
"May this be an offering, little Omena if you can hear me, I hope you like this, it's hot cocoa and marshmallows. You can share it with that Libera and Tyo's Goddess to if you want... Maybe I should add more..."
I decided to sit down place more cans before looking up at the statue thinking:
(Hehe, since this is a world of magic, it is appropriate to offer something to the Gods in return for something... I don't know what's the relations between Gods but I hope you all have a good time).
"Big, bro, what are you doing?"
"Huh? July?"
July grabs my shoulder and pushes me down as she looks over me. When she sees one of our can being offered she smiles saying:
"Oh, so you're offering up to the Goddess? Aren't you nice?"
"Nice? Aren't we supposed to offer something to the Gods?"
"Hehe, you must be very zealous. Usually, people offer when you have some surplus of things. Besides, you're free to gift her or not. She never really asks for offerings or anything in the first place. Just the fact that we're alive and free is enough offering to her."
"Hoh~ ain't she the kindest?"
July sits next to me saying:
"Yea! But not really many people actually chose to worship her as their deity. Even me..."
"Really? She sounds so nice."
(I better obtain much information I can).
"Fufufu, you really think so? No wonder you shine so brightly."
"This light you told me about, what is that even?"
"It's proof of being her follower. I too have that light but it's almost not visible, unlike my father."
As I stare at her, I could only see a bit of bubbling light exuding from her.
"True, I could only see tiny bubbles from you. I mean how does this even work?"
She shakes her head replying:
"I don't know... To be honest, I'm not really that devout of a follower. In fact, I'm still using Anarchist magic."
"Anarchist magic?"
She rests her head on my shoulder saying:
"It's magic that you can use without the Gods approval. Since magic is something Gods usually gift to us, Anarchist magic exploits the law of magic and cast a spell by ourselves, this is the magic commonly use and taught by everyone.
As for why? Libera's magic is said to be the strongest but you have to pay a huge price to use it. I mean even my dad never really told me what the price is which just makes me really afraid. And let's not talk about the other gods."
I rest my head at hers and hug her within my arm saying:
"I see... Well, I'm sure when the time is right, you'll get the answers you need."
"Uhm..."
When July eyes closed, the golden skies have now been painted blue. The blue flames lit the temple alight, giving the perfect atmosphere to rest our weary eyes while the flames warm our freezing hearth. July seems to have fallen asleep already, I carry her body and lay her at the floor before covering her with a blanket we obtained at the bunker. I caress her head saying:
"Rest well July, I'll search around the place for a while. You must be very tired to sleep this early."
Since I saw a second floor at this temple, I start to wonder where the other places lead.
(If this is a temple then...)
I travel around the floor, searching for a place before looking behind the statue and found a giant stone entrance leading upstairs.
"Found it."
I look back in July and realize the door outside is still open. I first close the door outside, unsheathing my sword before heading up deeper.
*step* *step*
My footsteps echo past the marble stairs as dusk settles in. Shadows envelop me and the area around with only the dim light of the setting sun showing me a path. As I reach the second floor, all I could feel was an urge of sympathy. A girl probably the same age as us, what's intriguing is her short puffy pink hair, wearing a huge baggy robe laid down before me. She faces the ground as the blood she spilt has already been dried up.
As I walk closer, I kneel beside her and closed her weary eyes.
"May you rest in peace... Hmm?"
The blood spilt by the nun left a trail leading to one of the doorless rooms sprayed across the second floor. I stand on my feet and follow the trail.
"And here I thought I could have a peaceful adventure... Then again, a world filled with monsters can never be peaceful can it?"
I lean my shoulders at the entrance and saw an honest and humble abode. With only a single sheet for an empty bed and a drawer with an empty bowl, this room really nice.
"I guess you either fill it up or not."
The trail of blood seems to lead to her the bed.
"Poor her must've been sleeping when she got attacked."
As I search around, all I found was vacant rooms and nothing more. It seems the only one living here is her.
"Well, it's not like I'm planning to take anything from a temple. Even I'm not that petty of a thief. I guess I should burry her as thanks for letting us stay here... Wait, do these people even bury the dead? I mean it could be like somewhere in Asia where they turn the deceased to cinders."
I place my sword down and wonder what I should do...
(I mean back at that clothing store, I never bother moving the body since I didn't plan to stay there but...)
"I'll ask July tomorrow on what to do."
*twitch*
"Hmm?"
I look at the corpse, wondering if something moved...
*poke* *poke*
(Yea, it's rude! But what I need to make sure! Why am I arguing with my self! Maybe... Maybe it's just my imagination).
*grab*
"Holy shiet!!!"
Both her hands grab my head as she widened white eyes shine brightly blinding me.
"You shall do... Lend me your power, follower of Libera."
I try to push her away but she seems to be floating and her arms stop me from backing away. Her light shines before my eyes and blinding me...
"[Kato Drosia]"
*************************************
"Hey did you hear about our new neighbour? He opened up a clinic."
"Yeah, a real freak. Who would go there."
"That dead eyes man. I can't look at him in the face."
"Mommy, can I eat the pie?"
"No, sweetie throw it away, there might be poison inside."
"Who the hell would trust a quack doctor like him? Especially in times rampant with terrorism. What we need is a new leader!"
"I heard screams in his clinic every night, it's scary."
"Police, yeah, that guy over there. I saw him pocketing some powders."
"The whole town has been noisy lately, do you know why?"
"I heard he's selling his drugs to some underground markets."
"I bought one of his medicine, and it actually worked!"
"What the fuck man! Spit it out! I'm taking you to the real doctors immediately!"
"Haven't you heard? His medicine works fine first but it slowly kills you. Haven't you heard of that family."
"This is what you get, Anselm."
"Achievements means nothing against reputation in this day and age."
"What are you talking about? We never steal anything! Say that one more time and I'll sue you!"
"Someone broke into that quack's clinic and trashed it. Serves him right."
"Seriously though, ain't the police doing anything!? What happens if that happens to us? Why did we pay our taxes for!?"
"Whydidthishappenitsyourfaulthodsaveoursoulsmarkmywordstraitoryoushouldvehavediedinsteadwhydidyouletherdieidontcarewhathappensitsstillyourfaultyoureinchargeofherarentyouafakelikeyoushouldjustquitresignyourcreditsgofuckyourselfthishospitaldneedsnocrimminalssorrybutwewontbeemployingsomeonewithacrimminalrecordgranpahappybirthdayimhungrymakemeicecream."
*************************************
"Ugh... Little Omena, food will be ready soon. Eat that and you can eat your sweets..."
Feeling the warmth of the sun shining through my eyes, I urge myself to wake up but...
(This pillow is very nice... Maybe I should buy one for my everlasting neck pain... Weird, since my neck doesn't hurt now maybe I could give this to little Omena so she could sleep better).
I change my sleeping position and decided to look up, my heavy eyes opened up to see a girl with blue hair bringing her face close to me...
"Ah... I'm going to sleep again..."
"No! Wake up, big bro!"
"Huh? July? Has little Omena eaten breakfast yet?"
"Who?"
I wipe my eyes to clear the dirt and saw July looking down on me from the side.
"Oh, July? What's happening?"
(We left town, found a temple and... Can't remember).
I decided to touch her face...
"B-big bro?"
My finger rubs against her cheeks and felt a soft brush from her hair.
(So warm and soft...)
"It's very nice..."
July holds my hand with hers saying:
"Uuu, stop it! It's ticklish!"
"Hahaha, sorry. Now that I think about it, this is the first time I saw your hands. It's so slim and smooth, it's beautiful..."
She pulls her hands and back away saying:
"Uuu, stop teasing me!"
I get up and look around, it's a nice and humble abode with a broken window with its thin curtain flowing by the winds commands...
"..."
I smiled at the nice serene situation and look at July wearing sitting calmly with the light of the morning sunbathing her... She smiles back at me and closes her eyes as she relaxes.
(Now that I think about it, isn't she feeling hot wearing that winter clothing in this heat? Nor why don't I feel the cold either).
I clean my eyes once more and look around the humble abode when I spotted a bucket with water on the small table beside me. I dip my hand inside and splash my face, wetting the collars of my clothes as I feel refreshed...
"I feel like I'm forgetting something..."
"Would you like some drink?"
A beautiful nun offers me a cusp of violet drink and I take it gladly saying:
"Why, yes, thank you."
I gulp it down and taste the sweet nectar that pours down my parched throat and felt so refreshed.like I never before.
"Yeah, I'm forgetting something... Still, it was very delicious and sweet."
"Your praise brings me joy, my saviour."
"Ah..."
As I felt a ton of brick raining down on me.
"Yes? Is there something wrong?"
"You... That's right! Didn't you do something to me!?"
I back away pulling the bed sheet along to hide when I realize July is also hiding beside me. The nun bows down with what her waist can reach before saying:
"Ah yes, I have yet to introduce myself. I am Saint Echo Artemis. If it wasn't for your presence here, I would've rot and perish in these foreign lands, I thank you deeply."
"Um... More like, I'm alive? And wait, you're a Saint!?"
She stands up straight saying:
"Yes, as incapable as I am, I am still blessed by her love. But as for your other question, I merely use your body to cast a spell of mine, I believe it's not supposed to hurt or change thee."
I scratch my head replying:
"I guess that's good... Ah whatever, I'm not going to make a deal of it. Oh, my name's Anselm or you can call me... Ags tiv-"
"Agxtv."
July corrects me once more, I nod and continue saying:
"Yea, whatever she said, it's a pleasure meeting you Saint Echo."
Echo bows again replying:
"The pleasure is all mine. You can just call me Echo, no need to be so formal."
"Ah, kay then, I'm glad to found someone who is actually alive. We've been roaming around with corpses everywhere we go."
Echo hides her smile saying:
"Huhuhu, well I'm glad you're happy then."
"Uuu..."
July grabs my hand as she tries to hide behind my arm.
(What's wrong with her? Or more like... Should I help the saint? I mean our situation's not that bad. But... Well having a Saint should help us a lot. So why not).
I pat July's head and look back at Echo saying:
"Either way, if you wish, you could always follow us to the nearest outpost. We were going to get transportation there. We could probably bring you to the nearest... Temple?"
Echo refuses by shaking her head replying:
"There's no need, I chose to wander here by my own will and choose a life of seclusion in the cold north. Since the invaders have left, I believe there's nothing to worry."
(Oh... It leaves a bad taste in my mouth but if that's what a Saint wants then I guess I should leave her. We have our own business to attend).
"I see... Thanks for the care, Echo. This may be short but we'll be leaving soon."
"I see, if you ever need something, you can always return here dear saviour of mine. As someone who has loved thy Goddess of Freedom, I'm sure you'll be blessed on your way."
Echo bows and left the room with my empty cusp in hand.
(Really that's it? Like nothing else!? Aren't there something else suppose to happen? Like is it going to be that boring with her? That sort of interaction like some professional talk!? Well I mean it's not like there's nothing much to do...)
When I get off the bed and realize my winter coat is off. July pulls my sleeve which prompts me to look at her. She gives me my coat saying:
"Here you go, big bro."
"Thanks, July..."
"Uhm! Good morning, big bro!"
I wear my clothes with her help before looking back at July saying:
"Yea, good morning to you too."
Seeing July's smile seem to soothe me down. I get off the bed and stretch my body asking:
"So, do you have any breakfast yet, July?"
"Huh? Oh, I already did..."
"Really? Did she cook for you or something?"
"Well, she offered me some of the fruits at the grove. It's really delicious! You should try some!"
"Oh, now I'm interested. Still, I'm kinda sad you didn't wait for me before eating."
"Eh!? B-big bro, what do you mean? Did I do something by eating first? I-I'm sorry..."
July hugs me close saying:
"Please don't hate me!"
I pat her head again saying:
"It's fine, I'm not angry about it. Now, why don't we head down and accompany me for some breakfast?"
"Uhm!"
July nods and lets me go with regret in her face.
(Now I feel kinda bad. But she seems very sensitive... Kinda like little Omena, but with less tiny hand violence).
Adjusting my clothes, I begin to walk out and July follows close behind me. The morning shines in its full glory and makes me wonder what happens to that howling winter storm. As we head down, I could see Echo waiting near the statue, she gives us a bow and I nod back before I leave her alone and see to our bags. My sword seems to be sheath back inside.
"Oh nice, maybe I should cook something nice... Oh, maybe you can cook that porridge you told me about?"
"Eh? I would but I don't think we have the tools or ingredients..."
July looks down with regret, I pat her head saying:
"It's okay. I could still wait until we return to your hometown. I guess you wouldn't be eating the fruit raw if you can actually make that porridge. I'll be cooking again then this morning... Hmm, what to cook... Hey, Echo, you want to grab a bite too?"
"Huh!? W-wait, are you asking me?"
Echo asks us shocked as she points at her self
"Who else is name Echo here? Come, the more the merrier right?"
"A-are you sure? Is this your free will?"
"Free will? Of course! Now, what materials could we use?"
I pull out the make-shift soup pot and a metal spoon. I look at Echo asking:
"Echo, do you mind if I have a taste of your the fruits in your grove? It'll be for our breakfast... You don't mind right?"
Echo who's been looking confused finally calms down and nods once with a smile saying:
"Oh, of course, please take as much as you want. I can help you if you wish."
"Oh! Perfect, I'll need your help then, thank you! I'll make the best dish I can mix!"
"You're too kind. You have chosen to share your gifts and I'm eternally grateful."
"I-I'll help too, big bro!"
July pulls my hand down and brings my ear close before whispering:
"And I hope you don't mix weird things again okay?"
I pat her head saying:
"Don't worry, July. Now lets head to the grove!"
*************************************
I grab the diced up yellow fruit and taste it...
"This is..."
(A strong and everlasting natural sweetness... This would work with this...)
I sprinkled some more red diced up fruit inside the bowl I borrowed from Echo. Add water to this mashed up blue fruit to spread the taste with the recently mixed one...
(Thanks to my experience of mixing chemicals and personal medicine back then. I got a natural feeling and taste to know which is supposed to mix with which and what to make the best combination...)
As I blend the additional spices I grounded and add it all to the make-shift soup bowl. Echo helps me light up a fire with her magic and I start to mix with the spoon saying:
"Thank you Echo."
"No, I should thank you. This is the first time I see people cook with utensils. It's certainly a new experience."
"Really? You don't cook with tools?"
(I mean didn't they use something like a stove back at the library?)
Echo shakes her head saying:
"Sometimes, at our Patheon, we ate everything raw or fermented, similar to the olden days. I guess I sometimes sneak out and use magic items with whatever recipes I learned. Like that cusp I shared."
"Oh~ aren't you one rebellious saint."
"You jest!"
As I have small talk with Echo while July is still cutting the fruits I told her too and tell her to place it on the plates. The smell of the food I make starts to permeate around the temple. I could see July sneaking some peeks at the bowl with sparkles with her eyes and Echo who's trying to keep a straight face.
(Is it really that good?)
"It's almost done, you can prepare the bowl now."
"As you will..."
"I'll help too!"
July and Echo help place two bowls we bring at the floor. Echo who's holding the third bowl starts apologizing:
"I hope you don't mind eating on the floor. Please forgive me for lacking so many items."
"It's fine, I use to be a soldier (in this body), so eating with the food in my hand is normal."
"I see, thank you for your mercy."
(Mercy? Really?)
She places the last bowl and the food is almost finished cooking. I distribute it between us and hand them the plates of fruit saying:
"Here you go, my original mix! You can eat the fruit on the plate first then eat it with the soup on the bowl."
Echo looks at the dish for a while before following the instruction on how I told her. Eating with her hands, and drinking directly from the bowl, she opens her eyes wide in surprise as she hides her mouth.
"I have learned all the cuisine related to the crops I have grown. To think you can make a new dish with the fruits in my expertise. I'm beyond delighted. Thank you, Anselm."
(Really? No one made this before?)
"No problem, now eat it while it's still hot. I'll share the recipe later if you want."
"That would be wonderful, thank you."
July who has started eating is smiling with delight.
"This is so good, big bro! I never had anything like it!"
"If you all praise me like that, you'll make me embarrassed~"
Echo takes another small bite before saying:
"To think you showed me so much hospitality even when I'm supposed to be the host. I suddenly feel ashamed..."
"It's fine! You give us a place to stay and provide us with the ingredients. And since we're about to leave, take this as a farewell gift. Besides, food tastes great when eating together no?"
Echo's frown turns around replying:
"I see, you may be right. I'll say it again, but if you need anything or a place to stay, you could always stay here. I'll be sure to welcome you with all I have."
"Hahaha, thank you, Echo. You look the same age as us yet you act so maturely."
(Yeah... Maybe, just maybe, I could ask her help in that form).
Echo nods at my statement replying:
"Huhuhu, that's true."
(I feel like I want to ask something to her... But I can't remember or put words to it... Ah, whatever! This is a nice atmosphere we're having, so let's enjoy it!)
*************************************
With our stuff cleaned by Echo's magic and our stomach filled. I pack our bags and stand outside the house waving back at Echo saying:
"See you later!"
July who hides behind me waving her hands saying:
"Thank you for the hospitality"
Echo bows down saying:
"Yes, please come again."
(Yeah, this is nice! Now that I think about it, July must've known about her huh? Is she that scary if she's been hiding behind me?)
I turn around and continue to the mountain at the end of the road. July holds my hand asking:
"Say, big bro... Do you think I'm useless?"
"Huh!? What's with that sudden question?"
July shakes her head saying:
"I feel like I haven't been helping much..."
I pull my hand back which shocked July but before she could tear up, I wrap her around my arm and pull her close to me. I hug her as close as I can with my one arm saying:
"Don't say that, you told me about many things, you can use magic which I can't, you know places I don't and you've been providing me with lots of physical and mental support. You're all I can ask for and more. Seriously, I think you should look at yourself better."
As we stop in our tracks, July hugs me back saying:
"I see, thanks, big bro... Please stay close to me okay?"
(I never really bothered with how much the invasion damage her mental health but I guess I should help her out).
I pat her again saying:
"Sure! I'm still waiting for your cooking too! And maybe why not call me by my name now?"
"Huh?"
"Rather than big bro, I think it's more appropriate to call me by name with how close we are."
"H-how, c-close?"
I press my forehead against hers saying:
"This close."
Her face exploded in bright beet red as she tries to back away. But I hug her even close, making her face even red in contrast to her blue hair. She slowly digs her head in my chest saying:
"I told you, no more sudden kisses..."
"Sorry, I can't think of another way to cheer you up."
"You big jerk..."
"That's new."
When I try to let her go, she stops me and holds me tight in return... I hug her back thinking,
(I guess we could stay like this. This is pretty nice).
"Say, mind calling me by name? You can call me by the name you give me too."
She hugs me tighter before whispering:
"Agxtv."
"Yes?"
"Please just stay like this for a little while longer..."
"Sure."
(I admit, it's quite fast but... I seriously can't say no to her).
Feeling the warm winds blow and the field of gold and amber sway by the winds breathe. I could feel sweat piling up my winter clothing...
"Say, talking about magic, can you use your magic now?"
"Oh!"
July backs away a little and claps. her hand saying:
"[Flame]"
When she opens her hands, a tiny ember appears in the middle similar to how Echo cast her magic. July jumps in joy saying:
"We did it! Now I can cast on the crystals when we get the vehicle!"
"Good! Now extinguish it so it doesn't burn the field."
"Right!"
*************************************
*stomp* *stomp*
As we travel far beyond the golden fields, mother nature's blanket soon lay her white blanket upon our feet.
(It seems we're back to going through the winter wastelands... Still, it's not good for our bodies to suddenly feel the extreme warmth and sudden cold suddenly, we might get a fever. Or do this world even have a fever?)
I look back at July who's holding my hand as we travel so we won't get lost.
"July, are you okay?"
July nods at me saying:
"I-I'm okay big- I mean, Agxtv! Sheesh, why did you have to change the way you called suddenly?"
As she catches up to me and we walk side by side, I ask her saying:
"I mean if what would happen if your parents found her daughter's lover ask her to call him big bro? Won't it be weird?"
"It's not rare for siblings to get married you know... Many of my cousins I know, do it too. So I thought you're the same."
"Wait, that's how you view me? Well, I guess that's my own fault. But really? Incest is normal?"
"Incest? What's that? And for siblings to marry, I heard from my dad that it's hard to find another settler back before Hyu and the King make the giant beacon crystals, the roads, and built the biggest city. Most of us back then usually find someone to marry inside the settlements we had or kidnap someone else from another settlement. I guess you could say before Hyu's arrival we are like some kind of nomadic barbarians..."
"Oh... Say, now I'm curious, how old is your hometown?"
(Barbarians huh? Wait, how old is this Hyu guy anyway? And how old is he when he starts to make all these things? For God sake, I heard his name all the time! I wouldn't be surprised if people start calling him God's apostle or a Demigod either!)
"Huh? Oh, to be honest, we only started settling there per Hyu's right-hand man's instruction. I think we call him Quisula, of the Iqx Dqtr. Oh, and Hyu is part of the Iqx too, I think we call him, Trisegos.
So I guess... I've been living there for a decade now counting my time on vacation with dad!"
"Woah, that's a first."
(And his name is not so hard to pronounce... And pretty cool, I wonder if I control another body I should names myself with that kind of vibe... Like... I'll think of it later).
As we continue our journey hand in hand, two moons seem to settle in while the mountains are finally within our sight.
"We travelled pretty fast."
July nods saying:
"Yea, big bro walks pretty fast. It surprises even me."
"Oh is it surprising?"
"Mhm! My dad told us that our tribe proves best in our stamina, speed and strength. Which makes us the best travellers and winter soldiers in this environment."
"Oh! Aren't you just boasting now?"
I gave her a pat in the head and July gives the cutest smile as she accepts it.
(I mean, to be honest, I'm not the original owner of this body. So all the credit is supposed to go to him. But whatever).
"C'mon, let's give it our all and get into that outpost. Before it gets too late."
"Uhm!"
July nods and we speed up our pace into the mountains. Soon, I could see the buried up street lantern and the entrance to some giant building in front of the mountain.
July begins to sprint which prompts me to follow. The twin moons now shine above us, our tired breath seems to not matter as our goals are now in front of us.
(Still, I'm a bit worried. We haven't encountered any monsters or anything at all. Not counting Echo back there).
As we arrive at their entrance, it's like what I expected. Empty, quiet and solemn wherever you see beneath the glimpse of the moonlight. July lets me go and check around the entrance while I look around what seems to be a giant garage door but made of white stone.
(This is it, I guess this is where the vehicle is).
"Big- Agxthv! I found the vehicle! It's close!"
"Already!? Good work!"
July nods with joy saying:
"Mhm! But..."
"But...?"
Curious about what she has to say... I try to guess saying:
"Is the vehicle broken?"
July shakes her head which relieves me but what she says next,
"A Black Demon, there's is one in the outpost!"
"Oh... Boy..."