Ken: Kora, young lady! Could you please bring me some water? Emili is still unstable, I can't leave her alone.
Kora: Okay. Where would I get water?
Ken: You see that line over there? (Points)
Kora: Okay. I just have to line up with them right?
Ken: Yes. Thank you, Kora.
(Kora walks toward the line. She stops behind the last person in line and starts looking around)
Kora thoughts: So this is the "shelter". I'm not sure but, I think it is supposed to protect us from the bombs and explosions outside. I hope we're safe in here.
Kora thoughts: (Looks back at Emili) Emili... I hope she's fine. She looks so scared, it was as if the world is ending. She hasn't been able to properly speak since the explosion. Was she that scared of explosions? Well, I guess no one is not...
(After a moment)
Kora thoughts: Ah! Finally my turn. But this... what is this? (Stares at a blob of floating water) How am I supposed to use this?
Kora: (To a nearby man) Um, excuse me, may I get a cup of water?
Man: (Confused look) Well, you're the first one on line now. Go get it.
Kora: So-sorry, I don't know how to use this...
Man: (Examines Kora to tip to toe) You don't look like people around here. I guess you're a traveler that came to our kingdom at the wrong timing huh.
Kora: Uh, well, it's a little bit more complicated but...
Kora thoughts: I mean I don't even know what's happening now so I can't really explain my situation...
(The man takes Kora's empty cup and places it on to a circle mark on the table. The bottom of the cup matches exactly to the mark, and the blob of water starts shaking. It then extracts an amount of water from its body and pours it into the empty cup)
Man: Here you go. You see how it works right?
Kora: Y-ya. Thank you.
Kora thoughts: Woh... So that's how you get water? It's like the water moves by itself. How does it float like that anyways? Wait, is water supposed to float like that? Mother, I am truly ignorant...
(Kora walks back to where Emili and Ken is)
Kora: Here. (Hands the water)
Ken: Thank you, I really appreciate your help.
Kora: It's just a cup of water. Emili has shown me more precious kindness than this...
Ken: (Smiles) There's no such thing as kindness that is more precious.
(Ken helps Emili drink the water)
Kora thoughts: Emili... she's still in fear. Ken is trying his best to comfort her. The people that attacked... They call them "Defus"? I wonder who they are.
Crowd: Prince Loki!
Crowd: It's Prince Loki!
Kora thoughts: The people... They are all looking towards one direction. Everyone is suddenly full of energy and hope. Prince Loki... it sounds familiar.
Emili: (jumps up) Prince Loki is coming!?
Kora: Is he some kind of hero?
Emili: (Eyes full of hope) Yes... Thank goodness...
Kora thoughts: A second ago Emili is still shaking in Ken's arms, and now she is back with energy. Not only her, the other people in the shelter are also glowing up with hope. It's as if the atmosphere changed. Although there are still people fighting outside, everyone is no longer that afraid anymore.
Kora thoughts: Prince Loki... he must be a very strong leader figure.
Loki: Is everyone safe?
Kora thoughts: Wait... him, that man that I met at the palace! Prince Loki... right, that's what the men called him. So it's him that Emili and the people here were talking about... He feels a bit different though, his eyes... they don't look cold and contempt anymore.
Loki: My dear Askalandrians, I am deeply sorry for having my people go through such pain and horror. Do not worry, our army would destroy the Defus in no time. Please stay safe in the shelter, in the name of Goddess Selestina, I will lead the Knights of Letze and protect our homeland.
Kora thoughts: He must be a powerful person. A prince... I've read those in my books before. They were always the key to save princesses that were either under a curse or trapped somewhere in a tower or a castle. It usually ends with a true love kiss.
Kora thoughts: I've always imagined a true love's kiss... In the stories, it could cure anything. A girl who ate poisoned apple, a prince who got cursed into a beast, a princess that was in eternal sleep...
Kora thoughts: It would definitely cure my disease too. I would go outside and play all day and have fun like the other kids. But the only person that was able to give me kisses was my mother and the nurses.
(The crowd lets out long and loud cheers as the Prince finished his speech and leaves with 5 soldiers following)
Kora: (Hands Emili the bread) Emili, you want? I didn't really have time to finish the bread you made for me.
Emili: Oh, thank you. (Takes a half of the bread) You picked it up, huh.
Kora: Y-ya, but I think it's still clean since it fell with the pan beneath it.
Kora thoughts: I hope...
Emili: It's fine. (Takes a bite) It's surprising how calm you can be in this situation. I was such a scaredy-cat compared to you. (Laughs gently)
Kora: No, not really. I was pretty scared too. It's just that... I don't really understand much so I don't know how to react.
Emili: Hmm. Well, you certainly are pretty strange though. (Takes another bite) Your clothes... They are clean, but they don't look like expensive fabric either. And also seeing how skinny and small you are... I did say you were a traveler, but to be honest, I was just trying to give you some privacy. Things happen to people, so...
Emili: I wouldn't say you are really poor. But I really also wouldn't consider you as those rich mistresses that came downtown just to see how commoners live. (Laughs jokingly)
Kora thoughts: Although she still looks a bit uncomfortable due to the situation, Emili is slowly back to being her ownself... I'm so happy. Prince Loki's arrival did make her feel more secure, didn't it.
Ken: (Stands up) Seeing how you girls are chit-chatting, I'm assuming my girls are feeling much better for some soup now? Just a loaf of bread wouldn't be enough to fill one's stomach.
Ken: (Whispers to Kora) Sorry young lady, but could you do me another favor? Please look after Emili while I go get some soup. In return, I will offer you my share of food along with yours.
Kora: It's alright, you don't have to do such a thing. I will stay here with Emili anyways.
Kora thoughts: Besides, I have nowhere else to go...
(Ken leaves)
Emili: (Waits until Ken completely leaves) ...I'm going to go out to check on how the soldiers are doing. (Leaves)
Kora: (Startled) --What? Wait, no! Emili! I'm going with you!