In the city of Babel, there is a special place called "The Garden of Eve". Where different kinds of pets live together on their own, cats, dogs, birds, lizards, hamsters, you name it. It is not special just for that, but because it's the only green place in the entire city!
You'd think, that in this post-apocalyptic world, such place would be greatly appreciated. Yet, it is rarely ever frequented in the last 10years!
If not for Levon, the case would be never rather than rarely ever. This has only weighed on the mind of Ezer's master as he walked him down there today.
While looking at his dog's excited smile, he thought of something.
'…Why do I have a dog?'
But right away, he had an answer. 'Ah Yeah, I wanted to try my invention on him.'
After a brief inner silence. '...Is that really why?' He asks again.
'I could've let him in the garden afterwards…
I still remember how it happened, it was one of my very first inventions… I was 16.
Mother Elena took me there, any animal was going to do. So, the first one I saw the moment I entered was the one I pointed my finger at. A fluffy little dog sitting calmly with one eye closed one open.
When he saw me pointing at him, he immediately jumped from his place and started turning around my feet restlessly. I just kept looking at it weirdly, I never had direct contact with an animal before until then.
Mother said something along the lines of…
"Oh…He likes you it seems!
How cute, so this is the one you'd like to have?
What are you going to name him? You know that you need to give him a name…"
Back then, I was even more silent than today. She didn't know it was just an item for my research, and I didn't bother telling her otherwise…
However, I couldn't stop myself from asking her.
"..He likes me?"
She looked quite moved with my question, as she was every time I spoke something unexpected.
"…Yes he likes you Levon, or else he wouldn't approach you like that."
In the back of my mind, all I could think of was how can she say something as stupid as that with a straight face.
Some years after that, the Animal translator device was complete. One day I thought again about what she said and decided to ask him, he looked at me the same way he does now.
His tale was excessively moving right and left, from observing that I came to the conclusion that he only does it when he's excited and energetic, then he said.
"Because you like me too."
…That robotic phrase got stuck in my mind ever since.
What he said wasn't true, up to that moment I only thought of him as an item, an item of many others I possessed, but now that It will be the first time he's not going to see me every day…
I think that somehow, without realizing it… I liked him from that moment.'
Suddenly, Ezer barks at Levon! Hence that he wants to tell him something.
"Ah yeah… You can run. It's just at the end of this street."
And so Ezer ran as fast as he can as he got his owner's permission, he could stop midway and look back at Levon, bark again and continue running to the end of the street where the garden is located.
"… Am I too late, to realise all of this?". He asked himself.
About a minute later, the two enter the garden. the whole street leading to it is empty, no buildings around nor humans.
Surprisingly, it is a beautiful lively place! Though no one seems to be taking care of it, the auto watering and feeding system does the job.
'…I have to say again that this may be the most underrated invention of Dr. Howard!' Says Levon in his mind.
The birds flying from one tree to another, butterflies from one plant to another, cats and dogs laying next to each other so lazily and peacefully. It is a beautiful sight!
Levon sat down on the seat he usually likes, in the far right corner. The animals upon seeing Ezer suddenly got energetic and welcomed him like he was family! While Levon kept looking at the beautiful flowers of all shapes, colors and sizes.
"…Beautiful! Atleast, I know what this word really means…'
Levon puts his earphones on. As always they automatically put the song most suited for his state. This time, It's an instrumental electric guitar piece that gracefully touches the ear.
'…There goes another thing that I don't know the name of. All I know now is that…I like your invention very much, Dr. Eglicius."
Referring to the inventor of this amazing device, who happens to be one of the 7heroes!
The two will come to spend a couple of hours, before deciding to head back home. Ezer got pretty tired and it shows, his friends all looked sad to see him go away, with some of his barks they understood he'll be coming back soon enough. And like that, the two leave…
On their way out, Levon senses somebody coming in.
He looks ahead! A man on his own is coming towards the Garden's entry. As he got closer, levon analyses his exterior appearance and gets quite shocked!
'…Who can this be?
I thought I'm the only one to wear such clothes���I can't see his face clearly due to the hood on.'
Ezer barks on, he's hungry and wants to go back home. He is more used to the food in the house. But Levon was concentrated on looking at this guy that just came in.
'…So I'm not the only one who still comes here?
And…Why did the animals surround him the moment he got near them!? Even their energy has picked up…
Wait! What are you doing Levon?!
Control yourself!'.
"Let's go Ezer." Graham covers his head with his hoodie and gets out.
The rare moments of serenity and peace Levon experienced this evening quickly turned upside down. His quick steps were a clear sign of frustration and uncertainty.
'…Since when I became interested in others? Or even looked their way?
I'm starting to take this questioning thing too far. This isn't right, it's too tiring, and it goes nowhere… I can't worry my mind about whatever someone is doing.
This is how things are, this is how it always were…I've already accepted this long time ago.
…No.
It wasn't always like this, not when I was with her, and them… I don't understand Why was it so different the moment I left? It seems I'll never know…
Unless, like King Axel mentioned… I'll find everything I want to know there. In The Eraquest.
Yeah… There is nothing that will change my mind from now on.
No doubt, I will participate!