-Loudo Guild, Medical Center-
In a hospitalized room occupied with the typical furniture, like a bed, a side table, and a chair which Aimer sat on was where Aimer's mother was being tended to.
"You may leave,"
Aimer gestured to the nurse Dweller who had been tending to his mother. With a slight bow that said Dweller quickly flee the room, closing the door behind her.
Aimer turned to his mother who had her gaze on the other side of the window. He slowly reach out his arm to gently touch hers.
"Mother, how are you feeling?"
Anysia turned away from the window in response to Aimer.
"Ohh, why the sad face? I'm fine. You don't have to worry,"
Feeling slightly relieved to his mother response, Aimer made a response of his own.
"Ahh, what a relief! It's good to hear your're doing alright. But how about the baby?"
Anysia glanced at her bloated stomach before giving it a gentle rub.
"Oh, you know, the usual. She's kicking here and there as always,"
Anysia suddenly covered her chuckle at her own statement.
{Aimer smiles}
"Good. Very good,"
For a brief moment Aimer stared at his mother as if she was a goddess. For one, the lighting behind her created a marvelous scene to look at.
"Are you okay?"
Anysia said to Aimer with a tilted head and a confused look. Aimer removed his hand from his mother only to awkwardly pat the back of his head while wearing a nervous smile.
"Yes, yea I am. It's just that everything's moving so fast I don't have much time to..."
"Shhh!"
Anysia placed her index finger against Aimer's lips. Though her actions caught Aimer by suprise.
"Your actions are stronger than your words. You don't have to say anything because I can see it all dear child. If your father were here I'm sure he'd be happy,"
Even though Anysia flashed a bright smile at Aimer, behind his understanding reaction was a bit of sulk. Hearing the mention of his 'father' placed him in an agitated mood.
What Aimer desired to comprehend was why is his mother always thinking of a worthless father who probably doesn't even care about his family.
'Tch! Love, I'll never understand it'
Aimer thought to himself. With that aside, Aimer proceeded to inform his mother about the Guild Conference he has to attend later.
At first he thought his mother would be worried but she was quite easy going it he whole situation. And before leaving the room, Aimer kissed his mother's forehead before wishing for her to get better by the time he comes back.
. . . . . . .
Now waking down a narrow yet dimly lit hallway Aimer was contemplating what's next on his to-do list before the Conference later on that day.
Trapped deep within thought Aimer soon reached the end of the hallway which turned into the main floor. And directly a few feet ahead of him were two individuals Aimer was glad to see.
'Aurora? And Nobara?'
"Oh, look! The Guild-master is here,"
Nobara was the first of the two to notice Aimer.
He quickly turned to bow towards Aimer's direction. Aurora followed suit.
"Greetings. But there's no need to lower your heads,"
Aimer gestured his hands in a manner that said to lift your heads.
"Oh, sorry. It's kind of awkward if we don't,"
Nobara rose his head with a slight chuckle while rubbing the back of his cranium. Aurora shyly looked up at Aimer.
"Well anyways. I need you two to do something for me,"
Both Nobara and Aurora glanced at each other a breif moment before turning back to Aimer.
"Yeah, yeah, what do you need?"
Nobara struggled to say.
"Nobara, I want you to gather the Guild members early tommorow morning okay?"
Nobara suddenly shit Aimer a confusing expression.
"Ah, yes. But why?"
"That…that's when I'll start personally training you all,"
Nobara and Aurora weren't surprised at all after hearing Aimer's reply. Simply being that he had mentioned it before.
"Okay. That shouldn't be a problem,"
Nobara simply replied. Aimer then turned to look at Aurora. Aimer suddenly placed one hand behind his head in an awkward manner.
"As for you, I require some assistance in choosing an outfit for tonight's Guild Conference. I usually would ask my mother but…"
Aurora eyes shit wide open.
"Oh yes! Of course! I'll help in anyway I can,"
Nobara slightly stepped back after being startled by Aurora's reaction. Aimer too was caught of guard. He didn't expect Aurora would show much interest in…
'Could she possibly…? Eh, maybe I'm just overthinking things'
Aimer thought inwardly.
"Great. Then let's get going,"
Aimer strode past the two with Aurora cheerfully pursuing onward. However, in a swift action unnoticed by Aimer, Aurora flashed Nobara a mockery peek.
'What the?? That isn't the Aurora I know. Why is she acting like that…could it be that'
Nobara violently shook his head to get rid of his absurd thoughts.
'Overthinking yeah I'm just overthinking'
Nobara stood in place while resting his head in one hand.
. . . . . . .
While Nobara was left at the Guild, Aimer and Aurora were being chauffeured to the nearest shopping store—Clothes Contact.
One of the few name brand clothing companies located within the said city of Talhain. The store hosts a variety of lavish outfits for all customers and/or visitors/tourist who visit.
And inside the vehicle, Aimer glanced though his side of the window.
{Aimer exhales}
"No one would think there are monsters that we, the hunters, face everyday through gates with how peaceful the world looks,"
Aurora glanced to her left to peek at Aimer. Aimer glanced back at her. Aurora quickly broke their eye contact.
"Um, um…I guess I can understand what you're saying,"
Aurora had began fidgeting. She fondled with her fingers and her legs twitched back and forth together.
'Hm? What's with her expression?'
Aimer thought.
"Young don't seem too well. Are you okay?"
{Eekk}
"Oh yes, I am"
Aurora released a squeal when Aimer simply asked her a question.
"Oh, okay. Well, it seems we're almost there,"
Aimer turned back to take a glance though his side of the window. While Aurora lowered her head.
'What's wrong with me? Why am I acting like this? The Guild-master must think I'm weird!'
Aurora thought inwardly before continuing.
'Speaking of which, I thought I saw a portion of the Guild-masters face back at the Guild'
Aurora suddenly had a flashback to when Aimer approached her and Nobara at the Guild. For a minuscule moment before he did, Aimer was putting on his mask where Aurora thought she caught a partial glimpse of his face.
'I'm not sure of it! But the Guild-master resembles him. The only friend whoever stuck up for me when I was younger. But if it is him, has he forgotten me. Aimer?'
Suddenly, Aurora started to feel sad and unhappy. She was unsure if the man behind the mask was her long lost friend. But if he was why hasn't he said anything to her. Aurora slowly fell into a turmoil of her emotions.
That was when…
"We're here,"
They arrived at the store.
The chauffeur creep up to the sidewalk on his left where the store was located. Soon after, Aimer vanished from within the car to the outside of Aurora's door.
{Opens door}
Aimer smoothly opened Aurora's door side d gently brought her out.
'…!!'
Aurora was quite surprised but followed suit.
"Ahh, thank you,"
"No problem. And chauffeur?"
The chauffeur turned back to peek at Aimer who stood on outside of the car.
"Be out in an hour,"
Aimer flashed the chauffeur a hidden smile behind his mask, filled with gratitude while holding up the peace sign. The chauffeur nodded in respect before Aimer gently closed the door.
Aimer then progressed to strode atop the sidewalk where Aurora awaited his presence. The two immediately entered the clothing store together.
{opens door}
Aimer opened the entrance to the store before leading Aurora on inside.
"Welcome!"
Both Aimer and Aurora were greeted by lady dressed in a black and white uniform with the lower part being a skirt. She had bright green eyes that harmonized with her dark green hair.
"Greetings,"
Aimer was the first of the two to respond. The lady lifter her head then said.
"What can we do for such a young, beautiful couple today?"
Hearing this statement Aimer froze in his position. Aurora, on the other hand, palmed her face. However, through the space left between her fingers one could see her cheeks were bright red.
"Oh, sorry. My judgment must've been wrong,"
The young lady said upon realizing the situation. Though she released a slight chuckle towards Aimer and Aurora's reactions.
"Ahh, no worries. More importantly, where are your most outstanding dress suits?"
"Oh, then after me,"
After a pleasant bow, the employee clicked her heels the gestured for Aimer and Aurora to follow suit. They were led to a section of the store that's displayed their most luxurious and fashionable attire.
"Right her, these are the best suits you can get in the city,"
With a cheerful smile, the employee strode by the displayed suits to better give Aimer and Aurora a view of the displayed clothes.
"Is that so…?"
Hands pressed against his chin, aimer keenly glanced over the suits portrayed before him.
"Hmmm. That black and white tuxedo is an eye catch. However, Im also digging that dark blue too.
{Aimer sighs}
"Which one do I choose? The more I look the more I want. Dammit!"
The voice within Aimer's head began contemplating between a variety of suits that enticed him. Aurora, on the other hand, realized this and thats when she decided to make a move. Aurora collapsed placed both hands behind her back, turned to Aimer then said in a concerning manner.
"You seem like your're having difficulty."
Aimer glanced down at Aurora, simultaneously, rubbing the back of his head.
"I'm that obvious eh?"
{Aurora smiles}
"Here, let me help you,"
Aurora hightailed towards the displayed clothing, slipping pass the startled employee. For a moment, Aimer was surprised by Aurora's assertiveness, however, he closely watched as she stood a few feet before the dress suits. Unexpectedly, Aurora reached out grabbing a particular suit that had caught 'her' eye.
'This should do the trick'
Aurora brought the suit closer to her only to scrutinize it again. Just after she was finished she rushed bak over to Aimer, shoving the clothes up against his chest. Though perturbed, Aimer calmly retrieved the clothing. He too then inspected the suit.
"So, how was it?"
Eyes filled with curiosity, Aurora blatantly gazed at Aimer.
{Aimer gulps}
Before looking back at Aurora.
"Well, its great,"
Aurora's countenance lit up like a 1990's chandelier after hearing Aimer's response.
'Go me! It's a good thing he likes it. I was worried at first but I guess I managed to choose a suit he liked'
The now frantic Aurora subtly began to fondle over herself in joy. Not realizing that both Aimer and the employee had their gazes locked onto her.
'Oh my!'
Slightly widened eyes, the employee placed one hand over her mouth, sneaking a glance at Aimer. Aimer couldn't help but shuttered at her action.
'What the hells wrong with her?'
Aimer thought.
'Anyways, I didn't expect Aurora to have such a childish side. Seems she's happy with her decision. So, I'll give these a try'
{Aimer smiles}
"Ahh, excuse me. Can I give these a try?"
Aimer turned back to the employee. Aurora suddenly stopped her childish outburst.
"Yes! The dressing room is right over there,"
Aimer turned towards the direction the employee pointed at. Directly across the room was another smack section with two doors labeled 'female' and 'male'.
"Alright, thank you,"
Aimer showed the employee his gratitude before making haste over to the changing area. Aimer swooped by the onlookers, shoppers and other employee on his way. Now approaching the door, Aimer quickly opened it.
{closes door}
'Ah! Now lets see if these fit'
Aimer immediately undress before the door-like mirror within then changing room. In a matter of seconds Aimer was now inside his new suit.
{Aimer smirks}
'Ohhh yeahhh! Now this is what I'm talking about'
Striking a few pose, Aimer began admiring himself inside the mirror.
{pfft!}
'Yeah, I think that's enough pal. You're getting too carried away'
Aimer thought to himself before getting undressed once again to put on back his original garments. After preparing to exit the changing area Aimer came to a sudden realization.
'Wait a minute…to think I just tried on the suit without realizing it was a perfect fit?'
The flabbergasted Aimer stood before the door, staring at the handle as if he were crazy.
'What crazy luck. But I should get going'
{opens door}
{closes door}
Aimer made his way back toward the location employee and Aurora who were both seemingly chitchatting in a deep conversation. Soon Aimer made his appearance, startling them both. Aurora was the first to turn around.
"Oh? You're finished. How was it?"
"Well, what can I say? Unexpectedly, it was a perfect fit!"
Aurora unintentionally gasp.
"Wow, really? That's great,"
{Aimer smiles}
He then turns toward the employee.
"I'll be taking these,"
The employee bowed once more before taking the suit from Aimer. And to put simply, after that, both Aimer and Aurora head towards the register to wrap things up. With a welcoming smile, the register prompted to ask Aimer how he would like to pay. And of course, Aimer paid a total of $7,000 dollars with his card he had on him. Shortly after collecting both his suit and receipt, Aimer and Aurora said their goodbyes.
"It was a pleasure doing business with you. Please come again,"
Said the employee as Aimer and Aurora made their exit.
{door closes}
"Now that was quite easy,"
Aurora strode forward onto the sidewalk to locate the chauffeur.
"Well, thanks to you,"
Aimer said while following along. Aurora chuckled slightly before sprinting forward towards the chauffeur that was now in sight, standing just outside the vehicle. The chauffeur stepped aside then progressed to open the door for the approaching Aurora. Aimer couldn't help but smile at Aurora's cheerful demeanor. And as he too made his way to the car, it was at this moment, Aimer suddenly felt a chill ran down his spine.
'What!? What is this feeling!?'
Like a prey being stalked by a predator, Aimer could sense the inevitable danger. And if he doesn't act right now, things can go haywire. Suddenly, Aimer's gaze swept the entire grounds of the city.
'Where? Where is it coming from?'
'…!!'
Instinctively, Aimer eyes became wider, he immediately looked up to his far right where he spotted a figure atop a nearby building seemingly aiming at the group.
'So its you! That strong killing intent!'
Given the situation, Aimer became hesitant in what to do next. He look to his left at the Aurora awaiting his presence then he looked back at the figure who was now preparing for an attack.
'No! A sniper?'
Aimer felt an uneasy feeling settled within his stomach. However, he hadn't the time to think for…
"Goodbye, Solo-Harvester"
The figure atop the roof took aim, from a Nr.1 Barret M82, it fired a powerful and deafening shot.
*bam!*