__________ POV Ashton__________
I rested for a day or two. During that time, Pitou barely talked with me. Only responding whenever I asked her something.
Likely out of respect, but it's a bit weird. What exactly have I done to make her angry?
It's a bit too soon to realise that I've done some psychological conditioning on her. And I don't think I did anything wrong other than that.
I guess I can ask her. My pride would usually prevent me from even talking to her(out of spite) but I do somewhat care about her now. So I guess it's worth the effort.
I just walked up to her and stared at her. She pretended to keep reading, but I could see her gaze turn towards me from time to time. Even if for a split second.
"Why are you ignoring me?" I asked while glaring at her. I still sound too cold, but she's kind of used to that being my usual emotion.
"What? I'm not ignoring you..." Does she really want to play like this? I'm not feeling up to it, but I still want to know what's wrong with her.
"Don't play around. I can tell something is wrong. Do you need anything? Or maybe I did something without realising it?" I mean, I'm already extending an olive branch by even approaching her.
I even had the thought of... Ugh, genuinely apologizing... Those are not thoughts that usually enter my head. So I guess this is a special occasion.
She did finally put her book down and stared down. Not really saying anything and just looking at her own legs for a while.
Eventually, though, she did start speaking. "What exactly are we doing here...?" I think there's more to that question.
I did tell her we are on a dangerous trip to look into some stuff about my past. So she does know the general location. So, this question should rather be, 'What are you hiding from me?'.
I can tell she's not quite pleased that I never bothered explaining things to her. I guess that is my bad, I am quite used to doing these things alone.
These things are also quite delicate, and about my past... But Pitou should at least know a thing or two about my past. Well, she certainly wants to know about it.
I wonder how much I should tell her exactly... I mean, I don't feel like going on a tirade about everything in my homeland. So I'll just give her a basic explanation.
"Well, this place is, or used to be, my homeland. As you already know. But, a long time ago something made everything in it go mad, and I am trying to find the source of it." That should about sum things up.
It kinda started with me wanting to look into the calamities. But I guess they are the same. They are so closely tied together that it might as well not make a difference.
I will still study the biology of any calamity I can. But I first need to finish up with this... Treasure hunt, I guess.
"I see... I'm... Tired. You always just call me out from time to time. Then ignore me for most of the day while concentrating on other things... Can I really not come with you?"
She's asked me about this before. She wants to spend more time with me, she wants me to give her more and more attention.
To her, it should be like we are constantly together since there is no time in the Void Space. It's like she's just teleporting to different caves all the time.
So, I guess she is just sad that most of the time I bring her out I just spend on reading things and deciphering texts.
Was I being inconsiderate with her? Or maybe I spoiled her a bit? Oh well, she'll get over this sooner or later.
"We've talked about this before... It's dangerous. I don't want you to get hurt. I didn't bring you here so you can die." I said while patting her head.
But it seems that showing concern isn't really enough for her.
"But you're strong right?! You can protect me can't you?" I guess this has been on her mind for a while. But I don't really know how to put this...
"Most of the time, I need to retreat and run away from large swarms of powerful monsters. By myself, I am not really in much danger." She looked up at me, finally locking eyes with me.
"But I don't know if I will be able to save you all the time. Sorry, but that's a risk I am not willing to take." The first genuine apology in a long time.
Well, there was also the one I put in Momoze's letter. But that was written, so I won't count it.
Pitou didn't really know how to react to my words. She just stared at me for a bit. Trembling as her eyes slowly started tearing up.
Now, as I've stated before(when Momoze was crying) I really don't have any idea what to do in a situation like this. This is where my social inaptitude truly shines.
But I guess it's more of an empathic inaptitude than a social one now that I think about it.
"S-Sorry~Thank you..." Now, I guess she's not exactly sad since she jumped up and hugged me. I guess things could've gone a lot worse.
Seeing her stress over such silly things is quite concerning. I should've maybe kept her around more when not doing something explicitly dangerous(like stealing from a Roc or fighting a calamity).
But I guess I've just been focused on travelling quickly from one place to another.
Ì guess there are some places that she might be able to go to... Well, as long as she's with me.
"You know... Now that I think about it... There is somewhere nearby where we might be able to go." She suddenly looked up at me, her shining.
I don't want to put her in danger, but I won't need to attract any swarm while going there. So, maybe I won't even need to throw her in the void space.
It's a place I've known for a long time. And something I planned on visiting anyway.
I called it 'The Spring Of Life'.
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Eyy, I'm back, mostly done with the renovations, but still new to work and got a lot to learn
Still, I will try to upload somewhat daily again(to get back in the habit as some would say)
Hope you all didn't miss me too much xoxo(fuking kill me nohomo)
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