"What's your name? Where exactly is this place? Who's chasing us... No, damn it, who are those guys chasing you? Is this still Earth? Are you an E.T.?" In the chilly mountain hollow, bathed in the morning light, Lucas sat sipping hot soup made from seasoning packs. Covered in sweat, he questioned the silent and beautiful girl sitting across from him with a grin on his face.
The escape last night was at its peak. Though they quickly fled into this unknown mountain to the east, the thunderous pursuit of a large cavalry unit behind them continued to haunt his nightmares. The pursuers seemed to have split into two groups, one heading east and the other west. The torches behind them flickered sporadically, and the sounds of armored clashes echoed in the silent night, audible from a distance. They used the cover of small groves along the way, evading and darting towards the mountains. However, the enemy seemed to be getting closer. It was only when they reached the mountain pass that, for some reason, the noises from behind grew fainter, and the glow of torches dimmed. Taking a risky glance from a higher vantage point, he saw two groups converging and rolling westward like fire dragons. The two of them caught a lucky break, but there was no time to waste. They plunged deeper into the complex terrain of the mountains, leaving their horses behind.
Lucas dragging the girl weakened by her injuries, seemed to be getting more energetic as they walked. He also noticed that his stamina was improving. It wasn't until the first light of dawn that the girl he was pulling finally couldn't hold on any longer and collapsed on the ground. Though Lucas wasn't tired, his stomach started growling. Anxiously, he stopped to rest, lit a fire, and had something to eat.
The fire burned brightly, driving away the morning chill in the mountains. In a small pot, the hot soup bubbled and simmered. The girl, holding Lucas's canteen, sipped the soup delicately. Her posture was elegant, and her pale complexion seemed to be recovering. She, too, curiously observed Lucas. Her light blue eyes shimmered, indicating she was attentively listening to him. However, the outcome remained the same – the two couldn't communicate.
"I know you're a beauty... But come on, girl, say something! The whole weird day, sandstorm, light emitting from my body.... Thousands of guys chasing us relentlessly. We've killed people, run for our lives. My nose has bled twice because of you, twice! If I were a bit more fragile in the nerves, I'd probably be hanging myself with a rope by now. I've been taking care of your food and drink. But, for God sake, at least say something! I'm begging you, girl, I want to go home..." Lucas grumbled incessantly, pulling out two emergency food bars, tossing one to the girl, and reluctantly tearing open one for himself.
He figured it out – this beauty girl didn't seem inclined to talk. He didn't know when his iPhone was lost, and he really needed Google Translate right now.
The girl clutched the food bar wrapped in plastic and curiously examined it. A pensive expression appeared on her face. Taking a twig, she slowly drew something on the ground. Lucas observed her actions, and finally, he noticed that the girl had written in Latin he could recognize, "Quis es?" (in English "Who are you?")
Tears were welling up. After all the fighting, running, and even some intimate moments. Now, they could finally connect! The girl, beautiful even in adversity, naturally exuded an air of nobility and elegance. Lucas, the straightforward man he was, knew she must have a remarkable background. However, he wanted to understand the current situation and plan for a return to a normal life. If fate was indeed set on challenging him, he was determined to face it with a comfortable attitude.
The girl gazed deeply at him, observing this strangely mysterious guy, slowly opening her mouth, "Who are you?" Lucas tried hard to discern her spoken words. It indicated that this girl not only wrote in Latin but also likely spoke Latin! Fortunately, he had taken Latin classes in the college.
He also picked up a tree branch and wrote on the ground, "I am from the United States." The girl obviously didn't understand what he was writing but understood what he said. Frowning, she thought for a moment, then picked up the branch again and continued writing, "Roman? Nordic? Celtic?"
Rolling his eyes, Lucas answered emphatically, "Martian!"
The conversation between the two became smoother and more fluent through writing and guessing. Lucas's heart sank gradually. The beauty only mentioned that she was Persian. He had no idea about the era from the geographical descriptions, only knowing that it was still Earth. Lucas had always relied on cheating in history exams and was truly confused. The girl's story was cliché—her family's influence was too great, and they were hated by those in power. Fleeing persecution, they ended up separated shortly after leaving the Persian imperial capital. Her father and the rest of the family went west, but she was pursued by a hunting party and rescued by Lucas. If he could protect her and get her to the Roman Empire in the west, he could enjoy a life of luxury. All he needed to do was ensure her safety!
Lucas's mind was a chaotic mess, and he didn't know what he was thinking. Suddenly, he jumped up from the ground and ran towards the mountaintop like a madman. Standing at the summit, he looked around. The vast winter landscape unfolded before him, with cold waterways and sparse woods and grass. One or two gray villages dotted the scenery. No cities, no highways, no railways, no planes overhead. Finally facing reality, he, like a lunatic, shouted and jumped around on the mountaintop.
Oh no, time travel?? Damn it! He fumbled for the round object in his pocket, threw it on the ground, and stomped on it with force.
The girl sat at the foot of the mountain, watching as Lucas went crazy on the top. With wide, curious eyes, she looked at him. Whether it was because his big, monkey-like appearance was too ridiculous or for some other reason, she couldn't help but laugh lightly. Then, her expression turned thoughtful as she began to ponder her own concerns. Separated from her father and encountering such a wild guy in the process, he was not only impolite but also mysteriously strange! The things he wore and used were unheard of. His words and actions were all peculiar. What's even stranger was that silver pillar of light that rose from him last night! This person had impressive martial skills, as he single-handedly drove away a small squad of soldiers! He was the only person she could rely on in her escape. The strange occurrences around him had sparked extreme curiosity in her.
After venting for a while, Lucas finally pocketed the round object and walked back down the mountain. Given the situation, what else could he do? He sat back next to the girl — now at least knowing her name, Ariana.
"Hey, what's your plan? Where are you planning to escape now? I've saved you several times. Besides the unreliable prosperity and wealth in the future, is there any gratitude now?"
Listening to the impolite question from the guy, Ariana raised her delicate eyebrows. However, she didn't let this careless guy detect her anger. After Lucas finished venting, he nonchalantly stared at Ariana's delicate face, drooling a bit, and continued with his questioning.