We were in the abyss, just like Flower had said. This place and the organization were somehow connected. Flower had brought me to a demon's store—specifically, a weapon store.
"The human," said the buffalo-like demon, eyeing me as I scratched my head and laughed nervously. Why were they talking about me?
"He really looks like you," the buffalo added. I moved closer to Flower and whispered, "Friend of yours?"
"Hm, his name is Bufa," Flower replied nonchalantly. Wow, what an effortless name. I sighed. It's not like I wanted to be friends with a demon anyway.
"So, the one who will wield the weapon is this human?" The buffalo demon scrutinized me from head to toe. Yikes, he was even scarier up close. I couldn't help but hide behind Flower.
"Don't scare him. You wouldn't want to hear this crybaby's wailing," Flower teased. I glared at him. Every time! He always had to tease me.
"Hahaha! Is that so? What a cute little companion, not to mention he really resembles you, my lord."
Flower looked at me, placing his hand on his chin as if judging me. "If it weren't for his hair, he might stand a chance against me. But oh well, he still looks like a peasant in my eyes."
I frowned and clenched my fist in annoyance. This guy is so infuriating!
"Now now, what weapon do you seek, my lord?" Bufa asked, finally changing the topic.
"First of all, I want a weapon that can be wielded by a human," Flower stated.
My eyes widened in surprise as I looked at Flower. He turned to me with a smug grin.
"Of course, you'll wield the weapon and you'll protect me. After all, you're my Myst."
"What?" I didn't expect that.
"What do you mean I'm going to protect you? Are you an idiot? I don't even know how to wield a weapon!" I shouted at him angrily.
Flower just snubbed me and, with a snap of his fingers, my mouth suddenly zipped shut. I couldn't open it. "Uhm, should I continue, my lord?" Bufa asked.
"You may continue," Flower said calmly.
This idiot! While Bufa was explaining, I was busy yanking Flower's hair and hitting him in frustration. I flailed my arms, trying to get his attention, but he just kept his cool.
"As I was saying, this weapon," Bufa continued, ignoring our antics, "is perfect for a human. It's light but incredibly powerful."
I punched Flower on the shoulder, then pinched his ear, all while making muffled noises through my magically sealed mouth. Flower just rolled his eyes.
"Really, Myst, you're acting like a child," he said, not even bothering to defend himself as I tugged at his hair.
Bufa, barely holding back a chuckle, continued, "This blade, forged from the finest abyssal steel, will enhance the wielder's strength and agility."
I managed to flick Flower's forehead. He finally turned to me, looking mildly annoyed. "Would you stop that? I'm trying to listen."
I glared at him, pointing angrily at my zipped mouth. He sighed and snapped his fingers again, freeing me. "There, happy now?"
"Ugh, finally! How dare you—" I started, but Flower cut me off.
"Can we focus on the weapon, please?" he said, smirking.
Bufa couldn't hold back any longer and burst out laughing. "You two are quite the pair. So, what do you think of the weapon?"
I glanced at the gleaming sword, still fuming. "Fine, I'll try it. But this better not be another one of your crazy schemes, Flower."
Flower just smiled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Trust me, Myst. You'll be amazing."
Before I could even touch the sword, a powerful force suddenly exploded, sending me flying. I smashed into a rack, and an axe teetered above me, ready to fall.
Pain shot through me—I couldn't move. I closed my eyes, bracing for the impact, when Flower suddenly appeared, shielding me. When I opened my eyes, red flower petals, or maybe red roses, floated in the air.
"My lord! A-are you okay??" Bufa's voice trembled with concern.
I tried to lift my head, feeling my strength drain away. I saw Flower's pained expression. "Oi... what's wrong with you? Why did you do that?" I mumbled, feeling a hot sensation in my back.
"My lord, you're bleeding," Bufa muttered. "Bleeding..." I repeated, but Flower remained silent.
Bufa then lifted something from Flower's shoulder—it was a huge axe! What was this idiot thinking?
"Can you stand up?" Flower whispered to me.
"I... feel weak... I don't... know..." I replied, my voice faint.
He sighed, then gently lifted me. "Bufa, do you have any room we can use for a while?" he asked.
"Y-yes. On the second floor," Bufa replied.
As Flower carried me, I couldn't help but notice how strange he was acting. Why was he doing this? What had changed? The pain in my body was overwhelming, but the worry in Flower's eyes was even more unsettling.
"Hang in there, Myst," Flower said softly. "We'll get you patched up."
The emotions swirling inside me—fear, confusion, and a strange sense of gratitude—made my chest tighten. For the first time, I saw a different side of Flower, one that was willing to protect me at all costs.