Business block, Zithen family complex, State Zhyphrese, Draconian continent Voldage, and the Year 2041, Planet Grimoire.
A sigh escaped Cilin when he contemplated what they were dealing with. He shook his head and grunted. What the hell was this? There were other siblings that he'd had? Okay, this went beyond the typical scenario of not making life easier. Cilin blinked. "Do you think you could tell me their names?" He would prefer to know everything, but one fire at a time was the best he could hope for now.
Looking very uneasy now, Tae-Jun shrugged. "I only remember the names from my previous life." He frowned. "I kept the entire name, Thera Tae-Jun, in this life, too, but it doesn't mean that'll be the same for the others."
Nonetheless, Cilin wanted to be prepared just in case either of them were attacked by those individuals. "Their names, please, and estimated ages would be appreciated."
Tae-Jun grunted. "Give me a second. I've been so preoccupied with everything else that I'm having difficulty remembering what is not immediately connected to the present."
Cilin frowned. That wasn't encouraging in the least. "Take your time." He didn't want to pressure Tae-Jun either. Besides this, it was better to learn about this type of thing now rather than later in future episodes when contingency plans were contingency plans were not formed. He poured another cup of coffee. If it was the last thing he'd do, he wanted an entire cup of nearly pure caffeine before their chaotic day began.
Cilin rose from the table and walked into the micro-kitchen to ease his rising restlessness. Indeed, were some ingredients stocked in the pantry and refrigerator? He nosed around in the fridge first. Yes, this would work out all right. Humming softly under his breath, Cilin walked to where the pots, pans, and other cutlery were stored.
This place reminded him of a dormitory where students lived. He opened the pantry first and looked to see what was there. It was good, not empty, which had worried him a bit. He selected a few ingredients and walked to the counter where he'd set the pots and pans.
Now, I need to devise a substantial meal that will keep us both going, though not so significant that either of them will wind up in a food coma. Having a specific goal in mind is the best way to start a day, and Cilin learned that the hard way at a young age.
*
Argh, of all times, why did Cilin want to know about them? Tae-Jun didn't want to think about his brothers right now and rued that he'd even brought it up in the first place. Frustrated, he ran his hands through his hair, ruffling it while the strands swished around his body.
Tae-Jun was still not used to having that happen. He'd never cared for having that long type of hair. He'd just thought of it as an affectation and a nuisance. He still thought of long hair as a nuisance, but evidently, it was part of society to maintain such long locks.
Well, he could always braid it to keep it out of his face in the future. If it got any longer, he'd be tripping on it.
Bah, Tae-Jun grimaced. He really needed to get his brain engaged in the present. I must stop daydreaming about what was once essential and focus on the necessary information to create backup plans.
On the other hand, Tae-Jun acknowledged that not doing anything at all was just inviting the option of disaster, which is entirely avoidable. It was not a scenario he wanted to have happen. The worst case scenario was running into potentially hostile males who'd once been somewhat beloved brothers was equally unappealing.
Hmm, what were their names and ages? Now that Tae-Jun thought about it, his recall was somewhat fuzzy and unfocused. At last, he decided he was better off trying to write the information down. Otherwise, he would need to remember what he knew. Huh, was I the youngest or somewhere in the middle? Strange that he couldn't remember the most basic details.
*Guide, can you tell me what is going on?*
He really hadn't wanted to go to her, and she knew it was because of his discomfort. *I wouldn't be asking this, but those memories are becoming distant and fuzzy. Right now, I need to gain all the advantages possible to survive this impossible quest you've assigned me.*
Not to put it mildly, Tae-Jun was dumped in a very unfavorable situation. Not only that, but he gained the impression that he'd broken some rules. All of this was becoming clearer by the minute. The problem he faced? He didn't know where to start rectifying the situation. So now, he needed guidance quickly.
Besides the fact that his stomach was growling, Tae-Jun was running on a tight deadline. *Please help me? I really have gone through all the available information. Still, I have some holes in my memories that I need to access right now.* He fell silent because now wasn't the time to be a demanding asshole.
*
While Cilin worked on finishing the meal for two, he stiffened, sensing another presence in the room. A frown creased his brows when he turned to stare in Tae-Jun's direction. His eyes widened in shock when he saw a winged creature hovering over Tae-Jun's shoulder.
It was female and clearly pissed off at Tae-Jun; Cilin couldn't help but smile at the sight.
The winged female shot Cilin a sour stare. *You two really need to talk.* She growled. *He's losing his background memories faster than I thought possible.*
Cilin lost his smile. *Does this have to do with his brothers?* He realized belatedly that she was acting as Tae-Jun's guide while he was getting acclimated to this world.
*Yes,* she sighed. *I'm intentionally not letting him see me right now because I fear it would give him even worse trauma.*
Cilin blinked. *You wouldn't happen to have been his mother in that former life?* That was the only answer he could think of.
She shook her head wearily. *No, I was a precious sister to him.* There was clearly affection in her voice when referring to Tae-Jun. *I died early and wound up becoming a guide for others.* Now she sounded angry and insulted. *Which is, unfortunately, including those bastards who were his brothers.*
Hmm, this might be a golden opportunity. Cilin figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. *Where they blood-related to him or adopted?*
She frowned. *Blood-related, though only one of them was close to resembling him.* She shook her head uneasily. *We could all suffer severe consequences if I remain on this topic.*
Well, that wasn't good. Cilin winced. *I see. Well, just do what you must do, and I'll refrain from distracting him.* He laughed when she rolled her eyes.
She muttered. *Too late. Tae-Jun's stomach is growling loud enough to wake the dead.* made Cilin laugh silently.
That was very true, especially right now. Good thing the meal Cilin just made was edible.