Ethan laid them each on a bench, and Penny brought each a pillow. The inn would get busy soon as lunch hour approached. Ethan collected his gear. Ethan turned and looked at the two sleeping soundly. Penny had searched for a channel on the big screen with soft music that soothed the soul. Ethan ducked through the door and almost jumped out of his skin as Grace greeted him, leaning against the wall in front of the inn.
"Hey. Stranger with the big sword."
She had a compound bow with a quiver of arrows and a big bag on her back. Grace wore a short skirt and a loose-fitting green blouse like the forest.
Ethan could not understand Grace's choice of clothing. Winter was approaching. Did she not feel the chill in the wind?
"Alas, were to now, Grace."
"To the train station and the city. We will find a cab to the south forest outside the city near the mountains."
Ethan thought of the train station, but that option did not work for him. He took Grace's hand and started for the portal. She did not resist, and Ethan thought he saw joy in her eyes. The farmers waved at them, and when they saw Grace, they grabbed their crotches for a strange reason. Grace did not look impressed by their actions.
"Alas, what I will show you should stay between us."
Grace looked a bit apprehensive as they walked into the forest. Soon, they reached the portal.
"A portal out here, how."
Ethan noticed they still held hands and walked into the portal with her. They appeared in the academy portal, and Ethan walked into the forest. Grace pulled on his hand to get him to stop.
"Alas, which way is south from here, Grace?
"I, um, Ethan, we are hundreds of feet in the air on the floating island?"
"Alas, just point in the direction."
Grace gave up and pointed. Ethan took her around the waist. She tensed up but did not resist. Ethan held her close to him. Her head rested on his chest, and she had his hand that rested on the small of her back. Ethan could feel that she was trembling a bit as he held her. Grace's scent overwhelmed his senses, and he pictured a beautiful meadow with white and light blue flowers.
"Alas, Ting-Ting, we need a ride."
Ethan's sword left its sheath and floated before them. The sword was broad, the blade near the hilt as wide as the guard, only a thumb length extended on each side. The guard attached to the handle was as broad as Ethan's shoulders. The sapphire blue blade tapered to a point resembling a chisel's end. Ethan and the sword were the same length. It had a crystalline appearance, and strange characters in crimson moved as if inside the blade as it spoke in a soft, feminine voice.
"Alas, Ethan, use me as you please. It is good to talk to you again."
The sword floated down, and Ethan stepped on it, Grace's feet dangling in the air. Grace said nothing as they flew into the air, heading south. After seven minutes of flight, they descended and landed softly. Ethan let her go as he stepped off his sword, and it flew into its sheath. Grace wobbled a bit, unsure of her footing. He hugged her to his chest, holding her.
Ting-Ting spoke.
"Alas, Ethan, you can see my true form on the mountain."
Ethan was shocked to discover she was one of the most beautiful ladies on the mountain. Which one was she? He had talked to her for as long as he could remember. Ting-Ting, Mei and Zelda were his only friends in the woods. Mei was his long bow, and Zelda his four knives. He almost forgot Lilly. She was a metal ball with patterns carved into it. It was as black as night, and the patterns glowed purple when she was in use. They only spoke when he used her or held her in his hands.
Now that the system cores were activated, he could talk to and touch them anytime. Ethan could feel something rise inside his heart, and he felt surprised as he wiped a tear from his cheek. Ethan looked away from Grace so as not to look weak before her. Ethan could finally meet his companions, who had been with him since childhood. They had talked away many nights in the forest and his cabin when he was alone for long periods.
"Alas, Ting-Ting, you do not know how happy your words have made me. All of you are my childhood friends."
Grace looked up at Ethan, holding on to him, her blue eyes searching his.
"What language did you speak, and what did she say?
Grace looked at Ting-Ting.
"You have an incredible sword; I have never seen anything like it."
Ethan could not explain everything to Grace.
"Alas, it is my realm's language."
Ethan gave Grace a stern look.
"Alas, that is why I said keep this trip a secret. Like two lovers who disappeared for a day to be together. A secret only they share between them."
Grace's eyes widened, and she almost fell as her legs gave in. Ethan could feel her trembling, and he wondered if the flight on the sword had made her fearful. She was afraid of heights, he thought. He should have thought of that before they flew. He would casually try to ascertain if she were willing to fly back to the portal.
Grace stood on her own and backed away as she unslung her compound bow from her back. She strung it with practised smooth motions. Ethan took his longbow from his back, attached to the sword's sheath. It was ivory white made from a strange material with royal blue characters moving on the surface. The bowstring was pure silver, and Grace stared as Ethan strung it. Ethan was impressed that Grace could move quickly about with her big backpack.
"Alas, Mei, are you ready to hunt with me."
The royal blue characters came to life and moved on the surface of the bow.
"Alas. I am as ready as you are."
The longbow's feminine voice sounded mature and sexy. Grace sat on the ground with her compound bow. She waved for him to stop. Ethan stared in disbelief. She had no modesty today. He could see her white panties as she sat, legs spread wide on the ground.
"Just give me a minute, please."
Ethan squatted next to her, placing his hand on her shoulder.
"Alas, are you okay, Grace? If you do not enjoy flying, we can walk back."
Grace sighed and stood with difficulty. Ethan helped her up. She pulled an arrow from her quiver and held it loosely at the ready. Ethan caught a glimpse of her complexion. He did not want to stare, but she was as pale as a ghost. Ethan worried that the flying might have been too much for her. He consulted Sophia.
"Alas, is there a portal within one hour of walking near us?"
"Alas, Ethan, there is a portal two hours' walk to the south near a village. The pray you seek might be in that direction as well."
Ethan gave Grace his water skin, which he had fastened to the sash, also called an obi, around his waist for easy access. She drank from it, smacking her lips, and the pure, cool water revitalised her.
"We need to pick up the trail. It is close to a village in the south. I have hunted here before; it should be an hour's walk. Let us do our best to find our quarry."