I

  BON-BON

  Noctis? Noctis? I was wondering where he was. Then I saw someone who I thought I wouldn’t have in mind. Dad, he looked the same as the last time I saw him.

  His black short hair was messy as usual, along his eyes baggy and red. He had been crying ever since mom died. Her passing affected both of us. He missed her, but so did I.

  Combing my hair, I hummed the song she would sing for me when she brushed my hair. Her soothing voice came and just like that, vanished. I didn’t notice I was crying as dad came to me. His arms wrapped around me, and he held me until I calmed myself down.

  I opened my eyes to notice I was on a bed. The pillow was soft and spongey. Some of my hair was covering my eyes. Sliding the strands of blue away from my face, I turned to see that the room was bright. Mi and Ama snored while Reizha was already drinking.

  “Oh. Morning darling.” She said gingerly. “Where is Noctis? Is he back?” She shook her head. “He must be catching up with his friend.”

  I felt concerned. I couldn’t wrap my mind around this sensation. Probably because of us being together for a while or is it loneliness acting up on me.

  “Don’t worry. Noctis is a big boy, he knows his way around this world.” Lifting myself from the bed, I went to wash up, the time passing by slowly. The sensation of worry didn’t fade completely.

  This wasn’t normal, this emotion was one I haven’t fell in a while. But why with Noctis?

  Sitting in front of Reizha, she pushed a cup of dark coffee. “Thanks.” I said as I took a sip.

  The warmth relaxed me, get comfy on the chair, I saw that Reizha stared at the twins. “They must’ve been through a lot.” Her lips touched the mug as she finished her sentence.

  She began drinking coffee after wine, she had quite the stomach. “I don’t really know much, they both have been captured by the Hero Empire.” Her eyes darkened.

  “They must’ve lost so much. Was it Noctis who decided to act?” I nodded. Fear and nausea came for a second as I remembered the gruesome deaths of the soldiers.

  I understand that they were enemies, people who won’t think twice in killing us if they had the chance. However, Noctis went too far in how he killed those men. No person deserves to die in such a way.

  “I see. He must’ve been a bit to extreme with his way of taking them out.” She wasn’t fazed by the thought of it.

  “Is that normal for a Hero to do?” She shook her head, her last sip of coffee took a while, gently putting down the mug on the table.

  “Noctis has seen too much. I believe that in your world, people must be very violent in order to win a war.” Her eyes stared the mug, almost as if trying to see its imperfections.

  “No. That isn’t all true.” Taking another sip, I placed the mug on the table. “Noctis isn’t at his core a violent person. If he were, those two girls wouldn’t be here.” She smiled ear to ear. “Yeah, I’m just wondering how you see him. You two seem pretty close for being strangers.”

  Her brows wiggled. “Well of course. He saved me. Fed me, gave me a roof to rest under. And…”

  The more I spoke the more I just realized how much we really did bond through the time I met him. I felt strange, but it faded as I saw the nastiest smile Reizha had on her face.

  “Oh, youth these days.” She said as she hugged herself. “What do you mean?” She opened one eye, her smirk never leaving her face. “Oh nothing. I was only curious on how you saw Noctis. Seems like a friend. Oh, how unfortunate.”

  “Why don’t we talk about something else. It’s too early for this.” She pouted and then nodded.

  “How do you find Prynia?” I took a sip of the dark coffee. “It’s very beautiful from what I saw.” She nodded, her smile growing.

  “How about getting to know it better?” She asked with a hint of playfulness in her voice. I lifted my brows.

  “Like, go out? What about Mi and Ama?” She waved away my question. “We’ll wait until they wake up and get them to tag along. Mind as well buy some cute clothes for them.”

  I chuckled nervously. “Don’t worry. Noctis won’t get mad as long as you're with me.”

  I was just thinking of what to say as Ama lifted her head and cleaned her drool. She left her bed and went to the bathroom. I stared dumbstruck on how nonchalant Ama acted just now. That means she is now more relaxed around us.

  Just as I thought this, Mi opened her eyes and patted the bed. Sighing and lifting herself up, she bowed to us and went inside the bathroom.

  Reizha and I just stared at the door. As we turned to look at each other, Mi came out. Ama on the other hand, had a stare of disgust. “Sister asks where brother is?” Mi asked softly.

  “He went to see a friend. He will be back soon.” Ama clicked her tongue and went straight to bed. I was shocked. Not only did she not greet us, but she also clicked her tongue.

  “What the hell?” Reizha hissed as a vein bulged on her cheek. I was just as shocked to see Ama act rude instead of shy and polite.

  “Mi? Is your sister alright?” I asked Mi as I tried to understand what I just saw. “She is angry that brother isn’t here.” Mi answered.

  “Oh. I see. Noctis will come back, he would never leave you guys.” Mi nodded with teary eyes.

  I went to her and patted her head. “Come. You should eat some breakfast.” Going into the kitchen I found some oatmeal.

  In a few minutes, I made oatmeal in milk with some fruits for them to eat. As I put the bowl in front of Mi, she sniffed it and grabbed the spoon.

  Taking a bite, she opened her eyes widely and took another mouthful.

  I smiled, for some reason, I began to remember how I used to feel watching the children back home eat where my father used to work.

  I took a bowl to Ama, her face telling me she didn’t want to talk to anyone. “Here Ama. You need to eat something. Noctis won’t like it if you stay hungry.” She stared at me suspiciously.

  She took the bowl and lifted the spoon. Taking one bite, she chewed while stared at me. “When will brother be back?” She asked. I was surprised she spoke fluently.

  “I don’t know, he said he would come back a bit late, but you shouldn’t feel anxious.” She kept eating and didn’t respond.

  As they finished, I placed the bowls on the sink. As I did, Reizha was already dressing Mi while Ama stared at the floor with her clothes already on.

  “What the?” Reizha lifted to her feet and held onto Mi’s hand. “Let’s go then.” I blinked a few times.

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  “Where?” She smiled.

  “Where else? Shopping.”

  II

  I was mostly in shock; this world has malls. That simply left me speechless.

  “Welcome to Ja’Ju Plaza. The third biggest shopping center in East Cypher.” The place was already full of people.

  Everyone was dressed in beautiful silk; some even wore furs. I began to think Mi and Ama would be surprised as me. They both had deadpan faces, both with a noticeable spark in their eyes.

  So, they do have hobbies.

  As we entered the plaza, all scents came at once. The scent of food came with the perfumes of all the girls that came and went. The smell of fresh bread mixed with coffee. I was getting hungry already.

  “Now, where to first?” She asked me as we went to enter the main entrance. The first stores were all cafes and restaurants. Each one with different details.

  One was made out pure rocks and had a cavelike structure. The restaurant’s name: Qri’Vel Sala.

  From what I can understand, it means The Crystal Cavern Parlor. Which is a strange name, however, the food smelled amazing.

  “How about going to get some clothes. Then, we can grab a bite and relax. Oh, probably buy something for Noctis as well.”

  Her smile became mischievous, and I barely could answer her as she sped towards a shop as she held Mi. Mi flew like a kite as her legs dangled in the air. Ama unable to react, stared at me.

  Shrugging, we went inside the store. The fragrance of cherries and peaches came like a punch to the face. Ama barely breathed as she pinched her nose.

  I chuckled and looked at where Mi and Reizha were picking out clothes. For the first time, Mi was smiling. Ama seemed interested, which I let go of her hand so she can go with her sister.

  I felt the eyes of every person in the shopping store, something I wish I could ignore. As it felt more uncomfortable, I went to Reizha.

  She was picking out matching clothes for Mi and Ama.

  “What do you think?” She asked Mi. Mi grabbed the small dress that reached her knees. The dress was made of a beautiful fabric that had a matte blue. When light touched it, a shine appeared from the threads that were similar to roses. It adorned all of the dress.

  She nodded. “Alright, there’s a changing room right behind us. Go try it on.” Mi nodded excitedly and hurried to the room.

  Ama stared at a similar dress, only this one was a burgundy color. The flowers were shaped more like daisies. I grabbed it and gave it to her. Ama opened her eyes in surprise.

  “Do you like it?” I asked as I showed it closely. “Yes.” She said softly. I placed it on her arms and gestured for her to try it. Her eyes sparked with excitement, her face trying to hide her emotions.

  Walking slowly, she went to the room where Mi entered.

  “She is just shy.” I said to Reizha. She sighed and sat on the bench that was nearby. “Probably, she might as well be a clingy one.” I lifted a brow.

  “You mean to Noctis?” She smiled. “Of course. He always has been one to hold people close and still be able to find a place in their hearts.”

  “Are you one?” I asked. “No. I don’t know. He is an old friend from a century ago.”

  I began to have some doubts about what I have heard about Noctis. From what the very beginning, he was oddly quiet about himself.

  “Who is Noctis, really?” Reizha looked at me with a relaxed expression, then she sighed. “If he hasn’t told you, you should probably let him tell you himself when the time comes. I can’t go around telling secrets. Even the Tokyo bastards would die for me to tell them.”

  She had a crooked smile, her eyes already giving me the idea. What is she trying to tell me?

  The twins came back, they have lost the clothes that Noctis made for them, each one with a beautiful dress.

  They truly were meant to wear them. Every person took a look and awed and even took more than one look.

  “They’re cute. Way too cute.” Reizha nodded in affirmation to my comment.

  “Shall we buy it?” They nodded in sync, both beaming with joy.

  As they went in front of a device that seemed like a mirror, it scanned the dresses and opened a page with the price.

  Leaving the store, I was pleased to see the two girls smiling as they touched and inspected their new dresses.

  “Want to buy clothes for yourself, Bon-Bon?” I thought for a second.

  “But are there clothes for my size?” I was genuinely curious. She nodded. “Of course. We can go to the section of the Crescents. They are to ones with clothing of your height. You shouldn’t worry.” She gestured to follow.

  There was an artificial waterfall that was in the middle of the plaza. The view was beautiful, the water crystal blue and a small garden that was on the ceiling.

  All 42 floors swirled to form a flower shape from where I stood. The elevators and stairs came together as each side had a set of escalators came on each floor and between them, two elevators.

  We went to the escalator which took us to the second floor, then another to the third and so on. After the fifth floor, we went to a store that was designed with black marble.

  The store had a swirl shape and two arrows striking it from each side. “What is this place?” I asked Reizha.

  “To the best store in Prynia for Crescent fashion.”

  As we entered, I saw two tall women dressed in elegant suits and wearing heels. Both had their faces covered by a strange veil, one having a white color, while the other in a wine red.

  “Welcome ladies to Pul’Da Ze.” They stood the same height as me. They gestured for us to come inside. Mi and Ama looked calm, not even surprised by how this place looked. Well, Noctis did say they come from the same race as the two workers of this place.

  “What do you wish to look for?” The demoness with the white veil asked us. “My friend is looking for some similar clothes she is wearing.”

  The demoness turned to me, her gaze not visible but very piercing to the point I felt it. “Ah, yes. Very well kept. Made for wintry weather. Thin but tough fabric, beautiful stitching. Handmade. Nice.”

  She measured my hips, to which I was surprised that I got a bit bigger. Was it because of Noctis’s cooking?

  “Yes. I see. We have some well-designed pieces for ladies with some boots as well.” She interlocked arms with me. As I turned back, Reizha gave me a thumbs up.

  Gulping my nerves inside, I went with the lady up to the section where the clothes began to be more colorful. The suits and dresses made with silk and some even with a strange material that appeared as leather.

  “May I know what you like specifically?” She asked me. Her voice kind but strong made me feel shy.

  “I typically just wear plain clothes. Can you give me some recommendations?” She was silent for a moment. Then, she went to pick a light-yellow shirt.

  Taking a pair of pants, she gave them to me. “Please, try these on and see if they fit.”

  Taking the clothes, I went to the small room that had black curtains.

  As I finished changing, I was flabbergasted. “May I have some other suggestions?” I couldn’t see her face, but I knew there was a smile on her face that moment.

  III

  We finished shopping, heading towards the restaurants, but it was full. I spotted a café as we were walking through the plaza.

  As we rested, Reizha was checking her device. It had been beeping for a while now.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked with a calm tone. “Nothing, I can’t say right now.”

  I began to understand what she meant. For a moment I forgot this world was at war. The fact I was relaxed made me alarmed as I wanted to know what was going on exactly.

  The kingdoms took in people to refuge for the coming war, but how are they all relaxed?

  “How is everyone so relaxed about what’s going on?” I asked her. “That is the tactic of the royals. They make it appear that things aren’t as serious as they appear to be.”

  As she took the small pad that appeared on the table, she touched it and ordered a hamburger with a lemonade.

  “What would you like?” She asked us. “Same. Same!” Mi said with excitement. Ama nodded with a smile.

  Reizha smirked. “I’ll have a three of those.” I said. The three girls turned to look at me. Their eyes showed me awe and shock.

  “What?”

  “Damn. With those curves? I see why Noctis saved you.” She said as she typed my order. “Hey!” I shouted.

  She chuckled as the twins giggled. I pouted from their reaction to me. My ears and cheeks felt hot as I thought about what she said. “You think he sees me like that?”

  She snorted. “Well. I really can’t say with his expressiveness.” I sighed.

  “What am I thinking.” She chuckled. “It’s normal. You are young after all.”

  Staring with narrowed eyes at Reizha, I just had to ask.

  “How old do you think I am. I’m already an adult. Plus, you don’t seem old yourself.” She nodded with a giggle.

  “Why thank you. But your way younger than me. I’m centuries older than you.” I had no words.

  “Oh.” She nodded as she looked to her side. A small spherical robot the size of a yoga ball came with a disc hovering over it. On the large plate, our meals were placed and as it arrived, the small robot placed the plate on the table and beeped with cuteness.

  “Woah.” Surprised by the speed the meals served was amazing.

  Reizha took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the food. “Oh yeah! I haven’t eaten a hamburger over a decade.”

  Before I could say anything, she took a big bite out of the burger. She felt like a beast who hasn’t eaten for weeks.

  The twins didn’t wait; they followed her as they took a bite out of their food. As I pulled the plate with the three burgers, I took a bite. A similar taste to turkey, I took another.

  Before I could even open my eyes, I was already finished.

  “Oh, by the Primordials. I haven’t eaten such a dish. It makes sense why I should retire. But I can’t do it anymore because of those evil brats!”

  I chuckled. “Well. Even if you can’t, why didn’t you retire way before?” She stayed quiet.

  “Because an old friend and I made a promise to keep an eye on a specific someone. I can’t let him down.”

  “I see.”

  During that hour in the plaza, I was already filled with shopping bags for both the twins and me.

  “Wasn’t it fun? Having to breathe some fresh air than stay hidden inside the inn all day?” Reizha asked as she went to hold a bag that Mi dropped.

  “Yes. I found your world very peaceful, almost as if it were a dream.” She laughed softly. “Well, that’s a bit exaggerated, isn’t it?”

  I shook my head. “Back on my world, there was always conflict, especially when a third world war almost happened ten years ago.”

  She lifted a brow. “Oh. But it didn’t happen, did it?” I shook my head.

  “In Cypher, I barely see anyone steal or even try to hurt someone.” Reizha thought for a second.

  “I can’t say there aren’t situations where people will do that, but it’s mostly necessity, hunger and even money for medicine or for debts. Our world is not flawless.”

  As we reached a strange device, Reizha placed her card and a digital display on a hologram appeared. She directed the computer to a map and clicked on the button with runes that said ready.

  I first thought she would send a message, but then she asked for us to place our bags inside the small box and touched the send button. A strange hum sounded, and the bags were gone.

  My eyes widened and I looked at Reizha. “What just happened?” I asked her with shock. She laughed.

  “It’s a teleportation device. You pay a fee and this device teleports anything to the location you desire. It’s quite handy. Blinking and turning to the box, I was dumbstruck.

  She giggled as she saw my expression. “You really haven’t left the palace when you arrived have you?” Her smile left her face, now beginning to have a more serious expression.

  “Why is that?” She asked herself. As she did, her device beeped once more. This time, her eyes weren’t filled with annoyance, there was a strange and fearful gaze.

  “I guess Noctis wanted to hide you for a reason.” She said as she began to dial a number.

  “Yeah. It’s me. Are the scans the same as what the report showed?” She asked.

  I was beginning to worry. The call wasn’t brief, her face told me something was already going on. The most probable explanation would be that the war is reaching the city faster than they thought. I hoped I was wrong.

  “Yes. I’ll begin to request a meeting with the other Guild leaders. If you can, please tell Master Aegis, blue head lives.” I opened my eyes.

  As she hung up the call, I grabbed her shoulder. “Who was it that called you?” She hesitated. “A commander of the Joyce kingdom. He told me that there will be enemy troops reaching the southern lands. That’s if they haven’t already.”

  “Oh god.” I whispered. I looked around me. Children playing with small animals and adults hugging and clearly living without any problems. That’s going to change the moment war hits the cities.

  “So, what’s going to happen now?”

  She sighed and brushed her hair with her fingers. Her eyes sharp as she began to think. “Begin the protocol to defend the cities and keep the people away from the battle.”

  “How long until they arrive?” I asked. She clicked her tongue. “Two days, three max. If that’s the case, I will need to begin the procedure to shut the city and begin to align the defenses.”

  I took a deep breath and did my best to stop my hand from trembling. “I’ll help.”

  She turned to me. “No. You need to return to the main front. Your team will need all the help they can get.”

  I shook my head. I refuse to walk away. Be it out of desire to help or not wanting to leave others in danger.

  “I’m a Hero. Remember? What can they do to me?” She tried to hold her chuckle, but it left her mouth. Sighing, she knew I won’t change my mind.

  “Alright. Let’s head to the guild.”