The board that lived near where masked girls cottage were the size of a bull, it was understandable that the twins would take a long time.
The villagers had their own hunting parties, using nets, traps, guns, and spears. However the masked girl wanted us to only use the weapons she made, how could she make them? No one knows.
After defeating the boar, they still had to struggle with having to skin the tough hide, and it took longer than an hour.
"Sigh. This is why I told them to hunt a day earlier, those idiots just don't listen!"
Following just a step behind her, I continued to listen to Zhao Lina's ramblings and complaints and what not.
I still have a weird feeling about her though, but it was not the time to ask...
Yet.
The rain was still pouring lightly, and the streets were lively, the sky has gone dark already and we've only just found three of the things on the list.
"Geez where the hell am I supposed to find these things? I can't just go into every store!"
"…"
She's been a bit more talkative than usual.
Sure she said she had something on her mind, I was told to keep her company after all, so she took it as she just wanted to be heard and vented her frustrations.
Walking up to her, I took the list from her hands and examined the contents.
"Hey, what are you—"
"This one right? Follow me, I know some stores that might have these."
Taking the lead, I walked towards a distant street and tugged on Zhao Lina's hands so she could follow.
Sst...
Feeling something hot, I flinched and yanked my hand away as I turned around.
Zhao Lina used her amulet of fire on me...
"I can walk on my own, don't drag me around like a kid."
She said coldly and gestured for me to continue walking and lead her towards the store mentioned.
Yoru gave her a long look...
You are a kid though...
Sighing he turned around and continued walking, Zhao Lina followed behind closely.
* * *
Fwooooo....
Psshhhhh...
A dark forest was situated right next to a small but lively village, the townspeople were forbidden from entering it.
Under someone else's eye, there was a different sight to behold.
[The gods have left us!!]
[It was supposed to be me that ascended!!]
[Mommy!!]
[Our bridge has been shattered!!!!!!]
[...!!!]
Shouts and cried of dozens of thousands of souls were screaming out within the forest.
Now that whatever dwelled inside the lake... Or the lake itself, has woke up, these souls were no longer delusional and willingly get them selves annihilated.
But they were not safe.
Seeing the thousands of souls cry out, the village elder sighed.
"With my old age, what could I do now?"
He said to himself.
He was leaning against a tree that was atop a hill which gave him a rather good view of the dark eerie forest.
[You're contemplating that now?]
A voice that came from behind him.
It was a familiar face to him, one he'd known for a long time.
"Still haven't rested have you? Stubborn bastard."
He said with a hoarse voice, chuckling as he smiled weakly at the female ghost before him.
It was the necromancer who accompanied Yoru half way into the graveyard of souls, she had a smile on her face as she walked up to the village elder.
[Bit rude to say that to someone who helped you back then.]
The elder gave the deceased mage a long and confused look, not understanding what she meant.
But he doesn't know of course.
The fight with the terror within the forest has took everything he cherished within him, gone like they didn't exist, the memory of her was gone as well.
Her smile faltered for a second, before going back to normal and floating up to the elder.
[Maybe one day you'll remember...]
' My love...'
Still confused, the elder didn't question what she was saying.
In the end, they stood there and watched the swarms of deceased souls from within the graveyard cry out.
Their wails were like sirens to them, it was filled with a somber mood.
They'll all be eaten anyway...
* * *
"This damned boar king is stubborn!"
"Coming your way Roan!!!"
Helping the twins as they accidentally woke up a boar kings sleeping den, the two girls and Roan came in to help.
The first girl was weaving through the trees, beads of sweat rolling down her forehead.
Roooarr!!
Crunch. Snap.
Thud. Thud.
The boar king followed behind her as it smashed through the trees with it's giant tusks.
The boar king was the size of a bull, and had quills on its back that acted as a second defense mechanism.
The girl jumped over a giant tree root and stumbled, picking herself up she dashed just in time as the boar king smashed through it.
Pieces of bark flew into the air as it draws nearer.
' Yes!'
Finally reaching her destination, she leapt over a large and deep hole and landed over at the other side.
The boar king did not react in time and slipped inside the hole, large spikes greeting it.
It let out a thunderous roar which then was replaced by a screeching wail, it's body was pierced but it wouldn't be able to kill it.
"Great job!"
Patting the young girl on the shoulder, Roan raised his new makeshift great sword and brought it down on the boat king.
Seeing this, the young girl let out an exhausted sigh, feeling safe with Roan around.
' Ah... I want him...'
She thought for some reason...
The other girl who was supposed to help the twins came out of the bush she was hiding in and helped the girl up.
She had a smirk on her face as she looked at the first girl but didn't say anything...
* * *
Back at the village...
Yoru and Zhao Lina we're heading to their last destination where one of the items on the list was apparently situated in.
A bird suddenly flew towards Zhao Lina and tossed a paper note to her.
Confused, Yoru went to pick it up but Zhao Lina snarled and opened the letter.
Seriously where is this sudden attitude coming from...
Reading the letter, Zhao Lina let out a sigh and hurriedly resumed walking towards the store.
"What was in the letter?"
"They finally found food, let's hurry and get back."
They quickly picked up the pace and walked faster.
However the crowd got thicker and there were more people than usual, there were festivities and such being thrown around.
There were heart shaped lanterns in this part of the village, and a lot of... Couples.
"It's valentine's day today huh?"
Yoru muttered as they arrived at the store and went inside after squeezing through the bodies of people.
Zhao Lina wasn't very fond of valentine's day, always being approached by boys her age back then...
They were all like dogs!
It's not even the young boys too, there were older people as well...
"Tsk gross..."
She cursed under her breath and searched the store for the item they've been seeking for a while.
Eventually she found it and then quickly paid for it by the counter and exited the store, she held two bags of the items.
"Lend me one."
Zhao Lina gave Yoru a long look but did so anyway, sometimes she was so startled, forgetting that he was with her...
They walked back and weaved through the crowds, there were cheers and people's laughter in the village.
Fireworks were exploding and people and especially the kids, running around with firework sticks and what not.
Looking at their happy faces, Zhao Lina muttered:
"Lucky kids, not having to deal with trials and always be with their family..."
Realizing she said it out loud, she panicked and looked at Yoru.
Seeing him only giving her a long look and then looking away, she was calmed, she almost let out one of her true feelings...
...
Away from the village at last, they were nearing the cottage.
They were not late which was a relief to both of them.
Keeping their no scolding streak is an achievement!
Half way near the cottage, the lights coming from the windows were already visible, Yoru suddenly handed her something.
It was a pendant, it was white the faded to red where there was a heart attached to it.
"Happy Valentines day."
He said indifferently.
"..."
His temperature didn't rise, nor did he seem to hesitate or falter, it was a genuine gift.
Zhao Lina was a bit taken aback but didn't show it on her face, she took the pendant and pocketed it for now.
"Th... Thank you..."
No response.
Finally, they arrive back inside the cottage.
They were greeted by their friends and went to do their tasks that needed to be done in their absence.
Zhao Lina was not focused than usual...