Chapter 3 - Land of 'Devoid of Light'

The man looks back at me questioning if I was seriously wanting to stay back alone.  

“Don’t get me wrong, I will come with you as that might be the only way I could get answers for these all.”

I explain to him, “I know I’m not guilty, and I hope this civilization that you are from that owns a giant part of a galaxy is kind, reasonable and well-managed enough to listen to my story and help me find my family.”

The man surprisingly smiles, it was ephemeral, disappearing as soon as it appears.

“The Imperial Army of Xerecadent Empire is dedicated to serve the public wholeheartedly.” He even does a small casual salute, “when all doubts are cleared, we will assist in any possible way to help your family reunion.”

“…then I shall give my trust.” I clear my throat and ask him to carry me on his back. It really hurts when he holds me by waist.  

I swear that the man’s eye colour changed right after I asked him to carry me on his back.

Oh damn, did I really make a big request? Under his cold eyes I start to feel like shivering mouse.

Eventually, his eyes change back to normal.

“…..Our species don’t normally carry people on the back.” He explains to me with a stoic attitude he is trying to hide, “but I will make an exception this time.”

The man squats down, giving me his back.

But I really don’t want to push him if not necessary. I see how fast he moves, I bet it won’t take long to reach the base.

“No, it’s fine. It’s better this way.” He insists.

Alright then, if you say so. I jump to his back, holding him by his shoulder.

“You really helped me a lot, I can’t thank you enough.” You can tell I’m trying hard to find a topic, I really don’t want this to be an awkward ride.  “Sorry I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Joanne. Mind sharing your name?”

“You can call me Leon.” His voice reaches back along with increasing wind as he jumps around the tree branches. I feel like being blindfolded on a high-speed rollercoaster. If Leon doesn’t hold me back tight, I might fall off this insane rollercoaster ride.

“Relax.” Leon suddenly says to me. I can almost imagin him with his tiny smile. “Breathe. It shouldn’t be this bad on my back.”

I finally realizes I am holding my breath this entire time.

“Ha! Of course not. I bet thousands of people would pay a pricy ticket to get an experience like this.”  I gradually exhale to ease the tension in my throat. I blame all my anxiety to the missing safety belt, “I am just not prepared at all.”

Leon just needs to ruin the good time; he emphasizes that I have not yet acquitted the charges against me. His voices blended in the wind, making me want to hit his head.

But he changes his tone right afterwards.  

“If your words are true; that you are indeed a lost citizen, please be proud of yourself for surviving in the land of ‘Devoid of light’.”

Devoid of light? I have never heard of it before. Thankfully, Leon continues to explain it to me.

“It is a name given to this region. When sun goes down, hardly any light can travel over a 1-meter distance. The night in here is deadly dangerous.”

I gasp because I must have used all my luck to show up in daytime. I can’t help to tighten my fingers gripping on his uniform. The moment Leon and I met in front of the dead python keeps playing in my head.

 “Leon, you saved my life. I have used a great amount of luck to meet you.” I can feel his hair softly brushing my face, I imagine the texture of his hair, and imagine myself touching it.

The next second, I find my fingers on them.

Levi’s breath dramatically changes.

Oh, Lord have mercy on me!

I immediately let his hair go. “So, so sorry.” I must apologize, “I didn’t really…My fingers have their own thoughts, sorry.” I truly hope he is not too mad at me. We just met, who knows we might become friends, or something else later.  

The next second, I hear him signs, like he has accepted the reality.

“Just remember, Joanne, don’t casually touch other people’s hair like this.” Eventually, he calmly says.

Looks like he is not mad at me anymore. He must think this girl is so unbelievable and stupid.

But I will never have interest in a random guy’s hair anyway.  This is all my finger’s fault.

“I promise I won’t, but why?” I promise to him, but I just really need to know why.

Leon explains to me that I can only touch another existence’s hair under some special occasions. And depends on the species, the special occasions might be different. He emphasizes that I should not give wrong signals if I don’t mean it.

Man, this is getting awkward.  Special occasions as asking for friendship? Love? Marriage?

Humans are easier to deal with. I only get mad at people touching my hair when they are clean.

“Sorry.” I flounder a bit.

But Leon smiles, this time I actually hear him chuckle; soft and quiet; like he was trying to hide it. He doesn’t know how cute it sounds.

“It’s not that serious. I just don’t want your life here becomes even harder.” Leon explains, effortlessly warms my heart.

“You know, Leon, I think we will be very good friends.” I tap his shoulder.

Levi is in silence, lost in quiet contemplation.

Hearing no response, I whisper beside his ear, intentionally, “Okay, looks like Leon doesn’t like me. He must think Joanne is a stupid and clumsy crybaby.”

“No, it’s not that.” He stopped and hesitated, “This is more complicated.”

Why making friends is complicated? I don’t think I understand, but I sense he is hiding something.

He pauses, also felt an urgent need to refute, “You ARE a baby.” He emphasizes, “I was able to hold sword eliminating things since I was eight.”

Killing monsters from eight? This is far different from my childhood. Where was I at eight? Kicking stupid boys butt at park?

I can’t argue, I feel like a wilted lettuce.

“…. This is what I meant.” Levi composedly says, “You might change your mind later for being a friend with someone who is master at killing.”

“You don’t know how cool it sounds, being a master killer at eight….” my words were cut off as I hear something is quickly approaching.

Could it be another monster? I am nervous.

But Leon doesn’t move.

I am holding my breath again, what is happening?

“…. Leon?” an unknown young voice come forth from the dark , “You are back. What takes you so long?”