Not long after, Minka arrived back at the city center. It had been a while since she returned, and the first thing she did was go home. As expected, no one was there. She let out a sigh as she looked around. She went straight to the room where she used to live, opening the door to find everything almost exactly as she left it. The books she’d left behind were still there, untouched. The only difference was that the bed had been made.
She clenched her fists, remembering how everything in her life had been fine—until the Ravager came. After that, everything went downhill. She walked over to her desk and opened it, finding a photo of herself and Leanna inside. They looked so happy together in that picture, and it hurt to look at it. Minka had no idea how to make amends with Leanna; after all, she had hurt her deeply, and they hadn’t spoken since. Leanna was probably angry, she thought. Tears started to well up, but she quickly wiped them away. Taking a deep breath, she looked at the picture and muttered to herself, “What am I going to say to her?”
After a moment of silent resolve, she closed her eyes, steadied herself, and muttered, “You can do this, Minka.” She placed the photo back in the desk, turned, and left the room.
Minka didn’t know where Leanna was, so she decided to stop by her cousin’s house, hoping for some answers. On her way, she picked up a small box of chocolates from a local shop. When she arrived at her cousin’s house, she knocked and waited, but no one answered.
“Minka.” Nova’s voice came from behind her. Minka jumped, not having noticed her approach. She turned around. “Oh, hi…” Minka’s voice trailed off as she saw her aunt’s stern expression. “Is... Lea here? I... I just want to talk to her,” she said, her voice weakening.
“No, she’s not here,” Nova replied, her face as stern as ever.
“I see…” Minka mumbled, trying to hide the box of chocolates behind her back.
“Where is she?” Nova asked, raising an eyebrow. “I thought she was with you?”
Minka hesitated. “Um... well... I had some business to take care of, and…”
Nova’s gaze sharpened. “Don’t you have a communicator? Just ask her where she is. Or… did something happen?”
“It’s nothing… I just wanted to talk to her… and my communicator’s out of battery, so I don’t know how to contact her.” Minka glanced away. “I’ll come back later…”
Nova blocked her from leaving, her eyes narrowed. “You’re not going anywhere until you tell me what happened. If you don’t, I’ll find out myself. Now, tell me.”
“I… I…” Minka stammered, at a loss for words.
Nova’s expression grew colder. “Tell me. Or else.”
Minka gulped. “I… I messed up my relationship with her,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Nova’s expression softened a bit, but her gaze stayed on Minka, expectant.
“Explain,” she said.
Minka took a shaky breath and explained the entire situation with Leanna. She tried to make it sound like things weren’t that bad, but Nova could see through her attempts to downplay it. The reality was obvious: Minka and Leanna were not on good terms. Nova listened, then sighed. “I can tell you’re holding back,” she said.
Minka’s eyes widened. “I... I didn’t lie to you! I swear!” She was sweating under Nova’s unyielding stare.
“You don’t have to lie to me. I can tell you’re hiding something,” Nova replied. “Listen, if I knew how to handle Leanna myself, I wouldn’t be asking you. Now, tell me what really happened.”
Minka lowered her head in shame. “I... I told her to stay out of this fight… and… she left.” Her voice was barely a whisper.
Nova’s face remained impassive, but the air between them grew colder. She sighed again. “You really don’t know how to handle her, do you? She’s stubborn, Minka. So when someone she trusts tells her she’s a burden, of course she’d leave. You were selfish, Minka.”
“I…” Minka’s face fell, guilt and sorrow written across it. “I’m… I’m sorry… I just didn’t want her to get hurt.”
“Well, what are you going to say when you see her again? ‘I’m sorry’? ‘Please come back’? ‘Don’t leave me’? That won’t work. You’ll have to do better than that.” Nova’s tone was sharp. “You need to make it up to her with sincerity.”
Minka nodded, still looking at the ground. “Yes… I know…”
Nova sighed. "Well, she's not here, so you can’t apologize right now." Her voice was still cool and stern, but a faint warmth glimmered in her eyes.
Minka kept her gaze on the ground. "I’ll leave the chocolate here. If you see Leanna… tell her I came by. Tell her I’d like to talk." Her voice was so soft that Nova had to strain to hear.
Nova nodded, watching as Minka turned and left, her footsteps fading down the path. Letting out a sigh, Nova took the box of chocolates inside and set it on the table. Just then, she looked up to see Leanna standing at the corner of the staircase.
"Are you going to forgive her?" Nova asked.
Leanna shook her head slowly. "She wants me to just watch her live her life, like I don’t matter. She doesn’t need me anymore. I might as well leave." Tears filled her eyes, but she blinked them back.
"Lea, you need to talk this out. This silence isn’t helping either of you." Nova’s tone softened slightly, though her expression remained stern. "Don’t you see Minka as family?"
Leanna looked away, silent and conflicted. Nova’s voice grew firmer again. "Listen to me. You need to talk to her."
Leanna’s sadness shifted to frustration, her expression hardening. "She doesn’t care about me, doesn’t think I’m capable. So why should I care about her?"
Nova sighed, crossing her arms. "You think someone who didn’t care would come here to apologize? You’re too upset to see things clearly. Go outside, take a walk."
Leanna clenched her fists. "If you say one more thing, I’ll lose it. I’m going." She stormed out, her emotions churning.
Lost in thought, Leanna wandered the streets. She wasn’t sure where she was going; she just wanted to be alone. Suddenly, she heard her name.
"Leanna! My lovely, doll-like sister!" Miller’s teasing voice broke through her thoughts as he waved from across the street.
Leanna shot him a furious glare. "Leave me alone."
Miller raised an eyebrow but smiled, patting her head. "Come on, let’s get something to eat. You’ll feel better with some food."
Reluctantly, she let him pull her into a restaurant. He ordered two large plates and ate his share in a flash, leaving one for her.
"Go ahead. Food always helps," he said, grinning with his mouth half-full.
Leanna rolled her eyes. "I’m not a kid anymore, Miller. And this isn’t helping." She looked away, frowning.
Miller chuckled. "Trouble with your girlfriend, huh? Relax, I won’t tease." He winked, but Leanna only glared harder.
"She’s not my girlfriend," she snapped. "And how do you even know about this? You’ve been away."
"Mom told me," he replied, still smiling. "And trust me, you two will work it out."
Leanna scoffed, about to argue, when Miller’s tone shifted. His gaze turned serious. "Are you ashamed of being with Minka? Because if you are, I’m disappointed."
Her eyes widened. "I… I’m not ashamed."
"You are. You’re afraid. Afraid to tell people about her, to show them who you really care about. That’s why no one knows."
"I’m not afraid—"
"Then prove it." He leaned forward, his eyes challenging. "Tell everyone that Minka is the love of your life. Tell them she’s not your cousin, or your friend. That you’ve loved her for years. I dare you."
Leanna opened her mouth to respond but faltered, cheeks flushing as she searched for words.
Miller sighed, his smile softening as he patted her head. "Don’t be so hard on yourself, sis. You’ll figure it out."
She swatted his hand away, annoyed but too tired to argue. She picked up her fork and began to eat, her anger slowly melting away.
They wandered through town for hours after that, Miller trailing behind as Leanna walked aimlessly. Every so often, she glanced back to see him munching on snacks or looking at his phone. Annoying as he was, his quiet presence comforted her.
As night fell, Leanna finally stopped and turned to face him. "Thanks for today."
Miller’s face lit up, and he pulled her into a hug. "Of course! You’re my little sister, after all. Love you."
Leanna sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. "Thanks, Miller." She gave his shoulder a light pat.
They stood like that for a beat before she gently pushed him away. "I’m heading home."
Miller ruffled her hair with a grin. "Goodnight, sis." He waved, blending into the crowd as he walked away, leaving Leanna watching his retreating figure, a small smile forming on her face.
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
Late at night, Leanna stood on her rooftop and took a deep breath, her bracelet beginning to glow. In moments, her armor materialized over her body. She gazed into the distance before lifting off silently into the dark sky. She flew for a while, eventually landing in a remote, desolate area dotted with abandoned factories. Recently, reports had mentioned strange creature sightings here, and she felt compelled to investigate.
Through her visor, she scanned the shadows—and froze. Hulking creatures moved in the darkness, their massive forms covered in matted fur. Their heads resemble wolves, with sharp fangs glinting under the dim light, eyes glowing an unsettling blue. Each monster stood about three meters tall, their bodies covered in spikes and ending in clawed limbs.
Leanna raised her arm, firing flames at the creatures, but they barely flinched. Instead, they charged, claws slashing. She vaulted into the air, raining down more fire, but the flames only seemed to anger them. She hovered, re-evaluating her approach when suddenly, a spike whizzed toward her, barely missing. She turned, just as another monster shot out its sticky tongue, latching onto her. It yanked her down, and she only barely managed to slice through it with a burst of flame before rolling to her feet.
The creatures surged forward again. Leanna quickly raised both hands. "Firewall," she muttered, encircling the creatures in a wall of fire, giving herself a moment to breathe. She glanced around, spotting a rusted steel beam, which she flung through one monster, dropping it instantly. But as the flames wavered, another monster started howling, its fur shifting from dark to blood-red as it absorbed the flames.
The enraged creature charged, slamming into her. Her armor absorbed the brunt, but the impact threw her to the ground, leaving her barely able to move. She struggled to lift herself as the creature loomed closer, preparing to strike. Just then, a figure landed in front of her, swift and powerful, slicing through the monster with remarkable agility.
Through her damaged visor, Leanna recognized the figure—it was Minka. Minka darted through the fray, her movements quick and decisive, finishing off the remaining creatures with ease. As the last monster fell, the two girls stood alone in the aftermath.
Leanna tried to turn and slip away, but Minka caught her wrist, her eyes full of concern. "You’re hurt. Let me take you to a medic nearby."
Leanna shifted her voice, masking it with a deeper tone. "I’m fine… just a scratch."
Minka studied her, not releasing her grip. "I can’t leave you like this," she insisted, wiping blood from her weapon. "Can you take off your armor so I can check your injuries?"
Leanna hesitated, her tone tense. "No, this armor keeps me alive. And I’m fine… but thanks for the offer."
Minka nodded slowly, her voice softening. "Alright. But at least let me check for injuries."
She stepped forward, and Leanna instinctively backed away. “Don’t,” Leanna said sharply, gritting her teeth against the pain in her ribs. “Just… go. I’ll be okay.”
Minka frowned, her tone gentle but firm. "I can’t just leave you here. I saw the fight, and you don’t look okay. Please, let me help."
Leanna clenched her fists, reluctant to reveal any weakness, especially to Minka. "I don’t need help."
"Please," Minka urged, undeterred. "You’re hurt—I can see it. I have meds with me. Just let me help you."
After a long pause, Leanna sighed. "Find. A dose of morphine, then… thanks." She injected it through a damaged part of her armor, relief washing over her as the pain dulled.
"You still don’t look like you’re ready to move,” Minka observed, her tone patient. “Let me take you somewhere safe, at least.”
Leanna didn’t answer, too exhausted to resist further. Minka took that as consent, moving to support her. "I can carry you on my back. Don’t worry, I’m stronger than I look." Without waiting for a response, Minka gently lifted Leanna.
"Where are we going?” Leanna asked weakly, the fatigue settling in as the adrenaline wore off. "And… sorry for the trouble."
"No trouble at all," Minka assured her with a soft smile. "I know a place nearby, a friend’s house. You can rest there safely." They walked on a rough path through tall grass, Minka moving carefully to keep Leanna steady, every step thoughtful and smooth.
After a while, Minka broke the silence. “Are you… from the military? I’ve never seen armor like yours.”
Leanna tensed. “No. I don’t really… belong anywhere.” She was wary, still unsure if Minka might recognize her. The fear of being known, of Minka discovering her true identity, made her hold back. “But thank you—for saving me. I’d probably be dead if you hadn’t shown up…”
Minka glanced back, offering a gentle smile. "My pleasure. And what’s your name?"
"Dawn," Leanna replied, after a slight hesitation.
“Nice to meet you, Dawn,” Minka said, adjusting her grip as they continued. “It’s a hopeful name. It suits you.”
Minka tried to keep up the conversation as they walked, but Leanna remained quiet, lost in her thoughts. She was aware of her heart beating faster, her cheeks warming—she wasn’t sure if it was the pain or the proximity, but somehow, Minka’s closeness felt… comforting.
"So, what do you do?” Minka asked, glancing over her shoulder.
“Just… traveling,” Leanna replied softly. “I don’t stay anywhere long. Just… fighting monsters, keeping people safe.”
Minka smiled. “You must be skilled, then.”
Leanna felt a pang of warmth. This simple, unguarded kindness was something she hadn’t expected, especially from someone like Minka. It stirred something in her she wasn’t sure she wanted to acknowledge, and for a moment, the weight of her armor felt a little lighter.
"So, what do you do, Minka?" Leanna asked, trying to sound casual.
"Well… I was training as a soldier," Minka replied, smiling. "Then I started traveling with friends, fighting off all kinds of evils. And here I am." Her face brightened as she spoke. "I’ve fought a lot, but I’m sure your track record puts mine to shame."
Leanna’s heartbeat a little faster. There was something warm and comforting about Minka’s presence, almost like an embrace. “What happened to your friends? Are they still with you?”
Minka’s smile softened, a hint of loneliness creeping into her expression. “They’re… busy with their own things, so they can’t join me on quests anymore.” Her tone grew quiet. “It’s okay, though… I’m fine. Actually, I came here hoping to make up with someone I care a lot about. But… I don’t think she wants to see me.”
The sadness in Minka’s voice struck a chord in Leanna, who knew she was the one Minka was referring to. Guilt gnawed at her, but she kept silent. “I’m… sorry to hear that,” she murmured.
Minka tried to sound upbeat. "It’s alright. I’m fine." But the sadness lingered in her eyes as they walked in silence, finally arriving at an old house. The place looked abandoned, with weeds creeping up the walls and cracks lining the faded wooden panels.
Minka carefully set Leanna down and opened the door. Despite the run-down exterior, the inside was surprisingly tidy. Dust covered the surfaces, but most of the furniture looked clean and intact.
“Fran won’t mind you resting here,” Minka said warmly as she grabbed a broom and started sweeping. Leanna watched her with surprise; it felt strange to see Minka being so gentle. “You should rest. I’ll make us something to eat. There’s a room upstairs if you need it. Feel free to use the bathroom too.”
As Minka headed into the kitchen, Leanna sighed and went upstairs, feeling conflicted. In the small room, she found a bed with a thin blanket, a chair, and a small window that let in soft moonlight. Exhausted, she lay down, still in her armor. Surprisingly, the armor felt as comfortable inside as it looked sturdy on the outside. Drowsiness overtook her quickly, likely aided by the pain meds, and she drifted into sleep.
When she awoke, a blanket was draped over her, and a delicious smell wafted up from downstairs. Trying to sit up, she winced as soreness tugged at her ribs, though her armor’s self-repair had nearly completed. Her visor displayed that it was morning—she’d slept through the night.
Downstairs, Minka was cooking, her face lighting up as Leanna entered. “Oh, good morning!” She greeted brightly. “I made some breakfast. Just curious… how do you eat with that armor on?”
Leanna glanced at the table, where a plate of pancakes and a glass of milk awaited her. “I… I have to take off the armor.”
“Right! And I guess you wouldn’t want to do that in front of a stranger…” Minka thought for a second before grabbing a blindfold and grinning. “I’ll just cover my eyes, then.”
Leanna raised an eyebrow. “Are you serious? You don’t have to do that.”
“Come on, it’s just breakfast!” Minka laughed. “I’m not driving or fighting; I’ll be fine.” She covered her eyes with the blindfold. “You can take off your armor, and when you’re done, just let me know. Deal?”
Leanna hesitated but eventually agreed, finding Minka’s persistence oddly endearing. She removed her armor as quietly as possible to avoid giving away her identity, sitting down to eat in silence. The only sounds were of them chewing and sipping, a peaceful yet somewhat awkward atmosphere settling between them.
After a while, Leanna put her armor back on and said, “You can take the blindfold off now.”
Minka pulled it off, her smile as warm as ever. “So, what do you want to do today? Since we’re both here, maybe we can do something fun?”
Leanna hesitated. “I’m… feeling better now. I should probably leave. Thanks for letting me stay.” She stood, heading toward the door.
Minka’s smile faltered. “Are you really leaving?” she asked, sadness tinging her voice.
“Yes. Why?”
“It’s just…” Minka paused, looking away. “It’s lonely here by myself. I’d like someone to talk to. I don’t enjoy being alone…”
Leanna glanced back at her, her voice softening. “You’re… lonely?”
“Yeah, a bit.” Minka forced a smile. “But I understand. You have your own reasons.”
Leanna’s heart clenched with guilt, but she kept her tone neutral. “We only met last night, and you’re already telling me about your loneliness and sadness.”
Minka chuckled, a light laugh despite the heaviness in her words. “I just feel comfortable talking to you. You seem… nice. And recently… I lost a friend.” Her voice grew quiet. “I guess I just miss talking to someone.”
Leanna clenched her fist slightly, torn by Minka’s sincerity. “I’m… sorry to hear that.”
“Oh, no need to apologize,” Minka replied, her tone cheerful again. “But are you really going to leave?”
Leanna hesitated, then sighed. “I’ll stay until the afternoon, just to let my injury heal a bit more.” She headed to the living room, trying to shake off the strange warmth in her chest. “I’m not much of a talker.”
Minka followed, sitting beside her. “So… what do you usually do when you’re not busy?”
Leanna glanced at her. “Rest. Restore my energy for the next fight.”
Minka perked up. “How about we watch something together? We don’t have to talk; we can just sit and enjoy ourselves.”
Leanna considered her offer, then gave a slight nod. “I… guess that’s fine.”
Minka selected an action movie, settling in beside Leanna as it played. She laughed during the funny scenes and reacted to the action, clearly enjoying every moment. Leanna, on the other hand, barely registered the film, her focus more on Minka than the screen.
When the movie ended, Minka stretched with a smile. “That was fun!”
“Fun?” Leanna echoed skeptically. “It wasn’t that great.”
“Oh, come on, Dawn. We had fun watching it together, didn’t we?” Minka’s smile was bright and genuine.
Leanna remained silent, unsure how to respond. Minka patted her helmet gently. “You should smile more; it’ll make you feel better.”
“I’m… not in the mood to smile,” Leanna muttered.
Minka’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “When will you be in the mood, then? I know you’re enjoying yourself here.”
Leanna huffed, looking away. “I told you… I’m not much of a talker. I’m not used to all this.”
Minka’s tone softened. “You’re a mysterious person, and that’s not a bad thing. But maybe you don’t need to keep everything to yourself.”
Leanna looked at her, puzzled. “You barely know me. How can you say that?”
“Because I’m pretty good at reading people,” Minka replied with a grin. She stood up, clearing the dishes. “You know… I used to be shy too, until I met people who helped me open up. It wasn’t easy, but I’m a lot better now. Maybe… it could be the same for you?”
“I’m not like you,” Leanna replied, a touch defensively. “I’m not easy to get along with.”
Minka shrugged. “Are you sure? You’ve been kind to me.” She smiled warmly, still focused on the dishes. “You’re just… a bit shy.”
Leanna rose abruptly, heading for the door. “Thank you for letting me stay. But I have to go now.”
Minka watched her with a sad smile, not trying to stop her this time. “Take care, Dawn.”
Leanna paused at the door, hesitating before giving a brief nod. Without looking back, she walked out, her armor gleaming in the morning light. She activated her suit and took off, soaring into the sky.
Minka stood there, watching as she disappeared from view, clutching her arm. She seems so familiar… she thought wistfully. Maybe our paths will cross again.