Kyra, Gabriel, and Mimosa stood at the entrance of Lomia Village. The prince and the warrior stood before the pink-haired girl, watching as her appearance returned to normal. Her once puffy, floating hair was braided down, and her pink and white gown went back to a simple white.
“Well, I’d like to thank you for the help you provided.” Kyra spoke, shocking Gabriel a little. Words of appreciation actually left the girl’s mouth. Kyra, noticing this, threw him a pointed look, and he quickly averted his gaze.
That didn’t stop the silly grin that formed across the prince’s face.
“No worries.” Mimosa replied, her soft smile never faltering, even for a second. The three stood before each other awkwardly until the prince couldn’t take it anymore.
“Would you like to accompany us on our journey? Only if you’re not busy doing something else.” He asked. This time, Kyra’s eyes widened. Mimosa, on the other hand, looked apologetic. Gabriel’s smile faltered, and he almost felt stupid for even asking.
Kyra, seeing this, felt sorry for him.
“I would love to join you on this journey, but I have something I need to complete. In other words, I just can’t come.” Her words came out meek.
“That’s understandable.” Kyra replied nonchalantly. Gabriel nudged her in the side as a look of annoyance sprawled across his face.
“What she meant to say was that we understand.” He replied in a much livelier and politer tone.
‘What’s the fucking difference?’ The short-haired girl thought, glaring up at the man as she rubbed her aching side.
The awkward tension returned as the three continued to stand in front of each other.
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“Well, I guess I should get going.” Mimosa said, breaking the silence. Jewels, who lay nuzzled against the nap of her neck, cooed.
“I think we should start heading back to the carriage station as well,” Kyra said. “Before we freeze to bloody death.”
“Yeah, these fur coats aren’t really doing anything.” Gabriel spoke. The three of them then parted ways, heading off on their separate journeys.
****
The carriage stopped in a lively town where children crossed the road to the other side so they could meet up with their other friends. As the two piled out of the vehicle, Kyra scanned the area, bewildered by the greenery that peaked up from the melting snow.
The town had rows of houses, salons and bars lined up on each side. The town was small and compact, with narrow, muddied roads leading up to the hill in the far distance. The town’s colour consisted mostly of muted browns, and every establishment had the same bricklaying patterns.
Kyra continued to study the place, watching the townsmen stand around and chat amongst themselves.
‘Let’s just hope this town isn’t like the last.’ She thought to herself.
“Lordie!” Gabriel spoke aloud, his voice echoing across the atmosphere. The prince crouched down and began stretching each leg. He stood back up.
The young man then looked around before his eyes landed on a water tower with ‘Bakerweed Town’ written in bold across it.
More children’s laughter reached her ears, taking her to a place she had long forgotten.
****
Ten years ago
"Oi Kyra! Wait up for me, will you!?” Luther’s voice echoed across the vast field. The spring weather was in full swing, and the two von Stein were running around, playing with each other.
“It's not my fault you’re slow.” A six-year-old,
Kyra replied as she stuck her tongue out. Luther stuck his back, and the two began play-fighting, rolling around in the grass.
Their laughter echoed across the field, prompting the village farmers to stop what they were doing and smile at the two children. These were some of the rare moments the kids ever had time to be just children. They were often plagued by Munich's harsh words and even harsher training.
****
“Earth to Kyra.” Gabriel spoke, waving his hands in front of the emerald-eyed girl. The swordswoman returned from her trip down memory lane and stared at the lost prince.
Eventually, her face hardened, and she moved past the prince and towards what appeared to be a stationary stand. She needed to buy a journal and pen.
Kyra was ready to start writing down her journeys so far.