Homecoming (III)

"Uff, thanks for the help"

"On the contrary, if it weren't for your distraction I wouldn't be able to evacuate so many people"

He's admitting that he used me as bait?

"Asriel!" I hear as she came fast to my side.

"Maria, how are you?"

"Forget about me, you're hurt! Let me see your arm!"

I did as she told me and with some pain I lift it. She materialize her necklace of a diamond shape and from it a warm light emanates that started to relieve me. The hole was healing bit by bit, without a doubt it's a very useful ability to have.

"Ohh impressible, I didn't know that there were people that could heal others. It's like a miracle!" said the man of the mace.

I guess it's already late to hide that fact. The hairstyle of this guy is similar to an afro, also he has the looks of being a young man that cares too much about his appearance.

"You're the Spiritist of here, right?"

"Spiritist? Ah, you mean these powers that we have? I think I heard someone said that from a notice they got"

"Notice? By radio?"

"That, that. Our mayor warned us that they received an encrypted message weeks ago that said some weird stuff. Only a couple of days before that changed and now it seems to transmit news from the capital. Although in reality I don't know what they are, don't care much. As long as I can protect my home that's enough for me"

"That so..."

This person is very relaxed, maybe I wasn't wrong of the mental idea about his personality.

"Okay, you're cured. You have to be more careful on the next time, are you listening?" added Maria after she finish treating my wounds and started to scold me.

"Got it, I'll have it on mind"

"I don't believe you! That cynic tone of yours is the same you use when you don't take me seriously. Promise me!"

"You don't have to yell, I can hear you"

"I'm not yelling!"

"And well... who is this cute kid you have here?" said the man interrupting our discussion.

After listening that phrase she turned around to watch him. Immediately she hid behind me, perhaps she was so concentrated that didn't notice the presence of this stranger.

"I'm sorry, she is very timi-"

"I'm not a kid!" yelled showing only her head.

So that's what really annoys her, eh? I'll write it down for the future, I don't want to make her angrier than necessary.

"Wow, you have all the attitude, I like it. Maria, right? And you're Asriel"

"Exactly, we haven't introduce ourselves yet. We're a couple of..."

Mmm, I guess I never considered an alibi. I don't know if it's safe to reveal our identity as Spiritist, that could reveal Maria's ability, a thing that sadly he already discovered. Saying that I'm a Seeker is worst, that would call the attention of another one who is seeking them. What other choice we have?

"We're adventurers!" said Maria in the same pose as before without showing another part of her body.

"Adventurers?"

"Yes! We travel searching for adventure. You know, what adventurers do!"

That doesn't makes much sense, although the way she says it's so cute that I don't care. It seems she can express well enough as long as she is hiding behind my back. Does she feels protected in some way?

Even so, for someone to accept that cheap excuse like that it's impossible.

"... adventurers, eh? That's cool! I would love to explore the country like you two! But I have to protect my home, you know? It's a shame"

... seriously it exist a person as him. How small the world is, it left me speechless.

"A, anyway that's it. If you excuse us..." I said in an attempt to end this uncomfortable situation.

"And, what relationship do you have? You don't seem to be father and daughter. Maybe, brothers? Cousins? Or perhaps..."

I don't like where this is going. I got a bad feeling, I must stop him before this gets worse.

"Actually we are-"

"Oh! How I didn't notice before? You're partners! Partners that go together searching for adventure!"

"..."

I didn't saw that coming, he really is an idiot. I mean, he's not wrong... even so, why I feel somewhat disappointed?

"Ohhhh~"

"Maria?"

She let me go and started to walk towards him.

"That's right! We're partners! I'm glad that you notice!"

"Is pretty obvious, no? It can be seen from afar hahaha"

"Right? Hehehe~"

It seems that she is not afraid of him. I doubt that there is someone that feels afraid from a guy as relaxed as him.

"Ups, I haven't introduce yet. My name is Jack, it's a pleasure"

"Sure, same here"

"Same~"

"Well, you want to go with me to our base?"

"Base?"

"Yes, it's like a operations centre. It'll be best if we speak there instead of here on the middle of the street"

"You're right. What do you think Maria?"

"I agree. You think I could drink a cup of tea? I'm thirsty"

"Of course, I can also offer you some cookies"

"Really? Great~!"

"In that case come, over here"

Jack made a gesture and started to walk on one direction. We agreed and followed him.