The Shadow that Lurks (I)

It has been 2 weeks since our return.

Due to the increase of Spiritist in the city and as our powers are the only ones capable of eliminating the creatures, the mayor created the "Spiritist Defense Operations Force" abbreviated as SDOF, being me its leader.

At first I had no intention of accepting, but after careful consideration I decided to do so. The advantages were obvious, getting to command the rest of those involved, increasing relations with the higher ups in the local government, and most importantly, keeping Maria safe. I will be able to use my influence to keep her always by my side without questions from others. Besides this title will be nothing more than something commemorative, I doubt I will have to make many important decisions as far as politics is concerned.

Saying that, I didn't have much idea what to do with my new position, so she immediately suggested that we should organize regular patrols on the borders of the city. The rest of the population was told about this and they all seemed very happy with the motion. You can really see the affection of the citizens for these people who have risked their lives to protect them.

The total membership in SDOF is 11, consisting of men and women of various sizes, ages and personalities, proving that there really is no certain factor that determines who may have manifested their Spiritist powers. The only thing we have in common is that we lost consciousness on that fateful night and that we possess a cyan-coloured weapon or accessory. Maybe there are still some unawakened ones out there, only time will tell.

As expected the others have no combat experience or training, only a couple had to face the few beasts that have come close enough to the border, and one has accompanied the expeditionaries by vehicle on their tasks, that would be all.

I guess on the trip to the capital I have become more experienced, as in a practice fight we had to measure our skills I was able to beat them all just using my glove. It's worth mentioning that the subject of my katana is a secret, I still don't know what to expect with the Objects and Seekers. That guy with the hood could have killed me, all because of this sword. I don't even want to think what someone might do if they find out what I have, I'll only use it when strictly necessary.

Anyway, due to my victory the remaining members have constant trainings with the military to go over the basics of hand-to-hand combat, strategy, etc. With Maria we sometimes participate, although we usually excuse ourselves with having to attend meetings with the mayor to coordinate the general progress of the town.

Since then we have maintained constant communication with nearby towns and their corresponding defense groups, people like Batista and Alex are constantly on the move traveling to maintain contact and exchange information and goods.

Sadly there has still been no progress regarding the origin of the day of the Apocalypse. No one knows what happened and we have no idea or the tools to investigate, and the fact that there are creatures on the loose limits this process.

Thus the current situation has been calm for the time being.

"Look Asriel! How cute is that bird!"

"Oh yes, you're right. It seems to be a flamingo, I didn't remember there were any in this area"

"I can get close, right? It won't attack me, right?"

"I don't think so, from what I remember they're not aggressive"

"In that case..."

Maria rushed towards the bird, which didn't hesitate to fly away from her as fast as possible.

"Nooo, don't go away! I just wanted to pet you a little..."

"They are not like a dog or a cat, they won't let a human touch them"

"How do you know? Have you ever tried?"

"Mmm I guess not"

"Then you can't say for sure. You won't know until you try it, you should never say no before, that's what my dad always said" she said looking towards the river with a lonely expression.

"Maria..."

Every once in a while she lets that face of hers show, the face of an innocent girl who has not yet completely gotten over the death of her parents. Most of the time she is positive and cheerful, sometimes she acts childish and selfish, in front of strangers she is shy and tender. All those facets are part of her personality, although I know she really tries hard to cope with that sadness inside. I wonder if there is anything I can do to help her overcome it.

At that point she took a deep breath to slowly turn around.

"Alright, enough rest. Let's continue" she added, returning to his usual tone.

"Of course. Lead the way, I'll follow you"

"Okay~"

The two of us are currently patrolling the area south of the city in case any creatures appear. It's been the perfect way to get away from the daily routine and get some fresh air.

I've made sure to keep Maria's powers a secret saying she's a Spiritist who hasn't yet awakened all her abilities, and not knowing how to control them I must always be by her side to protect her. I sound like some kind of over-protective father, and I probably am, but this is for her sake.

She has slowly begun to lose her shyness when talking to strangers, yet she has to keep holding my hand or hanging on my arm to deal with more imposing looking people like Batista. It's going to be sad when she can stand on her own and no longer needs me, I will never tire of contemplating how adorable she is.

Inevitably I can't help but think about the future. We haven't gotten any answers from the state of the world, and I doubt I will if I continue this way. John told me to let the 2 of us live in peace while he would take over looking in my place, though.... will it really be the best decision?

I'm infinitely grateful to have her with me, no doubt my character has improved quite a bit and my life is much more cheerful and fun now. I wouldn't want to do anything that might put her at risk, but on the other hand that means I'll be stuck in uncertainty. Our Spiritist powers, my Object, the beasts, etc. I know that eventually the time will come that I will have to say goodbye to all of this and go out and look for those answers.