I

  As the scent of perfume and cigars blended, I could tell it hasn’t changed for the past years.

  “Hey.” I turned to the honey voice. A woman, one who held herself alluring and gentle, her yellow honey eyes swayed as if hypnotized looked at mine. Her lips turned to a smile, her collarbone exposed by the loose robes she wore.

  Any man would find her beautiful, any man would see her as a tempting sin, but I saw her for what she was. A succubus. Her fangs were obvious, but that meant she was half Crescent and half human as she was shorter than me.

  Her messy crimson hair was in a messy bun on the back of her head, a few of her bangs hanging on her face. She wore many rings and two long earrings that reached to her bosom. And the fact she approached me, meant she found me attractive.

  They were called the Ladies from nowhere. They were known to be very attractive, seductive and experienced women. Though there were some men, they often are dispersed through the main gate and to the entrance to the crimson lights.

  She touched my hand and locked her fingers with mine. I could tell she was trying to feel my heartbeat, and her face said it. She was amused by my nonchalance and got even more interested.

  Oh no. Is all I could think before she pressed herself. “My, you don’t seem to be affected by me. Am I not pretty to you?” She asked with a honey voice.

  “No, I simply am not— it’s just I came for a different matter.”

  She made a face that was rather funny. As I tried to walk away, she held onto me. “My, then how about some time to our tea house. I have some friends who will find your company interesting.”

  I was already thinking of a way to break free and run, but I could tell she already had me surrounded. Even a Hero can’t escape from the Ladies of nowhere. I sighed and followed her.

  Her perfume, similar to vanilla and jasmine. Her skin had no blemishes or even wrinkles. She held herself elegantly, but at the same time defenseless.

  As we arrived at the red lights, that’s where the smell of fruits and cigars mixed to the point, I felt dizzy.

  I could notice some men being lured inside the paper and wood made houses. Some shadows told me they were drinking, while others looked more intimate.

  “So, what’s your name?” I asked her. She smiled and pressed herself even more onto me. “Lexra. May I know yours?” She asked as she held my cheek. “Noctis. Just Noctis.” She smiled, her fangs and normal teeth pearl white.

  We arrived at a small but long building that extended across the street, her hand pulled mine and led me inside. As I entered, I saw that the building had no men, just women.

  I’m in danger. I felt two hands click the strap that held my cape and with a single swoop, it was taken off.

  “Oh my!” One of the girls squealed as they saw my black hair. “My Lexra, where did you find this exotic gem.” She got closer, her scent of strawberries hitting like a smokescreen.

  “My, would you look at that. He’s a Hero.” She said as her robes were barely tied together. Turning my gaze somewhere else, I noticed that there was one lady not trying to pull me.

  “Enough ladies. How will you ever want a man to look at you if you just grab him as if he were a piece of meat.”

  They all rolled their eyes. “Please mother Dematella, have you ever seen a Hero with black hair before? Their quite rare.”

  I stared at the older woman who seemed to look me up and down.

  “What name do you have young Hero?” She asked with a honey voice. Her voice was sweet, something similar to an older sibling trying to comfort you. “Noctis.” She lifted her brows. “My, I haven’t heard a Latin.” This time it was me who raised my eyebrows.

  “Mother Dematella, you know a language of his world?!” One girl asked with exasperation. She waved the girl’s question away. “Noctis, have you come for business, or did my child just pull you to my home?” Lexra coughed and held my arm.

  “Why would I do that?” She asked acting clueless. “For one, he seemed quite confused. And second, he doesn’t smell like a Hero who wishes to stay up all night.” Lexra gulped.

  “My. Child, when will you learn to stop bringing young men who don’t have an interest in our services.”

  Lexra just lowered her head. “I don’t mind, but I came to look for someone.” Dematella stared intrigued.

  “This person is?”

  “He goes by J.”

  She widened her eyes. “Oh, is he talking about big brother J?” One girl asked as she went to sit next to Dematella.

  Dematella looked up at me. I nodded. “Yes, J, I have come to speak to him.” She nodded. “I see. But I never heard of a friend of his called Noctis.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “You don’t seem to be in a hurry. Might as well sit down and I’ll call him. Tell him a friend is here to see him.”

  I nodded. Her intentions are different from what she is saying. The girls moved and placed a strange device on the floor. As they pressed it, a small round table made of metal with a flower marked on it appeared. Then, they placed a small cushion that was a beautiful black silk.

  “Bring the best wine, my dear.” I lifted a hand. “I don’t drink alcohol.” She lifted a brow, almost surprised. “Oh, you really are one of a kind.” She waved her hand. “Then would you like some tea?” I nodded. “Sure.”

  She smiled and clapped with her thigh.

  In a second, two girls around the age of Bon-Bon barely dressed and only in a strange one-piece shirt came with two cups and a strange straight bottle that had a handle on it. The pink beverage had two flowers of the same color.

  “She lifted the strange container and placed some tea on one cup and placed it in front of me. Then, she did the same and placed it near her chest. “Please, this is the finest tea flowers to come from the Altior flower mountains.”

  “Thank you.” I lifted the cup, sipping what I could describe as drinking a sweet and refreshing fruit, only it being warm. She smiled. “Sweet, isn’t it?” I nodded. “Very delicate. But it is good.” Dematella stared as she sipped her tea.

  “May I ask. Have I ever seen you before?” I shook my head as I sipped some more tea. “No, I don’t think we haven’t before. This is my first time in Rena after 70 years.” The girls gasped. “70?!” Dematella lifted a hand. “As you know ladies, Heroes never age, they never pass on by natural causes. And they always have the same appearance no matter how long it has been. He is no exception.”

  I drank a bit of the tea. “Yes.” I said as I lifted the cup. “The same with the flowers known as Jul’Va, which is known to last as a human. I never age, stay the same, like this flower.”

  This was known by many of the women in Cypher. Jul’Va is a very rare flower that can be used to make tea, juice and even perfume. But it is rarely made as tea. As it works like a relaxant or if put sweet, it helps with the libido.

  “My, no effect whatsoever. So, you are a Hero.” I nodded once. “This was just a test to see if I spoke the truth. That’s why you brought this tea, wasn’t it?”

  “My, you truly are interesting. For a man to have such observation and understanding of our world, this tells me you weren’t lying of knowing J.”

  “But why would that…”

  A girl cut the other one who spoke. “Come now. J is the one that exports the flowers to many connections of Joyce. He is the reason why we can afford them in the first place. Only a handful of people know that.”

  I tilted my head, then I heard her snap her fingers. “Loa dear. Bring me my device. I will call J.” Loa, a girl with messy pink short hair got up and went to bring her communicator.

  “Noctis. A strange name that I only heard from a Hero of the Hispanic lineage. You don’t seem Hispanic.”

  I drank the last bit of my tea. “You mostly certainly don’t even look like the man I saw in that painting. No, you look to young and thin.”

  She was getting on my nerves. For someone who seems delicate like her, I found it quite impressive to find her as observant as the royals of Joyce.

  “Mother Dematella.” Loa said as she brought a thin device the size of her hand. Opening or activating it, the holographic glass appeared, and she dialed a number.

  “J, a friend has come looking for you. Noctis.” She narrowed her eyes as I could hear his voice. I smirked.

  “I see. We will wait for your arrival. Yes.”

  She hung up the call, then she placed it on round table.

  “So, you weren’t lying at all.” I shrugged. “Why would I lie about something. I’m quite honest.”

  She didn’t say anything, her eyes telling me she had many questions. As she opened her mouth, I could tell that she was now curious of who I really am.

  “For J to know a Hero, you must’ve been a big shot. One he met at war. He only knows two, that being apart of you, only two know of J. But for a third to come and ask for him, it makes me wonder what truly is going on.”

  I shrugged. “Needed a favor, that is all.” She shook her head. “My, you really do act like a Hero.” Some girls turned to look at her. Their expressions told me they were confused. “As a Hero?” She looked at Lexra. “Yes. Heroes unlike us, are truly what you would call human.”

  I looked amused as she found my expression not to her liking. “Human? Aren’t you humans as well?” She scoffed.

  “Please. Humans of your world are quite the creatures. It’s impressive that you hold so much patience and a strangely calm demeanor.” Dematella looked at me with a bit a interest, her dark green eyes gleaming.

  “Why would a Hero need a favor from my brother J?” She asked me with a grin. “Because I wish to reach Joyce before the war starts happening here.” Her grin disappeared. The darkness her eyes hid released all at once.

  “My, now that’s just being too honest.”

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  Before we could go any further with the conversation, a knock came to the doors. Then I felt it. The mana signature which I haven’t felt for a long time.

  “J!” A girl shouted as two pairs of shoes were heard entering the house. Dematella exhaled and took out a long thin cigar. It was made of a strange pipe almost the length of her forearm.

  At the end of the pipe, a small ball made of a dry weed that was similar to another type of plant from my world. She snapped her fingers, and a small flame came to life. Inhaling, she let out a cloud of smoke, the smell quite strong.

  “It appears our chat has been interrupted. It was a pleasure speaking to you, Noctis.” She said as she longed my named in her mouth. “My, I smell the tea from here.” A young and deep voice sounded from behind me. Then a sudden halt to the footsteps were heard near my back.

  “Oh, Noctis. It is really you.” As I turned, I saw an elf, one with stylish hair that was trimmed well to leave a bit of his bangs hanging on the sides of his face. His light-yellow eyes highlighted by his green, blonde hair.

  His posture noble and straight, along that smirk being the same as the last time I saw it. “In the flesh.”

  II

  J sat beside Dematella, kissing her hand and hugging Lexra and Loa. “Leave us.” Dematella said as she waved the girls away. Even though they looked annoyed, they obeyed.

  “So, he really is a friend of yours.” Dematella said as she took another deep breath, swallowing a bit of the smoke of the pipe.

  “Yes. Quite the close one. You can say we’re like brothers.” I looked at J with my eyebrows straight in a line, my eyes lowering and my head turning slowly. He laughed.

  “My, c’mon Noctis, you know we are. Since the war and all that, haven’t you at least had any care for me?”

  I sighed. “Of course. But you can’t say we’re like family if we only have gone to meet only three times. Four times with this one.” He chuckled. Dematella poured a new set of tea, this one being a purple color.

  “My, did you give him the lust test Demi. Really?” She shrugged, her lips leaving the pipe. She let out a cloud of smoke. “No one can be saying the truth and might want something else.” Taking another puff, she let out a long breath with smoke.

  “Noctis here is quite the strange fellow.” J just laughed and drank a bit of tea. “I can’t deny that. But he is a trustworthy friend. That I am certain.”

  She stared at me. Sighing, it seems she relaxed. “Well then, it seems you need some time alone. I shall take my leave.”

  She got up, in which her robes loosened, and her marks and tattoos showed. That explains why she kept her guard up. She was part of the organization that kept Rena and part of the black market in check. She winked and left.

  “Wow. She liked you.” I shook my head. “You always think that a woman being nice or even showing a gesture is a sign of liking.”

  This time, he shook his head. “My, you still have so much to learn about girls.” I just nodded and began speaking of why I came.

  “I came to ask for a favor.” I said as I poured the purple tea on my cup. “Ok. But what favor might that be?”

  I sipped the tea; a bitter but later soothing taste came to my mouth. It was rather pleasant to drink. “The tunnels. I need to know which leads to the bunker near Diaz.”

  He stared at me with a strange expression. His lips perked and tasted his tea. “Hmmm. I would say it is possible, yet I cannot help right now as I am moving people to other places.” I knew what he meant.

  “If so, can you at least give me a map or route to the bunker. The time it will take to reach Joyce will be longer. I can’t waste more time.” I said as I put down the cup of tea.

  He sighed. Lifting his head, his eyes told me he got an idea. “No.” I said nonchalantly. He pouted. “Hey, I didn’t even say anything yet.” I shook my head. “Even so, I know you want something and it’s something that’s got to do with what you’re doing right now.”

  I drank more tea. The eyes of J were lighting up, his resolve not letting my words make him change the topic. “You should at least hear it.” I sighed.

  “Fine.” He smiled. “As you know, I have learned the tunnels to the bunkers to aid in taking and moving people around the kingdom without the mountains or weather to slow us down. Plus, there are those who are less fortunate and put as slaves.”

  From how simple he made it sound, I knew he was going through a rough time. “But there are those who are targeted as much as a Hero.” I raised my eyebrows. “Equal to a Hero?”

  He nodded. “You know that the Tokyo Faction hunted many races as they could construct the materials to create the instruments to summons more Heroes. But because of this, they were targeted.”

  J was not telling me nothing new. A few races were truly almost equal in knowledge as the Virtue who had made the instruments to summon Heroes, yet that was enough for the Tokyo Heroes to hunt them down. Genocide, almost to extinction, these races hid for the rest of the century.

  “With that, I took the opportunity to aid some. I as well have one of the remains High-Elves.” I was surprised by what he said. His face turned serious. “High-Elf? How did any of them survive the attack by the Tokyo Heroes?” He shrugged.

  “Luck. Divine intervention. It really is a mystery. The only thing I can agree with, is that we must keep them safe. Because if the Seoul Faction fail, we can hope that the remaining High-Elves can create artifacts that can summon more.”

  My face turned grim. “You're not serious. You can’t bring more people into this fight. You don’t even know…”

  “Know what? Joyce fall, Altior falling? If Cypher would even be here if Tokyo wins?” He wasn’t taking no for an answer.

  “And for that, you want?” He sighed. “I need to take her to the Joyce kingdom, that’s where she will be safe.” This time, I was the one to chuckle.

  “What makes you think they will not go for her at once. Those bastards have no heart in killing innocent people if it means they finish their mission and goal.”

  J looked at me with sadness. “You already know what the war is going to do. The previous ones never involved Heroes being the main allies and enemies. With their power, Cypher will become a wasteland. We need every person to help in stopping what could mean the end of this world. By the Primordials, it could mean even the end of his galaxy if Great One decides to destroy it.”

  “That won’t happen.” I sneered. “You should already know that he won’t do that. His mission must do something with this world.” J stayed quiet. “Yeah, but what if he doesn’t need the ones residing on it. Great One already wiped 10% of the Joyce Union kingdoms.”

  “Even if that’s the case, you should know better than sending high level targets of the Tokyo Heroes to the main kingdom. They haven’t attacked the main kingdom because they don’t have a motive to.”

  He looked at me with a darkness residing in his words. “And what about you? What makes you think they won’t go rushing to Joyce the moment they know you are still breathing.”

  I let out a breath. He is right. The sudden voice came into my mind. Shut it. I hissed.

  What makes you think they won’t kill more of those you find close? Remember what happened last time?

  I lost my thoughts as I remembered a face that was crying and shouting my name. The other person I held dear came into mind. His eyes already showing signs of losing life.

  His last breath being in my arms.

  “Now you get it.” I turned to stare at J. “Yes. But if I take the elf and arrive over there, won’t it be more motive for them?”

  J nodded. “They still don’t know you’re alive. If you keep it that way, then we have a chance that you can bring the girl to safety without her existence being known.” I nodded. “How is this going to work either way?”

  He lifted a necklace. “A charm?” I asked. He nodded. “It will help with disguising her into a human. That will help as well in her mana signature.”

  I whistled. “You truly are a man of deceit.” He chuckled and drank more tea.

  “So?” I sighed. “Fine.” He smacked the table and wooed in victory. Damn this elf.

  “How did you find a High-Elf in the first place?” I asked him, the curiosity eating at my thoughts. The clans of the High-Elves were exterminated a few decades ago, their cities destroyed and most of their knowledge taken with them.

  “I found her dying of hunger near the frozen shores of the east mountains. She must’ve moved around while they hunted her above the forests.”

  I stared at the cup. I remember how the High-Elves used to be very wise and peaceful people. Staring at my empty cup, I simply couldn’t help but understand his motives.

  “Is she an elder?” I asked. He simply shook his head, his eyes gleaming. “She is still a teen. In human years, she might be around 15. I don’t really know how High-Elf aging works, so you will have no problem in her slowing you down.”

  I nodded as I relaxed my posture. “When will we begin to move them?” I asked him. J stared at the ceiling, his eyes closed and pinching his nose. “If we’re moving before any problems start in Prynia, I believe in seven days. In seven days, I will take the other refugees I found and take them to Diaz. There you will be able to probably contact a Master as Diaz is a commanding post and intel informants of all Joyce.”

  I shook my head. “Weren’t comms busy these days?” He shrugged. “Yes. That doesn’t mean all comms are busy. Diaz is one of the most important military and intelligence bases. For even the Heroes of Tokyo, it will be problematic to invade or try to break their comms.”

  I was quite surprised how fast the equipment evolved the past hundred years. “Plus, Diaz has a line of transportation still functioning for those who wish to travel to Joyce or any other city that holds larger refuges to protect civilians.”

  “If that’s the case. Then I will accept. It’s only the High-Elf, right?” He lifted his hands and smiled. “Of course. I’m not trying to push everything on you.” I sighed. As we shook our hands, he pulled, a hug.

  “Umm, J, I don’t find you that close.” He chuckled. “C’mon, we haven’t seen each other for a long time. A bit of bond between two old friends isn’t that bad.” I knew he felt relieved that I was still breathing. The reason for never visiting was the same as I never connected much with other people, that being a Hero. And the other as I can’t have those bastards know of those who are acquainted to me.

  “How about we go to my home? We can catch up and even drink a little.” I lifted a brow. “I don’t drink.” J stayed with a poker face, his lips firm as a line. “Oh.”

  I chuckled. “Let’s go. At least to talk and walk around the town.” He beamed with joy.

  “Of course.”

  III

  As I lifted myself, I noticed that Lexra was staring at me.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked. She blushed, her hands coming forward and her body fell forward, bowing as she spoke. “I am sorry to have brought you without consent.” She lifted herself and lifted a device.

  “May I ask for your contact?” The device was a communicator. A fancy one at that. It was the latest model and had the equipment to keep connection even if there is a blackout.

  “Sure.” I simply said. Taking out a device that seemed like a simple piece of glass, I put it next to hers. The instant connection made the contact information transfer.

  Lexra blushed more, her ears turning red. “Thank you!” She said as she ran out. J just shook his head. “Poor Lexra, she won’t get a message from you in a long time.” I stared with confusion at J. How heartless does he think I am?

  Taking our leave from where I was dragged to, we found ourselves walking through the entire district of night maidens. Lifting my hoodie, I did my best to cover my hair and began to follow J to his home.

  The darkness was lit up by lanterns and lights that were fused to mana generators that hummed near each structure and building. Each light different from the other as the town was filled with colors that enlightened the atmosphere of Rena. Lust, greed and sloth all mixed in one, the people dressed in rugs while other wore silk and metal fabric of the finest tailors.

  Though Rena was underground, that didn’t change it from looking quite modern. As we entered the center of the town, hologram of men and women sponsoring their items and others speaking of the news passed with each street.

  A sudden sound came from the sky, or the ceiling of the giant cave. “Report. Report. It has been confirmed as of today the Heroes of Seoul shall depart for battle. All merchants can begin to move forward with their business up to the northern cities. I repeat…”

  Hmm. That’s quite fast. Normally they would not permit rookie Heroes to head to battle.

  “Wow. Those new Heroes truly have some guts. Or balls.” I rolled my eyes. “You do know that most of the time that only means the war is approaching faster.” He nodded with a sigh leaving his mouth.

  “They seem to already know how the pieces will turn. From what I’ve been told, the wall had people already being manipulated by the Heroes of Tokyo. Seoul must be prepared to face the one who is protecting the border between them and the Empire.” He walked as he greeted an old merchant who sold potions.

  “I don’t think they truly know what they’re up against. If they did, they would go fight them rashly.” He didn’t speak, his face telling me he was thinking. “And what if that’s the plan?” I stared at him with raised eyebrows.

  “Well then they aren’t brave, they’re crazy.” J laughed. “Might be the case. But you got to admit it, those kids are brave to do something crazy like that.”

  I nodded. “Well, may God give them strength.” I said as I turned to the corner with J. He was already pointing at a set of four buildings that had a yellow brick and a beautiful black matte roof. “Aren’t you a big show off.” I said as I swore, he lifted his head along his nose stretching.

  Smiling and jiggling his eyebrows, he gestured to enter. There was no doorknob or even a scanner, but as he put himself in front of the door, the door opened by itself and what I saw was a scan that detected all his characteristics.

  “Welcome to my home. Ve’Ra Vu Vese Oga.” He said as he entered. Taking a step inside, I felt the scanner trace me and let me pass.

  “Impressive. You got quite the modern house. Seems like you do know how to spend money.” He chuckled. “Well, it is for protection and to keep comfy the ones I’m taking care of.”

  I lifted my brows. As I felt the warmth that radiated the heaters in the house, I was surprised by how little furniture he had. There was a simple projector hologram on the left with a couch and on the right side, two sofas were placed to form a V shape and in the middle was a small table.

  As I took off my cape, I heard footsteps and a small boy with round bear ears and a round face halted at the sight of us both. “Mister J. You’re back?” The boy asked as he bowed slightly. J hugged the small boy and nodded.

  “Yes. How are our guests doing, Gabe?” The little boy lifted his chin and answered J. “Yes. They have been eating a moment ago and now have left to rest. That is but one. She said someone is approaching with you who she wishes to meet.”

  J lifted his brows. “Who?” He asked. “The High-Elf. Esther.”

  He turned to look at me. “Told you she’s the real deal.”

  I turned and found the boy already coming towards me. “Are you a Hero?” He asked. I lifted a brow. “You have a good eye.” He points to his nose.

  “You have a very nice smell.” I patted the small head and began to head towards J.

  “C’mon Gabe. Noctis is a visitor, we should prepare some drinks.” The little boy nodded, and I followed them further inside.

  From the way everything was organized, I could tell many people lived here as some clothes were scattered on baskets, others neatly placed in a bag.

  I stared at the floor; my thoughts already lost in how there are still slaves after they were freed not too long ago.

  We humans really are cruel. As I stopped, J and the small boy enter a kitchen. There a young girl with bunny ears was cooking a stew. The girl, probably a year older than Gabe, showed experience in seasoning and cooking, her eyes only lifting towards us when she was grabbing the salt.

  “Oh my. Mister J! You startled me.” She giggled softly and then looked at me. Her eyes widened, almost as if she saw a ghost. “A-a-a H-Hero?” Her hand trembled and as it did, the salt was about to fall inside the pot.

  The salt stopped midair and was humming. My Etheric Sovereignty stopped it and placed it next to the stove where it was made of a beautiful rock.

  “Yes. He isn’t a Tokyo Hero, he is my friend. One who I have known for a century.” The young girl still looked doubtful, her eyes clearly on high alert.

  “My name is Noctis. I have come as a guest by J. Pleasure to meet you.” I bowed slightly. “Please don’t do that! Your literally royalty by just being a Hero!” She shouted and she lost her worry and began to panic.

  J just laughed as Gabe was trying to calm down the girl. “Noctis is quite the introvert, but really good at being chill. He was just greeting you in the traditions of his country.”

  She stopped. “It’s rude not to introduce yourself.” She nodded. “My name is Benny. Pleasure to meet you, Hero Noctis.”

  I nodded and took off my hoodie and placed it inside my dimensional storage. “You should cut your hair sometime, man.” J said as he sat Gabe on a seat.

  “You know any normal scissors won’t cut through my hair.” I sat on one chair that was placed near the small boy. “True. But at least cut it in any way. You cover almost everything. You’ll never get a girl to look at you.” I raised my brow.

  “Is that really a reason?” J chuckled. He lifted my bangs and asked Benny.

  “Benny, is he cute?” When she stared at me, her ears were straight, then they fell behind her head, and she turned red. “Yes. Heroes are supposed to be handsome; no, I mean beautiful! No! I mean attractive!” She panicked.

  I chuckled and Gabe giggled; I lowered my bangs again.

  “Stop teasing the girl J.” She lifted her head, tilting it as she looked at us. “Don’t be embarrassed Benny, I was just messing around.” She pouted and stomped. I forgot the bunny-race were very similar in reaction to a bunny in my world, only with the intelligence and mostly appearance of a human.

  “Can you bring us some drinks Benny?” J asked. She nodded and hopped out the room. “You seem quite happy.” I said as I adjusted my gloves.

  “Yes. It’s been a while since I had guests in this house. Gabe just recently been adopted and well he was still adjusting to living with me. I feel like a single father.” I lifted a brow. “Oh. Is that so?” He chuckled.

  “Well, I always wanted a son.” J might have smiled and laughed it off. But I knew what he lived through. I know because the first time I met him, he was a hired gun for the royals to hunt down the imperfections of the world.

  Such imperfections are now uniting to aid the Heroes. Though this world may hold a great desire and unity to all people, they will die to keep said peace.

  J was one, though I may not wish to bring all that back.

  “Benny, is there any juice?” She nodded. She carried a small pot filled with was a silver beverage. Wine. It’s always wine.

  As I fell into deep thinking on how I will prevent drinking it, a jar of a light pink color, the beverage quite bubbly.

  “I know you don’t like wine, so have some of this, it’s a sparkling juice. Fresh picked and squeezed by yours truly.” As Benny put a glass of the juice, I gently lifted it and drank.

  It had a similar taste to lemonade with a hint of soda like gas. It was tasty. “Thanks.”

  He nodded. “Benny, is Esther awake?” Benny flinched and then nodded once. Her body stiffened at the mention of the High-Elf.

  “She is, well, meditating. She hasn’t eaten since morning.” J nodded to what she told him. “I see. Can you tell her to come, please?”

  Benny hesitated. She lifted her head and bowed. Turning and leaving the room, Benny seemed to go in the hall.

  “So, what should I expect?” I asked J. He looked at me with confusion, his brow lifting in a crooked way.

  “What do you mean? She is just an ordinary girl with a cute face.” Deadpan, unable to form a sentence with how much I was surprised with his jokes, I just sat there and nodded.

  “She may be shy but be careful in not being too open with her. Well, what am I saying. You’re never open about things.”

  Gabe stared at J with confusion, but that all change when we heard footsteps. Two steps came lightly, almost as if they were barely there. As Benny came first, I was stunned to see a young woman with beautiful silky dark violet hair. Her skin a creamy white with pink cheeks.

  Then her ears. Long enough to almost reach her shoulders, they had two sets of earrings that jingled as they adorned the lower part and had her hair split in the middle to leave two curtains of hair combed behind her ears. Her eyes stared softly at everyone present.

  Her eyes, a pale purple that had diamond shaped pupils, both stopping to look at me.

  “I was expecting you, Mister…”