GLITCH

Change of Plans

"So, that's how it is."

I finished reading half of the diary Wenn stole within the underground levels of that tall building. Wenn herself confessed that part of the reason why she stole it was her curiosity to know. Haha, her curiosity infected me, which made me read it first instead of the data she got from the database like layouts and such.

In his diary, he's a fallen leader. One-third of his diary tells how joyous he is to serve and help the people in need. He became twisted when he lost his wife and one of their child from one of his most trusted subordinates, a Morph. From then on, the later pages of his diary are slowly becoming more and more twisted with each passing day.

It's somehow a sympathetic story, but his current methods of "ruling" are way too brutal to be true. I don't even need to explain too much about it, and was about to close the diary when a note fell to the ground. Curious about what it was, I picked it up, and as soon as I read the contents, I immediately scrapped a majority of my plan, confusing Wenn, who's right beside me.

"Why did you crumple it all? You worked so hard to draw those maps, ya know?"

"Continuing that plan would end up getting unnecessary casualties. Let's pack it all. You and I shall go to the heart of the enemy base."

"Eh? Wha—why so suddenly? Are we leaving now?"

"Yes. Now. Reme and Sven shall stay here and protect the citizens."

"What's with that note that made you feel such uneasiness?"

"Here. Read it", I said as I hand her that crazy note.

"Mmm...oh? Isn't this dangerous if this is true!?"

"That is why we need to go now. We only have a week to spare. We're going to save everyone, no matter the cost."

I know it sounds corny, and it's a line ripped off from a certain hero's dialogue. But that's my honest thoughts. If I recall, Knuckle City is where my Ma was born. I know it's incoherent, but I don't care. I'll just save them.

I don't know...but there's something that's been pushing me lately. Is Alter back from hiatus? Perhaps I could talk to her once more.

•••

THE SLUMS, Port of Kirmish

13th day of December 2500

5:00 AM

"You're leaving?"

"Don't worry, big brothers Sven and Reme would definitely protect you all."

I pat that lovely little girl who's a Hydro Morph. I could fully see her face this time. I dressed her in decent clothes I could buy, and Wenn groomed her well. Her bluish hair is now glossy compared to that pitiful look of hers before, and her crystal blue eyes, as blue as the sky, are starting to become teary-eyed.

It's pretty chilly today, and so I spawned a warm blanket from my [Inventory] and gave it to her, who's visibly shivering from the cold.

Yes, yes... I got a [Inventory] skill now. I guess my Mantle is doing its task well and merged with my G-watch slowly but surely.

"Here you go, feeling warmer now?"

"Ah, uh-huh... Thank you, kind lady."

"You know what? It's a bit sudden, but perhaps it good for your to have a name."

Morphs never had names at the time they spawned in this world. Even Wenn said that Granny Lucy is the one who grants her such a lovely name. I envy Granny Lucy's naming sense.

"Eh? B-but I'm fine having none."

"I'll be the only one that'll call you that. I know! I'll call you Rain."

"Rain...?"

"Yes! You know...your eyes and hair are blue, the same color as the sky, and since you're a Hydro Morph, that name is acceptable, right?"

The next thing I saw is her crying.

"Eh? Sorry, did you hate it so much? Sorry—"

"N-no. Please call me Rain from now on, big sister!"

Thank goodness. I thought she's mad or something but she's just crying with gratitude, I think.

"You can count on your big brothers that will be here, okay? If you need something, just ask those two."

"Yes!"

"Uh...uhmm... How about me? Can I have a name, as well?"

I turned around and saw the other little girl with the same features as Rain, except that her hair and eyes are emerald green instead of blue.

"Oh... I shall call you Eze."

"Eze...?"

Cute! She's doing the same cute gesture as Rain!

Ack! Better hide this admiration for now.

"Y-yeah! You're one with the wind, right? And with that, I shall call you Eze from the breeze. Is that alright?"

"Y-yes...thank you..."

During my stay here, I met these two and for some reason, they grew attached to me.

Now I'm troubled after this mess.

Should I bring them along with my journey? Or should I leave them here?

I shall cross the bridge when that time comes.

For now, what I should do...is to secure a bright future not just for them but for the people of this place.

After a few moments of saying goodbye, I faced Sven and Reme who were already told by Wenn that they'll be staying here and protecting them.

As I approach, Sven lightened his face and said, "I guess we're going to be separated for now."

"Hmm? That would be something from a couple, ain't it?" Wenn said in a teasing manner.

"W-w-w-w-w-w-what are you saying Wenn! Stop saying nonsense!"

Mmm? Why did I feel a prickly feeling just now?

"Stop teasing me, Wenn!"

"Eh? But I can't help it. Fufu..."

"Tch. Just go already."

"Heh? Are you mad that I'm the one who'll be brought along?"

"Hoh? Bring it on, stupid."

"What did you say!?"

While the two of them were arguing (as always, they are), I approached Sven and hand him something that will tune his Tech Sword and improve its performance as well as its durability.

"I'll leave this to you."

"Huh? What is this?"

"Something like a good luck charm. Use it to your Tech Sword in critical situations ONLY, okay?"

"F-fine! B-but, please don't come closer! Your face is close...!"

"Hmm? What's wrong with my face?"

"N-nothing at all!"

I noticed that Reme and Wenn stopped fighting and just stared at us with eyes full of doubt and suspicion.

"What?"

"Ya know...that's some flirty moves ya have there."

"For the first time, I agree with that."

Huh? Just what—oh.

"Rylai? A-are you okay?"

"N-no... I'm fine... I just want to crouch for a moment."

But in reality, I'm covering my face.

I'm blushing, right? I am.