Moments of tranquility

The chime of the food store’s door greeted us as we stepped out, the mundane melody a sharp contrast to the weight of our earlier discussion.

“Thank you for your purchase,” the employee called out, her voice a buoyant note in the otherwise ordinary noon.

“Nyan, are you okay? We haven’t really eaten anyway,” Harley comforted me, her eyes a mix of worry and care.

“Yeah, I'm good.”

Breaking all the seriousness and tension among us, it was an unbelievable rumble that my stomach let out during our conversation back home. While I was relieved that the awkward silence had been broken, I couldn’t shake off the embarrassment. I just wanted to dig a hole and jump into it to cover my shame.

The neighborhood was bathed in the gentle glow of the summer sun, its rays casting a serene light on the quiet Sunday around me. This tranquility stood in stark contrast to the turmoil we had just experienced. As I strolled down the street, the normalcy of life unfolding as usual felt almost surreal. With my phone out, I scrolled through the news for any mention of our recent encounter, but there was nothing. This absence of acknowledgment only deepened my unease. Questions began to swirl in my mind: Could there be some unseen force orchestrating events in this place? Were the people around us truly safe?

Restlessness took hold, a familiar sensation for someone who’s known the pressure of looming deadlines and the heat of the metaphorical fire. It seemed that experience had shaped me into someone perpetually braced for the next crisis, unable to shake the worry even in the calmest of times.

As I gazed up at the expansive blue sky, I was reminded of the optimism I had felt earlier in the day. The weather was nothing short of splendid, the kind that beckoned for a leisurely Sunday. It had been a day ripe with opportunity, one where I had hoped to deepen my bond with Harley and Kitty, to share with them the myriad wonders this world had to offer.

Yet, as Harley walked beside me, the light that had danced on her lovely smile this morning seemed dimmed. The sight of her injuries, a stark reminder of our reality, stirred a disquiet within me. I was more aware of my own actions than ever. I had intended to be a source of joy for her, but now I feared that my own brooding thoughts were casting shadows over her spirit. The last thing I wanted was for her to sense my worries, to have them cloud her mind as they did mine.

I slid my phone back into my pocket as I left my thoughts behind and embraced the present.

“I'm sorry, let's get this over with.”

“But isn't this important? I don't think it's possible that there is no news about such a destructive clash,” she questioned, her voice a mix of disbelief and concern.

“Ah I'm hungry, the smell of food is really getting out of hand, don’t you think?” I said, half-joking, trying to lighten the mood and divert our thoughts from the weighty matters at hand.

“Nyan…” Harley paused for a moment, “I understand.”

Her expression shifted subtly, a silent acknowledgment that she had heard the unspoken words in my mind, words I could not say out loud.

“Me too,” she whispered, almost to herself.

Her words piqued my curiosity.

“I want to see you smile too,” she added softly, her gaze sincere.

I could not deny that my heart skipped a beat. Yet, when it came time to return the gesture, I hesitated. The aftermath of our recent skirmish had left its mark, perhaps even stealing a few of my teeth. So I harbored a hope, a silent vow, that I would greet her smile with an equally charming one, once time had healed the battle’s souvenirs.

“Nyan, that! What is that called?”

Suddenly, Sissi and Kitty bounded over with the boundless energy of a dynamic duo, snapping me out of my introspection.

Trying to open my eyes, I couldn't understand what they were asking about as they just pointed at the vast blue sky. I squinted upwards, following their gazes, but all I saw was the vast blue sky. They insisted there were objects soaring above, yet the sky was devoid of any commercial planes or birds from where I stood. I toggled my gaze between them and the sky, a flicker of doubt crossing my mind. Was I hallucinating, or was their imagination painting the canvas of the sky with invisible strokes?

“Ah, that circling object up there, I recall reading about it. It’s called a satellite, right?” Harley mused aloud, her gaze fixed on the heavens.

Huh? Can they see satellites from here? Are their eyes really that good?

“Haha Nyan, if you squint your eyes that much, magic vision won’t activate, you know,” Sissi chuckled at my furrowed brow, “I know your forte isn't magic, but you need to open your eyes wide and focus on where you need to look for the spell to work,” she advised, gently prying my eyelids further apart with her fingers.

Frozen by her unexpected action similar to her fighting style, I could only smile in return.

“See that?” She asked.

Yep, I can totally see it, the sunlight shining mercilessly into my eyes.

“Wait, Sissi, Nyan isn't…” Harley began, but her words were cut short as Kitty playfully covered her mouth, silencing her with a mischievous wink in my direction.

The extent of what the other characters knew about our world - and about me - remained uncertain. With Ember’s presence, we treaded lightly, measuring our words with care. We let ourselves be carried by the flow of events, allowing the ambiguity of my powers to remain a riddle. It was a delicate dance, a strategy to forge alliances and buy time. Though it risked leading us astray, it was the only card we had left to play.

“The sunlight of your world is truly magical and enchanting, just like the words of ‘dazzling beauty’,” Ember remarked, her smile softening her stern demeanor.

The sight of a Demon Lord general’s smile was as unexpected as it was mesmerizing. There was an inexplicable warmth to Ember’s smile, a serenity that belied her fearsome title. In that fleeting moment, I felt as though I was beginning to grasp her motivations for protecting this place. The entire scene felt surreal, like a dream poised on the edge of reality.

A part of me - a part I wasn’t fully aware of - yearned for this moment to stretch into eternity, to preserve their smiles in the amber of time. A wave of unexplained happiness washed over me, its source as mysterious as the smile I beheld. Was it empathy that stirred within me? Or perhaps a sense of guilt for the destinies I had penned? The answer eluded me, but the desire to understand was as real as the emotions that swirled in my chest.

“I know we're just going out for food, but is it necessary for all of us to go together?” I asked, noting the curious glances from passersby.

Our group was indeed a sight: a cat girl in a cloak despite the summer heat, a sorceress wrapped in somewhat of a winter coat, a swordsman donning aristocratic whites with a crimson cape, and a goth-dressed general of the Demon Lord. We were a walking tapestry of tales, each thread as vibrant and peculiar as the next.

That’s right, nothing is strange at all.

“Of course it's necessary, we still don't know if it's safe out here or not,” Ember replied.

“I get that, but do you need to come along?”

“Ask your friend, she wants to make sure I won’t do anything funny. Besides, I'm bored,” she confessed with a shrug.

It seemed prudent to adapt to our newfound camaraderie. After all, their company lent a sense of genuine adventure. And to accompany them in their path of exploring this world, it sounded like a fun reward.

~

Life had resumed its usual rhythm soon after, a stark contrast to the recent chaos that nearly claimed my life. Now, I found myself playing the role of a tour guide for Sissi and Kitty, explaining the intricacies of Earth. The roller coaster of recent events had me seriously considering investing in a heart rate monitor.

“Woah, adult magazine,” Sissi couldn't help but be surprised at the “book” she just randomly grabbed on my bookshelf.

A heart rate monitor was definitely in order.

Ember, unlike the rest of us, showed little interest in our world’s wonders. She was fixated on my TV, which remained stubbornly off. Her thoughts were an enigma, and her reluctance to engage with us was something I respected, yet it left me unsure of how to interact with her. The protagonist and antagonist suddenly on friendly terms? It was an uncharted territory for both of us.

Without warning, Ember rose and approached my flat screen TV.

*POP*

With a single slap, the screen tumbled to the ground, shattering into oblivion.

“Tsk!” She clicked her tongue.

So much for my expensive limited-edition TV.

“I was under the impression that a few good smacks would fix such technology,” she said.

“That's called a TV, not technology. And no, that method of ‘repair’ doesn’t quite work here, not with this kind of TV,” I corrected her gently.

“No worries, you’ve got something called insurance, correct?”

Are you kidding me? You know about something as complicated as insurance but don't know about something as basic as turning on the TV? I wondered what exactly she had learned about my world.

Surveying the hole in my living room floor, the kitchen’s ongoing repairs, and now the remnants of my TV, I sent a silent prayer that my home would remain habitable for the foreseeable future.

As I sat sketching in the tranquility of my front yard, I found myself immersed in the act of creation, each stroke on the page a silent echo of my recent journey. The playful wind, a mischievous artist itself, danced through my pages, scattering my thoughts like leaves. It was then, in the gentle caress of the afternoon sun, that clarity bathed my vision, sharpening the world into focus. Time, it seemed, had become a mere spectator to my intense concentration, a forgotten companion in my newfound sanctuary of peace. Perhaps it was the long absence from this artistic embrace that sharpened my focus, or maybe the disciplined rhythm of my daily work had honed my mind to a fine point of presence.

“Can I join you, master?” Tapping my shoulder from behind, Kitty asked.

“Of course,” I replied, setting aside my pencils to welcome her presence.

To my surprise, she settled not beside me, but on my lap. I stifled my initial shock and instead, found comfort in the familiar act of stroking her hair.

“That sound, are you listening to music?” She inquired, curiosity lighting her eyes.

Sharing an earphone, I introduced her to the world of melody. Kitty’s design broke conventions; she possessed not only cat-like ears but human ones too. While some might veil such features, I embraced my creative instincts - my personal touch. Her cat ears were not mere ornaments; they were conduits of extraordinary abilities. They granted her the power to comprehend the tongues of the beast tribe in Dragon Island, to perceive the form of objects beyond our dimensions - size, distance, and all. One could imagine them as a third pair of eyes, a mystical lens revealing the unseen and unheard.

“Awesome, so this is the music from Master's world,” she marveled, a note of wonder in her voice.

“Kitty, we’re companions, you can call me by my name,” I reminded her gently.

“That I know, but to me, Master is a very special person,” she insisted, her words woven with sincere gratitude.

I knew she felt indebted to me for saving her in the manga, but that was fiction, not reality.

“Do you grasp the true meaning of ‘special person’?” I asked, not wanting her to feel beholden to me.

“Even now, your gentle acceptance surrounds me. The familiar warmth of my savior, I have never been mistaken,” she affirmed.

“You know I'm just acting according to the story, right? I'm not as brave as you think,” I confessed, hoping to dispel her idealized image of me.

“That’s alright; I’ll be your shield then,” she declared resolutely.

This girl, she really knew her way of words.

“You won’t abandon me to my pitiful world, will you?” I inquired with a light-hearted smile.

“Never,” she replied, her smile a reflection of my own.

Her gaze then shifted to my sketches, her fingers tracing the edges of the pages with care.

“So, this is a story about us,” she observed.

Feeling like a novice once again, I remained silent, awaiting critique and hoping my art would meet the approval of the others.

“I see,” she said softly, her gaze lingering on my sketches, “you were already a hero here.”

"A hero?" I echoed, puzzled.

“Yes, I believe your stories have brought joy to many. That’s a heroic deed in itself,” she clarified.

“I don’t think it was that big of a deal.”

“Heroes aren’t solely defined by strength, as you once said. And I think that even small acts that bring joy can be considered heroic too.”

This memory surfaced from somewhere within my manga. Just like now, after an intense workout, Kitty and I would sit together, engaging in heartfelt conversation.

“I'm exhausted, you really are too strong.” Kitty had gasped, seeking solace under the shade of a large tree, trying to catch her breath.

“You did well.” I had encouraged her.

“You still hold back your strength. At this rate, I don't think I can get any stronger soon,” she had lamented.

“Kitty, you know I only have this power because it was bestowed upon me. I did not earn it, it was given.”

"What do you mean?"

“The truly strong individuals here are you and Harley.”

“But you can defeat both of us with ease though.”

“In my world, the most powerful aren’t necessarily the strongest. Those who persistently strive and labor diligently, like you two, are the true paragons of strength. You both endeavored to refine your abilities, stood independently, and fought the Demon Lord’s army with your own might. In contrast, I merely wield the power granted to me.”

“That's not true; regardless, you’re always courageous and confront everything head-on. Even when faced with overwhelming adversaries, you’re willing to sacrifice to protect others. Without your given power, I’m certain you’d still act the same.”

"Maybe. But that doesn't mean I don’t feel scared. If it weren't for you two, I probably would have given up a long time ago. It was your strength and encouragement that inspired me to live up to this hero’s title. And because of the two of you, I have to become stronger to protect my companions. You see, heroes aren’t solely defined by strength itself. To me, you two are already my heroes.”

Reflecting on it, my writing might seem a tad melodramatic. I could almost envision myself in the future, burrowing into a ‘pit of shame’ whenever these ‘embarrassing’ recollections resurface.

“I suppose so,” I acknowledged with a smile.

As Kitty and I perused my sketches, a sense of familiarity and tranquility washed over me. Familiar, for I had indeed embarked on adventures with them, albeit confined to my imagination and the pages before me. Tranquil, for now I was truly living it. Perhaps this was why their presence always sparked joy and excitement within me. As a reward for the immense effort, time, and emotion invested, the world I had longed to visit had materialized. And to preserve that world, I stood ready to confront any challenge. There was a reason to fight after all.

“But don’t you think you’re a bit biased against Sissi when she’s always so well-drawn compared to other characters?”

Kitty’s question, unexpected and sharp, dealt 25 piercing damage to my heart.

“I’m sorry, it’s because she’s a fan favorite,” I admitted, though my heart held a different truth.

“Hmmm…” Kitty hummed thoughtfully, “well, I think I prefer the title of your favorite character better,” she said, leaning back against me with a playful air.

How could I say this, but you’ve always been my favorite character.

But such confessions would have to wait until I had a physical ‘pit of shame’ ready for my retreat after spouting some cheesy statements.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we kindled a campfire and set about preparing an outdoor BBQ meal. The surreal sensation of slipping back into mundane routines hung over me, a persistent reminder of the world beyond the page. I watched Harley and Kitty spar, their movements a dance of strength and agility, and I realized that this odd sense of displacement was likely to weave itself into the fabric of my days.

Despite the bandages that adorned their limbs and the evident weariness in their movements, they persisted in their training. In that moment, as I observed their unwavering spirit, a profound truth dawned on me. The battles they had endured against the Demon King were not just stories confined to the pages of the manga; they were etched into the very sinews of their beings. No matter the severity of their injuries, they would always rise to fight again. They were akin to soldiers sculpted by the rigors of war, their resilience far surpassing what I had once imagined.

“Hey, why the sad face? What’s on your mind?” Sissi’s voice pulled me from my thoughts as she nudged my hand, holding a can of water while I tended to the food.

“Do I appear sad?” I questioned, caught off guard.

“It seems so. I know things are awkward for both sides, but I promise to find an answer to this," she assured me, her determination shining through.

Even with the full awareness of her fictional reality, Sissi chose to live out the virtues of a true hero. Her courage and resolve were not diminished by this knowledge; instead, they were emboldened. She acted with the same selflessness and bravery as if her existence were as tangible as any real-life heroes. It was this deliberate choice - to ignore the illusion of her world and to protect her friends, to help those in need, just as she always had within the story - that I found deeply admirable. Sissi’s life, though not real, was a testament to the power of choice. She did not let the truth paralyze her; she defined it, ensuring that her actions remained true to the ideals of bravery and selflessness that inspired all who knew her tale.

"It’s nothing, I'm just wondering if it's right to feel this peaceful while the future is uncertain. It somehow feels so ridiculous, so inexplicably absurd.”

"Really?" She said, “that makes you feel uneasy, doesn't it?”

"I suppose so."

“You know, for a while, I have been thinking about hero stuff.”

I paused, the sizzle of the barbecue fading into the background as her words drew my full attention.

“We have the ability to fight, the unique burden to protect others. We’re always eager to return to battle, and we always feel uneasy every time we catch our breath while the darkness looms. But there’s no glory in our actions; we swing swords and take lives merely to survive, much like our enemies. Happiness is supposed to be a foreign concept to us, something we cannot reach, something we don’t deserve. I have had that feeling many times, only to be reminded that times like these are the most important. We fight to create time for those we cherish after all. Our happiness isn’t for ourselves, but for those we hold dear. It’s a constrained way of thinking, but it’s enough to justify times like these.”

Finding joy in the happiness of those I cherish, rather than in my own, was a revelation that shifted my entire perspective. Sissi, despite being lauded with innumerable accolades, remained grounded in her humanity. She was a paragon of virtue, yet as fallible and real as any one of us. It was this duality - her esteemed heroism interwoven with her ordinary existence - that I sought to capture in my portrayal of ‘hero’ within their world.

“And hey, they fight for the same reason too, so cheer up,” she encouraged, gesturing towards Harley and Kitty.

She was right; the best thing to do was to cherish the present.

“That's right, conserve your energy and seize the moment,” Sissi called out, her voice a mixture of cheer and strategy as she watched Kitty and Harley’s rigorous training.

Then, a sudden boom echoed through the air, a stark testament to Kitty’s newfound prowess.

“I did it!” Kitty exclaimed triumphantly from a distance, having carved a sizable hole in my yard with her power.

I would probably need a new house soon.

Behind me, Ember leaned against the doorframe, her gaze fixed on the training duo. Her expression was unreadable, a mask of stoicism that gave nothing away. I could only guess at her thoughts, drawing on what I knew of her character and silently hoping she wasn’t concocting any wild schemes.

Our eyes met for a fleeting moment, but she offered no reaction, simply stepping into the house and out of sight. In the days that followed, Ember remained ensconced in her solitude, emerging only to discuss plans with Sissi or the rest of us. She maintained a distance, a self-imposed isolation driven by her vigilant nature. Though I longed for unity, I understood the necessity of her caution as I recalled her reason for staying vigilant. It was a wall she built not just for her, but for all of us.

TBH.