So thirsty… throat hurts… I need to drink something… Ow… ow, ow, ow… my body hurts like hell… I haven't even woken up fully and my head's pounding. I guess that says I'm alive. Where am I?
Instead of the grassy field, I was in a room. Across from me I could see the door, and upwards a familiar ceiling. wait I know where I am. Did they manage to find me? I can't remember anything after everything went black…
"They definitely would've healed me…" my injuries are still there, though healed somewhat; my cuts were scabbed up, alongside the bruising where I got hit. "My eye is covered… same with my good hand."
Yeah, I doubt they found me. But I am in the same tavern as before. The layout is the same, bed in the far center. A dresser for clothes to the right, a candle sitting atop it. There were paintings of random people on the walls.
Looks like they were watching over me, huh? Besides the bed I was in, there was an empty chair. And they dressed me into a night gown… Ah… I doubt they had more clothes.
This may sound weird, but I got used to them. Nightgowns specifically, they were somewhat comfortable. But, I much prefer my clothes.
Hm? Oh, my clothes look like they were considerate, huh? Wait! What did they actually find me?! Next to the chair was a small laundry pile of clothes and a small note. I could read the small print on it.
"To my little Yukina if you awake." I muttered, the handwriting was super neat. Unlike Allisa and James, their handwriting were chicken scratches and that was an insult to chicken scratches. This was obviously Melinda's doing.
I stretched my body to the best I could do; sitting on the edge and yoinking the note.
[We found you badly injured, I hope you wake up feeling much better.]
"That's it, huh?" I let out, setting it to my side. I shook my head, letting out all my thoughts.
Damn! My body hurts like hell… just push through it, once I find James I'll have him heal me.
I struggled quite a lot while putting on my shirt. My arm couldn't bend and my hand was bound tightly to the point my fingers wouldn't move fluidly.
Eventually I did manage to put on the clothes she left out. Did they neglect my injuries? That doesn't sound like them at all.
Even the ones on my legs weren't healed. Did they freak out and forget? Aghhh! I'll talk with them when I find them!
At least I have one positive in this damn predicament! Despite losing half my vision, I have the coordination to walk around.
Moreover, it didn't affect me much. My coordination in this body is much greater, to the point almost immediately I could walk after that goblin's attack.
This is definitely my room, that's the bathroom door, even my extra clothes are in the drawers. Although I knew this was my room, I had to double check.
In one drawer was a messy pile of clothes. Shirts, shorts, two extra jackets and pants. Then my forbidden drawer I wouldn't want to talk about. Okay?! I know it's due to my current position, but don't think I'm weird for being embarrassed…
Ahem, so after rechecking everything I left the room. The tavern was barren, aside from…
"If you stay still, I can start healing this properly! Stop moving!" A familiar person screamed at Melinda. She was writhing in pain, legs kicking the ground, head leaning back as if she wanted to scream.
"JAMES PLEASE HEL-"
"I told you! Dulling the pain will just stop my damn healing! Grit your fucking teeth and suck it up!" Shen yelled at her whilst gripping tight onto Melinda's arm. She sounded angry, as a result I just slithered back.
I was not expecting to see Shen here! And what the hec- My thoughts were completely drowned out by Melinda's screams. Out of reaction I popped out, her arm was now released from Shen.
"If you didn't try to threaten me this wouldn't have happened. You can't deal with the quick healing, nor can you heal slowly. We'll try more tomorrow but as of right now, this session is over."
"How does my pain numbing cancel your healing?"
Seems like no one ha- And the receptionist dude did. He was calling me over.
"They were really worried about you…" he told me with a smile, leaning over the counter, chin on palm. "Seeing how you're walking, you feel fine?"
"Aside from hurting and unable to see out of one eye, I'm fine." I replied, this guy just shrugged before averting his eyes.
"You scared everyone in your party. Quite lucky aren't'cha?"
"Hahaha… I wish…" I couldn't think before speaking. While yes, I was incredibly lucky to find them, what were the chances of running into Shen? Pretty slim…
My fragmented memories of that night popped inside. In a world full of mysteries, I know she had something to do with me going missing. It was as if I had become a thrall, then that wound on my neck, she's probably some vampire.
"Hm? Oh, the child of the hour is here." I instantly froze as Shen looked towards us. I never get a good feeling around this damn woman!
In the next moment, I found myself wrapped in a hug. It wasn't just by one person, it was by multiple people. Did I really worry them that much?
Melinda, James and Allisa held me tight. If I had multiple pairs of arms, and two working ones I would return it. Instead… I stood there, head down, listening to Allisa and Melinda sob.
It turned into a lecture fast as their emotions were let out. Additionally with a painful cheek pinch from James. He wouldn't let me go until I yelped in pain! Even then he resulted in pulling my cheeks and scolding me…
If I had known I would be kidnapped I wouldn't have gone out! This guy wont let me give an excuse!
It really hurts… c'mon let me goo! He's going to tear my cheeks up!
"James, you're hurting her, you know that, right?"
"Well, she has to learn not to go out on her own!" James exclaimed, looking back whilst tugging more. "Who knows what will happen to her again if she does!"
"I won't do it again! Please let me go…" I begged him. The pain was multiplying by the second. He neeeeds to let me go, he needs to!
"Honey! Let her go, she's starting to cry; I think that's enough." Melinda pointed at the tears that made my eyes blurry. My savior-— wait, wait why is she glaring at me?! What's with the sudden reaction change?!
"Now you listen here Missy! Do not leave us again! You had us worried to death!" Melinda screamed at me, using her index as a finger. Instinctively I shrunk whilst backing away. "And due to your own actions, you got hurt! Badly too!"
"I'- I'm sorry… It wasn't my intention…"
I will admit it was my fault. Even now, I'm still ignorant of this world… if I keep being foolish I will die a second time. And it won't be just me…
If the original Yukina is still alive, she will die too. My gut keeps telling me she is alive, somewhere inside.
Eh? Why am I being hugged again? This time Allisa had me in a tight grip, nuzzling into my chest. Did she mistake my hand for me feeling afraid?
Subconsciously I moved my hand, personally it was due to the revelation; of course I was afraid of being scolded, after all, I'm a part of their family. Melinda and James were more of an aunt and an uncle.
"Please, have someone with you next time… even if it's me." Allisa requested, pulling me slightly too much into a hug.
"I promise I won't…"
I couldn't help but smile, looking down at her with a soft smile. She really was a sister to me. I've been trying my best to make up for my previous life, I wasn't the best kid.
After seeing them once again, my fear was calmed. They brought me some peace, and it wasn't just them, the other guys and girls softened that anxiety.
Verd and Shaun were enthusiastic, the latter wrapping me in a tight hug. Verd, despite my hatred for it gave my head a small pat. However, I worried him so I took it begrudgingly.
At last, Jin. This dude never smiles, but this time he gave me a small smile, and welcomed me back. It feels great to be back… Despite being in pain, I truly feel at home with them.
It's been hours since our reunion. For some reason, I couldn't sleep at night. I had this dryness in my throat even water couldn't quench. I promised them I wouldn't go out by myself, but being held as a slight breath was touching my ear, I was uncomfortable.
I wriggled out, and left our room without changing my clothes; the tavern was actually empty, where the guy was, it was empty.
"I know James can heal these wounds… but why hasn't he?" I muttered, taking a seat at one of the empty tables.
This dry throat is so annoying… It itches with every breath I take, it's like having a cough that never goes away. And I do not want to use cauterize on it! I'll just straight up die…
Ahem, anyways… There is another reason I wanted to be alone. I'm extremely weak by myself, and I'm also afraid of my magic. Fire is extremely volatile to use, it can incinerate things that I do not want.
Furthermore, I don't know much about this body. There is so much I don't know about it, the least of my concerns is how it will look when older.
Will I be able to manage being an adventurer with my disability? I don't like sitting in the back, it's extremely boring if the frontliners are skilled. But, I guess that's where my second class comes into play.
If I can choose it, and my foot magically gets better, I'm going to be choosing a melee focused class. Tank is out of the question, warrior? That's another one, but I have no idea if they have it.
In fact, I only know the basics of the world. Similarly to Earth, it has a vast history.
The world was once unison, and interwoven. Each continent was connected, never changing. Until a playful god split it into multiple pieces.
That was the God of Trickery, it had no name. No gender, it was referred to as it, the God of Trickery was the one behind all chaos. It gave humans powers, mana, supernatural strength… alas, came the system.
It was not fair to all, individuals came to power. That's where this part becomes tricky, and it isn't defined in history. Apparently, this is where the part got me confused; but it gave me clarity of otherworlders.
From a book before, the one that the goddess bestowed upon humanity was to summon people from many worlds. Now, now, you may be wondering what I was confused by? It became forbidden. The goddess took it away.
No otherworlders were brought here, it's been over a millennia, however, otherworlders keep popping up. Reincarnation is a thing, but it's a one in a million chance… not something wildly common.
Anyways, otherworlders are much more powerful; be it reincarnation or summoning. The first instance of an otherworlder was dated over fifty thousand years ago.
"Looks like someone's up randomly," Shen's voice resounded in my literal blind spot. I jumped in reaction, frantically looking at her. Fuck, fuck not again! "Relax, I'm not going to repeat what I did."
"How long have you been there?!" I screamed, Shen was sitting there! How did I not see her?! She shrugged her shoulders, now that I can see her, she was in something unexpected.
She was wearing a thin dress, just enough to cover a lot of the lewd parts. Next to her was a cup of something. Even from here, it was sweet.
Probably some alcohol… it's extremely fruity smelling. For some reason, I gulped at the smell. It was attracting me for some reason.
"This isn't a drink for kids, get that craving look off your face."
"I wasn't going to ask… I'm just thirsty." I replied back while resting my chin on my hand. "What even is it anyways?"
"Just a little concoction of mine…" Shen replied to my question, her face was now focused on her drink. She swirled a bit before taking a small drink. "I can pretty much hear your heartbeat, I won't do anything to you, at least anymore."
Looks like she has good senses… Yes, I'm terrified right now, I'm trying to remain calm. How can I not be scared of this woman?
I let out a sigh, and attempted to ease my heart. It was rattling against my ribcage, it was immensely hard to keep this facade up.
"So, you are their adopted daughter… You three have that stupid smirk, and cannot speak properly."
"What did you even do to me?" I laid it out. I was genuinely curious; she was the only one who had these special powers.
"That's none of your concern… Well it is, but I didn't do anything dangerous to you."
"You say that, but look at this!"
What kind of shit is she spewing?! Didn't do anything dangerous my ass… I almost died more than once due to her and my eye is all kinds of messed up due to her!
I pulled the bandage around my eye over, even when opened I can't see anything. Before everyone went to sleep, I took a look at it, there was a giant hole in my eyeball.
"You didn't do anything dangerous? Do you see what you did?"
"I only left you there… That injury you got, blame it on yourself moron. Train harder, don't dally around and blame others."
"Yet this was a result of you…"
"Kid, you're what? Fourteen? Learn to respect elders. At your age I was able to handle a couple goblins without getting hurt."
Why does she remind me of someone I once knew? He avoided all responsibilities if something happened… Even the way she drinks is like him.
Before every sip of that entrancing drink, she swirled it and gave it a look. My curiosity about that drink grew, and the tightness of my throat increased.
Eventually we both became silent, and I started to feel a wave of drowsiness. I did not bother to say anything to her, walking towards the room. Flopping onto the bed, falling asleep in the next moment.
*****
"Oh, hey, Yukina! Odd to see you here, what can I do for you?" Shaun shouted towards me at the back of our temporary home was a small training area. According to Barry adventurers were frequent patrons.
Around an outlined square were boxes. Verd's kids were watching him swing a wooden blade, he was highly skilled. His arms were immensely muscular, alike James he had a refined physique which was foretelling of his training.
"Can you teach me to use a sword?" Outright, I asked him. He froze with a huh look on his face. His lip was up on one side, cocking his eyebrow. Was it that shocking?
"Um…" Shaun scratched the back of his head; he was reallt contemplating, his hand was brought to his chin, covering his mouth. "I can… but you need to be a little bit better… But! I can teach you the stances, how's that?"
In response I gave him a bright smile, and nodded my head… Thankfully he caught his ass on, my arms were currently in no damn shape to hold a sword.
Learning the stances would be useful, y'know? If I can recognize 'em I'll know how to react!