"Were you also…helped by a strange-looking boy?" Viola asked, shocked to have finally met someone else who survived an encounter with the monster.
"I don't know about that," Emily said, trying to recall her memories. "I just got lucky and managed to escape. Fortunately, it seems those creatures hate the crowds. As soon as I got out of the woods and into the busy streets, it stopped chasing after me and fled."
"Oh," Viola continued in a low tone, "I wasn't fortunate enough…"
"I have been informed of what happened…I'm sorry. And don't fault yourself, you had no control over it." Viola remained silent. "But I do want to ask…how did you get out alive? You mentioned a strange-looking boy?"
"Yeah…don't know who he was or where he came from…but he wiped that creature out of existence like it was nothing." Viola silently clenched her fists before muttering under her breath, "If only he had arrived a bit sooner…"
"Interesting, so not only are there inhuman creatures, but also an inhuman…human? I suppose, you can't call them a human at that point." Emily chuckled softly. "But don't you find that a little scary? Knowing that there is someone out there who can make a creature far superior to us…look like an insect in their eyes?"
"Well, he was hunting those creatures the last time I saw him. Let's hope he doesn't start hunting us, too."
"Also, one thing I didn't get about your story. You mentioned that the boy arrived a little late. Were you fighting that thing on your own until then?" Viola nodded without much thought, and immediately regretted it when Emily continued, "But based on what I know, those beings have extraordinary physical strength. I saw it punch through a tree trunk like it was nothing. A human body would stand no chance! However, you came out alive. With injuries, yes, but none that could harm your life. And wasn't that a week ago? How have you already recovered?" Viola gulped as the blue-haired girl eyed her suspiciously.
"Are you perhaps implying that you are…inhuman yourself?"
"W-What? No! Why is that the conclusion you come to?!" Viola rapidly shook her head. "I got lucky, too! Maybe it got overconfident and held back…you know, like playing with your prey!"
"Looks like no one taught little Violet how to lie!" Emily giggled, and Viola kept shaking her head. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." She winked. "Besides, no one would believe us, right?"
"Y-You're right." She sighed in defeat. "I am…inhuman."
"Wow, I was only taking a guess, but you gave up so easily. Thank you for spilling the secret yourself!" She teased.
"You…!"
"So can you do magical stuff?!" Emily perked up with excitement. "Do you chant spells? Or do you use a special item, like a wand? Or perhaps you make hand symbols, those are cool too!"
"I—"
"Oh, wait, it must be your eyes! Your eyes have a unique and extremely rare hue. They must be magical! Or do you channel the negative energy within you and turn that into magic? Maybe you can even summon some kind of a mythical beast…a dragon perhaps?!"
Of all things…a dragon? Seriously?!
"I…don't do any of those—"
"Then maybe something even cooler? Tell me, tell me! I need to know!"
"I uh…I am just a little too strong." Viola rubbed the back of her head, grinning nervously. "Just like those monsters in the woods, I have superior physical strength. That's all."
"Oh." Emily looked dumbfounded, trying to hide her disappointment. "So you just…punch things." Viola nodded. "I mean…it's not that bad, I guess?"
"Well, I'm sorry I didn't live up to your unrealistic imagination." Viola huffed, crossing her arms with a slight frown. "And what about you? You escaped with 'luck', you say? When I was up against that thing, I tried to run away first. But when I couldn't outrun it, what chance would a human like you have? If you're even 'human'. What are you hiding?"
"O-Oh, no! Mine was just luck!" She forced a laugh. "Nothing special—"
"And you come here, disguised as my psychiatrist, with so much information about those monsters when the whole world was ready to call me crazy for knowing the same." Viola eyed her suspiciously. "Tell me, who are you?!"
The girl kept silent for a little while, fidgeting in her spot, reeling back from Viola's intense gaze. She tried to avoid eye contact for a moment, but eventually looked straight into violet hues and opened her mouth.
"Okay, I'll tell you…I'm just an ordinary person who was curious and got a little too close to the truth. I've heard of people who mysteriously vanished in the woods, who are still missing to this day. So, I decided to do a little investigation myself. And that's when I first encountered the creature. I managed to escape, but no one would believe my story. Since then, I've continued investigating on my own, and have learnt quite a bit of info about them." She paused for a second, sighing.
"And yet, it was all useless if no one listened to me. But that's when I caught wind of your parents looking for a psychiatrist. I overheard your father talk about your condition and instantly saw the connection to the forest monsters. I knew I had to talk to you anyhow, so I pretended to be a psychiatrist. It seems everyone had turned him down, because when I approached him with a fake identity, he didn't even bother to confirm it and took me in. And so, here am I. That's my story."
She did not flinch, shiver, or hesitate when telling her side of the tale. The girl had such a firm look and unwavering resolve in those blue hues that Viola saw no reason not to believe her.
"Also…trust me when I say that I am nothing special."
Besides, Emily was the only one she could open up to about this. So, by getting along with her, she could also help herself.
"Alright, that sounds true enough. I'll believe you." Viola smiled warmly.
For now.
"Great!" Emily clapped her hands together joyfully before asking, "So, you're also agreeing to help me fight those things?"
"Probably— WHAT?!"
"Come on! I know about those monsters well enough to predict their movements and sightings. And you are capable enough to fight them off. We together can be this town's heroes!"
Viola lowered her head "B-But I don't know how to fight those things…let alone defeat one! I don't stand a chance."
"When did I say you'd have to kill one? You just have to hold them back until the person in danger escapes. And don't come to conclusions just because you lost the first time! Have you ever questioned if you were given such strength so that one day, you could protect others from such superior threats? The kind that only you could deal with?"
"Even so…I don't know if I'll be of any use."
"And that's why you gotta give it a try once," Emily said, taking Viola's hand in hers. "We could be heroes!"
The words echoed inside her head. They were light, hopeful, and painful all the same. Emily's hand felt warm, compared to her cold, almost lifeless palm. She didn't reply. In the distance, she could hear a strong gust of wind rattling the leaves in the forest, reminding her of the horrors that hid deep within.
Deep inside, she preferred her quiet life—the one before she ever came to know about the monsters in the woods, the one where she lived carefree with her loved ones, unbeknownst to all the horrors going around her. But that was also precisely why she cannot always remain in the dark. She was gifted and felt the need to help those around her, as she had always done. It was her purpose. Only this time, she was up against otherworldly beings. She doubted her abilities and wasn't confident in herself. Ever since that dark event, she had been trying to stay away from such things.
Then came this girl to take her right back in. Was Life trying to remind her of what she must do? Was this girl sent to keep her on the right path, leading to what she was truly meant to be? Or was it going to end in another bloodshed? Was the past going to repeat itself, leaving her alone to carry the weight of losing someone else right before her eyes again?
"Please?" Emily gave her hand a little squeeze, eyes bright and pleading.
Viola was stuck between two paths. She could reject her purpose right here and leave it all behind, and continue living a normal life, ignoring the existence of other demonic entities, including the guilt that maybe she could've stopped a few deaths. Or, she could take this girl's hand and walk the path she was born for, fight against threats only she could, but let go of the ordinary life she preferred.
If I take her hand now...I'll never be able to go back.
She closed her eyes, feeling the weight of the world crush down on her core, until even her heartbeat felt heavy.
I can't…decide...
Two paths—her heart's wish and her burden to bear.
"You are born special, Viola."
A familiar voice echoed in her head, and a memory from the past flashed before her eyes.
"These gifts set you apart from everyone. Don't let it waste. Make sure that when the time comes…you follow the path that best suits you, leading you to your purpose in life. Don't use it for evil; use it against evil. And don't ever hesitate to fight for the weak, for the innocent, for the good of humanity."
When she was young and confused about why she was different, Cecelia was the one who assured her.
"You may not understand anything now. But I'm sure there'll come a time when everything will make sense. And when it does, do not make a choice that you'll regret."
Viola opened her eyes and flashed a determined look at Emily. Clutching the silver pendant hanging below her neck, she gave her answer.
"I'll help you."
"Really?!" Emily jumped in joy and hugged her. "Thank you! I'm so happy someone finally accepted to join my cause!"
"Ow! You're squeezing too hard!"
"Sorry!" She immediately pulled back with an awkward chuckle. "I got carried away."
"Well then…when do we begin?"
"Your condition doesn't look so good right now. I'll revisit you tomorrow. For now, though, I'll be leaving for some more investigations! Take care!" The girl waved at her before swiftly turning around to leave.
"And don't think too low of yourself," Viola spoke up, stopping Emily as she was opening the door. "Everyone is special in their own way. And if you can't feel like it yourself…then I'm sure something…or perhaps someone…will make you feel that way."
Emily glanced back, and Viola gave her a wide, closed-eyed smile. The blue-haired only nodded in return and left. Viola listened to her rapid footsteps getting further away until they couldn't be heard anymore.
Mom…I hope I made the right choice…
A minute later, another set of footsteps began to approach her room.
"I've brought something for you—" Cecilia entered the room, carrying a tray of two cups filled with warm tea and a plate of snacks, but was left confused when she couldn't see Emily anywhere. "Did she leave without even informing us?" Viola nodded with a chuckle. "Oh dear, we might have to start looking for a replacement already…"
"No, Mom!" Her daughter giggled. "I'm sure she's doing her best. Look, she's already made me happy by leaving all those snacks for me!"
…
Three days passed. Emily continued visiting Viola every afternoon and staying for a few hours. They'd usually discuss the forest monsters, all the locations they've appeared on, according to her, and all those who had gone missing. She noted down every information in a thick notebook, even making several sketches of the creatures, each one making Viola's heart race.
She's pretty good at drawing.
"Like I said before," Emily said, "they hate the crowds. They only hunt those unfortunate enough to be found alone in the empty streets at night, or those daring enough to venture into the woods. They'd probably attack a group of people, too, if it weren't a large group. Maybe less than ten? I don't think they work in groups themselves, which is good. Besides, a bunch of them at once will be far less stealthy."
"Do they at least have a name?" Viola asked. "I'm tired of calling them monsters, demons, creatures, and whatnot."
"None that I know of. But since no one else is willing to talk about this, why don't we decide on a name for them?! Any suggestions?" Viola shook her head. A wide grin appeared on Emily's face. "Well then, I'll tell you what I've been calling them!" Viola held her breath, eying her in anticipation.
"Creepers!"
But they didn't always talk about them. Sometimes, they'd also speak about their lives. Or, at least, only Viola did. Whenever Emily was asked about her life, she would always say the same thing.
"O-Oh, well…it's not that important! I live a simple life just like you…that's all!" And she would laugh it off, immediately changing the topic. Viola couldn't fully trust her because of this, but they were a good pair nonetheless.
On the fourth day after they first met, Viola finally recovered from her sore muscles. Not only was it the longest and the first in years, but she was still unsure what had caused them, as her memory of that day was still a blank. Returning home from school and walking on the forest path was the furthest she could remember. She doesn't even recall meeting the strange white-haired girl.
"So, are we ready for our first mission?!" Emily asked with a wide grin on her face, clapping her hands together. She also carried a backpack filled to the brim with materials unknown to everyone else. It seemed like a hefty burden, yet the blue-haired made it look light.
"A bit nervous…but yes."
Viola nodded, trying to put up a determined look, but the self-doubts failed her. She herself wasn't carrying any bag or equipment. All she had were the silver half-heart pendant hanging above her chest and the wooden ring from Bonn inside her pocket. Both items she would never take off herself, no matter what.
"Let's go, then!" Emily swiftly took her hand and began heading outside the room.
"Wait! What do we tell my parents? If you tell them we're going hunting, we'll both be grounded for life!"
Mom told me to follow the right path. But…is this truly the one? And would they even agree?
"No, I would never tell them the truth! Besides, no one believes us, remember?" Viola nodded, feeling a little relieved, but her heart still raced from the whole situation she had brought herself to. "And why would I also be grounded?"
"Because we're in this together, so…I'll drag you with me! Else I'd be…bored alone."
Even so, I cannot tell them the truth. For now…
Emily giggled lightly before entering the main room, where both of Viola's parents were present. It was a Sunday, so Wright was sitting on the couch watching TV while Cecelia was checking some items in the cupboard. "Hello, Mrs…no way I already forgot your family name! Uh…what was it—"
"Caulfield." The older lady sighed with disappointment, but also seemed used to it.
"Right!" Emily grinned awkwardly. "Mrs Caulfield! Is it okay if I take your daughter out? She likes the forest, and I thought a walk outside would lighten her mood. There's also a nice cafe I could treat her to!" Cecelia noticed them holding hands and blushed lightly.
"So…a date?"
"Probably— NO!"
The two immediately let go of each other's hands as their faces flushed red. "N-Nothing of that sort!" Emily tried to explain, "We're just hanging each other! Wait, no— That's even worse!" She glanced back at Viola and whispered, "What was that word I can't think of?!"
"Hangout?" Viola suggested with a worried frown.
"Yes! That! It's a friend's hangout!" She turned to Cecelia again. "N-Nothing more! Especially not a d-date!" Emily let out a nervous laugh, while Viola facepalmed behind her. "So…may I?"
I don't think they take her seriously anymore…if they ever did.
"Sure, go ahead." She let out a soft sigh. "She hasn't gone outside in a while, anyway. She could use this…whatever you have planned. Just be safe, okay?"
"We will! Thank you!" She then faced Viola, smiling widely. "We have the greenlight! We can go hu—" Viola forced a cough. "Hangout! Yep, that's what I was trying to say!" The two hastily rushed out of the house before the blue-haired girl could make the scene any worse.
"I still doubt this girl's capabilities," said Cecelia, as she watched them leave and Viola waving her goodbye from the front door. She waved back.
"But you could agree on one thing." Wright laughed, silently eavesdropping on the entire commotion. "Whatever she is doing, it is working. Look, our daughter is smiling again."
"You're right." She chuckled. "As long as Viola is happy…that's all that matters to us."
…
The cold autumn wind blew at their face, the evening sun peeked at them from the horizon, the leaves rustled and fell, and crunchy footsteps echoed throughout. Walking on the forest path, Viola's memory was refreshed again.
"It's been a bit…"
The bloody scene replayed in her mind, glaring red orbs and a pained smile flashed before her eyes, the dreadful sensation of being watched crawled under her skin, and immense guilt filled her heart. The good parts weren't the only ones being recalled.
"Over there." She pointed at a particular spot within the woods. "That's where I first saw the creature. Only a split-second view, but…it was enough to imprint the image in my memory. Inescapable. I try, but it doesn't go away." She traced the ring from the fabric of her pocket, almost tearing up at the thought that the one who gave it to her could never be by her side again.
"I'm sorry," Emily said in a soft tone, noticing the water in violet hues. "All this while, I was so excited to do this with you that I never thought about how you felt. I suppose it's not too late. If you don't feel like doing this…we can head back and try some other day." She gave her an assuring smile.
"No, I'm good." Viola returned with a determined look. "I will have to face and accept this new reality. Running away won't do me any good. And I already feel better knowing I won't be alone in this."
"Now that's more like it!" Emily slapped the back of her companion's shoulder, and Viola reacted with a shocked whine. "I feel so proud having someone strong like you as my partner!" She continued walking ahead while the other followed behind, rubbing her slightly aching shoulder. There was a few feet of distance between them.
"You said something about a cafe," Viola spoke up, after a minute of silence. "Did you really mean it?"
"Of course not!" She laughed. "I don't know of any good ones here. Unless…" Her voice trailed off as she stopped in her tracks and glanced behind. "You're offering?"
"Fine." Viola sighed, placing a hand on the other's shoulder. "Someday, when you're ready to tell me your story." She winked playfully before walking ahead.
"D-Deal!"
Despite pretending to be my psychiatrist, being around you does make me feel better. If one were to be in a poor mood, your optimistic, sometimes idiotic energy would certainly lighten them up.
"First location," said Emily, once they entered the main town. "That abandoned house, southwest of here. We'll move as planned!"
I just hope that whatever you're hiding won't put a wall between us.
Viola smiled at her new companion, following her lead.
I'll trust you, for now.