Amoria looked different from the inside than Kimoko had imagined. The houses of the residents were built on trees and hollowed out inside them. The clothes of the locals were made of silk, colorful materials, decorated with flowers, leaves, and long strands of dried grass. Children ran barefoot, playing with kites and wooden figurines. The streets were bustling with life.
Kimoko felt as if she had entered another world, beautiful as a dream. She forgot to breathe in her delight, until Kigami kindly reminded her.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4cQb9cx8E
“Hey, don’t you have to breathe?” he asked in a calm tone.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfMKmQVX5E
The girl turned to him, her face reddening. She nodded and took a deep breath before finally blurting out the words:
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ4fjLPU1W
“Am I still in Zonrumi?”
“Yes, it’s still the Zonrumi you know. Gosh, if you’re already drowning in delight at the sight of Amoria, what’s next?” This is only the first of four countries we will visit.’
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYZReps7Im
Kigami walked forward and Kimoko quickly followed him, not wanting to get lost. Although she still did not like him, she knew that she would never find her way in this place without him. She hesitantly reached out her hand to him. She felt his fingers tighten around hers.
‘Oho… What is this sudden change in you, that you willingly take my hand?’ he asked with a noticeable note of excitement.
Kimoko rolled her eyes.
‘I don’t want to get away from you while I admire the view… that’s all, don’t get your hopes up.’ she replied, irritation in her voice. She quickly turned her embarrassed face away.
Kigami smiled, pulling her gently closer.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiQRTBvoE7
‘She’s stubborn. She has a temper… I like that.’
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6c6GjnFEj
Meanwhile Kimoko greeted every resident she passed, unable to stop smiling. Her laughter rang out lightly, like a melody floating in the warm air. For the first time in a long time, she felt free and happy, like a princess from her most beautiful dreams. For a moment, she even forgot about Kigami’s existence. He let go of her hand and watched her in silence. He looked at her carefully, her each step looked as if she was dancing. He sight as he stopped at one of the merchants, his eyes caught a bouquet of roses. Among the flowers, an intensely purple rose stood out, a rare and beautiful symbol of both love and death. Kigami silently reached for the flower, rolled it between his fingers, and then looked at Kimoko. The sight of her carefree joy made something in his heart squeeze painfully.
Before he could think about what he was doing, he moved towards her.
When he was close enough, he gently put his arm around her waist. It was a natural gesture, as if he would always hold her like this - not too tightly, but securely enough for her to feel his presence.
Kimoko froze, feeling his hand on her waist, then looked at him in surprise. Kigami lifted the hand he held the rose in and slowly handed it to her.
The girl hesitantly accepted the rose, then immersed her face in it, inhaling its delicate scent. For a brief moment there was nothing but her and this moment , the warmth of his hand, the scent of the flower, and the strange softness that appeared in his gaze.
With a slight smile, she wove the rose into her long, blond hair, her fingers skillfully intertwining the strands with the thin stem. Kigami watched in absolute silence, feeling something unknown, almost disturbing, fill his chest.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd1X71Amt5
For a brief moment the entire world ceased to exist.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacRTVewBui
There was no city, no people. There was no past, no future.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3z20ACnjs
There was only Kimoko.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeM84hN4Kt6
But the moment did not last long.
The angry screams of the townspeople tore them back to reality.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCk9IUDNZId
Kimoko pushed the man away and turned her gaze towards the crowd. People were shouting something she couldn’t understand, but there was anger in their voices. To her surprise, they weren’t directed at her or Kigami, but at a huge tree that resembled a castle.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEaeasEPfn
Kigami took a few steps forward.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQovQ7bm1Sf
“That tree… If my suspicions are correct, that’s where we should find the White Lady of Amoria.” he said, staring at the structure.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABIxzZBO0V
Kimoko frowned.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiuORpPLqz5
“If their goddess is there, then why the hatred towards her?” she thought out loud, only realizing it when Kigami looked at her closely.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27hLYgGLn9
“I have no idea, but this crowd is effectively preventing us from getting in… Unless…”
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡno52OfufT2
“Unless?” she repeated anxiously.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37lwsLybKV
She knew exactly where his thoughts were heading. And she didn’t like it at all.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0iKDbxcZ6
“Unless we break in from the side.” he stated without a shadow of a doubt.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVIzmPgZUS
Before she could protest, he pulled her along, pushing through the angry crowd. Kimoko lowered her head, feeling the stares of people on her, but to her surprise, no one tried to stop them.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLC6BqtEiQ
They reached the back of the castle. A large stained glass window appeared before their eyes, depicting a young woman with pearly white hair and rabbit ears. Her eyes were closed, and beneath her was a crowd of people.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfK5FplzPO6
Kimoko reached out towards the glass, unaware that Kigami had picked up a rock behind her and was preparing to throw it.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXJzItcs47
‘ Bend down!’
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rtq6G13h5
She fell to the ground in panic, hearing the crash of broken glass and a terrified scream.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQ7HZNzCas
‘ Are you crazy?! You’ll only draw attention to us like that!’
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0r211eVKl
Kigami shrugged and walked over to the broken stained glass window.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXQcxfRzkk
‘ I don’t think they’ll care about that much.’ he replied carelessly, then deftly made his way inside.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTackVkjsE
Once inside, he extended his hand to Kimoko.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtdw7LtUok
‘ So what? Are you coming in or are you just going to stand there?’
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcRGYcO1c7
Kimoko grabbed his hand and let herself be pulled inside.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZixQ2MMDE
The room was gloomy and sad, nothing like the colorful and vibrant Amoria. The heavy atmosphere overwhelmed her, making her head spin. She felt Kigami supporting her from behind.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUI6sBqQX8
A tall throne stood in the middle of the room. A petite woman with pearl hair and rabbit ears was sitting on it. Her light blue dress was decorated with silver flowers and rabbit legs were sticking out from underneath.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AGRxaAzue
Kimoko looked at Kigami, he seemed just as surprised as she was.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmvZP57QU8
‘I beg you… Don’t hurt me…’ the woman whispered in a high, squeaky voice.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeejFGlxnv
Kimoko could hear the fear in it. She cautiously stepped closer.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSTJ5AHY8Q
‘We mean no harm.’
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWc0kDWGn9
The woman on the throne slowly straightened up and only then looked at the newcomers. Then she slid off the throne and walked towards them, her steps quiet and cautious. Kimoko instinctively took a step back. She looked at Kigami, hoping he would do something, but he stood still, staring at the goddess. She wasn’t sure if he was surprised by her appearance or if he was wondering how she was even climbing onto her throne.
‘If you don’t want my head, then what brings you here?’
‘Eh… Um…’
Kimoko felt a cold sweat run down her back. Luckily, Kigami spoke first:
‘Dear lady, we have come to ask you for your crystal.’
His voice was calm, exactly the same as when she first heard it, inspiring trust. However, instead of answering, the goddess began to laugh.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSVujRmncj
‘Tell me, demon, why should I give it to you?’
Kigami just looked at her, his expression showing that he was not satisfied with the answer he had been given.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sRgGd77Si
‘What stops me from cutting off your head?’ His voice was quiet, and its sound distant, as if coming from another world.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5RYtQT0Cp
The goddess’s laughter suddenly stopped, turning into a quiet, fear-filled squeak. Kimoko looked at Kigami and felt anxiety creep up on her. His figure suddenly seemed even taller, and his fingers resembled sharp, black razors. But it was his face… His eyes were empty, his mouth twisted into a terrifying smile, and a black, sticky substance was running down his cheeks. Kimoko saw the demon standing in front of her preparing to attack.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxxUajatUd
‘ Kigami, no! Leave her alone!’
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4Yv8mc9bC
The girl quickly jumped in front of the goddess, holding out her hands in a defensive gesture. She looked into his eyes, not looking away, although she was shaking inside. To her surprise, her voice echoed in the room firmly and calmly.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZo2i04tnSF
‘ You’re only making things worse this way.’
Kigami tilted his head, and his face came dangerously close to hers.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1ucnOrQLu
‘ So what else are you suggesting…?’
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaPtXZWxr6
Their tension was interrupted by the goddess, who leaned out behind Kimoko.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2E4qq0kej
‘ How about this, you help me solve my problem, and I’ll give you the crystal?’
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXraMpFNPfF
Kimoko noticed out of the corner of her eye that Kigami had returned to his “normal” form.
‘And what exactly would you mean?’ he asked, his voice still tense.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3Bvnkry43
The goddess approached him, keeping a safe distance. She was still trembling, but despite her fear she looked him straight in the eye.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn4j8kvRAT
‘Help me regain my rightful place.’
Kigami burst out laughing.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cKsBMzAZN
‘If you weren’t so weak, your people wouldn’t want to get rid of you.’
The goddess closed her eyes. Maintaining her calm and safe distance.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wgzTNHC9j
‘Think… In exchange for your help, I will give you not only a crystal, but also information that may prove valuable to you. Think, isn’t this what you desire… Koshei?’
A sly smile appeared on her face as she uttered that last word.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqXNPSgezo
Kimoko saw Kigami’s muscles tense up, and his eyes flashed with anger.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftTxKqV0g4
‘So? Will you help?’
The goddess extended her hands to them. Kimoko hesitantly took them, her gaze still on Kigami. The girl saw his face was pure hatred, but she saw him clench his fists and then offer his hand to the goddess.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyY0CrZCym
The woman smiled.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFgxuUAkyB
‘I’m glad you thought about it.’
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc71yeThsU9
Kigami interrupted her.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm2E4iV2WY
‘If I find out you’ve deceived us, I won’t forgive you then.’
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RN9odAbwb
The goddess just smiled. pretending she didn’t hear his words.
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7ZmquMcEb
‘I am Estella, Vorthakai of creation and life.’
ns216.73.216.251da2
