12 Memory

"I should have learnt by now not to join you on your walks, because every time we get lost." Ji-ae rubbed her forehead and grimaced at the sunlight beaming down on them, that was harsh on her eyes. "How are you so directionally challenged?"

He just looked at her blankly, like he hadn't even heard what she said, and turned away when he heard some footsteps approaching them. He moved slightly in front of Ji-ae, and she swiftly moved past him, so she could see who was approaching. She knew he was just protecting her, but it wasn't like she couldn't protect herself.

"There's someone there!" Burly men shouted and readied their swords. "Get on your guard, everyone!"

"What's going on?" A yellow-haired male, accompanied by a young girl, approached them and stood between the men, who were still brandishing their weapons at the two nobles. "What are you all staring at?"

He followed their line of vision and saw Rai standing next to his female companion. He's so beautiful. And he also didn't fail to notice the beauty of the female, however, there was just something more ethereal about the male's appearance.

"Ahem, snap out of it guys..." he came back to reality and cleared his throat.

"S-sorry. We found them here so we were just standing guard." One of the men informed the yellow-haired male.

"Oh yeah? So was it just these two?"

"Yeah, we haven't found traces of anyone else around."

The male who seemed to be in charge of the small group thought over something, and then spoke, "this is part of our dominion. I demand that you explain where you came from and why you're here."

»»-------------¤-------------««

"Ji-ae, you alright there?" M21 had noticed the girl spacing out.

"I-I'm fine..." She stuttered and shook her head.

Memories were coming to the forefront of her mind faster these days, and it was getting harder to decipher what it was and what it all meant. She hoped that soon it would all become clearer.