62 - Vivi

After the training and dinner, Poppy was putting the twins to sleep. Annie excused herself and went back to the barn. Closing the door and locking it, she pulled her sword out. She closed all the windows. When she knew no one was around, she called out the name.

"Vivi."

A reddish gold light enveloped her and moved in front. It took on the shape of her. Vivi smiled at her, her red eyes glowing under the darkness. "Anemone, you called for me?" Vivi walked towards her, her arms wrapping around her shoulders. Her body was only spiritual, not physical. Annie could not push her away or feel her weight.

"How much have you recovered?"

Vivi played with Annie's slightly curled hair. "Not enough,"she lazily said. "Why did you cut your hair? You look better with long hair. And the redness! Where's my beloved red anemone?" Vivi pouted slightly, twining a curl with a finger.

Annie moved away. "It's only for now. Red hair is too flashy and it draws attention. I need your help, Vivi."

"Oh? Is it about your mission?"

"My mission..." Annie looked away. "Is there... a way we can change the contract terms?"

Vivi laughed softly. "You don't want to uphold your end of the bargain?"

"I do! I just... " Annie bit her lower lip in frustration. She should have recovered already these two years but her memory... Vivi only supplied what Annie had told her at the time. She wanted to find the one who plotted to kill her and her parents. Everytime she tried to remember... Pain in her head made her flinch.

"Anemone..." Vivi wrapped her arms around Annie's shoulders. "You're not planning anything bad, right?" Annie felt a chill at Vivi's soft tone. She was calm and playful now, but Annie had not seen her angry.

"No, Vivi. I haven't recovered much of my past yet," Annie explained. "I am only asking for more time."

Vivi smiled charmingly. "What do you need help with?"

"I want to know more about our contract and magic. Can you teach me on becoming stronger?"

Vivi let her go and walked around her, her eyes studying Annie. "No one really has told you about magical beasts, hm? That is a very odd and curious thing."

"Why is it odd?"

Vivi laughed again. "I haven't awoken in hundred of years... Maybe the world has changed. Very well, Anemone. I will explain who we are as magical beasts. Should I start at the beginning?"

She gestured for Annie to sit down on a chair. Annie watched as Vivi waved her hands around, more light shining in between her palms. "Is the story going to be long?"

Vivi moved her hands away from the ball of light. "Yes, it is going to be long. Every story is long. I'm going to explain to you how the world is made and the deities and every little detail of the order of the world," Vivi rambled.

Anemone smiled back wryly. "I want to know who you are and why it was important to find you."

"Hm... You're right. I'll skip that and move to who I am."