Masks Chapter 1.4 : Unknown Mask

"Stronger? What for? This place is quite peaceful."

The Girl's Fury grew stronger.

"Why does it matter to you!? I need to get stronger! I must be strong! That's what my Mother said!"

'Mother? ...I remember. Those eyes, I've seen them before. A long time ago.'

"By any chance, did your Mother enter [Veils]?"

Surprised, the Girl calmed down a little.

"Do you... know my Mother?"

"Not exactly. I've seen her within the [Spaces] a few years back. She had the same look in her eyes when she faced a [Shadow] that was clearly stronger than her."

"Really!? You've seen my Mother fight!?"

"Of course. She had a magnificent Weapon. I believe it was a Pike of sorts. The way she moved was quite something as well."

"That's her! That's my Mother! Please, tell me more about what happened!"

"Calm down. I don't know much. She was fighting a very swift [Shadow] at the time, and barely had enough time to react to the incoming attacks. However, she tripped on a loose rock when she jumped back, causing her to take a blunt blow to the chest."

The Girl was now sitting, listening intently.

"After the blow, she was launched back, hitting a Tree. As the [Shadow] was about to deal the finishing blow, she dodged to the side, forcing herself up. As she did, she had the same look in her eyes that you did just now."

"The same..." The Girl thought about it for a moment, then continued to pay attention.

"She stood up, but the [Shadow] was already in front of them. Before anything happened, I finished the Job she started."

"You saved Mother?"

"I guess I did. After all, my goal was to slay the [Shadow] in the first place. You could say that I saved her in the process."

"That doesn't change the fact that you saved her. But... you said it was a few years back. How long ago was it?"

"Hmm... around 8 to 10 Years I think. I can't remember it completely."

"10 Years? So before I was born... My Mother told me that she used to live in the City. Apparently she had a really high [Determination] Number. I remember she said that it was 83 Percent. I don't know the Average, but she said it was really high. Do you think I can have the same number as her?"

"Maybe... hm?"

'Her [Wills]... they're all the same. If I were to put it into Numbers, then I'd say they were all 80 Percent. This kid...'

"What's wrong? You look like you just ran out of your favorite snack."

"It's... nothing. On a different note, why do you need to get stronger?"

"...My Mother. She... by a [Shadow]..."

'Her Mother was killed? By a [Shadow]?'

"Do you wish for Revenge?"

She shakes her head, then collects her thoughts.

"My Father was with my Mother at the time that 'It' happened. After that, he was nowhere to be found. I lived in this Village with my Mother for about a month before that, so I stayed behind when they took jobs."

"And you were left here when they didn't return?"

"Yes. When I heard the news, I was immediately taken in to the Orphanage. I didn't leave my Bed for another month afterwards."

'Orphanage? Ah, the place for those that don't have parents.'

"So, what then?"

"When I decided to get back on my feet, there were a few rumors that went around with the other kids. They made fun of my Mother, and kept saying that my Father left her to die. I don't believe their words, so I started yelling at them. Then they started making fun of me as well. I don't care about revenge, but I can't let them talk about my Parents like that!"

'Her [Hate] is stable due to her [Patience]. She doesn't care for Revenge, but instead wants to prove the other kids wrong. ...Alright.'

"Do you want to be strong? Stronger than what those Kids say? No matter how long it takes?"

"I do. No matter what, I have to make them eat their words and apologize!"

"Good, then come at me with all you've got. I will point out where you need to improve. But first, I need to see how you fight."

Surprised, she looks around her, then lifts the Branch beside her.

"Are you going to help me? Now that I look at it, isn't that a Sword behind you?"

"Focus. I'll help you with your wish. However, it's not gonna be as easy as you think... I think."

"You think? Where did you learn how to use a Sword? Did someone else teach you?"

"I learned in a very foggy place. Now, enough talk. Attack me."

Gripping the Branch, she charged forward... and immediately fell face first.

"Huh? Why did yo-"

*Grrr~*

'...What?'

"I... forgot to eat this morning."

'...I forgot that food was a necessity.'

"Should we head back into the Village?" "He" holds out his hand.

"We could... but I'll get in trouble if I do." She takes his hand, getting onto her feet.

"Then should I look for food? What counts as Food?"

"There's a few Apple Trees farther north, but I heard there was a new pack of Wolves that began living somewhere nearby."

"Wolves? Are they dangerous?"

"Have you never heard of Wolves? They are very dangerous. Especially when they need Food."

'I don't know what it is, but it doesn't sound too different from the Bears.'

"Now that I think about it, I don't know what an Apple is."

"You don't? Their one of the most common foods in the world... from what I heard of. I spent most of my life in this Village. Their Red, sweet, and usually have a little stick poking out the top."

'Was it that thing I ate when I met Tayl?'

"Wait, didn't Tayl have apples?"

"What? No way. That Old Man wouldn't risk his life for a few apples."

"But he did. I ate one after saving him from a hungry mother bear."

"A Bear? You seem to be taking this joke a bit far. Bears don't come anywhere near this Village, let alone this Forest. There's not enough food for them to eat."

"But Rio and Mika are proof that I'm not joking. They are that Mother's Children after all."

"Who's Rio and Mika?"

Moving out of her field of vision, he reveals the sleeping cubs behind him.

"Dolls? Those are well made... wait, one of them moved."

The Cubs, waking up from the noise, began looking around, fixing their eyes on the girl.

"Hm? Are those really Bears? Their so... small."

"Their Mother was quite the size. The one to the left is Rio, and the other one is Mika."

"Rio and Mika. They look too similar, so it's a little hard to remember which one is which. Maybe if I use this."

Taking a White Ribbon from a pocket in her Dress, she walks up to Mika, and ties the Ribbon to Mika's Left Arm.

"There! Now I know which one's which! Mika has the Ribbon, and Rio doesn't! ...Hey, I don't think you've given me your name yet, have you?" She looks at "Him".

"I do not have a name. Call me what you want."

"No Name? That's weird. Do you have any Nicknames? Does someone else call you something else?"

"Nicknames? ...I believe there was 'Mask' and 'Kid'. I've been called both by other people."

"'Mask' is a pretty suitable name. Hmm... How about 'Max'? It's almost like swapping the 'K' and 'S' in 'Mask'."

"Max... I think that is fine. Should I use that as my Name from now on?"

"Sure, go nuts. However... I'm still hungry, so please, find me something to eat."

"How about we go back to the Village?"

'Tayl is getting closer.'

"I don't want to. If I go back, then they'll just be mad at me, and there probably wouldn't be any food left, since the other kids probably ate it all."

"Well, it doesn't seem like we have a choice."

"Why? I don't want to go ba-"

"Lenn! Lennaya! Where are you!?"

Startled, Lenn ran behind the Tree closest to her.

"We should head back to the Village. If not, then I won't teach you anything."

Hesitant, Lenn slowly walks out from behind the Tree.

"You better keep your promise. If you don't, then I'm gonna hate you forever!"

A rustle was heard from the Bushes in front of them, and Tayl pops out, nearly stumbling to the ground.

"Lenn! And, Kid? Where have you guys been this whole time? I was worried sick!" Exhausted, Tayl sits on the ground.

"I was with her the entire time. There was no danger, so she is safe, and unharmed."

"That's... Good. I am... So tired. Do you know... How long it took... to find you?" Tayl was out of breath.

"I'm... sorry. I know I shouldn't be running away, but..." Lenn seemed reluctant to continue.

"It's not just me. Everyone... At the Orphanage... Were also worried."

"He" noticed for a split second, Lenn had a pained expression, immediately hiding it.

"Oh, right. Lenn thought of a Name for me."

"A Name? That's great. Let's hear it."

"Max. Switching some of the Letters from the word 'Mask' will give that result. Lenn thought of it."

"Max, huh? It suits you. I'm still a little angry, but, well done, Lenn."

"I didn't do much. So, are you gonna sit on you butt all day? Or are we going back?"

Standing, Tayl looks around.

"Hmm, now you see, there's just one problem."

"Don't tell me..." Lenn facepalmed, knowing what he was gonna say.

"I actually have no idea where we are. I've been roaming around for an hour looking for you."

"Old Man, you can't be serious. Did you at least leave SOME form of Trail?"

"Well, I usually snap branches from a Bush or Tree, but I was in a hurry to look for you, so I didn't do so."

"You're really... Anyways, I know the way back, so just follow me." Lenn begins forward.

"You know the way back? That's pretty impressive, considering your age."

"I'm 8 Years Old, but I know my stuff. I read whenever I get the chance, so I know more than most of the kids at the Orphanage."

"That is still really impressive. Maybe you should be-"

A loud rustling came from their left.

. . .