The Saros Cycle

II - Mobilization

II – Mobilization

"We made it" Touma said as they emerged from the woods. Lily, who was still hanging on his back, took the chance to look over his shoulder "Now, this is quite a sight!"

"Would you like to take a commemorative photo?" Steed asked, floating next to the pair.

The costal town bellow them was the size of a small city and had a very charming look. The wind carried the scent of the sea even up the hill, and the sun made the ocean appear like a giant blue jewel. The small compact buildings seem to mostly gather near the port, where there were many boats and ships of all sizes coming and going even that early in the morning.

Lily was completely absorbed by the view, trying to take it all in by twisting her neck in all directions, making Touma smile despite himself. It took them the entire night to leave the mountain pass, with barely a rest. Steed had pointed them here as the closest city, so he had walked here while avoiding the main road. With a bit of luck, they should be able to get some food and clothes for Lily.

"By the way, how are you feeling Lily? Everything ok?" Touma asked, starting to walk once more. "When we get to town, we should try to take a break and get something to eat"

"Alright, Touma"

"They say the seafood here is very delicious" Steed commented "The have fire roasted clams, crayfish in soup, and.."

"Stop it! I'm starving man!" Touma interrupted before the little device could continue what sounded like the beginning of a delicious, hunger inducing, list.

The jovial and carefree air was only a show. The young Avenir was considering his next course of action very carefully at the moment. He barely knew Lily, but he felt responsible for her. After all it was him who got her out of that strange facility and who was dragging her around without asking for her opinion. Truth be told Lily didn't voice any complains and just went along but that only made him feel more responsible.

His mind was flodded with questions, but last night he and Steed had talked and come to an agreement. The best course of action would be to enter the city and look for an inter-dimensional communication device. That way he could contact Su-chan and ask for her help and advice. Part of him didn't want to bother her but it would be the best for Lily. Su-chan worked for the TSAB, she could make sure Lily was safe. Not before giving him an earful for getting into something dangerous, again.

The boy let out a sigh. It wasn't his fault troubles seem to follow him around. Ever since he could remember Touma had a knack for getting himself caught in compromising situations. Unconsciously he looked towards the bracelet on his wrist. It seemed this particular event now involved him as well.

Almost as if she could read his mind, Lily put his hands around Touma's neck, leaning forward and closing her eyes. She had barely slept an hour last night, and she cried while doing so. It was the main reason Touma didn't felt like interrogating her. All he knew, or rather suspected, was that the facility in the mountain ruins was some kind of illegal operation and Lily was part of their experiments.

No doubt the girl had gone through a lot when she was locked up. From their brief conversations Touma deduced she suffer from amnesia or something like that. He asked her about her family, but other than her last name Lily didn't have any memories about them or her past. 'I wonder if it has something to do with what they did to her' Touma thought 'I wish I could know more, but that will have to wait. I will contact Su-chan and then we can talk all about it somewhere safe'.

Regardless of what they did to her, Lily seemed to be fine, or at least without any mayor sequels Touma could discern. Maybe thanks to her lack of memories. She acted almost like a little girl, and her innocent smile gave him hope that she could put all of this behind her. He knew firsthand what it was to live with a tragic story over your shoulders.