Until I Found Your Heart

The Wanderer

I really hate this. 

All of it.

I don't understand why Lesser Lord Kusanali was so insistent on me coming. Furthermore, why on earth did the Traveler agree to this mess? How did this benefit her? She said we'd be doing a lot of fighting today... I'm not sure how I feel about that. I'm still getting used to my new vision, and I'll probably make myself look like a fool- agh who am I kidding. Why do I care? I've never cared before yet... I'm starting to feel something...

"Are we almost there?" I scowl as we trudge on through Avidya Forest. I hate the outdoors.

Lumine looks at me, kindly. I don't like that look. It makes me uncomfortable.

"Just a little more, Wanderer. Do you want some water or something?"

"No." I scowl and look away. Did she think I was some weakling that needed water? Hmph.

Soon enough, we arrive at our first commission: the treasure hoarder camp. Suddenly, I wanted to hide behind Lumine. I wasn't ready for this. I look over at her, and I don't see an ounce of fear in her eyes. Irritating. She pulls out her sword and begins to skillfully fight the treasure hoarders one by one as I just stand there. Scared. Stupid. Useless. By the time she's finished, I'm visibly shaking, but I brush it off and act cool. 

"What next? I'm tired already."

"Already? You haven't even done anything yet!" Lumine laughs, a teasing glint in her eye. "You gotta help me with the next commission, okay? Nahida will murder me if I come back without making you participate in something."

I scowl. 

"Hmph. Make me."

"Okay." She says simply as she leads the way to the next commission. Okay? That's it? Why didn't she react to that? I was getting more irritated by the second. Paimon wasn't even as annoying as usual and for some reason... that bothered me. 

On our way to the next commission, I started feeling thirsty. My breath comes out in short bursts and I begin to feel... tired? This isn't supposed to happen. I'm not human... so why?

Lumine seems to notice and silently hands me the bottle of water. I can see the knowing look in her eyes, but... she's not making fun of me. I eagerly open the bottle and begin to drink without another thought. I put the bottle down and look inside. Oh no. I drank the whole thing. I look to see if Lumine or Paimon have any more water but they don't, and I immediately start to feel guilty. I don't show it though, and I quickly hand the bottle back.

"Here." I pause for a minute, before mumbling under my breath, "Thank you..."

She doesn't seem to notice. Thank the archons. The last thing I wanted to do was look weak, especially now. We get to the next commission and Lumine begins to walk towards the hilichurl camp, but as soon as they notice her, she stops. As they charge towards her, she simply stands there, not even drawing her sword. I begin to panic.

Without a second thought, I pull out my catalyst and within seconds, I've defeated the whole hilichurl camp. I immediately realize what she's done.

"You..." I squint at her and scowl. "You filthy mortal."

She simply smiles.

"I told you I'd make you do it."