Chapter 4 - Mystery Girl

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The girl sat up on the bed, her head still spinning. She had been awake for a while now but decided to pretend to be asleep when she heard people talking around her. She had no idea where she was nor did she recognize those people, so she decided to be cautious and bide her time.

She concentrated, trying to piece together the events that had led her here. Memories flooded her mind, her walking through the ruins, the scent of danger gnawing at her, and then Crawlers lunging from the shadows. She had been holding her own, skillfully dodging and striking, until a third one emerged from behind, a surprise that threw her off balance. The image of her weapon slipping from her grip summoned a visceral wave of fear. The girl recalled the cold dread washing over her as the threat loomed close, her chance of escape narrowing by the second.

Just when she thought she was done for, a girl with a red scarf came out of nowhere and dealt with the mutants. She managed to grab her weapon and deal with the last Crawler. The red scarf girl turned to her but her instincts kicked in.

I attacked her. But she managed to dodge my attack and knock me unconscious. How long was I out?

The girl cursed herself for being too reckless. She wouldn't be in this situation if only she had been more careful. She acted too rashly and let herself get knocked out.

But still, if she hadn't come those Crawlers would have killed me

The girl didn't know why she chose to attack. Maybe it was the adrenaline. Maybe it was the fact that she knew she couldn't trust anyone in the wildlands. Either way, she would soon find out the consequences of her decision.

She scanned the room she was in. It was a simple room with one window on the far side of the wall that allowed a tiny bit of light to come inside. Beside the bed was a small table and on top of it was her satchel.

My satchel!

Her excitement surged, but as she moved to snatch it, the cold metal shackles yanked her back. Her head jerked at her hand and her eyes grew as they fell upon her restraints.

What!? Why am I restrained?

She gritted her teeth, her frustration at her current situation building up inside her. Anger and fear flared up inside her, as the gravity of her predicament. She hit the bed with her fist and groaned.

"How do I get out of here?" she whispered to herself.

"You don't," a voice said from the door.

The girl looked up and saw the person that entered the room. It was the girl she had fought in the ruins. The one with the red scarf. She wasn't wearing the scarf right now but she recognized her dark hair and thick eyebrows. She also recognized those deep and striking eyes that looked as dangerous as they were beautiful.

Wait what?

"I see you're awake now," Red Scarf Girl began, a tiny smirk forming on her face, "I was wondering when I'd get to talk to you."

"I'm Mira, by the way," Red Scarf Girl introduced herself.

So she's Mira. I think I heard her name mentioned a while ago.

The girl simply stared at Mira, her expression unreadable. She didn't trust her. It wasn't anything against her, she just didn't trust anyone in general. It's a rare commodity these days.

Mira grabbed a nearby stool and sat down beside her, but the girl instinctively put her hands up and backed away.

"I'm not here to hurt you. I just want some answers," Mira said, trying to reassure her.

"Let's start with the basics, shall we? Who are you?" Mira asked.

The girl avoided her gaze and looked away, not wanting to engage in conversation.

Mira sighed, "This doesn't have to be hard you know."

The girl continued to ignore Mira. She couldn't possibly trust this girl in front of her. She knocked her out then chained her to a bed, she definitely can't be trusted.

Although I did try to attack her first. But that's not the point! You can't trust anyone!

"Let's start small." Mira took a deep breath, "Can you at least tell me your name?"

The girl turned her head and faced Mira. It was a simple question but her heart raced after she heard it.

My name?

Frustration and confusion washed over the girl. She had never really thought about her name. She simply just existed. But now someone was asking her for her name, a simple question that somehow had enough power to make her question everything about herself suddenly.

She stared at Mira, dumbstruck. She opened her mouth to answer but no words came out. Mira stared back at her, studying her.

"I-I don't have one," the girl finally said. She looked away again, avoiding Mira's gaze. Unsure of what she felt about not having a name.

I don't have one. I don't have a name. Who does that make me?

She looked at Mira again and was surprised by what she saw. Mira was looking at her with eyes filled with sincerity. In Mira's eyes, she saw sadness and what looked like pity.

Pity. She's pitying me.

A knot of anger built up inside her stomach. She hated the look that Mira was giving her. She gritted her teeth and steeled herself.

Who are you to pity me? You don't know anything about me. But I don't know anything about me either.

A swell of sadness mixed in with the anger she was feeling. It settled heavily on her chest, an immense weight that threatened to pull her under. Her vision blurred as tears formed in her eyes. Mira's gaze and simple question struck deep, threatening to unravel the fragile defenses she hadn't even known she had put up.

"Everyone should have a name," Mira smiled softly.

What is she getting at?

The girl stared at Mira with a puzzled look. Mira looked up and pouted her lips. She looked like she was thinking about something. Mira looked at her again and squinted her eyes.

"Hmm," Mira murmured, deep in thought.

What the hell is she doing?

"I know," Mira began, "I'll call you Eri!"

The girl looked at Mira and furrowed her brows, "Eri?"

"Yep! It's short for Mystery. Fitting, don't you think? You being such a mystery and all," Mira explained with a huge smile, seemingly proud of herself.

The girl was stunned. For a brief moment, her eyes locked with Mira's. Her breath caught in her throat and she struggled to find the words to reply.

A mix of emotions swirled within her as she tried to process what just happened.

"Eri. My-my name is Eri." The name felt weird at first. Foreign. But as soon as she said it, it transformed into something more natural. Something that was hers.

"You look like you have a lot on your mind. We can always find answers tomorrow. I can be patient. I'll let you rest for now." Mira said as she stood up.

"Mira," Eri called out as Mira was turning towards the door, "Thank you."

"It's nice to meet you Eri," Mira said as she smiled at her. A smile so genuine it sent Eri's stomach fluttering.

I think I feel hungry. I haven't eaten in a while

Mira walked out of the room and left Eri alone with her thoughts. Something had changed within her. Something Mira started when she gave her a name. She felt anxious, unsure of what was to come, but most of all, she felt happy and excited.

"Eri, huh?" Eri whispered to herself as a smile tugged at her lips.

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