The Last One ~ Zero Love Story (On Hold)

Chapter 4

A long time passed since Zero had encountered that girl. Now it is the middle of the autumn and her very existence was still craving it his mind. He wondered where the girl was. If she was alright and if she was alone. What made him fear the most is that she might have been attacked by the damned creatures that had a predatory walk.

Zero shook my head at those thoughts. 'Why am I thinking so much about her?' He thought while walking home. He had just finished his training with Toga Yagari. Usually he would go with Ichiru, but that day his little twin brother had a high fever. 

On his way home, Zero took a shortcut. That way lead to the playground where Ichiru and him have always played. The deciduous of the leaves had already begun. Their colors started to change into various shades. From golden yellow, to copper red. Some of them already withered and fell on the ground,  giving the old playground some color.

Then, Zero heard soft sobs. He looked at the direction which it came from and his eyes came across a little girl who was sitting against an old tree. Her knees were brought closely to her chest and were cradled by her arms. She wore a brown coat and black jeans, which were tucked into her rain boots, from what he saw at medium range. He knew his neighbourhood very well so he knew that the girl was from a foreign place. However she had some characteristics which reminded him of that girl, like her rare fiery red hair. 

He decided to approach her. Walking through the withered leaves made his walk full of rustles. The girl heard them and snapped her head towards Zero's direction.  When he saw her full appearance, he was left stunned. The mysterious girl from that summer was the last person he thought that he would come across.

Her pine green eyes held nothing but fear. She did not run, but did crawl into the corner of the tree. The reason why she was scared Zero couldn't answer. When he was close to her, he squatted in front of the afraid girl. After few minutes, Zero slowly brought his hand towards her. The girl didn't know what Zero was up to. She just squirmed and huddled. Despite of that, Zero didn't stop and patted her head.

"It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you." 

The little girl didn't expect that sort of action and peaked to see Zero giving her a small smile. She did that feel that sort of affection for a while now and she enjoyed it. She decided to trust her instincts and stopped seeing that boy as a threat. After finally calming down she started wiping her tears.

"What are you doing out here alone?" Zero asked.

"So much noise. So many weird creatures." The girl said pointing at the road full of cars. Her voice sounded like a calming melody.

Zero felt confused. He did not know what she meant. "Are you referring to cars, the objects with wheels?"

The girl nodded. Zero couldn't help but chuckle. "Not a city girl, are you? You don't need to worry, those are just machines."

"Ma-achi-ne-es?" She asked, pronouncing the world in syllables.

"Those are objects that are made by people. They aren't creatures don't worry." 

"They aren't going to eat me?"

Zero chuckled once again. "No they aren't." He then got up and offered her his hand.

She didn't hesitate and took it, at which Zero pulled her up. She thanked him and let his hand go.

"What's your name?" 

"Ayame." The girl said quietly.

"My name is Zero."

"Zero." She repeated his name. Then she did it again, rolling it her tongue as if she was tasting it. Then for the first time she. "Arigato, Zero-chan."