Fate of Pandora - Book II

White

Only time can heal broken hearts, recover lost energy, and reassure uncertain souls. Over the past weekend, the group had decided to rest instead of pursuing their main objective. Arika spent the time processing her loss, and her will to keep moving forward had returned; the group revived their sore bodies at the hot spring; and Coalt and Ayame no longer had doubts about their feelings for one another.

However, the festival mood couldn't last forever. Jasmet wanted to tell them what was going to be their next step. In the middle of the week, she gathered enough courage and made her move, sending a simple message to everyone:

Hey guys and girls,

I have something important to tell you. Let's gather this weekend at Luna's house and I'll explain something we can do to solve this mystery. I need everybody there.

Sorry that I can't tell you more. It's too complicated to explain here. Please be patient!

Hearts!

Jasmet

"Hey Lukas, did you see Jasmet's message?" Ayame had her cellphone in hand, and swiftly hid it in her pocket when the chef passed behind her. The chef hated cellphones at the workplace; he always complained that they were too distracting and reduced worker productivity, and a busy restaurant should never slow down.

"I have my hands full right now," Lukas said as he skillfully cut onions, carrots, and bell peppers into small pieces with a knife and then dropped them all in the heated frying pan.

"Right. My free time is over now." Ayame returned her attention to the big pot that had started to boil, and at the same time, the sauce that she was preparing began to simmer. "Jasmet sent a weird message. She wants us to gather at Luna's house this weekend to explain something important."

"All right. Hey, pass me the grater."

The two were young, but skillful at their jobs. The chef liked them both and hoped to train them so they could grow up in the business. There were many other employees at the restaurant, and the two didn't cook any of the main dishes, but spending time in the fast-paced, high stress environment was good experience for them to prepare for what was to come.

"Aaaw, I'm exhausted." Lukas sighed when his shift was over, and he stood waiting outside for his friend. He grinned when she exited through the backdoor and rushed to meet him. "I have a feeling we're not walking home together again."

The girl blushed and smoothed a hand over her skirt. "It's just a quick date before his night-shift. It's the only time we can see each other."

"Too bad he works at night, too. But hey, better this than nothing, right?"

Ayame smiled, blushing some more. It felt good to be together with Coalt. She didn't have to worry or doubt her feelings anymore. However, it was all too new and weird to talk about, especially with Lukas. "Yeah, thanks."

"Have a safe trip. I'm going back home. Bye." Lukas waved to the girl and they headed in opposite directions. He then remembered something and checked his cellphone to read Jasmet's message. "Ugh. Can't things slow down a little longer?" He wasn't ready to return to their supernatural mission. It was even more stressful than a sold-out dinner service at the restaurant.

He stopped for a moment and stared at his cellphone, pondering something. He was happy that Ayame and Coalt were finally together, but he couldn't avoid feeling an itty bit of envy, too.

He smiled when he got an idea, and made a call.

"Hello? Lukas?" a voice answered.

"Hey Jasmet, I was thinking, want to hang out tonight?" he asked, smiling even if she couldn't see him.