Awakening

Chapter 14: Ambush

Chapter 14: Ambush

When they left the Grand Mage's house, the three had already noticed that Rina had ditched them. It was no surprise, they all had a good feeling that she would soon abandon the group when she had the chance and she did. Mami felt like a huge burden was lifted off her shoulders, knowing that she was no longer with the group.

The next destination the girls had to go to was Mami's village, to retrieve the gauntlets that sat at her home. It was told by the Grand Mage that those gauntlets was the "Crescent", one of the legendary weapons used to slay the Shade Crawlers. It could only be awakened, like the other weapons, when their traits have been unleashed. They still had no other way of knowing what to do, so the only thing they could really do is rely on the Grand Mage.

The girls were walking side to side with Canta on high alert, constantly checking her surroundings. The forest, much like the one they've entered earlier, was very quiet. Everything seemed to be on a stand still, as there wasn't much noise from any living things but them. At times the branches and plants had swayed weakly with the wind, but other than that, it seemed like... someone or something... was watching their every move... waiting... for the time to strike...

Seeing that Canta was constantly on the lookout, it worried Tomomi. Not once had Canta's predictions had been wrong and she had a really good feeling that they were being watched. She was doing whatever and kept talking to herself, praying to the Gods that she did not have to fight. Without realizing, she automatically found herself grabbing onto Mami's white cloak.

Noticing a tug, Mami turned around. "Why... are you grabbing my cloak?"

Tomomi had her eyes closed and opened them once she heard Mami speak, "I'm... I'm sorry!" she let go in an instant, "I... I didn't mean to... I just... just..."

It was clear that Tomomi was terrified of the unknown and the quietness the atmosphere had provided. Mami snorted and chuckled under her breath. "You're scared aren't you?"

She nodded her head very slowly. "Don't worry Tomomi," she smiled at her, "Nothing will come to harm you, I can guarantee that. If I'm here, no one would dare to touch you."

For some reason, Tomomi almost forgot that Mami was a girl. The smile she emitted felt like the sun illuminated the darkness. Her bravery and manliness kept her comforted, and she felt very safe under her protection.... It was a very similar feeling to.... Eric. Tomomi weakly smiled, "Thank you Mami... I feel that much safer now."

So the girls continued their way out of the forest, with Mami leading the way. She had the navigation skills to guide them out of the forest. Tomomi was looking at Mami in admiration, wishing that she could somehow become like her. Canta, still being on high alert of her surroundings, felt a different vibe coming from her master. She flew over and whispered into her ear. "Master Tomomi... are you... perhaps viewing Master Mami... differently?"

She was caught in surprise and she was turning bright red. "N-no! it's not like that!" she said in defense, "I admire her because she is brave and courageous! I don't like her in that way!!!"

Canta grinned, which was something she really needed from all that stress she was giving herself. She gave Tomomi a sly look. "Master Tomomi, I think you're in denial." She then put a hand on her shoulder, still wearing that stupid grin. "Remember the time when she grabbed your chest? Something told me that you REALLY enjoyed that."

It was to a point where she was about faint from all the embarrassment. "I did not enjoy that! How would you know?!"

Canta was laughing while Tomomi was cutely denying her "love" for Mami. Seeing all the ruckus they were causing, Mami was standing there with her hands cupped on her face. "Is.... Is that what you really think of me Tomomi?"