Chapter IV: “She’s Dangerous”
In which strange happenings are afoot...
The walk through the forest was slow and unhurried, a contrast to the urgency Barsch felt. However, when he asked Kingston about this, the old man had explained that they needed to save their energy for the harder parts to come. The sun was still high in the sky when they finally emerged from the forest, heading east. Viewed from afar, they made a rather strange group: Alza walked slowly, paying almost no attention to her surroundings; Kingston led the way, pointing out interesting landmarks and facts to Barsch, who surveyed the area constantly, looking for any sign of danger.
At one point, they had to stop while Kingston caught his breath. While he waited for the old man to recover, Barsch took the chance to talk to Alza. Kingston had given her a white summer dress with light blue accents, black hiking boots, and a white greatcoat which was currently stored away in her pack. Finally, Kingston had gifted her with a strange, silver bracelet, which he had insisted she wear. All in all, she looked stunning, although she did not seem to see it herself. When Barsch had asked about the outfit, Kingston had explained that it had belonged to his late wife. The old hermit had said nothing after that, instead looking to the horizon, eyes full of regret and longing.
“Do you feel tired?” he asked as he drew near, trying to imply that they could rest for longer if necessary. Although she had a voice like ice and a rather unnatural appearance, she was still a girl after all. In Barsch’s experience, girls were soft and delicate creatures, meant to be protected and provided for.
“Yumiere was not soft or delicate. She was fearless and adventurous… but look what that got her in the end…” Again Barsch was forced to shut out the treacherous voice in his head. He could not have memories of her resurface now. It was just too painful…
“No. I am ready to continue at any time.”
Another terse, emotionless reply. Not for the first time, Barsch wondered if his initial belief –that of her being a ghost- had been accurate. If not a ghost, then perhaps a robot?
“No, she is alive, and she is… human, that much I know. She’s just a little… odd, that’s all…” And so Barsch continued to see her as a normal girl, despite all evidence to the contrary.
“Good, that’s good,” he replied, rather lamely. Aside from Yumiere, he had had few female friends during his youth, leading to remarkably little interaction with the fairer sex. Still, he doubted that any amount of interaction could have prepared him for someone like Alza…
“All better,” said Kingston, appearing at Barsch’s side. Unfortunately, the strange behaviour Kingston had shown upon meeting Alza had not disappeared as Barsch had hoped. The old man was not exactly hostile, but nor was he overly friendly. Clearly, there was something about Alza that made Kingston nervous, but Barsch could not figure out what it was.
“Shall we go?” Kingston asked, glancing towards Alza.
“Yeah, I’m ready when you are,” replied Barsch, picking up his rucksack. They still had a few more hours of daylight, and he did not want to waste them if he could help it. A few minutes later, they were off.
Awakening Page 29