"So, I went out to grab some bread rolls, right? I'm heading out, but something tells me to bring my guitar with me," Echo kept talking, waving her hands around as she spoke. "And suddenly I hear someone crying for help, and then this bam-bam-bam sound coming from the alley nearby. I didn't even pay – just told the cashier I'd be right back, dropped the rolls, and told them not to touch them. I run out, turn into the alley, and there he is – this big, typical thug-looking guy, face so nasty it could give you nightmares. I swing my guitar, start playing something like this–" she paused, strumming a quick, sharp solo, "–and the shockwave blasts him off, like ten or fifteen kilometers away. He just goes flying with this funny little whoooosh!"
"Wait, then why didn't that shockwave work just now?" I asked nervously.
"Because I don't want to send you flying across the city," she grinned. "The same sound can do a bunch of things, depending on my intent. Check this out."
She played the same tune again.
I suddenly felt my chair slide fast toward Lumi's. The impact was strong enough that I fell right into his arms. He caught me just in time – I looked up, my head resting against his strong arm, my eyes catching the sharp line of his jaw. He smiled at me softly.
I quickly covered my face with my hands, blushing hard as I pulled myself back to my chair.
"W-what were y-you thinking?!" I stammered.
"No need to thank me," she chuckled. "Anyway, where was I…"
"You were going to tell us about that organization," Lumi cut in. "You started with that fight story."
"Oh right! So, after that guy went whoooosh for a few dozen kilometers, I checked who he was after. Turned out to be two defenseless half-ant girls, one of them just a kid. Can you believe it? That jerk was about to hurt a child!" she said angrily. "Anyway, the older ant girl recognized me. Turns out I'd saved her once before – didn't even remember that, hehe. She told me something's forming, kind of a secret government for insectoids, meant to protect them and give them a decent life. Then she said there's some mysterious guy backing them, making it all possible. Apparently some politician who' s fed up with the current laws – can you believe that? This… insect government also popped up as a response to, well… more extreme groups."
"E-extreme?" I asked, surprised. "B-but most insectoid species prefer peace."
"Sadly, not all," Echo sighed. "Anyway, that's about all I know. Oh right, Lumi – I was supposed to give you their card…" She started digging through her jacket pockets.
"Hmm… doesn't this all sound a bit suspicious to you? Still, I'll check them out," Lumi said.
"Oh, come on. Maybe that secret sponsor is shady, but the rest seems legit. They're trying to do something good, and they're not forcing anyone to resign from protect humans. It's about protecting everyone – insectoids from violent humans and beast people, and vice versa. Sounds like the perfect job for you," she grinned.
Lumi sighed.
"I guess I'll just have to trust you."
"Oh! Finally found it!" she said, handing him a flyer for an insectoid-friendly pizzeria. "When you call them, just say the password: 'Extra tomato sauce with double potted plant leaves.'"
I let out a small laugh. Their secret passphrase sounded more silly than secretive – like some kind of joke. No one would ever guess it meant anything else. Those leaves taste awful anyway, especially on pizza!
"Hold on, let me write that down," Lumi said, pulling out his phone.
"Or even better – I'll take you there myself! You're a former hero who quit because you didn't want to kill them, and you've got a moth living with you. They won't even need proof you're on their side. Asael's coming too, hehe."
"M-me? B-but my clothes are so ugly…" I mumbled.
Echo stood up and came over, taking my hand.
"I'm taking him shopping. I'll get him something nice for occasions like this," she said with a big, cheerful smile.
"I'm going with you," Lumi said firmly.
"Nope!" she wagged a finger at him. "Girls' day out."
"B-but…" I stammered, unsure what to say.
"Asael, you're prettier than me – that settles it. I officially declare you an honorary member of our girls' trip," she announced in an exaggeratedly official tone.
"Still, I'd rather come along. It's not that I don't trust you to protect him, I just know you're so scatterbrained you might lose him in the store."
"Pfft! Don't be ridiculous, I'm not five!"
"Oh really? Funny, I hadn't noticed," Lumi smirked teasingly.
"You better get ready your old armor, big guy. You're in for an exciting day."
"Ugh, guess I'll have to wipe the dust off it," Lumi sighed. "Fine, but if you lose him–"
"Then you'll drink all my beer, or something."
"L-Lumi, I didn't know you actually wore armor when you were a hero," I said, curious how he must've looked in it.
"That's because I have this weird passive skill. Wearing armor somehow boosts my light magic."
"Alright, alright, don't brag, Sir Knight. Have fun polishing your shiny plates – I'm off to dress up your princess!" Echo said, dragging me toward the door.
I almost lost my balance. I didn't expect Echo, who looked about my size, to be that strong.
I didn't really have the heart to refuse or pull away either. She was already leading me out of Lumi's apartment.
"W-wait, m-my disguise. I can't go out like this," I said shyly.
Echo stopped in the doorway.
"Ah, right. Totally forgot about that."
A moment later, I was wearing Lumi's hoodie, his beanie, and a pair of sunglasses.
"If anything happens, call me. You've got my number," Lumi said.
"You already forgot I can summon you with my sound powers?" she grinned. "All I have to do is play your ringtone. You didn't change it, right?"
"No, but–"
"Then see ya! The day's too short to waste on boring stuff!"
Lumi didn't even get to finish his sentence. Echo was pulling so fast I nearly tripped on the stairs – she didn't even notice there was an elevator. We ran down like crazy.
"It's gonna be awesome, Asaelie, I'm telling you!"
A-Asaelie? No one's ever said my name like that… not even my mom, who I barely knew.
A warm, unexpected feeling filled my chest. I smiled softly.
For the first time, I started to feel tiny sparks of closeness – something I'd been missing my whole life.
First there was Lumi's kind, caring warmth, and now Echo's bright, friendly one.
Most of all, it was because, just like Lumi, she accepted me for who I was… and actually wanted to spend time with me.
"I think we'll find something really nice together," I said shyly.
"Of course we will," she replied as we reached the stairwell. "I'll make sure you look so good Lumi won't believe his eyes, haha!"