"Vex…do you have a moment? There's something Lily needs to ask you…"
"...?"
These words flow from the mouth of this young girl, tenderly and meekly. Her tail rests in her lap as she looks down upon it, averting her eyes from looking at me, who sits directly across from her. Every word she uttered carried a bit of weight–surely an indication of a serious topic weighing on her heart. I've noticed this back at that ice cream parlor…no, even before that.
Is it finally that time? Just as I was getting comfortable on this ride…
"Sigh…"
As much as it pained me to do it, I asked Aisha for travel advice, since she has experience performing expeditions in various countries. I would have figured out something by myself–and I wanted to–but god forbid that I'd waste another second longer in Gannet. Rest is important on long journeys like this, however, staying idle in one location for more than what's necessary causes more problems. Staying at a particular location isn't free, after all.
Even though that woman has plagued me from the moment she interrupted my peaceful time at that bar, she at least offered to pay for a high-class taxi that will take us to a port town, Port Navarig, that facilitates sea travel to get to the next country–Fraus.
Despite the ride being pioneered by robo-dragons, rather than a typical engine, they use the hover model instead of the ones that run along the ground, increasing speed while maintaining comfort.
And now I can feel that comfort waning.
"Vex?"
"Ah, I'm sorry, Lily. I zoned out for a moment. Please, go ahead. I'm listening."
"O-okay…"
Lily fidgets, twiddling her thumbs.
"...I'm sorry if this sounds odd; it is too embarrassing, but…"
"..."
Here goes…I'm really going to have to add feminine products to the budget, aren't I? Just another reason why working alone is the most efficient way to progress.
"This is a private vehicle–it's just the two of us. Not even the driver can hear you back here, so it is safe for you to speak your mind."
Lily nods, quietly gulping to clear her throat as to prepare the way for the words to come.
"On that day…did Lily…did I turn into a monster?"
"!"
Oh, it's that topic…but why right now of all times?
I'm a fool, it was only a matter of time before this conversation would happen. She never got the details of what happened that night before she lost consciousness. I can't just tell her that she did transform into a giant lynx and went on a murderous rampage–including me as a target.
There is no way that she is mentally able to handle the brutal truth at her age. If she becomes emotionally scarred, then that would negatively impact our temporary partnership. She must stay in good spirits and morale for the sake of success.
I have no other choice but to…
"Vex, you did tell Lily to transform when we fought that big bug inside Lady Endori's tummy…you did do that, right?"
"...yes, I did make a brief mention of that at the time…"
"Then–!"
Vex crosses his arms as he places one leg over the other.
"I would tell you, but you are too sleepy to pay attention right now."
Hearing such an unfavorable statement of dismissal, Lily's meekness due to her hesitancy rapidly became an uneasiness. Her face flares up as she gets riled up.
"No way, Lily is perfectly fine–I'm wide awake! Please, tell Lily about…about…"
Like a candle being extinguished, Lily's fired-up attitude diminishes as her eyelids grow heavy. Unable to resist the shut-down of her body, she gradually dozes off in a matter of seconds.
"I promise to answer you earnestly in the future, Lily. Right now just is not the best time…for either one of us."
It's all for the sake of the mission. Nothing can jeopardize that…
"Attention to our two beloved passengers. We are expecting to arrive at the destination within the next hour. We hope that you continue to enjoy your travels."
…I won't allow it.
____________________________________________________________
"My child, have you come to your senses?"
"My...huh?"
In a similar vein to a computer rebooting, Lily rubs her eyes as her state of awareness gradually stabilizes. The more her vision clears, the better she can make out a familiar presence–a presence that mirrors her own image.
"...Miss Goddess lady? Is that really…"
"Yes, Lily, I am indeed the one who you are thinking of."
"Lily's had…enough dreams for now. I'd rather just–"
"But child, this is not merely a dream–this is an experience. An experience of talking to the creator of this world, the ultimate authority in existence. Not many people can say that me or any other deity routinely visits them. In fact, most cannot. This is nothing short of a wonderful blessing, I assure you."
"...okay, if you say so…"
Biting her lip, Lily turns her head towards the ground, no longer making eye contact with her double.
"My child, there's no need to conceal the matter that troubles your mind. Share it with me."
"Is Lily a…monster?"
Astonished by the speed of Lily's reply, the goddess is taken aback slightly, though her righteous composure remains intact.
"What would make you ponder such a thought?"
"My dreams…my heart…something is telling Lily that she is–might be a…"
"Lily, I want you to tell me earnestly: what is a monster?"
"A monster is a scary and ugly beast that hurts people."
"Is that your honest opinion? Then answer this…"
A blinding light emanates from the goddess, enveloping her entire body. The light is too bright for Lily to see the goddess' form, but as it dimmers…
"Am I a monster?"
In the place of Lily's doppelganger, a gigantic 7-headed behemoth took her place. Her pitch black wings completely overshadowed Lily, her fangs oozed a dark purple substance that slowly dripped down like acid rain. Although each head was equal in size, only one had blood red eyes that looked down upon the little girl standing beneath her.
Instinctively, beholding such a sight made Lily slowly back up.
"I-is this r-really you, Miss goddess?"
"Please answer me, child. Am I a monster?"
"...no, you are not a monster."
"How could this be? Don't I meet all of your requirements?"
"To be honest, Lily thinks that you look scary…and very ugly too. But your voice…your voice sounds as calm as before. And you haven't hurt me, so that's why you aren't a monster. I know that it's still you, Miss goddess."
"Hmm, a profound answer…"
Once again, a blinding light involves the goddess, concealing her appearance. In just a second, the familiar reflection of Lily returned. She walks closer to Lily, bridging the gap she had created between them.
"Lily, as you can see, what makes a monster isn't about the appearance, rather the nature of its heart. Tell me, is your heart that of a monster? Do you desire to harm others?"
"No, Lily doesn't want to hurt anyone…anyone except for…those bad people. The people I hate."
"Then let the matter rest. Remind me, what is the purpose of your journey?"
"To rescue my mother."
"And how will you accomplish that?"
"By finding the nine crystals to summon you so that you can grant my wish."
"It is for the best that you stay focused on that, my child. You are destined to get stronger, so you must keep pressing on. With that being said, the next crystal is somewhere in Fraus."
"Fraus? What is that?"
"It's a country that's across from Avarice and Gannet. As for the precise location of the crystal, it will be made evident as day–so don't stress over that detail."
"O-okay, Lily won't stress."
Lily nods her head, looking as though she is taking mental notes of the goddess's words.
"Keep your head up, daughter. No matter what happens, I will always be here by your side."
"...?"
Completely unprompted, the goddess embraces Lily into her bosom, gently holding her. Although this action initially caught her by surprise, Lily relaxes her alerted ears and tail, then returns the embrace.
"Zzzz…"
"...eh?"
The sound of a quiet snore contrasted with the warm embrace Lily just felt. The girl clears her eyes–a man resting on his arm sits across from her.
"Yawn. Lily's awake again…hmm? Is Vex really sleeping? That's no good, I need to tell him about what the goddess lady told me. I don't want to forget."
Lily prepares the muscles in her body to propel herself to get up. However before her finger could tap his shoulder, she sat back down, retracting her commitment.
No, I remember now. Vex still has not answered Lily's question! If he wants to know about the next crystal, then he has to tell me the truth first.
It's only fair, right?
"Ppptt!"
Sticking out the tip of her thin tongue, Lily blows a raspberry in Vex's face.
"You really are a meanie sometimes."