Orario, a city that never falls asleep.
On the streets were too many bars and taverns to count. Each glimmering in a unique style. Jam-packed with people, some celebrating today's wins, some cursing today over a mug of beer.
A unique brand of music played in every bar.
Just like the day, people filled streets with many stalls and customers.
Every night did not differ from a festival in the city also known as Home of The Gods.
But anything showered in light leaves a shadow behind.
.
.
Daedalus Street, a maze where the poor lived.
Somewhere in that maze stood a particular flower store.
Its shutters were closed with a 'Opens at 7:30 A.M' notice posted on them.
A few Magic Lamps provided little illumination but, it was bright as a day for the lone Pallum Girl standing in front of the shop.
Her petite frame was draped in a creamy white coat with a hood on, as she stood before the only sense of family she had ever known. Until it was all destroyed by the same people that came to rob her today.
One day they barged in and ruined it all… The shop, those vibrant flowers, her family.
The look her grandma and grandpa gave her that day is still a fresh scar in her heart.
"Hey there… Grandma… Grandpa. I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit you lately, it's just… work, It never ends." Lili spoke as she gazed at the closed shutter of the shop, which was once her home.
"Yeah… I know, I'm taking care of myself. Don't worry… no, really! Don't worry." She said to her home while a small smile grew on her face.
"Hear this grandma! I was on my way out of the dungeon when I met a really weird guy… he is a rookie at everything! He's like this baby you couldn't leave even for a second… or god knows what he'll do!"
"You wanna know more? ... Lemmie tell you! He's followed me everywhere today… and he went with everything thing I said! And he doesn't care about money at all! Can you believe that?"
"Yea!? I thought so too… Maybe he is raised in money. But he is a good person… a little sassy though. No! He's like a baby and who knows what will happen to him if I let him out of my sight! Yeah, that's right… and besides, he was honest with me… so there!"
"Ahh, yes! I didn't tell you?… Here's what happened. I know it's funny but still… don't laugh. Oka so, he started crying like a baby when I told him I'm leaving… there were tears… snots... and he sat on the floor bawling like there's no tomorrow. And he's about the same age as me!"
"What did I do?… Of course, I stayed with him! I mean, like yeah… Why not? I can't... just leave him like that now, can I?"
A furious blush appeared on her face a second later as she said with a jump,
"Wh- What are you saying! It's nothing like that, okay? It's like… he's like this needy big brother I somehow adopted without even knowing. So, I gotta take care of him, y'know… He also seemed lonely. So if not me… then, who? I figured. And besides, don't I feel the same way?"
"Oh right! Before I forget… I had some extra money… it's nothing much just 25,000 Vs." Lili said as she pulled out a pouch filled with valis and hid it around the shop along with a few Lilies.
"Okay so, the pouch is at the usual place, and don't worry… I got more than enough money for my own use. As I said, it's extra!" Lili spoke as she waved her hands in front of her.
Like a Lily, a smile bloomed on her face as she shook her head and said,
"I can't hide anything from you, grandpa… You're sharp as ever. It's nothing big… It's just that I won't be able to visit you for while…"
"Why? It's simple… I decided to fight back for a change. I wasn't given much of a choice… but I guess it happened for the best. And besides, he's with me… Even with all that went down, I think… no, I have a really good feeling that we'll tide through this no problem. He just has that vibe about him… ya'know"
"Yeah… I knew you'd support me in this. I honestly don't know when I'll be able to talk to you again… So, I just wanted to say… Thank you, for today… for everything."
"Ah! Look at the time! I need to get back… or who knows what he'll do if he found out I'm missing…" Lili said with a laugh before she jogged away.
.
.
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*Meanwhile… back at the inn*
"Dude! Take it easy, kiddo! Just put the blade away… I was just sayin…"
"Y-You take another fuckin step and I'll stab you to death… LOLIie!! Where the hell are you?"
"RECEPTIONIST! Impalin' bout happen… get your ass over here and help me get this physio!"
"I-Impaling? Ass? LOLI!! SAVE ME!!!!"
/He meant something else, Argus! Put the blade back! NOW! /
-SLISH!
-AAAHHHH!