lolxh

Master? It's so dark here... Why can't I see anything...?

Don't worry, I'm right here.

Then what are we here for? Are you going to teach me a new move?!

Xiaohei, to perceive the nature spirit, you mustn't rely on your five senses alone.

I've temporarily sealed your vision to improve your sensitivity to the presence of metal around you.

Ugh, I can't see anything. This is hard...

I have a metal ball stored in my pocket. How much you can perceive?

Mmgh... it's really fuzzy, but I think so!

Good. I'll carry it as I walk around you. You must determine my position by sensing it. Relax. I won't move too far from you.

What if I can't do it, master?

No need to fret, we'll take it slow. Now, come and catch me.

...Okay, um... on the left, I think?

There's nothing here. It feels like you're behind me.

Master?! No, not there.

(I need to calm down, mmgh... there!)

Darn, I messed up again.

Where are you, Master?! This is too hard. I don't think I can do it.

Master, say something...

Master, where are you...?

Master?!

Mroaaaw—!

(Yawns) What's wrong, Xiaohei? Were you having a bad dream?

Meow.

(Rubs Xiaohei's head) I'm right here, it's okay.

Mew!

Go back to sleep.

(Licks Xiaobai's hand) Mreww.

I'm here... it's okay... *snore*...

(Did she fall asleep?)

(Tiptoes off the bed)

(I can't get any sleep now. Might as well take a walk outside.)

I keep dreaming about Master the last few days.

I don't even know when we'll be able to go back. It's been so long, he has to be looking for me.

I wonder if Ah Gen and Xiaobai miss Mom, Dad, and Grandpa too?

Mm. We've gotta find a way back as soon as we can.

And I guess I should go back and sleep... Uh, where am I, though?

Am I... lost?

*huff*... *pant*... I'm beat.

And wasn't I just here?!

This ship's way too big. I'm never gonna find my way back.

And there's no one to ask for directions this late either.

Are people fighting?! Shoot, what if a bad guy got in?!

I've gotta give 'em a proper greeting, then.

I think the sounds were coming from this room.

Huh? Isn't this where the operators usually train? Is that... Mr. Fu?

No, he doesn't wear clothes like that.

It's not sunup yet, I've still got time for four more sets of shadowboxing.

Hup, hup. Jab-jab, cross.

Rragh!!! Again!

Wow, look at those fists... He beat a sandbag out of shape with just a few punches.

I dunno who's stronger, me or him.

(Twitches ears) Hrm...

(Stops punching) Who's there?!

A Feline kid?! Are you a patient here?

No, I'm an operator, like you.

They made you an operator that young? I find that hard to believe... What exactly can you do?

Don't underestimate me, I'm real strong. If you don't believe me, we can have a showdown.

Let's not. I'm not confident I can stop my fists before you get hurt.

No need to hold back, gimme all you've got!

I... No. What sort of self-respecting adult bullies a child?

(Assumes stance) How will you know if you don't try?

(He has a measured posture, with very stable footing. There does seem to be something to him... Fine, can't hurt to help him train.)

Well then, my young friend, stay sharp.

Take this!

Huff—

You're as quick as lightning, for someone your age. I'm confident in my jabs, but I don't see myself landing any clean hits on you.

(Wipes off sweat)

Your fists are incredible. I could barely dodge by a hair.

Hahahah. It seems I've only scratched the surface of what this ship's operators can really do. That reminds me, my friend—what are you doing here at this hour?

I couldn't get to sleep, so I went out for a walk, and... got lost. Now I don't know the way back to the dorm.

You must be new here then. I can sympathize—this place sprawls, and they don't make things simple. Learning to navigate it can be a challenge.

But aren't children your age usually getting sleepy around now?

I... I've got some stuff on my mind.

(Do children today really have so much weighing on them, so young?)

Never mind, let's call it here. Let me show you the way back.

Hm...?

What is it?

I've lost a button from my jacket.

A button? You could just go and sew a new one on.

They don't make this sort anymore. It won't be easy to come by.

Try a different one, then?

Unfortunately, they're special to me. I've always treasured them, since my father had a particular love for them on his own coats... It'd be a shame to lose it.

For now, let me walk you back. I'll retrace my steps tomorrow and see if I can find it.

Is it really important to you?

Yes. I think of my father whenever I see them.

Then... are they made of metal?

They are.

I'll help you look! I've got the ability to sense metal. A metal button like those ones, right? I can pinpoint it if it's not too far.

So you wield such Originium Arts too... But no, go back and get some rest. If I can't find it tomorrow, I'll come straight to you. How's that?

It's fine, I'm all pumped up right now. I wouldn't be able to sleep anyway.

Then by all means, my friend. But before I forget, my name is Anthony Simon, and it's a pleasure to meet you. You can also use my codename 'Mountain,' if you so prefer. What's your name?

I'm Xiaohei!

Would you like me to carry you?

N—No, it's fine, I'm not a kid!

Hahahah, I understand. Stick close to me, then. Let's try not lose our way again.

I came here to do some reading this morning, and may well have lost the button somewhere by the bookshelves. Can you sense anything?

Umm... I think there's something really small and round.

(Raises hand up and forms a fist)

It's not a button though, it's a coin. Do you want it?

I see, a game token... Can you sense any similar metals?