Chapter 06 "Moving Forward on A New World"

Without wasting time any longer, I jumped up the fence. My pants got caught and made me fall. Even the hood I wore was loose. Not giving the slightest care about it, I immediately got up. Passing an expansive yard right beside the building. There was only a dim lantern in this place. Its light wasn't bright enough. So I figured whatever it was, radiating the radiance itself. Not reflected by garden lantern.

Almost exactly the same as the incident one year ago. While on the river, suddenly a strange object made me pick it up because of its glow. If this was the same thing at that time. Could it be that I could return to my original world?

However, my hope instantly vanished. When I approached it, the light was flying up high. Then it flew close to me and landed on my nose.

"A beetle?"

This was the first time I saw this kind of insect. The beetle was very similar to fireflies. But its size was as an adult thumb. Moments later, that bug flew away. I felt disappointed. Thinking about my foolishness. Or felt had a naive thought the exact same event would be repeated twice precisely.

"Hei, Stupid! What are you doing there? Didn't I tell you to come here?" Shouted Dimas, his figure suddenly appeared at the end of the corridor.

"Yes, yes. I'll be right there," I answered. Actually, that boy could tell me in a better way. No need to shouting like a monkey.

"And why your hood is loose, dumbass? Fix it before anyone sees you!"

"Yeesss."

Not wanting to be abused by him anymore, I immediately put it back to cover my head. Leaving curiosity and hope far away. Following Dimas's step along the corridor, I was led into a large double-door. It was the first time I entered this building. Because when I usually played here, I just ended up at the drugstore or the front garden.

The room was huge enough to contain two aligned long tables. A crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. This room was filled with some furniture and decoration. Too many empty spaces for this large room. Yet quite simple and modest.

However, what made this room more lively was the presence of small children who were noisy when waiting for dinner time. The children here were orphans.

Yes, you're right. Aside from managing a clinic and the drug store, Aunt Saantya also took care of those small children who didn't have a place to stay here. She sometimes brought home child beggars, some kids left by their parents, or the slavery practice victims. Her noble nature of caring and loving for others made everyone in this town called her 'The Saints.'

I also agreed. When I first met Aunt Saantya, she greeted me with a warm and friendly face.

My eyes swept toward children. Their age ranges between four to ten years. They were shouting, joking with others, or playing with the spoon and fork on the table. Made a noisy sound echoing in this room. Some caregivers tried to keep them in silence. But they were children after all. Still doing it even though caregivers forbade them. When crossing the room, some children saw me. Laughing. I wonder what was funny. Watching the children's faces who laughed off was a great relief. Made me somehow giggled and waved to them.

Dimas took me to a chair at the end of the long table. The place where the adults sat. I'd known some of them. They were orphanage caregivers and pharmacists. Dimas pulled up a chair and let me sit. I flinched, staring at him weirdly. Since when he so cared about me? However, because of this lovely atmosphere, I didn't really give a damn about it.

Next to me, a middle-aged woman wore a uniform similar to the pharmacist but quite different. Pure white color cotton-like, with big buttons. I gave a thoughtful smile, followed by a slow nod.

"Thank you for inviting us to dinner, Saantya!" I said softly.

"It's okay, little girl! I'd assumed you've been a part of us," she answered, then chuckled. "I heard you need a place to stay for a week?"

"Yes. Could you let me stay here?"

"Of course, sweetheart! Feel free to stay here until whenever you want. Moreover, this place is pretty big. It doesn't matter if we get one more person."

"Once again, thank you." I bowed deeply. My feeling divided into two, happy and ashamed.

Five minutes later, some girls came from the corridor with food trays on their both hands. After I looked carefully, the dishes were beef, chicken roast, meat stew with black grass, fried mushroom butter sauce, and other dishes. Hot steam billowed out into the air like the chimney on a steam train.

The persons in dinner duty put the food onto the long table. Among them was Kak Shella. It happened that she was serving food at the end of this table. So I could greet her. Before finishing, the girl gave an extra portion of meat soup to Dimas. It should be one person, one serving. But this dude got two.

"Thank you for helping me," whispered Kak Shella, giving her best smile at the man.

I sighed. Sure, I'd tried to make them got closer. But it seemed, without my interference, both of them were mutually attracted to each other. Look at this girl's eyes! Seemed so lovely and fascinated by him. For the first time, I saw Kak Shella made such expressions. Usually, she was mediocre to all boys, including a noble child in the town who often came to tease her lately.

For now, let alone their feelings developing. I was more focused on what was on the table. Well, now how do I eat up the portion which twice than I usually eat? If guests didn't finish on food from the host, it could be considered bad. It was common in this country. When confused, I suddenly turned my head.

Thrusting a bowl of asparagus soup and a piece of grilled chicken to the side. Dimas, who was about to start eating, stopped.

"For you. You had already known my portions, right?"

Without letting out any word, Dimas has immediately devoured the food in front of him. I dumbfounded. Never imagined he would show his 'polite' way of eating food here, in front of Kak Shella, Aunt Saantya, the children, caregivers, and pharmacists. His teeth chew faster. His mouth made a sound that attracted other's attention.

I elbowed him and grinned. "Now, look who is shameless here?"

"Shut up! This is the way I eat food." Dimas glared.

Although a little disturbed because children chatter noise and Dimas's chewing, of course, this dinner itself could be considered perfect. I said it because of that bastard old man, Grussel never gave us a splendid meal. The best food he gave was only dried chicken, fish bones, as well as other perfunctory dishes. Even the cat was reluctant to eat it. If I weren't in the crowd, I would cry in happiness now.

After dinner, I helped wash the dishes and the equipment. I wasn't familiar with homework. But this should be done. Of course, as a thank you for the kindness to Aunt Saantya, who accepted me. While allowed to stay here, I had to help with the work that I could do.

At nine o'clock at night, I crawled into bed. I shared a room with Kak Shella. Because the room had two beds, which happened to be empty. The girl also didn't mind. She was happy because there was one she could get together with. Now there were only two of us here. Dimas had already returned to the hunter base Dark Night. Because just me who was expelled by the bastard old man. Suddenly, I remembered Grussel nauseating expression. Disgusting. I hope there was a lizard that fell into his mouth while he was snoring.

I cleaned up the bed linen. Then pulled the blanket up to my chest. The mattress was quite soft and comfortable. It was warm too. Made my fatigue disappear in an instant. Actually, I used to sleep a little late. But everyone in this place used to go to bed at nine precise. Inevitably I had to follow this unwritten rule. 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.' That was what I did today.

"Anggi ... Are you still going to wear that hood?" Asked Kak Shella quietly. Turning her head toward here.

"Oh, how foolish I am? It became my habit." I chuckled. Then remove the hood, which covered my head. The hood wasn't a part of my clothes.

This hood was the only thing that hid my real race, Haier-Elvian. I used this to cover my long ears. Human and Elvian were never got along. The town people would discriminate against me if they knew I wasn't a human. Therefore, I always wore the hood whenever I was out of headquarters. Only Dimas and other hunting members knew about my secret.

I put the hood on a small table beside the bed. Then remove the tie and let my hair down to my back. After that, I threw myself onto a soft mattress. My eyes almost closed when realizing that Kak Shella's stare was fixed on me.

"What's wrong?" I turned to the side. Feeling uncomfortable with her gaze.

"Nothing. I'm just jealous of your smooth and long hair. Nice and beautiful!" She said without hesitation.

Hearing her words, I squinted. Beautiful? Had she forgotten everything?

"You seem to concern me as a real girl, huh?"

"Maybe." Kak Shella grinned, then laughed. "Really, looking at your figure like this makes me almost forget that you're actually a boy. I even let you spend the night in my room."

Although I knew Kak Shella didn't mean to hurt me. Still, that statement shattered my heart. I didn't reply. Staring silently at the room ceiling and the whole room lit only by the Rubiel light-The Moon in this world.

"Come on, I'm just kidding!" Said Kak Shella, trying to cheer. "Haven't you given up on finding a way to return to our homeworld?"

I shook my head slowly. Still not in the mood to talk.

"I think ... you were the most amazing among us, Anggi. At the moment, everybody has started to give up. Yet you are still persistent in gathering information. No matter where and how long, you'll go searching even through to the end of the world. Honestly, I hang a little hope for you. While not expecting too much.

"And I'm sure do other friends too. At first, when I knew I was dragged into another world, it was terrible. I was afraid I couldn't meet again with my parents, my sister, and my friends. Being in a foreign place was very scary. They didn't like the people in our city. Their language was also strange. I felt alienated.

"But you were the one who made me stronger. Keep telling me when everything would be fine. You're even willing to join a hunter group that we first met in this world. You also taught us to speak, read, and write their language. Until finally, I could adapt to this world. Even finding a job and live a normal life.

"It's all thanks to you. I thank you for what you have done for me. You're like a hero, Anggi."

Kak Shella grinned, then let a sweet smile out. The smile was genuine and sincere. As the moonlight shining at night. I was stunned for a moment. Trying to understand the words.

Indeed, I did it all. The reason was undoubtedly only I was the one who could do it. Who else among us could speak in their language? Who else among us had the ability beyond human until that bastard old man, Grussel, took an interest and recruited me into the group? It was all my role after all.

Indeed I cursed myself who became a Haier Elvian. Thinking if this would bring unfortunate to me. But now, I was relieved. It actually helped my friends here. Also, my life seemed in the easy mode because of that. Besides being able to speak several languages in this world, I could see clearly in the darkness with no light at all. Hearing any sound in a distant place. The whole of my physical senses and senses strengthened. As if I was a superhero who had appeared in the movie. Yes, it was true. This was all thanks to this body.

"Never mind, Kak Shella. If I didn't turn into a Haier-Elvian, I'm not sure I could accept your thanks." I said slowly. The girl looked at me then smiled.

After that, we talked almost all night long. About our friends who had left the hunting groups and chose their own way of life. The twins Vian and Vani decided to become a chef and waiter at a restaurant in this town. While Kak Indra, Kak Erik, as well as some of the male members, joined the royal army in the country's capital city. Everyone had been in their own way, respectively. Moving forward in this world without the slightest trepidation.

The night was getting late. Kak Shella asked permission to sleep first. My body was still fresh. Because I was used to hunting at night and opening my eyes till morning came. But I forced myself to go to bed after a few moments to think about what wasn't necessary.

***

My eyes were wide open when the sunlight fell onto the bed. Highlighting my face as if to show the whole world the face of a sleeping Haier-Elvian. I squirmed, then blinked. Made the bedsheet messy, and the blanket fell to the floor. I used my hands to rub my eye. While the other covered my yawning mouth.

My eyes began to clear and no longer vague. I turned my head to the side, the Kak Shella's bed. No trace of her presence there. The mattress and the bed linen were neatly like there was never anyone sleep on it. Looked like she had woken up in the morning and tidied up her bed. The pharmacists and caregivers orphanage here was required to start their activity in the early morning.

I immediately got up from the bed. Going to the bathroom then washed my face with fresh water. Desiring to eliminate this entire drowsiness. My schedule for today was 'nothing.' But I didn't want to shut in the room all day long.

The clock on the wall showed seven in the morning. I quickly showered, washed my body from head to toe. The dirty clothes that I put in the basket disappeared once I got out of the shower. Looked like Kak Shella was back again to take my clothes to be washed. So unavoidably, I had to wear clothes prepared by Kak Shella on the room table.

Not long ago, I wore a white long-sleeved shirt and brown pants. Now I had to wear a white sleeveless dress that went down to the knees. There was a small lace at the edge of the skirt. Equipped by a worn straw hat like the style of foreign tourists on the beach. A set of clothes that look very fashionable and feminine.

It made me facepalm. It seemed Kak Shella had been completely forgotten if I was a man. Nevertheless, I didn't intend to betray her sincere aid. So, I wore the clothes although it seemed very embarrassing. Hopefully, I didn't meet with Dimas or my hunting comrades. I could've been the subject of their mockery.

Oh, yes, I almost forgot. I had to hide my long ears. So that was the purpose of this straw hat. Kak Shella had calculated everything for me. To accomplish this, I had my hair done in such a way to make it look more volume to cover both these ears. This process took a long time. That's why I prefer to wear a hood. More simple and practical.

"Anggi, where were you going?" Asked Kak Shella, seeing me out through the front door.

Looked like she just returned after bought some herbs from the street seller. I could tell by her arm full with two baskets of fresh vegetables and fruits. To be honest, I actually wanted to help with the work in this place. But for now, especially with the 'tourist on the beach' clothes style, it was unlikely to help them. Of course, because this dress was too flashy. I didn't want to become the center of people's attention.

"Seeing my friend in the town," I replied gently.

"Have you had breakfast?"

"No need. I'm still not hungry, really. Oh, right, thank you for the clothes!"

Kak Shella nodded, then grinned. "Do you like it? You look beautiful!"

My heart was a little shocked. A critical attack struck right on my male dignity. But I wasn't angry. After that, I immediately went to the street.

The warm sunshine illuminated Glafelden Town. The sky looked bright. The wind blew softly, caressing my face. Indeed, starting the day with a morning like this made anyone felt more passionate. My footsteps treaded small roadside pavement slowly. Many people passing at rush hour like this. Most of them were in the middle off to work or school, and maybe some people were going to trade. Lines of carriages drove very slowly on the road, adding to the city bustle. Made Glafelden Town looked very crowded.

Sometime later, I got to a small pedestrian street. The carriage was forbidden from entering here. In addition to its small size, the pathway was also used by several people for trading. I had always passed through this street. Because I liked the grilled octopus which was sold in front of the fountain. Ah, it looked like the seller wasn't selling at the moment. Oh, I forgot! He began selling the food when dusk came. He indeed wouldn't show up in the morning like this.

For some reason, whenever taking a step, I feel anxious. I had to hold the end of the skirt several times so that the wind didn't blow it up. This was the first time I had worn such a dress. Some men's intent gazes aggravated my nervousness. I forced my feet to move quicker. Damn, it felt terrifying!

Until a few moments, I arrived at the destination. A small building located in the suburbs. The walls and floors were made of low-quality wood that was easily porous. Some parts even had rotted and been eaten by termites. However, it was as such that most houses in this area. I turned to the east. From here, you could see the great wall that surrounds Glafelden Town.

I climbed some rickety stairs carefully. Then knocked on the door. No answer. I tried to did it louder, hoping to be heard by someone who was in the house. Not long after, the door was widened opened. With a hurting loud voice, a brown-haired woman out of the house. I looked at him and smiled. "Good morning, Almira! Are you busy now?"

The woman looked at me faintly. Then exclaimed, "oh my god! I almost can't recognize you, hooded girl! I think you are a suspicious person. Of course, only this time I see you dress like that. Did you sell your hood for this flashy outfit?"

I shook my head. "I'll tell you later. May I come in?"

"Of course. Why not?"

After the welcome, I walked into the living room and sat on the long couch on the sidewall. After closing the door, Almira locked it with slots. Then followed me toward the couch.

The way she walked through the living room looked so elegant, like a dancer who waddled on stage. Then she snapped her finger. Thus, her brown-colored hair gradually faded. Changing the color becomes golden yellow. Her original brown skin also changed to pale white and smooth as porcelain. However, the most significant was the transformation to the elongated and pointed ear-shaped. Same as mine. However, hair color, eyes, and our skin were different. Of course, since I was the Haier-Elvian. While the woman in front of me was a pure-blooded Elvian.

She smiled thinly. "So, what were you doing here, Rare Creature?"