Chapter 103: Fire Which Doesn't Burn

Chapter 103: Fire Which Doesn't Burn

Chapter 103

Fire Which Doesnt Burn

It snowed still, even what felt like just a few weeks before the beginning of the spring for Sylas. Deep in the forest, surrounded by the countless trees, their green canopy had been replaced by white, building floating igloos where some life seemed to reside. Every so often, hed see a few different species of birds dig into the bustling roofs of white, hiding in there. This was especially true just before an onset of violent winds or snowstorms that ripped even through him at times, despite the protections.

Beyond that, the deeper they went into the forest, the more creatures they ended up encountering. Most were mild, pacifistic in nature, minding their own business. Rather, only one ended up attacking them--a wolf-like beast that instead of fur had its skin on full display, covered in ashen-gray spots. The strange woman who still refused to name herself explained that the only reason it attacked was that it was starving.

At the moment, the two, according to her, at least, were just a week out from leaving the forest--something Sylas looked forward to momentously. After all, being stuck for months in the forest was... tiring. Aside from the dips and the occasional strange rock, there was little to see--it was a forest like any other with, admittedly, some thriving (though currently mostly dead) flora.

Whats your plan for when you get to the village? she asked. Will you just bust in like a big villain and demand answers?

... is that how you see me? he asked, stirring the stew. The woman seemed allergic to cooking, altogether, though she was at least decent when it came to cutting vegetables.

Like a brute? she mused, fingering her lips lightly. Well, you did try to do everything by just bashing your head against the wall.

Thats true, he nodded. I suppose I should have you take the lead, then.

Wait-wh--

Since you seem so experienced with proper and civil communication, he glanced at her. Thank you upfront for your help.

... you are an ass.

What?

Oh, please. Do you think that young, beautiful, white-haired women are something you see every day in the outside world?!

First off, Sylas said. Young? Please. Beautiful? Eh. Subjective.

Youre just bitter.

I am bitter.

So, you dont think Im beautiful?

"You're eerie, if anything," Sylas said, sitting down and leaning against the tree. "Beauty is found in commonality. You? You stand out like a pimple on otherwise perfect skin."

Isnt that what makes me so beautiful, though? she grinned. Sylas had long since realized quite a few peculiarities about her--namely that she cloaked her deep-seated insecurities by cheekily fishing for teasing compliments.

No, thats what makes you a liability when walking into a village, he fired back. Theyll all think Im bringing a witch with me or something. Besides, just because something is unique doesnt mean its beautiful. Bloody shit, for instance, is pretty unique. But nobody will say its beautiful.

Did you just compare me with bloody shit?

No.

You did, she said, her tone flat and dead, just as her eyes were for a moment. I understand not kneeling in praise of my beauty.

I dont think you do.

But comparing me with bloody shit? I want to kill you.

Im sure you do. Besides, I didnt compare you with bloody shit. Just used it to make my argument.

That Im uniquely beautiful, like bloody shit?

Stop saying bloody shit, he said. It doesnt fit your face.

"Since, apparently, my face is just as beautiful as bloody shit, it does."

Wow, damn. I really cut deep with that one, huh? Wasnt even wanting to.

Haah, she sighed, walking up to the stew and stirring it herself. For someone in desperate need of my help, you really do treat me horribly.

... have you been coddled so much for so long that youve forgotten what any kind of treatment besides worship feels like?

And yet all that boundless wit of yours wouldnt have gotten you through this forest without me.

Fair enough, he nodded. But on a more serious note--

Ugh, she rolled her eyes, blowing at the spoon of stew before eating. You are entirely unmannerly.

... yeah, he nodded. Sorry.

... Im sorry too, she said suddenly, surprising him.

H-huh?

Dont look so shocked! she harrumphed. I can apologize!

Coulda fooled me. What are you sorry for, anyway?

I... for judging you, she said. Based off of my previous experiences.

Yeah, that aint something worth apologizing for. How else were you gonna judge me? Based off of your dreams?

That--thats not what I mean!

I know what you mean, he smiled lightly. And its still fine. Always assume the worst of people and let them prove you wrong over time. Thats a good mantra.

No, thats an awful way to see the world, she sighed. Wait--did you assume the worst of me from the start?!!

Huh? Well, yeah. Of course.

WHAT?!

Oh, come on--look at it from my perspective, he shrugged at her explosion. You appeared out of fucking nowhere, claimed you were a Prophet and that you were gonna help me. I didnt know you were just a clumsy, naive, slightly narcissistic girl back then. For all I knew, you were a wailing ghost of a jaded, scorned woman on a prowl for young, handsome men and you were planning on gutting me and skinning me and doing stuff to my body even hell deemed immoral. Sylas quickly moved his head to the side as a bowl came flying at him. She was panting aggressively, looking at him angrily. Though he was half-joking, he also wanted to see how far he could push. Thats an awful waste of food, you know?

Fuck you.

Ah, finally, he said, continuing to eat. We cut to the core. Now, we can start befriending each other.

Start?!!

"I never befriend people who think they can't ever be angry enough to kick me in the balls while with me," he said. "It means they're hiding something or want something from me."

...

...

Thats literally the stupidest thing Ive ever heard uttered by anyone, she said bluntly.

Even the feet stuff?

Even the feet stuff.

Damn. I guess I did open your eyes to the greater horizons well before you did the same for me.

... you know, Im glad Ill forget all of this ever happened, she said.

Why? I can just replay my actions and have you join me once again and torture you all over again, but this time knowing all of your weaknesses.

... you wouldnt.

Probably, he said. But would you really gamble on it?

Im glad Ill remember all of this so I can stay as far away from you from now on as possible!

Oh? You want to remember me?

Dont make it weird, you bastard.

Youre a Prophet, young lady, Sylas said. Mind yourself.

Mind your mother!

... pfft, ha ha ha ha, even Sylas was unable to hold on any longer, bursting out into laughter. Mind your mother, she said, pfft, ha ha ha ha, goddamn, ha ha ha...

... huh. So you can laugh?" she mumbled, softening up when she saw him roll in the snow like a small child. On the other hand, Sylas began to question his brain, having laughed at something a nine-year-old would have used as a retort. There was simply something about the way she said it, he mused, that broke him in a sense. He couldn't remember the last time he laughed this freely and openly, seemingly void of all worries and restrictions. At least, the strange woman who refused to share her name as though it was the most sacred thing in the world knew to start the fire which doesnt burn.