LOCATION: Landscape TIME: Dusk
They were back on the land surface where the castle had collapsed. It was half-light. Their clothes had changed. From wearing diving suits, they had returned to wearing their respective school uniforms.
"Hey, isn't that a tent?" Aeith pointed, returning to the fact that they were now back where the castle was. But now it was a vast land with grass, rocks, and trees. Aeith mentioned a tent she had seen.
Second looked around and searched for the alleged tent. Everyone was excited, and they ran over there. There were two large black tents. They went inside and saw extra school uniforms, sheets for sleeping, and food.
The boys and girls were separated into two tents. They devoured vegetables and fruits. Even though no water was provided in the tent, they saw a small stream nearby, and the water was clean enough to drink. Afterward, some of them slept early, rested for a while, and talked to each other about the rigorous adventures they had experienced.
Second thought about what kind of next test awaited them. She pondered back on what had happened in that game. There was happiness, frustration, winning, accepting defeat, and a change of attitude as their memories came back like hers. There were only twelve of them left, halfway through the tri-games. There was no certainty if she would win or when she would die. So, she resolved to treasure the moments she had with her friends.
She lifted the sleeve of her uniform and saw the tattoo on her right arm below her shoulder. Its gold color was more dominant than the black compared to before. Her lifespan was increasing, yet she knew she should not be too careless. Anytime, anywhere, she could die. She would continue to fight as much as she could to protect her friends until she got to know who she really was.
***
Days passed. She estimated they had been living in the tent for five days. Honestly, they were not very used to this lifestyle. They had lived for over ten days in the castle, which was a deluxe experience. In the castle, all their basic needs and even hobbies were provided. Here, they had to go to the forest to pick fruits and vegetables and cook them with manual labor. Despite this, she would rather choose this lifestyle in exchange for being complete.
"Good morning!" Fourth greeted everyone with a sweet smile.
They were currently making a fire out of stone and wood to cook their breakfast. The boys were tasked with gathering fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and anything edible from the forest. She noticed their wounds from the previous game healed quickly, so everyone was getting better as the days passed. Third's throat had been burning for three days, so he couldn't eat well. But in the last two days, he only felt slight numbness. They filled their stomachs while waiting for the next game. She went back to their tent because she had nothing else to do.
"Second, let's talk," Aeith invited her. Fourth came by, and the two of them sat down next to her.
"About what?"
"Are there any new memories that came back to you?" Fourth questioned.
She had told them who she was—her background. However, that wasn't enough. There were still puzzle pieces left unfound. She got to know the two of them even better because they also shared their stories. They kept each other updated as long as they were open to sharing.
Within five days, she also learned the life stories of others. Their rapport was getting better and stronger because they got to know more of their real selves. Most pairs got along well because they were classmates or schoolmates on Earth. They spent time sharing stories that would reconnect their memories. But there was someone she didn't yet know—what and who he really was. He didn't share with others, not even with her.
Because of her deep thoughts, she didn't realize she had walked away from their tent. She had gone inside first because the two of them had taken a nap while she was telling her life story. Really, it was good to sleep after filling one's stomach. All of a sudden, she heard a crack.
"Who's that?" Second asked, wondering who or what caused that crackle while walking in the grassy forest. Who knew what caused that noise in this surprising world of the nth planet?
She saw the head of a tall boy. He came out from the edge of a big tree and approached her, smiling.
"I'm not a stalker," he said coolly.
"Oh, it's just you, First," she sighed. She thought it might be another forest creature like Neinuko. Good thing it wasn't.
"What are you doing here?" It appeared he had been there ahead of her.
"Meditating, you?"
"Same. What a coincidence." She had come to unwind her thoughts while appreciating the beautiful scenery. "What are you doing there?" She pointed to the tree where he had come out from.
"Listening to nature's whisper." He glanced at the tree she was pointing to.
"Is that so? Looks like I disturbed you." Now, that was bad timing for her. "I'll go first," she said goodbye to him.
"No, it's okay," he stated. He scratched his nape. "Will you accompany me?" he requested shyly. Geez, why was he shy in front of her, asking that?
Second shrugged. Now she could have a decent conversation with First for a long time. There had been a time when he would talk to her, but it was just a simple greeting after the previous game. He had been a bit serious these past few days.
They both leaned against the big tree as dry leaves fell. There was an awkward silence. She didn't know how to start.
"Are you curious?" First finally started.
"About what?"
"You're curious about me, aren't you?"
Bullseye! What a mind reader. She didn't even have to speak at all because he read her thoughts.
"W-Why did you say that?" she responded shyly.
"I'll tell you," She waited for him to tell his story until he continued. "I am the class president of our section in Vosejo High School. Sixteen years old. My birthday is in May. My favorite subject is math. My favorite color is red. I have a little brother. Most of the time, I read and play the piano. I have several friends."
She found out something about him. It was a brief description of himself. But she agreed that at first glance, he seemed intimidating, but when you got to know him more, he was a nice person.
Because of what he told her, she was happy to know his identity. He mentioned that he was their class president at school, but why couldn't she remember that? Hmm, maybe the fragments of her memories about school were not yet fully developed. That must be it. No rush, but she hoped to regain all of it.
But there was something very important that she wanted to know about him. "What about your name?"
He paused for a moment and turned his eyes to her. "I can't remember."
She sighed. They were all in the same boat. They still didn't even know their names, but they remembered some less significant parts of their identities. She was getting more eager to unravel her past.
"But when I remember it, you will be the first one to know."
Second smiled at what he said. She didn't know why he wanted to tell her first, but she was flattered now that she knew his background. She was glad that he was this open to her, aside from being her partner in this game. She hoped to claim all the remaining truths. She stared at him.
He was no longer a stranger friend to her.