Chapter 18 - Squad Sunburst (2/2)
”Seems like you're quite hungry.” Valeri got up and opened a crate next to her. ”Here.” She tossed a small silver packet towards Lydis. It was about the size of a book. It landed at her feet, the warmth and smell it gave off almost making her crumble.
”What is it?” Lydis was still on guard against Valeri.
”Hm? Obviously, it's food. Don't worry I didn't poison it or anything. See that green tab in the middle? If I opened it in any way it would change from green to yellow. When it's red then that means that something's wrong with the food.” Lydis didn't believe her. ”Oh come on. Just e-”
*gawoouuhh*
Lydis covered her stomach again, her ears turning red.
”Huh, looks like your stomach knows what's good for you better than your mind.” Valeri reached inside the crate and took out another bundle. She unwrapped it and pulled out a juicy piece of meat. The steam rising from it only added to the smell that engulfed the room when she took it out. Again, Lydis's stomach growled. Valeri took a big bite and placed the rest on the table in the middle.
”See? Perfectly safe.” Lydis hesitated but her stomach growled in protest so she eventually gave in. She picked up the wrapped bundle at her feet and unwrapped the silver wrapper. Soon her nose was filled with a sweet and meaty smell. Her mouth was drooling as she unwrapped it. When she took a bite it was like cool water on a hot summer day. She felt alive and at the same time she realized just how tired she was. After eating the two slices of meat inside she licked the wrapper clean, her eyes drifting to the open bundle on the table.
”Ah, don't worry. There's plenty left!” Valeri reached inside the crate and took out another silver bundle and tossed it towards Lydis. Lydis caught it in her arms and the warmth it gave off was comforting. As she unwrapped the bundle a small click reached her ears. She stopped mid bite and looked directly at the left side of the door. Somehow she knew that there was someone there but her eyes told her otherwise. Feeling the same sense of urgency again Lydis stopped eating.
”Make him go away.”
”Oh? Who?” Valeri acted innocent to Lydis's request.
”That man, right there.” Lydis lifted her finger and pointed to the far side of the tent. Still nothing moved, there was no one there. Had it just been nothing after all? She stared and a small glint caught her eye. She threw her bundle at the area and sensed a small bit of suppressed killing intent. There was definitely someone there.
”Oh my, is your head alright?” Valeri got up and was walking towards Lydis still acting ignorant.
”Shut the f**k up! I won't play these games with you granny.” Lydis was furious. Even though she was a child even she could sense the killing intent of the man hidden among the crates. She glared at Valeri. The two had a stare off, neither side willing to look away. Just as Lydis's eyes were beginning to well up Valeri gave in.
*Sigh* ”You heard her Tio. She doesn't want you around. Too bad you got found out.” With a snap of her fingers a man in black armor appeared in front of Valeri. She nodded to him and he nodded back in response. As he walked past Lydis she could see that her meat bundle had landed squarely on his chest. The oily sauce still dripping down his armor. As he passed her Lydis felt a bit of killing intent from him. Probably mad at having been hit with food and found out from a child. He didn't say anything to Lydis. As he exited the tent outside a loud thud followed by a few shockwaves shook Lydis's body. Valeri looked amused.
”Happy?” Valeri continued to smile at Lydis. Initially Lydis didn't think that he would reveal himself nor did she think she would get away with insulting them without a wound. She nodded back and sat back down. Valeri sat down across from Lydis and held her head in one hand while the other threw another silver bundle towards Lydis.
”Now, tell me your story.”
Lydis grumbled a bit before nodding yes.