-Good morning dear, did you sleep well? – Sora's mum asked when she heard her daughter entering the kitchen and taking a dish with two toasts and a cup of tea to the table.
Sora's face answered the question: under her eyes were two shadows and she wasn't smiling.
-What happened? – the woman asked leaving the breakfast in front of her daughter as she seated.
-I had a dream…flashes…quite confusing but they were crystal clear – replied Sora taking one of the toasts.
-That is common when you have premonitory dreams. Your granny looked just like you when she had those dreams. Nevertheless, do you know what this means, right? – Sora's mother talked as she turned and faced the sink where she started to wash the dishes.
-Yeah, something big is going to happen – answered Sora biting her toast.
After work,
-See you tomorrow Sora – Sora's classmate waved at the design's school door. She smiled at her and run to cross the street.
-See ya Erika – Sora waved bag with a small but warm smile.
Sora left the design school in the city centre and immediately she immersed in her thoughts: how was she going to find that alchemist, Jou? She had her mind set but she didn't know where to start, she didn't know anything else about him except his name and his ability…and if she found him, how would he react?
Without realising she ended up in a neighbourhood of small shops, traditional restaurants and narrow streets. Sora shook her head. The day had been long enough, she was tired, she wanted to go home, take a bath, eat dinner and go to sleep with the hope that she will be able to do it tonight.
She was looking down at the pavement, people passed around her. She arrived to a zebra crossing and on the other side there he was, Jou: dark hair, glasses covering his green eyes, wearing a knitted blue jacket. She has found him.
After work,
-Remember to run the test with these blood samples tomorrow, ohh, and remember the fill in the paperwork left at your desk – Jou's boss explained him as he put on his coat and took his bag.
-Yes, Mikagura san. See you tomorrow then – replied Jou doing a small bow.
Jou put the headphones and switched on the music. It had been a long day and he wasn't any closer to find Sora. He didn't know where to start and he had started to think that, even if he found her, maybe she would not want to collaborate.
He was looking at the window shops and when he arrived to a zebra crossing he sighed and looked straight in front of him. His eyes went wide open when he realised it was her: fiery hair, honey eyes and wearing a long military coat.
Jou crossed the street and took off his earplugs.
-Hello – greeted Jou first as he arrived to where Sora was standing. He had wide eyes and the mouth slightly open
-Hello – replied Sora, serious but with a small smile at her face.
-I had been looking for you – continued, trying the reaction of the witch.
-I have been too – more secure than Jou, trying to cover her surprise.
They stared at each other in silence for a moment.
-I think it is better that we go somewhere to talk – Sora broke the silence.
-I know a ramen place not far, a small restaurant where nobody will interrupt us – Jou suggested moving his head towards the direction of one the small streets near them.
-Good enough – Sora agreed as she started walking in the direction Jou had indicated.
They didn't talk during the way to the restaurant.
When they arrived there Sora discovered why: the tables were in private spaces separated by vertical wooden planks decorated with traditional pictures.
-How do you know this place? – Sora asked as she took off her coat and bag.
-I work in a hospital nearby and sometimes I come here for lunch – Jou answered doing the same as Sora.
-So you work in a hospital huh? a doctor right? – Sora sat down and looked at him pondering the reaction of the alchemist.
-Learning to be one. What about you? – asked Jou doing a small gesture towards her.
-Learning to be a fashion designer – replied Sora proudly.
-Do you carry your designs there? – asked Jou pointing at her bag under the table.
-Do you want to see my designs? – Sora asked in return, raising an eyebrow in disbelief.
-I will be glad to – Jou replied coyly. He was being bold.
Sora took her sketch book out and gave it to him.
-Wow, these kimono designs are amazing. I would not mind wearing the male one – Sora replied taking his eyes off the drawings for a moment to look at his companion.
-Are you serious? – Sora asked again raising an eyebrow. Jou seemed honest enough.
-Yeah. It looks original and I like the colours – Jou answered giving her back the sketchbook.
-I take note of that – Sora added in a sly tone.
-Excuse me, are you ready to order? – the didn't realised that the waitress had come to take the order.
-Yes, teriyaki chicken ramen for me and herbal tea to drink – Jou replied the girl without even looking at the menu.
The waitress looked at Sora.
-Same for me – the witch replied quickly. Jou's option seemed tasty.
They remained silent until the waitress was far enough.
-Well, let's talk about more pressing matters, shall we? – Sora asked with a more serious tone than before.
-What do you know about what happened the other night? – Jou asked in return, secure and expectant of the answer.
-I know that is something…weird and big and dangerous. I guess you also know it – Sora answered in a matter-of-fact tone. She knew if he has asked her, he also knows that.
-Yeah…I wanted to find you to know to what extend you know what is going on and… - Jou didn't know how to put this.
-And what? – Sora tone was blunter that she intended. Her eyes showed a mild expression to compensate.
-To see if you want to team up to face this threat – Sora's tone prompted Jou to reply
Sora stared at him, containing herself not to laugh.
-What is so funny? – Jou asked a bit offended.
-I was looking for you to ask you the same thing…actually I had a premonitory dream last night and that is how I found you: my feet took me to where you were – Sora explained with a smile, happy that the tension had disappeared.
That it was Jou's turn to be speechless. The waitress brought the ramen and the drinks.
-I shouldn't be surprise. But I have heard that that ability is not common… - Jou continued the continued the conversation in a low voice.
-You are right, it isn't. Luckily I have it because if I saw you in those premonitions, it means that you are part of the puzzle, even if I wanted to find you before the dream – added Sora, reclining in the chair.
-Does that mean that we will work together? – Jou asked, thrusting his body forward, putting his elbows on the table.
-Yeah, we must work together – replied Sora in turn thrusting her body forward.
-Do you think we alone can handle this? – Jou asked looking sternly into the witch eyes.
-No, we will need help – the answer came together with the sound of the can opening.
-Do you have someone in mind? – Jou asked opening his can of herbal tea and drinking.
-Actually I do and I bet you do too – Sora took a ship of her tea, always looking at Jou in the eyes
-Absolutely – replied Jou leaving his tea on the table.
-Then I propose a toast to our new partnership – Sora raised her can and showed it to Jou who did the same.
The deal was sealed with the metallic sound of the two cans.