Thunk.Thunk.Thunk.

With a suppressed sigh, she snapped her arms forward one last time and the axe made contact with the large godly tree, a resounding thunk echoes within the silent forest at the action.

She gently leaned the axe on the tree and opened the Stacia window to see her progress. She frowned when she saw the numbers had not fallen far, but did not feel a tint of dissapointment at the sight. She had already expected that. If generations of wood cutter was unable to cut down the tree, she alone as a part-time wood cutter stood no chance.

She closed the Stacia window and sat down to catch her breath. "I can't believe Eugeo used to do this everyday," She released a tired sigh before reaching for the water beside her. "He has such lanky arms as well," A chuckle -- one that was filled with sadness instead of happiness -- escaped her at the memories of her childhood. Of the peaceful times they spent together feeling happy and satisfied. "And I'm not even doing the full routine."

The sound of another's footstep caused her to break her melancholy musings. She placed the water in her hand down and stood from her resting spot.

Curiously, she peeked to the side. Villagers from Rulid village rarely comes near this area. Afraid of the demon tree as they believed that it is cursed after her friend was taken. The thought always made her want to roll her eyes. Their constant superstitious and fear of change is the reason why their village had not grown any bigger or richer. Their thinking closed in a tiny box that made her want to scoff in disdain everytime one of the elders spoke with such confidence about their situation when in reality they clearly had no idea what they were talking about.

The footstep was getting closer and her curiosity was getting hungrier. She finally left her spot and revealed herself in front of the new stranger. Because clearly he did not come from her village. Jack black hair and dark eyes. Although he was wearing their clothing, his appearance was that of a foreigner. It almost hurt by how much she was starting to get curious about the new individual. She rarely meets new people, only the ones that came to Rulid for business. The few times she was lucky enough to meet them because she was the Village Chief's daughter. A privilege she did not feel shameful to use if she needs to.

The boy -- clearly a boy, even if his appearance leaned more on the delicate side of the spectrum -- looked at her with a hint of confusion, curiosity and shock. He looked like he was about to say something, but no words escape him. He had his hand raised awkwardly behind his head, clenching into something invisible. It was a funny pose. She watched on in amusement as the boy's cheeks began to colour slightly, eyes shifting from left and right in a nervous tick.

She tilted her head as she began to examine him. He does look quite delicate. He reminds her of Eugeo a lot, so surely there's more strength in those lanky arms of his just like her friend. Although, her thoughts could be biased. On another note, the black haired boy looked strangely familiar. The sight of him brings forth a feeling of nostalgia from within her chest, something that only happens when she thought of her missing friend. There was also a hint of sadness, which further increases her confusion.

Maybe she had met him among the mercenary before and forgotten their encounter?

When the boy did nothing but stand silently while staring at the ground, she finally made her move. Nothing will happen if neither of them broke the silence. It seems like that job has fallen into her lap.

Subconsciously, she placed both arms on her hips and stared down at the boy. "Who are you and why are you here?"

The boy's head snapped up towards her, eyes wide and filled with a hint of panic and surprise. "Um..." The boy scratched the back of his head nervously. Again that feeling of nostalgia swept through her. "My name is…" She felt her suspicion rise when he hesitated but she shoved it aside to give him the benefit of doubt. "Kirito. Can you please tell me where I am?"

She stared at him for a moment, trying to decipher his thought process. "We're in a forest at the edge of Rulid village."

The boy blinked a few times, not a hint of recognition flashed through his dark eyes. Worry began to sit in her stomach at the sight. Could something have happened to the boy? He looked clueless. Completely clueless.

A nervous chuckle escaped him as he looked at her in the eyes. She note that he has the blackest eyes she had ever seen. It reminds her of the night sky that she used to gaze at with her best friend. Not for the first time she wonders where he's from.

"Okay, yeah. I don't know why I'm here or how I got here," He paused and looked at her nervously. "I don't know where I came from… I found myself collapsed in the middle of the forest when I woke up."

He was waiting for her to say something, expectation shone in his dark eyes. She was lost on what he expect her to say when a sudden horrified thought crossed her mind and her worry increased tenfold. But she has to make sure before she comes to that conclusion. Incident related to the gods are not a trifle matter.

"You say you don't know why you are here…" She paused for a moment. He remembers his name so maybe she was mistaken in her assumption. "Do you know where you are from?"

A conflicted look flashed on his thin and delicate features, but it vanished just as quickly. "Uh, no I don't remember … I only know my name…"

That caused her to immediately take action as she jumped down from her spot and hurriedly makes her way towards him. She might have gotten a little too close to his face to examine him but her worry stomp her feeling of embarrassment.

The boy -- Kirito -- jerked back in surprise, almost tripping over a Gigas tree roots in his haste. Fortunately her hand was fast enough to catch him by the shirt before he had a nasty fall.

"You don't remember anything? Nothing at all?" She waved her unoccupied hand towards her surroundings.

He looks a little uncomfortable at her grip, so she gently released him after making sure he had his footing.

"No…Everything's a blank."

She bit her lips as she scrutinized him. They rarely had such cases and she thought it was merely a myth. To think she would stumble upon such cases here of all places.

She maintained her stare until he fidgeted in place. Eyes wondering around the forest before settling back to her in confusion. She released an exasperated sigh. She was a Sister in training. It is her duty to help people like him. Not like she could have left him alone even if she was not a Sister in training.

Settling her face into something more friendly, she tried to ease some of his confusion. "It seems like you have an unfortunate encounter with the God, Vector's prank."

His brows creased together in confusion. She did not blame him for his lack of knowledge. "Vector's…prank."

She nodded. "As ridiculous as it sounds, the god of darkness Vector loves to play pranks on humans by kidnapping them, blocking their memories before throwing them out in a faraway land. There was a case such as that a long time ago in my village. Although I thought it was a myth to scare kids to go to bed." This made her wonder how much truth lay in the stories the elders used to tell them.

Just like the story of the dragon in the --

She quickly pushed that thought away. No need to make herself feel bad by such thoughts. There was someone who needs her help and they do not need her negativity.

"Oh, then it's possible that I am like that…"

She raised an eyebrow at the hesitance in his tone. Maybe he was feeling helpless, confused and scared. After all, losing your memories, waking up at an unknown place and meeting a stranger would cause for some alarm. Although the boy seems to be dealing with the situation better than she thought.

"Um…there was some trouble and I want to get out of here," He looked at her from under his long lashes. "But…I don't remember how…"

Sympathy enveloped her heart at his statement. She felt sorry for the boy. She wished that she could help him get back home but she does not have the means to do so. If only … no, she has her responsibilities in the village.

Although she can't help him now, maybe the sisters knows how. She pointed towards the village and told him to go there to find help. She still has some work left to finish but after her task is over for the day, she can spend the evening helping him find a way home or make him feel comfortable in the village for awhile.

"No…I mean," He began slowly, looking every inch like a nervous child. "I want to log out…"

She tilted her head in confusion. She had never heard of the term before. Was it something they used in his hometown that means going home?

"Sorry, I do not seem to understand your phrase. Do you mean going home?"

A flash of disappointment crossed his face but he quickly covers it up with a light chuckle. "Sorry, I worded it wrong."

Although she did not point out his obvious disappointment, she tries to make it up to him. A little hope does wonder for some people.

"Do not worry, I am sure you will remember in due time. The stories we were told usually says that the condition was temporary."

"Is that so... I'm glad..."

His hesitant response confused her but she pushed forward.

"And from the colour of your hair and eyes, I would say that you are from the South."

"Y-yeah. You may be right."

She suppressed a sigh of frustration at his lack of response. She was hoping for a happy reaction at least, since usually these kinds of information would assure people. Unfortunately, he was not among those people so she had to change her tactic.

Considering his look of confusion and cluelessness at the moment gave her the impression that he should not be left alone. In fact, she worries if he was left alone. Maybe sending him back to the village alone was not a great idea.

With that in mind, she waved a hand in front of his face to catch his attention and gave him a reassuring smile. "I still have work but if you want to stay, I do not mind. I can show you the way back to the village and a place to stay as I guide you. It'll be safer that way."

His face softened from around the edges and gave her his first genuine smile. "Thanks."

She nodded and walked back to her axe. "You're welcome. Now this might take awhile so you can sit there."

"Is your job as a woodcutter?"

She smiled in amusement at the incredulous tone of his voice. He was not the first to have such a reaction after knowing about her self-appointed task and surely he would not be the last.

"No. I'm a sister in training but I also work on this tree as a past time."

"This tree?!" He exclaimed, shifting his wide disbelieving eyes from her to the demon tree.

A chuckle passed her lips at his reaction. "Yes, this beautiful tree." She raised the axe and began her usual swings.

They drowned in a comfortable silence except for the thunking sound of the axe, until Kirito broke it with an impressed whistle.

She paused in her work to look at the other boy in curiosity.

"You have a very strong swing. Your stance is steady and you worked your body like an oiled machine."

Her brow furrowed in confusion at his last statement but she pushed it aside. She may not understand his weird phrases but his message was conveyed.

"Thank you," She bow slightly in appreciation at the compliment. "It is all thanks to my training as a sister. Diligence is one of it's most important factor."

"Sister..." He mumbled. "You don't look like a sister." His cheeks tint lightly in red as soon as the words left him.

She smiled in amusement as she shook her head. "I do not think wearing the sister robe while cutting a tree would be wise."

"Uh... Yeah."

He chuckles in embarrassment as she resume her task. It was not long before he spoke again. It seems like he is not one that can sit still or stay silent for a long period of time.

"Um, if you want, I can help you with your task. I feel like I had intruded when you were resting." He said sheepishly, walking closer to her to peered at the cut within the tree.

She raised an eye brow at his offer. She almost instinctively decline it since it was her responsibility but stopped before the words left her. His comment about her swing and stance left her curious about his ability.

"Of course," She gently hand over the axe to the boy's waiting hand. "Thank you, Kirito."

"It's the least I can do... Uh..." He glance at her nervously, a silent question in his eyes.

It took her a moment to decipher his silent question and when she did, she almost slap herself for the lack of insight.

"I apologize," She held out a hand and a welcoming smile. "My name is Alice. Alice Zuberg. It's nice to meet you, Kirito."

He jerked slightly at the name but he did not hesitate to take her hand, their handshake firm and steady. "Nice to meet you too, Alice."

Alice watched in amusement as her new friend groaned while cracking his shoulders in pain.

"I can't believe you do this everyday." He says, a tone of wonderment in his voice.

She giggled, a smirk slowly making it's way on her lips. If there was one good thing about her part-time task as a woodcutter, it helped her increase her endurance and strength.

"You'll get used to it after years of swinging an axe around."

"Still, for a girl to do that everyday, I can't help but feel awed."

"Hm? A girl, is it?"

The tone of her voice quickly caused him to retract his words. His exaggerated reaction amused her to no end. The sight of Kirito trying to reword his sentence and fumbling in his mistake allowed her to forgive him for his slip up. It seems like sometimes he does not have a filter for his words. The habit could get him into trouble one of these days.

"It's fine, I forgive you," She took mercy on him and waved the constant apology away. "It not me you should be awed at though, my friend who was still a child had done so ever since he receive the task at seven."

He looked curious at that and she immediately regrets ever bringing the topic up. But she couldn't help but try to defend or give Eugeo most of the credit. It's almost second nature for her to defend him.

"Where is he now?"

It wasn't his fault, she thought. He does not know that Eugeo was a taboo topic in the village. A black taint in the long history of Rulid Village. She hated the fact that he was written off as a mistake but if there was one thing she could feel grateful for, it was the fact that the rule caused everyone to not talk about her friend. They could imply but not outright talk about him. It lessen the pain in her heart.

She must've stayed quiet for far too long, as her silence was an answer in itself. She wanted to wiped the pity off Kirito's face but she suppressed the urge. He does not know anything so that would be quite unfair.

She was grateful for the fact that they had arrived at the guard station before the atmosphere between them become stifling to the point of awkwardness.

The small distraction was a blessing.

It wasn't hard to convince the guard to let Kirito through, but one guard had to be a pain in the ass. Jink and his gang blocked their way to the church with a suspicious look on their faces.

Alice suppressed a sigh as she met the young man's gaze. "Is there something you want Jink?"

Jink scowled as he glared at Kirito. The poor boy was puzzled by the malice directed towards him.

"Since you came back from that place," He spitted his words, tempting her to hit him in the head for such disrespect. "That must mean this guy is cursed. One person with a bad omen is bad enough, now we have this guy. He shouldn't be allowed to enter the village!"

Alice narrowed her eyes in silent anger, about to take a step forward to meet his provocation, but Kirito beat her to it.

"I don't know what your deal is with me, but aren't you being a little rude to Alice right now?"

Jink blinked once in confusion before it widened in anger. "What?! I didn't meaning her, I'm talking about Euge--"

"Silence!" She would not allow this man to utter her best friend's name. "One more word and I will send you home screaming, Jink."

The young man took a step back in fear but he held his ground. Instead of facing Alice, he turned to Kirito with a cruel smirk. "Are you seriously going to hide behind a girl?" He taunted.

Kirito sighed dramatically before placing a calming hand on her shoulder. She took deep breaths to calm her raging heart, and stepped back when he stepped forward to meet the young man's gaze head on.

"Okay, yeah. Let's have a bet to solve this problem."

"Kirito?"

They all stared at him in confusion, which he responded with a smirk filled with mischievous glint. "Let's have a show of skill with our sword. Whoever can give the most damage to that log," He pointed towards the training dummy for the guards. "They'll get what they want which means I leave the village if you won and if we won, you leave us alone. Easy enough, right?"

Jink and his group whispered among themselves before they decided to take the bet, confident smirks on their faces.

Alice watched them in distaste before turning her attention to Kirito. The boy scratched his head sheepishly at her intense gaze.

"Sorry, should've warned you first."

Alice shrugged dismissively as she made her way to the training area. "I hope you can deliver what you have asserted." She wanted to see his skills. Their time in the forest was not enough for her to observe his skills fully. Holding an axe is different from a sword. Maybe if he held a sword, she would get another piece of information to decipher his identity.

Kirito stood with his back slightly lowered, legs apart and one hand firmly holding onto the guard sword. Jink had gone his turn and honestly, Alice was not impressed. She would have thought from his constant gloating that his skills were worth her time and yet, the sight of the training dummy says otherwise.

She knew for a fact that she could have done better.

Her attention shifted back to Kirito as she watched him readied his attack. There was a moment of silence and suddenly, he launched forward with surprising speed. With a single swing, he performed a vertical slash, cutting the wooden log in half.

They all stared at him in shocked silence before Alice brought her hands together and applaud. So her deduction was correct, the boy do have some skill as a swordsman. Kirito turned to her sheepishly, a nervous smile on his face before his attention was stolen by the sword in his hand. Alice left him to ponder in favour of meeting Jink and his friends again.

"Well?" She asked, hands on her hips with one eyebrow raised in passive intimidation.

Jink grimace and turned to glare at Kirito. But that was the only thing he did before he walks away with his two friends following behind. She watched them leave and couldn't help the scoff that escaped her. Of course they would not lower themselves to apologize. Such brats.

She turned back to Kirito and plucked the sword from his hand. He protested but a single glance from her shut his mouth.

"Come on, it's getting late," She placed the sword at the side of the guard building. "We still have to meet Sister Azalia to ensure you have a place to stay."

Kirito stared at the sword longingly, slumping in disappointment as he walked beside Alice. She giggled lightly at the sight of his kicked puppy look, again his presence reminded her of Eugeo. Shockingly, it didn't hurt as much as it used to at the reminder of her friend.

TL: Hello! Here's a chapter for you guys! Unfortunately I still don't intend to make it my focus. But a chapter or two may be updated who knows!But I hope you like it! Not much action in the this chapter as I focus on their interaction instead. I kept a little of Alice 30th personality and mixed it with what I think Alice could be like as she grows up in a different environment. Hopefully, it still come across as ALICE.Anyway, please leave a follow, favorite or comment. Especially comments on your way out.Thanks for reading, buh-bye!