"It's about time," Rhyme said playfully, nudging me in the side as we walked down a familiar path in the small desert oasis. I laughed softly.
"I'm not built like a machine, you know. I just didn't feel the cold until now." I was about to add: for some strange reason, but I didn't need to have Rhyme worrying about trivial things like that. So, I shrugged off the odd feeling and welcomed in more uncomfortable ones, like cold, as snow found its way into the cracks between my toes. I really needed to pick myself up some boots on our next shopping spree. Jotting down mental notes in my noggin, I was surprised to hear Rhyme's bright and booming voice from just next to me. I hadn't noticed that we had stopped walking.
Lifting a slender brow at him, I asked, "What is this place?" It did indeed look familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on what it was.
"It's a fortune-teller's booth! I thought we could use her guidance for our journey to Mizuho," Rhyme replied to me an a matter-of-fact tone. Well, it was a good idea.
"What business do you have in Mizuho?" I was surprised to see a rather.. developed figure hovering over both of our heads. Curiosity had me searching this woman up and down, scrutinizing her with my eyes. Even she had seemed familiar.
Finally, finding my voice hiding deep within my throat, I managed, "What's it to you?" The woman just glared at me for a while as she crossed her arms. I mimicked her actions with a smirk on my face. Her expression twisted into a scary mask of both anger and sadness.
"Do not go there. I warn you. It is no longer the place it once was," She finally said. Her voice was smooth despite the obvious strain present in her words. I was memorized by the patterns of her clothing and soon it clicked in my brain.
Choking up courage, I said, "You are from Mizuho." It wasn't a question but she replied with a firm 'yes.' "Why don't we," I began, thinking of just what to suggest. "Why don't we take this somewhere a bit more private." The woman in front of me nodded and as Rhyme and I shuffled toward the table right beside the entrance of the inn, the mysterious young lady trailed behind.
Collapsing into the nearest chair, I released a sigh, "This cold isn't any good for me, Rhyme. I liked it better when I was passing out in the heat." Rhyme shot me a worried glance and looked back down at the table. "Well, I didn't," he murmured. I looked away from him into the cloudy sky and imagined that I saw nothing except the sun. It was calming.
"I apologize for the wait. I had a few things I needed to pick up before I set out again," The woman approached the table after what seemed like an eternity. I noticed Rhyme lifted his head as she took her seat.
"What's your name?" Rhyme asked her in a sweet tone. She smiled at him as she hugged herself tightly. I guess anyone would be freezing in that outfit.
"Midori Fuishimasu is my name," Midori spoke in a bold tone. I looked her in the eyes and I couldn't believe it took me that long to realize why Rhyme was so intrigued by her. Midori Fuishimasu's eyes literally danced with colour. There were the most beautiful shades of gold and silver and the most vibrant pigments of the rainbow possible. The only issue was; this wasn't at all possible.
"Your eyes.." My mouth blurted before I could stop it from even moving.
Midori nodded in understanding. She must have noticed the guilt painted across my face. However, it looked like she wasn't going to explain the reason for it to us. Also, it looked as if she wasn't going to tell us what was up in Mizuho, either. It didn't matter to me at that moment, although. I couldn't help but fall into a trance as I watched the beautiful choreography of her rainbow splashed eyes flutter before me. I was glad Rhyme found his voice before I did lest I would've said something stupid, again.
"Midori, you're from Mizuho, right?" Rhyme asked. I couldn't see where he was going with this. Midori just nodded to his question and he continued on. "You're from Mizuho, so you must've gotten all the way here by yourself"—One more quick nod from Midori—"So you know how to get to Izoold from here. Can you maybe take us there? We don't know our way.." Figures I discovered what he was up to after the damage was already done. I noticed Midori hesitate before she answered.
"It would be redundant, but I suppose it cannot be helped," she answered him. Both Rhyme and I turned our heads to face each other with grins on our faces. As much as I knew I wouldn't be able to stand traveling with the know-it-all, I also knew this field trip would reduce the chances of our getting lost. Mizuho was so close, I could almost taste it. In fact, I shouldn't have almost tasted it. Why would Midori guide us toward Mizuho if she didn't want us anywhere near it? Before I could ask, she had already rose from her chair. Rhyme stood as well and I followed both of their actions automatically. Without a second thought or word, we all filed toward the entrance/exit of the town and I couldn't help but take one last glance at the bitter and sandy desert oasis that warmed me through the night.