Endless Silver Machine

Chapter 6 Past Memories

The golden sunlight leaked through the gaps between the leaves, and through the unique morning mist in the woods, shining small round spots on the two people sleeping next to each other under the tree.

The wind carrying the fresh earthy scent passed through the towering trees, and several unknown birds and beasts landed on her shoulders and picked up the golden hair scattered around her neck.

"Well……"

Ling slowly opened her sleepy eyes and looked up. Her eyes had not yet adapted to the light, and the sunlight among the leaves was a little dazzling.

She raised her hand, trying to block the glare. Shaking her shoulders, the unknown little birds and beasts were surprised and left her side one after another.

There was a reassuring touch behind him. Ling propped up his body and sat up, with a familiar face beside him.

She couldn't remember when she fell asleep on Aika's shoulder.

Where is this...

The memories before falling asleep are still clearly retained. In other words, this is the world of the past. Although it was said to be in the past, it was actually still the world he was familiar with, because the scenery here was so familiar to Ling.

There was a rustling sound from behind, Ling turned around slightly, and sure enough it was Aika who woke up.

He yawned loudly, scratched his hair and looked around.

I didn't expect to be able to come back here again, breathe the air here, and be with him. At this moment, Ling felt filled with emotions.

"welcome……"

The dress on his body has been changed into a familiar woolen jacket. Her long golden hair drew an arc in the air. She turned to face Aika, her eyes seemed a little moist.

Aika immediately understood what this place was and how important it was to Ling.

…………

"After we come down the mountain, it will be my home."

Ling's condition has not been good since the beginning. She almost slipped on the not very steep mountain road.

"Give me your hand."

"No need, I've walked this road many more times than you..."

Ling did not extend her hand, but still walked stubbornly in front of Aika.

Aika frowned.

Because he knew that she would definitely resist after being caught, and it was particularly dangerous on this kind of mountain road, Aika deliberately used greater force when holding her hand.

"pain……"

"Sorry, but you can't escape like this, right?"

"Didn't I say..."

"It's just because I've heard you say this so many times that I can tell at a glance whether you are trying to show off your strength. Did you just sprain your foot?"

Because she was walking behind Ling, her walking posture was a little strange, and Aika could tell it at a glance.

"It's just a little painful. Isn't this a common thing? It will recover on its own after a while."

"Then when you recover, I will let you go immediately."

Aika still didn't let go, Ling flicked the grabbed wrist meaninglessly, and then relaxed her strength as if giving up.

"whatever……"

Until they reached the bottom of the mountain, Aika didn't let go of her hand, and Ling didn't say another word.

There was a period of silence. Both of them thought about many things during this time, but neither of them knew what the other was thinking.

When your feet do step on the stone paved path, it is the time when the sun is shining.

"Is the village in front of you your home..."

From this distance, you can already see some buildings that look like houses.

"Um……"

Aika has already let go of Ling as agreed, so I don't know if her hands are trembling now. Ling agreed softly and kept looking blankly in the direction of home, but could not take a step with her feet.

"We're already here, we can't back down."

"I know……"

Aika and Ling are two different people, so he cannot understand Ling's current mood. It doesn't hurt to stand and talk. The weight of the words of the two people cannot be compared at all. This is not a problem that can be solved by putting yourself in someone else's shoes, so he doesn't intend to interfere with Ling's decision by saying too much. If she asks to go back now, Aika will accompany her back to reality without any complaints.

"I won't go back."

She took a deep breath, as if to fill her chest with the taste of her hometown.

"I can't change anything if I go back, and this is my decision. If I go back, it will go against my principles."

Her voice was trembling, but she still tried hard to appear calm. But since she can face her true feelings so calmly, Aika doesn't need to worry about what will happen next.

"Wait a moment."

He called to Ling who had already taken a few steps.

"Why are you calling me now?"

"Think about it, since this is the world a year ago, aren't you also here a year ago?"

"ah!"

After Aika's reminder, Ling suddenly realized this fact. This simple question can be understood immediately if you think about it carefully before setting off.

"So, what are you going to do if you meet yourself a year ago? I don't think you have changed much in this year."

"You mean I haven't grown up at all?"

Ling puffed up her cheeks in dissatisfaction and turned her head away with a hum.

"It's not that you haven't grown up. I mean, wouldn't it be weird for you a year ago to see what you are like now? Even a naturally stupid person will know that the person in front of him is exactly the same as himself."

"But I'm not stupid by nature! Not now, not a year ago, not ever since I was born!"

"Okay, okay, I understand... Anyway, at least change your appearance."

"How to change..."

Ling took up her long golden hair that was scattered behind her back and curled it up slightly. As if she was not very satisfied with the effect, she immediately let her hair down.

"Why don't you tie a ponytail and have a look?"

"That hairstyle doesn't suit me..."

"That's what I think! You must have had this idea a year ago. If you changed your hairstyle and appeared in front of her, you would just think that you looked similar."

"What kind of excuse is this..."

"And if you think it's inappropriate, it might look good in the eyes of others."

"I feel like you're perfunctory with me again..."

"Trust me sometimes. I'll tie it up for you. It's inconvenient without a mirror, right?"

"...Then I'll leave it to you."

Ling hesitantly untied the hair tie Aika gave her, and the tied hair became loose. The long golden hair shines in the sun, full of luxury. This was the first time Aika saw the moment when Ling let down her hair. Her hair was fluttering in the breeze, and her silky forehead cast its shadow on her forehead.

Aika looked fascinated.

"Stop staring like this..." Ling put the removed hairband into the hands of the stunned Aika, "Didn't you say you wanted to help?"

"oh oh……"

Only then did Aika come out of her trance and quickly walked behind Ling. When you put your fingers through the gaps in your long hair, it feels like you are wrapped in soft silk. This is a very enjoyable feeling.

"Well……"

Ling twisted her waist slightly and groaned.

"Ah, I'm sorry, is this uncomfortable?"

Aika quickly pulled out her hand.

"No..." Ling, who had always been strong, said as quietly as a mosquito, "It doesn't matter, it's my fault..."

"Then I will continue. If anything feels strange, please remind me in time."

Aika said, gently pulling up Ling's long hair again.

"A little higher..."

Following Ling's instructions, he adjusted the position of his hair bundles.

"Is this okay?"

"Well, I feel like it should be fine..."

Aika tied up her golden ponytail with a dark blue hairband, and her knotted fingers looked a little clumsy. After all, this is something he will never need in his life, and Luoluo only divides his long hair into two bunches and ties it on his chest when he is at home, without his help.

"alright."

Aika clapped her hands and declared it was done.

"How, how is it?"

Ling has no way to check her current appearance and can only get advice from Aika. she asked cautiously.

Aika turned to her and looked at it carefully for a while. Ling curled up her neck slightly and stared at her feet.

"Well, it's pretty good. I'm more energetic than before."

"You didn't lie to me, did you?"

"What's the point of me lying to you..."

"Then...let's just believe you..."

Ling showed a slight smile and walked in front of Aika again.

"From now on, it's my fight."

"Ling, you are wrong, this is our battle."