I had a little talk with Lauren last night.
The next day, we set out early in the morning. We continued through the barren land with rocks and a little grass. I knew it would be a long journey when I first saw it on the map, but that place called Zetsuky is quite far. I wonder if we’ll ever arrive.
I’m sure it was a large island across the sea, but we couldn’t find even a pond, let alone the sea.
Then, Piyo, who had been flying, happily descended.
“Hey, hey, Piyo found water. I saw it over there.”
There was nothing in particular in the direction she pointed, but I’m sure it’s there. I don’t know if it’s drinkable, but it seems worth checking out.
“It looks like there’s a pond that way, let’s walk towards it.”
It was good to start walking with a little hope, but soon the sun rose and began to shine brightly all around. The ground became hot like a heated iron plate. I miss the air conditioning, I wish I had at least a cold drink. No, even shade would be good, but there isn’t even that. The ground I longed for so much when I was snatched by the Gryphon now repulses me.
Suddenly, I looked back and saw Elana falling behind. She was dejected and her steps were unsteady.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“Uh, I’m fine, thank you. But my feet are so hot, my toes feel like they’re going to get burned.”
I remembered that she wasn’t wearing shoes. I’ve seen news reports about dogs burning their paw pads when walked in the middle of summer. However, we don’t have shoes that would fit Elana, who has a lion’s body.
There was nothing else to do but rest under a nearby dead tree. It wasn’t just Elana; Nina, who was walking with her long tail, looked miserable too. And Philiana, who was pulling the luggage, was also greatly depleted of stamina. She had taken off her usual armor, but she was still sweating profusely.
I took a mouthful of water, which had become lukewarm. It didn’t quench my thirst at all, but it was better than nothing.
While everyone was listless, Pauline was busily making something.
“Here you go. These are shoes for Elana.”
They were simple things made of cloth and leather, but they should prevent burns.
“Oh, thank you. Shoes feel a bit strange. But I’ll wear them.”
Elana moved clumsily, like a pet forced into shoes. It was a little cute, like wearing gloves. I knew I’d probably upset her if I said that.
We wanted to rest until sunset, but our water was limited, so we decided to move forward towards the pond Piyo had found.
