DATE A LIVE: Prelude

Chapter VII: In a New World

"You rock that look," said Shinji. The girl was glad.

"Thank you."

"I already told Mana we would go for a walk. Ready?"

The girl took a stand to appear bold.

"Yes!" said the girl.

"Then let's go," said Shinji, before they both left the house.

The atmosphere was like when Shinji and Mana had lunch on the rooftop of school, with blue skies revealing the warm, bright Sun. The birds were singing, bees buzzing, and flowers blooming.

"No rain? No clouds? It's not the same...?" said the girl, surprised as she walked out into the sunlight, only feeling the warm sunray's landing on her.

"It's not so bad all the time. Sometimes the weather is nice like this," responded Shinji.

"What is that?" asked the girl, pointing at the sky.

"That? That's the Sun. It emanates light just like it does now."

"It's so warm. Why wasn't it there before?"

"Huh. I don't know. I'd like to know that myself," said Shinji, he too pondering.
"What matters is that it's here now, and that's when we revel in it."

"Revel? What is that?"

"Basically, make sure it's not put to waste. Things are different during Winter, it's super cold."

"Oh, then I agree, Shinji," said the girl, again smiling. Shinji wasn't used to hearing his name besides from his sister, so his face became a bit flushed. The girl didn't seem to mind, nor did she look scared of the outside anymore.

"Shall we go to the store now?" asked Shinji. The girl stood ready at moment's notice.

"Okay! Let's go!"

***

The two of them walked thorough the neighbourhood, with Shinji patiently explaining what everything was to the girl and answering all her questions. They passed along very few people, as many were ruled by fear of Spacequakes. And even when they passed by someone, the girl didn't seem to pay them much heed.

"So, where did you come from?" asked Shinji. The girl appeared a little sad.

"I don't know. I don't remember..."

"Woah, it's okay. Do you remember anything at least?"

"I only remember waking up to a man trying to touch me, and then... The next thing I remember is waking again up in your bed," said the girl. Shinji was not happy.

"A man tried to what? Did he do something to you?"

"No, or at least I don't think so. I think I fled, but..."

"That's enough. You don't have to continue. We're here to enjoy ourselves, I shouldn't be interrogating you."

"Shinji..."

"Besides, you're safe now. And look, the store's right there!" pointed out Shinji.

"Let's buy something for Mana!" said the girl enthusiastically. Shinji was surprised she mentioned her.