"Time to go outside Ina, aren't you already finished with your drawing?"
"Enma-chan, I need to add a little more detail, or else it isn't going to look like what it is in my memory."
"Didn't you promise me we would go running today?"
"Can't we reschedule?"
"You claimed you were 'sick' last time that we didn't get to go on one at all. I'm sure Ao-chan doesn't mine."
I was in my art room, finishing up my latest illustration when Enma-chan came to you know what. Sometimes I forget. It isn't that important, is it?
"Ao-chan, what do you think?"
I turn my attention to my special book. It holds many secrets but unlike many books, It can communicate with existence that is unknown to the world. Sometimes, she answers my questions, and sometimes she doesn't. Depending on her mood, her answers can vary from 'dark realistic' and 'simple' answers. They are even times she doesn't answer at all. She didn't speak but more or less transmit her thoughts into our brain so that we can perceive it as speech. Mysteries to me even though we are related in some way.
I think you should. Being healthy is good. Go outside with Enma.
"Ina, you heard her, let's get ready."
"Just one more layer should be fine I think."
I was speaking to myself. What did Enma-chan say?
"Looks like I have no choice."
Behind me, I heard something extremely sharp releasing from its shed. I quickly turned around and saw Enma-chan holding up her Katana in a fighting position like she was getting ready to battle me. My tentacles quiver in fear that she was emitting.
"So, are you coming or are you going to stay there for another three days?"
Ninomae?
"Running seems fun, yeah, let's go."
I forget Enma-chan can be a badass at getting people to do what they need to do.
I was helpless.
***
After we got ready, Enma-chan told the driver to take us to a nearby jogging range outside the city. On our way there, we spotted some guests that we met before. They were enjoying themselves by eating and drinking some beverages. I spotted them for a couple of seconds but it looks like they are having fun.
"Do you want to say hi, Ina?"
"N-no, it's fine. I'm happy to be with you. Why did you think I agreed to this?"
"Only after I threatened you."
"Love, Enma-chan, love."
"Whatever you say."
On our silent journey, I looked out the window and spotted the change in scenery. The difference between the city and outside of it. The city is very advanced while nature only makes changes every 'who knows' long.
"Why are we going up the hills away?"
"It is to escape from the city since it has too many distractions."
"You could have least let me bring my drawing tablet."
"That was the distraction I was talking about. Listen, Ina. You're good at what you do but neglecting your health doesn't have to be a sacrifice for it. You could also find a new look and benefit from it, just like this world. The world is an abstract concept even though we know exactly what it looks like. That doesn't mean we look at it the same way that everyone does."
"Doesn't that apply to drawing?"
"You can choose to give it meaning or not but your drawings state the meaning of it, not giving the people to interpret it into their own."
"I don't think it's a bad thing."
"Most definitely is not. It gives the intent of it so the viewer can understand the meaning. Like the Katana I caring around be used for both good and evil reasons. Killing people and protecting people. Just because my Katana has one use doesn't make it have one meaning of its own. Having one use is a blessing, having multiple uses is a blessing. So if people can view your art with multiple meanings, It can change their outlook on you as a person overall."
I have been drawing for my whole life so I'm aware that art can have multiple meanings and such. I think Enma-chan doesn't know I draw for fun. There is no deeper meaning to it. I love drawing. Its meaning could be whatever to some people but I and not doing it because of that. It's just because I find it fun. There is no deeper meaning to it seriously. It's my life. It's my meaning to live.
"Enma-chan, this is why you should let me take my tablet along."
"You will definitely not focus on running if you brought that thing with you."
"Well, who knows."
"There is your answer."
***
After a couple of hours, we arrived at the running range. Why we came so far to run is beyond me but this was Enma-chan's request. I have been ignor-, I mean put it off for too long. It's finally time to do what she wants with me. Both me and Enma-chan get ready by putting on our tracksuit. We did a few stretches, getting ready for the torture that was running.
"First, you stretch like this to loosen up the muscles to get that blood flowing."
"Like this?"
"No, copy me. Like this. This is how it's done."
" I think I understand now."
***
"Try to keep up with me."
"But...hah...Enma...hah...chan. Can...you....you...you...like...slow...down?"
Not even thirty minutes had passed before you heard me dying. I am not athletic to begin with so I don't know what you were expecting.
Both me and Enma-chan continue this pattern of running for like an hour or so. According to my blurry vision, she is standing on the horizon. So far away. I raised my hand to signal her that I could not continue anymore. I collapsed while I could feel my body floating.
"Enma..."
I passed out.
***
"How was it Ina? did you enjoy it?"
"I almost died."
"You did well for a first-timer, here, take this."
Enma-chan handed me something to drink. I was dying, so I drank whatever it was.
"I'm alive."
"You weren't going to die to begin with."
The sun was starting to set. Finishing another day.
"You know what Enma-chan, I feel alive."
"You already said that."
"I mean, I feel like you did this for me, thank you."
"It's more fun to train with other people. I just wanted a training partner."
"I'm glad to be of use to you, now, let's go home."
"Let's go over there first."
We walked over to the wall to watch the sunset. Colours ranging from yellow to red illuminated the city. Covering it with its radiance and beauty.
"Ina, don't you ever get lonely being with me all the time?"
"What brought this on, why are you so serious all of a sudden?"
"Don't you think it is finally time you make some friends, real friends?
"I'm happy with what I got, so I don't really need friends that much."
"Then you're happy being inside the house all day?"
"Not really, I feel comfortable with my lifestyle. I like to make friends but what I am is going to be a problem. I look like this but I'm definitely human."
Enma-chan gave me a look. She always had a calm expression but right now is feeling something that I can't say. She hides her emotions very well. That is why this change stands out more than it should.
"If you say so. Well, let's head home."
"Yes. We should. Wait, I'm feeling dizzy all of a sudden."
"Let me carry you to the car."
"This is why I can't hate you, Enma-chan."
I wonder what I should draw when I get back. No, I really shouldn't be thinking about that right now.