The Girl from the Void

Where am I?

A world of nothingness, whether eyes are open or closed...

I am a part of nothingness, and its entirety.

How long has it been?

As I become aware of time, the collection of moments that once merely existed becomes an eternity that envelops me.

The more I think, the more I separate from everything.

Ah.

I try speaking softly.

My tiny voice echoes through all of infinite space at once.

However, only the echo of my voice returns. There is no other response.

Why did I come to being?

I'm not... alone.

Belana... Humans... Monsters...

Ah, ah... I've never felt this way before...

Hehe...

Whoa! Ahhh! I can't crash like this!

Humans... I want to befriend humans.

Wh-what is...

H-hello... I'm...

A monster...? Ahhh! D-don't hurt me!

Why is he running?

Odd... I'm sure I copied their language correctly.

Eek!

Mommy, I'm scared!

D-don't be afraid!

I'm not here to hurt you! I-I just...

What the... I hear it in my head. It feels terrible. Ugh...!

S-sorry! I don't have a mouth, so I have no choice but to send my words directly to your brain...

Stop! Ugh...!

Mommy! Mommy!

What's wrong? Are you okay? Do you need help?

Go...! Go away!

Why do you hate me so much? Why are you refusing me?

Ahhh! It hurts! My head... hurts! Mommy! Save me! Mommy!

Could... my existence itself be the problem?

Is that why everybody is in pain... runs away... and collapses?

S-sorry... I just... Uh...

I didn't know anything. I was stupid...

I'm sorry. I was wrong. Forgive me.

There was no warmth for me in their eyes.

Just fear and despair...

It's my fault. It's because I'm gross. They look at me and see a horrible monster.

Sob... Sniffle...

I just wanted to talk to them... I just wanted to be friends...

Is my existence intolerable?

This form of mine is cursed. Nobody likes this appearance.

Everybody is afraid of me. They all run from me.

This disgusting thing isn't me. I want to be someone everybody loves...

I... want to be human too.

If I look like a human, I'm sure they'll accept me.

Wait for me... We'll have a proper first meeting soon.

*Deep breaths...*

It's okay... I won't be scary now.

It's hard creating something new, so...

Brisshell.

I wish someone could check and tell me how I look.

Oh... I can feel it.

It's here somewhere, I'm sure. An almighty being to guide me to the Void...

Is that... a human?

It has a head and two arms and two legs, so... it must be human, right?

The human, for some reason, approaches me with joy rather than fear.

Alright, how I do I greet someone...? Uh... How did it go...? Oh, right.

H-hello... Isn't weather nice?

Yesss! I've successfully initiated conversation! Next, I need to ask what they ate for...

O Being of the Void... the weather is... The weather...?

Uh... Um...

Uh... Should I run away?

My instincts can't be wrong. You are a being from the Void.

Huh? That is correct, but...

No! It's not! I'm a human! I look like a human!

Look! I'm opening my mouth and talking! I'm not even interfering with your mind even a little bit!

I have two arms and two legs! No matter where you look, I'm a perfect human!

No matter your appearance, I can see the truth.

You cannot possibly hide a truth with a lie. Isn't that right, Being of the Void?

D-does that mean... I still look like a monster?

That's a strange question. Why do you desire a human appearance?

It's important to me.

No matter where or how I look... you appear human.

R-right?! Thank goodness.

Aha... You plan on blending in with the humans and returning them all to the Void the moment they grow complacent.

I don't really understand what this person's preoccupation with the Void is and all, but... it doesn't matter!

Right now, all that matters is whether I look human or not.

Thank you! You've really helped my confidence!

Do you think... Could you be my first friend?

...Friend? Why would a being of the Void require such a...?

Well, because I'm lonely.

All things are one in the Void... What purpose does your loneliness serve? Such an emotion is insignificant and unnecessary.

It's not insignificant..

If you were to set your mind to it, you could destroy this entire star system.

Anybody could destroy.

What's really hard is to create something.

And for separate things to connect is even harder...

It's really hard... to become not alone.

But... why is that any of your concern?

You, who came from the Void, should know better.

Everything is born from the Void, and ultimately, returns to the Void.

S-stop...

For the first time... since I was born... I finally found other people.

I finally found them, so... don't say everything's going to disappear or return to the Void! Don't say scary stuff like that.

If that's what you wish...

I cannot be your friend.

Ahh... This energy... What the...? What's happening...?

No...! I can't disappear! I must fulfill Zagan's will...

Oh, he ran away.

...It's okay. He was bad.

Not all living creatures are nice.

But he confirmed for me that my appearance is human enough, so I'm satisfied.

That alone made today's conversation worth it.

Alright! Just a little more practice, and I'll be ready to approach humans! Let's do this!

This... This is where humans live!

There are so many people... and plus, there are children running around and playing together.

Huh? Who are you?

Oh, uh... I'm... I'm Brisshell.

That's a pretty name! My name is Anna!

Uh... Isn't the weather nice today?

Yeah! It's super nice!

Oh! I see! Hehe...

Alright! It was really hard, but I managed to have a conversation!

Phew, I worked really hard today, so... should I head back to the forest now?

Anna! Who are you talking to?

Mommy! I was playing with a new girl!

Oh, nice to meet you. This must be your first time in Breezeville.

Oh, uh... um... Brisshell, I am. This is my first time here.

I messed up! Brisshell, I am? What was that?! I'm so embarrassed!

I see, Brisshell. What brings you to our town?

Oh no! I used up all my conversation topics, but I met a new person!

Would asking about the weather again be weird? What's something else I could talk about?

Uh... Did you sleep well last night?

Huh? Yes... I did sleep well, but...

Oh, that's good to hear...

No! The conversation isn't flowing! She's looking at me suspiciously!

I'm trash! I'd rather die and disappear!

Judging by your clothes, it seems like you're visiting from abroad. Did you come all the way here for some important business?

Oh, I... I'm looking for a friend.

A friend? Do they live here...?

The thing is...

Brisshell! Where are you from?

You're from really far away, right? Am I right?

Yes, I'm from wayyyyy...

Wayyyyy over there. Far away.

Excuse me...? Is that a joke?

No, no. Really... I'm really from outer space, I mean, from beyond outer space.

I was drifting around for a really long time, so... I don't know exactly how long, but...

...You're not with some kind of strange religion or anything, right?

No, no! Nothing like that.

Anna, come here.

Mommy? What's wrong?

Your name was Brisshell, correct? Will you tell me where you're from, honestly?

Please don't tell tales, like that you came from beyond outer space.

I'm in big trouble. She's not just suspicious of me anymore, but on guard.

Can she not believe that I'm from beyond outer space? Right. After all, humans can't live in outer space.

There's no need to be afraid.

Uh... Look here, and here too. I'm obviously just a n-normal girl.

I studied really hard because I wanted to be friends with you all. I would never harm you!

Harm us...? What are you talking about? I only asked where you're from.

Those eyes... It's clear. She's... afraid... of me.

That's how they looked at me before I had a human appearance.

A look of fear and despair from facing something scary...

I need to clear up this misunderstanding. But, what do I say? The more I talk, the worse the situation gets...

I don't know who you are, but please leave.

Ah, um, uh, but... You're wrong!

Please, explain clearly what exactly I'm wrong about.

I'm, uh... so it's that...

No... If I'm honest, she won't believe me. She'll just get more suspicious.

I need to reassure her, somehow... My heart is beating so hard. It feels like my entire body is beating...!

They're afraid of me again. I've scared these people again.

I-I'll be back... later... bye!

Huff... Huff...

I'm out of breath. No, I can't breathe.

I want to be their friend, but... Is feeling that way not enough to make friends?

...It'll be okay if I practice.

Yeah, let's practice having a conversation before making a human friend.

I'm sure if I try again after practicing with a conversation partner, I'll definitely be able to make a friend!

Uh, did you have breakfast?

Isn't the weather nice? Wanna go out somewhere?

Um... Stop rustling and say something, please...

No. If I'm going to practice, at the very least, I need something with basic intelligence and a vocal mechanism.

But... wouldn't something with only basic intelligence not value having a conversation with me?

Plus, I'd probably get nervous and blurt out a bunch of nonsense again.

It would be an inconvenience for anyone to talk to a pathetic person like me...

Should I... make one myself?

Right. If I can't befriend someone, I can make a friend.

I'll practice with the friend I make, and once I get used to talking, I can start making real friends.

Hehe... Hehehe...

It's really hard to create a living creature, but...

If it's just something for me to practice talking with, it shouldn't be too hard.

I... did it.

*Cough, cough.*

Alright, I'll set you down. Can you walk on your own?

Grarr, graaar.

Ugh... As expected, creating something new is hard.

Still, it has a vocal mechanism and... intelligence...

It does have basic... intelligence, right...?

Oh, let me give you a name. How do you feel about... Alfred?

Grarr! Graaarrr!

Alfred... Starting today, we're friends.

Let's have a lot of practice having conversations, okay?

Raargh!

Ahhhh!

W-wait! What are you doing?!

Raargh!

Let... go! Ugh...!

Graaarrr! Graaarrr!

...Ah!

He was just... surprised.

He was part of my body until I separated us. He's just following his instincts and trying to rejoin me.

But... I want to make friends!

I want to practice and... change how I am... so that I can make a bunch of friends!

Alfred! Listen to me!

You want friends too, right? Don't you want to be friends with humans?

Since you're me... you feel the same as I do! Right?

Rawr?

Alfred...! Me too! I just... don't want to be alone!

Let's talk to each other, go on adventures, and make a bunch of friends together!

I can't do it alone! I couldn't! So please...!

Please be my friend!

Grraarr...

Alfred...?

Grr.. Grrar! Grrar!

Where are you going?!

Uh-oh... If he attacks someone...

N-no! Come back!

Alfred... Where are you?

Ugh... Uh...

Oh! A human...! But I haven't practiced yet... What do I say...?

Nice weather...

Ugh... Who are you?

It looks like she's hurt. Why did I start talking about the weather?! Why did I say that?!

Hey, are you okay? Do you need help?

I'm fine. It's not too bad.

I'm an adventurer. I came to investigate the goblin camp up ahead.

I heard a rumor that goblins have been kidnapping children from Breezeville.

I was checking out the forest when I was ambushed by goblins...

Did the goblins... win?

No! I might not be brawny, but I'm not so weak that some goblins would get the best of me!

I was injured by... that! That terrible, disgusting monster unlike anything I've ever seen!

Grraaarrr!

Alfred...!

I've never seen anything remotely like it, but it's strangely powerful.

I got caught in the crossfire when the monster attacked the goblins.

Ow, my ribs...

He was probably just trying to help you...

Huh? Do you know what that monster is?

Yeah, he's like... my friend...

What? That terrifying thing is your friend?

Does that mean you can stop that thing?!

Yeah, that's what I came here to do.

Ugh... Alright then, I'll leave you to it. I'm going back to Breezeville to get backup.

Oh, okay... You're hurt, so go fast.

And... could you look for the kids the goblins took?

If we lose the trail now, we might never be able to find them.

O-okay...

Thank you. I'm counting on you! You're the only one I can count on.

The o-only one...?!

I-I see... She's counting on me. Hehe...

Right, on you...

Hehehe... Hehehehe...

Even if I need to go to the ends of the earth, until the heat death of the universe...

No matter what, I will do what you ask.

Uh... That's a bit excessive.

Alright, I should go and calm down Alfred first.

Hey... Alfred! Stop! Come back! Heel!

Uh... If I did something to upset you, then I apologize.

Grraaarrr!

I have no idea what he's saying...

*Gulp* I guess I just have to... go and grab him...?

Good boy, Alfred. Stay right there.

Graaagh!

Ah! Where are you going?!

Didn't you say you were.. friends?

Yeah, we are... probably...

Anyway, the goblin camp I was tracking is that way.

It's dangerous... It doesn't matter what happens to the goblins, but we have to be careful of the missing kids.

If that monster runs amok there, the kids will...

A-alright...! I'll go save them right now!

*Sob...* Alfred... Why are you doing this...?

Huh? A human! It's a human! Sound the alarm!

H-hello...

Hehe... He called me a human...

I don't know who you are, but buzz off!

But first, hand over everything you've got! And don't resist!

Hmm... The goblins are aggressive and hostile. How can I befriend them?

First, I should center myself. I need talk to him, just like I practiced...

Nice weather...

Eeek! What's with your face?! Are you resisting? Guys, get her!

W-wait a minute! I have a question!

Really? What is it?

I'm here... because I heard you guys kidnapped some children.

Kidnapped? We'd never do anything like that!

R-right? I'm sorry.

We just brought the human children who were playing in the forest here to protect them, so that they wouldn't get hurt!

Oh... I see. You were protecting them.

After all, the forest is dangerous.

No! Don't fall for it!

They dragged us here! Help us!

Hey, I told you to keep them hidden!

Ugh, you brats! How dare you!

...You were lying?

It's not a lie! We did protect the children!

But if they want to return home, they need to pay the price for our protection!

That's right! They have to pay the price for receiving professional protection in such high-end accommodations!

You look weak too. Do you want our protection? Guys! Grab your weapons!

Hold on, kids... I'll save...

Wait... Save them? How?

Right now, I'm just a squishy human with no powers.

Does that mean... I have no choice but to return to my original appearance?

Miss! Help us!

I want to go home!

Ugh... They're all looking at me. I can sense their eyes on me.

But, if I reveal my original appearance, I'm sure everybody will faint from shock. They'll all hate me.

Brisshell!

Huh? That girl...

That's the girl who talked to me a few days ago... Anna.

Anna was taken too!

This isn't the time for me to be afraid. I need to save them all.

What's... What's going on?! The air is suddenly... heavy! I can't... I can't breathe...

*Cough, cough.*

Ugh... uh...!

Those eyes... Those eyes that fear me...

As soon as I sense their eyes, my heart begins to race, my throat tightens, and piercing pain radiates throughout my entire body.

Huff... Huff... Ugh...!

Huh? She just collapsed on her own.

Huh? She's no big deal.

I feel weak. I can't... I can't fight.

Excuse me, can we just resolve this with words, not fighting?

Hey guys! Beat her up so that she doesn't try any more weird tricks! Whoever hits her first wins!

Ack! Wait...!

A beating like this doesn't hurt, but... Actually, it does tickle just a tiny bit, but...

They might figure out I'm not a normal human if I just act like I'm okay.

Should I run away? No, I don't want to just leave the children behind and run. Ugh...

S-stop! I won't resist now!

Hehe! You're nothing!

Come this way! From now on, you're under our protection!

Hnngh... I'm sorry, kids.

They got me.

Ugh! We're done for!

Some grown-up you are! You're no help at all!

*Sob...* Sorry...

Brisshell... What do we do now?

What do you mean?! We're going to end up as goblin food.

I-I'll try doing something.

If you could do something, you wouldn't have gotten captured in the first place!

That's right, but...

Alright! All of you, get inside that cage now!

Hm? Wait... There's something coming this way.

...Huh?

Grraaarrr...!

Alfred!

Wh-what is this monster?!

Grraaarrr!

Stop! Alfred! If you go wild here, the children will get hurt too!

Grrr...

Alfred... We're friends, remember...? You know how I feel, right?

Come this way. Stick with me, and...

Give me strength...! Let's save the children together!

Grraaarrr!

Alfred...!

Yeah, I understand your feelings.

So help me. Let me borrow your strength.

Hey, you! P-put that down! Don't you want to be protected?!

Let's go, Alfred! Let's save e-everybody together!

Wahhh! Ahhh!

Woof woof! Grarr!

Alfred! Wait! I fell...! Ack!

What the...?! She just fell down on her own!

I knew it, she's nothing! Everybody, get ready to...!

Pweh!

It's... strong! What in the world is that thing?!

Huff... Huff...

A-Alfred, wait... Ahhh!

Grraaarrr!

Huff... Huff...

Good... At least the children didn't get hurt.

Hey, is everybody okay?

Ahhhh! A m-monster! Get back!

I'm scared! Waah!

K-kids...

Uh... Right, something like me... is probably disgusting and scary.

Uh... Brisshell?

Oh... Are you scared of me too? I'm sorry...

Here, have this.

...What's this?

They're cookies my mom made. I brought them to share with my friends.

They're super yummy! You should try them too!

Y-you're... giving them to me?

Yeah!

Uh... Are you.. not scared?

I am, but still, you saved us!

So it's okay! I can handle being scared.

I see... Hehe...

Thank you. I bet they're yummy.

Yeah! I'll take the rest of the kids back to town! See you later!

It's my first time... just being conscious of the act of eating...

I wonder... what this tastes like.

It's... delicious...

I'm going to keep on working hard and make friends.

S-still, I'm able to be out in public around lots of people without any problems.

Isn't the weather nice, sir? Have you eaten, ma'am? What are you doing today, miss? Do you have some time, mister?

Alright. I've perfected polite greetings. Now all I need is someone to talk to me first...

Hm? Who are you? I haven't seen you around before?

Me? I mean... are you talking to me, sir?

Yeah, you. Your outfit is unusual. Are you from another land?

I-I'm from... far beyond outer space... no, actually, I'm just from far away.

...Hm?

Oh, I see... From beyond outer space... That's far. I'm impressed.

Ahaha... Thank you. It's really not that impressive...

Huh? He believes that I'm from beyond outer space? Everybody else just has looked at me strangely...

Th-that's a relief, though... I greeted him politely, so he didn't think it was weird.

I should've practiced polite manners earlier...

My name is Barken! I run a small business around here!

I'm... Brisshell.

I would love to hear more about how you came from beyond outer space. How about we go over there, to the marketplace?

Huh? Uh... I...

It's okay. Come on, come on.

Who is this guy? He's being so friendly.

Is this the power of having manners? Do humans really treat you differently just because you're polite?!

At this rate, I might really be able to make a friend. Hehehe...

Alright now, Brisshell. You said you were from outer space?

Yes, yes! To be precise, I'm from beyond outer space, but well, you can just say outer space... since I crossed through there to get to here.

No, no! I got too excited and started rambling...!

Do you have a home then? Where are you staying right now? Are your parents around?

I don't have a home... or parents...

Hm, I see. How unfortunate...

It's okay. I've never had those, so I don't care.

Ah... Are things so bad that you tell yourself that you never had them in the first place?! I understand how you feel.

That's right. I've always been alone, and I don't get along with people...

Right, it's difficult to get along with people you don't know well.

I actually have really strong powers... so humans are afraid of me.

Haha! Everybody has a secret or two they're hiding!

Yeah... Hehehe...

Who is this person?! I can say anything, and he just takes it in stride so I can keep talking.

N-now that I think about it, there's a lot of people in this world, so it's only natural that there's at least one person who gets along with me.

Could he be... my best friend?! Do I finally have a best friend?!

Excuse me... I don't know if this is too forward, but...

Do you think we can be friends?

Huh? Friends?

Oh, oh! I-I'm sorry if I upset you! How could something like me try to be your friend! I overstepped! Forget I said that, please!

No, no. I'm just happy. I've been worried about not having any friends either.

I would love to be friends with you!

Oh, oh...! I-I see! Hehe... Hehehe...

An outsider with no family to speak of... She'll be an easy mark.

Huh? Did you say something?

No, I didn't say anything. Don't worry about it.

Before that, since we're friends now, could I ask you for one favor? Friends help each other out and stuff.

Just say the word! I'll do you any favor!

The thing is, to be honest... I've been really sick lately.

So I need a lot of medicine, a whole lot. Maybe enough to last a lifetime.

Really...? Where can I get the medicine?

Oh, it just so happens that there's a clinic in Hananis run by a beastkin doctor named Francis...

Can you go there and get me the medicine I need? As many doses as possible.

Of course, I'll give you all the money you'll need. Since you're my friend, I'm sure you can do this for me, right?

O-of course!

Alright. Hahaha... I'm counting on you, Brisshell.