> Ellie PoV

What a fun person!

This is the first time I've met someone like this!

Everyone else I ever met wanted to kill me though.

I wonder if it’s okay to call this person Kira.

Friends give each other special names, right?

And I want to be friends for sure!

Besides, the name really suits Kira.

It’s short and sweet, and saying it somehow fills me with confidence!

Yep, it fits.

Kira is really upset because of me, I didn’t know what to do at first.

But then Nano said to begin Operation There-There!

As expected of Nano’s strategy, it’s super effective!

Kira broke down started crying, but I completely understand.

It was my fault Kira had to go through all that, after all.

After calming down a bit, Kira looks at me and then gets upset again.

The way Kira’s expressions seem to shift around is really amusing to watch!

Also, I’m not sure why, but Kira looks really pretty.

Even though the face is the same, Kira is without a doubt much prettier than me!

I think it's the hair.

It's a lively red and really long.

*Stroke stroke*

I gently touch it.

Soft and silky.

It may also be the chest.

Also, I’m not jealous about that sort of thing, okay?

Those things probably get in the way when moving around.

However, they look soft and bouncy.

Might be fun to play around with, even though it would be impractical.

I somehow got envious of it for a while.

Part of me got competitive for no good reason, as if I was envious.

However, that was a silly notion.

It’s impossible to be envious of yourself.

And this person in front of me, is me!

It was a bit strange at first, but it was easy enough to accept after thinking about it a little!

I mean Kira smells exactly like me!

Even Nano said it was like that!

Therefore, Kira is also me!

But wait, there’s more!

I had lost consciousness as we were landing on this world.

Crashed? No no no, it was a landing.

After the landing, Nano seems to have been busy taking care of my wounds, but I wouldn’t wake up even after he was done.

How could I wake up?

I wasn’t actually in my own body!

It felt like my conciousness got separated from the rest of me during our controlled descent!

And it landed in Kira’s head!

Super weird!

Normally, something like that is beyond impossible.

But, Kira is me!

Therefore, my consciousness went into my own head.

Makes sense, right?

Okay, maybe not, but it all worked out and that’s what matters!

Besides, it was a good experience being stuck in a different head!

Well, as long as you can withstand the torrent of information.

I’m used to that sort of thing, so it was no problem for me.

However, Kira was not - she couldn’t take it and snapped completely!

I wanted to calm her down, but communication was impossible.

I couldn’t use [Telepathy] on myself after all.

All I could do was gently nudge Kira towards the cra- landing site.

There was no doubt Kira would arrive safely.

Kira is actually pretty amazing you know!

Even though it should have been impossible, Kira somehow used [Telepathy] and [Telekinesis] along the way!

They were really strong, too!

Almost as strong as mine!

Ah, maybe she ended up borrowing mine?

That makes sense since she seemed to be using them reflexively.

I mean, she flung people and creatures away without a single trace of grace or control.

Even though it was unfocused raw power, it was still enough!

Anything and everything that stood in Kira’s way got flung into the air!

In the end, Kira arrived here without suffering a single scratch!

And when Nano led Kira to me, I could finally jump back into my original head.

I was afraid to do it before.

I had no idea if my body survived or if my head was still intact!

Wandering around aimlessly like a ghost was seriously terrifying!

But, once we got back here, I felt something tugging on me, calling me back into my own head.

I focused really hard on that sensation and boom - I woke up!

How did I jump between heads?

No idea!

I just tried my best!

Worrying about it is no use.

I kind of want to ask Nano about it, but doing that right now is a bad idea.

Nano is busy learning the new words directly from my head right now.

That’s why Nano is a bit quiet.

Like this, all three of us will be able to talk!

Ah, but Kira can’t see nor hear Nano...

Well, Nano will find a way to solve that problem.

Nano always finds away.

However, I still have to make amends.

I made Kira panic earlier, causing a lot of trouble and stress.

I’m sure she’s still scared out of her wits about what happened.

The problem is I have no idea what’s going on either.

But what I do know is that the first thing I need to do is apologize!

Guh... it’s surprisingly scary.

I’ve never had to apologize to someone before!

Somehow I’d rather be fighting Golimonian Mercenaries than face my mistakes!

But I have to get through this if I want to get along with Kira.

And I definitely want to do that!

“*Cough*” (Ellie)

Kira looks at me with a questioning face.

Okay, now that I have her attention, it’s time to assume the position!

Kneeling down, bend forward, palms on the floor, head touching the ground.

Behold, the fruits of my training, the legendary dogeza!

"Why? What is this, suddenly?" (Kira)

Kira gets shocked.

Kira's eyes start swimming.

Did I fail?

I think I failed.

"S-S-Sorry, b-but I don't even know you so t-t-that..." (Kira)

Kira's stuttering for some reason.

Yep, I failed.

Self introductions should come first.

I sit back in kneeling position and introduce myself.

"..." (Ellie)

Crap, words don't come out!

It's my first conversation with a real person in a long time!

I talk with Nano all the time, but that doesn’t count since Nano isn’t a person!

Ah right, I have to get used the new words!

Let’s see, to begin with-

"H-Hello Kira." (Ellie)

Alright, words came out!

It’s a simple greeting, but something crucial when initiating conversations!

“Kira? Who? Me?” (Kira)

“Yes. I call you Kira. Is okay?” (Ellie)

My speech is a bit stiff, but I'm maintaining eye contact

Eye contact and a smile are crucial communication tools!

“Y-yes. Sure. It’s fine…” (Kira)

Phase one complete!

Since Kira accepted the nickname I picked, it means we are now officially friends!

Right, time to give my own name!

"I’m Ellie." (Ellie)

This is the name Nano gave me.

I don’t even remember my real name, but that doesn’t matter.

A blade by any other name would still cut through bone just as well.

It’s a simple fact.

Besides, this name is a precious gift from my first friend!

Of course I’ll want my second friend to use it!

"I survived thanks to Kira." (Ellie)

Without a doubt I would probably not wake up if not for Kira.

"I also caused Kira trouble." (Ellie)

The rampaging [Telekinesis] and [Telepathy] Kira had to endure were clearly my fault.

Kira was completely surprised by them, so it’s clear this was the first time Kira had experienced something like that.

"Therefore, please accept this." (Ellie)

I resume the legendary dogeza!

It’s the highest form of apology Nano taught me!

And Nano’s teachings are never wrong!

"Eh? EEEEH? But we're both girls! We barely met each other!" (Kira)

What's that reaction?

Does that matter?

Not good.

I’m lacking intelligence.

Maybe it’s some form of cultural thing?

"Is there a problem?" (Ellie)

I raise my head and ask in a calm voice.

"W-W-Well, that is..." (Kira)

Ah, Kira went silent and started fidgeting.

Maybe she’s just unused to receiving apologies?

No, I’ve never received one either.

Or maybe she bugged out?

Can people get bugs?

Nano used to get a lot of those.

Ah, but Nano isn't a person.

This silence is getting us nowhere, so let’s confirm I’m not doing something wrong!

"There is no problem, right?" (Ellie)

"No... I guess not, but... Y-You really don't mind?" (Kira)

"Of course not. I'm taking responsibility for my actions." (Ellie)

Kira’s fidgeting stopped and she stopped averting her gaze.

Is it me or are her ears getting a bit red?

Actually, this is a good chance for another attempt!

"Then-" (Ellie)

Let's dogeza once more with all my might while I have Kira’s undivided attention!

Fufufu, it was the correct decision to practice this.

Not everyone can pull of a flawless triple dogeza combo!

I want to get along with myself, so please accept my apology, me!

"... Ellie, huh?" (Kira)

Kira became quiet for a while.

But, I don't break the dogeza.

Nano says you’re out after the third strike.

Therefore, this is my last stand!

“This whole day was strange. This is clearly abnormal, yet I can't deny you. No matter how many times I consider it, it’s like I don’t even consider rejecting you a possibility.” (Kira)

I have no idea what Kira’s talking about.

But, if it’s not a rejection… then!

“However, let’s decide this is a good thing. I’ve had enough of being alone. I have no idea who you are, where you come from or what’s going on, but my gut is telling me it’ll work out. An adventurer should always trust their gut feelings! Besides, it’s your own fault if you think about incomprehensible things too deeply!” (Kira)

Wow!

Such great words!

To think Kira was a great person equal to Nano!

Ah, but Nano isn't a person.

"I don't know what will happen in the future, but right now-" (Kira)

Kira gently grabs my head with both hands.

I allow her to pull me into an embrace, my face coming to rest in her cleavage!

As expected, it’s quite soft!

And this overwhelming warmth and sense of security...

I can get used to this.

"I accept." (Kira)

Ohh!

My sincere apology was accepted!

It was a tough battle, but as usual preparations were key.

Ahhh, I feel so relieved.

It’s like a massive weight has been lifted from my shoulders!

All that’s left is the almost overwhelming feeling of my head being surrounded by warm softness...

Hmm?

Kira hasn’t spoken or moved for a while now.

I open the eyes that had closed instinctively and look up at her face.

"Zzzzzz…. " (Kira)

Kira's fallen asleep while sitting down!

To fall asleep in this situation, what fearsome skill!

Nano is still busy, so this is actually a very good idea!

"Good night, Kira." (Ellie)

I whisper gently at her, her mouth curling into a small smile as a result.

Hehehe, as expected, Kira is really pretty when she smiles!

It’s almost like she’s sparkling, how mysterious!