“I think everything is fine for now, so we’ll just let everyone else prep it however they like.”

They only got one plate done, and there were still twelve more to do. What a daunting task. If KOS-MOS could eat, that would be an extra one; good thing curry doesn’t take very long.

But instead of making them all herself, she had MOMO here to help. That way, it would go a lot faster than she initially believed. 

“This feels a bit nostalgic, don’t you think?”

It didn’t take long for them to start the next plate but as Shion delved herself into the work, she almost missed MOMO’s comment.

“Hm? What do you mean?” She had an idea what the Realian meant but desired a bit more clarification.

“Back before everything started, when we were all strangers heading for the same destination. We had so much time to relax and learn about each other. Of course, things happened in between, but it wasn’t like it is now.”

That much was certain. Everything that’s been happening now felt like a tornado that threatened everything they knew. What was the truth? What was a lie? Was there anyone they could trust anymore? The one thing they could rely on were each other, and that was reassuring. 

“I don’t know,” MOMO continued, ...”it just feels a lot better. Makes me forget what’s happening, even if it’s still staring us down.”

“I understand what you’re saying, MOMO. It really is a nice moment for all of us. Honestly, making curry again reminds me of the time I cooked for everyone. I believe it was before you and Ziggy showed up.”

“Really? What did they think?”

As far as she could recall, they all enjoyed it. Said something about all their cooking being rather tasteless and dull. How did they even survive like that? Their tastebuds must have been severely lacking.

“They were thrilled to have someone on board that finally knew how to cook.” Shion finally explained. “Guess they had to deal with the bad cooking from each other. It made her wish to be a fly on the wall to see it in person.

The comment made MOMO amused at least. “Then I’m glad to help out as much as I can. Now you don’t have to do everything yourself!”

“Thank you, MOMO. Usually the others helped out as well, KOS-MOS included.” Not much during the cooking process, but she could stubbornly wash dishes. Almost seemed she was determined to wash them with any chance she got, regardless if anyone else offered.

The Commander suddenly popped into her mind, remembering how he was the only one that didn’t show up to dinner that day. Shion found it strange but that’s because they knew nothing about what was going to transpire that day.

But what stood out the most to her about the Commander were his last words; that she, too, would find herself on that endless beach. It felt like a void, filled with nothing but the sound of water. Was he still lingering there? How lonely did he feel? Apparently, it must be nothing compared to how he was treated and went through life.

Back then, Shion couldn’t believe they ended his life. How could they kill him? How did his final moments feel like to him? He seemed content with the end and Shion couldn’t understand how that must have felt.

Perhaps it was better that way. He was suffering from the effects of being touched by a Gnosis. chaos helped her with figuring that out. It’s been a long time since his passing, a few years in fact, but she liked to remember him as a way so others wouldn’t forget.

And to think he was quite pushy when they first met. Unseen circumstances. 

How Shion wished to go back to those times; before everything was lost to their fates and destinies.

“Shion? You all right?”

MOMO’s voice came back into play. The older woman watched her carefully before offering a smile.

“Yes, I’m fine. Just thinking a bit too much, is all.”

She didn’t find it necessary to tell what she was thinking about; this should be a stress free occasion, not something bogged down from past memories.