Opponents and teammates passed by Tom, either patting him on the shoulder as a sign of gratitude for his teamwork or giving him friendly hugs, which he reciprocated with mutual feeling. They all left, and with the game over, Tom’s team had emerged victorious.


<<Tom, we’ll be waiting for you here tomorrow! Now that I’ve found you , I am not letting you go.>> Tronnak called out playfully as he walked away. The crowd dispersed, leaving Tom standing alone on the frozen lake, with A-01 across from him.


<< Honestly, I can say you were amazing out there! Everyone adored you! >>


<< And you ? >> Tom asked impulsively.


<< I admired you quite a lot.. yes..>> A-01 admitted shyly.


Tom’s lips broke into a wide smile, one he immediately recognized as his own. Her affirmation healed something inside him – something he hadn’t known was wounded, something he hadn’t realized needed healing.


<< I saw you talking to Griff >> he broached cautiously.


<< Nothing for you to worry >>


<< But does it worry you ? Because you seemed troubled after he left >> Tom commented with genuine concern lacing his words.


<< You’re being nosy, Tom..>>


<< Yes, I am ! Because I don’t think he’s happy with my tour of your world! >> he stated, taking a deep breath << Which I understand. I know there have been tensions between Plersizians and Humans for many years, and my presence here naturally worries some..like Griff. How can I help earn his trust ? I mean, he’s your loyal follower and advisor.. you know how I can approach him properly ..>>


<< There’s no need for such gestures. You have my trust and that’s enough for everyone. And as long as you continue to prove me right, you show everyone that.. not all humans are the same. >> she paused abruptly, her thoughts drifting. << Honestly, I trust you, Tom. And I know you are different. I just.. know..>>


Her statement caused a twist in his stomach. The gravity of his presence among the Plersizians struck him hard. A-01 had trusted him from the beginning , without knowing his motives, and had defended him before the council. Suddenly, a nagging doubt surfaced: Are the Plersizians genuinely welcoming or are they merely respecting their leader’s decision ? A question for which he might never get an aswer.. although, deep down, he saw signs of sincerity in their actions, especially in A-01’s eyes. Her gaze made him forget everything in seconds, banishing all suspicious thoughts and doubts.


Tom’s body craved just one more touch from her but he managed to keep it hidden.


<< Anyway.. let’s not dive deeper into this conversation! Shall we go inside for some food ? >>


<< Just a moment! We’re not done yet! >> Tom said, raising a finger in her direction – a gesture that instantly conveyed to A-01 that the conversation was about to get even more serious.