This story is by the featured author BamHamm, and is hosted on my site for the sake of convenience.

Black Wisdom White Witch: Snapshot

Author's note: The following is an excerpt from an upcoming chapter of Mobile Suit Gundam: Black Wisdom, White Witch to accompany the work shown at the Blorbo Art Show. I hope you enjoy!~

"We're prolly gonna be in 'ere for some time while we're busy talkin' with the local drongos and such. You three go get some supplies while we handle the borin' stuff." Rowland waved Nasira, Iida and Twenty off, with him and Orlando entering the Masisea town hall, leaving them by the door. Iida looked at them and smiled rather excitedly.

"I haven't really stepped around in a little town like this before. Usually I'm either stuck in some boring Federation base, or at a major city or colony if I get free time. What's say we get a bit of sightseeing done while we grab some stuff?"

Nasira cocked her eyebrow, not really in the mood for something so frivolous. But, to be fair, they would have to wait a while before they could get moving again anyway, and looking around while on a supply run wouldn't really hurt. However, before she managed to respond, Twenty responded for them.

"Food and clean drinking water will be our priority, both of which might be lacking in this town. We'll need enough to sustain us for at least three to five days, as the next settlement larger than a hamlet in our planned route is around ninety to ninety-five kilometers away. Leisure can come second in this situation."

Iida stood silent for a few moments, trying to give a reasonable counterargument, but merely pouted in defeat, nodding silently. Twenty looked at her for a bit before it began walking toward the markets, making Nasira tug the saddened lady along.

As it predicted, the market wasn't particularly stocked with luxuries, with most of the food available being locally grown vegetables and a few imported goods, likely from Pucallpa. The trio spent a few minutes picking out hardier and denser crops, along with one or two larger jugs of water for the journey ahead. With their group size, these will be gone in a day or two… They weren't really thinking of that, however, as even though they agreed to focus on important matters first, Iida and Nasira couldn't help but admire the local sights. Though clearly on the rural side, the town felt warm and open, with locals helping one another and talking to each other on the streets. Children were playing with a dog close to the market square, and the elderly were selling their handiwork, oozing with local culture. Even with all the fighting happening rather close by, things really couldn't be any more idyllic than they were here.

As time moved forward, their shopping trip ended up turning into a sightseeing journey after all, and they eventually sat for a break in the town plaza. The sun shone warmly, and they enjoyed some snacks they grabbed along the way. Nasira sighed contently, soaking in more of the atmosphere. It almost made her forget the nightmare she had witnessed, and made her feel more positive about their journey ahead. These were the people she was fighting for.

Iida, on the other hand, was busy taking photos with her phone, fully engaging in tourist-like activities. Suddenly, she turned toward Nasira and Twenty, gleam in her eyes.

"Hey, let's take a quick group photo! Ya know, for memories and such! I don't think we'll be having tons of time once things really start going, so we might as well take one now, right?" She looked at the two expectantly, digging into her pockets to fish out her phone.

Nasira put her hands up awkwardly, clearly not on board with the idea. "Uh… I don't know if I'm really in the state to take a—"

"Aww c'mon, just one okay? You in on this, Twenty?" Iida responded, turning her attention to it. It thought about the question for a moment before striking a salute, clearly ready for a photo. Iida smiled, lifting up her phone for a group selfie while pulling Nasira in close. A bit too close.

"Smile!"