Rise of the Soul Hero

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***

The next day the whole foursome was on the road. Andrew still remembered the night's conversation and, as promised, kept silent about it. But at the same time he was looking forward to meeting the so-called confidant of the mysterious mistress. Raftali and Firo, unfortunately, did not get what they needed, but they bought Naofumi a gift in the form of a special hammer for jewellery making. Now Naofumi, who didn't know anything about anything, just sat in front as always and just watched the road.

Andrew, sitting next to him, was also looking at the road, but at the same time he wanted to walk with his own two, not to drive for the umpteenth time. So he started whistling a little and Naofumi instantly noticed it, he looked at Andrei carefully and started asking.

- Andrei, you obviously want something. I can see it in your face. -

Andrei in turn decided not to hide anything, so he began to announce his request.

- No offence, but I'm sick of riding in the cart, let's walk a little with our own two. I'm going to start jumping up and down on foot. -

Naofumi smiled slightly and began to answer.

- Well, I agree with you. Let's walk around the clearing for a while, I'm getting a little stiff myself. -

Raftalia immediately jumped onto the regular ground through the back exit of the wagon, then ran up to Andrew and began to speak.

- Thank you Naofumi-san, if you don't mind, Firo and I will pick some flowers. -

Naofumi agreed, then looked at Andrei again and started talking.

- Well you and I are going to take a walk near the trees, you just need a walk. It seems like a good environment helps you heal much faster. -

Andrei shook his head slightly and started to answer.

- Naofumi, you're like a caring older brother. But don't forget that I'm already feeling pretty good, so don't be overprotective. -

Naofumi shrugged and just nodded, then they both dismounted and walked towards the trees at the end of the clearing. They walked together along this fence of trees and Naofumi immediately started to ask what he had wanted to ask a little earlier.

- Andrei, I've been fending off this question for a long time. But what happened to you when you were unconscious after the fight with the dragon. But if you don't want to talk about it, I understand. -

Andrew immediately looked at Naofumi and after a little thought began to answer almost the truth, but with a few changes.

- No Naofumi, it's okay. I'd tell you about it myself someday. I've already remembered more of my past thanks to this. I saw my family there, even though I hadn't forgotten them. I remembered their love and kindness and how partly I had this amnesia. But I don't want to tell you about that. And to be honest, at first I thought my dream was real. -

That surprised Naofumi and he decided to ask.

- Very interesting, but how did you realise it was just a dream and how did you come back? -

Andrei shrugged his shoulders and started to answer.

- It won't be easy to explain, but the realisation that it was a dream came almost by itself. Also thanks to you, I heard your voices and how you were calling me. Then I eventually realised that the place was just my mind and asked my family if I should follow them. They told me it would be my choice. And what I chose, you already know. -

Naofumi nodded and began to speak, glancing slightly at his shield.

- Yes, it's a fascinating story. To be honest, I don't know what we would have done if you hadn't woken up. In a way, you're the knot that ties us together for now. -

Andrew kept walking, and after a few minutes he started talking.

- Sometimes I honestly wonder what would have happened if I'd gone down the aisle with them, what would have happened then? The end or a new life? I don't know. -

Naofumi patted him lightly on the shoulder and began to answer.

- You made your choice and decided to choose us, there's nothing wrong with that. You go on with your life and you know you're welcome here, and one day I'll be faced with that choice, and if I still have unfinished business here, I'll come back. Because life is full of choices. -

Andrew smiled at these words and thanked Naofumi. They continued walking until Andrew's stomach rumbled, he smiled embarrassedly and Naofumi laughed a little, then started talking.

- Looks like we had a good walk, you've worked up quite an appetite. So let's have a bite to eat and then we'll go on our way, it's a pity we've run out of food in the wagon, but we'll make up for it. Firo, Raftalia, come here, let's get the food. -

Raftalia and Firo quickly came to them and Raftalia began to speak at once.

- There's nothing but flowers and herbs in the clearing, unfortunately. But maybe there is something in the forest, if you don't mind, let's gather something together. -

Naofumi smiled and began to speak.

- If there are berries or mushrooms in the forest, it's a plus for us. In addition we can find something useful, what do you think Andrei? -

Andrei with the same smile as Naofumi began to answer.

- I like the gifts of nature, so let's start gathering goodies. -

Everyone immediately went into the forest and picked berries and mushrooms with various medicinal herbs. This went on until they came to another clearing where a girl was sitting with philorials around her. The girl had purple hair and exactly the same dress, and on her face a kind smile and rather bright joyful eyes.

Our heroes walked a little closer and they were noticed by the Philorials, at the same second they scattered and the girl was left alone looking at those who accidentally scared away the good birds. None of the four knew what to say, and the girl looked at Firo, who was now in the form of a Philorial. But Andrew decided to go a little ahead and began to speak.

- Hello, I'm sorry we scared them away. We were just looking for berries and mushrooms, why are you here alone? Are you lost? -

The girl came forward and started to answer.

- Yes, unfortunately I'm a bit far away from my companions. I'm also not offended that you scared them away, it must have been really accidental. By the way, you also have a very beautiful philorial. -

Andrei smiled and then called Firo to him. She came over and started talking.

- Thank you for calling me beautiful. My name is Firo, what's yours? -

The girl was very surprised, but came a little closer and Naofumi, who was watching without saying anything, noticed that the girl was obviously hungry. He stepped forward just as the girl began to speak.

- My name is Melty, nice to meet you Firo. Can I ask you all your names? -

That's when Naofumi started to answer.

- My name is Naofumi, the girl behind me is Raftalia. Firo has already introduced herself, and the guy who's smiling like a cat is Andrei. It's nice to meet you too Melty, would you mind joining us for lunch? You look hungry. -

Meltie hesitated for a moment, but started to answer.

- I don't mind, I hope I'm not disturbing you too much. -

Andrew laughed a little in response and started to answer.

- Don't worry Melti, we'll make such a chowder, we'll lick our fingers. And you won't bother us a bit, come on. -

She nodded and walked next to Andrei. In another clearing they quickly prepared a chowder and divided it among the four of them. Firo immediately took human form, which surprised Melti even more, she asked a couple of questions and after a while they started eating.

While this was going on Andrei noticed Melti watching him a couple of times, which led him to the idea that perhaps he was a confidante of the mistress. But there was a great doubt, but in spite of that Andrei decided to start talking.

- Melti, where were you going? If you want, we can take you there. -

Melti smiled and started to answer.

- I'm going to the central city and if it's not too much trouble, you can really take me there. You'll be well paid for it. -

I've already started to answer that.

- We're heading that way too, so it's on the way and we could use the reward. But it looks like we're pretty late at this clearing, so if nobody minds, we'll sleep here tonight. -

No one minded, so as soon as they finished eating, Firo and Melti played together in the clearing. Naofumi and Raftalia were walking near the trees and talking amongst themselves. Andrew was just lying next to a lone tree leaning against it and watching everything that was going on. He had a smile on his face and he was happy. He felt relieved and at peace, taking a deep breath Andrew looked up into the sky.

By this time there was already a scarlet sunset and the sun was sinking below the horizon. He stood up to his full height and walked forward a little, then looked towards Raftalia and Naofumi.

They walked a little into the forest holding each other's hands, Andrew smiled and shook his head, then walked over to Melti who was sitting down to rest after catching up with Firo. He gently sat down next to her and asked.

- Do you mind if I sit next to you? -

Melti smiled and started to answer.

- Sit down Andrei, I would be happy to talk to you if you don't mind. -

Andrei nodded and started to answer.

- I don't mind either, what do you want to talk about Melty? -

She thought for a moment and started to answer.

- Well, there's a lot of things I'd like to ask you. But Firo has already told most of what happened to you, at the same time I have a question for you. Who are you really, you're not just travellers. -

Andrei nodded and began to answer.

- That's right, I can't tell you the whole truth, but we're not wanderers who fall into different stories as Firo probably told you. I'm a mercenary in a way, but I can work for money, and you Melti, who are you really? -

Melti kept smiling and started to answer.

- I am an ordinary girl, but I am also the daughter of an important person. I met you and I'm glad I did, and you are Andrei, a very kind man. Only in your eyes there is a little sadness. -

Andrei shrugged his shoulders slightly and stroked Melti's head, then talked to her about the landscape and the colours.