Cry and Heal

Adam: So you’re like a princess or something?

We sat at a campfire as we rested and I healed myself. It seems that the mannequin purposely missed anything that would instantly kill me when it stabbed me in the back. That said, I still needed some time to make sure everything was working properly. As I fixed my legs and organs I made an attempt at some lighthearted conversation but Raya didn’t appear too excited.

Right… since she was something of a princess it would make sense that this is a touchy subject.

Raya: Yes, like I said, I'm the first daughter of Dionysius Drogo and granddaughter to Karl Drogo, the Duke of the northern regions of New Artenia. I plan to end my grandfather’s tyranny but I need to gain strength first.

Adam: I see… I was the first son of Marquess Witherton. So our situations are somewhat similar.

I hope she doesn’t get offended by that. I agreed to be her “shield” but I’m not really sure what that entails. Should’ve read the terms and conditions.

She looked at me and smiled at my words.

Raya: Is that so… We should get some sleep. I’ll take the first watch.

Adam: No, you can sleep first. I still have to finish my legs and I doubt I could sleep right now anyways.

Raya: hmmm. Alright, Goodnight.

She laid down and turned away from the fire. Everything was silent except for the cracking of the flames.

Looking around our makeshift camp, I assessed our current resources. We didn’t exactly have much. I also didn’t know where we were going but Raya seemed to have a destination in mind. I’ll ask her about it tomorrow.

Raya had been adventuring before she ran into me so she had some rations, supplies, and her sword. I however, had nothing but the clothes on my back. I had even dropped my sword when Rock flung me into the air. It was just a standard steel shortsword but I had gotten pretty attached to it.

Then an idea popped into my head.

Right before I had encountered Raya, I managed to create a knife from blood.

Remember those emotions. Trace out the shape of your spell.

Pax: Cut me from this world –Blood Armaments

I manipulated blood into the shape of a sword and augmented it to be as strong and sharp as possible. Then I swung at the air to test it out.

Adam: As expected, it’s weaker and lighter than a real sword but it should still do the job.

As the hours passed, I fine tuned the blade and tended to the fire until Raya woke up and told me that it was my turn to sleep.

Now that I had no excuses, I couldn’t turn her down.

That doesn’t mean that I could just fall asleep though.

As I laid on my back, I stared up at the night sky and thought about everything that had happened so far.

Mother, Rock, Oliver, Mau, Ash, Father, and all of the maids and soldiers of the Witherton estate are dead… except for Alyssa. Actually, what happened to her?

She should still be in Guileva taking care of Rock’s house.

I’ll have to apologize next time I see her.

That’s right… It’s all my fault.

Raya: Can’t sleep?

Thankfully my thoughts were interrupted before that woman could appear.

Adam: Yeah… Raya, what should I be doing?

Raya: I think that’s something for you to decide.

She looked at me as if still wondering what my question truly meant.

Pax: I’m your servant, right? Step on me, beat me, sell me, or send me to my death… I’ll do whatever you wish. Just… tell me what I should be doing right now.

Raya: I think what you’re doing now is fine.

She doesn’t understand. Of course she wouldn’t

Adam: My parents, my mentor, my comrades, and my servants are all dead because of …BECAUSE OF ME! It’s all my fault… And at this rate you’ll die too. What should I do? What am I doing wrong? Please… I’m begging you.

I held my face in my hands as tears began streaming down my face.

Raya: All those people, they died to protect you. You need not torture youself over their decisions, or else you disregard their thoughts and choices. Keep walking forward and do not forget their sacrifice. Live on, for them.

She approached me before sitting down and giving me a warm smile.

Raya: You know, I once had a brother. He was strong and kind and would sneak in sweets for me. He would sit me in front of the fireplace and read me stories whenever I couldn’t go to sleep at night. The only reason I’m here today is because he was there to protect me. But then he died because of that.

She stopped smiling at that last sentence and then looked at me and continued.

Raya: To this day, I think that the world would be better if he was still in it instead of me but that would disregard his kindness. We can’t change the past. Cry and mourn for them but don’t waste their kindness. Don’t worry Adam, you’re doing just fine.