A Bit Of a Deadly Shock

I was out of breath as I fled the city. Suddenly, the atmosphere, which had seemed joyful, began to overwhelm me, and pushing through the crowds of people, dancing couples, and tables became a tremendous effort. Hans wanted to help me, but I refused, claiming that only getting some fresh air in a more open space would help. In my hurry, I stumbled a few times, but I didn't have time to worry about it. Besides, I needed Renet to calm down and feel safe; I had to tell him what I'd learned.

I was surprised when I saw him trying to escape the clutches of two people. They were talking in raised voices, so as I approached, I heard them say, in short, that Renet didn't want to celebrate or drink, something those trying to force him to do couldn't understand. As much as I hated it, it wasn't proper to refuse, or to serve, or to pour yourself alcohol when you don't feel like it, because it was a company meeting. And then you suffer anyway, and you can't even feel sorry, because a hangover is often not your fault. I walked up to them and jabbed the one standing closer. He looked at me, surprised.

"Not everyone feels like drinking when you do," I said to them, my voice furious. "If you're so keen, go to the market. Don't force someone who clearly doesn't feel like it."

"But it's a national holiday!" came the argument from the one who hadn't been hit by my crutch.

"What do I care!" I didn't have time for such discussions, so I grabbed Renet's hand and pulled him toward the gate. "Let's go! And you guys leave him alone."

"And that's exactly why it shouldn't be free," I muttered under my breath.

Angry energy gave me pace, so we walked quite a distance before I realized I didn't really know where I was supposed to go. I looked around for Renet, who was dutifully following me.

"Thank you," he said, flustered. "I didn't know how to get rid of them, and I didn't want to leave because I was waiting for you."

"I am the one thanking you." I smiled. "I can't remember the last time anyone worried about me like that. But we have a serious problem."

"What do you mean?" he worried.

"The war will break out sooner than you expected. You shouldn't have set up camp. We don't have time for that."

"Even if it does, we need to rest." He stopped me, grabbing my hand and turning me to face him. He brought his face close to mine. "Besides, I smell alcohol on you too, and that's not a good advisor."

"Renet, humans want to attack in two weeks, on the king's birthday," I announced, panicked, as the image of dead bodies flashed before my eyes again. "I have to stop all this. I can't let it happen." I started shaking. After all, I didn't want this responsibility, but maybe that's why I came to this world, to see it from an outsider's perspective.

"Kyo! What's going on?" He embraced me and began leading me towards the camp.

"I can't let this happen," I muttered to myself over and over. "I have to do something."

"Yes, yes, I'll help you, but first you'll regain your sanity."

A moment later, Renet sat me down by the fire and threw a blanket over me. I must have had some kind of nervous breakdown. When he tried to sit on the other side of the fire, I grabbed his hand and forced him to sit next to me. I needed someone close to me more than ever. He stroked my back, and after a while, I fell asleep, but I had nightmares.

I was still haunted by images of dead bodies, fire consuming cities and lands regardless of anything in its way, and screams and cries, some of which seemed to come from my own throat. I walked along the road, my hands covered in blood, and Renet's voice echoed in my ears, accusing me of it all being my fault. In the end I woke up in the meantime only to find that I'd ended up sleeping on my crush's lap. He smiled reassuringly at me and assured me he'd watch over me all night. Fortunately, the nightmare didn't return, which didn't mean I slept soundly; quite the contrary, I was struggling so much that Renet had to hold me, or so he claimed. We quickly set off again, though I worried that caring for me all night had taken so much of his energy unnecessarily. Of course, he denied it and assured me that everything was fine.

"I know you'd prefer to take the fastest route, but I don't want to risk staying off the road," he asked when we spotted a carriage somewhere in the distance.

I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, I felt I could thank him and simply continue on my own, since the route was already clear; he wouldn't have to struggle and make any more sacrifices for me. On the other hand, my selfishness wouldn't allow me to ask him to do so, as I didn't want to be separated from him. And the more time I spent with him, the stronger my infatuation and attachment to him grew. This level already spelled trouble. We walked in silence for a while, and I didn't even know what to talk to Renet about. I was too stressed and overwhelmed by my feelings for him and for the upcoming war.

"Why do you think you have to stop this?" he asked, walking dangerously close to me, our arms beginning to touch more and more.

I wanted to answer him straight out that I'm from another world and, like a hero in a minor isekai story, that's simply my role because it behooves me to do something significant. But I couldn't get it out of my head, and no logical answer came to mind.

"Because I know it's stupid, and I have to at least try to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. Besides, it's utterly stupid to hate someone just for being different from themselves," I shrugged, hoping the sense of a higher mission would be enough for him.

Renet considered my answer for a moment. I had the impression he wanted to say something, but he was struggling with whether or not to. After a moment, he just smiled.

"That's very noble, but I don't know if you'll be able to do anything about it. Rulers can be very stubborn and don't tend to listen to ordinary people." I had the impression he was trying to dissuade me. Perhaps he was tormented by the same dilemmas, wanting to stay by my side as long as possible but not necessarily participate in realizing my goal. Did he regret joining me?

"I have to at least try," I replied arrogantly; after all, I had a purpose in life, the drive and motivation to fulfill it.

I wanted to say anything else, but something in the distance caught my eye. I couldn't believe nature would create such a structure, and it's hard to mistake it for anything else. Despite my initial plan, I headed in that direction, as if drawn there. I picked up speed, needing to be sure, and when I finally got there, I touched the metal hidden beneath the layer of moss. Nature had absorbed it and used it for its own purposes. Only its original shape resembled its own.

A plane, a damn plane.