Chapter 16_The major hurdle

Despite what Tomiko had intended, they spent the next two days battling enemies to level up. She had to face the reality that it would take too many tries to defeat the large rock golem mid-boss while only getting hit once.

Chimon said if they went back to the ocean there was an enemy they could beat that would drop an item to reduce all fire related damage by fifty percent.

She was initially against the idea because Tomiko thought it was too far out of the way. But Chimon reminded her he could teleport them to any place they had been before. From the closest place where they had been to the ocean boss it would only take about fifteen minutes. Tomiko was convinced.

Apparently, there were a lot of enemies and areas they had skipped over. Chimon had pretty much been directing Tomiko to take the fastest path through a biome. There were many branches, offshoots, and locations to explore. Chimon figured Tomiko wasn't the most interested in exploring, especially with how she treated the desert and rainforest biomes early on.

It was a fair conclusion to make, and one Tomiko agreed with knowing the full situation, but it was a little annoying that they had to backtrack to get a useful item. Chimon assured her most of the items they missed were either incrementally stronger weapons or equipment unhelpful for them in the volcano.

Tomiko was a bit skeptical. Sure, she had been very adamant about only using her starting sword until only recently, but there were most likely other items that could be useful he wasn't telling her about. She assumed it was for time reasons.

The manta ray ocean boss was an easy battle. Tomiko was very over leveled to the point where it only took three hits to defeat. And just as Chimon had said, it gave a necklace that reduced fire based damage.

With their prize equipped and two days worth of grinding for levels, they were ready to try taking on the lava mid-boss on Thursday.

The room looked exactly as they had seen it the first time. The damage to the walls and floor were gone. It was as if they hadn't been in the room before. But Tomiko was very aware of everything that had happened. She traced her previous movements with her eyes as she stepped inside. They were stronger now, but she still reviewed past mistakes and how to learn from them.

“We got this!” Chimon said.

His encouragement brought Tomiko back to the present.

“Yeah, there’s no way it can keep up!” Tomiko said.

She was filled with confidence.

Tomiko took a few more steps toward the center of the room. At about the same spot, the opposite door opened and out came the imposing giant. Its hunched back leaned forward with a rock jutting out that Tomiko could only assume was the head. Mostly because the bubble resembling Chimon was attached at the rock’s base. For the lowered angle, Tomiko could barely see the bubble behind its head. The way it was crammed between the hunch of the back and the back of the head, it was clear the creature was designed to protect it.

This gave Tomiko an idea.

“Hey Chimon!” Tomiko shouted as she leaped out of the way of an incoming punch.

“What is it? You want to switch weapons already?” Chimon asked in response.

Tomiko was currently using her sword that they had enhanced a few times to deal more water damage.

“Yes! I want to try popping its bubble, like what happened to us last time!” She said.

Chimon paused before saying “I think it will be too quick to block, but it's worth a shot while we have health to spare. Weapon loaded.”

Tomiko reached in to swap weapons. She had wanted to get some practice dodging the projectiles anyway.

As soon as she backed up to get a good angle to strike, the golem lifted its arm to start blasting its own shots.

She tried firing while dodging, but the golem used the hand it wasn't firing with to block the shots. Despite its size, it was moving its arm incredibly fast. Much faster than the arm firing projectiles.

While lining up a shot, Tomiko got hit with a fire orb.

“Twenty percent taken!” Chimon said.

After Tomiko was hit, the golem’s firing arm lowered, as though it needed to charge. The other arm stayed vigilant, keeping close to its head to block any incoming shots.

“It hasn’t taken any damage, has it?” Tomiko asked as she swung back around from the knockback of being hit.

“Right, it seems to be completely negating the damage if it hits the inside of its hand!”

“Noted! Switch me back!”

“Weapon loaded!”

Tomiko switched weapons as she closed the distance to strike at its recharging arm.

The golems' defending hand came down to try and swat her away, but it was easy to avoid and she managed to get a hit on both hands before it pulled them away.

Tomiko attempted to then swing at its exposed legs, but the creature lifted one of them up and prepared what would most likely be a fatal stomp.

“Get out of there!” Chimon shouted.

Tomiko was already evading, but it was validating her assessment was correct.

They got out of range.

“It took ten percent with those two hits,” Chimon updated.

Tomiko figured that wasn't too bad, each strike only did about five percent, but she had plenty of health potions, and was a lot more familiar with how to dodge.

Eighteen was still a lot of hits to get in, so she was looking for any openings, or changes in behavior.

The battle raged on. Neither Tomiko or the golem was leaving much room for error.

“You’re down to fifty percent! Health potion at the ready.” Chimon said.

“Great!” Tomiko replied, reaching for Chimon’s bubble to retrieve the item. “What are they at?”

“Still seventy five percent!”

Tomiko was hoping for a lower number. She was getting impatient.

“We’re doing well. Just keep up this pace. We have plenty of time and health potions.” Chimon said, probably sensing Tomiko was getting irritated.

She tried calming herself. It was tough when in the heat of battle to not feel competitive. But she didn't have anything to prove by doing it faster. It could only lead to making mistakes, and then it would take even longer if they had to restart.

Tomiko continued to follow the pattern. It was working. Dodge. Strike. Evade. There was no need to rush. Just follow the pattern of what was working. Dodge. Strike. Evade. She felt like she was doing something wrong by not pushing the limits, but Chimon’s words of encouragement were helping her fight back her unhealthy thoughts. Dodge. Strike. Evade. The thought that what she was doing wasn't good enough.

The golem was down. Its body slumped forward and its veins of lava stopped flowing, hardening into rock around its crumbling body.

Its bubble disconnected from the back of its head and slowly started to drift to the door.

“After it! Or it will get another one!” Chimon shouted before Tomiko could sheath her sword.

She chased after it. This wasn't something she could mess up, or they would have to start all over again.

A popping sound filled the large room.

Tomiko felt a shiver, as it was the same pop she had heard when Chimon died, but she opened her eyes to reveal her sword had cut right through the enemy. Parts of its ghastly exterior was still dissipating into the air.

“We-we did it.” Tomiko said without thinking, still not fully registering the victory.

“Yes! That was amazing! You were great out there!” Chimon said.

He came around and displayed a little animation of a firework going off on his bubble.

Tomiko was feeling embarrassed. She wanted to turn away and shut down the praise, but she was really close to finishing her mission. She also figured Chimon deserved to be happy it was also over.

The two of them went through a couple more rooms of very easy enemies. Nowhere close to the challenge they just faced. She thought about the monsters she was now dispatching with ease to the rock golem. Sure they were defeated very easily by the mid-boss the first time around. But after preparing and practicing, the same creature wasn't as threatening. She felt there was a message there to apply out of the portal.

“This hallway off to the left,” Chimon said, directing Tomiko to a different path than the one lit with a stream of lava.

Her sword glowed to light the way.

As much as Tomiko was helping Chimon with this task, he really was helping Tomiko. If it wasn't for him, Tomiko would have probably continued to throw herself at the Golem. Over and over again. Continuing to get frustrated without learning anything or making any progress. She would have kept trying until she gave up on herself and quit. That was how she operated. It was the only path she could see forward. But having someone else there, she had another perspective. She couldn't have done it without help.

“This door, the one on the left.” Chimon said.

They were right in front of a closed door. A strange set of letters lined the frame.

“Before we go in, you need to use a status resistance. You know, to keep you from falling asleep too.”

Tomiko could hear Chimon’s voice starting to crack. Tomiko took the medicine he presented and drank it as instructed.

“After you go inside, you need to take off the ring. They should then be ejected out of the portal. Then walk out of the room so I can save and log us out. Now, open the door by pressing the character that looks like a pretzel.”

More cracks in Chimon’s voice as he gave very clear instructions. No doubt she was going to have to face a full on bawling kid once back in the real world.

Tomiko tapped the symbol that did indeed look a bit like a misshapen pretzel, and stepped inside the room.

The room was covered in large, luminous mushrooms. Even in the softly lit room no larger than a janitor's closet, Tomiko could see the air was filled with spores. No doubt the cause of the sleep status of Chimon’s friend.

And laying there in the middle of the room, was a person. They were covered head to toe in heavily plated armor. From how they were laying, it looked as though they had taken one step into the room and fell forward unconscious.

Tomiko swiftly knelt to the side and looked for the ring. She could already hear Chimon sniffling from behind her.

She found the ring on the dark silver gauntlet they were wearing. Clearly the two of them had spent a lot of time in this world to be decked out in this much fancy armor.

There were many rings on both hands, but Tomiko recognized the one. It was the same as hers. The one that Chimon had freaked out after seeing.

Tomiko removed the ring.

After she did so, the body burst into smoke. ‘He’s free’ Tomiko thought to herself.

Knowing that Chimon would want to reunite as soon as possible, Tomiko quickly got up and left the room. Chimon logged them out before the door even fully closed behind them.

As Tomiko passed through back to the real world, she tried to prepare herself for the sad state both of them would be in. Maybe it would be a good idea for her to just leave. At the same time, she was very curious as to what Chimon’s friend looked like. Maybe he was even cute.

Tomiko wasn't ready for what she saw in the alley.

Chimon’s friend… was a girl!

She looked the same age as both of them, maybe a little younger, but most likely in the same grade. She had dyed pink hair tied on one side with a large red bow. It was color coordinated with her ruffled, highwaisted minidress, layered with lace. Her figure was slim yet soft, and would probably stand shorter than Chimon if he wasn’t on his knees.

Why was he on the ground?

Tomiko tried to listen in, but it was a little difficult on account of both of them sobbing.

“What took you so long!” She shouted down at Chimon. Her hands were clenched but held daintily at her side.

“I-I’m so sorry.” Chimon apologized through cupped hands. “I had been trying to get you back this whole time, the entire time you were sleeping I was trying to find someone…”

“I may have been sleeping,” Chimon’s friend cut him off. “But I was still dreaming the whole time! I was unable to activate the menu in the dream state, but I could still notice time passing. Wondering every day whether you would come back!”

More streams of tears ran down her face. Tomiko couldn't begin to imagine the fear she would have experienced in such a situation.

“I-I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry it took so long.” Chimon said as his head sank lower.

“No… no it was my fault,” She said.

Chimon’s friend fell to the ground and wrapped her arms around him.

“You warned me about taking medicine first. I was the one who was too stubborn to listen. I may have been scared, but I knew it wasn’t your fault. The whole time I knew.” Her tears slowed down. Possibly getting over the fear and realizing things were going to be ok.

Chimon got up a little and rested himself on her shoulder.

“I should have seen it coming. The ring the status effects. I should have been able to stop it.” His tears also seemed to be slowing down. Comforted by his friends' embrace.

“By that same logic I should have seen it coming too.”

Her voice had steadied. Tears still fell from her closed eyes, but she wore a peaceful smile.

“I’m so happy you're back.” Chimon said.

They both held each other for a minute or two, fully embracing that they were together again at last. Tomiko couldn't help but be touched by the display.

“You got fat while I was gone,” Chimon’s friend said playfully.

“Haha, there weren’t a lot of good options to eat in this alley. Don't worry, I'll try to work it off.” Chimon snarkelly said back.

“Don’t tell me you were here the whole time.” She said surprised.

“I…They- they would have…”

“Shhh” She said, holding Chimon closer. “You must have gone through a lot.

“I- I had help. Lots of help”

And with that, Chimon must have remembered Tomiko was there. He helped his friend up and wiped the tears from his eyes.

“Tomiko, this is my friend Kei.” Chimon said with a huge smile on his face.

Kei desperately tried to make herself look presentable after the crying fit she had just had.

“Um… hello. I guess I owe you a huge thanks for saving me.” She said with a bow.

“Oh, after hearing the truth, there was no way I could say no. I wish I could have been involved sooner.”

Tomiko said that, but knew she wasn't in the position to do so any sooner than she did.

“But if… you really did make this possible” Chimon said with tears beginning to flow again.

“You idiot,” said Tomiko “Your crying is infectious”. Her own eyes were beginning to well up.

“I’m sorry, I know I’m weak, and that you had to do most of the work.” Chimon said through tear filled eyes.

Tomiko shook her head and smiled back.

“You were really brave to reach out. You kept giving me chances even when I didn’t deserve your kindness.”

Kei let go of Chimon’s hand and walked over to Tomiko. She gripped Tomiko’s hands and held them up in a very girlish way.

“You know what? We… scratch that… I should treat you to dinner sometime. Like, would right now work?” Kei said very directly.

Tomiko was unsure how to react to such a gesture. She was being hit with too much cute and forward energy to think properly. She instinctively pulled her hands away and looked away.

“I, um… maybe another time.”

“Oh I insist” Kei said, grabbing Tomiko’s hand again and pulling her out of the alley.

Chimon waved his hands frantically in a gesture to get Kei to stop.

“He-hey if she doesn’t want to, maybe it’s not such a good idea. Besides, I’m sure your parents would like to know you’re ok!”

Kei just grabbed his ear with her other hand as she walked passed.

“Oh this is not negotiable! I haven’t had a burger in months! They can wait. Besides, I want to hear all about the journey you two went on.”

Tomiko was understanding a little too well the power dynamic between the two of them. Perhaps that’s why Chimon could put up with Tomiko’s attitude so well.

The three of them went to the nearest burger place and talked for hours. Chimon and Kei did most of the talking. Though, Tomiko didn't feel left out. It was sinking in that she really did help make this possible. Both of them really needed help, and Tomiko was happy she was able to assist.

‘Is that how others react to a person in need’ Tomiko thought to herself. If she needed help, would people actually care, and not look down on her?

Tomiko, while sitting there with the two of them, started to think about the problems in her life, and was actually identifying them as problems.

She didn't want to bring down the mood, as Chimon and Kei were clearly having a good time catching up. But she was more open to the idea because of them.

Kei made Tomiko promise they would hang out again. Chimon attempted to apologize for Kei’s behavior, but he didn't get very far before she turned back and mouthed him off for taking too long.

Tomiko had been working with Chimon for a while, but it felt like she was opening up to having them as friends.

She briefly felt a warmth that had been missing for a while now.

#

There were no major changes in Tomiko’s life. She still went to school, talked with Aio, got annoyed at Aio’s boyfriend (less so though), went to practice, and studied alone at home.

But now, instead of going to the alley with the dumpster, she would hang out with Chimon and Kei.

It was a little awkward being a third wheel to the two of them. Both of them claimed to not be in a relationship, but it was impossible for Tomiko not to notice them kissing and making eyes at each other when they thought she wasn't looking. Kei would try to act cold or distant to Chimon at times, and Chimon would play along by acting oblivious or heartbroken, but it was clear they were both having fun with it.

The two of them, mostly Kei, convinced Tomiko to try another portal. One that didn't require having another person attached to survive. She was hesitant at first, but Chimon insisted she would like it after reminding her how invested she was in speeding through the Grembo hill. Tomiko wished he wouldn't remind her of that time though. She was also able to make some money in the process, but she allowed herself to enjoy the company instead of focusing on diving as though it was a job.

Strangely, Tomiko would find herself passing by the alleyway while in town. Sometimes taking a longer route just to see it.

Chimon had gutted the dumpster of all his belongings, but it still didn't see use as a dumpster, on account of no one having access to clear it out.

The portal itself did have a large metal dome placed around it inexplicably one day. Not that Chimon or Kei were anywhere close to ready to return to the world. Still, it was sort of sad to see something so important to them get closed off. It was a bit lucky Chimon suspected it would happen and was able to convert both Tomiko’s and Kei’s equipment and loot into currency to exchange. Kei wasn’t the most thrilled to go back, especially since her tag hadn't been updated yet, but Chimon and Tomiko promised they would be there if anything went wrong again. It really was too much money to leave behind.

Chimon also ended up joining the track team. He was making an effort to lose the weight he gained from poor dieting and a sedentary lifestyle. Tomiko had a difficult time explaining what had happened to Aio, but she was ultimately happy to see Tomiko had made a friend.

Life at home was much the same.

Something about it would need to change, or Tomiko could lose the progress she was making.

It was about two weeks after the rescue.

Tomiko had decided to finally take Aio up on her offer and go over to her place. With how much time she was spending with Chimon and Kei, she didn't want to leave out her best friend, who had been there for her despite Tomiko’s poor personality.

After an hour of playing video games, and eating with Aio’s parents, Aio insisted they make an attempt to study together.

The two of them were alone in Aio’s room. This was secretly what Tomiko had been hoping for. She had something she wanted to say to her best friend. She had a lot to say. Things she was too afraid, or weak, or maybe just embarrassed to say before. But she had been thinking about it a lot. She thought back to how Chimon pleaded for help when Tomiko was ready to walk away. More importantly, how happy he was when she had agreed to help. She was hoping to find relief.

Tomiko was ready to allow herself to receive it.

She had so much she wanted to say, but when the moment came to start explaining how she felt, the only thing to come out were tears.

“Why is this happening?” Tomiko said quietly to herself. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Tomiko had so much to explain. The stress of desperately needing to make money. Coming home to an empty home, only to be more terrified when it wasn't. Feeling like she was failing at everything she tried. None of it was being said, just tears.

But it was enough.

Aio knew what was happening, and gently hugged Tomiko from behind.

“I’m here. You don’t have to hide it anymore. Just take your time.”

Nothing was fixed that night, but reaching out was exactly the warmth she needed.

Tomiko had a feeling everything was going to be ok.

The End