The Real Name

Three days later I got permission to leave, but since I woke up Rob didn't visit me, I was seeing Ed more. I found out that he was looking for an excuse just to not do it. So I decided to come to him. I had enough thinking about sad things, even though I knew that more time needed to heal my heart. There was a fear in me that as soon as I would go a bit further into sadness it would consume me again to the point it would be hard to escape.

Edward was right about the city’s atmosphere. People were happy to see another person survive, feeling bad about the smile as they thought they were obliged to be sad. After all, everyone was mourning after someone close or not so much. For sure people would like to celebrate the winning, but it misbecomes them to do any kind of festive event. There was also hope in people, but unfortunately mixed with fear that all of this can repeat. Still Terminis’ residents tried to slowly get back to normality, even though for some that would be the hardest part.

While I was looking for Rob I found the heroes instead, chatting and drinking in front of one building. They smiled seeing me, some more kindly some a little bit jokingly. I joined them, as I needed a little break.

“The legend finally decided to honour some ordinary heroes with his presence.” One of them commented and the Bear Hero gave me a cup too. I quickly counted them, the number was too low. Three of the group must have died during the battle.

“For the fallen ones.” I raised my cup and the other followed.

I was happy that they did know me before I showed my real face, and they didn’t care actually, just had another thing they could make jokes about. We wouldn't be friends, but for sure we would be happy about meeting again if that would happen during our lifetime. I heard that I was not so extraordinary like they always said and believing in my innocence was quite easy and logical. Also my beauty didn’t meet their expectations. I had to make a refutation, because they thought I regularly broke women's hearts, which was a huge lie. The truth was I had to refuse many confessions, but not everyone could hold it well and I wasn’t aware how many ridiculous stories about my love conquest were conveyed here and there. They were actually waiting for me to get better to say goodbye before going their way, as they were not part of the king’s heroes. They didn’t take part in the battle. Edward tied them all down when they were sleeping, because he was afraid that having them on his father's side would have an impact on the battle’s result. He just wasn’t sure if they would choose the right side or stay blindly loyal to the king.

I was getting a bit angry at Rob, preparing to confess and his rejection while he was hiding somewhere from me. What if he was saving me, if he doesn’t want to see me now?

“Hey, Fish Hero! Finally on your feet.” A silhouette showed up in front of me. It was nice to hear that teenage voice and quite a shock when I saw her proudly demonstrating the prosthesis on her arm. “Cool, right?”

“But how? You were supposed to stay behind you little brat.”

“I haven’t listened and I thought I could kill a monster.” She got embarrassed and looked down. “But I just got into trouble and my father had to save me, he got badly hurt, but he is doing better now. I am sorry…”

“I hoped you said it to your father.” I hugged her, happy to see her alive. I got attached to that girl, as she became my shadow for a while and her company made everything more lively. “Just don’t you ever do something so stupid.”

“If the hero says so…”

“And listen to your father.” I tried to use the occasion.

“Don’t go too far, Fish Hero.” Her face changed again, again showing typical teenage disapproval to any kind of adult talk. “See you around.”

“Elle wait up!”

Two kids were running in our direction, when I got closer I realised that they were little Svenir and his sister. I was sad they didn’t recognise me, but it seemed that they befriended my shadow and she seemed like their priority. I let them be, because their parents got closer.

“That face suits you much better.” The dwarf woman closed me in a tight embrace and her husband patted me on the shoulder.

“I am happy to see you all.” I smiled, slowly regaining normal breath.

“Don’t mind kids not recognising you.”

“That’s fine.” I waved my hand. “Do you have a lot to do?”

“A lot.” Souvenir descendants sighted heavily. “When we got here the scale frightened us. But we are doing our best to help.”

“I know, I know.” It was a nice feeling to have good people around. I didn’t want to stop them, because I assumed they must have been doing something important. “Do you have any idea where Rob could be?”

“I saw him near the city gate not so long ago.”

I thanked them and tried to get there as soon as possible, afraid he would run away from me again. Maybe that was some kind of revenge for me rejecting him in the beginning, when he was chasing me, that I need to try twice as hard. I catched sight of him, so I almost made myself run. At least to the point that my condition let me, but a bit of frustration gave me extra power. Still not enough, so I decided to use my final weapon, which I preferred to never use, because that was not something he shared with me himself. I felt the more I am behind, the more I can lose him forever.

“Roberetymodobyseru!” I screamed desperately.