Selected Solitude

I attempted to engage him in conversation throughout our journey, but it appeared as though my words were falling on deaf ears. He seemed convinced that I was going to leave him eventually, but I was determined to stick around until I could convince him to join our team. As he turned his head to look at me, I decided to employ the same tactic that had once worked with my father.

"Please, come with me," I implored.

"No," he replied firmly.

"Well, if I ask again," I pressed on.

"No," he repeated, resolute.

Taking a deep breath, he inquired as to why I was so insistent. He scrutinized my face as he spoke.

"You followed me all this way, you begged me to fight alongside people you don't even know, and yet you know nothing about me," he pointed out.

"It's not difficult to understand you," I explained. "Your eyes reveal a great deal."

"I had no idea I was so transparent," he remarked.

"You're not the person everyone thinks you are," I asserted. "If you were, you would have killed me by now."

"I could if I wanted to," he countered.

"No, you couldn't," I insisted.

"I beg to differ," he retorted.

"I didn't realize someone as attractive as you could also be so obstinate," he teased.

"You're no different," I shot back.

Wedan lifted his right hand, signaling me to stop talking. He opened his mouth and declared, "Listen, I don't want to be a part of this. I don't know why the map chose me, but I'm not the one you're searching for."

I felt an urge to call out to him once more. I couldn't just give up on him that easily.

"Isn't there anyone you want to save," I spoke. "A cause you want to fight for?"

"They're long dead," Wedan replied bluntly. "You're too late for that."

"I lost my mother a long time ago," I shared, my voice heavy with emotion. "Maybe you understand the pain, but for me, it still feels like yesterday. If I could have saved her, I would have given everything. But I couldn't. So, I'm trying not to relive that moment again. I'm doing everything in my power to ensure no one else goes through what I did."

I hoped that Wedan would show some empathy, but he dismissed my words and reiterated his reluctance.

"You're not heroes," he stated harshly. "You're just living in a dream."

Even though his words stung, I could tell that he was unwilling to change his mind. But I couldn't let him go without one final retort.

"Maybe you're right. We may not be heroes," I admitted. "But at least we're not cowards."

After my words, Wedan entered the house without saying anything and closed the door hard behind me. I left quickly without even looking back, tilting my head. I knew the map didn't make mistakes. I could feel Wedan's energy spreading around him - it was strong and intimidating. It made people nervous and on edge.

Wedan seemed highly skilled in the use of ice, so much so that he could be even more powerful than the defeated second epic. I left his side early because I didn't want to bore him anymore. Any more talking would only make the situation worse for the time being, so I left in a moment of frustration.

I knew where his house was and could come back one more time. Or, I could talk to the Ryuu and ask them to persuade him. I was sure that they could persuade Wedan as they had persuaded someone like my father before. But this task was given to me.

Although it was not a difficult task, I failed. Perhaps it was a mistake for the others to trust me. How could I support them in a war when I couldn't even persuade a human being?

For now, I had to put aside my pessimistic thoughts and continue to strive. As I pondered my next move, the sound of rapidly approaching wings caught my attention. The sound was so thin and fast that it approached like a lightning strike. I managed to jump to the left just in time.

With my jump, a winged man landed hard on the ground where I had been standing. I had survived his landing with my quick reflexes, but I had never encountered such speed before. The impact sent dust flying into the air, obscuring my vision. I stood up and took a defensive stance.

As the dust cleared, I saw the man standing before me. He had large red wings and was built like Wedan, but slightly taller. His hair was red like his wings and fell in long waves around his face. His brown eyes locked onto mine as he tilted his head slightly, as if he had found the target he was seeking.

I could tell by the look in his eyes that this man was not to be reasoned with. His only desire was to kill. There was no water nearby for me to use in an attack, and the water in my body was not enough to fight him. I could use my voice, but how long could I hold him off? Could I even defeat him with my voice alone?

Before I could act, the winged man lunged towards me. He was so fast that it was almost impossible to see him with the naked eye. It was too late to use my voice or to run. If I was hit by his attack, I would not only be defeated but also killed. It was too late for everything.

As I threw up my hands in defense, someone suddenly jumped in front of me and saved me. Somehow, he managed to block the lightning-fast blow and stood between me and my attacker. When I looked up, I saw that it was Wedan who had come to my rescue.

I didn't know what to say, but I was glad Wedan was here, otherwise, I didn't know what I would have done.