Hist Lost Self

The ground was wet, mud forming underneath his feet. His field of vision limited as darkness surrounded him. His senses seemed almost completely unresponsive at the moment. He felt an unnatural fear, that resembled a bottomless pit from which he couldn't escape. He was falling, and the deeper he got, the less he felt. His mind was sinking, agonizing, his sense of existence slowly vanishing. It felt like it would have lasted for eternity if not for a singular disturbance within the vast nothingness surrounding him. A muffled echo of water dripping in the distance resonated throughout the pit, reaching his barely functioning eardrums. In that moment, that very short instant, he instinctively turned his attention to the disturbance. The emptiness within his being began to fill with the will to reach and touch the source of this phenomenon. His shapeless form struggled to even gather the slightest bit of strength to engage movement. Nevertheless, his only hope right now, his only light and guide, was the dripping sound of water slowly disappearing as he fell deeper into the pit. He was unable to move, unable to scream, unable to see, but his mind and will raged with determination and anger, a survival instinct so to speak. At that moment, the mysterious sound became excruciatingly loud, and a flash of light engulfed him completely. The feeling of raindrops on his cheeks finally shook him out of this trance. He touched his cheek with his left hand, as if to check if it was real.

‘It's there. Good,' he thought.

Just moments ago, he had been in a state of near nonexistence. However, now, everything felt different. He could sense the presence of his bones and muscles once again; he was no longer a formless void. Just as he was about to reach for his other cheek with his right hand, something caused his muscles to abruptly tense. He felt the weight of something heavy in his palm. Then, his previously vacant pupils ignited with a spark and widened as if trying to adjust to the sensation of sight. The darkness that had enveloped him before dissipated, but the surroundings remained rather dim. It was nighttime, and everything around him appeared to be moving slower than it should. Confusion and disorientation were the initial sensations that filled his sluggish mind. Nevertheless, there was a force tugging at his arm, prompting his gaze to shift toward the source of his struggle.

‘A sword?’ he mused upon inspecting the weapon in his hand.

The hilt had a simple design, save for one distinctive element. Within the pommel, there was a dark, round crystal that appeared to be purely ornamental. The guards were plain and straight, lacking any distinctive features. What truly captured his attention, was the blade. It was long and weighty, yet it felt like a perfect fit for him. In the darkness of the night, the blade appeared unremarkable at first glance. However, upon closer examination, he noticed that the fuller was deeply coated in black from both sides. Intrigued by this peculiar feature, he ran his hand over the dark area to check if it was coated in mud. His fingers glided across the blade's surface, but the dark hue remained. After blinking a few times, he realized that the feature might not be mere paint. Although his knowledge of swords was limited, he found this characteristic unusual.

Suddenly, a cacophony of loud sounds finally reached his ears. As his sense of hearing returned, the sound of rain falling seemed more tangible than the dream from just moments ago.

“I… Where am I?” he wondered aloud, still attempting to cobble together his memories and make sense of his surroundings.

He found himself in the midst of what appeared to be a dense forest. Towering trees surrounded him, their branches and leaves forming a canopy overhead, providing some shelter from the rain. The ground was littered with dense undergrowth and fallen leaves, making movement difficult. The sound of his own voice felt odd and unfamiliar to him, causing him to instinctively cover his mouth. As he pondered his situation, instead of reaching a resolution, he found himself confronting another, more vexing question.

“W-Who am I?” he stammered.

His voice quivered, and the unidentifiable anxiety that had been haunting him, finally engulfed him. His facial expression shifted rapidly, and he collapsed to the ground, curling up and burying his head between his knees. He began to rock back and forth in what appeared to be a manifestation of fear. Then, an extraordinarily strange headache seized him. It was as though his head had split open. This sensation brought both mental and physical distress.

‘Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Where am I? Where am I? Where am I? Where am I? Where am I? Where am I? Where am I? Where am I? Where am I? Where am I? Where am I? Why!? WHAT!?’

The questions plaguing his mind were slowly eating away at him. This bizarre situation had pushed him to the brink of tears. A painful sensation had taken root in his heart as soon as he comprehended his predicament. A torrent of regret and sorrow overwhelmed his soul, although he couldn't quite fathom why. He was simply petrified.

As he lay on the ground, covered in mud, he heard a distant sound, the chatter of a group of people. His instincts suddenly kicked in, and his legs began to propel him towards what he hoped would be salvation.

“Help me… Whoever it is, p-please he—lp me.”

His body quivered, and his breathing grew even more irregular. His steps hastened at the thought of being alone in this dark forest without a clue as to why or how.

"Light. Torches, maybe. I must be getting closer... ugh!" he murmured to himself, attempting to regain his composure.

It was more of a way to occupy his troubled mind. However, nothing could alleviate the sharp pain stabbing through his head and chest. Everything seemed surreal, almost like a dream. But it wasn't; he was certain of it.

As the dim lights in the distance grew brighter, a glimmer of hope washed over him. Just as he was about to call out to the source of the nearby chatter, he suddenly froze in his tracks. His throat inexplicably went dry, and his hoarse voice failed to produce a sound. He stood there, gazing down at the tree in front of him, the cause of his sudden shock.

“Mmm-mghh!” A muffled and seemingly weary voice reached out to him upon noticing his presence.

“What’s going on? W-Who, no-… why are you here like this?” he inquired, though expecting a response seemed futile.

Before him, a young girl was bound to a tree, her mouth gagged with rags. Her initial impression of him appeared to be one of fear, her eyes fixed on the weapon he still unconsciously gripped tightly in his right hand. As he raised his blade with ease, tears streamed down the girl's cheeks. There was no sound, and it seemed as if she had already resigned herself to her fate, deeming crying for help a futile effort. Then, as soon as she opened her eyes again, she realized that she remained unharmed.

‘W-What?’ she thought to herself in astonishment.

The restraints that had held her in place suddenly came undone. She removed the rags that had kept her silent all this time, and just as she was about to make a sound, the man that freed her, gently tapped her on the shoulder.

“Eeeeek!” the girl let out a startled, but hushed, scream.

The man placed his index finger against his lips, signaling for her to stay quiet. She couldn't detect any trace of malice emanating from him. On the contrary, his expression revealed fear, anxiety, and uneasiness. He appeared distinct from the individuals who had bound her in this place.

He examined her petite frame, taking in the sight of numerous bruises and a few cuts marring her delicate body. Some of the wounds were still oozing blood. It was evident that she was both physically and mentally drained, overwhelmed by fear beyond comprehension.

“It’s going to be okay, I-I promise.” he whispered.

His voice still quivered, and the earlier shock had not entirely dissipated, though his headache had vanished the moment he untied the girl. For now, he set aside his own concerns; she was his primary focus. The girl struggled to hold back the tears welling up in her blue eyes. He gently patted her head, and as he did, an inexplicable shiver ran through his entire body. It was as if a sudden, intangible connection had formed between them. He could distinctly sense and see the locations of the wounds on the girl's body. An eerie, dim, dark glow emanated from them.

“Stay still, okay?” he instructed the girl, and she nodded obediently.

Then, he shut his eyes tightly, momentarily setting aside his own problem, as some inexplicable instinct took over. Even with his eyelids closed, he could still perceive the dark, radiant wounds. As he concentrated on aiding the child, the eerie glow from the wounds began to flow towards his left palm, which rested on the girl's head. After a few seconds of this unusual exercise, he opened his eyes and released a sigh of relief. A single tear unexpectedly made its way down his chin. A bit taken aback by his own reaction and the overall bizarre experience, his consciousness finally emerged from the trance he had imposed on himself. The earlier anxiety returned to his mind in the process as well.

“It… it doesn’t hurt anymore.” the girl proclaimed in a hushed tone.

A faint smile broke through the tears on her face. As she extended both her hands, another look of surprise crossed the man’s face. The wounds had disappeared. There was no sign of them.

“Did I just do that? But how? I…”

His bewilderment overflowed as he struggled to comprehend what had transpired. He didn't even notice another presence approaching from the bushes.

“Hey, you! What the hell do you think you’re doing!?” the stranger suddenly bellowed upon witnessing the unfolding scene.

He seemed to be some sort of guard, likely coming to check on his captive.

With the abrupt appearance of the man, who appeared to be in his forties, the girl's body began to quiver once more. She sought refuge behind her rescuer, her face twisted in fear. Clinging to the back of his cloak, she let out a subdued sob, clearly paralyzed with fright. Her actions spoke louder than words, conveying the message she intended.

“Are you deaf, boy!? I ain’t got time for this! Tell you what… You hand her over and I ain’t seen nothing. You just WALK AWAY unharmed. How ‘bout it?”

‘Boy? Why would he…?’

Not only did he not know his own name, but he also had no idea how old he was. From the way the man addressed him, it would appear that he was considerably young.

But that wasn't the pressing issue at hand. Frustration furrowed his brow, as he finally spoke to the stranger.

“You… you did this, didn’t you? You’re the one that hurt her?” he scowled accusingly. The stranger in front of him smirked, visibly unfazed.

“And what if I did? Do you have any idea who this little girl even is?”

There was no reply. The boy simply continued to glare at the man.

“Screw it! Not like it matters anyway… You’ve had your chance.”

The man drew a small hunting knife from his belt and aimed it in the direction of the two.

“You’re dead! Everyone! Come quick and--!?”

The man's desperate cry was abruptly cut short as he was struck on the head by a heavy object - a scabbard containing a sword. The impact was successful, rendering him unconscious in an instant.

“It w-worked?” the boy muttered.

Still uncertain of the success of their daring gambit, he hesitated for a moment.

Suddenly, another voice rang out as a figure emerged from the concealing bushes, “Hey, some kid just knocked down Heinkel!”

The alarm spread among the rest of the group.

Without a moment's delay, the boy scooped up the girl into his arms and attempted to flee. However, their escape was short-lived as another faction of the group materialized before them, concealed by the obscurity of the night. It was now evident that these individuals were a nefarious bunch, revealed by the flickering torchlight, which unveiled their menacing attire, expressions, and the weapons hanging from their belts. They were undoubtedly a bandit gang.

Both the girl and the boy found themselves encircled in an instant. The enemy's numbers exceeded ten, and the odds were decisively stacked against the two escapees.

“You’re in for it now, kid. Spout your prayers!” shouted one of the bandits with a forceful vigor.

“Just who are you people? Why are you doing this?” the boy, desperately stalling for time, responded. Summoning his courage, he realized that this was his only viable tactic.

“We're the Night Owls! The last thing you'll see in your pathetic short life! You can call me CLAW!” declared the bandit, brandishing a pair of short, curved blades to accentuate his name.

Remaining nervous yet defiant, the boy continued, “Pretty clever. With your swords and all, I mean…” he mocked, “Did you come up with it yourself?”

“Did you just…!? You can’t be serious right now!” Claw, now visibly irritated, snapped back.

The boy pushed his luck further, attempting to divert their attention and gain an upper hand.

“Oh no… I wouldn't dream of it, Claw, sir! You're definitely the leader, right? I mean… just look at that outfit! The least dirty and the most expensive looking. Is it like a peacock thing with you guys? With that Owl name and whatnot…”

He needed time to think. Begging for mercy wouldn't do any good, but a confident approach might potentially sow fear among the bandits. At least, that's what he prayed for.

“Enough chit-chat! Boys…” Claw waved his arm, signaling the others. It wasn't the outcome the boy had hoped for.

“Hold on tight.” he whispered to the girl he held tightly with his left arm.

As the enemy steadily closed in on them, the boy drew his sword. The sight seemed to give the bandits pause, causing them to halt in their tracks. If they wanted to, the boy would probably be lying in a pool of blood by now. Yet, they remained cautious. As much as he hated to admit it, he had an insurance policy in the form of a young girl clutching tightly to his chest. She was trying to hide under his black cloak, and the enemy appeared to be making an effort to avoid harming her.

'Just what is so special about her? She's just a harmless child,' he pondered.

“What, you think we're scared of this cute little toy you're holding? Ha! You fool! It even looks ridiculous! What is it with the black stripe?” Claw taunted, waiting for a reaction, but none came.

Growing impatient, he decided not to waste any more time and signaled to the others to resume their advance. However, they abruptly stopped when the cloaked boy burst into uncontrollable laughter. Had the madness that had gripped him earlier finally caught up to him? In spite of how scared he was, his shaking remained concealed, thanks to the girl in his arms who somewhat steadied him.

Claw and the other bandits exchanged puzzled glances.

“You fools! I’m no ordinary boy… and this ‘toy’, as you just described it, is no ordinary blade!”

“Is he insane?”

A murmur began to circulate among the bandits as they watched the boy's theatrical performance. The shroud of darkness of the night concealed his true state of mind, and his hooded cloak masked the frightened expression on his face, preventing the bandits from discerning his fear.

“You see... I'm a spirit from another world! The harbinger of death, no... the death itself! And my mighty sword goes by the name 'Soul Collector!'” the boy proclaimed, accompanied by a maniacal laugh.

His performance was both convincing and, at the same time, entirely surreal.

“Do you think we’re really gonna buy into this nonsense?” Claw snapped skeptically, while maintaining a cautious distance just in case.

The boy appeared to be running out of time. He needed a plan to avoid a confrontation. An unconventional idea struck him, and he assumed a posture that concealed his whispering to the girl. After a moment of hesitation, she simply nodded in agreement. The boy detested the idea of subjecting the child to further trauma, but, right now, he couldn't think of an alternative.

“Look upon this child! I was sent here to collect her soul, but then you came in my way... One of you has already tasted my raw power. The one you refer to as Heinkel! Now, you shall witness the extent of my might!”

He pressed his sword against the girl's palm and made a small cut, enough to draw blood.

“Just what do you think you’re…!?”

Claw and the others were momentarily stunned by the situation. The girl they had tried to retrieve from the boy was now in danger. The boy could easily use her as a hostage, but it wouldn't resolve the issue in the long run. They would undoubtedly be pursued by the bandits if they simply walked away.

“Silence, mortal!” the boy interrupted Claw before he could finish his sentence.

“Now then... look into my eyes and witness torment, my child! Your soul... through this blood... belongs to ME!” The boy declared dramatically.

The girl stared directly into his eyes and shrieked in terror. The sound was chilling, as if someone were skinning her alive. The bandits turned ashen pale with fear as they watched the shocking spectacle. Then, her seemingly lifeless body was gently placed on the ground.

“Shit, shit, shit…”

“What the hell!?”

“Screw it, I’m not in the mood to die!”

Surprisingly, one by one, each of the bandits bought into the boy's eerie performance and fled in terror. Just as the boy had suspected, the members of this simple bandit group weren't the brightest. Regardless, this outcome exceeded his most audacious expectations. Was it the atmosphere? The eerie forest at night? Pure luck? It didn't matter as long as it worked.

“Did you seriously believe in this nonsense!? Come back, you cowards!” Claw, the only one who remained, yelled in desperation.

The boy faced the leader, whose expression was a mix of fear and disbelief, yet he stood his ground. This was far from an ideal situation. The boy swallowed hard, his concern mounting, as he cautiously approached Claw while brandishing the supposedly cursed blade.

“What about you, birdbrain? Do you not fear death and torment?”

“Stay the hell away from me! I’m not afraid you sneaky little bastard! I know it’s all a lie! I’m not afraid, I’m not-“

Claw kept backing away, shouting, until he unexpectedly lost his footing and stumbled to the ground, his blades out of reach. The boy seized the opportunity and made a cut on Claw's cheek, leaving the blade beside the leader's head. He closed the distance between them and whispered with an eerie tone, “Your soul is going with me straight to hell, birdbrain...”

Claw cried out in terror, paralyzed to the point of fear-induced incontinence. He abandoned his blades and sprinted away within seconds. As soon as the coast was clear, the boy picked up the girl once more and made his escape in the opposite direction. He knew that his whole performance couldn't have bought him much time.

He ran and ran, creating a substantial distance between them and their pursuers. ‘Looks like I’m in good shape’ he thought as he analyzed the time he'd spent running. Finally, he gently placed his silent companion on the ground and knelt before her.

“I’m sooooo sorry about the cut!” he apologized, examining the injury he had inadvertently inflicted on her palm.

“I’m such an idiot… Maybe I should’ve just fought them off… but I don’t even know if I could!” he lamented, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

His memory loss left him clueless about his ability to wield a sword. Although the weapon felt natural in his hand, he couldn't remember any techniques to use against the enemy.

“Wait... I've healed you before, maybe I can...?” as he began to contemplate healing her, the girl surprised him by throwing her arms around his neck.

Tears streamed from her fatigued, cerulean eyes, her cries a mixture of sorrow and relief. Her body trembled from exhaustion and the lingering fear of their recent ordeal. Nevertheless, she clung tightly to the boy, as if her very life depended on it. Her actions revealed a profound need for comfort and reassurance.

The boy was taken aback, realizing he hadn't even considered her age. After such a traumatic experience, it was only natural for her to release her pent-up emotions in this manner. She needed him, and he responded by immediately enfolding her in a protective embrace.

“It's all right now. You're safe. I promise, no one will hurt. Just let it all out for now,” he consoled her with soothing words.

The girl's sobs intensified at his reassurance, a truly heart-wrenching sight. Even after their current predicament, the invisible scars etched on her soul might never fully fade.

“If only I could heal those too…” the boy muttered to himself as he continued to offer comfort and support to his companion.

Unbeknownst to him, the dark energy he had previously tapped into had returned, and the cut on the girl's hand vanished in mere seconds. After some time, her exhaustion finally overcame her, and she drifted into a peaceful slumber within the safety of the boy's protective arms.

‘She deserves a little break’ he mused to himself.

Just as he was prepared to grant himself a moment of relaxation, an unexpected obstacle materialized seemingly out of thin air.

“Ow, ow, ow, ow…” he moaned in discomfort..

A peculiar pain began to radiate throughout various parts of his body. The soreness and discomfort felt distinctly foreign, as though it wasn't his own suffering. However, what happened next was even more disconcerting; it was a sensation that originated from the inside of his right palm.

“Dark skin?” he muttered to himself, his incredulity evident.

The dark mark etched on his hand emitted a faint, barely discernible glow. Strangely, its shape bore a disturbing resemblance to the one...

“…to the cut I made on the hand of that girl.” he gasped, his complexion paling as he rolled up his sleeve to reveal a multitude of dark marks adorning his arm.

These marks resembled various wounds, bruises, and cuts, all colored in the same ominous shade of black. Although the skin didn't appear to be broken, he undeniably felt the pain and could see the marks themselves.

“No way… I thought I was healing her, but...” he murmured, his gaze dropping to the girl slumbering in his arms. “Have I been absorbing her injuries? But how... Who am I?”

A palpable sense of dread washed over him. Was this an affliction, a curse, or something else entirely? After a few agonizing minutes, the pain began to subside, and the dark marks gradually faded away. As he waited for the girl to awaken, he struggled to summon any recollection from his past that might elucidate the mysterious happenings. Yet his mind remained a blank canvas, devoid of any memories beyond the last few hours.

His memories appeared to have been lost in that forest, he surmised. But what had transpired before that? As he pondered this question, a palpable blend of trepidation and curiosity coursed through him.

‘I don't think I've forgotten the language or the basics, at least. Or so I hope. I can't be certain, really. And this sword... Who am I? I can't be a knight in this attire, and even an adventurer doesn't feel quite right.’

He was clad in a long, dark cloak with a hood, while his grey shirt and pants bore a similar muted tone. Even his boots were shrouded in darkness. His search for clues on his person proved fruitless, save for the sword safely ensconced in its scabbard. Gazing at his reflection in a nearby puddle, he ventured a guess at his age, which seemed to hover around 17 or 18, though it was challenging to ascertain. His hair, dark brown, yet, his most arresting feature was his deep green eyes.

Amidst the tumult of questions that swirled in his mind, a headache began to encroach.

‘My memories can wait,’ he determined.

‘I’ll cross that bridge when it comes to it. Right now, I have other priorities…’

With gentle strokes, he soothed the girl's hair, recognizing the urgency of reuniting her with her parents.

‘They must be worried sick.’

Abruptly, his eyelids grew heavy, and exhaustion overcame him. Despite his resolve to stay awake, slumber claimed him, and he drifted into peaceful rest.

Sometime later, the girl stirred from her well-deserved slumber, greeted by the tranquil expanse of the cerulean sky and the soothing sounds of the forest. Her initial disorientation gave way to a quick regaining of her bearings, and she cautiously scanned her surroundings. She was adorned in a torn dress and a pair of black sandals, her long blond hair braided, and her sky-blue eyes darting about. These last two features were her most distinctive, and though her outfit bore signs of wear and dirt, it remained her only attire.

The boy who had offered her solace the previous night, still slumbered against a tree. It all rushed back to her - the harrowing kidnapping, the menacing bandits, and the boy who had come to her rescue. Now, she remembered everything. It wasn’t just a bad dream. She examined him more closely and estimated that he was just a few years older than her. She had turned thirteen merely a week ago. Upon inspecting herself, she noted the absence of the physical torment she had suffered; there was no evidence of it now.

“He healed my wounds…” she realized, her heart brimming with gratitude.

As she vocalized her thoughts, the boy emitted a loud yawn and stretched his arms with vigor. Startled by his sudden movement, she stumbled backwards and tumbled to the forest floor.

As the morning light bathed the forest, the boy's eyes adjusted, and he noticed his young companion wide awake, gazing at him. Half-awake, he greeted her warmly.

“Oh, you're awake... good, good,” he murmured.

He closed his eyes once more, intending to settle back into slumber, when a sudden realization struck him. In an instant, he sprang to his feet, his expression a mix of concern and anxiety.

“Man, some savior I turn out to be! Falling asleep instead of guarding you!”

“D-Don’t say that!” the girl exclaimed. “You saved my life! Facing so many opponents had to be tiring!”

“Yeah, well… I didn’t face them exactly,” he confessed with a tinge of shame, his hand scratching the back of his head.

Her words of praise felt somewhat misplaced to him. Considering his fear during the ordeal, he didn't believe there was much to commend. However, the girl steadfastly shook her head in denial.

“But you did! You chased them away! You saved me, and... y-you’re my hero.” she declared, tears welling up in her eyes.

The boy felt utterly powerless, not wanting to argue with a child and cause her to cry again.

“Hey, hey, I didn’t mean to make you upset. I’m really sorry…” he said, gently wiping away her tears with his sleeve and patting her head.

“Now then, I'm going to take you back home. I guess I haven't asked you your name yet. What should I call you?” he inquired.

Having regained her composure, she replied.

“My name is Liliana, but my friends call me Lili.” she introduced herself, bowing gracefully and holding the sides of her partly torn dress.

Her youthful demeanor was graced with remarkable poise and manners, reflecting a maturity beyond her years.

“Lili it is then.” he responded, a warm smile gracing his features.

“What about you?” curiosity gleamed in her eyes as she inquired.

He seemed momentarily lost in thought as he replied, “Hmm?”

“What should I be calling you?”

“Oh, my name is…” after a thoughtful pause, he confessed, “I've actually kind of lost my name. I don't remember.”

Lili was visibly perplexed by his response, and she took a moment to process the unexpected situation. However, her confusion was entirely understandable. To his surprise, her eyes sparkled with newfound clarity as if she had reached a profound realization.

“If you don’t remember it, you’re going to need a new one, correct?” Lili suggested with a hint of excitement.

“I mean… I haven’t thought of it yet, but you may be right.”

The notion of reinventing himself presented an enticing opportunity to start anew, free to choose any incredible name his imagination could conceive.

“Then from now on, you will be known as ‘Hero’!” Lili declared with pride and jubilation.

“Wait, wait, hold up! I don't mind you picking a name for me, although it feels a little embarrassing… but why something so pretentious?”

Lili sighed, as though slightly annoyed with his immediate lack of cooperation.

“I've said it already. It's because you're my hero!” she announced with a proud giggle.

He couldn't resist her infectious smile and her newfound attitude.

“Okay, I give… let's compromise instead. How about 'Hiro'? With an ‘i’ instead of an ‘e’, I mean.”

“Hiro? Hmmmmmmm…”

Lili placed her palm against her chin, pondering her decision as if it were of world-altering significance. After a moment, she eagerly agreed to the compromise.

“Hir~o! Hir~o! Hir~o! Hir~o!” she chanted melodically, with enthusiasm.

Though Lili displayed occasional moments of maturity, at her core, she remained a child with boundless wonder. Hiro couldn't help but be captivated by the pure joy radiating from her. A genuine smile lit up his face as he beheld this bundle of delight before him.

With a sudden burst of spontaneity, Hiro gently lifted Lili onto his back for an impromptu piggyback ride. At first, Lili was taken by surprise, but she quickly grew fond of the idea. As they ventured through the forest, Lili shared a wealth of knowledge about her home.

“So you live in a city called Osata?”

“Yes. Right next to the village of Crieroug.”

Hiro found himself astounded by her unexpected change in demeanor and her extensive understanding of the area.

“I must admit, Lili, you're quite an enigma.” Hiro remarked with a hint of admiration.

“Don't tease me! Heroes don't tease, big brother Hiro!” Lili scolded him playfully, her cheeks puffing up in mock frustration.

Hiro couldn't help but chuckle at her adorable response. It was at this moment that something struck him, causing his eyebrow to arch in surprise.

“Wait, when did I become a big brother?”

Lili burst into laughter at his question, her giggles hinting that he had missed something obvious. Nevertheless, he was overjoyed to witness her happiness, especially after the events of the previous night. And he couldn't help but think to himself that having her as a temporary sister didn't sound like a bad idea at all.

As they continued their journey through the wilderness, Hiro and Lili kept a vigilant eye out for any signs of civilization or a road that might lead them to their destination. Their perseverance paid off when, to their relief, they stumbled upon a pristine stream of water and a bountiful supply of edible berries. These unexpected discoveries granted them a much-needed surge of vitality.

After hours of seemingly aimless wandering, their determination led them to an unexpected encounter. They came across a merchant whose carriage had fallen victim to a broken wheel.

“Looks like he needs help. But it could be a trap, too.” Hiro pointed out cautiously, his voice barely above a whisper.

Liliana, her voice filled with reason, responded, “It’s not like we have a choice. We’re lost, remember?”

Though Hiro remained skeptical, her logic was difficult to refute.

Just as they were considering their next move, the merchant's voice startled them, calling them out. “I might be old, but I’m not deaf. Come out already.”

The sharpness of his hearing astounded the two, prompting them to cautiously emerge from their hiding spot, keeping a watchful eye on the stranger's behavior.

“We’re lost. Do you think you could help us?” Hiro asked, his arms raised in a gesture of non-hostility.

In response, the man grinned, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “Well, we might just find a solution.”

In a show of unexpected generosity, the merchant proposed that they lend a hand in repairing the damaged wheel in exchange for a ride to the nearby village of Crieroug, which just happened to be their intended destination.

Hiro and Lili couldn't help but marvel at their good fortune. It seemed that luck was finally shining upon them, and their gratitude overflowed for the merchant's kindness. The journey to Crieroug by carriage would span nearly a full day, but they welcomed the prospect of a long but secure journey to their destination.

In the midst of their ride, the merchant initiated a conversation.

“So anyway, what should I call you?”

“I’m Hiro,” Hiro answered and then pointed to Liliana, “and this is Lili.” he explained.

“Pleasure to meet you. My name’s Percival. Percival Silverkin.” the merchant introduced himself. “What were the two of you doing alone in the middle of that forest? I don’t mean to pry, but it’s a dangerous area.”

Hiro was intrigued by the merchant's inquiry.

“Dangerous? Dangerous how?”

“You weren't aware? It is plagued by a group of bandits who go by the name Night Owls.”

The mention of those ominous bandits sent shivers down Hiro's spine. Lili's expression revealed that the memory of yesterday's events still haunted her. Wanting to change the topic, Hiro inquired further.

“I see. That explains a lot. Well, we were indeed lost. On another note, may I ask how you manage to cross the forest unscathed, knowing that these bandits are lurking about?”

“Me? Well, let's just say that I have my own methods. We have quite a journey ahead, so help yourselves to the water pouches in the crate. There's also some leftover bread.”

Following the merchant's suggestion, both Lili and Hiro opened the crate in question, discovering a trove of water pouches and a substantial supply of day-old bread. Despite their rumbling stomachs, Hiro and Lili hesitated to accept Percival gracious offer.

“Are you sure? We’re already imposing on you, so…” Liliana replied, expressing her concern.

The merchant however, interjected with a reassuring tone, “It's fine! It's fine! It's going to spoil otherwise! I can always refill the pouches at the village, so there's no problem either.”

Relieved by his response, Lili bowed her head in gratitude. “In that case, we shall respond to your kindness. Right, big brother Hiro?”

Her excitement was palpable, and Hiro couldn't help but smile, appreciating the lift in his sister's spirits. He knew that she was far hungrier than she had let on.

“Sure.” Hiro concurred.

With their worries eased, they both opened the crate, retrieving the water pouches and slightly stale day-old bread. Although the bread had lost some of its freshness, it was still a welcome sight, and they began to eat hungrily.

As they enjoyed their meal, Hiro couldn't help but ponder the merchant's mysterious methods for traversing the forest unscathed. However, he decided not to press the issue, choosing instead to savor the food and the pleasant company of his sister and their newfound benefactor.

Curious about their relationship, the merchant inquired, “Big brother, huh? So, you’re siblings?”

Liliana, her enthusiasm unabated, beamed as she replied, “Yes! Hiro isn't just my brother; he's my hero and someone I look up to! He's brave, kind, compassionate, and... and…”

Hearing his sister's outpouring of admiration, Hiro found himself flustered.

“Now, hold on, Lili! Don't say something so embarrassing in front of other people!” he interjected.

“But it’s the absolute truth!” Lili, undeterred, insisted.

The merchant observed the playful bickering between the two with a warm smile.

“So, you seem to have a close bond. That's wonderful to see in siblings these days. Good for you.”

Both Lili and Hiro exchanged glances, then turned their attention to the man sitting in the front of the wagon. His smile was genuine, and it had the effect of bringing smiles to their faces as well. They returned to their seats and continued to enjoy the bread in companionable silence. The merchant, preoccupied by the challenges of navigating the uneven road, offered Hiro the opportunity to get to know Lili better.

“Lili, do you have a last name?”

Liliana paused, her thoughtful gaze suggesting a moment of contemplation before she chose to respond.

“Of course I do. But I’m not telling.”

Hiro was slightly taken aback by her response, curiosity flickering in his eyes as he prepared to ask her why. Before he could utter a word, Lili swiftly interjected.

“Because! I’ll… tell you when we get to my home. ”

“O-Okay, I guess.”

Despite that, he couldn't help but sense there was more to Lili's reluctance to divulge her last name. His intuition told him there was a story behind it, something hidden. However, he chose not to press the matter. Hiro respected Lili's boundaries and didn't want to make her uncomfortable.

He made a mental note to revisit the subject when they reached the city, but, for now, he decided to uphold her privacy.

After some time, Hiro couldn't help but notice Lili's restlessness.

“What’s wrong? Do you have to pee or something?” he blurted out, momentarily disregarding his manners.

A blush spread across Lili's cheeks, and she shook her head vigorously in response to Hiro's candid question.

“How could you ask me that!? I’m just bored!” she exclaimed. “I've got an idea, though. Have you ever heard of 'Would you rather'?"

“Not really, but it seems pretty self-explanatory. Let's give it a try,” Hiro responded with a casual shrug.

“Perfect!” Lili agreed. “The loser owes the winner a favor.”

Lili laid out the rules with a confident, unwavering gaze, leaving Hiro looking slightly befuddled.

“Is it even possible to win this game?” he inquired.

“We'll cross that bridge when you lose!” Lili countered with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “Come on, me first! Would you rather…”

And so, they whiled away the hours with various road trip games, their laughter and merriment filling the carriage. Hiro found himself fully immersed in the moment, momentarily forgetting about his amnesia. Engaged in the present, he felt a sense of tranquility he hadn't experienced since waking up in that mysterious forest. Time passed more swiftly than they had anticipated, and before they knew it, the carriage came to an abrupt halt, signaling their arrival at their destination.

“Alright, it’s about a half-hour walk from here to Osata. Good luck, and please take care!” the merchant bid them farewell before departing.

“You too! Thanks again for the ride!”

Hiro replied gratefully, as Liliana added her own warm goodbye.

“Farewell and safe travels, thank you!”

After this exchange, they set off, hand in hand, towards the city. Hiro assumed Liliana would be familiar with the terrain since she lived nearby. As they strolled along, the backdrop of the setting sun painted a picturesque scene. Hiro couldn't ignore the gnawing anxiety that had taken hold of him. He disliked prying, but he needed to understand more about what had happened to Lili.

“Lili?” he spoke her name softly, causing her to come to a stop.

“What is it big brother Hiro?”

Being deliberately addressed as a 'big brother' still felt unusual to him, but he set it aside for the time being. The change in Liliana's demeanor was palpable when she saw the seriousness etched on her hero's face.

“These men… the ones that abducted you. How did it happen? And when? And, more importantly, why?”

Liliana fell into a heavy silence, and Hiro immediately regretted his inquiry. It had been thoughtless of him to reopen the fresh wound. He felt a pang of guilt, knowing there was no turning back now. Then, after a moment, Liliana began to speak, her voice devoid of emotion.

“I snuck out to play in the village, wandered too far, and that's when they snatched me away. It was truly terrifying. I was afraid I wouldn't get to see my...”

Tears welled up in her previously joy-filled eyes.

“It happened the day before yesterday.”

Once again, Liliana's demeanor, tone, and seriousness veered far from the childlike attitude she'd exhibited until now. It was as if she could switch into this persona at will, with her tears being the only exception. Unable to bear seeing her cry, Hiro embraced her tightly.

“I'm really sorry, sis. I promise not to mention it again. I swear.”

Unconsciously, Hiro referred to the girl as his sibling for the very first time since she declared him her big brother. Hearing him say that filled her with indescribable happiness. Her hero, the person she now looked up to, had just acknowledged her. She hugged him tightly, releasing the last of her tears.

“Big brother Hiro, now we’re even.”

“What?”

Before he could fully comprehend what Liliana meant, his eyes filled with tears as the weight of his anxiety about his forgotten memories, and the fear from the events of the previous night came crashing down on him. Without uttering a word, he simply nodded and let the tears flow freely. This time, it was Liliana who consoled him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gently stroked the back of his head, providing solace.

“I'm so pathetic, crying in front of you like this…” Hiro muttered, his voice tinged with shame.

“Maybe. But that doesn't change the fact that you're my hero.” she declared, her warm smile lighting up the moment.

After a few moments of shared emotion, they both regained their composure and continued their journey towards the city of Osata.