There was a girl I always played with, her hair was auburn and cut short before reaching her shoulders. She was always filled with energy and was always enthusiastic about becoming so much more. A girl who was treated differently due to her parents background of being criminals; allegedly dealing with human trafficking to organised heists.
"My Papa and Mama are good people, they'll never do such a thing!!"
Whenever it came to her parents, she always looked fierce and ready to argue and convince others that they weren't the people the media makes them out to be.
We were always together. Through thick and thin, we stuck close despite our overwhelming differences; polar opposites, I couldn't see the world like she did. That's why I strove to be more like her.
But if we were always together... Why is it that I don't remember her name?
....
"...Kira.... Akiraa!!"
Voices fill my head as they reverberate. Slowly coming to; resting against the base of a tree, I look up to the same field left a mess, a figure stands tall beside me.
"...what just-"
"Akira, you've woken up!"
Looking up to her, Rosebelle looks completely ravaged, with parts of her outfit damaged and torn, she seems to be holding up despite numerous bandages wrapped around her body.
"...W-what hap- what did I-"
Trying to recall the events of the battle, a scene replays itself in my mind as I rise in attempts to take action; though both my legs aren't cooperating.
"Luel, where's Luel!?"
"Luel? She's right beside you, she's just tired so she's taking a short nap."
I turn quickly as she's resting against the same tree with eyes closed. It doesn't seem like she's suffered too much damage as her shoulders slowly rise and fall in her sleep.
"Thank god..."
I sigh in relief as the overwhelming emotions make my body feel almost fuzzy.
But, what was that? In that brief moment, something knocked me with enough force to send me flying.
Come to think of it, I'm still alive?
Checking my body, I realise the chest plate I bought is missing entirely, leaving the cloth completely bare.
"Akira, I'm glad you're still here, but, I want to ask you something."
As time passed during my slumber, the sun has already began to set, it almost makes the aftermath look serene.
"What is it?"
Kneeling down, she looks into my eyes.
"What exactly happened? Even Luel who was right there with you couldn't come to terms with what occurred."
Asking as though I have the answers, I could only reply with silence. After all, I was struck back so hard I passed out almost immediately.
...Wait, what's-
Requirements have been met, learned original skill
「Rank: EX」「Thou Shalt Not Die」
Casts a barrier around a target and transfers any receiving damage to the user and halves the damage.
"Transfers...- I-Is that what happened..?"
Placing my hand against my chest, my heart throbs with intensity.
I could've died and I wouldn't have known.
"An original skill... To preserve a life, hmm... I assume that's the other skill you had and your desire to protect something cause you to activate it. But gosh, you almost died because of it!"
"Y-Yeah... Um, the Arch Griffon, did you manage to defeat it?"
"Mm, somehow."
Staring at the aftermath before us, she stretches her arms high before resting against the plains.
"It was a decisive battle, but I managed in the end. I just wish I didn't have to result to using that."
That?
"It was a tough one, that's for sure. Hehe, I'm glad we made all made it out alive. I wasn't sure at first, even if I did decide to take you along."
Rising back up, she looks to me and warmly smiles.
"I'm glad I did. If it weren't for you, Luel probably wouldn't be here. Thank you, Akira."
"Thank you..?"
For some reason, I don't feel anything. Her gratitude is genuine, of course it is. But... I can't help but feel like I didn't do a thing. All I did was get in the way, I'm sure Luel could've handled the situation on her own, if she didn't have to constantly babysit me. She gave me a chance, to rely on someone who wanted to be of use, and yet it almost resulted in her being hurt.
"I'm sure she would've handled it better on her own."
...
As the day progresses into the late evening, we walk back to Aisengard with Rosebelle leading the way. Luel appears to be doing well, but I do remember her losing mass amounts of blood.
...Blood?
"Luel?"
Answering by turning her attention to me as we walk side by side, I recall that both Rosebelle and I don't bleed at all strangely.
"Are you, umm, a Hero Candidate, or..."
"Hmph."
Averting her gaze to the cloudless sky above, the stars are a lot more visible and shine different colours compared to the ones in my world.
"A Hero Candidate, huh? ...If that were the case, I wouldn't be running an Herbalist store."
"So that means-"
"It just means I haven't been blessed with the powers you Hero Candidates possess."
"O-Oh... But, you can cast magic?"
"My powers are limited compared to those who are granted the boons of being Hero Candidates. Passive skills, unique active skills; both unable to be learnt via tomes or grimoires. You lot sure are better off."
"I-I see..."
When it comes to the topic of Hero Candidates, does she despise us?
"I'm glad however."
Stopping in her tracks, she looks down at her hand before reaching out to me.
"You're not one of them. You feel like you have a duty to fulfill; not to just be a Hero but to do what's necessary. Though it took awhile, you've proven yourself."
"But... Without me, the situation wouldn't have escalated to that. You wouldn't have had to babysit me."
"You would've came on your own accord. The results are what matters, I don't regret my decision."
Accepting her offer, she grips my hand firmly as the slightly rough touch by her callous against her palm takes me by surprise.
"I see... Thanks, Luel."
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