Bab:6 You and I

As the story moves back in time, before Vell arrives, Rika sneaks from one place to another, hiding and moving from one house to another. Along the way, she quietly kills several people using her arrows and knife. Eventually, she reaches a tavern but is found by the leader of the place and a fight ensues. Rika is shot in the leg and is about to be beaten by the leader when he tries to take off her clothes. However, in a moment of weakness, the leader gives Rika the opportunity to grab a nearby rock and strike him on the head. Rika then grabs a piece of shattered glass and stabs the leader repeatedly in the face until he is dead.

Just as Rika is in the middle of the violent attack, Vell arrives and embraces her, trying to calm her down as she is unable to control her emotions.

"Rika, calm down! It's okay, I'm here now," Vell says as he holds her tightly.

"No! No! I had to kill him! He was going to hurt me!" Rika exclaims, still in a state of shock.

"Shh, I know. I know," Vell says soothingly. "But you're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you."

"But what about you? You're hurt," Rika says, finally noticing Vell's condition.

"I'll be okay. I can handle it. As long as you're safe, that's all that matters," Vell says, still holding onto Rika tightly.

In this moment, the focus is on the intense emotions of the characters and their commitment to each other's safety, even in the face of danger.

After they left the tavern and rode on the horse, Vell was thinking that if he was no longer able to protect Rika, he wanted to go to a place occupied by his close friend Zorn who was on the opposite path of their journey. Upon arrival, Rika was surprised to find themselves in this place. Vell met with Zorn and asked him to take Rika to explore this place as they had a close relationship. Zorn agreed.

Zorn and Rika went around the place and Zorn started asking how they met Vell and what happened. Rika felt uncomfortable with Zorn's questions and wanted to go back, so Zorn brought her back to the house.

At the house, Rika hugged Vell tightly, showing their close relationship.

Rika: (whispering) I'm so glad you're safe, I was so worried.

Vell: (whispering back) I'm fine, don't worry.

Zorn watched them and smiled, feeling happy to see that sence

Vell and Zorn sat down in the living room as they discussed their next move. Vell looked at Zorn with a determined expression and said, "Zorn, I want you to take Rika to the Sacred Kingdom. I need to protect her at all cost, and I believe she will be safer there."

Zorn raised an eyebrow and replied, "Why does the Sacred Kingdom want Rika so badly? And why do you think she'll be safer there?"

Vell explained, "Rika has a special power, a power that can heal and give strength to others. The Sacred Kingdom wants her for that reason, and I believe that with their protection, she'll be safe from harm."

Zorn shook his head, "I can't do that, Vell. I see the way you both look at each other, the way you protect each other. I can't just take her away from you, it would be heartless."

Vell's expression turned serious, "Zorn, I understand your concern but this is for her safety. I need you to do this for me."

Zorn stood up, "I'm sorry Vell, but my answer is still no. I won't take her away from you."

Vell stood up as well, "Zorn, I'm begging you. Please, do this for me."

Zorn sighed, "I understand your concern, Vell, but I just can't do it. I won't be a part of tearing apart the bond between you two."

Rika, who was sleeping in the room next door, had woken up and overheard the conversation. She felt a pang in her heart as she heard their words, and she couldn't bear the thought of being separated from Vell. She quickly got dressed and snuck out of the house on Zorn's horse.

Vell and Zorn realized she was gone and immediately went after her. They searched for hours, and eventually, they found her sitting by a lake, crying.

Vell ran to her and hugged her tightly, "Rika, I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. I just wanted to keep you safe."

Rika looked up at him and replied, "Vell, I don't want to be separated from you. I don't care about being safe, as long as I'm with you."

Vell smiled and hugged her tighter, "I'll never let anything happen to you, I promise."

Zorn walked up to them and said, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have caused such a big argument. I understand now why you want to take her to the Sacred Kingdom. I'll help in any way I can."

Vell nodded, "Thank you, Zorn. I appreciate it."

The three of them rode back to the house, and Vell made sure Rika was safe and sound before he and Zorn sat down to make a plan on how to keep Rika safe while they continued on their journey.

The next morning, Vell went to Rika's room to tell her to get ready. But when he saw Rika, he realized that she didn't want to leave. Rika didn't want to be separated from Vell.

"Rika, we have to go. This is for your own safety," Vell said, trying to convince her.

"No, I don't want to go," Rika replied, determined not to leave Vell.

"Rika, you have to understand. This is not just about us. It's about the situation that almost killed us. Zorn can take care of you better than I can," Vell explained.

Rika couldn't stop the tears from falling. She was torn between wanting to stay with Vell and knowing that it was not safe for them to stay together.

"Vell, please don't make me leave. I can't bear to be away from you," Rika cried.

The argument continued without a resolution. Rika was heartbroken and couldn't bear to leave Vell, while Vell was determined to make sure she was safe. The two of them were stuck in a never-ending argument.

Zorn suddenly entered the room and said, "There are some soldiers who have entered the house."

Vell and Zorn prepared to fight the soldiers. They could hear the sounds of the soldiers getting closer and closer. Vell drew his sword and Zorn grabbed his bow and arrow.

Zorn said, "I'll cover you from here, go ahead and take them out."

Vell nodded and ran towards the door. As soon as he opened it, he was met with a barrage of arrows. He quickly ducked and rolled to the side, dodging the arrows and making his way closer to the soldiers.

Vell swung his sword and clashed with one of the soldiers. The soldier was skilled but Vell was more experienced. They exchanged blows and soon Vell managed to disarm the soldier.

Zorn was shooting arrows at the other soldiers, picking them off one by one. The soldiers were starting to get overwhelmed by the two of them.

Vell heard a scream and turned around to see that one of the soldiers had grabbed Rika. He ran towards them, shouting her name. The soldier was holding a knife to her throat, threatening to kill her if Vell didn't back off.

Zorn shouted, "Don't listen to him Vell, we can take them."

Vell shook his head, "I can't risk Rika's life."

The soldier laughed, "Good, you're starting to see things my way. Now drop your weapon."

Vell reluctantly dropped his sword and raised his hands in surrender. The soldier started to lead Rika away when suddenly Zorn shot an arrow, hitting the soldier in the back. The soldier fell to the ground, releasing Rika.

Vell rushed to Rika's side and helped her up. He hugged her tightly, thanking her for being safe. Rika hugged him back, tears streaming down her face.

Zorn said, "We need to get out of here, they might have sent more soldiers."

Vell nodded and they quickly gathered their things and left the house, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

After they fled, Vell explained to Zorn that the offer made to Zorn has been cancelled. Rika and Zorn were shocked. Zorn asked why the sudden change of mind, and Vell replied that Zorn's house needed to be fixed, so while it was being fixed, he and Rika could go to the sacred kingdom. Zorn responded with a silly joke. Vell hugged Rika, making Rika feel happy.

Zorn: Hey Vell, why did you change your mind about the offer? I thought we had a deal.

Vell: I'm sorry, Zorn, but you have to fix your house first. It needs some repairs.

Zorn: What do you mean? Why did you change your mind so suddenly?

Vell: Well, while your house is being fixed, Rika and I can go to the sacred kingdom. It's a beautiful place and I want to show it to her.

Zorn: (laughing) That's a funny.

Vell: (hugging Rika) And as for you, Rika, let's go on a ride. (leading Rika to his horse)

Rika: (excited) Really? (climbing onto the horse)

Vell: (holding Rika) Hold on tight. We're going to have a great time. (riding off with Rika)