Chapter 3: Encounter Part 2

,,Don't worry, it's not your fault. He still mourns the loss of his best friend.'' says Yello while trying to comfort Haoyu who still is shocked by what just happened.

,,We still need him to freeze that boys' world. Without him we can't keep going.'' says Pollo.

,,In case that moody dummy won't cooperate, I know some people in a village not far from here.'' adds Lyca to the conversation. ,,They will help me for sure, someone still owes me a favor.''

,,Alright, the plan is the following: Lyca, you and Pollo will come with me.'' answered Yello who already has an idea for the problematic situation.

,,We three will go to that village and search for allies. In the best case we will find a spot near the village to settle down for some time and build a base.''. Haoyu is surprised. The way she leads this group with a clear plan and vision is exactly what he would imagine a leader would do.

,,Haoyu, you will stay here. Lyca put a spell on this cabin which allows only us to leave and enter, so stay in here and don't move around until we come back.'' commands Yello. For the first time, she talked to Haoyu in a serious voice, like he was already one of them.''

Suddenly Pollo folded his hands together and closed his eyes, almost like was beginning a prayer. He starts talking in what seems to be a language Haoyu couldn't decypher at all. It sounded like the way Aliens would speak in a Sci-Fi movie. After he was done talking to himself for a bit the sound of wings flattering around appeared outside the cabin. Only by the sound it was clear that whatever kind creatures were outside must have huge wings.

,,I have summoned my magic beasts, the Skyhawks.'' said Pollo to Haoyu. He noticed that Haoyu was curious about what happened.

As Yello opened the door to start their journey, Haoyu managed to get a small peak of those creatures standing outside. Tall, slim legs with claws like blades and massive wings covered in black feathers. More or less like normal birds in Haoyu's world - just way, way, way bigger. So big that you can ride them.

,,Remember what I said, stay in here until we come back.'' said Yello as they left the cabin. Haoyu had no intentions to even think about disobeying her commands. Ever since they went through the portal he never left those four walls so he doesn't know what waits for him on the outside. Monsters, those angels that they talked about - the danger is everywhere. Maybe people know who and what he is? Maybe the will chase him because of that. In no circumstance would he leave the cabin without Yello or one of the others by his side.

He sat down at a table near the window and as he look outside he discovered something. Melo was sitting on a stone with his head down and his arms resting on his knees. His equipment like the blades, some potions and a bag lying on the ground by his side. By judging his appearance he looked as he suffered from a battle he lost.

,,Should I look after him?'' were Haoyu's thoughts as he saw him from the inside of the cabin but he immediately reminded himself of Yello's orders.

He looked outside the window one more time again and saw Melo putting his hands on his head. In that moment he seemed to be in a very weak state of mind and Haoyu felt bad. He felt like it was his his fault that Melo attacked him and got yelled on afterwards even though he didn't do anything and just stood there.

,,No, I can't leave him like that! He got in trouble because of me. Im sorry Ms.Yello but I will disobey you!''

He stepped outside. The first steps into a new world, a world that still feels like a dream to him. The surroundings looked pretty similar to Haoyu, it was a normal forest just like you would find it on Earth. A few meters from the cabin was a big rock Melo was sitting on. He turned his back on the cabin and looked into the dark and deep forest.

As Haoyu came closer he heard a sobbing. It seemed like it came from Melo since there was no one else around.

,,Is he crying?'' thought Haoyu and was surprised. It were tears that ran down Melo's face as he was in grief.

,,A-Are you okay?'' asked Haoyu nervously. He had no idea how Melo could react but he insisted on going outside into the unknown to look after him, after someone he doesn't really now and who tried to kill him just now.

Melo's eyes shut wide open when he heard his voice and he immediately wipes off his tears in what seemed to be some sort of embarrassment. He got caught crying after acting so tough and coldhearted.

,,Im sorry. I didn't intend to attack you like that, I wasn't thinking right. You didn't deserve that.'' said Melo. Hayou couldn't believe what he just heard.

,,He apologized to me?! Why?! I wanted to apologize first!'' he thought and was surprised since he thought he upset him with something.

,,Ehh, i-it's okay. I'm sorry too if I did something wrong to make you m-mad'' said Haoyu with a shaky voice.

,,Kazuho was my best friend, he was like a brother to me. We grew up together in the same village hidden in the mountains in Asredia when one day we got attacked by the Angelic Empire - they destroyed everything. At that time Yello and I were about 9 years old and Kazuho was 2 years older, he protected us like a big brother and we three managed to flee before they caught us. From this day on I promised to never leave their side until I die but when he died in the battle, a part of me also died on that day.''

Haoyu noticed how much Kazuho's death affected him and unlike Yello, he showed it. He was mirror of his emotions.

,,I can't even imagine the pain you must've been through, losing so many people who are important to you. I hope we can settle our fight and go into the future toge-''. A loud ,,Shhhh'' came from Melo in that moment as he stood up quickly and grabbed his weapons.

Rustling leaves can be heard coming from the forest and it seemed that Melo discovered something. Haoyu didn't move an inch since he was so afraid of the uncertainty that lay in front of them.

,,Stay back!!'' screamed Melo suddenly as three big hairy creatures left the darkness of the forest and showed themselves. To Haoyu, they looked similar to bears - with just way longer claws and glowing white eyes. He turned around and ran toward the cabin to hide in there.

,,The door is locked?!'' he realized as he tried entering. Yello's words immediately went in his head and he realized why he wasn't allowed to leave since only the four of the magic users can enter and leave.

Meanwhile, Melo pulled out his two daggers whose peaks were covered in a greenish oil. He took one step back and waited what these monster will be doing. ,,As long as we're silent they won't give us any attention'' he determined in his head.

,,Melo!! The door is locked! They will kill us!'' screamed Haoyu all across the field.

,,This damn idiot''.

The monsters then locked their focus to Haoyu - the source of the noise. Growling like loud engines with their claws ready and scratching the ground, they ran towards him with an unusual speed for creatures this big. Haoyu stood there like frozen as he saw those beasts hunting him while he still tried to open the door desperately.

,,This is the end.'' were Haoyu's thoughts as he stood there helpless with his eyes closed. Suddenly, he just felt a fast breeze passing him - just like when Melo attacked him. The sound of blades slashing through skin made him realize that he got saved in the last second by none other than Melo. In a matter of seconds he managed to make up the distance and defeat all three beasts at once.

,,What the hell?!'' Haoyu thought. ,,He just killed them at once?! In a matter of seconds?! Where the hell did I land?''. Melo stuck out his hand to help Haoyu stand up who collapsed in front of the cabin's door.

,,I want to help you, Haoyu.''