On the Verge of...

Leisurely taking our time, Cathy and I headed into the northern part of town. About two minutes later, when we stopped, she pointed to a quaint little establishment.

"Are you hungry?" Cathy asked. "I know we haven't eaten lunch yet, and the inn manager told me about a very special dish here…"

"Oh, now I'm interested. How do you know it's special, though?"

"Heehee! It's a secret!" Cathy tried to hide her giggling from me, but I knew she wasn't all that serious about the attempt.

We walked into the café, where the host greeted us and sat us down in a particular spot. Even though the establishment was packed, our table was in a private corner; we barely heard any noise from the other people currently dining.

Cathy, who sat to my left, wasn't bothering to hide her grin, so I snickered at her. "Cathy… you planned this out, didn't you?"

"Welll…", Cathy began, unable to contain the innocent smile on her face. "I did say, a girl has to keep her secrets! Just think of it as my thank you gift for saving me so many times already!"

"Just because you picked this place then, I'll make sure to enjoy this even more!"

The waiter then approached our table and announced the menu items for the establishment. Cathy and I placed our orders, deciding to go with the specials for the day.

After the waiter placed our drinks on the table, Cathy leaned closer to me. "Hey, Haru… I've been wondering, why exactly are you going to Waturia in the first place?"

"Well… I want to get stronger. Even though we survived the dungeon today, there are many out there with much greater difficulty. I know I clearly don't have what it takes to complete those."

"But today wasn't your fault… I know my magic isn't very reliable, so I feel like I'm the one who slowed you down…"

"No, Cathy, don't even think that. You're definitely not to blame for this. If anything, you helped me see more clearly I need to train harder before I am good enough to try another dungeon of that level."

"But… what's in Waturia to help you train? From what I've heard, there isn't a real dungeon around that city."

"My master back home talked about an extremely skilled archer, more capable than my master, in Waturia. I want to learn all this person has to offer and be better than what I am now."

"Wow! I really can admire you for that! But why do you have to get stronger anyway?"

Before I responded, I folded my hands onto the table and furrowed my eyebrows. "I'm sure you know about the rise in violence around the world and how I've been so willing to be there for you? There's someone else out there I made a promise to, to be there for them one day… when I truly am strong enough, I would never be a burden, but a reliable party member."

"Wowww! You really are so sweet! This person must be really special to you, then?"

"Umm…heh, heh… I wouldn't say it like that, but this person had been ignored for so long and had no one else to turn to. And this person knows who is behind all the terror across the world and wants to end it once and for all.

"I couldn't find it in my heart to look away from all that, and I felt it was wrong for those who didn't give this person a single chance. And besides, it's the opportunity of a lifetime not just to help save others, but to help save the entire world!"

"You really do love to push yourself and help out in any way you can, don't you, Haru? It makes sense how you've been looking out for me more than yourself." Cathy then mumbled, "No wonder I can't help wanting to fall for you…"

Did I just hear Cathy correctly?! Was she starting to feel the way I thought she just blurted out?!

Wanting to be assured of what I might have heard, I asked, "Huh? What was that last part, Cathy?"

"Ohhh! I just said how it makes so much sense you've been there for me already." Cathy then nervously chuckled.

Maybe Cathy didn't say anything besides that. But, I'm glad she's happy I'm here for her.

The waiter eventually brought out our dishes, and Cathy and I took our time to enjoy a very relaxing meal. And again, true to her word, the food was exquisite. Cathy really knew what was great when it came to dining.

After we finished the entrees, Cathy called for the waiter and whispered something into his ear. I was unable to hear what the exchange was, but Cathy motioned to remain in my seat.

"Just wait a little longer, Haru. What's coming out next is the real reason I brought you here." Cathy offered another of her trademark grins.

I didn't wait long before the waiter brought out the surprise. It was a small orange meringue cake, placed on a very intricate plate. The freshness of the dessert wafted into my nose, and I knew the cake would be beyond delightful.

Cathy took a knife and fork and cut the first piece for me. I obviously could do the deed myself, but Cathy took the fork with the cake piece and lifted it to my mouth.

Even though I was blushing in embarrassment, I took a bite, and no words described how savory the cake was. Living in Kolm my entire life, I tasted the same treats over and over again. But this cake trumped all the sweets I ever had in my hometown.

Cathy was preparing to offer me another bite, when I said while still blushing, "It's alright, Cathy… Thank you, but I can handle it myself…"

"Oh… sure…" I sensed Cathy might have been somewhat disappointed, but she took the next bites for herself.

As we continued to enjoy the cake, Cathy beamed at me and said, "This is really good, right? I can see it all over your face! This is just one small token of my affe… umm, I mean, my appreciation, hee hee!"

Cathy is an extraordinary girl… I never knew this world could have such nice people outside of Kolm. I thought Akane was only the only girl I could be close with, but maybe…

After we finished our entire meal, Cathy insisted on handling the bill. "You've already done so much, let me treat you for this!"

Unable to win the argument, I happily allowed Cathy the honor to pay for the lunch and dessert.

As we walked out of the restaurant, I noticed we had spent quite a significant amount of time enjoying ourselves inside.

"Umm… Haru… There's somewhere else I'd like to take you… It's a little to the northeast of here if you don't mind walking for a bit…"

"Sure! Lead the way, then."

We leisurely strolled down the path, heading towards the destination Cathy intended to visit. The trail began to rise, and I realized we were walking up a small hill.

After we had walked for about fifteen minutes, I saw a view so vivid, with fields stretching into the horizon. Standing near the hill's peak, we weren't too high above the ground, but it wasn't a height to ignore.

The sun was above us towards the west, so we were in no danger of being blinded. As I admired the view, Cathy walked a little way ahead of me and looked out into the distance.

She then sat onto the grass and, with her left hand, signaled for me to sit next to her. As I complied with her request, I couldn't help but notice that she nudged closer to me.

"Isn't this so beautiful, Haru? This may be selfish of me, but I'm happy you decided to go on this journey of yours. Else, I wouldn't be here with you…"

"Yeah, I'm happy, too, I left my hometown and traveling to see the world now. Many people from my town mentioned how cruel the world can be, but knowing there are people like you around gives me the confidence to trust in the greater good."

"Oh… Haru…" Although it seemed Cathy had more to say, she remained quiet.

We continued to sit silently on the grass, and time seemed to fly past us. Suddenly, Cathy turned to me, her right fist clenched. "Umm… I wanted to give you something… I hope you like it…"

When I offered my hand to Cathy, she placed something down on it and lifted my hand up to my face. After she released her hold on me, I opened my fist and saw a gold horse pendant. Sparkling amidst the beautiful landscape, the trinket was the most dazzling piece of jewelry I'd ever held.

My mind raced to figure out how much the pendant cost. But before I finished my mental calculations, Cathy leaned her head onto my shoulder.

I waited in anticipation for Cathy to speak, so I remained quiet for some time and just stared at her gift. Cathy eventually said, "I really love horses. My mom was a master horseback rider, so when I was little, she would always take me riding with her...

"Nothing made me happier than being on a horse and feeling all that wind blowing past me. So, by sharing my love of horses with you, I hope you'll think of me whenever you look at that pendant…"

Wow… that was the most intimate moment she's had with me yet… It feels so heart-warming to know Cathy is passionate about horses in that way. I can tell how much she adores them…

I glanced down towards Cathy, and I couldn't help noticing a look I hadn't seen before. Even though she conveyed so much affection describing one of her most precious memories, she had such a sad and lonely expression, filled with yearning.

I wondered what could have been troubling Cathy, even though she had given me such a wonderful gift. I tried to speak to her, but the moment was so tender, the words just didn't come out.

I continued to stare into the horizon, as Cathy remained leaning on my arm. As I stashed the pendant inside my armor, there was so much I wanted to say to her…

But, what exactly do I feel towards Cathy? I've really only ever known one girl intimately, and Akane's been with me my whole life. And I've only known Cathy for several days, but she's such a sweet, nice, honest girl…

I was unaware of how much time had passed. Still, Cathy eventually lifted herself from the ground and offered me a hand up as well. "Umm… could we head back to the inn before dinner? There's something I wanted to check on first…"

I nodded to Cathy, and we began the trek heading west back through the central part of town. As the sun started to set, Cathy spoke up. "Haru… I just wanted to say… Those times with my mom riding on horseback… Being with you reminded me of those days long ago… Thank you from the bottom of my heart…"

No words followed Cathy's, as I believed anything I'd say would ruin this moment. And yet, when I looked down at her, she still had that yearning expression, tearing straight into my heart.

I wonder what's distressing her… I can tell she really enjoys being with me, but it's as if there's some devastation tearing away at her…

As we approached the inn, I heard two horses neighing close by. From the sounds, I had a hunch they were at the back near the bathhouse. Neither Cathy nor I seemed concerned by this, so we ignored investigating the matter further.

When we finally got back inside, the inn manager was not currently at the counter. I noticed the carriage driver sitting at the lobby, though. Seeing I was about to call on him, Cathy turned to me and asked, "Do you mind if I head up to the room first?"

"Sure, I don't mind. I'll be up there in a moment," I replied, giving Cathy the key.

After Cathy headed upstairs, I approached the driver. The driver looked at me with some disgust on his face. "Ughhh… so I see you've been getting close with that girl. Didn't I tell you there's something off about her?"

"Yes, you did say that," I said. "But you're wrong about her."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. I'm just paid to do a job after all, so whatever the hell you do is none of my business. Anyway, you plan on staying through tomorrow as well, or are we actually going to leave in the morning?"

"We'll head out in the morning, so come back to the lobby then."

The driver nodded and started to walk out of the inn. Before he reached the exit, he turned back to me and said, "Just make you're ready to leave when it's time…"

Unsure how to interpret what the driver just said, I stood there thinking as he walked out of the inn. Suddenly, I heard a shriek. It sounded like it came from a woman, and what was worse, it sounded like it was coming from my room.

I immediately ran up the stairs and to the door of the room. It was closed, but when I tried to turn the knob, the door was clearly still open.

I kicked the door in, and I saw Cathy, her wrists tied behind her back. A bandit covered her mouth, and she tried to wiggle free to call out to me. They were right by the window, which had been opened, and he was in the midst of kidnapping her.

I walked into the room and tried to yell at the bandit, but I suddenly got hit with a swinging blow on the back of my skull. My knees immediately buckled, and I collapsed onto the floor. I still remained conscious, but I was unable to move.

I was still able to see, so when I turned my head to look at Cathy, she was able to free her mouth and yell, "Haru!!!"

The second bandit, who had been hiding in the shadows, approached his colleague and gagged Cathy to quiet her. The two thieves then jumped out of the window, Cathy in tow.

Even while they were falling, I heard the muffled screams coming from Cathy. All I thought was how terrified she was at that moment.

Although I was still reeling from the attack, I dragged myself to the window. When I was about to lift myself up onto the ledge, I saw the bandits riding a horse each into the sunset towards the west. The same horses that Cathy and I ignored when we returned to the inn.

But what truly ripped at my heart was the sight of Cathy being torn away from me. And with my arms and legs still barely able to move, there was nothing I could do about it.