Chapter Ten - It's less scary if we jump together

„Where are you going?" I asked, taking a step back.

„I don't think I owe you an explanation or anything." He looked at me quizzically and a little confused. I wonder if he felt the same weird feeling as I did? His face was expressionless, only his eyes revealed his emotions.

„True, but I feel like you're hiding something and it makes me uncomfortable." I admitted. I don't know why but I had the same feeling when he was… No. Let's not go there. I clutched my chest. Maybe one day I can remember without experiencing this pain and regret but I am still not ready. In a way, I have more regrets about him than my family. I accepted what happened and I let go of my previous family to love and cherish my new one, although I never stopped thinking about them and missing them. I let him go too, but I don't think I can love anyone again.

„You're imagining things." He dismissed me easily. „You should just go and do your things like I am going to do mine. We have nothing to do with each other."

Right. I am in a hurry to find a solution to my father's problem as soon as possible but… A fruit that can heal everything is definitely a scam. Using people's vulnerability and desperation to lure them into some kind of trap is just utterly despicable. I would do anything to get my hand on something like that so I can understand why others would want it too. I wanted to help my father as soon as possible but he always told me to help others if it wouldn't hurt me so I couldn't just walk away.

„Fine." I turned my back on him. „Thank you for everything." This time he was the one who caught my hand and facing him I could tell he felt the same electrifying feeling as I. He slowly let me go.

„What are you planning?"

„I don't owe you an explanation." I repeated his former words. It was childish but I felt satisfaction. He looked at me like I was a mischievous kid.

„You want to go back to the lake, right?" He sighed. „It's dangerous so let's go together.

„What is this sudden change of mind?" I raised an eyebrow.

„I can see you won't give up and it's safer if we go together than you going alone."

„Why would you care about my well-being?"

„I don't like seeing people getting hurt." A shadow flashed across his eyes but he regained his composure fast. „That's why I work as a mercenary. I can protect others."

„And here I thought you like to get a lot of money." I said ironically. I think some jobs are more helpful than this but considering his abilities maybe it was his best choice.

„I don't care about money. I only need enough to buy the necessities. I can sleep outside and I can hunt so I don't need much."

„Then you must work very cheap." I thought out loud.

„No, I am very expensive for nobles. Sometimes it feels nice to sleep in a bed and eat warm food prepared by someone else. And the amount I don't need I donate to charity. I have high prices to make people feel just how expensive a human life is."

If it's all true I almost feel ashamed suspecting him. He seems such a good-natured guy. But really, it's his fault acting that way. No, I won't take it back.

„Let's go." I didn't know what to say so I resumed walking.

„And why are you so determined to investigate? You could just walk away." He asked after he started walking next to me.

„I don't like when people try to take advantage of other people's desperation. I have a bad feeling about this whole thing so… Persiana is just a kid. I am worried other kids get caught or something." I confessed.

„I see. I am sorry for accusing you. Let's start anew. I am Eiran and right now I am working as a mercenary." He offered his hand.

„Nice to meet you, Eiran. I am Liri and I just travelling around, experiencing the world." I accepted it and squeezed it.

After that our journey to the lake was uneventful. We talked but it wasn't anything serious until we reached the forest. It was as tranquil as before but the shadows grew larger as the sun started to set. It was probably a beautiful sunset but we couldn't see it because of the trees. The animals became more livid too, there was much more noise than before. I wasn't afraid as I could handle some bigger wild animals and even if I failed Eiran definitely wouldn't.

„So why would you want to come back anyway? Do you really think there are some ogres still?"

„I will answer but first I want to hear your reasons."

„Well, I just don't understand why they told her that the fruit grows especially on the tree around the lake. There must be a reason and I just want to find out it." I answered honestly. The place has to have some significance.

„You are right." He nodded. „And no, I don't think there are more ogres but when I jumped after Persiana into the lake I noticed something that seemed like the underground cave entrance. I want to investigate where it is lead."

„I see." I was happy that he was this honest but fear crept into my bones. I avoided big-bodied waters in this life. I couldn't forget the feeling of drowning and unable to breathe. I remember struggling to stay afloat and failing, then seeing him getting closer. I was unable to shout at him to save himself and… I shook myself. It's not time to remember.

Of course, I could let him do it alone but I remembered the subtle trembling of his body. I don't know what happened and what the sources of his troubles but it would be cruel. For some reason, I felt if we face it together we can endure it. Yeah, it doesn't make sense. What? Did you feel the same? No, I am not blushing. Anyway.

We were standing at the edge and neither of us said anything. So I decided to reach out and hold his hand. He looked back at me in surprise.

„It would be bad losing each other underwater." I explained a bit sheepishly.

„Yes, it would." He squeezed my hand, his was very warm. „But you don't have to come with me. It could be very dangerous and I am not even sure how long till we reach a point where we can breathe again. You could die if we make a mistake."

He is right. Everything was uncertain. I was a bit stronger than a normal human thanks to my father but it didn't mean much as it applied to a lot of people. I wasn't special in any sense but hopefully, a stronger body means stronger lungs so I can be underwater longer than in my previous life. He was an aura knight so he probably has a really great endurance and other abilities I have no idea about. I diving suit would be nice but we have to do with what we have.

„I know, but I am not afraid." It was a lie. He probably knew it was a lie but he remained silent. „I came this far so I will see it through." I think his mouth twitched. Don't lie, you were laughing at me! What, you remembered that? Just forget it!

„I respect your decisions." More like you just didn't want to jump alone. We looked at each other one more time before we took a deep breath and jumped.