Future, Past, Home (I)

The road back seemed much shorter than expected. Batista and his partner told us that in the way here they entered some towns to check their status. We were surprised by the fact that in all of them there was at least one Spiritist that acted as the protector of that city. It wasn't their leader neither a dictator, instead more similar to a superhero that was there to help his people on the moments of need. It's great to confirm that even after experiencing an extreme case like Victor, I can say that there still exist some good on this reality. We still can watch as the human being help each other when it's most needed.

Alex slept all the trip and only woke up after leaving him home, promising that we will meet again on another time. It seems his job as a bodyguard left him exhausted and was finally able to relax now that I'm here to cover him, I think I understand how stressing is to take care of someone else. Anyways we didn't found any other creature on our way back.

Finally we arrived to the frontier of our city. When we past by the guards that checked the identity of every passenger that entered, one of them stared at me.

"Something happen?"

"You, by any chance you're Asriel?"

"Emmm yes"

"You really are like the descriptions says, our local hero who liberated the capital! We're sorry for the delay, go on. Mister mayor is waiting for you"

"The mayor? How did he knew I would came back?"

"By radio" added Batista. "Your victory against the dictator arrived a couple of days ago the same way as the encrypted message"

"Seriously?"

"That's it, your legend as a hero is just about to start. Ah, they also told us that you probably would came back accompanied by a kid you took"

"What!?"

"I'm... not... a kid" said almost in a whisper, still unable to raise her voice in front of strangers.

So the news spread that fast, even the fact that Maria is with me...

Leah! What happened to the everything will stay between us part!? You better had not reveal details concerning our powers or I will show you when we meet again!

After entering the main road the people were pointing at us and smiled while clapping, some even got close to ask for a handshake through the vehicle's window. What is going on? How did I suddenly became a celebrity?

It didn't took long until we reach directly at the mayor's office, which was guarded by police and military. They opened the doors and we went in. After we entered into a big hall we were guided to a room were only one man was standing.

"I'm very happy to see you again Asriel"

"Same here sir. Before you ask anything I'll like to check something... what's with the commotion out there?"

"We have been up to date regarding your outcomes thanks to the radio messages. We decided to share this information with the citizens to boost the morale, as a result all the people on the city are proud of your feats, me included obviously. I hope you can tell me all the things you have found out, and also about that pretty lady that's behind you"

"..."

Like expected her shyness made present.

"She's Maria, my precious partner. She is a little shy, I hope you understand"

"Of course, how unwise of me. Maria, right? What a cute name, you want to eat something?"

The mayor turned around and took a box with many candies of all types. That means he's prepared to all this kind of situations, or maybe these are for him?

She peeked her head, slowly walking towards him and taking one.

"... thanks"

And that was the only thing she said while starting to eat it returning to my back. How sweet is she.

"I'm glad you like it. Anyway, we had planned a meeting with some important people to discuss many topics. Asriel, I hope that you can join us, your knowledge and experience will be very helpful"

"Sure, with the condition that she'll be at my side"

"Obviously, there's no problem. Then I'll start with the preparations, you can go take a look around the place if you so prefer. I will let you know when we're ready"

"Sure, let's go Maria"

"Okay~"

We both went out and started to walk around the building watching the different paintings and statues.