Some time passed before me and Fox made our way back to the Obsidian Mountains. "You don't have to carry me… you know?", she said. "I recovered somewhat already. Besides, are you embarrassed? As far as I remember, you weren't that embarrassed…", she smacked my head before I could finish. "You are not the one to speak". "Well, I guess this was new for both of us", I said and looked at her.
"What?", she asked diverting her gaze. "Did you really think I'd hate you? I don't care about your origins, after all you didn't care I was a slave". She looked back at me, "It worked out, didn't it? That alone makes me happy". "Yes, it somehow worked out…", I said looking ahead.
We arrived back at the Obsidian Mountains, and found our friends waiting for us. I let Fox down, before we approached them. "So? What is your plan right now?", Crow asked. "I think you should worry more about your city, not what my plans are. You guys became a bit homeless, but with everyone's help, the city should be back in shape soon".
Harlin said, "They can live here for now. Although the environment is not great for them, they will have access to all necessary provisions". I nodded, and looked to the side. Suly, Alicia and Lazar walked over. "You look like family guys", I said smiling. "Mind your own business!", Alicia exclaimed. Suly ran over and hugged me. "I'm sorry I doubted you. You did end the war, you really helped us", she said while sobbing.
"Heh, I'm not that great you know? There were others who did a lot as well, don't just look at me", I said while patting her head. "You can take some rest now. With the war over, Suly would be happy to have you around more", I said towards Lazar. He smiled, "I judged you wrongly too, although I didn't like your methods, I never tried abandoning you… I should…", I stopped him before he finished. "What you should do, is to finally make a move on Alicia. You guys are not that far apart in age, I assume. I'm sure Suly would like Alicia to join your family", I said while looking at Suly.
She looked back at both of them, and nodded. "What?… But… I'm… I...", Alicia stammered. "Suly, make sure they get together, they don't seem to hate each other", I said quietly. She nodded, and ran towards her father. "Crow. While Sedon is being rebuilt, take a few Shades with you and visit Vanauts. They are not bad people, they were simply misunderstood. Try to accommodate them a bit, build a relationship with them. Both of you can gain something from this".
He nodded while Lira grabbed his hand. Only Harlin stood there without anyone by his side. "Perhaps Alicia has some friends?", I asked. "Stop looking at me like that! What about Frosty? He is alone too, and he is very strong as well", Harlin replied. "You talking about him?", I asked while pointing at the sky. Frosty landed making a lot of noise. "This king has no need for relationship. I am…", before he finished, I said. "An overgrown lizard. Yes we know".
"Let me freeze you once, Human", Frosty growled. "Maybe later. For now, it is time for me to say goodbye", I said. "So you are going to visit Hatmandor?", Crow asked. "This and some other things… I will be gone for a while, but I will return one day or another". Fox grabbed my hand, but I shook my head. "You are staying as well". She looked at me angry, "What the hell are you talking about?". I pulled her closer, "This is my journey Fox, I still haven't reached my goal. Besides, Furians need a leader. They will need your guidance, at least for a while".
She didn't like the idea at all, and I could understand her. At the same time, I myself wasn't sure what awaited me out there. I wanted to leave Perival Continent, explore what was out there. I also knew danger would become part of my life. I couldn't risk her life, no matter what. There was no doubt in my mind, there were other places than Perival Continent. The hooded figures came from someplace else, Frosty came from someplace else. I wanted to see those places, explore my life even further. I was a traveller after all.
"This is as hard for you, as it is for me. I promise, I will return to you. Will you wait for me?", I asked. "After what you've done, do I have a choice?", she replied angrily. "It's not like I will find a more beautiful creature than you", I said with a smile and kissed her. She grabbed my cheek, "You are so dense, that thought never entered my mind. It took you so long to finally notice me, I don't have to be afraid of others", she replied.
The others laughed, while I took out Fox's pendant. "I still have it you know? It will always remind me of you. I don't have anything meaningful to give you, but perhaps this will do", I said while taking out my mask. "It's not the original which meant a lot more to me, but it is something that was important to me. Perhaps it will be of use to you", I added. She took the mask, "I'd prefer if you stay… but you are stubborn, I know that very well. I will wait... Even if I have to wait for eternity, I will wait for you to come back". I smiled, and kissed her for the last time.
"If Humans try to prod my whereabouts, make sure they think I'm still here. I don't want them to get stupid ideas, when I leave. I will talk to the guys back in Hatmandor, and try to do something about this barrier. But for now, this is a farewell. Stay well guys, and I will see you in the future", I said. "Good luck, Dark Traveller!", the crowd exclaimed, while I motioned towards Frosty. "Let's go, there are many wonders awaiting us. Maybe we can find you a nice dragon along the way", I said teasingly.
"Hmph!... Oi! Where the hell are you sitting?", Frosty asked as I climbed onto his back. "You can fly, so it will be faster. How else do you want me to cross the sea?", I asked. "I refuse, no one is going to ride me!", he replied. "Oh come on, at least this once?", I said before adding in a whisper, "You owe me that much". Frosty sighed, and lifted off. "Fine, but this once!", he said. "See you guys! When I return, I hope to see the North flourish. Don't fail me, hahaha!", I said before Frosty flew towards Hatmandor.