The men didn't have a chance to make a sound as the blast engulfed them. The entire mountain shook and the blast could be seen from hundreds of miles away as the beam came off the moutainside. Zeke and Erika looked on in silent horror as Neeri calmly watched every man turn to dust. It was several seconds before she finally cut the energy off and pulled her hand down. The area in front of her was eroded and blackened from the intensity of the blast. Tauron's men were completely gone with only Tauron himself remaining. He had erected a barrier around himself while clinging to his buried axe so he wasn't blown off the mountainside. As the barrier fell, it became obvious he hadn't escaped unscathed either. His armor was scalded and dirtied while one of his arms had been completely stripped bare. It was bleeding rather badly as well, but he still steadied himself and stood tall after the fact. Pulling his axe from the ground with one hand, he wiped his nose with the other and smirked.
"That all you got kid? I expected more from someone the big man sent."
Neeri glared intently at Tauron and once again rose up into the air. This time, the pressure coming off of her intensified several fold and the energy glowed intensely on her hands. Her eyes began to glow and as she raised up electricity began to strike from her, crawling in different directions and carving up the ground as it flew by.
Erika and Zeke were blown backwards up against the mountainside from the intense winds being created.
"Zeke!" she called. "This girl is terrifying! Just how strong is she?!"
Zeke tried to speak but could barely gasp. He failed to answer as his already broken ribs were causing him immense pain from the wind pressure slamming into them.
General Tauron smirked and began to slowly walk forward.
"If you're an energy user child, you'll be vulnerable when it comes to actual close combat. And everybody knows that mages can only focus on one type of energy attack at a time, even if they're used in quick succession. You may be one of Sals pets, but I'm the strongest general in Feltari. I didn't get this position without earning it."
Tauron planted his feet and gripped his axe handle with both hands. Light surged around him and his muscles bulged as he focused the energy in his body. At the same time, yellow light appeared in a crystalline form and encompassed his body to form a barrier from whatever attacks Neeri may try.
Then Tauron launched himself forward.
Neeri, clearly unamused, raised her hand and then slammed it down in the air. In the same instance, Tauron was slammed into the ground as gravity intensified to crushing levels around him. While he was being crushed, he realized the ground beneath him had turned to sand before he had even touched it and it began to swallow him up. Struggling would only make him sink deeper and faster so he simply braced himself and tried to keep his head up. The ground was then flash frozen while he was still processing just what to do about the quicksand. It all happened within about 3 seconds and Tuaron realized too late that he had sorely underestimated the girl.
"Multiple elemental energy attacks at once, no time needed to focus or adjust her energy between them, she never let up on the gravity despite switching between ground and ice, and she didn't utter a word. This child isnt just a monster. She may be unstoppable even if there were a hundred of me!" He struggled in vain to escape the sand and ice but Neeri increased the gravity any time it seemed like he was about to make progress. He was completely immobilized. Suddenly, the ground beneath him shifted and Neeri raised the section of earth with him trapped in it up to where she was floating. Tauron glared at the child.
"Go on then girl. Finish me off. Im curious what kind of fire power you've got when you're actually trying."
Neeri's face remained stoic as she raised her hand up to Taurons trapped face. Then, she put her thumb and forefinger together and flicked him.
Instantly, Tauron was gone, thrown northward at breakneck speed and a shockwave washed over the area. Dust exploded up from the ground and Zeke and Erika gritted their teeth as again they were slammed into the moutain wall. Their ear drums felt like they were going to burst from the intense pressure and both felt nauseated. As soon as it hit them though it was over. The intensity and noise faded and they fell to the ground. The dust clearing, Erika got up in a sitting position and relaxed against the rock wall in relief.
"Ugh, my gosh that was crazy!" she exclaimed. "Who knew a little girl could be so powerful! Zeke that was insane right?"
She glanced over in his direction and as the smoke cleared, she realized he was still on all fours on the ground. He was coughing profusely and blood was coming out of his mouth. "Zeke what's wrong!?" she rushed over to his side and went to touch him but hesitated. She wasnt sure what to do and was afraid that if she touched him whatever was happening she'd make worse. He tried to speak but couldn't. His lungs had been punctured by his broken ribs and were filling with blood.
Calmly, Neeri, appeared at his side and gently walked up to him. She examined him for a moment before she got closer and laid her hands on his back. Light begun to spread from her hands over him and slowly crept down over his sides. It pulsated as it rested on him while he continued to hack and gasp. Then, the light suddenly changed from white to green. His hacking began to lessen as his ribs were put back in place and his lungs were slowly patched up and put back together. Once it looked as though the pain was easing Neeri pulled her hands away. Then, she came around in front of him and put her right hand to his mouth. She held it there for few moments before, slowly, she pulled it away. A small stream of blood and liquid followed it from out of his mouth. When she got it a good distance away from him, she pulled it to the side and flicked her hand, sending it into the dirt. She then put her hands together expectantly, watching him. Zeke coughed a bit more but finally ceased as his breathing became more even and relaxed.
"Thank... you." he breathed. His broken ribcage had been put back together but even now it still pained him. Not completely healed but in much better shape than before. His lungs though were 100% better. Neeri gave him a small smile and bowed in front of him. Slowly, Zeke raised himself up and braced himself on one knee. He wiped his mouth a moment with his gauntlet and checked it over for blood before standing up completely. Neeri raised her head and looked up at him once more. He carefully placed his left hand on her head and ruffled her hair. Neeri smiled and closed her eyes, enjoying the praise, and Zeke cracked a small smile. He indulged her for a moment before attempting to withdraw his hand. Right as he tried though, Neeri grabbed it and pulled it back down, pouting.
"Zeke!!! Are you alright?!?!" Erika pushed herself in front of him and immediately began searching him over from head to toe, forcing Neeri out of the way.
"Oh for- Erika, get off! I'm fine!" He attempted to push her away but to no avail. He still had no strength left. Honestly, he'd pass out standing up right there if he were able.
"But what if you're not!? You're tired and smelly and your dad beat you up and-"
"Erika. Seriously. Please. I'm fine." The relief he had felt when he initially realized he had some help had quickly left as he remembered Erika was half of it. She was definitely not the help he wanted. He shook his head and was about to say something when a thought struck him and his eyes narrowed in slight confusion. He paused and looked at her.
"Wait. Erika what are you doing here? Didnt you plan on entering the military as tactical support? You shouldn't be out in the field."
She blinked twice, his words sinking in. Then she took a step back and sighed.
"Yeah, I was supposed to but I ended up changing my mind."
"I can see that. But why?"
"Well... you were supposed to go on into the military." She huffed. "You'd told everyone that you had planned to prove yourself out on the battlefield and that you were gonna get even stronger than your father. Take his position, become a big shot, you know. But then you suddenly got your mercenary license and were leaving for Gelshin like my sister did. Like... you weren't very popular with everybody, and you weren't the strongest, but I still kinda expected you to at least say something about this. Instead you just changed your decision at the last minute and then took off in the dead of night a few weeks later."
"I dont know what you expected." he said flatly. "After everything that's happened are you really shocked that I decided to leave?"
"Well... no. Not really. Our peers were terrible to you and everyone turned a blind eye to everything that happened. I just... I thought maybe you'd tell me."
Zeke looked at her face as she sheepishly fiddled with her hands and looked away. He let out an exasperated sigh and scratched the back of his head.
"No, I wouldn't have. And honestly I'm surprised the military even let you tag along while they were after me."
"Hey, that's hurtful! And I was too! They told me they didnt mind escorting me since I was already packed and ready to go. They just kept me back when they felt we were getting close to you."
Zeke looked at her with suspicion.
"And you were already packed because...?"
Erika put her hands up, tapping her pointer fingers together.
"I um... was planning on chasing after you. I decided I wanted to go with you. Word spread quick that you were gone and I knew you would run to Gelshin instead. It took me a few days to get my military license changed over to a mercenary one but I spent those couple days packing and getting ready."
Zeke shook his head in annoyance.
"Well I appreciate the thought but I don't need the help. When we get to Glintwood, you need to figure out what you're going to do there. I'm not taking you with me." He turned down to look at Neeri as he felt her grip his cloak. She had been silently watching the interaction between the two up until now but locked eyes with him when he realized she was clinging to him. She blinked a few times and then looked over at Erika.
Erika, looking back at her, decided to try a different approach since she was fairly sure Zeke had no intention of letting her come along.
"Aw but Zeke. Surely you'll need help taking care of little Neeri! She probably doesn't need protecting but surely big sis can braid her hair, or wash her clothes, or cook for her! What do you think Neeri?"
Erika closed her eyes, smiling, and reached out her hand to stroke her head. She was nearly there when a very small but forceful slap pushed her hand away. Erika paused for a moment, a little disgruntled, but reached out to try again. Quick as a flash, Neeri quickly slapped her hand down again and glared at her. Erika blinked twice and then rushed Neeri in an attempt to finally touch her but she dodged her hands and slapped her face as she jumped by Erika.
"You little brat! Come here!"
Erika, clearly irked, began angrily chasing her around Zeke, while Neeri kept slapping her hand away from her everytime it got close.
Zeke could only watch on in mild interest and bewilderment at the exchange as Erika failed over and over to get ahold of Neeri. After a few minutes of this, Erika was too tired to continue and was left trying to catch her breath a few feet away from where they started. Neeri quietly walked back up to Zeke and stopped in front of him to look up at him. She then went to his side, turned to face the same direction he was, grabbed his hand, and planted it on top of her head. Zeke chuckled but ruffled her hair a little while she closed her eyes and smiled.
"Ugh, whatever!" Erika stomped in frustration. Turning definently, she pointed at Zeke and whined. "It doesnt matter! I'm already here so I have to come with you We're literally going the same direction! How can you tell me no when we have so much history together?"
"Its really not that hard." Erika looked dejectedly at Zeke and then looked at Neeri again.
"And what about that child? Are you gonna tell her no too?"
"That "child" fell from the sky in a ball of fire, turned about 30 soldiers to dust, and man handled the strongest general Feltari has. Even if I didnt want to, I'm obligated to. And I can tell she wont take no for an answer."
They both looked down at her and without missing a beat, Neeri gave them a thumbs up. Erika pouted and crossed her arms, turning her face away from Zeke.
"You're still so mean to me! I even came all this way just to see you! You can't tell me you really don't want me here to help!"
Zeke opened his mouth to speak but stopped. He knew Erika well and, as she said, they had a lot of history together. That really didnt change the fact though that he really wished she wasn't here.
"Erika, I really don't want your help."
Erika continued to face away from him, unmoving. Though it did slightly bother him to just leave her like this, Zeke rolled his eyes and then he began to walk. The border was in plain sight up the path and he'd already spent too long here. He didnt want to stay in Feltari any longer than he had to, let alone give anyone else a chance to stop him. That, and he was going there partially out of his own interest, but also in pursuit of Erika's earlier mentioned sister. Addeline knew he'd be coming as him coming to Gelshin had been planned by them some time ago. She was waiting for him down in the capitol so they could join a mercenary company together. He knew Erika would be pretty pissed if she learned this but her being here was already not planned. Besides, the past had shown in multiple situations that she just wasnt reliable when she needed to be. That wasnt going to change now. She didnt turn around as he passed her, though she did give an exaggerated sniff hoping to play off his sympathy. As the distance between them grew, Neeri, who had been staying in step with Zeke, looked back at her. While she felt no pity, she sighed and rolled her eyes before firmly planting her feet and grabbing Zeke's cloak. Zeke went to take a step and felt her tug at him so he stopped. Looking down at her, she met his eyes and then pointed back at Erika. Zeke followed and upon realizing that Neeri was pointing at her, shook his head firmly no. Neeri let go of his cloak and sat down, maintaining eye contact and her outstretched finger. She wasnt going to move until he relented. He mouthed the words 'absolutely not' before he reached down to pick her up. When he tried to lift her, however, she manipulated the gravity around her to keep herself firmly locked in place. Zeke gave her a look of annoyance before sighing and letting her go. He looked over to Erika to see if she had seen anything but she hadn't moved even an inch, continuing to pout and look dejectedly away. He looked back down at Neeri and crossed his arms.
"I'll accept your help fighting but dont make a habit out of being my moral compass." He looked towards Erika and called to her. "Alright, Erika, get over here." Without skipping a beat, she turned on her heels and bounced up to him.
"Oh you won't regret this! I promise! We'll be the best mercenary duo Gelshin has ever seen!"
"Yeah, sure." Zeke waved his hand dismissively. "Just don't slow us down. We have a long way to go before we get to Heath's Spire and I do intend to do a few jobs on the way."
"Wait, we're headed to the Capitol? Does that mean you're thinking of joining one of the guilds when we get there?"
Zeke nodded.
"I need a teacher. I still cant use this sword properly and no matter how much I practice, I'm not making any progress. I'm not sure what I'm missing, but it's becoming more and more clear that I can't learn it myself." Erika nodded but seemed unconvinced.
"I mean, you were better than most with the fundamentals in our class but you started struggling when you found that sword. It's bigger than normal and the end isn't like other swords so It's harder for you to swing without using two hands right?"
Reaching up, his left hand came to rest on its hilt.
"Something like that. I just need to find someone who can help me with it. I'm just betting there's probably no better place to find a teacher than a city full of seasoned mercenaries."
"Hm, I agree. Very smart Zeke."
"Uh, yeah. Thanks. Anyway, let's get going. We're gonna have a lot of papers to sign and..." Zeke trailed off and his eyes drifted down to Neeri as they walked. "You wouldn't happen to have any papers or identification would you?" Neeri put her hand to her chin for a moment and then reached into her clothes. She rummaged around for a moment before she withdrew them and shrugged.
"Thats about what I expected. Well... I suppose we'll figure out something when we get there. You're a child though so you not having documentation looks really sketchy for us." Erika paused and looked between them.
"I mean we could just tell them that she's an orphan or something. We did technically find her on the road."
"We could but the problem is they'll still want some form of identification. You know they'll test her energy to see if she matches anyone. That's when we'll have run into trouble."
Erika's brow furrowed as she thought about it. She knew Zeke was right but at the same time, it's an orphaned child. Not exactly uncommon.
"I mean, she really is an orphan. If they didnt have her on record, what's the worst that could happen?"
"Honestly, no idea. Worst case, they assume we're stealing a child. That's pretty severe and considering how desperate the king was to get his hands on my sword, I wouldn't be shocked if he told his half of the guards stationed here to stop me any way they could. Of course, you'd be caught up in it as an accomplice."
Erika's mouth fell open and her eyes grew wide.
"Woah, woah, woah! Hold on! I suddenly agree that its not a good idea! Can't we just go around or something instead then? Sneak in?"
Zeke brought his hand to his face and sighed.
"We're not sneaking in. I'm sure there's an easier option. I just need to figure it out."
As Zeke spoke, a small piece of paper came floating out of nowhere and drifted in front of him.
"What the?"
He snatched it gently out of the air so it didn't tear and pulled it open to read it.
"What is it Zeke?" Erika asked. A look of irritation crossed his face and grew the deeper in the document he got until he suddenly folded it. Then he tucked the paper into his cloak and looked at Erika.
"It's Neeri's identification paper. Sal probably dropped it in front of us considering it just suddenly showed up like that."
"So problem solved?" Erika asked.
"Yeah. Problem solved. Now let's get going." The group gently began to head up the path to the looming fortress ahead of them.
A few miles away, over a vast expanse of dense forest, a man clad in white armor came crashing down out of the sky. Smashing through several trees on his way to the ground, General Tauron was locked in the same position, spinning at high speed without any control. Each time he hit, his momentum carried him and he bounced and spun. Over and over, he collided with more trees, sending splinters everywhere. It took a few impacts but he finally slowed down enough that the last tree he hit resisted the blow and sent him back to the ground. He rolled for a moment after landing before he finally lost momentum and the stasis wore off. His arms and legs instantly fell open and he sprawled out, gasping for breath as he hadn't been able to properly breath in the scrunched position Neeri had forced him into.
"That... child... is truly... a beast!" he gasped. He laid there for a time, letting his body rest. She hadn't dealt a lot of damage to him but he stayed in place mainly because he was thankful he could finally move again and was just enjoying the stretch. He knew he was deep in the Sea of Trees as he laid there. Despite bringing down a number of them behind him, the forest was so thick he still couldn't see past the leaves and branches. The night sky that had been so clear outside was completely obscured. No light permeated through this place and he remembered how even during the day it seemed more like early morning or late evening. As he took it all in, he reflected on what just happened.
"My liege is not going to be pleased with this outcome. Though since Sal was the one who intervened, I wont be held responsible. Not a bad result from a loss I'd say. I get to keep my life and see a glimpse of what it looks like to truly have mastered energy manipulation. Especially now that there are no masters in that art left. She's probably the only one." He smiled at the thought of her abilities. Tauron, after all, believed a person's worth was dependent on their abilities and fighting prowess. That girl was clearly very talented. However, his smirk quickly left him as he laid there and he suddenly sat up.
"That child needs to be dealt with. She's a grave danger to the kings plans. This is no time to be admiring her, I need to report back and figure out our next move."
He rose to his feet and reached to his left. Sure enough, within the foliage he could feel his axe handle. He pulled it out and without missing a beat holstered it across his back. He then turned and took off, heading for the Capitol to inform the king of what transpired.
Hours later, Erika, Neeri, and Zeke emerged on the other side of the fortress. It was pitch black out as it was a little after midnight.
"Ugh, that took forever! I'm so tired!" Erika complained. She looked over at Zeke and stopped. "Hey, let's make camp here. I think its time for a good nights sleep!"
Zeke raised an eyebrow at the thought but didn't look back and kept walking.
"I'd prefer to get away from the border before we make camp."
"What? Why!? Its not like anyone's following us at this point! We're safe! That small child murdered everyone! We don't need to be cautious anymore!"
Zeke put his face in his hand and stopped.
"I wish you had some idea of how that sounded coming out of your mouth." Erika's smile widened at his reaction.
"Oh I know how it sounds. That's why I said it. That little girl committed murder! But more importantly, why are you being so uptight? Loosen up a little. It's easy going to the next town. We've got a short two day trip on the main path and then we'll roll into Glintwood and get some well deserved rest!"
Zeke turned back to her and scowled. "I don't need rest, I need to get moving. I'm not interested in dragging out my time on the road."
Erika frowned. "I'm kinda shocked Zeke! I didnt think it was possible but you're even worse than before! You always complained about getting results but at least you knew when to let yourself rest. If you keep going like this, your body isn't going to be able to keep up."
Zeke stood for a moment, trying to come up with some kind of argument, but deep down he knew she was right. He had no idea how his body was keeping it together. He'd been staying awake despite his exhaustion through sheer will but at some point his body was just going to give. He was famished and tired. Lack of sleep and food had taken a toll on him and he honestly didn't want to take another step. He scratched the back of his neck and sighed.
"Fine. We can set up camp for the night. But we're leaving first thing in the morning, understand?"
Erika nodded, eagerly running off the path. "See, was that so hard? Dont you worry about a thing! I'll get everything set up." Zeke simply shook his head and followed her. It took them a few minutes but they managed to find a small clearing on the other side of the brush that separated them from the main road and they began to get things laid out. Erika was immediately set on getting their two tents and sleeping bags ready while Zeke got fire wood together. He found a fallen tree a short way from camp after investigating a bit and It didn't take him long before he had a decent pile. Once finished, he got the pile tied together, slung it over his back, and returned. He laid it down beside where Erika was pitching the tents. Next, he set out carving a spot for the pit where the fire would be. He was a few minutes in when he stopped and looked around. It had just occurred to him that Neeri hadn't been around since they had started getting camp together.
"Hey Erika!"
"Yeah?"
"You seen the kid?"
"No, why? Is she not with you?" Erika emerged from behind the tent she'd been working on and took a glance around them as well.
"No, I haven't seen her since we stopped. She followed us off the path but I'm not sure where she went after we got here."
Erika put a finger to her chin. "Huh, that is strange. But I'm pretty sure its not a big deal. The girl can shoot lightning and fire from her fingertips. Not exactly what I'd call defenseless."
"I suppose not. Still, I kind of wish I knew where she went."
As they spoke, the bushes began to rustle near the edge of camp. They both turned to look as Neeri emerged from the undergrowth, a very large and very dead boar floating above her. Erika looked on in amazement.
"She murders animals too! This kid is crazy! Good job Neeri! Bring it over and I'll get to cooking!"
Neeri completely ignored Erika as she plodded right past her. She came up in front of Zeke and gently the boar was lowered to the ground. He looked between her and the boar for a moment and then let out a sigh.
"Next time, can ya please tell me when you're going somewhere?"
Neeri looked down at her feet and nodded but Zekes hand came down to her head and ruffled her hair. "You did good though. Thank you."
"Of course she did!" Erika cut in, rushing over. "That boar will keep us well fed for the next day or two! I'll get started on it right away!"
As she spoke, a noise came from behind her as the partially pitched tent folded in on itself and sank to the ground. Erika glared at it before letting out a defeated sigh. "Or not. I'll get back to those, but after that you'll get to see just how good of a cook I am! You just wait Zeke!" He and Neeri watched her rush back to the tents and forcefully begin trying to set it upright again.
"Yeah, no." He said in a lowered voice to Neeri. "If she touches that boar, she'll ruin it. Think you can help me out so we dont have to deal with that?"
Neeri beamed up at him and then turned to the fire pit. She looked around for a moment and spotted a nice clear spot outside of the area they were staying in. She then rolled up her sleeves and with a quick flick of her wrist, the dirt that remained in the pit Zeke was digging came flying out. The pit had been made perfectly within a moment and Zeke, seeing how quickly she was setting about it, chucked a few pieces of the wood beside him forward. They made it about halfway to their destination before Neeri plucked them out of the air and neatly stacked them. They were then promptly set on fire. Flames dancing higher by the second, Zeke nodded in approval before turning towards the boar.
"I suppose this will need gutted and cleaned. Neeri, go "help" Erika finish up the tents. Make sure she gets done after I finish cleaning and cooking this." She nodded and quickly took off. Seeing Erika make progress, she threw out a strong gust of wind to knock Erika forward as she approached. He smiled as he watched her go and then reached inside his coat and pulled out a large hunting knife that had been sheathed at his right hip. "Ya know, having that kid around might actually make this trip bearable. I didn't think Sal would actually send me help this decent." Brandishing the knife, he set about getting the boar ready to be cooked as Erika yelled in frustration behind him.
Some time later, after food had been eaten and camp had been completed, the group sat around the fire. Neeri had passed out beside Zeke some time ago, her head resting in his lap. He had contemplated moving her but ultimately had chosen to do it when he went to bed himself. For now, he had chosen to clean and then sharpen the knife he had used. Erika, meanwhile was sitting and watching the flames, with her head resting on her knees. It was fairly evident she was tired and wanted to lay down but for some reason she was staying put.
"You know, you can go to bed Erika."
...
No response. While the conversation hadn't exactly been lively before, Erika had gone eerily silent after Neeri fell asleep. While she may have been just trying to make sure she didnt wake her, she seemed to be deep in thought. Very not normal behavior. He gently cleared his throat and decided to try again.
"The longer you stay up, the less sleep you'll have for tomorrow. I really think you should turn in."
His words were met with more silence and the flames crackled as he watched her from across the fire. A few awkward moments crept on and he watched intently for a reaction that never appeared. Erika was really lost in her head. Zeke clicked his tongue and leaned back. "You're gonna get wrinkles if you keep forcing yourself to stay up like this."
"I will not!" She shot back. "My face is perfectly cute and smooth!" Ah. a response. There we go.
"Great. Now go to bed. I'm surprised you've stayed up this long."
"I-... I will. Just..." she trailed off as her face softened and her gaze fell back to the flames. He was right. There was something on her mind.
"Just what?"
"Just... You know."
"No, Erika, I dont. Im not a mind reader. We've been over that. "
She huffed and sat back, sprawling her legs out.
"Why are you like this?" she sighed.
"Like what?"
"Always straight to the point and blunt. You never used to be so rough with me. What happened to the Zeke I used to know at the academy? You know, considerate and kind Zeke? The guy who swept me off my feet and saved me time and time again? Where did he go?"
Zeke quietly looked at her and spun the knife in his hand. She watched him for an answer but when it became clear she wasnt going to get one she rolled her eyes.
"I know what you're really like, you dont have to distance yourself from me like this." He caught the hilt and stuck it in the ground beside him before he gathered Neeri up in his arms.
"If this is really where you're going to take the conversation, I'm going to bed. I dont have the patience for this." He stood up and turned to walk towards the tents but Erika jumped to her feet behind him.
"Wait, come on! I came all this way after you, doesn't that at least mean something to you?"
Zeke didnt stop walking.
"Please, at least acknowledge how much I gave up to be here. I had an entire future planned out and everything but I threw it away for you! I honestly just wanted to help you!"
Zeke stopped and stood for a moment with his back to her in silence. She waited for a moment to see if he'd keep going. When he didnt move, she pressed him again.
"Dont you get tired of the tough guy act? It's just me Zeke. You can talk to me. I know what you're really like and I miss that. We grew up together for goodness sake! I'm always gonna be here to-"
"Erika, honestly. Shut your mouth and give it a rest. Don't bring up stuff that doesn't mean anything now." He turned back to face her as he spoke. He could see how hurt she was from that comment but he didnt stop.
"I got along fine without you. I never needed your help or anyone to talk to. What I need is to get as far away from Feltari and my power hungry father as humanly possible. The only help you can offer me is by going home or splitting up once we get to Heath's Spire. I'm not interested in working with someone who abandons their teammates." Erika's shoulders slumped.
"I... I told you... I've said it so many times, but I'm sorry for what I did. I was scared and I didnt know what to do or how to help back then! We may have been through a lot but we were still trainees in the academy! You always bring it back to this Zeke! Why wont you just accept my apology?"
He simply shook his head and turned around. Erika watched him as he headed for his tent and disappeared inside. Once there, he gently laid Neeri down and covered her before turning and poking his head back out the front of the tent. Erika hadn't moved from where she was standing and she was looking at the ground dejectedly not seeming to have noticed Zeke partially coming back out
"I never said I didnt accept your apology." Erika looked up at Zeke in confusion and took a step forward.
"But then why do you keep pushing me away if you did?"
"Erika, Im only gonna say this once. You can be forgiven and not be liked. Just because I forgive you, doesnt mean I like you."
Erika's face went from dejected to uncertainty and back again.
"But, but, that doesnt make sense! If you forgive me you shouldn't dislike me! I'm forgiven! Its better! We've moved on! How does that make sense?!"
"Because Erika. This way, I won't be disappointed again the next time you do something like that. And you definitely will."
Zeke ducked his head back into the tent, laying down in his sleeping bag to rest. Erika came running forward and stopped in front of the tent.
"But I wont! I swear to you I wont! Things will be different this time around, I swear it! You'll see! Please, just trust me!"
Silence.
"Zeke! Come on!"
Again, no answer. Erika considered staying awake and waiting but she knew this conversation was done. He was going to bed this time for real.
"Fine Zeke, but I'll prove to you I mean it! Im not going anywhere! You will be my best friend again and we will go back to how it was before!" Erika stormed off to her tent and roughly zipped it shut. Quiet descended as he heard her getting into her sleeping bag and muttering to herself. He didnt care though. He was tired and it was time for rest. He'd have plenty of chances to deal with this on the way. Zeke turned over and closed his eyes. It was mere moments before sleep took him, and he was comfortably resting for the first time in two weeks.