After hours of walking through the vast expanse, the trio finally arrived at the outskirts of Ruinat City. The journey had been long and arduous, with fatigue settling in, and beads of sweat glistening on their brows. Before them stretched a truly ominous landscape.
Dyrys Forest.
"We'll rest there tonight. Tomorrow, we'll begin our journey through Dyrys Forest," Miers said, pointing towards a run-down shack right on the outskirts of Dyrys Forest.
The dilapidated shack seemed long abandoned. To be cautious, Miers first inspected the shack, as there might be someone hiding inside. After ensuring the shack was uninhabited, Miers called Melino and Umoya. The three of them entered the shack and sat down to rest their weary bodies after a day of walking. Miers lit a fire to boil water, Melino gathered wood for the fire, and Umoya prepared a sleeping area.
"Food is ready. Let's eat quickly, Mel, Moya," called Miers.
"Moya?" Melino was surprised because Miers referred to Umoya as Moya.
"Umoya is too long to say. Just call her Moya, it's easier," replied Miers.
"I know she's just a kid, but you shouldn't've treat her like one before asking for her permission," said Melino.
"Emm. Actually, I'm not a kid. I'm 15 this year," Umoya explained.
"WHAT?!" Melino and Miers were surprised by Umoya's revelation.
"But why are you so small?" asked Melino.
"Small? But Melino, we have same height. And I feels like I should be the one calling you a kid. Obviously I'm older," replied Umoya, a bit annoyed at being called a small
"We.. are also 15," clarified Melino, refuting Umoya's claim.
They all fell silent for a moment.
"Good. Short Mel and little Moya. Hahaha," teased Miers, breaking the silence.
BANG!
A hand slapped Miers right on the cheek. Miers fell silent. He didn't expect Umoya's movement to be so fast that he couldn't react to avoid it.
"Ouch! That hurts you little bra...!"
BANG!
Before Miers could finish his sentence, the other cheek became the target of her slap.
"Damn kid!" scolded Miers, chasing Umoya to retaliate.
But it turned out Umoya was faster than him. Melino could only watch them in surprise. He didn't want to stop their fight because he could see the joy in Umoya smile. Melino was also happy watching them. After a few minutes of running around, Miers finally gave up the chase. They all sat down to enjoy their meal.
"Phew. This kid so damn fast" sighed Miers.
"Of course. I runs every day. No one can catch up with my speed," proudly stated Umoya.
"That's enough children. Let's eat," invited Melino.
"Mel, can I ask you something? Why are your eyes blue?" Umoya asked while drinking from a bottle.
"Mel haven't said 'yes' yet, and you already asked. Little brat," teased Miers.
"Shut up! I didn't ask you!" scolded Umoya.
"Actually, Mel's eyes have been blue since birth." Melino answered.
"So why are crazy here's eyes brown? Didn't you say you two are twins?" Umoya asked, glancing at Miers.
"Crazy? Did you just call me crazy?" Miers was a bit angry at Umoya's words.
"Yes, you are CRAZY!" Umoya teased again.
"Hmm. I'm not sure how to answer that. Sorry," replied Melino, a bit sad.
"Uh. No need to apologize. I was just curious because me and my twin, Haizea, has the same green eyes."
"Where is he now?" Melino asked.
Umoya didn't answer Melino's question. Instead, she pointed to the sky.
"The sky?" Melino was surprised by Umoya's actions.
Umoya just nodded.
"A few years ago, when we were out looking for food, the sky suddenly became very dark. I don't remember much about what happened then. What I remember is that Haizea was lifted into the sky," Umoya narrated.
As expected, Miers and Melino just remained silent, listening to her story.
"Sorry if my story sounds unbelievable. Maybe at that time, I couldn't see clearly. My memory all blurry. You don't have to believe it," Said Umoya panicked. She was afraid Miers and Melino wouldn't believe her and would think she was crazy.
"Umoya, we are all a family now. Family should trust each other. We believe in your story," said Melino seriously.
Even though Miers didn't show any reaction to Umoya's story, Melino knew that her brother also believed her. Umoya smiled at Melino's response.
The night passed quickly. After filling their stomachs, they were all ready to close their eyes.
The temperature was very cold at night. But they couldn't let the fire burn all night. They were afraid someone else might see their fire and sneak in while they were sleeping.
For 10 years, Miers and Melino slept together. Now they had Umoya. The night felt warmer than the previous days. Melino was happy with Umoya's presence, making it hard for him to fall asleep.
"Miers," Melino called his brother softly.
"Hmm," grunted Miers.
"You looked different today."
"Hmm," Miers grunted again, seemingly agreeing with Melino's words.
"Usually, Miers would be scared if there's an enemy, and I would have to calm you down. But today, You are very brave."
"Hmm."
"All this time, I'm worried, what if I'm not by your side? What will happen to you? I feel scared because you are a coward. It's not wrong to be a coward. I know that you do everything for our safety. Hide, go out to find food only at night. But if you don't overcome that fear, I can feel that we will never be safe."
"Hmm."
"Anyway, today I'm very proud of your bravery. I just hope you don't act recklessly." Mel confided.
"Hmm." Even though Melino spoke at length, Miers just grunted.
"Miers, do you hear what I'm is saying? Miers?"
"..." Apparently, Miers had already fallen asleep.
Melino was frustrated with what happened. But she wasn't angry at all. He knew her brother was tired. They were all tired. Melino held her brother's hand and Umoya's hand before closing his eyes. Tonight, Melino slept with a smile on his face.
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"ALRIGHT! Get ready quickly. Today, we're going into Dyrys Forest!" shouted Miers enthusiastically, raising both hands in the air.
"Be quiet. It's too early, and you're already making noise," scolded Umoya.
"Yeah, Miers. Usually, you're the one telling me to be quiet if I makes a loud noises," added Melino.
Miers ignored both of them, instead he started stretching and doing light exercises. He could feel a surge of energy flowing through his entire body. While Melino packed his bag, Umoya just observed. The book she accidentally stole last night was neatly guarded by Melino. She knew the book was essential to her.
"Here." Miers addressed Umoya, extending a knife towards her.
"What do you want, crazy?" Umoya retorted.
"Damn brat. Take this knife. Dyrys Forest has many wild animals," explained Miers.
Umoya glared at the knife Miers was offering. She then took the knife and moved away from Miers. Miers was puzzled by Umoya's behavior towards him, but he didn't say anything. Melino watched their interactions with a smile.
Now, the three of them were ready to continue their journey to Esperansza City. But before that, they had to face Dyrys Forest. A forest full of thorns, poisonous plants, and wild animals. Could they navigate it safely?