Band of Wolves Arc: Part 10
The morning sunlight streamed through the window and onto Akira's face. He lay on the bed, his hands and chest wrapped in bandages—a testament to the injuries he had sustained during the fight. Slowly, he opened his eyes, confusion flickering across his face as he took in his unfamiliar surroundings.
The door creaked open, and Mel entered the room, a plate hovering beside her, suspended in mid-air. "Akira, you're awake!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with relief. "Grandma, Akira is conscious now!"
She rushed to his side and knelt beside him. "How do you feel?" she asked, concern evident in her eyes.
"I'm fine," Akira replied, his voice hoarse.
"Do you know how many days you've been unconscious?" Mel asked.
"Four days," Raz's voice muttered in Akira's head.
"Huh?" Akira frowned, speaking aloud in confusion.
"I've been stuck with you for the last four days," Raz said dryly.
Mel chimed in, oblivious to the internal exchange. "We were able to communicate with Raz, which helped us treat you better. Thank you again, Raz."
"But how did I get back here?" Akira asked, struggling to piece things together.
"Well, Eldric brought you and me back home," Mel explained.
Akira's eyes widened. "He did?"
"Yes," Mel nodded. "After what happened at the cliff, he changed his perspective. He even let his wife out of the cave."
"He had a wife?" Raz interjected, his tone incredulous.
Mel nodded solemnly. "Yes, but due to past trauma, she's… not well. She's too scared to approach Eldric right now. It'll take time for her to recover her senses. Fingers crossed."
Akira's gaze shifted to the hovering plate. "How… is that floating?"
Mel smiled sheepishly. "Oh, right! I forgot to tell you. Do you remember how that rock started floating during the fight? That was me! I've discovered my magic. It's levitation. I need to touch an object physically for it to work, and I can only levitate one object at a time. Cool, right?"
"Mel, let him rest. You can talk later," Grandma's voice interrupted as she entered the room, her gait slow but steady.
"Yeah, you're right," Mel said, gently placing the medicine from the hovering plate into Akira's hands.
"You can come downstairs later. I've made hot soup for you," Grandma said with a warm smile before leaving.
The aroma of fresh tomato soup filled the air as Akira sat at the table. The warmth of the meal spread through him as he ate, savoring every spoonful.
Mel finished her bowl first. "You really like it," Akira said, smiling.
"Yeah, it's my favorite," Mel replied, grinning back.
"Gosh, when do I get to eat real food again?" Raz muttered in Akira's mind.
Grandma wiped her hands and sat beside Mel, her expression tinged with gratitude. "Akira, are you truly feeling okay?" she asked, her voice soft.
Akira nodded. "Yes, I'm fine."
"Thank you," Grandma said, her voice trembling slightly. "You saved my home and brought Mel back. I'm deeply in your debt."
"Don't say such things," Akira replied, shaking his head. "I just wanted to help."
Grandma smiled gently and returned to the kitchen. As Akira finished his soup, he followed her, placing his plate under the tap.
"So, what will you do next?" Grandma asked.
"Hmm…" Akira hesitated, but Raz answered first. "We just want to get our souls separated from each other."
"Yes, that's our goal," Akira affirmed.
"Then you should head to the capital city, Valkandris," Grandma suggested. "It's the hub of trade and power, the most beautiful city in the Lands Beyond. You're sure to find someone there who can help you."
"I know that place," Raz added. "Sounds like a solid lead."
"Akira, can I ask you a favor?" Grandma's voice wavered slightly. "Can you take Mel with you?"
"What?" Akira's voice rose in surprise.
"I'm old," Grandma explained. "I won't be here much longer, and I want Mel to grow strong and independent. This village doesn't have the resources or opportunities for her to achieve her dreams. But with you, she'll see the world and gain the strength she needs."
"She can't get strong here?" Akira asked, still unsure.
Grandma shook her head. "Not like she could out there. Besides, I trust you, Akira. You're brave and responsible. I know you'll look after her."
"He's not strong," Raz scoffed. "He can't even aim a fireball."
"Shut up, Raz," Akira shot back, earning a chuckle from Grandma.
"Grandma they have arrived" Mel shouted from outside
"Oh what a timing," Grandma said
"Who's there," Akira asked
"Come out and see," she said
Akira stepped out of the house
And saw the Band of Wolves arrive at the farm
With logs, fruits, and various forest supplies,
"What!" Akira said
"Eldric wanted to compensate for whatever he did," Grandma said
For the last few days, he and his pack have been helping us rebuild the shed and repair all the damaged buildings.
Eldric came from behind the pack
His crimson eye held the same intense gaze as before,
Mel saw Eldric and ran towards him tightly hugging the white wolf
Eldric leaned into her embrace, nuzzling her gently, his fur catching the soft morning light.
Akira saw the scene from a distance
"Grandma start the packing of Mel's necessary things. We both will head for Valkandris" Akira said
"Akira," Grandma said
"From now on she is my responsibility," Akira said with determination
The next few days passed quickly as Akira recovered. On the morning of their departure, Akira stepped outside, dressed in a black jacket, black boots, and pants, paired with a white T-shirt.
"These clothes suit you," Raz commented.
"Yeah, I like them," Akira said, adjusting his jacket.
"Hey, wait for me!" Mel called as she ran out of the house, her face lit with excitement. "This is my first time traveling outside the village! I can't wait to see the world."
"You forgot something," Grandma said, stepping out with a leather-bound codex in her hands.
Mel's eyes widened. "Is that… mine?"
Grandma handed it to her, tears glistening in her eyes. "Be strong, like your mother was," she whispered.
Mel hugged her tightly. "Don't worry, Grandma. The next time you see me, I'll be a stronger version of myself."
The sheep bleated softly in the field, adding to the bittersweet farewell.
"Even the sheep will miss you," Raz quipped.
"I'll miss you all too," Mel said, her voice thick with emotion.
As the two started to walk a howl came from the forest
It was Eldric and his pack
"Looks like they came to see you off," Grandma said
Akira locked his eyes with Eldric's Crimson gaze
He then smiled and turned around
"Goodbye Eldric, Grandma, and everyone," Mel said
"Oh my what an emotional farewell," Raz said
Akira and Mel Smiled on hearing the words
As Akira and Mel began their journey, Grandma watched them leave. "This feels just like when your mother, Hena, left," she murmured. "But this time, you're not alone."