Chapter 4: Decisions

I Thought hard about what Akai said... in fact it was hard not to. Did he really want to face Azther though?

I certainly didn't, but people have a way of pressuring me into things sometimes... Of course I wanted to help him, but how? I would just get in his way if I went.

"I...I don't think I would last." I mumbled. "Gui, Please reconsider. I need you. You are more powerful than you think, and I couldn't imagine going without you." Akai said as he grabbed my grey hands in his.

"B-but..." I began shaking at the thought of Azther. "I don't wanna die." I whimpered. "Hey, hey it's ok. I promise you're not gonna die. We will defeat Azther." Akai pulled me into a hug. I hugged him back as I held my tears in. I nodded.

"Ok." I paused momentarily to breath. "I'll go." I whispered. I wasn't sure I had much of a choice at this point. The fate of all elves, including my dear cousin and childhood friend were in jeopardy. How could I dare stand by and not do anything? I may be a coward, but I can't stand to see people suffer.

"You will?" My mother asked with tears welling up in her eyes. "Y-yes." I looked down is shame. How could I leave my mother here, alone? It seemed like whatever decision I made, I would be selfish. I was beginning to see how terrible I was at picking sides.

My mother lifted my chin with her hand and hugged me tightly. "I love you so much, Gui. Always remember to stay true to your beliefs, and to never let darkness blind you. I'll miss you, my sweet baby boy." She cried as I latched on to her tightly. I didn't want to leave, but at the same time I needed to. How could I stand by when that evil king was doing such terrible things?

"I'll miss you too...mom. I love you." I shed warm tears, which fell to the old wooden floor. "At least stay the night. It's too late in the day to begin a journey, and you're going to need supplies. It will be a very long journey." She spoke softly and gave a weak smile.

"Thank you Mrs. Hawk." Stardust stepped in slightly to put a hand on my shoulder. I looked over at him, face flushed slightly. "I'm glad you decided to join us. I'll be a lot less lonely with you here." He chuckled cutely.

My fanboy heart fluttered with overwhelming happiness. "O-oh. Eheh-" It took everything I had in me not to giggle like a giddy little girl. Akai stood back and watched us with a faint grin. I couldn't help but smirk as well.

For the rest of the afternoon and evening, we began packing up a few necessities and essentials for the journey. We had dinner and aquatinted ourselves further with veil. He was actually quite nice for a demon.

"I think I'm gonna hit the hay." Stardust yawned, as if on queue, I found myself yawning as well. "Oh dear, I think you should get some rest. You're going to have a long journey tomorrow." My mother commented. "I- I know." I stood and yawned again.

After hugging my mother goodnight, I began walking up to my room. As I was headed up the stairs, I found Stardust following me. Oh... I didn't say anything though.

I reached my room and went to my bed. Stardust was there in the doorway. I turned to look at him. "Can I stay here tonight?" The taller elf asked. "O-oh sure." I stammered. I couldn't help but stutter around him. He filled my stomach with butterflies.

"Thanks, Gui." He came up to me and looked down at me, then hugged me. "I promise I won't let anything happen to you while we're out there." He whispered. I smiled at the thought of it. "Thank you." I whispered back.

With that, he laid on the floor, curled up, and fell asleep. I felt bad, so I covered him with a blanket and put a pillow under his head. He looked so handsome in the moonlight that shone through my window. Without thinking, I leaned down and kissed his cheek, and then realized how stupid I was for doing so.

Too bad he'll never know. All I've ever wanted to feel my lips against his. To feel the warmth of his arms wrapped around me. But most of all... to feel the love that he has so much of. He's such a caring person, and I couldn't imagine not having him as my best friend.

The worst part? I don't even know if he thinks of me like that. I won't ever know. I cast my thoughts aside and went to sleep, dreaming of the day I might be able to tell Stardust how I feel. Cheesy, right?

...

I was awake, but I wasn't. More so- I was conscious. I could feel the soft bed beneath me, and the warm rays of sun against my skin. "Gui, wake up." The voice of my mother chirped. "You have to start your journey today... Gui." She gently shook me. "Ugh- five more minutes." I groaned. "No, you have to wake up, silly." She replied with a giggle. "Fine..." I groaned again, rolling out of bed.

The truth is, I was scared to start this journey. I mean, who wouldn't be? This is King Azther we're talking about! The most horrid, scary, and murderous demon that's ever existed!

I walked downstairs, still sleepy. Stardust must've gotten up already, because he wasn't there when I got up. When I went into the living space, I found Stardust and Akai, oh and Veil too. It seems Akai and Veil were beginning to get along.

"Good morning Gui!" The small demon practically shouted. "Good morning." I replied drowsily. "Here's your breakfast. You'll need your strength." My mother handed us each a plate of breakfast. Porridge of course.

"Thanks Mrs.Hawk, it's delicious!" Stardust blandished with his mouth full. I ate quickly, so as to avoid holding the food in my mouth for too long. "Oh you're such a dear! Would you like some more?" My mother gave him puppy dog eyes and grinned widely. "I'm full. As good as it is, if I ate any more I might pop!" Stardust lied. I could tell he was lying, because best friends notice things like that.

Akai didn't seem to like it or dislike it. He only had a blank expression. Veil gobbled it up like a dog... I'll take that as a 'he liked it'. Soon after breakfast, it was time for us to leave.

It had to be sooner or later. But I would rather it have been later than sooner...