Homecoming (I)

"Asriel! Come, hurry!"

"I don't know where you get all that energy from Maria"

"But, but-!"

"Calm, now. There is still a lot to travel, the road won't go anywhere"

"Alright~"

We continue on our way back to my home.

Like I expected it was complicated for them to lend us a vehicle, anyway I was already into the idea that we had to use our feet. This time I decided to stick on the main road, when I came here I let myself overwhelm by the fear and the despair and ended up on the meadows near to Maria's cabin. Maybe it'll be dangerous for her to walk around here... right?

"Mmm"

"What happens Asriel? Why you keep looking at me?"

"I wonder if the creatures will be attracted by your cuteness. In that case we could use that our favour"

"W, what are you saying!?" she blushed and came to hit me in my stomach with her fist.

This didn't hurt me in the least.

"Haha, it's just a joke"

"Asriel! I won't talk to you anymore!"

"I'm sorry, please forgive me"

"No!"

She turned around angry hiding her face. I'll have to give her a candy or something to calm her down. I think I got something on my pocket... wait, what is that?

"Maria, behind you!"

"Ehhh?"

Without hesitation I grabbed her arm and pulled her behind me.

In the distance I saw a creature running towards us. It's like a rhinoceros, maybe? Its coming so fast to tell. Doesn't matter, I must finish this before she gets hurt.

With my right hand on my chest I called the light within, this came out forming my katana that I hold with my left. I put on a pose and begin to advance.

After getting pretty close to the point of contact I unsheathe and made an horizontal cut. The body of the beast split in half and starts to disintegrate on the act.

"Well, I manage to end this quickly"

This weapon really feels different from the sword I had before. I trust that this will gave me the power to protect what I need.

"Asriel! Are you alright!?"

Maria came running very worried.

"Like you see, nothing happened"

"What are saying!? You are bleeding!"

"Really?"

After hearing her words I checked my body. Certainly I had a little wound on my side that I didn't notice.

"See?"

"It doesn't even hurt, maybe I have become immortal"

"Stop with the nonsense! Take out your shirt and let me heal you"

"It's just a scratch, no big deal"

"Nooo! Do what I say!"

"... fine"

I decided to do what she told me as to not make her more angry. I took off my clothes and she looked in closely. From her neck a light blue crystal manifested and was hanging like a necklace, emanating a warm light that covered my wound.

"It doesn't seems so severe. I'm glad"

"Its like I told you, you don't have to worry by details"

"And what if they are not? There can be a time when it gets infected or worst. What would you do in that case?"

"Well..."

She's right in that aspect, If I get a strong infection and had to cut my arm that will be very bad. I appreciate that she cares about me, although I believe she exaggerate a little bit.

"My mission is to keep you safe. I can't fight and depend on you to protect me, but then who takes care of you?"

"That's..."

I feel like I'm being criticized by my mother when I didn't behaved properly, when it's supposed that I'm the older one taking care of her. When did our roles get reversed?

"That was why you have me worried. After meeting you by first time I intuited that you were the kind of man who doesn't care about his personal safety. That's wrong! You have to make sure to take care of your health!"

"I understand what you're trying to say, however is not that easy. This month that I spent travelling alone I saw and lived many things that had showed me that reality isn't necessary gentle. There are moments when I must risk myself to go on"

"I know, that's why you got me"

"You?"

"Of course! We are partners, that means we have each other to cover our weakness. You'll protect me from the enemies and I'll make sure that you'll be on the conditions to do it. I'll be your personal nurse!"

"Maria..."

After she finished healing me I stared at her and hugged her tightly.

Seriously she is like a little angel. I can't believe there exist a woman so kind. I already understand why John insisted that I kept her with me, if there is someone able to heal my soul covered by the weight of loneliness is her.

"A, Asriel!?"

"Oh, sorry. I got carried away"

Unintentionally I hold her in my arms, I guess she didn't like that I do it without her approval. I started to move away when suddenly she grabbed my hands.

"I"

"Maria?"

"I, I wouldn't bother to stay like this a little longer..."

Honestly, she is too adorable. I listened to her words and we shared our heat for some minutes.