Chapter 8- Just… don't hate me for this, little one

###'s POV:

A noisy carriage was moving along a rather uneven road. Sitting in the carriage, I just stared out the window, observing the landscape.

- In the end, I couldn't find anything...

When I tried to find information about the Lightning Gang's base, no one would tell me anything. The few clues I got led me to an abandoned building in very poor condition. The vegetation had grown so large that the door had been knocked down by huge roots. The walls and windows were all wrapped in weeds.

- There's no way that was their base.

I puffed out my cheeks in dissatisfaction at not having found anything. Before I could continue my search, a huge carriage had come to pick me up along with Erick. I can't help but feel like I've wasted my time, and that bothers me.

- ...Is something bothering you?

Before I knew it, Erick was looking in my direction with a worried look. The carriage was so silent that I'd forgotten I wasn't alone in it.

- I'm just disappointed. I was hoping to find something in Marchester, but I came back empty-handed...

- Y-you don't have to worry so much. We'll definitely go back there once we finish this mission.

Erick waved his hands in a panic as he tried to comfort me. I couldn't help but feel it was adorable watching him panic like that. On impulse, I carefully get up and unsteadily sit next to Erick. He seems confused by my sudden action as he looks at me curiously. Before I can ask, I slap my head down onto his lap.

- Ouch!

I immediately stand up while rubbing my head in pain. Huge metal plates were placed under a piece of cloth where Erick's legs should have been. Small tears start running down my cheeks as I try not to weep. A small snort is suddenly heard next to me. When I turned my head, I looked at Erick, barely containing the urge to laugh. I felt a vein pop out on my forehead as I stared at him, completely dumbfounded. A mixture of shame and anger exploded inside me as I watched Erick. I slowly raised my hands as he continued to hold back his laughter. I swung my fists against his chest over and over again. In no time, I had stopped as larger tears fell down my cheeks.

- Ughhhh

My fists were all swollen as I felt them throbbing with pain. When I raised my head, small steel chains shaped like a vest could be seen below the neck hole. My actions only made Erick explode with laughter, while my anger only increased inside me.

- I'm sorry... I really didn't expect... that you would try to hit my armor... with your bare hands.

As I wallowed in embarrassment, he laughed long and hard until, struggling for breath, he uttered those words in a choked voice. My anger was about to boil over, but I knew hitting him on his armor would only hurt me. I glared at Erick as I considered how to retaliate. I finally found a way to hit him without hitting his armor. Perhaps sensing my malice, Erick suddenly tensed his face. I quickly ran over to him to take his head in my hands.

- Watch out!

The rest happened too quickly.

...

Kevin's POV:

- Is it done?

- Yes sir, we've successfully caused a landslide that will swallow the carriage.

I couldn't help but smile at my subordinate's news. Just thinking about the promotion that awaited me when I returned with Cardinal Liberio made me laugh.

- His Holiness will be in a very good mood when I surprise him.

Looking down the mountain, I observed with great satisfaction the destruction I had caused. - Let's go, we also have to go personally tell the Cardinal the good news.

Kicking a small stone on the slope, I turned around, my subordinates following close behind me. Before beginning my climb to success, a thought crossed my mind.

- By the way, take care of the spy we have in Marchester.

- Are you sure, sir?

- We can't leave anything that links me to the death of the fire hero, right?

- ....Understood, sir. I'll send someone immediately.

- Perfect.

In an excellent mood, I descended the mountainside while eagerly looking forward to my future ascent.

..............

####'s POV:

A sharp, piercing pain assaults my head. The pain is so severe it almost makes me faint, but I somehow resist the pain and unsteadily stand up. Or should I say, I tried to get up, but I soon realized I was trapped. As I raised my head slightly, Erick's face was there.

- E-Erick.

Even though I try to call out to him, his eyes remain closed and unperturbed. A deep sense of despair fills me as I desperately scan my surroundings for answers. Surrounding me is the same carriage we were in before. Although we hadn't changed places, the area was much darker than it had been a few moments ago, and its orientation was strange. Erick and I were currently leaning against the carriage wall. Through the windows, which once offered a beautiful view, all I could see was dirt and rocks crushing the glass, cracking it.

"Did you finally wake up, miss?"

- Vulk?

"The one and only."

A huge sense of relief fills my heart as I listen to Vulk.

- Do you know what happened? Why isn't Erick waking up?

"..."

Despite my pleas, Vulk doesn't answer my questions. A bad feeling runs through my body as I stare at the small floating light. I wait a few moments expectantly until Vulk speaks again.

"Currently… the carriage has been buried by a huge amount of earth."

- Earth?… Can you do anything to get us out?

"…If it were just little Erick, I could do it. He has my blessing, so my flames won't affect him, but I can't do it with you here."

- …

My words stick in my throat. Vulk, as a Fire spirit, could burn away what's above our heads to get Erick out of here, but I wouldn't tolerate that.

- Do we have any other options?

"I'm afraid I can't think of many options."

I sink into my thoughts as I look at Erick, who's still clinging to me.

- He… he protected me from the fall, right?

"Yes… little Erick took the full brunt of the collapse."

I gaze tenderly into his face as I consider these things. The chances of us getting out unscathed are practically zero at this point. Although I'm terrified of what might happen if we use Vulk's method, I know that if we stay locked in here too long, it will kill us both. I clumsily free myself from Erick's arms and am finally able to free myself.

- …It's cold

The texture of the glass beneath my feet is strangely soothing. When I look back at Erick's head, I realize with horror that he's bleeding. I quickly grab some ointment and bandages from my bag and begin treating his head. Vulk remains silent while all this happens. Perhaps she understands what's happening, so she chooses to remain silent. After a few minutes of treatment, a sudden dizziness overtakes me as I stagger. The strength begins to drain from my legs as I try to stay on my feet.

"That was much faster than I expected."

-…Vulk…? What's wrong with me?

"I'm afraid you're dying… This small space has no more air for you to breathe. I'm sorry, little one, but you have to make a decision now before it's too late."

My head was dizzy. The feeling in my limbs grew weaker and weaker as I tried to stay conscious. I tried to take deeper breaths, but I couldn't breathe properly. A terrible, heavy sleep loomed over my consciousness as I stared at the small, glowing ball.

- P-please… s-save...

Before I could finish, my mouth stopped moving of its own accord. My breaths grew heavier as I barely remained conscious. Suddenly, Erick's body began to move. With a swift movement, Erick, with his eyes closed, tore off the cloak on his back and wrapped it around me.

"Just… don't hate me for this, little one."

My consciousness sank into darkness as the sound of a massive explosion echoed around me.