Chapter 41- Day 4- Not So Bad

Chapter 41: Chapter 41- Day 4- Not So Bad

It had been a few days since Alaric had departed, and the scene hasn’t changed in the slightest. Trees, trees, and more trees. He was honestly surprised he hasn’t passed a city yet. Maybe he did while he was asleep. Oh well... he glanced down at Sky and patted the cloud softly. Skydancer had slowed down significantly since he started. If Sky had it its way, it probably wouldn’t stop until they reached their destination. As if Alaric would let that happen. He stood and grabbed his staff, tossing it over before jumping and landed on its surface, floating. "Come on, you need a break." Alaric said as he lowered down into the forest Sky following closely behind. Once at the bottom, he jumped off his staff and began walking. Sky flew at his side, nudging into him.

Alaric walked silently, trying to focus on something other than the endless trees. Instead he began to think about the world he has left to explore. While this place was similar to his own earth from before, it was clearly very different. He heard of various places he has never been to during his history classes, even if he hardly paid attention at the time, he still remembered much from them. He wondered if he would be visiting those places during his journey. He wonders what new things he can learn about the world and even himself... and the possibility of strong opponents also sparked his excitement. Things like this was what made the journey fun for him, and only served to heighten excitement.

But something cut off his thoughts, and he came to a sudden stop.

He snatched his staff from the air and listened. The snap of twigs along the ground signaled that something was around. He looked around, not immediately seeing anyone.

"H-Hello?" Someone called out and Alaric’s gaze snapped directly to the source. He blinked. It was a young boy, at least 11 or 12. His black hair was slightly matted and his clothes were dirty. He was clutching a small charm of some sort.

Alaric relaxed immediately, standing up straight. "...Who are you?" He asked softly as the boy took a slight step back, "...U-Uh..." He looked away slightly, squeezing his charm, "I’m Yamamoto..."

Alaric stepped forward, searching his person slightly on the surface. "I’m Alaric." He looked out towards the forest, "What are you doing all the way out here?"

The kid was silently, staring down at the ground. Alaric watched him but dropped it for now, "Nevermind. Where are you headed?" He asked, putting his staff away. The kid risked a glance up before snapping towards his charm, "I-I’m looking for... someone..." He pulled his hand tighter against his chest, "To take this charm..." Alaric stared at the charm, or at least the little he could see of it. It wasn’t familiar. So he couldn’t possibly help in that regard.

"Is this person close?" He asked softly, looking towards his current path.

The kid nodded softly, "My... system says so..."

The white hair boy nodded, that was good. At least this kid has a destination. It seems like they’re going the same way, so... "If you want, you can tag along with me. I think we’re heading in the same direction." He said as he nodded towards the area he was heading in.

The kid lifted his head, his gray eyes shining slightly. He was still shaking, but... "O-Okay...!"

And so the two began walking together. They were silent, Alaric didn’t want to dive deep into this kid’s journey... it could scare him further. So for now, walking in silence would be enough. Alaric’s eyes drifted towards the map on his system. He told himself he wouldn’t check it so often, after all, it would constantly put into perspective how long this journey would truly be. He sighed softly and glanced towards the kid again. He hadn’t noticed it before, but his clothes were loose, as if they didn’t fit. He narrowed his eyes and turned towards him as he walked, "How long have you been traveling?" He asked softly as the kid kept facing forward.

"...Six days..." he whispered. Alaric noticed he wasn’t carrying a bag or anything. Hm... he reached into his bag and pulled out a small roll of bread and a bottle of milk. He sighed softly and walked closer, "Here." He said, handing over the food. The boy looked, and his eyes widened, before hesitantly reaching out to grab the bread and milk. "T-Thank you mister..." The boy whispered, taking an eager bite of the bread and popping the top off the bottle of milk. Alaric smiled softly and zipped his bag back up.

"What are you traveling for, Mister?" The boy asked while chewing.

Alaric looked over, "Hm? Oh..." he looked ahead and tapped his chin. "I have a task I need to do. A... very important one." He explained simply before lowering his arm. "Let’s just say, once I’m done, I’ll be stronger."

The boy moved a bit closer, "That sounds cool..."

"It is." He said, smiling, pushing a nearby branch out of the way, "Getting stronger is my goal."

The boy tilted his head as he took another bite of his bread, "What are you getting stronger for mister?" Alaric glanced over and rubbed his head. Kid’s were very impressionable, he wasn’t sure if he could... or SHOULD be completely honest with this kid. "Well... partly for myself, but also to protect the people I care about." He let his hand fall from his neck, "Because weakness can lead to someone you care for leaving you forever. And... I don’t want to go through it again. That’s why." He explained, really second guessing if he should be talking this seriously with this kid.

The boy blinked and lowered his gaze towards his bread. He was silent for a moment.

"Ah, sorry for getting all serious all of a sudden." He quickly apologized and waved his hand, "You should-"

"No, I understand, mister." The boy lifted his head and smiled softly, "I’ve been through that as well."

Alaric paused, staring at the boy as he turned back towards his food. The white haired boy looked ahead and pressed his lips into a thin line. He was able to smile while saying it... despite being way younger than Alaric, who couldn’t bear smiling at that time of his life. How could this kid do that...? He turned and lifted his hand to cover his face.

...

The two traveled a little farther, and it seemed a small path had split ahead of them

The boy looked to the left side of the path and then back toward Alaric. He noticed and looked over, "What’s wrong?" He wondered as the boy looked down.

"...Are you going towards the left?" He asked softly, pointing in the direction. Alaric glanced in the direction and with a quick look to his system map, shook his head, "No. I have to keep going ahead."

"Oh..."

Alaric stared for a moment before catching on. Right... they had to go in different directions. He looked forward and back at the boy, "Do you want me to come?" He asked softly.

The boy held the charm tighter... "I-It’s close enough..." Alaric nodded. He understood. "Okay. Do you need any more food before then?" He asked while reaching towards his bag.

He shook his head, "N-No, this is more than enough...! Thanks so much Mister Alaric!" The boy said, his eyes glowing.

Alaric blinked and blushed softly, "It’s no problem. I wish you luck. Stay safe." He said awkwardly as the boy took a turn towards the left. Alaric watched as the boy turned and waved his hand, the charmed green orb glowing slightly. Alaric waved back before the boy turned and rushed off towards the left path.

He looked ahead and walked. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all... huh? With little interactions like those, maybe the journey wouldn’t be as lonely. He took a short glance towards Sky, who was bouncing in the air.

Alaric shook his head with a smile and continued ahead. He was curious though, what was that boy’s goal? And what was that charm? These are questions he wanted to ask, but he knows if a kid is nervous, pushing them is just gonna make them retreat back into themselves further.

Luckily he knew that much... He sighed and looked ahead. "I think you’ll be ready to go after a day, won’t you?" He asked Sky, who paused and spun in a circle, clearly agreeing. Alaric nodded, "I figured." He looked ahead and petted the cloud gently. Sky deserved the break... he honestly couldn’t imagine a world where the quest didn’t alone his cloud companion... This journey would take years on foot. He was thankful for Sky... and everything it’s done for him so far. He looked towards it, his eyes full of affection. He sighed and looked forward. So for now, he’d walk on foot, it was the least he could do for Sky, who’s been here since the beginning.