As dawn broke over the settlent, Shinon stood outside his workshop, the cool morning breeze gently rustling his hair. He spent the entire night preparing for the journey he was about to embark on, yet his eyes were full of energy, thanks to [Shadow Domain], as he slept inside the shadowy realm to recover faster.
From afar, he spotted the familiar figures of Kira and Rico making their way towards him. Shinon couldn’t help but anticipate their intentions.
Selena, in her usual manner, must have shared tidbits of his imminent departure with the ever-curious duo, and now they had co to either sway his decision or convince him to take them along on his journey.
"These guys..." Shibnon smiled, shaking his head. "Taking them with isn’t an option. Especially in Rico’s condition, but that won’t make them not try their best to persuade otherwise."
"Where are you off to, Mr Blacksmith?" Kira said, her brows furrowed. "Also, since when did he have to talk to others to know about your plans, huh?"
Rico, sitting in his wheelchair, chid in, "Yeah, bro. You’ve been keeping secrets from us. What’s going on?"
Shinon sighed, knowing he couldn’t tell them the truth as they would never let him leave. Nor could he feed them a random lie, as Kira would imdiately pick on it.
"Sorry, guys," he replied. "I can’t tell you everything. I have to do sothing important, but I must face it alone."
"It’s not sothing related to the bandits, is it?" Rico questioned again, to which Shinon shook his head.
Kira crossed her arms, her expression one of determination. "Shinon, we’ve been through thick and thin together. You can trust us. Let us help you."
"Trust , Kira; you don’t want to get involved with this one. It’s dangerous, and I wouldn’t forgive myself if anything happened to either of you," Shinon chuckled before looking at Rico. "Not after what happened the last ti."
"We’ve been through countless battles together, Shinon. We trust you, and we can handle ourselves. We won’t be a burden."
Rico grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Yeah! I might be in a wheelchair, but I’ve got so serious skills. You know that!"
Shinon raised an eyebrow. "Handle it? Rico, you’re in a wheelchair! And Kira, you’re skilled, but this quest is unlike anything we’ve faced before. Also, I need you both to stay here and keep the workshop running. Not to ntion Rico will need soone to look after him."
Hey, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, you know."
"Oh, really?" Shinon smirked. "Rember when you tried to make breakfast back at the camp? You almost set the entire place on fire."
"That’s true, Rico. You did almost burn down the place with your cooking skills." Kira burst into laughter, unable to contain herself.
Rico’s cheeks turned crimson, and he crossed his massive arms, sulking. "Fine, fine. I’ll stay here and keep out of trouble. But you better bring back sothing cool for ."
"...I’m not going on a field trip, you know?" Shinon sighed. "Fine, I’ll think of sothing. And Kira, please keep an eye on him. Don’t let him blow up the workshop."
Kira saluted playfully. "You can count on , boss. We’ll hold down the fort while you’re gone. Just don’t do anything too reckless out there, alright?"
"Can’t promise anything, but I’ll be back in one piece."
"I guess that’ll have to do," Kira replied, pulling him in for a hug. "Be back soon. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to handle this baffoon."
"Hey! I’m right here, you know!"
With a final embrace and a few lighthearted jests, Shinon bid farewell to Kira and Rico, leaving them in charge of the workshop.
~~
As Shinon made his way towards the outskirts of the settlent, he noticed Selena waiting for him near the path’s edge.
"What’s she doing here..." Shinon sighed as he approached her.
As he did, Selena retrieved a small stack of carefully packed supplies in her hands, a mixture of dicines, bandages, and other essentials from the backpack.
"I thought you might need these," she said softly. "I know you’re capable, but it never hurts to be prepared."
Shinon smiled as he accepted the supplies gratefully, his fingers brushing against hers briefly. "Thank you, Selena. That’s awfully kind of you."
"You’re welco. Just... be careful out there, okay? And if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out." Selena’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she averted her gaze, a hint of shyness colouring her expression. "There’s a radio inside... you can use it."
Just then, like Kira, she also wrapped her arms around him. The hug was filled with an awkwardness born out of their budding friendship and the uncertain territory they found themselves in.
Yet, amidst the uncertainty, a comforting warmth enveloped them both. Shinon could feel Selena’s heartbeat against his chest, unsteadily fast and warming.
They held the embrace for a few monts before gently pulling away, their eyes eting in a silent acknowledgent. A smile played at the corners of Selena’s lips, a mixture of worry and hope shining in her eyes.
"Take care of yourself, Shinon," she said, her voice filled with genuine concern and a touch of playful banter. "Oh, and I almost forgot, i told to give you this."
With a curious expression, Shinon accepted the piece of paper from Selena. Unfolding it, he found himself staring at two simple lines of text. The words held a cryptic ssage, intriguing and thought-provoking.
"Rember, the right path is not always the right choice. Good luck!"
"I’m not sure what it ans exactly, but i said it might be helpful for you." Selena observed his reaction as she continued, "Perhaps it’s a reminder to trust your instincts and be open to unexpected paths or sothing... God, I never understood what goes inside her head."
"Following her advice has never disappointed , so... give her my thanks." Shinon nodded.
With those words, Shinon carefully folded the paper, tucked it into his pocket, bid farewell to Selena again, and left for the location marked on his map.
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