"Of course I'm sure! There are still so many parts of the island I haven't seen yet and I'm having lots of fun exploring. Besides, Stelios, that island is so quiet and peaceful. So yes, I am absolutely certain I want to keep going back there for now. You're still willing to take me, aren't you?" I gave Stelios an uncertain look as I asked my own question of him, suddenly unsure if I was asking too much of the man by requesting he drop me off at the same island day after day.

Were the daily trips to and from the island interfering with his own plans for the day, even though he was only required to be here for the drop-offs and pick-ups at this point? Or was it becoming boring or perhaps troublesome coming to this same island each day? Oh! What if he had gotten in trouble for taking me to that island, even if it wasn't strictly forbidden to bring people there?

Before my thoughts could become even more frantic and worried, I was brought back to reality by the deep, gravelly laughter of said man, his hands brought up and waving at me in a calming motion. Soon, I understood that he was simply worried I was holding myself to the one island simply because of the solitude I found there, happy that I was having a good time exploring.

I still had not mentioned Medein to Stelios, but by now it was more because Medein had started feeling like some kind of almost hidden treasure on the island that only I knew about. I understood that at some point I would need to tell someone about him, but right now I couldn't help feeling like keeping him to myself for a little bit longer.

After all, once others knew about him, I doubted I would be able to see him again since I was sure he would be taken someplace far away while they figured out who he was and how he had gotten there. I didn't even want to think about all the medical tests and treatments they would likely force upon him to make sure he was at full health, although anyone with eyes could see he was very fit and healthy.

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"Medein, I'm back! I brought you a surprise," I called out as I walked past yet another of the worn and weathered statues along the pathway that wound its way towards the heart of the island. Usually, by this time Medein would have made his way to me, be it by stepping out from the trees in front of me or coming up from behind and wrapping his arms around me.

After all, it's what he had done nearly every time I had come to the island for the past several days. At least he had learned to make some kind of sound when choosing the second option, even if I had a feeling he was starting to enjoy the shocked look I made if I didn't hear him.

"Medein?" I felt my heart start to race with worry, wondering if he was hurt and unable to come to me. The thought had my pace picking up, my arms wrapping tighter around the small wrapped bundle I carried.

Still not hearing or seeing any sign of the male, I found myself nearly running down the path, soon past the areas I was more familiar with. My worry made the forest seem darker, the statues that dotted the path appearing almost frightening now as the expressions on their face flashed by out of the corners of my eyes. At least, what ones had faces, some appearing to have been broken off.

The small part of my mind not focused on finding Medein gave a quiet whisper about vandalization being an issue around the world, especially where tourists failed to show respect where it was due.

--------

I sank to my knees when I finally found him, his eyes growing wide as he watched the tears of relief begin rolling down my cheeks. I couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry more when I suddenly felt his fingers gently brushing away my tears, more quickly replacing them as a few hiccups slipped their way between the gentle sobs I couldn't hold in anymore.

I hadn't realized just how much this man had come to mean to me until I couldn't find him as I searched for so long, the sun already starting to sink in the sky as midday had come and gone some time ago. When had he built himself such an important place in my life? When did I become so attached to him that I would panic so easily, so much, if I couldn't find him as easily as I used to?

Feeling his arms wrap around me as he knelt on the ground before me, I hugged him tightly back, listening to the softly whispered words he spoke, even if I couldn't understand a word of them. My mind was far too scrambled to make out what words I might have recognized, just enjoying the sound of his voice after having searched for so many hours for him.

Slowly, my heartbeat calmed from its frantic pace, warmth replacing the worry that had once filled my chest.

~~~~~~~~

He would have cursed the gods if he thought it would do any good, but they had stopped listening to him long ago, focusing their attention on those who were still free to spread word of their chosen god or goddess. As well as those who were favored by said gods and goddesses, even if it was shown by helping keep them hidden from human perception.

As for Medein? He had not been favored in a very long time, not since he had first cursed all the gods and goddesses for allowing him to be trapped on this foul island. Although, lately he had been feeling more blessed than cursed, enjoying the feeling of warmth that he felt as he watched smiles appearing on (y/n)'s lips more frequently and how she seemed to feel more at ease around him.

But now, seeing how the tears rolled down her cheeks, he could barely keep his anger hidden inside as he whispered gently to her all the words he wished she could understand if only he knew her tongue better. Inside his mind, however, he cursed and raged at how much longer it had taken the charmed item to replenish itself.

Honestly, he was unsure whether it was because of the frequent use he was putting the item through, that the band of metal was weakening finally, or if one of the gods or goddesses had decided they were offended that he was no longer suffering enough for their twisted pleasure.

Whatever it was, he had to find a way to fix the issue. He refused to watch the one he cherished cry again like this. Not over him, not if he could help it. He had to somehow strengthen the magic that filled the faintly etched metal band.

That or find the words, and the courage, to tell her who and what he really was. And pray she didn't abandon him as easily as Percia had in the end.