/Edit 18/01/2022: Spelling mistakes fixed + text formatting + changed some dialogues (I didn't wanted to recount the next chapters, so here's the chapter 4.5 ^^)

~Travis' POV~

We finally left the manor, taking the gate guarded by the two guards of earlier.

Even though we failed to steal the manor's treasure, I was reassured: Therion and I were safe, and the Lady Ravus was nice enough to let us go instead of being sent in jail.

Really, I thought that she would have been angry to us, but she has been very nice to us instead. It's not that often that we meet such people every day, especially among the rich ones.

Sometimes, I would meet some wealthy persons when I was used to look for coins outside, and most of them tried to avoid me.

Though, we have to steal 3 others precious stones for them, in exchange for removing Therion's bracelet. Even if the lady was nice, her butler was more serious when he talked about ruining Therion's life by forcing him to wear this...

I was sure he must really feel bad to be obligated to wear this thing.

« Well, well... », said an unknown voice.

It was a guard, one of those patrolling before we decided to break inside the manor.

He approached us as he smirked.

« Look what we've got here... A thief who play for a merchant... »

« Well, sorry to disappoint you. I'm done playing... », answered Therion in a dry tone.

"..."

This guard was just making fun of Therion as he looked at Therion's wrist.

"Oh !! The famous fool's bangle ! I see that you failed to steal that treasure, and you called yourself a thief ? Hahaha !", he mocked him as he continued. "After all, people like you always act like they are invincible and sovereign of this world... but in the end, they always end up being inattentive and stupid... What a shame !"

"..."

Seriously... Was he taking Therion for an idiot ?!

While Therion said nothing, I felt so pissed as he continued.

"Really, I don't know why they let you go!... Instead of letting you doing tourism in the country, maybe a prison cell would have been better vacations for someone like you !"

« Leave him alone ! Excuse yourself after him ! », I shouted suddenly to the guard.

I clenched my fists so hard, feeling so angry about his unfair remarks.

"Tsss !..."

The guard looked annoyed about me, so he caught me by my collar !

"!!!..."

« Who the hell do you think you are, pipsqueak ?! Shouldn't brats like you be learning how to be polite with adults, nowadays ? », he looked disgusted of my behaviour.

« Let me go ! », I angrily told me.

I winced in pain, but I couldn't bear that he was making fun of Therion.

The guard continued to smirk.

"Seriously, how could you defend this crook ?!... And why would I excuse myself towards a criminal ?!... We don't even need to put a bangle on his arms to notice that he's the kind of fool whom we want to wander with !... Indeed, perhaps, one day, they will also make you wear that kind of things !... Personally, I think it would totally fit you as well !..."

"!!!..."

« It's enough. », Therion said firmly to the guard.

The guard complained to him.

"Oh, shut up you... !!!..."

Suddenly, the man feels scared, as Therion was now glaring menacingly at him.

He was just watching him with the most threatening look I've ever seen of him, and it even scared me a bit.

"Ngh !"

The guard dropped me down on the ground, flinching in place as he mumbled.

« Err... Alright ! But listen, you're not getting away like that. You'll be punished a day ! »

He finally left away, but not without giving him a menacing glare.

"..."

Therion just sighted, annoyed by that bad man.

Without lying, I have been a bit scared by him even if I was pissed.

« Are you ok, Travis ? »

« Y-yes...Thank you... », I answered to him while standing up.

Honestly, I wasn't very okay right now.

Really, I couldn't stand that this guard would make fun of Therion just because he was a thief and by the fact that he failed to steal something.

Though, I don't like the idea that people won't take Therion seriously because he was wearing this stupid bracelet.

Even if the guy didn't hit me, what he said about Therion... it hurt me.

For me, he didn't deserve to be called a fool: he was my friend.

As I was still upset, Therion proposed me calmly.

« Let's go for a drink. Ok ? »

"!!!... Ok !"

We finally took the stairs and left the manor, as I started to be thirsty again.

~ A moment again later ~

Finally, we went back to the tavern again. After all the things which happened to us in that manor, including Therion being trapped with that bracelet, it was truly the last place I was expecting him to go after.

Though, maybe he was really thirsty after fighting with a sword, and me too I needed a drink.

"..."

When we entered inside the place, no one was sat on the tables nor were drinking something. It seemed that we were the only customers, and there was only one barman serving drinks, the blond one who warned us about the treasure.

Though, I remembered that he was friend with the butler Heathcote and knew about the trap...

"..."

He watched us quietly approaching the bar, as I got up on my tiptoes to notice the barman due to my small height.

"H-hello, sir...", I said calmly, feeling a bit less shy with Therion and because we were alone in the bar.

« Ah, you're back. », said the barman, who looked at both of us.

« With a tale to tell, too. I'll take it for a drink. », added Therion.

« 'Fraid I don't deal in that currency. », answered the butler.

Therion seemed curious about him as he spoke to him.

« Listen, we just came from Ravus Manor. Had a lovely chat with a fellow named Heathcote. Maybe you know him ? »

I don't believe his « chat » with the butler was totally lovely at all...

« I did warn ye not to go there...", he told him calmly while cleaning his glasses.

"In fact, sir... When you told us to not go in that manor... In reality, you wanted us to go, right ?", I suggested.

My little voice drew the barman's attention, who seemed quite intrigued.

"Wait... don't tell me you let this child coming with you ?!..."

He gave Therion a slight menacing glare.

"..."

The thief said nothing.

"I... it's me who wanted to go with him !", I answered at his place.

The barman sighed, as now he seemed a bit worried about me unlike before.

"Children does really have sharp ears, nowaday..."

"Oh, you know... Me too, I was like him, at his age...", answered Therion while tapping calmly my shoulder.

"Thankfully he is fine....", the barkeep seemed relieved as he asked again. "So, was it everythin' ye expected it to be ?"

Therion just moved the head to said « no » as he spoke.

« All that and more, and now I'm awfully thirsty. I might need two drinks to get this bad taste out of my mouth. »

Two drinks, seriously ?! But he had already drunk two pints of beer this morning !

Therion must often needs alcohol to forget his bad memories, and I was thirsty too.

« Heya... Me too, I would like a glass of water for me, please... », I told the barman politely, but still feeling a bit shy.

« Heh. Comin' right up. », said the barman while he was preparing me a glass of fresh water.

And so, we waited to be served.

We could say that we took our time at the tavern: Therion wanted to talk about our adventure inside the manor while the barman listened carefully at us during his work.

In his story, Therion explained the main details, like how he described the place and the traps with sometimes words that I didn't really understand. He described each obstacle he met and how he tried to avoid them, but he also seemed to respect them.

Somehow, he was impressed by the dangers we met and that he would have been able to congratulate the Ravuses. Though, that didn't mean he wanted to be captured and wanted to do everything to get the magic ball.

Then, he let me explaining my version of the story: even if I was often worried, it was pleasant to speak about Therion's fight with Heathcote how much the treasure was beautiful. Despite he was mostly calm, I was sure that he enjoyed listening to me.

Indeed, that was incredible how much Therion was such a good storyteller for this barman. He was narrating everything we did with sometimes a bit of humor, but he was also serious when speaking about how it was such a challenge for him.

He told him that it's been a long while since he hasn't found someone seriously with his swords, and that he didn't have the right to do any mistake. He also spoke about the dragonstones and how much he was intrigued by their story.

In fact, even though he had no idea where they could be, he looked well motivated to steal them and give them back to the Ravuses.

Me too, I had a feeling that these balls would be so interesting... perhaps even more than the one we tried to steal this morning.

~10 minutes later~

We left again the tavern where Therion and I met each other.

"..."

While Therion continued to walk, I stopped next to the flame pit, looking at my feet.

Since we left the manor, something was bothering me... I didn't even want to speak about that in the tavern because I didn't want to kill the mood...

Maybe I should have...

I felt upset as Therion noticed it.

« Somethin' wrong ? », he told me calmly.

« I'm sorry, Therion... », I told him, feeling a bit sad.

«...sorry for what ? »

I sighed as I answered.

« Everything... I'm sorry for your bracelet, I'm sorry for breaking the promise to flee if something happened to you, I'm sorry that you have to endure all that because of me ! »

I really wanted to apologize to Therion after every problem I gave him. Even if he was the one who was in charge of our teamwork, I had the feeling I was responsible for his misfortune.

Therion just sighed at my sad look.

« Travis... why do you think all what happened to me it's all your fault ? »

"... Because I knew this robbery was too dangerous, I knew it very well... As I think about it, I didn't prevent you to steal that treasure because I thought that I could help you... That you would not have many problems like finishing in jail !...", I explained to him, as I had some trouble to speak without being nervous while I breathed. "...I was wrong... Now you have to wear this stupid chain because I was too stupid to fall in the same trap as yours ! »

I told him everything that I kept for myself...

I felt so shameful to have been so naïve at this point... Now, I understood, why I believed that Therion would sometimes think I was a weight for him.

The thief crouched down at my level as he put his hand on my shoulder, as he looked to feel a bit ashamed.

"It's ok, little buddy. If there is truly someone I should blame for... It's me."

"?... Why do you say that ?"

"Sometimes, I would feel bored by always stealing the same stuff from people, even if it permits me, somehow, to make my live. So, when I heard about this famous jewel, and how guarded this place... I felt like it was my need to steal such a valuable thing. Indeed, it's been a long while since I was hunting for something relevant... ", he then looked above him as he was thinking about himself. "But being a thief isn't an easy life... like many other jobs, of course... This time, my eyes were bigger than my belly, so I was not able to discern this butler's trap.... Now, all I have to do is to assume the consequences."

"..."

What he told me just made me remember about what Heathcote told us.

However, that wasn't what I wanted to believe.

"And what ?!... I don't want you that people always take you for a fool, like that guard from early ! I don't want that we take you for a bad guy ! You just didn't deserve that !...", I told him, feeling sad as I continued." Me too... I did a lot of bad things like you... So, I know what it's like to be hated by people... Everyone might call you by many bad names... but for me... you're someone that I wanted to have like brother !"

"..."

I really wanted to let out... Yes, he was like a brother, to me...

I don't know what he would feel that I wanted him to be my brother, but I would prefer him to stay silent instead of speaking... I felt like I didn't need him to talk to know what he felt.

In fact, he looked aware that I felt guilty that he has to support all those people considering him like a fool.

As I tried to prevent myself to cry, Therion just patted my hair.

"..."

"Do you feel better, to spill your guts to me...", he asked me quietly, as I nodded calmly when he continued. "I'm sorry, if I worried you much more than I did... I'm not used to work in team recently, so I didn't really think about what you were feeling during all this time... I'm just glad you're not hurt, and for me, it's not such a big deal that I had this thing stuck in my arm. That doesn't prevent me from stealing, and I just need to be more careful at pickpocketing at people. About our promise... it was your choice if you wanted to give me a helping hand, right ? »

«... Though... I didn't manage to do a lot of things when you were fighting the butler with a sword.... »

I still felt ashamed when Therion sighed.

"Really ?... Haven't you forgotten something ?", he asked me when he continued. "When you knocked out one of the guards with a wood plank ?"

"!!!..."

'Y-yes !... I remember that !...'

I became concerned when Therion reminded me.

"I had a hard time fighting Heathcote, but I should have made sure the soldiers were unable to fight. If you didn't intervene, I could have been sliced on the back, and it's not a good thing to be attacked from that spot. In the end... perhaps I would have been worse if you didn't intervene."

"..."

He... he was right !

When this happened, I didn't know what I was doing. All I wanted was just to help Therion while he was busy fighting this old butler and avoid that he would get hurt.

Really, I managed to hit this guard with just a chair !...

Even if I wanted to save Therion, what did it take me to do such a thing suddenly ? And how I was able to do so ?!... It was like my own body started to move alone... Since when I was able to jump like that ?!...

Anyway, I also encouraged him when he was in trouble, as I didn't want him to lose. I don't know if it really helped him, but I was glad he managed to win.

Feeling affected and less sad thanks to his reassuring words, I wanted to explain to him.

"You know...me too, I want to collect those 3 magic balls too, so you could be free... Though, I know it could be weird but... I also to help that lady Ravus retrieving her treasures."

"..."

Therion stayed silent when I continued while being upset.

"I don't why... since today, I started helping people that I barely knew, either it's the Ravuses or you.... I... I've never done that before ! But after everything which happened today, I'm not sure if I would be really helpful to anyone even if I wanted to !»

I sighed annoyingly, watching at my feet when Therion spoke to me.

"Are you telling me that you want be someone useful ?", he asked me, as I nodded calmly when he continued. "...I might not be that kind of altruistic person, but I believe we shouldn't consider it as a default. It's just called solidarity when people help other peoples in need. Even if it's not the same thing as robbing people's belongings, which I do to make my living... These habits have both common values."

"W-why so ?..."

"Cause they are both giving us motivations. The more you like something, the more you want to fight to get it... Sometimes literally.", he explained to me as he told me quietly while looking into my eyes. "One more thing: it's not the end of the world if you're not able to help people correctly. Just do the best you can, okay ?"

"..."

I was right: after hearing that new word « solidarity », it's just like I had that will to help other peoples, but I didn't know why as I wasn't used to help them.

Indeed, I was only fending for myself when I lived outside. It wasn't easy for myself to find food, clothes and other stuff, so I believed it would be hard to help people on top of it all.

However, that reassured me that someone like Therion would say that I could be someone useful. Indeed, as I wasn't used to always trust in myself before, it surprised me that for once... some people finally trusted me.

"Thank you...", I smiled a bit, feeling proud as I told him positively. "By the way, about your problem... I wanted to give you something !"

I took something out of my pocket and handed it to Therion, who became surprised.

« !... Is that... a glove ? How did you get it ?! »

As he looked well concerned, I chuckled a bit while answering him proudly.

« I took it at the guard from earlier ! »

"!!!..."

That's right: when the guard gripped me earlier, I managed to steal him a brown large leather glove, a bit dirty and old ! Just like when Therion stole a grape from the big green man !

"I guess this is what we call "pickpocket", right ?", I added playfully.

As he took the glove, Therion asked me.

« Congratulations, but... why did you give it to me ? »

« Well, you know that bracelet could be seen by people, right ? So, I thought if you wear this glove at your right hand, you can hide this bracelet and no one could see you like a thief who failed ! It isn't a great idea ?! »,

"..."

I knew stealing was bad, but for once, I was really feeling proud for what I did.

In fact, I wanted to steal it for Therion, but it wasn't only to please him. I just wanted people to not see this cursed bracelet and make him feel reassured.

I watched him impatiently putting on the glove on his right wrist with difficulty because of the chain.

He examined it for a while, moving his fingers when he told me.

« Thanks for you help... but I think it's too embarrassing for him to wear. », he told me calmly while stowing the glove under his shroud.

"Oh..."

It's true that he could be embarrassing for him to rob at people, especially if it's the hand he uses the most which he refused.

Even if he congratulated me for my first theft, it still made me upset when he reassured me.

"Though, perhaps it could be useful for me one day.", he told me when he became thoughtful and added nervously. "Indeed... You really know a few tricks, and more than you think... You just... remind me of myself. »

« Oh, really ?!... Thanks !... You too can do a lot of things, you know ! If we put our loaves together, no one can stop us ! », I told him happily.

"!!!..."

Therion watched at me, as his eyes widened of surprise.

I was wondering what he was thinking about while watching at me smiling...

"What's wrong ?..."

"Ugh... It's nothing..." Therion answered when he smiled a bit and took something out of his poncho. "I have also something for you."

"?!... Is that ?!..."

He nodded as he handled me a small axe !

The one he stole earlier this morning !

But why would he give me something that he stole ?

I carefully took the axe and examined it: the handle was made of wood, and reached 30 cm. The blade was clean and sharp, and it was heavier at this side, but not too heavy for me.

It looked to corresponds at my size very well.

« Why... why did you give it to me ?! »

« The trip will be long and dangerous. If you want to stay alive, I suggest you to use it if you're in danger. »

"!!!...", I felt still hesitant.

"What's wrong ?... You don't know how to use it ?"

"N-no !... It's just... I don't really want to hurt anyone with this!"

Yeah...

I don't really like the idea to hurt people with that. Even small, a axe could be really dangerous and cut fingers !

Furthermore, I wasn't used to hurt people with weapons...

Therion, who noticed my worrying, advised me.

« Well... at least... Use it to defend yourself. »

"..."

I watched at the axe again: it still looked like a weapon to me no matter what I do with it.

However, this weapon looked somehow precious: by watching at it, I felt like the one who made this did a hard but good job, and I understood it shouldn't be used stupidly...

Also, I just reminded that old merchant told that me weapons aren't toys. Though, Therion must trust me enough to give me that weapon instead of keeping it...

'Could carrying this with me really make me someone bad ?'

'Well... Perhaps it could help me...'

In the end, if it's Therion who give it to me, I shouldn't refuse it ! I will even make sure to take good care of this axe.

I said to Therion.

« Well... Thank you... Terry »

"?... Terry ?..."

I gave him a nickname !

Once, I've heard that friends would call themselves with affectionate nicknames ! So, I wanted to do the same with him !

As he looked surprised, I became embarrassed.

« Oh ! Err... that doesn't bother you if I call you « Terry » ? », I said while putting my hand behind my head grinning with a giggle.

"...", Therion just smiled a bit, as we started to climb the stairs next to each other as he answered me nicely. « Yeah. It's ok if you call me « Terry ». Now, let's go, Trav. It will be a long travel. »*

"!!!... Hey... I love that nickname ! », I smiled happily.

I really loved the nickname he gave me: it was even quicker to say than « Travis » !...

Indeed, no one ever gave me such a nice name before...

Therion smiled again, as we observed one more time the cliff and the mountains, still illuminated by the warm sun.

It was such a beautiful landscape, with those rocks with particular forms, and this hot atmosphere...

Actually, I was really proud to have met someone like Therion, and I was happy to go doing a quest with him. And honestly... I started to have some affection for my new friend.

It was cool that we found a nickname for each of us !

After a while, we headed back to the upper part of Bolderfall, walking through the path leading to the exit underneath the mountain where I came from.

« Mr Therion ! Mr Therion, please wait ! », suddenly called a female voice.

"!!!..."

We saw Cordelia Ravus arriving, accompanied by Heathcote.

As they approached us, their shadows were noticeable on the ground, and the lady's blond hair were illuminated by the sun.

I was wondering what they wanted as Therion felt a bit impatient.

« What now ? »

We stopped in our track as we listened her speaking.

« I came to see you off on your journey. As it is at my behest that you're setting out. »

She seemed worried about us, that we have to collect those treasures, at our own risks.

Therion looked still bothered by her.

« Look, I'm just fulfilling my half of a bargain. Nothing more, nothing less. », said Therion.

« I understand that, but... »

« He's right, m'lady. This is a simply agreement between us and a skilled, but... « shortsighted » thief. », continued the old butler.

« ...Exactly. », answered Therion.

'?... What does shortsighted means ?'

As I was a bit confused, I wanted to speak.

"It's pretty nice that you came to tell us goodbye.", I told them calmly.

« Thank you, my boy", told me Heathcote when he continued. "However, there is something you should know before you go: as you saw, I recovered a blue stone. It is known as the sapphire dragonstone. The remaining three are the dragonstones of ruby, emerald, and gold, each named for its sheen. »

"..."

'Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and Gold ?...'

I already heard about these precious stones in a book.

They were really the kind of treasures we could find inside chests and could make us very reach. No wonder why people wanted to steal them...

I asked them curiously.

« And if we steal them all back to you, will you remove his bangle ? »

The butler looked at me and Therion, before answering us.

« You have my words. »

Therion just crossed the arms.

« Your word ? Well, that sound legitimate. Any idea where we should start looking ? », asked them Therion.

That's true that we still have no idea about where we have to go to find the first dragonstone.

Heathcote told us.

« Rumor has it that a scholar in Noblecourt is researching the ruby dragonstone. »

Noblecourt ? It's must be a famous city...

« Noblecourt ? Great, I'll fit right in. »

Therion started to leave as I was about to follow him.

« Mr. Therion ! Travis ! », called the lady Ravus again.

We just stopped again, and Therion told them.

« What is it this time ? »

Cordelia still looked deeply worried despite she was the one who asked us to do that quest.

She puts her hand against her chest as she said.

« Please... do take care out there. Of you, and the boy... »

"..."

I understood how she must be frightened by all the dangers which we could meet.

Me too, honestly, I was a bit scared even if I wanted to go on an adventure...

Therion just walked at the benches and peacefully observed the mountains, thoughtful. Despite his lack of attention to the lady's worrying, he looked aware of how dangerous was the mission.

The wind came from the north, making shake the ropes linking each bench close to the ravine.

This ravine looked very windy, but also incredibly deep. Indeed, the fact we couldn't see the bottom made it so menacing and that sight was still disturbing to me.

Me too, I observed one last time the beautiful view: the horizon was so far and so mysterious, the hills were very impressive and we could see some sand flying beautifully in the sky thanks to the wind.

Even if I was frightened, I was wondering what there could be down there. Thankfully the benches prevented us to fall !

"..."

Therion knew that he is going to leave the city, although I didn't know for how long he was wandering here. Even if he was also leaving outside, perhaps this town was a bit his home...

"Heh...", he mumbled calmly.

The lady Ravus seemed guilty.

« ...Did I say something amiss ? »

"Never thought a man of my talents would be working for someone like...", he answered her when he cut himself. "Ah, it's nothing. You'll get your stones back soon. Just leave the thieving to me."

"!..."

The Ravuses were quite surprised by Therion's motivation, so was I.

Even if he was doing that because he didn't have the choice, Cordelia was nice enough to worry him.

Though, it was true that a thief working for a rich person was really unthinkable !

In any case, Therion still agreed to accomplish his mission no matter what would happen.

However, I was thinking the opposite and I was really concerned about everything we can meet.

Me too, I knew I was going to leave this city. Though, as I think about it, I still have no idea where Bolderfall was located in the world map, and also the city called Noblecourt.

I just haven't heard about them before, but I deduced nobles would live in the second one because it's "Noble"-court.

Anyway, I just reminded everything I did in this town: when I arrived here, when I met Therion in the tavern, when we penetrated in this huge manor...

All of these were good experiences to me, but I felt pretty sad because I'm going to leave soon...

'I... I like this town...'

However, I also wanted to explore the world with Therion at my sides.

I was really curious to see how Noblecourt looked like and find that ruby dragonstone... I just didn't what was a scholar, exactly... Maybe it was someone who worked in a school, like a teacher ?

Whatever... I'll ask Therion about it later.

Also, I was wondering where could be the 2 other stones as well, but I believe we should focus on the Ruby one for now, and we'll see for the 2 others...

"..."

Cordelia wasn't still reassured by Therion's words, and while he looked pretty indifferent to her worrying, I decided to speak to them.

"Miss Cordelia !... Don't worry about us ! I'll make sure Therion won't have any problem when we will look for your precious stones !"

"..."

Therion looked concerned by my intervention as I added.

"Me too, I promise that he'll come back safely ! So, leave the thieving to me as well !!"

"!!!..."

That's right ! Now, I was really determined to help Therion and get these stones.

The 2 Ravuses looked a bit surprised by my speech, but I didn't regret anything. However, I finally noticed a small smile appearing on Cordelia's lips, and it somehow makes me happy to see her being relieved.

Me too, I couldn't stop to smile a bit, as they were nicer than I thought they could have been !

Finally, I just waved my hand at the two persons to tell them « Goodbye », the lady just waved her hand, with her butler smiling peacefully from a distance.

Perhaps she could still be worried for us, but I was wondering for who she was worrying the most between us... Obviously, it could be me but... I had a feeling that she was well concerned for Therion.

Anyway, Therion's goal was also my goal, as I decided to follow his path. I've never ever followed someone before in a place where we could make several days to reach, and probably experience a lot of unexpecting stuff...

Still, I was very motivated and happy to do all that with the first friend I never had before...

All we have to do is to retrieve the 3 remaining dragonstones for the Ravus family and to free Therion of his chain.

Really, it sounded like a quest, an adventure... like in the knights books !

I was so impatient but I have to know this won't be only a piece of cake.

"..."

We have finally left the city.

I walked next to Therion, my leather shoes made a small sound on the rocky ground.

We passed underneath a wooden gate and descended the path, that I was now taking in reverse.

I got the occasion to observe all my surroundings: the precipice looked so deep, and the distance between here and the opposed edge was about 10 meters !

A dead tree was standing next to a few fences, and so many clumps of old yellow grass were dispersed everywhere in the canyon.

I noticed the bridge I took earlier before arriving to the city, and... the view made me remind of something.

'?!!... Wait...'

That's weird...

I've the feeling that... I've already seen a wooden bridge like that, with the precipice, the desertic mountains, and all !

"..."

Concerned, I looked again at Therion, examining his clothes.

'!!!... Is that ?!...'

Strangely, I remembered to have seen him somewhere: with his white shaggy hair, and his purple clothes...

'Y-yes !... I do !...'

I just realized that when I was about to play Octopath Traveler, there was also a purple character with white hair on screen !

Yeah... I remembered, now, the pixelized mountain, the pixelized bridge, the pixelized cliff. Here, it all looked the same in real life !

Wait... Did that mean that... I was actually trapped inside the video game ?!

'!!!...'

How it could be possible ?!

All I just remember is that I clicked in the button A to start the game while there was that storm outside !... Then, all that crazy stuff happened and I landed in that desert !

By the way... if I was really inside a game... all those people I met here were video games characters ?!

And Therion... was also one of them ?!!

"!!!..."

Right now, my mind blew up with all these discoveries while I was also tired of all what happened today.

A voice suddenly told me

« Are you okay, Trav ? »

"!!!..."

Therion looked down at me with concern. He must have noticed that something was wrong with me.

I had to answer quickly.

"Err... n-no. It's fine..."

"Are you sure ?", he calmly insisted.

"... It's just... I don't know where is the direction leading at Noblecourt ? It isn't too far ?! »

"Ah... Well, it's been such a while since I was hanging out in the Cliftlands... Indeed, I didn't have time to explore Orsterra entirely, so I don't remember where could be Noblecourt...", he explained to me.

Seriously ?! He didn't know where we have to go ?!

He continued.

"I think we must take this bridge to reach the main road leading toother cities. There must be one which could lead us to Noblecourt."

"O-okay, right..."

Actually, I didn't want to bother Therion with that story of me trapped inside a video game. So, I tried to stay calm the best I could, but I was still feeling a bit stressed to be inside a video game...

Now, I understood why I have never heard about that Orsterra country ! As I knew, this country doesn't exist in the real world.

Indeed, that was why there wasn't any cellphones and electronic engines here, because this game take place in a world with knights and magic !

However... will I stay trapped inside the game forever ? With no way of returning to the real world ?

We approached next to the bridge when Therion just stopped and told me.

« We have to be careful while taking this bridge. Okay, Trav. ? »

« Ok. I... I had already taken it before I arrive in the city ! », I told him, but still feeling intimidated.

We both started to walk on the wooden bridge, and we took our time because it was very dangerous.

"..."

Crrr...

We slowly advanced a few steps, by making creaking sounds on the wooden path.

I walked so slowly that it could take me forever to cross the bridge, but I tried my best to not look at the precipice.

Instead, I watched at my right, hoping to be distracted by a batter view...

'?!...'

Then, I just noticed how wrong I was. I became so shocked from what I noticed on the right, making me speechless.

On the right side, pretty far away from the bridge, there was a group of rocky mountains with rocky hills. In one of those... someone was standing there.

'Who... who's that ?'

A person was standing on the hill from far away, and I did the best to describe him: he wasn't dressed like Therion or all the inhabitants of the city, he was wearing modern clothes.

His dark and black coat was recovering his torso and his back, his legs were covered by black leather pants and boots, and black gloves were covering his hands, his fists were closed.

This man was all dressed in black, except for the head. In reality, I couldn't see his face: his head was protected by a helmet, who looked like the ones worn by the motorcycle bikers, but there was no bike. His helmet was colored in yellow, with a few black lines on it, and the helmet's visor was black, so I couldn't see what he looked like.

Despite I couldn't see his eyes, I was pretty sure he was watching me.

I don't know why, but he was watching me.

Did Therion also notice him ? I don't know...

"..."

Somehow, I started to be frightened to say a single word to him.

What was this man doing alone on this hill ?! Why was he looking at me like that ?

"..."

At the instant, the mysterious man just pointed his finger in my direction.

"!!!..."

He was pointing at me ! I was sure he was pointing at me !

Scrr !... Scrr !!!...

"?!..."

Suddenly, right behind the hill where the mysterious man was, numerous flying creatures came from nowhere !

They looked like bats, or more like... birds.

In fact, they were eagles, but they looked different: their head were yellow, their torsos were wrapped of bandages, they were wearing purple pants, and they had... arms !

I couldn't believe it ! Eagles with arms !

Indeed, they all had red weapons with a moon shape on each of their hands !

Also... they looked so dark and menacing... that I couldn't move.

SCREEEE !!! SCREEEE !!!!

A swarm of eagles flew in our direction, and they were too many that I couldn't see the horizon anymore !

They all made menacing screeches, they were like devils, as they flew in our direction to attack us !

SCREEEE !!!

« WHAT IS THAT ! », I exclaimed in fear.

~ Therion's POV~

"!!!..."

Suddenly, I noticed a flock of flying beasts going in our direction !

« CLIFF BIRDIANS !!! WATCH OUT TRAVIS !!!!! », I yelled at him at the danger.

SCREEEE !!! SCREEEE !

We both ran towards the other edge of the bridge, when the flying monsters came closer and closer.

They flew towards us, so I quickly jump on Travis to catch him, and we quickly get down to avoid the cliff birdians who charged towards us.

SCREEEE !!! SCREEE !!!

"!!!..."

They were too many that I couldn't see the sky anymore and I only heard their loud screech !

'Quick ! We must leave the bridge !'

What was going on ?! Cliff birdians were only known to attack in small groups of 2 or 3, but this time, they was such a swarm of them !

SCREEEE !!! SCREEE !!!

They might not try to attack us directly, but I immediately got a bad feeling.

"DON'T STAY HERE !"

I got up, helped Travis to stand up, and ran to reach the other side !

SCREEEE !!!

"Ngh !"

One of them flew next to me, making me fell on the ground.

SCREEEE !!!

One of them tried to slice me but

SLAAAAAAASH !!

I defended myself and killed it !

SCREEEE !!! SCREEEE !!!

SLAAAASH ! SLAAASH !

I sliced and kicked several of these damn birdbrains, with some of them falling in the ravine !

'No way !... They are too many to deal with !...'

"..."

I watched at Travis: he looked so terrified by the monsters, as he stayed in a crouched down position, his eyes were closed and his hands were on his head. He didn't want to receive any blow from these dark winged creatures.

SCREEEE !!! SCREEE !!! SCREEE !!!

Some of them just flew next to Travis, hitting him several times !

Thankfully, they weren't dealing him fatal blows, but they keep harming him without he could even defend himself !

SCREEEEE !!!!

What could I do to kill so many monsters at the same time !

I could use another Fire soulstone to get rid of all them... but I could also touch Travis !

I just need to get him out of the bridge, and so I could get the high ground on them !

Some clift birdians keep charging towards him !

SCREEEE !!!

"RAAAAAAAAHH !!!"

SLAAASH ! SLAAAASH !!!

I didn't let them and continued to protect the kid with my sword !

Honestly, I started to have a liking on this little lad, and I didn't like to see him in that state !

I felt menacing towards these eagles and I was ready to destroy these feathered freaks !

SCREEEEEE !!!!! SCREEEE !!!

While the majority whirled around us, I killed them one by one, starting by the one harming Travis !

SLAAAASH ! SLAAAAAASH !!!

SCREH !!

Some of them I killed fell on the precipice, others were agonizing on the bridge.

They keep attacking us, but I sliced them wildly, making them screeching in pain, and I killed so many that there were a lot of black feathers floating around us !

CRRRR !!!

CRAACK !!

"!!!..."

'No way !'

Suddenly, the bridge started to crack !

SCREEEE !!!

CRAACK ! CRAAACK !!

Damn birds ! They started to destroy it with their weapons and sharp claws !

"HURRY UP !!!"

I quickly grabbed Travis with one arm, while I used the other to swing my sword to the cliff birdians.

SLAAASH ! SLAAAASH ! SLAAASH !!

SCREH !! SCREH !!

CRAAAACK ! CRAAAACK !!! CRAAACK !!

GRRRUMBL !

The ropes couldn't take anymore, as the bridge started to be destroyed in parts !

I rushed to the edge with Travis, but the swarm flew in our direction !

SCREEEEEEEEEEE !!!

They really wanted to turn us in their feast !

There's what they'll eat instead !

"HA !"

I threw a fire soulstone in the airs...

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAACKLEEEE !!!

FWWWWWIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!!

SCREE !! SCREE !! SCREE !! SCREE !! SCREE !!

An explosion of fire happened a front of us, creating a powerful blow which pushed me on the other side of the bridge, and burning most of birdians like rotten chickens !

CRAAAACK CRAAACK !

SBROOOOM !

GRUUUUMBLE !!!

The bridge was now completely falling apart, disappearing in the void as there was nothing left anymore.

SCREEEH !

The cliff birdians who survived flew away from the incident and left the place. Now, they were gone.

"Ngh..."

I started to get up in pain, as I haven't still fully recovered from the fight against that old butler.

Really, I don't understand why these monsters suddenly attacked us like that although we were just 2. Normally, these kinds of attack would only happen when they are provoked, but even so, they wouldn't be so many...

I was lying in the other side of the edge, but Travis was missing !

« TRAVIS !!!... TRAVIS, WHERE ARE YOU !!! », I yelled desperately.

My body was hurt after the attack of the creatures, but I was more worried about the boy.

I looked at my surroundings, hoping that he must have reached the other side as well...

« Terry... »

"!!!..."

I heard his low and weak voice.

I rushed to the edge of the bridge, which only one part which hadn't fallen yet.

It was still hanging on the side of the edge, but itmenaced to fall.

Crrr !...

"!!!..."

Finally, I noticed Travis !

"..."

His body was covered of bruises and traces of claws, and he looked exhausted.

His clothes were slightly teared up, and he was desperately hanging up his right arm on the medium piece of bridge while the rest of his body was suspending over the deep precipice !...

I could see how scared he looked despite he was abnormally calm.

I quickly went to help him.

« Travis ! Catch my hand ! Quick ! »

I handed him my left hand, while he did the same with his left hand.

"..."

I extended my arm the furthest I could and reached for his hand !...

CRAAAACK !!!

"!!!..."

Suddenly, the piece of wood destroyed itself, and Travis fell in the precipice.

"..."

« TRAVIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!! »

I watched him falling, with scared eyes, still extending his hand towards me without saying anything.

He fell in the ravine until he disappeared through the smoke.

FLAAAAAAASH !!

Then, all I saw was a blue shiny light emitting through the void, making a loud flashing sound which echoed through the place.

"!!!..."

I was speechless.. I breathed in pain...

He was gone.

The small child who accompanied me disappeared.

I could still remember his voice telling me "Terry" echoing in my head.

I was alone now.

I watched at the bottom of the cliff, but there was no trace of him... he was definitely gone.

I had no idea where did that blue light came from... but I know that... I couldn't do anything to protect him...

Indeed, I promised to the Ravuses he would be safe... but I failed... again.

Everything would have been different if I let him living with them instead, as even if he wouldn't like the idea... it could have been the best solution.

Seriously, I deserved to wear this fool's bangle around my arm...

I knew he would want that I get rid of this thing... but really... this boy didn't deserve this kind of fate at all.

Honestly... it warmed up my heart to see him smiling at him and listening to his weird stories... Even if I didn't want to admit him everything...

This time, I really messed up...

« DAMMIIIIIIT ! DAMMIT ! DAMMIT !»,

SBANG ! SBANG ! SBANG !

I angrily smashed my fist on the ground several times, without paying attention to the blood on my hands, unleashing my anger of being too weak.

Some tears started to escape my ears, as I would never forgive myself.

'Forgive me, Travis !...'

'I should have understood it wasn't a good idea to bring you with me !...'

'Forgive me if you suffered the consequences of my stupidity !...'

~ Meanwhile ~

~Travis's POV ~

Where I am ? What happened ? Where's Therion ?

I couldn't move my hands, neither my legs, neither my head....

My body hurt me so much, and I was suffering so much...

I tried to slowly open my eyes, but I couldn't see the desert anymore...

All was white, the canyons were gone, the sun was gone, the eagles were gone, I was in the middle of nowhere.

And... it was cold, so cold that my muscles were frozen.

I was lying down on the ground, but it wasn't really plate...

It felt like...

Snow.

~

A/N: 400 reads !

So... you weren't expecting that plot twist, right ?

This chapter was longer than the precedent and I don't think I will adapt side stories on this fanfiction, because I finally understood how hard it is to write a book, but I keep practicing.

So who was this mysterious person Travis saw ? Who knows !

All I can tell you, is that the last word of the chapter is a clue about the next traveler Travis will meet ! And I can tell you their relationship will be adorable !

I hope you really enjoyed this eventful chapter, and see you next time for the next chapter !

I pre ordered the full game, and I'm so impatient to play it !