Lara slowly opened her eyes to see the white ceiling of the room, the window curtains fluttering from the gentle breeze which barely kept the sun's rays from entering.
She woke up to the sound of the sea waves and the cries of seagulls filling the place, only to get out of bed with difficulty and head towards the window then move the curtains aside to take a look outside, where she was met by the warm rays of the sun and the sight of the harbor, which was bustling with vitality and activity, the people of this kingdom were cheerful and worked energetically, it seems that the economy really is flourishing! Lara smiled slightly at the charm of the people and the way they treated each other, for her apartment overlooked the fish market and the seafood street food stalls and she could clearly see how well they treated each other, she spent some time lost in thought watching them.... but... wait... Lara felt that she had forgotten something... yes.... Naro!.... a moment of realization came to her, so she headed directly outside the room quickly, she ran down the hallway in panic; everyone was looking at her in surprise and whispering, thinking that she was having a fit of madness, but she did not care about them and continued running and checking all the apartments; opening one door after another in search of Narohime in every room .
____Lara____
My sister Naro!.... where are you! (panting from running and exhaustion)
Lara stopped to catch her breath, leaning against the wall, she looked at her legs which could barely support her, it seemed that she had drained her energy to a great extent, but she did not give up because she was certain that Narohime was alive and she had to search for her, she raised her head and saw one of the nurses working at the reception desk, so she hurried towards her, frightening her .
___Lara___
(panting) E...excuse me ma'am, I want to ask about my friend, we came here at the same time, her name is Narohime... Narohime Kida! Her hair is short and black with green eyes and dark skin .... Can you please help me! I have been looking for her everywhere .... but I haven't found any trace of her... please ... tell me she's here... tell me she's okay.
Lara's legs could not endure any longer, she had already exhausted herself too much, so she fell to the floor sitting down, she tried to get up but she couldn't .
The nurse panicked and helped her stand up and took her to the nearest chair so she could rest.
___Nurse___
Rest first, my dear!....(worried) who exactly are you looking for?
___Lara___
(breathing with difficulty) ... Narohime.... Narohime Kida! We entered the hospital together!
___Nurse___
Oh... let me check the records, I'll be right back!
Five minutes had already passed, they were like hell for Lara and as if an entire eternity had passed, and all that occupied her mind was the fear of losing Narohime, until the sound of the nurse's footsteps interrupted her thoughts and worry as she had just returned, she told her that Narohime was fine and that she was currently in room 115, and as soon as she heard the room number she ran towards it.
Lara reached the door of the room while panting from running, then opened the door slowly and saw Narohime sitting on the bed looking at the window that faced the sea and the gentle breeze was entering through it, moving the transparent curtains .
Lara called Narohime's name, then cried and jumped into her arms .
___Lara___
My sister Naro!!(gasp) Thank God you're okay, I was so worried about you!
____ Narohime____
Don't cry ... I'm here now, the most important thing is that we're all safe.
Narohime wiped Lara's tears and raised her head so they could exchange glances, and Narohime looked at her with a smile.
___Narohime___
Thank you for saving me, if it weren't for you I wouldn't be alive today ... you risked your life for me, I will never forget that..... Lara.
Lara held Narohime's hand and placed it on her cheek, smiling as she looked at Narohime .
___Lara___
Narohime ...actually... I....
Lara did not finish what she was about to say because they were interrupted by the sound of the door opening
___Gren___
(in a loud tone) Lara! Narohime! Are you both okay!?
It was the captain of the ship, it seemed that he had survived the accident unharmed.
____ Narohime____
Ah! You're the captain!... yes we're fine thank you for what you have done for us (smile)
___Gren___
(laughing) There's really no need to thank me, rather I am the one who should thank you two!, what about you Lara, how are you?
Lara's face looked sullen, and she was looking at Gren strangely as if he had done something .
____ Narohime____
Lara?!....
___Lara___
Ah... yes I'm fine .
___Gren___
Then that's good, I'm glad to hear that .
The three of them spent some time talking, they did not even realize that night was about to fall .
___Gren___
Ah! I enjoyed the conversation so much that I completely forgot the time, it has indeed gotten late, I have to go now, take good care of yourselves!
___Lara___
Bye
____ Narohime____
Goodbye!
The captain left, leaving the two of them in the room, silence filled the place, and things began to become awkward .
___Lara___
So... I think it really is late.... I should go too... I'll let you rest because tomorrow we have to continue the mission, good night.
Lara got up from the chair to head towards the door, and before she could even open it, she was surprised by a hand grabbing her wrist, she turned around to see the exhausted Narohime standing, holding her wrist while her head was lowered, then slowly raising it and looking at Lara, with her face slightly flushed.
___Lara___
My sister Naro? Is something wrong?!
Narohime looked away with her eyes, as if she were avoiding Lara's gaze.
____ Narohime____
Stay.....
___Lara___
...Huh?!
___Narohime___
Stay ... Lara.... don't leave, stay here.... with me tonight...
________2 weeks later________
About two weeks had passed since they entered the hospital, and it was time to leave, both of them felt happy, finally they would leave that gloomy place, Lara rushed outside to breathe the fresh outdoor air, what a relief, finally they could taste the flavor of freedom, and outside Gren was waiting for them inside his car .
___Gren___
(waving his hand at them) Lara! Narohime! Over here!
They headed towards him and greeted him .
____ Lara____
Woooow... amazing ... what is this thing !?
___Narohime___
Is it an advanced type of combat machine?!
___Gren___
Haha no it's a car, used for transportation, and now come on, get in!
___Lara___
Amazing!
Both Narohime and Lara got into the car and Gren drove off with them .
____ Gren____
You said you were heading to the academy, right?!
___Narohime___
Yes, Mages Chishiki Academy .
About an hour passed on the road, the place was far away anyway, Lara and Naro thanked Gren before saying goodbye to him and each going their separate way, he had indeed taken them as far as the car could go, and the rest could not be crossed by the car because it was a narrow path for pedestrians, he had already told them the directions, so it would not be that difficult.
But wait.... an hour had already passed and they were still walking, Gren said that students arrive there within ten minutes ... what exactly is going on, they had followed the correct directions, but they kept returning to the same place over and over again, they even tried changing directions and separating, but to no avail, they thought carefully but they had tried everything, even following that sign pointing the directions which was fixed to a rock there .
No use ... night had already fallen and they could not reach the academy, they couldn't even return from where they had come... they even thought that the captain had deceived them but why would he do that, he barely knew them... it made no sense, so how did this happen ...
Suddenly they heard a strange sound coming from the forest.... and they remembered what Gren had said before leaving " whatever you do... the forest there is something dangerous ... even the highest-ranking mages do not dare to mess with it... but don't worry... it is only dangerous at night for those who enter the forest, so for you, just follow the path and you ll be ok "
Both Lara and Narohime felt worried, it was already night... but why was this happening?! they had never entered the forest at all! So... what in the hell is going on again?!