The Tale Of A Hero

Chapter 33: The Losers, The Lovers, And The Haters (Apologies)

~Hero's POV

I...don't know what I got myself into, today...

It was, in Siren's words, "cute."

I felt my cheeks turn red. Why was this happening? This was very rare for me, so why?

While I was running away from everyone, apparently Amber was looking for me. And after a bit of more stuff...She...

She kissed me. 

On the cheek, but...it was the second time she ever kissed me. And, she's still the first and only girl that ever kissed me.

And for some reason...I can't get it out of my head...

It was just a kiss...

***

~Flashback

I ran through the fields, trying to escape the other's roasting battle, which was still going on, apparently.

I sighed, getting the thought of the Walls out of my head. It hurts to know, yeah...But if they want to go...I won't stop them. I just hope...

They could forgive me for bringing them into the war...

I arrived at a massive, crystal lake. The lake was surrounded by lush greenery on both sides. I sighed, sitting next to the lake. The cool breeze of the morning blew on me, as if welcoming me into nature itself.

I stared at the lake, thinking about all my friends...back in the Walls.

It's been so long-two years, was it? It's a miracle I even made it out of there alive, and got half a mile. The Walls really are dangerous, but...at night, it's at least bit safer outside of them, hence why I made it all the way...to the Emerald Plains.

I heard rustling behind me. Alert, I glanced behind quickly. The bushes moved softly, rustling very faintly, but still audible by me.

I stared, half-expecting something to leap out.

But instead, it was calm and steady. Out of the bushes, a small, fragile Deerling appeared. It looked happy, prancing around happily. It slowly stopped, and lowered it's head, nibbling on a flower.

I smiled. Sometimes, life can have these moments, where it's just so peaceful...and calming.

The Deerling raised it's head, and gazed at me. I stared back. It titled it's head, as I slowly reached out my hand. It grazed it's head, and I patted it slowly. It closed it's eyes and peeped slightly in response. In enjoyment.

I chuckled.

Then, the Deerling pranced over to the giant lake. I watched as it raised it's head downwards, lapping up some water. I smiled, seeing it drinking in peace, when suddenly, something caught my eye.

A splashing in the water, in the distance. A small head peering up...I thought I saw, but nothing...

I stared.

...Am I hallucinating? I thought, but shook that off quickly. I glanced back at the Deerling, who was continuing to drink. I smiled again, and right about there...that's when it became apparent...

Life was also cruel.

(WARNING: THIS MAY BE UNSUITABLE FOR SOME FOLKS)

Suddenly, a big Feraligatr leaped out of nowhere. I slowly realized that its head was the one I saw. I wasn't hallucinating after all...

Time seemed to slow, as I could only watch...paralyzed with shock.

Before I could react, the Deerling was caught in its jaws. It struggled frantically. I widened my eyes, gasping. But, before I could save it, the Feraligatr dragged it into the lake. Right before it did...