IX Affection
1132 Words
Aziza
"How long are you gonna stay outside and talk to the stars, Aziza? I am sleepy, let's go and sleep."
I caressed Bell's head with my pointer finger when I heard her yawn. She purred on my lap like a cat while I was still looking at the night sky. We are always out and watching the stars, except when it's raining. I started doing this from the day Atticus left the village.
This is the only thing that I can do for him. I pray to the stars to keep him safe. I hope that he doesn't starve himself because of over-training. I know that letting him travel alone is the best thing to do as a support but, I can't help myself to worry.
"If only Atticus had a companion, maybe he wouldn't be lonely. Look at me, I am always by your side," Bell rubbed his eyes and yawned again. When she first met Atticus, she was so cold towards him, she was mean and she didn't care about the words she was going to say. I remember how I made her stop talking because she was being insensitive about Atticus.
"It's not easy to have one in a few months if you have just started your journey as an adventurer, Bell. You know that. And I just got you early because I have royal blood, the power runs within me, I was born with this and, unlike other adventurers, they need to fight and kill demons to increase their level."
The villagers don't have any idea about who I am, only Bell and my deceased parents. When I got Bell as a companion, I didn't tell her about who I am, she said that she knew, she can read my mind, she can feel what I feel.
And having a companion will not make days boring. With Bell, who's acting as my mother, sister and as a friend, I know I couldn't live without her.
"But, Atticus is the chosen one, Aziza. I think the creator will give him power."
I looked at Bell, who's attention was to the sky. Her eyes sparkle but it speaks a lot of emotions. Her arms now formed into crosses and when she took a deep breath, she turned her eyes back on me.
"Like you, I am also worried about him. I may be quiet and always tell you that he will be okay and he can handle himself. I showed you that I am fine with Atticus' decision because that would help him to grow and learn about our world, but honestly, that's not exactly what I feel."
Bell was annoyed when she first met Atticus'. She doesn't like to accept that the chosen one that will is gonna save the Tercera world from demons and the demon Lord is a huge coward. Even Atticus' words before weren't clear when he was speaking, because he's afraid, he's anxious. And I understand Bell's frustration, because I like her. I also seek peace in Tercera.
For the people who longed for freedom, a world without demons.
"I may be harsh, but I have thought about what if the reason why Atticus was not sending us letters is because he..."
I gulped, my hands pressed on my legs as I lowered my face. I believe he will come back to us stronger and braver. I saw his face the night when he told me he was going to travel alone, to increase his power and to seek himself.
"I will never learn if I will always rely on you, Aziza. I have to learn on my own, to know what I am capable of doing when it is only me. I almost die in my world. What I don't want to happen is to die here useless."
Bell flew and she came in front of me.
"I am afraid, but I trust him. Atticus left the Hermoza with a strong and determined look on his face. You saw that, too, Aziza. And when his eyes raged with fire, that's when I saw the aura of the guardian of Tercera."
I licked my lips. The fire surrounding Atticus' and Bell's right, even his eyes were on fire. It's like he was a different person at that time. But what happened in Grozarya really opened his mind.
Atticus realized and learned it from the painful words of the people.
"He's alright..." I said. My companion nodded at me and turned around a few times. Her fairy dust twirling.
"He is! Let's just keep on praying for his safety and wait for him to comeback. No matter how long it is."
"Yes, even if it takes us a year or ten years. What's important is he will come back alive and stronger."
I don't want him to comeback because he is the chosen one, but because I want to live with him. I need him by my side.
"Aziza, don't cry. This is not the last time we will see each other."
My tears continued to fall and Atticus' held me. He also wiped my tears with his lips.
"This is not just for me, but also for the villagers, for all the people here in Tercera and most especially for you, Aziza."
My lips parted. He's looking at me with so much affection in his eyes. Gone the raging fire, the anger, but now it's soft and assuring me.
"I want to be strong to save you. The next time we meet, I'll make sure I will be the one protecting you and not the other way around. I want to be the right man for you and it will happen only if I face my fear."
"Atticus, I--"
His lips stopped me from talking, he nibbled my lower lip and I gasped when his hug tightened. When he finally let go, I bowed my head because of embarrassment. I can't face him!
"Can you wait for me, Aziza?"
I felt my throat dry. I gulped and nodded. But Atticus' lifted my chin. I thought he wanted me to answer while facing him, but his lips claimed mine again.
"Hmm... A-Atticus--"
I have never been kissed like this. He's the only man who made me feel this fire running through my body.
"Don't worry too much about me," when he let go of my lips, he took my hand and placed it on his heart.
"I'll survive."
I swallowed hard and touched my lips. I will wait for you, Atticus. He needs to come back to me because I haven't told him what I really feel about him.
And I need to be true.
I need to tell him who I really am.
That I am a princess, the lost princess of Esperanza Kingdom.
- Writer
