It wasn’t often that Leo needed to be healed by Marem, but it was always an enjoyable experience for him. It felt as if he was being comforted in mind and body, the magic had an oddly rhythmic soothing sensation as it patched up his wounds. Despite the calm nature of the healing, Marem did not radiate that same energy.

“Did you really need to hit him with that last volley? He was already on the ground, that just seemed a bit excessive,” she complained.

“I did need to,” replied Leo, feeling relaxed as the cut on his neck closed up.

“You were obviously winning, and it’ll take them forever to heal all those wounds,” she retorted.

“I wasn’t winning, not even close,” Leo calmly replied.

“Huh?”

“You probably didn’t see it, but I sure as hell felt it. He got stronger the longer we fought. His last attack nearly cut off my head, and his next hit probably would’ve probably killed me. Your dad is a real dick, no offense.”

She hadn’t been too worried when Leo needed healing after the fight. He was still walking and relaxed despite the bleeding. The fact that her dad had dozens of injuries and was bleeding out had drawn most of her attention, even if her step-moms were already working on healing him.

She inspected the partially healed cut, only now realizing just how deep it really was. If the fight had dragged on for just a few more minutes, Leo would’ve bled out. It was an unsettling thought that Leo was this close to death, and she nearly missed it. Even in the fight against Venox, he was in a better state of survival.

“Holy shit dude, then why are you acting so calm?” was the only thing she could think to ask.

“Well, I knew you’d be there to heal me,” he answered with a smile.

There was a silence afterwards, a calm that filled the guest room they’d ducked into. Even though Marem’s dad did start the fight, her family weren’t too keen on seeing their patriarch get brutalized. She figured it would be best to go somewhere private while the others took care of her dad.

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After a few minutes, Marem broke the silence. “So, why did you two fight? You told me he challenged you for a reason, but you still haven’t told me what it was.”

“Well, I didn’t have the time to explain, but I guess I do now. I’m not from here.”

“Yeah, I already know that you’re an immigrant.”

“Well, I sort of am, but not like you’re thinking. I’m from the same place your dad is from. I’m from Earth. You’re the third person I’ve ever admitted this to, and I only told your dad because I knew he was from there.”

Marem paused, the glow of her eyes fading as she lost concentration. “Wait, like, the other reality?”

“Yes. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before, it isn’t something that’s easy to bring up.”

“Leo, you don’t need to feel bad about that, I get it. We all have things that we keep to ourselves, and it’s usually never something as big as that,” she reassured him.

Leo felt relieved to finally tell one of his closest friends the truth. Even if he had his reasons to lie, it felt wrong to be dishonest to someone who trusted him. He just hoped that this wouldn’t change things between them, but he felt confident that it wouldn’t.

“You know, this is the second time I’ve healed your injuries,” Marem spoke up.

“Huh? Is it?” asked Leo.

“Yeah. Before yesterday, you’ve only ever taken superficial damage. There were things that hurt you, but nothing that actually threatened your life. When we met, the day you saved me, it was like you were a guardian sent from the heavens. Nothing we faced could do so much as scratch your skin.”

Marem continued before he could respond, “So, it’s terrifying to see you get hurt. You’re one of my closest friends, Leo. The idea that you can die, let alone because I wasn’t there to help you, scares me.”

Tears began to fall down Marem’s face, emotions springing forth before she could try and contain them. Leo still wasn’t the best with his words, he didn’t have any idea what he should say to comfort his friend. So he decided to just trust his instincts.

Leo embraced Marem in a hug, holding her tightly. “I promise that I won’t die.”

When they both calmed down from the emotionally charged moment, it felt as if the bond they had had grown closer. Leo trusted Marem, and he knew that he needed her. Not only for the help she’s given him in the past, but because she was a friend he could rely on.

They would have to spend some time here, stuck at her Dad’s house. Even if he was, for lack of a better word, a complete shithead. But, this was the safest place for them, not only as a place to hide from the world. It was where they would plan out their next moves, whether it’s finding Cordylia or escaping the kingdom’s forces.

For now, however, the two of them were headed off to the kitchen. Even if Marem’s family didn’t view the fight in a positive light, it was still a victory in their eyes. And if you’re given access to a fully stocked kitchen, why not prepare yourself a lavish victory feast.