A Remaining Podeshire 1

Chapter 12 (Part 2)

     Hours of painful walking have passed, and the sun high in the sky is gradually sinking towards the western horizon. As the afternoon settles in, the heat lessens, providing some relief from the scorching sun. However, due to the long route, exhaustion is impossible to avoid.

"Are we there yet?" Gregory panted as they walked.

Oliver then stopped and peered in one direction. "Yes," he replied with a smile.

     Gregory steps beside Oliver. Then, he follows his gaze in the direction he is looking. Instead of seeing the city walls, far on the horizon is only an endless row of towering trees.

"Forest?" Gregory wondered aloud, staring at the dense foliage before them.

"Yeah! Behind that forest is the—" Oliver smiled, but Gregory suddenly spoke, cutting him off.

"Oh, wait! I remember! This is the place where Oliver and I met! Behind those trees is the..." Gregory trailed off, a sudden realization dawning on him.

"The city!" they both exclaimed.

"Yay! We're here!" Gregory cheered, his face lighting up with joy. However, his excitement immediately diminished as a thought occurred to him. "...Wait, how about Oliver?" he asked, his smile fading.

"Maybe he's already in the city?" Oliver replied, trying to sound hopeful, even though he knew it was unlikely.

"He can't be! My father is probably searching for him in the city, and he knows it," Gregory replied. "I believe he won't be returning to the city without any confirmation he's safe." He glanced at the dense woods on the horizon. "Maybe we can find him together?"

"I'll find him and bring him back safely," Oliver promised with an unwavering smile.

"I need to come with you," Gregory insisted as he stepped forward with a puffed chest.

"Why don't you want to go home, Greg?" Oliver asked as he tilted his head.

"...It's because I want to see my beloved friend again," Gregory replied as his glance darted to the ground.

     Oliver smirks at Gregory. He steps forward, placing a warm, gentle hand on Gregory's shoulder. Oliver and Gregory's eyes lock on each other, and Oliver's smirk softens into a light smile.

"Well, you're looking at him now," Oliver said with a playful glint in his eye.

"...What do you mean?" Gregory asked, his curiosity piqued as he glanced at Oliver's face.

"My name's not Grey," Oliver admitted. "My name is Oliver."

"...What?" Gregory gasped as confusion blanketed his mind.

"It's me..." he smiled. "Oliver."

     Oliver raises his other hand to shoulder level as his fingers curl into a tight fist. He releases his grip, and a floating ball of fire ignites in his open palm, illuminating his face in a warm, fiery glow. Gregory watches Oliver demonstrate his powers, proving himself to be none other than the Remaining Podeshire.

"...Oliver Podeshire."

     Gregory's eyes grow wide. His throat tightens as his heart races with excitement. Then, a teardrop runs out from his eye and trickles down his cheek.

"Is it truly you...?" Gregory asked, his voice shaking with emotion.

"Yes, it's me," Oliver nodded, his eyes locked on Gregory's gaze.

"...Do you still trust me?" Gregory asked as he placed a palm on Oliver's cheek. "I'm so sorry..."

"You don't have to apologise, Greg. I understand now, and I still trust you. You are my friend," said Oliver.

     Gregory wipes the tears from his eyes. His laughter mingles with the lingering traces of his tears. He then chuckles and throws his arms around his friend, hugging him tightly.

     Oliver gasps in surprise. His heart pumps blood to his face, making his face turn red. He's unsure what to do, but the shock of the moment soon gives way to a pleasurable sensation as he wraps his arms around his friend's back. The embrace feels warm and comforting, and he can feel the weight of all the emotions they've been carrying lift from his shoulders.

     Oliver and Gregory embrace, their bodies pressing together as they pass heat and warmth to one another. It feels as if they are the only two people in the world. Their heartbeats are in sync, and they can feel the rhythm through their chests. And they feel each other's breath touching their necks, and it is a comforting reminder of their deep bond.

     The surroundings fade away, and Oliver and Gregory are simply two friends basking in the warmth of their embrace. As they hug, they breathe in each other's calming scent, feeling the heat and comfort of their physical connection. They hold each other tightly, unable to let go of their embrace.

     After a few moments, Oliver and Gregory let go of one another. Gregory places his right hand on Oliver's cheek, his touch gentle and reassuring. Oliver returns the gesture with a sincere smile, his hand caressing Gregory's arm as they lock eyes.

"It's you..." Gregory said. "It's truly you, Oli."

     The sudden sound of footsteps in the tall grass interrupted the sweet moment between Oliver and Gregory. As they turned to look, they saw a familiar figure approaching—it was Cal, and behind him were his assassins. Cal's eyes locked onto his son, and his brows furrowed as his fists clenched at his sides.

"...Father?" Gregory's eyes widened.

"Gregory!?" Cal yelled.

"Oh! Uhm, meet Sir Grey Erris! He helped me get home!" Gregory said as his words tumbled out in a rush. He then leered at Cal and mumbled, "...Without you..."

"I overheard your conversation, young man!" Cal snapped, striding forward. "That is the bloody Podeshire!"

"How'd you say I am?" Oliver asked, raising his chin and crossing his arms.

"I've been watching you two," Cal said, his voice low and ominous. "I saw this man summon flames from his hand. Now, I shall summon my own flames!" he shouted.

     Oliver's heart pounded loudly. His jaw clenched as he looked down. He started to breathe rapidly, taking steps backwards as he tried to process the situation and figure out his next move.

"Get him!" Cal barked, jabbing a finger at Oliver.