Hero - Book One - Journey To The East

Chapter 20: Not alone

Hero

The Swifters' cheers fill the air and make their way into my car. I open my window.

"Hero! Hero! Hero!" they chant.

Emily doesn't give a damn about the cheers. She's just staring off into space with no emotions or words.

I can't help but laugh, feeling a bit sorry for the real story.

If they knew the full story of our battle, it was a team effort.

The streets teem with revellers.

I wave at the crowds, letting them know I see them.

Emily parks Falcon, but the crowd sweeps us off our feet as soon as we open the car door. With their boundless energy, they lead us through the lively streets of Freedom Town.

At this moment, even Emily can't contain her laughter. I look up at the endless sky and daydream.

I wish my parents could see this.

I can't stop thinking about Eden-that beautiful place. I want to show Emily this amazing place, but she won't come with me.

But those thoughts quickly disappear when we reach the main square, and the Swifters surround us.

Emerging from the crowd, the leader of the Silver Fleet approaches us, her face beaming with gratitude. The crowd falls silent as she takes the stage. "Thank you, on behalf of all Swifters. Hero, our saviour!"

Amid the roaring applause, she hugs me, exuding warmth and gratitude. Then she wraps her arms around Emily.

I can't help but speak up, so I raise my voice, and the crowd gets quiet, waiting for what I'll say.

"I also want to share something with you. This incredible girl here deserves my utmost gratitude."

My eyes shift towards Emily, locking with hers.

"This wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for you, Emily. Thanks for showing me that there are still good people in this messed-up world."

Emily stays quiet, looking a little vulnerable as she bites her lip. Then, she hugs me, reigniting the people's celebration.

As the crowd revels in euphoria, hats, caps, scarves, and gloves fly through the air.

After the hug, I try to reach out to Emily, but she gets swept up in the festivities. I jump, sing, and dance along with everyone else, all caught up in the hype, fully embracing the night's energy until morning.

"Hero! Hero! Hero...!"

____

I flop on the couch and sigh. My eyes sweep across the living room, taking in the sight of David, Sarah, and Emily locked in a tight embrace.

Family. Their strong bond makes me so happy.

Their daughter returned, only on the verge of losing her again, and she's now a hero.

I stare at the ceiling.

Is it all worth it? Does this place hold more value than my promise of discovering an unknown paradise?

Suddenly... Blood, fire, smoke... war. My mind keeps replaying these images, and I want to talk to Emily about them.

"Em..." I say as I get off the couch to see if she's around.

She has retreated to her room.

"Hero, are you all right?" Sarah asks.

"Y-Yeah, thank you," I reply.