Hero Of Harmony

Chapter 187: Soom's Walk To Death

After getting caught by Soom, I backed away from the earth tent while he exited it, leaving an unconscious Lazuli inside, though he didn't really leave since he silently stared at her for several minutes before releasing a deep sigh as he turned around and left her, heading deep into the forest while I traveled alongside him.

Neither of us said anything during the walk; Soom was probably thinking about Lazuli, and I didn't know exactly what to say to someone who was essentially walking to his death, so I just stayed silent while gazing at the beautiful night sky through the thick canopy, eyeing Azarath's three moons, Azul, Midori, and Coccineum as they illuminated the sky.

Tens of minutes passed, and other than the howling of the wind, our footsteps, and the occasional nocturnal animal, it was incredibly quiet; however, Soom eventually stopped, prompting me to do the same as I looked at him in confusion.

"I-I appreciate your kindness, Alexander, walking with this old man in his final moments, but it's time for me to travel alone. Unlike me, you've got so much to live for; you best not waste it trying to save a dying old man like myself." Stated Soom solemnly with a small smile as he looked at Alexander, who sighed deeply before nodding.

Once again, I didn't respond and simply nodded as I stepped back, watching as Soom looked back one last even though he could no longer see Lazuli before taking a step forward, continuing through the forest, walking to his inevitable death. Since Soom and I didn't know each other all that well, there wasn't some emotional farewell, not to mention as men, that wouldn't be how we would do it anyway, though those are minor details.

Still, the further Soom walked and the more obscure his figure became, thanks to the dense vegetation of the forest, I finally opened my mouth, deciding to say some final words.

"Hey Soom, try not to worry too much about Lazuli, alright?" Said Alexander softly as he faintly smiled while looking at Soom, who stopped before glancing at him with a chuckle.

"She's my daughter; I'll always worry for her, Alexander. I just know even without my presence, everything will be alright with you there to watch over her." Replied Soom with a small smile as he looked at Alexander, who lightly sighed and shook his head.

"We may not have known each other for long, Alexander, but I would've been ecstatic if Lazuli had brought you home; there is no such thing as the perfect person, but I couldn't ask for anything better in a man for Lazuli." Added Soom earnestly with a smile while deeply looking at Alexander, who awkwardly smiled while rubbing his head.

"I appreciate the compliment, Soom, though I feel the same about you. One day, if I ever become a father, I wish to be like a father willing to sacrifice their life and steal from a powerful organization if it's for their children. I can't imagine there being a better father than that." Declared Alexander solemnly as he gazed at Soom, who released a boisterous laugh unbefitting of his age while.

"Hahahaha! Thank you, Alexander, t-that really means a lot; I've been constantly blaming myself for what happened to her, though to know someone actually sees me as a good father means... A lot." Said Soom with a large smile with a teary-eyed expression as he wiped his face with his sleeve.

"Anyways, it's time for me to go. Thank you for everything, Alexander, and although I've constantly been selfish, please... Please, take care of Lazuli in my absence." Added Soom solemnly as he clenched his fist and gazed at Alexander, who looked at the night sky before sighing and nodding.

"I planned to do that anyways, Soom; I couldn't just release Lazuli into the harsh world as she is right now. I'd essentially be killing her." Stated Alexander as he eyed Soom, who silently smiled before gazing one last time at Lazuli.