The End of the Conflict (V)

"You know what that means?" he asked after finished talking.

"... yes"

I nodded with my head while I was gently stroking Maria's hair that had felt sleep hugging me.

Of course I know. If the word spreads on what she can do she'll become a target. There exist the possibility that someone wants to abuse that power for their own benefit. I was about to die not once, but 3 times. Every time I was saved by this girl's infinite kindness.

I can't let anything happen to her.

"That's why I'll leave her in your charge" said while turning around.

"Wait, leave her to me?"

"That's right. You were able to end the tyranny of this city on your own and return it to how it was before. You're all a hero kid, you possess more strength that you believe. That's why she would be safer with you rather than me"

"In the end I didn't do anything special"

I only won against Victor because he was careless. If he had fought seriously from the beginning without underestimate me I doubt that I would have survived on the state that I was. Not counting that it was an one on one battle, if anyone else from his group was on his side I wouldn't had stood a chance.

"Also, you haven't found any answers about what's happening in the world, don't you?"

"... no. He didn't know anything from the events on the day of the Apocalypse. It only served me to understand the nature of our Spiritist powers. Although how we obtain them remains a mystery"

"In that case leave that task to me, when I find the answer I'll be back to tell you. Instead you take care of Maria and make sure nothing happens to her"

"How can you abandon her like that? Aren't you her guardian?"

"Let's say I got my reasons. We all have a secret or 2 that don't want anybody to know, right?"

"Yes, but..."

"Asriel, this also is for you. You had carried a lot on your own, it shows on your face. You need to take some time off and rest or that will end affecting your mind. Listen to me, go back to your city and have a peaceful life, okay? It's a promise from man to man"

I'm still not strong enough to protect myself, even less to take care of someone else. However she had sacrificed so much for me without caring on the result. I owe her, I'll become stronger for the both of us.

"... alright. I promise you that I'll protect her. Take care and don't do anything careless"

"Like you? Haha you should leave some fun for me young man. Well, see you"

John waved his hand and left. I don't know if that was the best decision. I believe he is running away from something... I must be imagine things.

"Mmm, Asriel?" said Maria waking up and rubbing her face.

"Good morning, how do you feel?"

"Excellent... wait! That doesn't matter, how are you?"

"Very well, all thanks to you"

"Really? I'm glad to hear that hehehe~"

"I'm surprised to see you so soon"

"We were worried! After you left I insisted John to follow you here..." in that moment she turned her head around the room. "Eh? Where is John? Did he went to the toilet?"

How can I explain this situation properly to her?

I don't want to leave Maria alone, once more she had saved my life and risked so much for me. I won't disappoint her again.

I don't know if she'll agree to be with me... still I'll try.

I stared at her firmly.

"Don't worry Maria. John went to do some stuff"

"What stuff?"

"I don't know, didn't tell me. But I promise that I'll be always by your side. I'll protect you with my life if necessary"

She stayed silent for a while deep in her thoughts.

It's true, technically anyone could say that we might as well be strangers. We only lived together for a couple of days, it's too soon to hope that she sees me as a proper guardian.

There's no way that she-

"Okay"

"... eh? Are you sure?"

"Of course, I trust you!"

"Maria... thanks"

Suddenly she hugged my head, I hugged her back. Her hands are so warm and relaxing, I'm invaded by a nostalgic sensation.

"Also, if I let you alone you'll be in danger. I have to make sure of taking care of you"

"You sound like my mother. I'll be counting on you then"

"Of course! Leave it to me, hehe~" said backing up a bit and putting a hand in her chest with an expression full of pride.

Yes, I'm sure everything will be alright.

I'm a Spiritist and a Seeker. She's a Spiritist with a gift of healing. Both of us are quite peculiar beings on this new world.

There's a chance that we'll become targets for someone with a twisted mind and thirst for power, I think is better to go unnoticed for a while and think what to do from now on.

I decided to talk with Maria about it and ask her if she agreed with the plan of coming to my home to live until determine clearly what will be the best course of action for the 2 of us, she accepted without hesitating.

I'm glad that she agrees with my decisions without any claims, on the other hand I'm worried that she's too innocent. Any stranger may take advantage of her kindness, I'll have to be always watching her so she doesn't get in trouble... this is how a father feels when he overprotect his daughter?