Without hesitation, I stepped forward, feeling the familiar surge of energy wrap around me once more. The portal embraced me, pulling me into its embrace, and in an instant, I found myself standing once again on the sandy shores of the island.
The sun bathed the landscape in its golden embrace as if rejoicing in my return. The island seemed to come alive as if it had been waiting patiently for my presence. The rustle of palm leaves whispered my name and the gentle lapping of the waves reached out, beckoning me to explore its hidden depths.
With a smile on my lips and a heart filled with gratitude, I embarked on a new chapter of my journey, ready to embrace the wonders and adventures that awaited me once more. The island had become my sanctuary, a place where time stood still and where the extraordinary became ordinary.
As I ventured into the island's embrace, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, the island's magic would forever reside within me, guiding me and reminding me that there are infinite worlds to discover and countless stories yet to be written.
When I set foot on the beach at Mythos Island again, I wasn't alone this time. My companions were with me. My friends stood before me, all dressed in the traditional garb of Mythoican. They smiled welcoming me, but only one being in the world had captured my attention. Ryoko holding flowers with a big and bright smile plastered on his face. A wave of euphoria washed over me, and as soon as he noticed me approaching, he held the bouquet up towards me with a grin etched across his features.
"Welcome back, Ayla!" he called, tossing his arms out wide to welcome me into his arms. As we hugged, I could smell a slight fragrance coming from him, similar to the scent he carried with him when we traveled on the island together. And yet different at the same time. I couldn't help but notice how strong his grip was. His body was so warm and comforting. I leaned in close and inhaled his unique smell which reminded me of fresh grass and sea salt. He smelled like home. He kissed me softly and it felt so sweet.
He pulled away and squeezed my shoulders "I can't believe you've been gone for almost three months." I felt embarrassed about forgetting such important people in my life. It hadn't even registered to me that they might worry.
I looked back at the others who were giggling and whispering. I blushed profusely.
"Come on I am sure, the others are waiting for us. I have so much to show you!" He smiled, his brown eyes sparkling mischievously. He pulled me by my hand, practically dragging me down to the beach. As we got down to the village, I realized how much it had changed since my last visit here. While the area was busy, it was now bustling with noise and activity.
People walked around carrying baskets and boxes filled with various goods from all across the island. There was excitement and new energy in the air. Now, the townspeople came out in their traditional gear, looking healthy and happy. Children ran excitedly along the shoreline and waved at me as I passed by them. It reminded me of my childhood, back when I lived here as a child with parents who loved me dearly.
Ryoko stopped abruptly in his tracks. Everyone greeted Ryoko enthusiastically. He took a moment to introduce me to everyone who worked in town.
I watched as a few girls gathered around him and started peppering him with questions. Sure he was handsome, pretty smart, and liked by everyone. I diverted my attention elsewhere, seeing Tatsuya and some guy getting along quite well.
I walked over to the stall that they were standing by. I tapped Tatsuya on the shoulder as she spun around and she saw me and hugged me tightly.
"Glad you're back! It's been forever," she smiled.
"Glad to be back," I giggled. I looked over to a guy who was a little taller than Tatsuya and had dark brown eyes and a tall lean build. Brown, short hair almost fully covers a gloomy face. His skin was an ochre color, much like the mellow-brown light that bathed the forest.
A scar stretching from a huge scar cutting from his left cheek into his mouth and down his chin, his fairly big lips complimented the rest of his well-sculpted face.
"Who's this?" I asked Tatsuya to gesture to the boy. He smiled shyly, diverting his gaze.
"Oh right ... This is Krios," she explained.
"That doesn't look like him at all,"
"Trust this is Krios, at least the real Krios. He is the son of Tanwen." She continued.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't get mad but–"
"I'll explain, you can continue with shopping," He told Tatsuya she nodded and left the two of us alone.
"I am sorry for everything, I was the one who took the map. I sent it off with my bird, which is a raven to my father, aka Tanwen formally known as Mr. Okizari. I knew about you guys all along, I was the one messing up and sabotaging anything and everything. I want to start anew, and I want to formally apologize,"
"I am shaken," I say, burying my face in my palms.
"I know I don't look like the Krios you met before at camp. But trust I am him," Krios started. I lifted my face to take a glance at krios, he was right he was not the same as before.
"See?" Krios said as he switched between his elf form and his normal one. I was left in shock.
"I mean, I get it now, but why'd you do it? Why did you take the map, and destroy everything that was mine? Take away the memories of me and..." my voice trailed off as tears welled up in my eyes. I didn't finish my sentence because what could I possibly say?
"You are angry," he replied sadly as he slowly came closer. He wrapped his arms around me and held me against his chest. I didn't resist him. My eyes began filling up with salty tears. I looked down to conceal them as best as I could.
"Yes, I am.... Why did you do it? Why did you try to kill me? All those times we had spent together were things to cherish and remember... and you destroyed them?" I choked. I couldn't speak anymore. My vision blurred, and I could feel the moisture of my tears streaming down my cheeks as I sobbed.
"Please stop crying. Don't cry, it's okay. Everything will be okay," he reassured me. Krios stroked my head comfortingly. I tried to calm myself, I wanted to be angry, to hate him, but somehow he managed to make me feel better. I guess there must be something magical about Krios. Even when I was upset at him and all the pain he caused, somehow I couldn't stay mad at him. I just wanted to forgive him and forget about the whole ordeal. Just this once.
I pulled away slightly and looked up at him.
His chocolate brown eyes were soft and caring. His hair was neatly combed back and the corners of his lips were upturned in a small awkward smile.
"It was the only choice I had to delay my father from doing more harm than what he originally planned."
"Thank you,"
"Does this mean we are okay?" he asked quietly. I nodded and let him go. He smiled and left to go and find Tatsuya. At the same moment, Ryoko came over with a displeased look.
"Hey, where were you?" He questioned me.
"Just talking with krios. Was I gone too long?"
"No, but I missed you," he pouted. I chuckled and looked back at him. Suddenly, more girls started running back to him.
"Let's go somewhere more private to talk." He grabbed my hand and we both ran away from the crowds of girls that chased us, laughing all the way.
"What took you so long?" he asked. We both sat down on the sand as his voice rang through the sky. His tone was soft yet laced with a hint of anxiety. I felt terrible.
He didn't deserve such neglect from me. I should've been better.
It dawned on me that I was going to have to go on another quest now that the portal had closed for good. I didn't think there was much chance that we'd ever see each other again. My heart sank.
"I've been trying to come back, the second I got home. I've been looking for answers. But it was all in my childhood and I have no memory of it at all. Then there's this... thing, It's taken over my dimension and I want to get rid of it cause it's killing all the crops we have. I need your help 'cause I think it all started from the island." I rambled on, unable to control the panic that had crept into my body. I could hardly contain myself.
It felt like someone was squeezing my stomach and making it hurt. And it wasn't just my heart that felt like that either. The world seemed to be tilting beneath my feet, threatening to pull me under. Ryoko placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. I snapped my head up and looked at him.
His beautiful brown eyes looked directly at me. They were gentle, warm, and comforting. "Everything will be alright," he assured me. The words echoed through my mind, calming me down.
"Can you explain from the very beginning," Ryoko asked. So I did, telling him what had happened throughout those months when I was back home.
"So what you're telling me is that, the flower that I gave you spread throughout your city and had been taking the life out of all your earthly plants?" He summarized.
"Yea..."
"I'm not sure how far that flower will spread, but we will find a way to stop it."
"Thank you, thank you so much," I cried as I tackled him in a hug. He wrapped his arm around me and returned the gesture.
After letting my nerves settle, I released my hold on him and wiped my tears off my face.
"Do you want to join us?" he offered. "We're gonna play some volleyball after dinner. You can join if you want, plus, I really wanna see what else you got." Ryoko asked after awhile of sitting in silence.
"Well, then I'm game!" I shouted with excitement.
We both walked back to town as the sun began to set, soon we reached the house that all of them shared.
We both entered and were greeted by three large dragons stampeding our way. Wyvern, Dalinda, and Scylla. Tackling me to the ground and liking me all over like dogs, behind them I was able to see Kaida waving. I waved back smiling. Once the dragon got off I was able to hug and greet Kaida properly.
Then I saw someone walking down the stairs, a pale hand gripping the railing of the stairs.