We spent the night with the Amaroq and then went back on the road, we need to hurry and free those monsters from that kingdom.

  In the st hours we were more running than walking, I know that we are a few days away from the kingdom but it will take us a long time on the path that Sia warned us about. We will be able to evolve a lot more there, or maybe Hana will evolve a lot more than I have, who knows? It won’t matter who evolves, I trust that we can protect each other when the time comes. No matter which one of us gets stronger.

  “Hikaru, what are you thinking about?”- I was in a bit of a daze when thinking about it all. But it’s not like it’s going to hinder me or anything.

  “Well, I am thinking about who is going to get stronger between the 2 of us, who is going to end up the strongest.”- Hana is looking at me concerned

  “Why are you thinking about that?”

  “I don’t know why either. But I trust that we can protect each other when the time comes no matter who is stronger.”- I guess I don’t have anything to worry about this, I am sure that Hana got me covered on this one

  “Well, I don’t think you should worry that much about it. I mean we do protect each other. But I just want to ask you, are you insecure about the fact that I am getting stronger than you are?”- Hana walked in front of me and stopped, she held her hands behind her back and stared at me.

  “Kinda. I don’t know how to feel about this.”- I stopped and sat on the ground looking at the clear blue sky

  “Why are you so insecure about this fact? Can’t you get Dad’s words out of your mind?”- Maybe this is the thing bothering me

  “I don’t know either. Dad has been such an asshole sometimes with the both of us. I have a hard time remembering who said it but words like You need to be strong, you are a man, Men don’t cry or show emotion, and also, It’s shameful as a man to have a woman stronger than you”- Why are thoughts like these coming back at me? Why?

  “So, what Dad was saying is still affecting you?”- Hana sat down near me.

  “Yes, kinda. But I don’t think we have time to think about this now, we must reach the kingdom as soon as possible”- Now that I said what I said, I am kind of scared to look at Hana’s face.

  “I guess we can take a small break. We can talk more about it if you want to”- Hana moved closer to me

  I got a few bnkets from my spatial storage for us to sit comfortably on while we are talking.

  “So, is I getting stronger attacking your insecurities or the standards that you are being held to trigger them?”- Hana looked at me straight. I tried to not make eye contact with her but she will always turn my head toward her.

  “I don’t know either. I don’t feel resentful toward you. But at myself. I am beating myself up at every little thing that happens and that I can’t do”- Hana sighed and let go of my head.

  “Honestly, I don’t understand why is there so much pressure put on you, or people have this expectation of men in general. Look, even in this world, just be yourself, just dare to take that step that will change that. Just don’t follow the norms that are imposed, be yourself. I hate when you are like this. I know you care and want to protect me and all but you should take care of yourself first”- Hana whispered in my ear.

  “Maybe you are right. I don’t know if I am ready to take that step just yet. But I will try to make as much courage as possible”- The moment I got up from the ground Hana grabbed my hand and dragged me down, she wrapped her left hand around my neck and put her right hand on my head.

  “Hana, what are you doing?”- Her grip is too strong, I can’t escape it.

  “Shhhhh. Just don’t say anything, try to sleep for one or two hours.”- I don’t know why is she holding me like this.

  !You don’t know the answer because you are a dense idiot!- Great, Sia is mocking me again.

  “Hikaru, you don’t have to know the answer, I know what you crave. You are touch starved, no one had ever given you attention, praise, or anything positive for you. Look, just sleep and enjoy.”- Hana started to move her hand shuffling my hair. Why is she willing to do this for me?

  I tried to fall asleep, it’s kinda hard to do, but Sia made me fall asleep

  !Shutting down!- Wait, what?

  While falling asleep with Sia’s help I can feel an unfamiliar warmth, something I never felt, I don’t know what to call it or describe it. I felt at peace in that moment, like all my problems can fade away at any moment. That sleep was better than any other sleep I had since coming to this world. Hana is so soft. I almost feel guilty for the happiness that I feel.

  2 hours ter.

  I woke up first, and Hana is still asleep.

  “Well, did you have a good sleep?”- Hana woke up groggily.

  “Yes, actually feels comfortable. Better not get too used to it”- I tried to get up but Hana is still holding onto me.

  “A little more. I need this too.”- After 15 minutes Hana and I got up. Nothing bad happened during this time, I am surprised that this was so peaceful, almost like something is wrong.

  “You know Hikaru, when you live at war with yourself, having some peace can feel strange.”- We continued down the road, we are nearing the path where only one can a person can go.

  This is it. Time to face everything that I am fearing.