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Text between " ", thoughts of characters.

Text between «», consciousness or voices of tertiary characters.

PVO MAAM

A knock on the door forces me to leave my thoughts and when I open it I find the other man who has me confused.

Hyunckel smiles kindly at me, and I return his gesture with a similar smile.

–Come in, please! –I step aside, and he enters without taking his eyes off me– Did you forget something or are you hungry?

–You could say it's a bit of the latter... To be honest, I thought I might try a dessert made by you again.

"Oh, Hyunckel! You had to remind me of one of the most awkward moments of my life."

–Did I say something wrong?

–What do you mean? –It was best to pretend so as not to have to explain.

–Suddenly your eyes stopped shining, and I thought I saw a halo of sadness on your face.

–I'm fine. Don't worry. –I turned my back and headed to the kitchen. –I'll see if I have any ingredients to make dessert.

I don't know if having everything you need could be considered good luck, but I managed to prepare five mantecadas.

Popp came to mind, and I scolded myself for not being able to forget his rudeness.

–How are you? –I dared to ask because I saw that he made a face of disgust.

–Well! –he said, not very convinced.

–Really?

Since I didn't believe him, I broke off a piece and almost spit it out because it was so bitter.

–Sorry! I have no experience in making desserts or bread and I probably used too much yeast. If this one turned out so bitter, now I understand why Popp didn't want to eat the dessert I made him that time.

–That dessert was really delicious. –His gaze was very sweet, and I was dazzled by the brightness he radiated. –I had never in my life tasted anything as delicious as that sweet bread.

My heartbeat at his tender words, my cheeks also colored, and I felt the need to get closer to him.

These reactions on my part are the reason why I couldn't reciprocate Popp 's feelings. I've always wanted to cheer Hyunckel up because his past is very sad and because of his sins he feels like he doesn't deserve to be happy, but that's because he doesn't understand that he was manipulated into accepting darkness and that it was thanks to the strength of his soul that he was able to correct his mistakes.

Instinctively I bring my hands to his chest and lift my face to connect our gazes. Through my palms I feel the inconsistent beats of his heart and it makes me nervous, but I continue to pull myself closer to him.

I'm just inches from his mouth when my mother's words stop me.

"You may love many people, but you will only want to share those moments with one"

Realizing the mistake, I was about to make, I stood up and turn my back on him.

My heart is beating, it's true, but not strongly enough to think that my feelings for Hyunckel are romantic and I don't want him to misinterpret my reaction because I know him, and he is capable of accepting me out of gratitude. Besides, the reason that caused all this was the disappointment I was feeling and, in an attempt, to forget it I took refuge in his kindness.

–I'm tired, can you please leave me alone? –I didn't want to hear me rude, but he needed her to leave.

–Of course!... See you tomorrow.

As soon as he left, I was able to vent my frustrations by hitting the table, (which shattered under my force).

–What do I really feel for you, Hyunckel?... All I know is that I don't want to see you sad, but can that be called love? Or maybe it's compassion – I beat my chest, unable to find the answer – I have to find out as soon as possible who I want to go with, or the trip will be unbearable.

Discouraged, I locked myself in my room and, in order not to think about anything, I went to sleep, but the peace I was looking for did not come and I began to dream of something terrible.

"I am standing on the tip of a rather tall and thin rock. There are several of them around me. The darkness is not complete thanks to some large flames that burn just by sucking in air.

It is a hellish world and too chilling because of the howling of the monsters that can be heard in the distance that seem to be fighting each other.

I try to scream to ask where I am, but my voice doesn't come out.

I look down and realize that if I jump, I will fall into the void because all the rocks are very far apart and although I have agility, it does not reach superhuman levels, so I stay still and pray to God to help me.

–Maam! –I hear Popp screaming somewhere in this dark world– Maam, help me!

–Where are you Popp? –I miraculously find my voice again and scream more desperately than he does, and I've always been worried that he'll get hurt because he doesn't have much physical strength, and a direct hit could kill him.

–Maam! –Now it's Hyunckel who's shouting– I need you, Maam! Help me!

Suddenly the darkness disappeared when a lightning bolt struck near the rock where I was standing.

For a brief moment I was blinded by the intense light, but when I opened my eyes, I was able to focus on what was in front of me and what I saw took my breath away.

Popp and Hyunckel were handcuffed on two rocks separated by the abyss.

–Maam, please, you have to help me! –Popp says and I can see in his eyes the fear he feels from being trapped.

–Maam, I need you to free me! If you do, I can save Popp – Hyunckel has a point and that is that if I save him first, it will be easier to help Popp.

–What will you do, girl?

It is a woman's voice that asks me the question and as I look up from where my friends are, I can see that a figure is materializing, and when it is complete, it is indeed a woman who has dark bat wings. Her skin is lilac in color. Her golden eyes flash with great evil while her long jet-black hair waves even without any air currents. I cannot speak of her clothes because she has practically nothing on, (the shameless woman is only covering her nakedness with a light black semi-transparent cloth over her breasts and her privates).

–Are you going to keep looking at me, or are you going to decide who you'll help first? –She uses a damn sensual tone despite threatening me.

–Hey, miss! – Popp calls her and when I look at him, I see him drooling like an idiot because his perverted instincts were activated when he saw the woman – I gladly wait my turn if I can continue admiring her beauty.

–What are you saying, pervert! –I get angry at the nonsense I hear –what she wants is to kill you.

–That was my intention, girl –the shameless woman approaches him and lifts his chin to evaluate his face– Hey! Despite being a child, you are very handsome... At first, I thought that the warrior Hyunckel was attractive, but he is already grown up and, in a few years, you will be just as attractive or better, and since I love young people, I think it would be best for me to stay with you.

–What do you mean you're going to keep it? –I clench my fists so hard that my palms bleed, but neither of them pays attention to me –Hey, I'm talking to you.

–You really want to stay with me, young man? –The flirtatious girl leans so close to his body that Popp turns red.

–Why the hell did he get like that? Could it be that? I better not even think about it, or I'll end up killing him.

–I... miss, I... –his voice is nervous and the stupid face he makes infuriates me even more –it's just that... it's okay! –in the end, it seems that he agrees to the shameless woman's request.

–What's okay? –He continues to ignore me as his concentration is on that woman. –You miserable pervert! I'm going to give you the beating of your life if you do something stupid.

– Come on, girl! I don't understand why you're upset – she lets go of Popp and starts floating towards me – that boy doesn't interest you as a man, do you?

–I... –How could you silence me with a simple question?

–If you ask me, I can lend him to you, but in exchange I will take the warrior... He is older than you, but he will serve me for at least five years. Then I will simply find another younger one, what do you think?

–Hyunckel isn't even interested in you –I reply mockingly. –Unlike Popp, he's very mature.

The demon begins to analyze my words and for a moment I thought I had managed to hurt her pride, but seeing her smile I fear it wasn't enough to make her leave.

–So, the man you love is that warrior.

She turns to look at him and luckily Hyunckel looks at her with his usual frown which shows me that it is true that he is not interested in her.

–Not like the foolish sorcerer who keeps drooling over the indecent woman.

–He's too attractive and very strong –she turns her attention back to me. –Unlike the boy, his maturity and power are a guarantee that he can defeat any enemy. All women look for that kind of man. I congratulate you on your choice, and since I'm a hopeless romantic, you can go with him.

The rocks begin to move because of a shudder coming from the bottom of the abyss, and it is because a bridge is being raised between Hyunckel 's rock and mine.

–Go!

She points a finger at him and even though I'm wary, I force myself to cross the bridge to free him. A few steps away from reaching him, curiosity makes me turn to the demon and I find her again clinging to Popp and about to kiss him.

I don't know what happened to me, but anger overcame me and despite having an abyss beneath my feet, I jumped towards them without caring that I might not make it to the other side and, unfortunately for me, that was exactly what happened, and I plummeted.

Death was imminent, but not even fear could keep me from taking my eyes off the scene of that woman kissing Popp.

"How can you say you love me and kiss another woman? You're a liar!", I reproached him in my mind.

«Will you let him die at the hands of that demon? » I hear a sweet voice belonging to another woman that I can't see and strangely my fall stops, as does time.

"He doesn't seem to care that I want to kill him", I reply with disappointment as me continues to torment me the image of those two, "Plus, she freed his hands so they could hug each other and deepen the kiss".

That was true, the two of them hugged each other and looked like they were very much in love.

«That sorcerer has great power, but his human weakness makes him prone to death... do you want him to die? »

"If he dies it's because of his nonsense", at this point I feel a strong itch in my eyes and I force myself to look away from those damn indecent people.

«You are a disciple of love and charity. That means that your desire is to help others no matter if they make mistakes... why does it hurt you to see him succumb to his manly desires? »

"I don't care if he falls under the charms of women!" I shout with all my strength so that this traitor can hear me too, "we are just friends and I... I am only by his side because he is weak."

As I say those words, I realize that this is the reason I decided to go with Popp and not Hyunckel.

His magic power will be as strong as he wants it to be, but he is the weakest of our group and always needs help, (I knew that since I met him). There is also the fact that in front of beautiful women he loses all his intelligence and easily falls into their clutches.

The clearest proof that it is true that I only wanted to protect him because of his weakness, was when I stayed to sleep in his room. His decision not to eat was an indication that he was trying to let himself die because of the guilt he felt for Dai 's disappearance. My concern was so great that I used his love for me to motivate him to continue, but not even my displays of affection managed to give him back the joy he had before and that defeat on my part made me fear that during the trip he would find powerful beings who would hurt or kill him.

«Are you sure that's how you feel about him? » the woman's voice sounds like she doesn't believe what I said, but I know it's true... it must be true!

"I don't know who you are, but I need to get that woman away from Popp, can you help me with that?"

«Do you want to save him because of his weakness, or because you realized that perhaps his love for you is not that great in front of other women and you want to make his heart only yours? »

"Obviously because he is weak, and if I let him stay with that demon, he will end up dead," the tone of my voice leaves no doubt as to my motives for wanting to help him, but that annoying pang in my chest has reappeared and I don't understand the reason.

«Okay!... You can wake up now. This test is over, and unfortunately you have made me lose a bet because you are very stubborn. »

"What bet are you talking about?"

«This is the first of three... Don't miss the others or you'll regret it. »

"Tell me what the hell are you talking about? What bet did you make and who are you?"

Another light blinds me again and when I open my eyes, I realize that I'm still lying in my bed.

–So, it was just a dream – I tell myself as I wipe a few drops of sweat from my forehead – it seemed so real.

My throat feels dry, and I drink three glasses of water from a jug that I always keep on the table next to my bed.

After quenching my thirst, I went back to bed, but sleep did not come until two hours later.

The next few days were tedious and boring.

My mother had a routine she established after I left with Dai and Popp to face Hadler, so she is almost never with me and being alone, I had to find an activity that would keep me busy so I wouldn't think about the dilemma of my feelings, (planting flower seeds was my choice).

Several times Hyunckel came to keep me company, but his lack of conversation made the atmosphere heavy and to my surprise I sighed with relief when he retired to rest.

After a week I began to fear that Popp would not come for me.

I needed to see him so I could make a decision. So far, I was torn between going with Hyunckel or with him and the balance was leaning in favor of my fellow warrior.

Finally, my mind snaps out of my trip back in time to when Larhart screamed because the kids were on top of him and tickling him.

Hyunckel smiles, but as always, he maintains a serious attitude despite the fun of the moment.

Well, I shouldn't criticize him. My animosity isn't the best either and since I don't feel like helping Larhart, I get up to walk into the dark forest.

Arriving at the place where I met Dai and Popp, I leaned against a tree and looked up at the sky.

–How much longer do I have to wait for you? –My voice was shaking, as was my body.

–Who are you waiting for, Maam?

Popp 's voice made my heartbeat very fast, and I excitedly turned to look at him.

–Yes, you came! –I didn't mean to say that, but I couldn't stop my mouth from saying out loud what my mind was thinking.

–Of course, I came – he smiled pleasantly and scratched his head – I was a few extra days late because my parents insisted, I stay until after my birthday.

–Your birthday?

–Yes... officially I am your same age.

–When was your birthday?

–These days –he widened his smile and winked at me.

"Where do you see the fun in maintaining suspense?"

–You're not going to tell me the day? –My voice was already sounding annoyed, but he didn't seem to care.

–Why do you want to know? Are you going to give something nice to your loving little brother?

–Loving little brother? –I have given him many nicknames and at one point I even told him that I love him like a brother, but when he said it, it made me uncomfortable.

–Yes! –his joy contrasted with my mood– you seem upset. Let's leave the gift you owe me for later and go with Hyunckel ... He and Larhart have already packed their things and are just waiting for you to tell them whether they should wait for you or not.

Still smiling, he turned around to head towards the village.

–Why do you say that they are waiting for me to tell them if they are going to wait for me? –I have to run because the impression of his words had left me static for a few seconds –we had supposedly already decided that I would go with you.

–Come on, Maam! If you continue worrying about others, you will never consolidate your relationship with Hyunckel – there is not a single drop of pain in what he is saying, but another crack of disappointment did appear in my heart.

–If we're talking about a relationship, I still have ours pending –I counterattacked to see if I could wake up the Popp who said he loved me.

–Ours is already defined.

–Really? And according to you, what are we?

–Siblings.

The simplicity with which he answered did not leave room for a lie. Popp was truly convinced that we would always be like that, but for me that word no longer defined him, (or maybe I am clinging to loving him because I want to push away the sadness that invades him because of Dai).

–There he is, Hyunckel! –He raised his hand to greet him, but as usual, neither he nor Larhart took him seriously –That fool is very bitter. I hope that when they are boyfriend and girlfriend, his character changes.

Popp steps forward and after exchanging a few words with Hyunckel, I see him enter my house, from which he later leaves accompanied by Merle.

"So, I wasn't the first one you came looking for?"

–See you later! –he says goodbye out loud while waving his arm vigorously –take care, boys! And if you can, don't make me an uncle so quickly.

Hyunckel looked at me with a slight blush on his face.

At another time I would have blushed too, but when I saw him put his arm around Merle's waist, my body moved quickly, and I managed to grab him before he disappeared with his spell.

The speed with which we travel with Ruura forces us to close our eyes, however, this time the trip lasted very little and when I saw the place where we were, I realized that it was the courtyard of Romos castle.

–What did you do, Maam? – Popp asked me in a serious tone.

–We had already agreed that I would come with you, or is it that my presence bothers you so much that you don't even want to see me?

We are both on guard, our fists clenched. It is obvious that we are not going to attack each other (and I would win), but we want to impose ourselves on the other and we are preparing for a fight of arguments in which I will not give up until he agrees to let me go with him.

– Popp –Merle's sweet voice makes my friend focus his gaze on her –Miss Maam had already decided to come with us. It wasn't nice of you to want to exclude her without showing that she wanted to change groups... Please apologize to her.

–I... – he looks embarrassed, is it possible that he is going to listen to her? –... I'm sorry, Maam – well yes, he did.

–Okay, just don't make decisions for me again.

–I won't, I promise.

I see him smile again, and although it is not his usual cheerful smile, I admire him for the courage he shows in masking his pain.

Popp pulls out a map and starts to size it up. At first, I wait patiently for him to locate the first place we're going, but after fifteen minutes, I get desperate and reluctantly ask him where we're going.

He laughs nervously and chooses a path to a place we have never visited.

We walked for several hours without stopping, but it seemed that we would not find even a small village where we could spend the night.

Already annoyed by fatigue, I ask if it's far away and he answers, "I think it's this way."

My bad mood is not exactly because he's lost, but because I can't forget that he wanted to leave me and because of how easily he pays attention to Merle.

And this is how the journey in search of the hero and the discovery of my true feelings begins.