Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine

Amanda might live with regret for the rest of her life. Your adventure continues at empire

She was late. She hadn't reached them in time, and Alex lost his mother.

Because of the snowy path and lack of transportation the girl couldn't reach Frostbate on time. And when she did she found her friends weeping in sorrow.

Though Edric insisted it would have been impossible to save her—even if the Saintess herself had been there—Amanda couldn't silence the tormenting thought: 'What if?' What if there had been the slimmest chance to save her? What if she had made it in time?

What if her condition might have been sustained until she could have been brought to Sarah…what if….

Now, all she could do was ponder those thoughts in agony.

"If you want, you can rest for a few moments. I'll guard him," Edric said as they continued walking.

There was a chance for the army of Eryndor or the council of Whiteden might send people after Alex. That's why someone needs to be with him all the time.

Alex hadn't let go of his mother for even a moment. He carried her fragile body in his arms, heading toward the Tiger Hills—the place she had wished to be laid to rest.

He hadn't spoken a word or responded to anyone since it happened. The only thing he'd said, in a voice that barely sounded like his, was, "Don't follow me." But no one could honor that request.

Celestria and Rebecca flanked him, one on each side, their silent support unwavering. Edric and Amanda followed a few steps behind.

Two days had passed since they began this journey. No one stopped to rest, even as fatigue gnawed at their bodies. They all knew how crucial it was to stand by Alex in this moment, even if words escaped them. In the grief they all have lost their senses of basic necessities.

Amanda glanced at Edric, whose tired steps mirrored her own. "You should rest," she said softly. "You're fatigued. Alex wouldn't want his friend punishing himself. He'd understand."

Edric has fought several soldiers and because of the nervousness for this mission he has remained sleepless for several nights.

Edric shook his head. His face was drawn, shadows under his eyes betraying sleepless nights. "I'll manage. But you…you should take a moment. This isn't easy for any of us."

He turned his gaze to Alex's back, his voice heavy with sorrow.

"You know, Amanda," he murmured, "I've only felt this much pain once before—when I lost my parents. I can imagine how Alex feels right now. He was powerless to save her, just like I was. That's the worst feeling anyone could ever experience."

Amanda's throat tightened, her eyes brimming with tears as she reached for his hand.

Edric sighed, his shoulders slumping. "The wealthiest are those who have parents waiting for them at home. In that sense, Alex and I are now broke."

His words broke Amanda's fragile composure. She choked on a sob, her tears falling freely as the skies above mirrored her grief. Clouds darkened, and raindrops began to fall, as if nature mourned alongside them.

Rebecca glanced at them, and felt her heart turning heavy as well.

She doesn't remember when was the last time she has wept this much however, whenever she glanced at her Darling, she felt her heart squeezing and eyes turning moist.

On the other side, Celestria's heart ached as she watched Alex. This was the first time she'd ever seen someone so strong, so unshakable, appear so utterly broken.

It felt like watching a hero's mask crumble, revealing the fragile human beneath. His dazed eyes stared blankly ahead, his body moving mechanically, as if the act of walking was all that tethered him to this world.

—----**-------

On the third day, they reached their destination.

The foot of the Tiger Hills was a tranquil expanse of damp, green grass glistening under the overcast sky. The air was thick with the scent of wet earth and moss, heavy with unspoken grief.

The cold harsh winds made it nearly impossible for one to remain standing in the open, but none of them showed any sign of seeking shelter.

For the first time in three days, Alex stopped walking.

He removed his boots, stepping onto the cool grass. The sensation seemed to stir something within him. "It's cold…" he murmured, his voice hoarse and raw.

Turning around, he asked, "Can someone hold her?"

Everyone moved instinctively, but the first to reach him was someone unexpected.

"Let me," a soft voice said.

Amanda's eyes widened as she saw her older sister, Sarah, standing there.

Unlike her usual guise, Sarah appeared in her true form. Her long green hair flowed freely, and her face was pale, etched with sorrow.

Everyone stopped in their tracks upon seeing the Saintess.

Alex hesitated for a moment before carefully placing his mother's body in Sarah's arms. "Take care of her," he whispered.

"I will," Sarah promised, her voice trembling.

Alex walked a few steps ahead and summoned a shovel from his inventory. He chose a spot overlooking the hills, where the view was serene and beautiful—a place befitting a final rest.

Wordlessly, he began to dig. His arms were shaky but his movements never faltered. He looked weak but the force behind each strike was precise and deliberate.

Edric stepped forward, intending to help, but Sarah stopped him. "Let him do it," she said, her voice heavy. "This is the last thing he can do for her."

Her composure wavered as she spoke, her pain barely contained.

Sarah assessed the lifeless body, examining it quietly. Her chest tightened as she realized the true extent of the poison's damage. It had ravaged her organs—a slow, excruciating death.

This method was used to slowly kill the militant caught in foreign nation. Truly inhumane.

Edric noticed her expression and said grimly, "Eryndor will pay for this crime."

Sarah's voice was low but resolute. "He already has. Alex killed him."

Edric blinked, surprised, then nodded. The news brought a small measure of relief amidst the sorrow.

—--**----

After hours of digging, Alex climbed out of the grave. He walked to Sarah and gently took his mother's body back into his arms.

Approaching the grave, he paused. For the last time, he looked at her face. Pale and lifeless, it was a sight that would haunt him forever.

He held her close, sobbing quietly.

Sarah stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's time to let her rest, Alex. Please."

With great effort, he nodded. He stepped into the grave and laid her down gently. Kneeling beside her, he pressed a final kiss to her forehead.

"I will always love you, Ma. Always."

His words hung in the air, heavy with grief.

Sarah stepped forward, reciting a prayer:

"May the earth embrace her with warmth,

As the heavens welcome her soul.

May her spirit find peace in the eternal light,

And her love remains a guide to those she leaves behind.

In life, she gave kindness and strength;

In passing, may she find rest and serenity.

Grant her a path of peace, free from pain,

And may those who mourn her find comfort in cherished memories.

As we return her to the soil,

May her essence bloom anew in the hearts of her loved ones.

Bless her journey, O Light,

And keep her forever in Your embrace."

As Sarah finished, a garland of flowers appeared on the grave.

Alex stood silently, watching as the others filled the grave with soil. He said nothing, his expression unreadable.

Once the task was done, he lingered for a moment longer, his hands clenched at his sides.

Just as he turned to leave, a voice echoed through the somber air.

"So, the Curse is working, huh?"

Everyone turned sharply toward the source.

A man sat casually on a tree branch, his face obscured by a wide-brimmed hat.

"The Curse never dies," he continued, his voice light. "It's understandable."

In an instant, Alex's figure blurred and vanished.

*Ting.*

A metallic clang rang out as the man blocked Alex's sword with just his index finger.

Alex's eyes were cold, devoid of emotion, but the sheer weight of his presence was suffocating.

The man smiled faintly. "I know you're hurting, kid, but this isn't the solution—"

Before he could finish, Alex leapt back. Strange symbols appeared on his face and in the air around him.

Sarah's eyes widened. 'Those marks…'

The ground trembled under the pressure of his power as Alex prepared to unleash a devastating attack.

But before he could strike, the man vanished from the branch and reappeared behind him.

*Thud.*

A precise blow to the back of Alex's neck rendered him unconscious.

Celestria and Rebecca rushed forward, catching him before he hit the ground.

Edric stared at the man, stunned. He hadn't been able to follow his movements at all.

The man adjusted his hat, letting out a long sigh. "Now that he's settled, how about we all head to my place? I'll make tea."

—**---

A/N:- Thanks for reading.