I Became My Healer Elf Character - Chapter 46

Chapter 46: A Hopeful Past
From Kamir in the East, it was almost a straight shot to the elven forest in the Northwest. The more the group traveled, the thicker the surrounding greenery became. In all directions, sounds of animals became noisier. The humidity in the air grew thicker. The surroundings brought strange memories to the forefront of Hikari’s mind.

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She looked outside of the classroom window. In the light, she could see the trees blooming. She sat in the middle seat closest to the window. Hikari always believed she was no different from those in her surroundings. Yet, when she looked at the other kids, she couldn’t understand it very well.

The people in the classroom were divided into their own little groups. Many of them would talk during the class, always getting scolded by the teacher. The others were the diligent workers. These ones had hope for a future at some big company. That dream was so far out of reach from the girl next to the window.

She watched the light instead. How it gleamed against the window. How those beautiful rays gave light to the green trees outside. Outside of that window was the green grass on the other side. It was the escape.

“Alright, class, I’ll be seeing you tomorrow then,” the teacher said as the bell rang.

Hikari stood from her seat and grabbed the book bag at the side of her desk, she put the satchel’s strap around her shoulder. Finally, she turned towards the window one last time before walking out into the hallway.

A smile graced her face as she thought about what book she would read this time. Should I go straight to the book store then? Maybe I should take a walk first?

As she was immersed in her plans, someone tapped on her shoulder. Hikari turned and saw a cute girl with short black hair. She wore the same blue school uniform that Hikari had on now. The small girl was only barely taller than Hikari herself. Hikari recognized the girl as Rin Ayase from the same class, only they sat on opposite sides of the room.

Hikari watched the girl fidget with her hands. “Ayase? What’s wrong?”

The girl looked away awkwardly, but she seemed to decide on something in the next instant. “Um, do you have plans this weekend?”

Hikari shook her head. “I was just going to the book store. It’s where I usually go.”

“I was wondering…Maybe you would like to come over and play games with me? I heard from someone that you like games…” Ayase waved her hands. “I mean, that’s only if you want to, okay?”

Hikari’s eyes showed surprise. “You want to play games with me?” As Ayase nodded, Hikari remembered. “The book store has a gaming room if you want to go there. I was just planning on going for a walk before then. Maybe you’d like to go?”

Ayase’s eyes lit up. “Really!?”

“Of course.”

“I wonder if it will be okay,” Ayase said, “my parents expect me to be home at a certain time. Otherwise, they will scold me.”

“Well, if you want we can arrange for another day?”

Ayase shook her head. “No, it will be okay.”

The two exited the school and entered the side walk. At this time of day, the temperature was just right. It was warm with a little breeze. The overhang above provided shade for the people going on walks. The red brick wall guarding the school to the right of the two girls was of no consequence.

As they walked, Hikari decided to clear the silent atmosphere. “It’s rare for you to talk to me. When did you learn that I like games, anyway?”

“W-well, I just thought that you are always sitting by that window in a daze. The other girls said you were aloof, so I didn’t know how to approach.”

“I see. Were those other girls the ones who said that I like games?”

“No, but they said you didn’t have any friends. But, I know that’s not true! After all, you must have friends at home right?”

“Home?” Hikari asked with a tilt of her head. Then she sighed. “I don’t have any friends at home. What they said was true.”

“But how can that be? You have great looks, and you are easy to talk to. I’ve never seen anyone bully you either. Even though I only moved to this province last year, it’s something I don’t understand. You always sit by yourself, even in lunch.”

“Well, it’s not like I try my best to make friends. Some people approach me sometimes. The only thing is, I don’t really share many of their interests.”

“Really? A lot of people enjoy gaming these days. You can even hear some people talking about it in class. The truth is,” Ayase said, “I didn’t learn you like games from other people.”

As the two turned down a small forested path, Hikari nodded. “I know. I saw you at the game store a few weeks ago.”

“You remembered that? That’s surprising.”

The forest trail they walked on was long, so Hikari turned to Ayase before they embarked further. “Are you sure you don’t need to go home? Your parents will be worried, right?”

Ayase shook her head before reaching forward with her arm. “Wait, what about your parents? Will they be worried?”

Hikari sighed and turned back to the trail. “I’m afraid not.”

Ayase scratched her head awkwardly before changing the subject. “Do you always walk down this trail? It’s so lovely here at this time of year.”

“Not always. It’s nice to feel the fresh air and warmth from this place. Not to mention, the scenery is pretty good. It reminds me of some of those mangas I read and certain games I played.”

“I had no idea. Speaking of, do you have a favorite animal?”

Hikari thought as she walked down the trail. Did she have a favorite animal? She couldn’t really remember, but there was something that came to her mind. “I like dragons.”

The girl next to her giggled. “I was talking about a real animal, unless you mean a lizard. Oh, I like lizards! But my favorite are those cute little snakes. Have you ever been to a zoo? They always have those snakes inside the aquariums!”

“Hey, don’t laugh at my dragons. What’s the big deal about snakes anyway? Usually people will scream and run away when you start talking about those danger noodles.”

“Haha, I suppose you’re right. But, I love them. My father is actually a vet, and I always thought about taking up the family business. Then I would even get to pet those snakes.”

Ayase seemed to remember something and appeared melancholy. “I actually used to have a pet snake, but it died before we moved here…” The girl tugged on her uniform a few times as sweat trickled down her shirt. “Aren’t you starting to feel hot in here?”

“You’re right. Let’s start heading to the book store. When we get there, I can ask the owner to take you home. She knows me pretty well.”

Ayase’s eyes widened. “Didn’t you say you don’t have any friends?”

“Can an older auntie really be considered a friend? I be she’ll be surprised when we get there.”

“Why?”

“She is always telling me I need to hang out with my classmates and experience life. By the way, I am sorry about your pet.”

“Don’t be! That was a while ago anyway. Plus, I like to think that he lived a happy life. Maybe he entered snake heaven?”

Hikari chuckled. “Maybe, you’re right. I think that all living beings are capable of entering a new life.” She put her hands together in prayer. “May your snake find a new and happy life.”

“Thank you,” Ayase said. By the time the two had gotten back to the road, the early stages of sunset had already begun to start. Ayase looked down the road towards the book store before turning her head back the other way. “I guess, I will see you tomorrow then?”

“See you tomorrow, Ayase.”

At that, Ayase smiled and waved before walking back towards her house.

In truth, Ayase didn’t show up to the book store the next day. At first, Hikari thought she had just blown her off. However, she later learned that Ayase’s father passed while the two were out walking.

After that, Ayase never showed up to class either. Hikari learned that the girl took over the family business from a young age. Hikari never reached out to contact her, but she always wished the other girl well.

Hikari never considered the possibility that Ayase would also leave the world. 10 years after her own father passed, Ayase—at the age of 26—lost her own life in an accident.

That was the only and last funeral Hikari had ever been to before she became an elf. Hikari brought flowers to Ayase’s grave, and she left the girl with a few parting words. “I hope that your next life is long and happy.”