Another Stupid Isekai

- I know you also feel bad about what happened to Bashan - Druoag eventually started the conversation.

- Yeah - I confirmed. - He was really good to me. Helped me a lot. Didn't treat me like Yagg did.

Druoag either needed a moment to digest what I said, or was looking for words to tell me something, but the effect was a long pause. I waited patiently, myself having problems with putting together proper sentences to describe my feelings and thoughts.

- You know... He used to be very different - the giant eventually said.

- Bashan?

- Yes. He used to be more like Yagg. Thrilled with producing another accomplished fighter. When we met for the first time he didn't really care about me, and I didn't really care about him. We had the same goal, though. Reaching for the top - he nodded to himself.

- So... What happened?

- I told you part of the story already. He saved me, he took me from my planet and allowed me to see the whole universe. Changed my point of view, but he himself was not changing. As the fight for the title was approaching, something happened, and his drive for victory remained, but there was more to it. We started talking, and then he even warned me about The High Queen.

- Did you ever learn what happened to him?

- Yes. He discovered he was sick and didn't have much time. I believe that this made him reflect on his life. From that point, our bond grew, and after I became the champion, I helped him to walk through his health problems, as he officially retired.

- So how did he become part of the resistance?

- Because of me - he stated.

In those words was a slight hint of regret. I immediately connected it with the death of Bashan, but maybe there was something else to it.

- You see... - he continued. - All of those grand warriors, best of the best, just disappearing. Nobody knew what really was happening to them, but it's quite obvious when you think about it. It brought me so much pain because I knew how difficult the road to achieving the title was. How much dedication and hard work was there. The fans would never understand though. They just saw the glory and splendor at the very end.

- Yeah... - I agreed without even thinking.

It was so obvious to me since I knew the hardships of forging yourself into shape. Hardships of pushing through pain, and difficulties. Winning battles with all those around you who also wanted to be strong, often for different reasons.

- We talked a lot about that. We even made some arrangements to make sure others fighting for the title would realize the danger. That's how we crossed our paths with Genusha. In the middle of this Bashan actually managed to win his personal fight, although it took a few years from his lifespan. We felt like it was a reward from the universe for our good deeds.

- Genusha... Who is that guy?

- That's something you should ask him, not me. I know a bit, but that's not my story to tell.

- Yeah... maybe you are right - I said and kept walking alongside the giant.

A moment of silence settled between us before Druoag spoke again. During that time I couldn't help but few times peak over my shoulder in the direction we came from.Â

- You don't have to walk with me. I know that you really want to be with your fellow humans. Your friends... Family.

I just nodded and stopped, meanwhile, he kept walking forward, looking at the beautiful jade architecture.

- Thank you - I just said to him. - Thank you for everything. I hope all the sacrifices won't go to waste. I do my best.

- I know - he responded.

I hesitated, thinking that maybe I should add something more, but I really didn't know what. I was really thankful for what he and Bashan did for me. I ended up just turning around, and walking back to the Tree, as I didn't find the proper words to describe the gratefulness I was feeling.

I found Tihana looking around one of the houses, trying to figure out what it was. Tam was a bit behind her, twisting his little head, as he was keeping his eye on her.

- You looking for an entrance? - I asked her.

She jumped scared, as she didn't notice me approaching. Immediately her face turned red. Without her memories of me, we weren't as close, and her attitude towards me wasn't as it used to be. She obviously felt shy when I was around and more girly.

- I was... I was just curious what it is - she mumbled out looking at the ground.

- It's - I took a look at the jade walls of an egg-shaped building - a house. Do you want to get in? I can show you how.

She nodded, but still couldn't look me in the eyes. It put a smile on my face, but instead of joking as I probably would back in the day, I just approached the structure and thought about a door. Part of the wall removed itself, like it was made out of some gelly substance, and revealed darkness inside. I then thought about light, which allowed the silver from the sphere above to get inside.

- H-how did you do that? - she asked.

Before I could answer Tam blasted between us, and got inside the house looking around curiously.

- Just think about it, and it will happen.

- Really?

- Yes. Go inside and try.

So she want, and after examining the interior, just like the chicken, he thought about a chair, which caused a small rectangle to emerge from the ground. It was just big enough to work as a stool. She sat on it and started laughing.

- How about we eat something? - I asked observing her. - I'm quite hungry myself, and we have a nice spot to eat in peace.

She bit her lip and nodded, so I went straight to the Tree and got us some nice pizza with two cups filled with soda. With both plastic covers and straws.