Salvagars

14. Bye, Xeron

They both look happy. But not with Xeron. He was upset that they had made it through this challenge. But Xeron is a creature who will keep every detail of his speech. He also allowed the two of them to go to the chosen path without saying a word.

"Hi Xeron", said Arlon who was now standing in front of Xeron, looking at him with a calm gaze, no fear at all emanating from his eyes. "Don't blame yourself. Don't equate everyone, because not everyone's bad."

Xeron just kept quiet hearing that. This time he looked helpless and helpless. Like feeling new after a long time harboring. Clearly visible, behind his gallant body and his frightening appearance, stored memories that were so bitter.

"We go first yes", said Marvin trying to relax. His fear lessened after seeing how helpless his response to Arlon's speech was. Even when he had to go through it, he still shuddered and rushed, afraid of being hit by his tail that likes to move around like a cat who wants to play.

They walked towards road number 8 with definite steps. They feel like they are already winners. Although leaving wounds and bruises here, but eventually they can come out and do not have to dwell in a silent forest into a tree.

"Hansel.", said Xeron who finally voiced his courage. "How's Hansel doing?" Arlon and Marvin who had walked to the road number 8 was immediately turned and stopped. They were shocked at Xeron's behavior. They stared at each other for a while. Arlon nodded, indicating they had to return for a while, but Marvin instead, he shook his head because he was no longer willing to face the large creature. Finally Arlon decided to return to Xeron's presence, trying to explore something that might be valuable, followed by Marvin behind him who inevitably follow the will of his best friend.

"Last we saw, he was burned by the fire brought by the meteor" Arlon said very carefully and slowly. There was not the slightest sad expression on Xeron's face. It seems that was not the answer he was looking for.

"But the first time you saw him, how?", asked Xeron flatly. He seemed to hold back his curious expression and still maintain his face.

"It's fine, even though it looks old and sometimes tired when talking. But it helped us a lot, especially when the meteor smoke almost killed me" Marvin said. It felt like he owed Hansel a great debt of gratitude and wanted to make him human again, even though he did not know how.

Xeron just nodded. His gaze was empty and deep. There are so many regrets there. There are too many wounds that he must suffer alone.

"Then, what does that mean? Does Hansel mean already..none?", asked Arlon. This time he also thought about the fate of Hansel there.

"He'll stay there. Tomorrow he will also appear again", said Xeron calmly.

"But it's already burned out. We see directly.", continued Marvin confused.

"He'll stay there. All will return to normal after 24 hours", Xeron replied briefly.

"So, you're saying Hansel's gonna be around again after 24 hours? He is not dead?", asked Arlon enthusiastically, to which Xeron answered with a nod. "There's no way to make him human again?"

"But don't you take care of Hansel a lot?", asked Arlon. Hearing that, Xeron was startled and looked at Arlon in surprise. His pupils dilated, making his face look strange.

"Did Hansel say that?", asked Xeron who went straight to Arlon, making Arlon have to take a step back. Indeed in his eyes Xeron was not as terrible as before, but he was still was was if Xeron approached him. Especially coupled with the tail that sometimes likes to wag at will.

"Yes. He says you care and still like to take care of it until now. And he looks happy" said Arlon who clearly remembers Hansel's words to him.

"He's lying!", Xeron said as he fell to his feet. He looked desperate and helpless. "I haven't seen him in a long time. Not that I don't want to, but I can't. Almost every day I look for ways to meet him, but not to see."

"When did you last meet him?", asked Marvin, who was beginning to look at Xeron, whose eyes were now open. He held back that his tears should not fall, because for him it can drop his pride. He was silent, remembering the last time they met.

"Maybe 10 years ago" said Xeron bowed lethargicly. Arlon and Marvin sit down in front of Xeron to hear the full story. "He's like my own father. Father and Hansel were very close friends. But indeed because of my carelessness, Hansel must also feel the curse."

"Then, how long until Hansel and these people are here? Is it until they.. die?", asked Marvin while thinking about the fate of people he doesn't even know.

"They will never die. They'll stay alive. Although the forest is burning, they will all remain there at any time. The trees will grow again on their own like the initial condition in which they first became trees" Xeron replied as he looked into the eyes of the two of them alternately. Arlon had time to think whether this was real or Xeron deliberately frightened them.

"Until the apocalypse?", asked Marvin in surprise. Arlon just nudged Marvin's arm so he was careful with what he said.

"Nobody knows how" replied Xeron who was now trying to stand up from his seat. Trying to stay strong as ever. The two of them stood up and kept a safe distance from Xeron.

"So, those who are here will be immortal?", Arlon said confirming Xeron's remarks. He nodded, wagging his tail left and right, almost hitting Marvin's head. Fortunately, Marvin's reflexes are still working well, he can dodge backwards quickly. He stood behind Arlon.

It's terrible to know that. Must live alone in the middle of the forest, in the condition of being a tree, plus will not be able to die. How lucky they both are.

"Oh, you go there! Congratulations, you can get out of here" said Xeron, bowing his body toward the two of them. "Finally, after a long time there are also those who succeed" he continued slowly with a faint smile.

Arlon and Marvin rush to the streets of number 8 and continue to step forward, proud to be able to escape the endless curse created by a creature that can not even undo the curse made. They left Xeron in solitude back there. Now is the time to prepare for the other crazy things that are waiting ahead.