The F Ranked Journey (BL)

Lars POV:

Mr. Medon took his place near the finish line, and I held my breath. Since I had already stretched, I was sure that I could run for a while. The instructor was so far from us all, that I could just make out his outline.

Instead of feeling so, as if I couldn't breathe, I paid attention to the surrounding boys. We were all around 15. The guild didn't accept applicants younger than that. Back then, when I applied, I was just 14, with only a month until 15. 

No one paid me attention because they all thought that I wouldn't be able to pass my exams at all. Why bother not taking my money? It was good that I lived through the training, but one thing I couldn't explain to myself.

How did I do it? Was it only because I had faith in myself, or just because I was too stupid to give up? I would have spent all of my time mulling over these questions, but then I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Lars?" I turned around, and I saw Nate. For some strange reason, he was now healthier. That was impossible, but where once were just skin and bones, now there were also muscles. "Would you mind if I run at your side?"

It was nice of him to offer. I nodded.

"I just need to warn you that I am slow," I saw no reason to lie to him. It was not as if he wouldn't see for himself. He just shrugged.

"No problem, please, give me your hand," it was a strange thing to ask of someone, but I reached out, and laid my hand in his. He smiled so brightly, that I was taken aback. Where did the boy go, who just sat on the grass, and looked ahead with an empty gaze? "I will not let you fail."

Before I could ask him if he meant it, I heard the whistle. Nate started to run, and the only thing I could do, was to follow him. Soon we were the last ones in the group. All the adventurers hopefuls ran before us. So, as if it didn't cost them a thing. 

Nate kept his word. He didn't let me go. He ran by me, and we both did our best. For a time, I even had fun. Who wouldn't want to run with a friend? So few friends I had, that I even counted Nate in that precious number.

But about halfway thought my legs started giving out. My breathing came ragged, and not only that, but sweat dripped from my face, and pretty much from anywhere else as well. I ran, the heat mercilessly on my back. I ran, didn't want to give up.

Mr. Medon saw something in my eyes earlier. Will alone wouldn't be able to push me through, but I had will in spades.

"Lars," spoke Nate, as he squeezed my hand. "If you stop running, I will stop as well."

I blinked a couple of times, as my brain tried to process these words.

"We don't know one another," maybe it was not the right thing to utter in this situation, but I felt that honesty was the only way to go forward.

"Should we? Do you want to?" he grinned blindingly. I was just a hormonal teenager, whose parents didn't have an opportunity to explain to him how babies were made, what with the war and all. That, which I took as an upset stomach, was actually that which most people call butterflies in the stomach. 

"Yes!" even when I didn't know if I really wanted it, or just hoped I could get to know Nate.

"Then don't stop. Otherwise, we will just need to get to know one another during the remedial training. I don't want to leave you with such an impression," he winked at me, and I felt a warmth spread over my cheeks.

As a healer, I was pale like the death, so such things were difficult to hide. Still, he chuckled, and slowed down.

Now I could keep pace with him. We had about 200 meters more to go. Where did the time fly? And why did I feel full of energy, as he opened his mouth, and said:

"We could eat pasta somewhere", he did this adorable nose movement, which made him look even younger than he already was. Then he chuckled again. With such soft expressions, I found that I couldn't tell him no. He was generous with them. Gifted them to me like candies.

"I like pasta", just 100 meters more, and we could do it. Still, my heart beat like wild, and I felt that if I didn't say anything smarter, I would forever be ashamed of myself. "And I think I want to be in a party with you!"

A silence followed these words. I blinked a couple of times, but no, I really said that. Nate's eyes were wide, we crossed the finish line. He stopped running, I crashed into his chest.

He was taller than I. Also, now he was muscular and so athletic, that I could hardly believe that he was the skinny boy, whom I first saw on the grass.

"Really?" he murmured, and I nodded. His eyes were so full of happiness, that I couldn't help but smile. The only thing that went through my mind was, that I will never eat a three-day-old meatball again. "Then let us be in the same party!"

He didn't let go of my hand, and led me to the podium, where Mr. Medon was giving out certificates. As my turn came, he smiled. I didn't dare to hope that he had prepared one for me. Still, there it was, white paper, golden ink.

I was an adventurer.

"Mr. Medon...," I couldn't think of a good enough sentence to utter at this moment. The only thing that came to my mind was to bow my head. And that was precisely what I did.

"Lars, from now on, you have to believe in yourself," Mr. Medon's voice was soft. No doubt to be heard within. "There is someone out there, who needs your help. Don't forget that."

One thing I did want to ask. One thing that burned deep in my soul. So, as the child I was, I asked:

"From now on I am good enough, right, Mr. Medon?" a silly question, but back then I didn't think so. A chuckle was my answer.

"You were enough from the start. Forgive this old man his doubts and worries," I dared to look him in the eyes. A small smile graced his lips, a twinkle was to be seen in his eyes.

He wasn't lying. I didn't need more.