- FIERRA'S LEON -
Fierra rode through the night until she unknowingly arrived at her father's old place by the sea—a peaceful retreat. Ocean waves, rustling trees, a bright moon, and the cool breeze wrapped around her. She smiled faintly, remembering better times.
Exhausted, she dropped to her knees and cried. Her father's words echoed in her mind: "Pain is temporary. As long as you choose to heal, you'll overcome."
As she approached the gate, she noticed someone sleeping on the bench. This place was supposed to be empty.
Curious, she approached quietly. In the moonlight, she saw the figure's face—and then heard a voice.
"Great deity, if I die now, please let this angel of death heal my wounds first…"
It was a mocking, familiar tone.
Fierra stepped closer. The figure stirred and looked up, laughing.
"Are you just going to stare? Aren't you supposed to take me, Grim?"
"Eh? Who are you…" Fierra asked, confused.
Then it hit her.
"Leon? So... you're back," she said casually, hiding her emotions.
Leon stopped her from standing.
"You're still mean, Grim," Leon whispered.
Leonora Cruz. Her childhood friend. From preschool to high school, their families were close. When Fierra's father died, Rodrigo's family left. Leon studied abroad, and they lost touch. Before parting, they promised:
"See you in ages."
Now, that promise had brought them back.
"That's it? No hug? No surprise?" Leon teased, flicking her forehead.
"You still suck at showing affection. How'd you survive?"
Fierra stayed quiet. But inside, she was happy to see Leon again—even with everything going wrong.
Leon kept teasing her—until Fierra hugged her.
"Welcome back, Leon," she whispered.
"Yeah... I'm home," Leon replied, hugging her tightly.
"Didn't you grow taller?" Fierra teased.
"Do you have a death wish, Grim?" Leon smirked.
"Why, you wanna take me down there?" Fierra smirked back.
They locked eyes—then burst into laughter.
"Should we get drinks and get drunk?" Fierra asked.
"Sure—let's get food too," Leon smiled.
"Just don't mess up the food," Fierra joked.
"My cooking's way better now!" Leon insisted.
"Wait here. I'll get your helmet." Fierra ran off.
As Leon waited, she noticed how much Fierra had changed. She was proud, but also worried. Still, she said nothing—waiting for Fierra to open up.
"Thanks for waiting. Let's go," Fierra said.
"Hmm... nice bike," Leon admired. "Let's ride."
"Hop on, or I'll leave you here," Fierra warned.
They sped off, laughing. Reunited after five years, Fierra—for the first time that day—felt free from her pain.