The Forsaken Hero
Chapter 61: Empathy

Chapter 61: Empathy

I let out a sigh as the tension flowed out of me. Whatever Korra’s intentions were, they weren’t likely to be hostile, and I found myself instinctively liking her. Blushing slightly, she laid a hand on her chest and looked out over the sparkling lights of the city. Her short brunette curls framed her startling green eyes, which caught the sparkling light of the stars in a wistful gleam.

"When we first arrived in this world, we were scattered across the nations. I found myself as an acolyte in the Oceanic Temple. After I was awakened, they shipped me off here, and I arrived in about a week. I was so nervous during the wagon ride. I didn’t know what the future held, or if I’d get along with the other heroes. Fortunately, everyone else felt the same, and they held a welcome banquet similar to this one. Alex tripped coming onto the platform, then made some corny joke from his old world. I’ve never seen a king cringe before, but there were several that night. Even the Pope cracked a smile."

"That must have been nice," I murmured. To even imagine such triviality a week after my summoning would have been a luxury. I shuddered, the horrors of my humiliating presentation making my tail tingle.

"Oh," she said, gasping and grabbing my hands. "I didn’t mean to sound insensitive. This is a very special night for us, one we’ve been looking forward to ever since we parted. I don’t want you to think anyone’s intentionally leaving you out, we just haven’t got the chance to know you. In fact, your luckier than most in that you’ve got to be with another hero the whole time. Out of the whole world, we ten are the only ones who understand each other and it’s only natural we’ve become friends.."

I closed my eyes, a fresh wave of tears threatening to spill. Friends... Could I even count Soltair as one anymore? My voice trembled with bitter loneliness as I spoke, my voice falling to a torn whisper. "Understand? You know nothing about me, much less understand."

She stepped back, rubbing her eyes in frustration. "Gods I’m bad at this. I just wanted to tell you you’re not the only one dealing with hardship. Before we were summoned, I, uh, died."

I muttered, "Would that I hadn’t." The memories of my past life felt like a distant dream, and I berated myself for casting them aside so lightly. Even though I endured physical abuse before, I’d choose to wake up in an alley, bloodied and naked, a thousand more times than face the sorrows that rent my heart here. Loss only matters if something is taken away, Something I keenly understood now.

Korra brushed the hair from her face, eyes shimmering with moisture. "I-I had a good life. A family, friends, a good school. Even a boyfriend." Her darkened at the mention of the last, and she took a shaky breath before continuing. "I thought he loved me, but it was all an illusion. We went out on a drive into the mountains to watch the sunset. He pulled over too early, and, and..."

My heart softened as tears rolled down her cheeks. "It’s okay," I whispered, turning back up at the sky. The stars twinkled coldly, as though mocking the tragedies we were forced to bear. "You don’t have to say anymore."

She sniffed, resolution filling her eyes. Though told between sobs, her story brought tears to my eyes. "After a short walk, he explained everything was all a lie. All the happiness, love, and promises were just to get to this moment. I tried to run, but he was faster and stronger. He pinned me down and tore my clothes off. I don’t remember much after that, but he got a knife from somewhere, and I woke up in the Divine Colosseum before the Water Goddess."

Her experience intersected many of mine, save I’d been the one to take my own life, and sounded a warning in my mind. She yearned for the fellowship of the other heroes, drawing strength from their bonds in a world where she felt alone, yet hid behind a callous mask, denying herself the pleasure of their company. Protecting herself at the cost of what she might lose... shame welled up in me and I threw my arms around her.

She stiffened in my embrace, but her muscles relaxed and she returned the hug. "I’m sorry," I said, unable to hold back the tears any longer.

"I-I wanted you to know," she said, face flushed with embarrassment. "Please don’t tell the others."

"It’s safe with me. They never seem to discuss life before being sent here, anyway," I said, lingering a moment longer. The soft scents of the ocean breeze filled my nostrils,

I lingered a moment longer, taking in the soft scent of the ocean breeze that surrounded her body, then pushed away. I breathed deeply, taking in the soothing scent of the ocean breeze that perpetually surrounded her.

"What about you?" She asked, gently pushing me away. "What was your life like?"

My heart throbbed with a dull ache, but I was bound by her vulnerability and forced myself to reciprocate. "Dark. Bound by chains as sure as this," I said, pressing a hand to the slave crest. "When I woke up as a slave, I was devastated, but hardly surprised. Turns out people don’t change, no matter what world you’re from. That day when Soltair found me and brought me to the Divine Throne, I felt that I was saved, and my life could truly begin, but-" I cut my words off, but the next phrase came to my lips unbidden, "the light of the sun was darker than any alley I’ve been in."

She gasped, looking at me in shock. "But there’s good too, right?" She asked. "Even if you’re a slave, it’s not like you get treated like one. I heard it’s more of a formality than anything, and you’ve gotten close to Soltair, too. There’s got to be some truth to those rumors."

My eyes widened. "Rumors?"

Her hand flew to her mouth, and she turned red. "Y-you haven’t heard?" she stuttered, "They say a girl spends visits his bedchambers rather frequently-not that I mind," she added quickly. "This world’s much more free with those things than my last."

Her words sank like a stone in my stomach. "Oh." I doubted there was much truth to the rumors, as anything concerning heroes traveled faster than a racehorse, but I couldn’t shake the image of Trithe’s grinning face from my mind.

"Sorry, I just kind of assumed," she said, averting her eyes and blushing harder.

I sighed, putting those thoughts from my mind. "The truth is, I can’t remain outside long after dark. Even now it’s pressing it, but I heard the Divine Throne eliminated the curfew for the sake of the festival. I’ve been constrained to the Slave Quarters, and hardly meet Soltair outside of official functions or occasionally for lunch. As the Pope so kindly reminded everyone, I’m bound by the slightest words of almost any passerby, and unable to so much as accept recognition for my role. Everyone here hates me, and the other heroes don’t seem any different. I can’t even walk the halls alone safely. Once...no, never mind. Forget I said anything," I finished bitterly.

Korra listened quietly as the words tumbled from my lips. I’d never spoken so much before, not even to Soltair, but it flowed like water from a broken damn. My lower lip quivered, and I turned away, embarrassed at the outburst.

Strong arms wrapped around me, squeezing a surprised gasp from my lips. The irony of the reversal wasn’t lost on me, but her hug brought a soothing peace to my mind.

"I didn’t realize it was like that. I’m sorry for what I said before. It’s impressive that you reached where you’re at with so many limitations. It took almost two months to reach fourth-circle spells, and that was after monopolizing the resources of the entire Oceanic Temple."

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Her words were validation for everything I’ve longed to hear for so long. The most I’d ever gotten was sympathy or pity, but for once I felt understood, and even encouraged. If Korra could face such betrayal from one she loved so bravely, then perhaps I could keep going as well. Eventually, the dark clouds would have to break, right?

"We should get back," she muttered, looking back suddenly.

The abrupt sharpness in her tone caused me to turn, and I saw the flash of steel as someone departed from the doorway. I’d been so caught up in the moment I’d relaxed my guard, and someone had taken advantage of the opportunity.

"Who was that?" I asked nervously, scanning the surroundings with the Eyes of Fate.

She shook her head. "I don’t know. But it’s not like we talked about anything compromising, so it should be fine. Probably just one of the other heroes, making sure we were okay. I’m sure the sight of two cute girls hugging was too much for him, and he ran off with a bloody nose."

She laughed brightly, the previous heavy mood forgotten. It took me a moment to realize she was joking, and I shook my head, amazed at the transformation. Was this the same hero who had been so closed off before? If only talking worked the same wondrous healing effect on me. The contrast between her newfound relief and my ever-present problems was glaringly apparent. She seemed to be on the path to recovery, while I remained on the relentless front lines of my struggles.

As I witnessed her genuine smile, a tinge of envy crept into my heart. I yearned to experience that kind of liberation, to escape the shadows that clung to me relentlessly. I inwardly committed to follow her lead. One day, like her, I would be able to move beyond the darkness that seemed unyielding. Maybe, just maybe, I could learn to somehow smile. Until then, I would have to endure.