Heroes Adventure

Chapter 3: Love Comes & Goes

5 years later, in the year 2031, Sam and his team are already aged 21 and some of them are 20. This year, Sam, Leah, Adeline, Iris, and Benjamin are already last year studying at the university while Athena, Zack, Adam, and Cally left one more year to study before graduation.

They also not only focus on studying but still join sports activities like gymnastics, cheerleading, football, and netball. After they have done their academic class or sports training, they will start their duty as their royal employee which is the Royal Secretary & Treasurer and even the Prince & Princess too.

"Sigh, time flies fast, right? We didn't realize that we're going to graduate soon", said Sam to Leah.

"Yeah. It's like we just studying for a month and then we're going to graduate the next month", said Leah.

"Bro, sis! I almost forgot to tell you both that David and Suzy asked us to go to David's house this evening", said Athena.

"Really? If like that, we should return to the castle and suit up", said Sam.

A few hours later, it's already evening in Zagary. Sam and his sisters went to David's house because David and Suzy wanted to announce something.

"Hi, guys! Come on in! David is inside by the way. We both been waiting for you", said Suzy.

Later on, Sam and his sisters sit on the couch in the living room to hear what David and Suzy want to say to them.

"So, what do you guys want to tell us about?", asked Sam.

"Umm...we want to tell you that...", said Suzy, and then she stopped. She tells David to inform Sam of a piece of happy news.

"What is it? Don't make us feel suspended", said Leah.

"We're actually...going to hold a marriage!", said David.

"What?! Really? Congrats!", said Sam, Leah, and Athena together.

"Wait, when did David propose to you, Suzy?", asked Leah.

"Last week. David proposed to me to marry him and I accepted it. He was so romantic", said Suzy.

"Wow, congrats again to you both. We are all proud of you both", said Sam.

A week later, David and Suzy are officially husband and wife when they're conducting their marriage in Zagary's castle and it's only attended by David and Suzy's close family and friends.

After the ceremony ended, Sam meets with David to talk about something.

"David, I want to tell you something, but I hope you're not going to tell anyone about this", said Sam.

"Sure, I promise. What is it?", asked David.

"I...I'm falling in love with Iris, but I don't know how to confess my feelings to her. I am scared that she didn't like me and has a perception of me that I like someone normal rather than her."

"I see. I also have the same situation as you previously, Sam. I was very nervous to tell Suzy that I liked her until then my father said to not miss the chance and if I missed it, it would be like the ship had sailed away. So, I brace myself to confess my feelings to her, and finally, we're now married."

"Thanks for your words, David. I promise I will tell her my feelings, but I will tell her very soon, not at this moment", said Sam.

The next day, Iris informed Sam that she wanted to go back to her hometown.

"Sam, I think I want to go back to my hometown because it's been a long time since I didn't meet my mom", said Iris.

"Okay, you can go back to your hometown. You want me to accompany you?", asked Sam.

"Sure, thanks Sam", said Iris.

The following day, Sam, Leah, and Athena help to send Iris back to her hometown. When Iris arrived at her mother's house, she told Sam and his sisters to go back to the castle.

When Sam and his sister almost exit Iris's village, Sam then feels uneasy and goes back to Iris's house.

Meanwhile, at Iris's house, she was shocked to see there were two men inside her mother's house.

"The sand benders! What do you want?", asked Iris to the two men.

"Oh, it's the "famous" earth-bending master! Of course, we want payback for what you have done to us", said one of the men.

Later, Sam and his sisters enter Iris's house.

"Hey! Leave her alone!", said Sam.

"Sam?" Iris was shocked to see Sam and his sisters come back for her.

"Who are you? Stay out of our business. It's between us and her", said one of the men.

"I said leave her alone! Or else...", said Sam.

"Or else what? You're going to beat us up, little kid?", said one of the men, and they both started to laugh at him.

"Well, you left me no choice", said Sam.

Then, Sam and his sisters attacked the men, and even Iris joined them too. They're using their Earth elemental power to defeat them. After a long fight, finally, the men are defeated.

"Hmph, now who's stronger right now?", teased Iris.

"Please let us go. We promised that we won't come again", begged one of the men.

"No, people like you should be punished", said Sam.

He then later calls the police to capture them.

"Thanks so much, Sam, Leah, and Athena. I appreciate what you have done to me", said Iris.

"You're welcome. Actually, I feel uneasy when we leave you alone, so we go back to see you and I was right that you're really in trouble", said Sam.

Then later Iris's mother went out and saw them.

"Iris, is that you?", asked Iris's mother.

"Mom!", said Iris and she hugged her mom.

"Mom, I'm sorry that I didn't come back to the village to visit you. I was really busy studying until I forgot to visit you", cried Iris.

"It's okay, Iris. I understand. Let's go have lunch, you must be hungry and tired from all that fight. You three also can join us", said Iris's mother.

"Sure. We'll join you both", said Leah.

Iris's mother then prepared lunch for all of them.

"So Mrs...", said Sam before Iris's mother spoke.

"Melly. Just call me Aunt Melly because you have known my daughter for a very long time", said Mrs. Melly.

"So Aunty, why has Iris been blind since she was born? I'm sorry if I ask this sensitive question to you, but I had asked Iris about this previously, just want to hear from your side", asked Sam.

"It's fine, I can answer it. Well, it's one of the birth defects. But I accept that my daughter will be blind for her whole life. I'll still love her no matter what", said Mrs. Melly.

"Then why you didn't go to treat Iris's eyes?", asked Sam.

"Well, there is no treatment for her blindness. Still, she can move on with her lifestyle now without one of the important sensors in human's daily life", said Mrs. Melly.

"I see. Umm...Aunt Melly, we have to go after this because we need to go back to the castle", said Sam.

"So soon? How about you stay here for a night? Besides, I knew that you three must be tired of fighting those men and accompanied Iris, right?", asked Mrs. Melly.

"Well, alright then. We'll stay here and I will inform Prince Benjamin that we're not going to return to the castle for a night", said Sam.

Later that night...

"Sam, what's wrong? You seem like daydreaming. Is anything wrong?", asked Leah.

"Oh, sis. I...uh...have something to tell you", said Sam.

"What is it?"

"I...really like Iris but I don't know how to confess my feelings to her. She might think that I like someone normal and not someone who is blind like her. I like her and I want her to be my partner. What should I do, sis?"

"I see. Well, I think you need to tell her the truth. Confess your feelings. I don't want you to become like me, at first I...actually like David, but now he is already married to Suzy. At least, he is now happy with Suzy and me, as their best friend is really happy to see it. So, it's now on you to tell her your feelings."

"But...what if she rejects me?"

"You don't have to worry about that. At least, you tell her your feelings towards her. She deserves to know the truth, Sam."

"Well, alright then. I have to brace myself to tell her the truth."

The next morning, Leah tells Sam that Iris is on the porch.

"Hey Sam, Iris is on the porch. Maybe it's time for you to confess your feelings to her", said Leah.

"Really? Well, I had to tell her my feelings. I'm going there right now, wish me luck!", said Sam.

Then, Sam went to the porch to meet Iris. Iris then heard footsteps and she knew it was Sam coming toward her.

"Hey, what are you doing here?", asked Iris.

"Well, I just came here to take some fresh air", said Sam.

Then, he is ready to confess his feelings.

"Iris, I want to say something to you. But don't be mad, okay?"

"You didn't say anything yet, how come I would be mad? Alright then, what is it?"

Iris is eager to know what Sam has to say to her.

"I...I'm...uh...", Sam was very nervous to confess his feelings to Iris.

"What is it? Don't make me feel suspense", said Iris.

"I actually...had feelings for you", said Sam.

Iris was shocked to hear what Sam said.

"I liked you when I first met with you. Although you're blind, I think you're someone special to me. I know you might think that maybe I like someone normal. But no, I like you. All this time, I always be with you together when we were studying, helping you to go to certain places like the library, and always accompanying you when lunch at the cafeteria since no one wanted to accompany you. At that time, I am very shy to confess my feelings to you, but now...I think it's time for you to know the truth...that I love you, Iris."

Iris is too stunned to speak after hearing Sam's love confession to her.

Sam then said, "It's okay if you don't want to say anything. I know you need time. I'm not forcing you to give me the answer now. And, it's okay if you do not accept me. I already confessed it and now you already know the truth. I just want you to know that I'm in you, Iris. I've had this feeling for such a long time, and I truly think you're my soulmate. I love you because you're someone special to me, and I want you to be part of my life. But, take your time to think about what I said, okay?"

Sam then leaves the porch, but suddenly Iris says something to him that makes him stop leaving her.

"I'm in you too, Sam", said Iris.

He then went back to Iris again.

"I also really like you. What do you think about what I think it's true. But after you tell me your real feelings, I am very happy, and although I'm blind, you still like me. I also like you when we first met. Although I can't see you, I know that you're a kind person and that makes me like you. When you always be with me at college, I...started to have a crush on you, but of course, we covered it up to other people and said we were just best friends, even though both of us didn't confess our feelings. And, I have a feeling that...you're my soulmate who could take care of me till the end."

Sam was shocked to hear Iris's explanation.

"So, you do like me?", asked Sam.

"Yes, from the bottom of my heart, I like you so much", said Iris.

"Well...", Sam takes out his box that contains a ring for Iris and continues saying, "...if you do like me, will you marry me?"

Iris shies a little bit and for a moment she started to speak and said, "Yes! Yes, I do!"

Sam then smiled and later put the ring on Iris's finger. They then informed this to Leah, Athena, and Mrs. Melly. All of them are happy with the relationship between Sam and Iris and they congratulate them.

Two weeks later, the Heroes team conducted a wedding ceremony for their leader, Sam, and his partner, Iris. The ceremony went smoothly and finally, they were officially husband and wife.

After the marriage ceremony ended, Sam and Iris went to their bedroom.

"Darling, listen. I just want to tell you that I love you so much and no matter what happens after this, we will stay together. I promise I will try to become the best husband to you and we will live happily ever after", said Sam to Iris.

"Thanks, honey. I'm very happy that we're married and also I promise I will always be with you and become a good wife", said Iris to Sam.

Finally, Sam and Iris are now married. Although Iris is blind, Sam loves her because she is someone special to him, even to Iris as well who thinks Sam is someone special to her. They both then promised to always be together and live happily ever after.

A month passed after David, Suzy, Sam, and Iris's marriage was held. Sam and his team are having their university graduation day. It was a joyful day for all of them since they were going to graduate from their university and were ready for the big challenges that come in the future.

After the graduation day ended, all of them took a photo together, when suddenly Suzy fainted and they brought her to the hospital so that they could investigate further the reason why she fainted.

"Adam, how's Suzy? Is she okay?", asked David.

"She...has Leukemia Stage 3", said Adam.

Everyone was shocked by what Adam said.

"Leukemia? How does she have that disease?", asked Sam.

"After further investigation Dr. Bill and I made, we asked her parents about Suzy's health history. She had this disease since she was 15 and she never tells anyone about her disease except her family. She fights the disease for years now but now it's becoming worse. She also went for treatment but sometimes she made it to fight this disease and sometimes not", said Adam.

"Oh my god! Poor Suzy. She's fought this disease since 7 years ago and now it becomes worse", said Leah.

After that, they all enter Suzy's ward.

David then went to Suzy and asked, "Why? Why you didn't tell me that you have Leukemia?"

She started to cry and said, "I'm sorry, honey. I don't want to tell you because I don't want you and the others to be worried about me. I want all of you to be happy and have some precious time with you all."

"Don't say about death, please? We're your friends and you have a husband. Remember our team principle? We'll stay together no matter what will happen to us", said Leah, and she tried to calm Suzy down.

"Alright. I'm grateful you all can accompany me here. At least, it can relieve me a bit", said Suzy.

From weeks to months, Suzy is still in the ward. Sam and his team always visited her every day and sometimes some of them will take care of her until midnight and even sleep with her until the next morning.

After 3 months at the ward, Adam told David that her Leukemia is now in Stage 4 and can't be treated. No vaccine or pills can cure this disease anymore. Suzy accepts the fate that she will be gone anytime soon.

One day, Leah stayed with Suzy until midnight. Suzy remembered that she needed to tell her something.

"Leah, can I ask you for a favor? I never asked you anything before this and I think this is the first and last time I ask you for a favor. If I tell you, I hope you will not be mad, okay?", asked Suzy.

"Sure, what is it?", said Leah.

"I...I want you to marry David when I am gone", said Suzy.

Leah was shocked to hear what Suzy said.

"What?! No, I can't do it. He's your husband. Why do I need to marry him?", asked Leah with frustration.

"I know that you liked him before this but David chose me because he loved me. At the bottom of his heart, I know he's still like you. So, this is my last wish to you. Can you do it?", asked Suzy.

"No! I can't do this. I really can't", said Leah.

"Yes, you can. I believe you can. Just give him some time after I'm gone. After that, you go meet and confess your feelings to him", said Suzy.

"No, Suzy! I can't. I don't want him to think that..." said Leah and after that Suzy said angrily, "He will accept you! I assure you that he will accept you."

When she is mad, she feels a headache and Leah tries to calm her down. After that, Suzy was relieved for some time.

"I'm sorry. I know you need time. But think about it, okay? For your best friend? I'll give you time to think. If you are ready, then tell me. I don't want to force you, and I'm sorry because I was overreacting. You go home first, I need to rest on my own. My head feels pain. We'll talk tomorrow, okay?", said Suzy, and Leah then left her with guilty feelings.

At the castle, Leah was thinking of what Suzy said to her that morning. She can't stop thinking about what Suzy said to her at the hospital. After that, Sam came to Leah.

"You okay, sis? What's wrong?"

"I was thinking about what Suzy said to me this morning."

"What happened? Did you both fight?"

Leah then tells everything about what happened between them both.

After she finished telling the story, she asked Sam, "Do I need to follow her wish?"

"It depends on you to decide. If Suzy wants you to fulfill her wish, then you should do it. She also never asks anything from you, so this is maybe your last chance to help her."

"You're right. I should do it. I will tell her tomorrow."

The next day, she met with Suzy at the hospital.

"Suzy, I'm very sorry about yesterday and I have already thought about it. I will grant your wish and I will try my best."

"Thanks so much, Leah. You're truly my best friend."

Two weeks later, Suzy becomes weaker. Due to everyone being busy with their work, Leah and Iris visit Suzy at the hospital.

"Hi, Suzy! How are you? I'm sorry I didn't visit you for a long time because Sam and I are busy with the administration", said Iris.

"It's okay, I understand. Well, I've become weaker now. I will go anytime soon", said Suzy.

"Don't say like that. We don't want that to happen", said Leah.

"Everyone will die too, isn't it? But we just don't know when it's the time our life would be taken", said Suzy.

And then, Suzy tells them something and they do not realize that is going to be her final words to them before she's gone.

"You guys, I want to say thank you for everything you all done for me. We always have a fun adventure and I love it so much. I want you both to promise me that you all will never forget me when I have already gone", said Suzy.

"We will not forget you. We will always remember you, Suzy", said Leah.

"Thank you. Thank you so much. Thanks for everything", said Suzy, and then she closed her eyes.

After that, she didn't speak anymore and even Leah and Iris tried to wake her up, but she didn't wake up. They called the doctor to check up on her and they clarified that Suzy had passed away. They were both shocked and cried. They didn't expect what she said to them just now to be her final word to them.

The next day, everyone including the Heroes team and Suzy's parents came to her burial ceremony. They all are in grief at Suzy's death.

After the burial ceremony ended,

"I can't believe she's gone. She's our best friend. She fights too hard to defeat the disease but she can't. She also died in front of me", cried Leah.

"Me too. But that's her fate, it's already written. We can't deny it. Whatever happened, we all that are still alive must move on and we will always remember her", said Sam.

When Sam went to take something from the drawer, suddenly he saw a letter.

"What's this? A letter?", Sam was very confused.

"Who's giving you that, honey?", asked Iris.

"I don't know", said Sam.

He then later sees the front of the envelope say: "To Heroes team & Royal Family". He realized that the letter was from Suzy. He then calls everyone to the meeting room to see the letter.

"Guys! Suzy left us a letter. I will read it out loud for you guys", said Sam.

The Heroes team members are bracing themselves to hear the final letter and words from the late Suzy.

Dear Heroes team & Royal Family members,

First of I'm sorry that I didn't tell all of you that I have Leukemia. I don't want all of you to be worried about me. But when you all find out that I have Leukemia, all of you continue to support me and I appreciate it so much. Sadly, if you received this letter, then I might have gone from this world. In this letter, I want to thank every single one of you because all of you are like part of my family.

Sam, for almost a decade we have known each other since Grade 1, I knew that you are a kind person. You continue your family legacy to become the leader of Heroes and you helped so many people and even recruited many people too. I'm so proud of you and also your whole teammate that works together as a team.

Iris, after I heard your story, about how you continue your life, you're a strong person. Although you're blind, you continue your life like a normal person. You give me so many motivational talks and that makes me change my perception that I also can continue my life even though I have Leukemia. I hope that you can be a good wife and take care of Sam in a good way.

Leah, we've been friends for years and now I am already gone leaving you. You are the best-est friend I ever had. Do you remember the wish that I said to you? I tell you to marry David, isn't it? I know you think this is wrong but I know that you like David. So, I want you to marry him after I'm gone. But don't rush, I know you both need time. When the time comes, then only you tell him the truth.

I hope you can fulfill my wish and please take care of David for me when you're already married to him. And also, keep your relationship with your siblings as well and never break up because they need you, especially Athena. She's the spoiled child but I know you and Sam can accompany her. I also made a special friendship bracelet for you. I made it myself, hope you like it! That's all I want to say and love you lots!

Athena, I just want to say don't be sad. You still have your future husband, your siblings, and even your cousins and friends. They are all still with you and they'll never leave you behind. Take good care of your husband and always obey what he says, including your siblings as well.

Zack, before this, you're our enemy. And now, you're on the right path. You joined our team and we all are really happy that you are with us. I hope you can take care of Athena because she's a nice girl and you should be grateful that you're going to marry her.

To Adam, Adeline, Benjamin, and Cally, I hope that all of you can continue to serve our kingdom. Continue what your parents have done before, and I believe Zagary will be in peace and harmony. Good luck with your future leading the kingdom.

My beloved husband, David, I'm so sorry I didn't tell you that I have Leukemia. I had this disease since I was in Form 3 and I can still fight it. But a few months ago, the disease became worse and already went to Stage 3. Months later, it already went to Stage 4. I'm sorry again for not telling you about this.

And also, I'm very sorry if I made some mistakes with you and the others. Remember your promise? You said you promised me that you would be married to Leah after I'm gone right? I hope you can do it and don't rush it because I know you need time.

Finally, I want to say thank you again to all of you for becoming my best friends and wife. Hope that all of you can move on and always remember me. I love you all so much and hope we can meet again on the other side.

Your best friend and lovely wife,

Suzy

David then cried when he heard the letter read by Sam and said in his heart, "Rest in peace, darling. I promise I will move on and fulfill your wish."

On the other hand, Leah then later opened a box and saw a bracelet. It's very colorful and she wears it to remember Suzy.

"Thanks so much, Suzy. I promise I will fulfill your wish", said Leah in her heart.

Later on, Leah and David meet each other to discuss Suzy's final wish.

"David, I..."

"I know. Suzy did tell you, right? To be honest, I also have feelings for you, but I like Suzy much more."

"I understand. But with her wish, I don't know if we could fulfill it. I don't want if we're married, we're not like each other. It's not going to be a perfect life."

"But I do like you, Leah. From the bottom of my heart, I still have feelings for you. I'm not doing this because I was forced or asked by Suzy, I do like you, and I want you to become my replacement for Suzy. Please?"

Leah then thinks through what David said. She then said, "Okay, the truth is, I also like you. But when you're married to Suzy, I directly throw away those feelings, until Suzy tells me to confess it to you, I feel like I still have a chance. I am also not being forced to confess this, it's from the bottom of my heart."

"So, do you accept my proposal?"

"Yes, I do!"

David and Leah agree to get married, not because they're being forced by Suzy to do it, but because their love still has and is kept in their heart.

A week later, Leah and David finally get married and everyone is happy to see it.

After the marriage ceremony, Leah and David are at the castle in their room and watching one of the pictures that they put.

"I missed her, honey", said Leah.

"I missed her too, but as she said we have to move on. Whatever it is, she will always be with us no matter where she is now", said David.

They both then went away and the picture that they saw just now is their picture together with Suzy on high school graduation day. They both will always remember Suzy in their heart because their friendship will always become their sweet and sour memories...forever.