Arthur
It was the eve of our departure. I made sure everything was packed on my end. It seemed the children all warmed up to me at least, that's a good sign I guess.
Well all except one ... It looks like I couldn't get on friendly terms with Ars.
I plopped onto my bed from a long day. I don't know who insisted on it but it seemed that the children wanted me to duel Eris for some reason.
I tried to interject but it seemed Eris also really wanted to do it as well.
When I heard her gleeful acceptance I felt something flush out of my system. It seemed like I wasn't getting out of this.
It seemed she wanted to make sure my senses were sharp, especially since I will be out on a adventure keeping her 'little sister' safe.
But it also looked like she wanted to let loose and train seriously like she would with Ruijerd on our travels.
It seemed she was in charge of the children physical training. So she now has a habit of holding back a bit ... Sniff Eris I'm so proud.
Hm ... Oh right the results. Ummm ... I lost both bouts.
We had two duels. One in the afternoon with the children watching and then one in the evening after dinning with just us. Each duel had ten matches which ending with a disarmament or a bonk on the head.
When I lost my first bout, shockly Eris didn't get mad. She just said I was as sharp as ever which caused the children to be in confusion.
It was Lucy that asked for the group.
"Red Mama ... Why did you say Uncle is as sharp as ever ... He lost each round"
Eris looked down into Lucy as she scratched her cheek ... "Well ... How should I put this?"
It was then Seig turn to ask a question, almost like helping out Eris.
"What is Uncle's fighting style like ... Red Mama"
"Ah ... If I to put it into words. Arty here is like a mirror."
"????" All the children collectively tilted their heads at this.
"What I mean is, he has this habit of matching his output to the opponent he is facing ... Ars! Have a quick match, you will see what I mean"
She tossed the practice sword to Ars who seem to take it with determination and ready himself.
"Ummm ... Eris I don't think -"
"Shut up and do it!" Eris said with a cold fury.
"Yes ma'am"
Whack
"Hehehe ... You got me good their Ars. Eris is training you well"
I laid with my but on the ground when Ars was able to give my head a good whack. But he seemed dissatisfied with the conclusion.
Eris had her arms crossed with pride. "See what I mean"
Was Eris taking this as a chance to teach her kids. She is acting like Ruijerd did whenever he would train her in the demon continent.
"No matter the opponent, Arty here has a habit of matching the tempo and force of the opponent with equal force"
She then began to explain as I wiped off the dirt from my pants.
She gave a example of if she was a 100 and then I was a 75. I would match my fighting strength to a 100 to face this opponent. But my base is at 75 so I am burning through more stamina and Touki at that rate so it's a simple battle of attrition there. Then if I was fighting a 50 (Ars) then I would match that 50 with my own strength.
Wow ... When did Eris become quite the professor. She simply missing a pair of glasses and a outfit to match.
Our little lesson was cut short by the call for dinner.
"Oh boy I can't wait to ... Ah!" I was held back by my collar. It was Eris.
"Where are you going? That first bout was practice, now that the children are gone, let's go all out"
"Huh? ... D-do W-we have ... have to? Dinner will ... Yea, our dinner will get cold"
"Ok you have a point"
"Whew"
"After dinner then" She began to walk into the house.
"Hehehehe ... Heh ... Sigh"
I had just return from our second bout with not much better results. But oddly enough Eris looked relieved.
"Phew ... It's been a while since I could go all out like that. Thanks Arty, you should come by more often"
Geez you would have thought we just did it but it was just a simply sparring match.
. . . . .
I was meet with the silent stillness of the room.
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .
Sigh
Let me just go out and say it.
I am ... sigh ... I was a Apostle of Hitogami.
I'm pretty sure I'd been fired. He hasn't been appearing in my dreams for years now. Actually I wouldn't know, I haven't been sleeping that well since that battle in the Beheiril Kingdom.
. . . . .
Perhaps I should start from the beginning.
I believe he first appeared around the time we arrived in Wind Port. I was traveling with Rudy and the others for about a year then. But we hit a snag as the price for Ruijerd and me to go to the Millis Continent was excessively high and we were at a lost of what to do
* * * * *
Arthur
"H-el-lo ... Hello!"
I awoken in a world of white. A blank, endless void. I blinked in confusion. Weren't we just in the demon continent.
Where was I?
I checked my surroundings. No sky. No ground. Just ...
"My, oh my ... It's just surprise after surprise lately ... Lucky me!"
. . . . .
"Hey! Are you ignoring me? That's sooo cold. You're hurting my feelings here."
The void figure began to cuddle his arms as he acted like some squirming animal in need.
"After I came all this way to meet you. To be honest I wasn't sure I was able to ... But lady luck is on my side and here I am"
Hmmm
"Good, Good. I've got your attention now - cough cough - welcome to my ..."
Who are you?
"Ack! How rude. Has no one taught you manners? Hmm, but I know you had someone like a teacher ... No?"
My eye twitched. A memory I subconsciously erased bubbled to the surface. One I would rather not recall.
Tsk ... I don't need to listen to this guy. I'm out of here.
I decided to ignore him and I tried to find my own way out.
I started walking, instinctively dropping into my usual four- legged stance.
"Ah! Wait wait ... Did I struck a nerve. Come back, Come back~"
As I started to make some distance. Only ... Something felt off. When I looked down ... That's when I noticed.
Hands. Human hands.
I froze in place.
I sat down and patted myself down. No Claws. No scales. I felt my head and my horns were gone as well.
What was going on?
I began to feel up my face ... It even felt different.
What do I even look like?
But oddly enough ... It felt right.
"Oho ... So you've noticed. In here I am speaking to your soul right now" the figure said behind me.
"Or perhaps it would be better to say how you perceive your soul would be more accurate"
I turned. He was standing exactly where I'd left him, like I'd never moved at all.
"What is this?" I asked. "Am I dreaming?"
"Something like that." The figure smiled, arms outstretched. "Welcome to my domain. I'm known to humans as… Hitogami."
A god? Why would a god approach a demon?
"I've seen the future," he continued, tone light. "And I've decided to help out a pathetic little creature like you."
…Help me?
"I've taken pity on you. So, if you do a few little tasks for me, I'll help you grow stronger. I can make you useful."
. . . . .
"So ... Cold!!! Kya!!! Don't glare at me like that ... I'm soooo scared. My last client wasn't so trusting either .... "
He wiggled his body that that looked like a simply white outline. It seemed at the time I couldn't make out his face.
"Look kid ... I noticed your group has hit a bit of a rough patch ... It seems you and your friends don't have enough money to get to the next continent."
He began to shake his head as he slumped his shoulders.
"Now what do you think will happen if they can't get enough money for the both of you"
My eyes focused on the man as he got my attention.
"Say by some miracle your friend gets enough money for one of you, and this is a big if ... Who do you think they will take to the Millis Continent ... Hmmm"
I immediately thought of Ruijerd ... He kept me safe and he taught me things during our journey. He was currently making it his duty to see Rudy and Eris home in the Central Continent.
"Bingo!! ... Give the boy a prize! ... Ruijerd is far more useful to keep around if you ask me. If they had to ditch someone, who do you think it will be~?"
Now that I think about it ... I wasn't contributing much to the party ... I just stood there and observed Rudy and the others. I was just an extra mouth to feed. An extra bed to be paid at the inn. Why was I even following them in the first place?
Everyone else had cool alias in 'Dead End'
Eris was known as 'the Mad Dog'
Ruijerd was known as 'the Guard Dog'
And Rudy was known as 'the Kennel Master' the defacto leader.
What was my nickname in the group. I was simply just known as 'the Pup'
Even other people outside our group could see I was just being a hindrance.
"Ah! ... Life can be so hard sometimes. Look into your heart and you will find the answer for yourself"
Will Rudy ... really ditch me like that? No ... Ruijerd wouldn't let that happen ... Will he?
"Oh come on ... Last year, you saw the look in Rudeus' eyes when he was push to the corner."
I immediately remembered that time ... Rudy wasn't listening to any of mine or Ruijerd's concerns. Well ... Eris seem to have convince Ruijerd and I couldn't speak the language clearly yet so I couldn't get my point across.
"In Rikarisu City ... That horse guy got your friend in a corner there. If you didn't intervene with that idea to use you and Ruijerd as bait and a scapegoat. Then Rudeus would have flooded the town and ditch you both right then and there ... Ahhh ... You poor creatures"
Tsk ... Shut up!
"Kya ... So scary. I'm just trying to help before the worst happens you see"
What should I do ... If this keeps up then they will abandon me ... Just like my ... family.
"So? What do you say? Help me out, and I'll make it worth your while."
What did I have to lose ... This god was sketchy as hell but it couldn't hurt to at least hear him out.
"What do you want me to do?"
Just then I couldn't see his face but I could tell he was making a smile, grinning from ear to non existent ear.
"That's the spirit. What I need from you is very simple. Just simply insurance. Let's call it a trial run ... Hmm"
Just get on with it
"Hmm what a rude boy you are. Cough cough ... Any way ... Tomorrow follow your friend Rudeus around the town, don't leave his side and make sure ... under no circumstances that you let him meet with a blue haired girl"
Wait ... That was it? I was planning on following Rudy around town like I usually do anyway.
"Hmm hmmm ... If you do simply that. Then you will get something ... Interesting"
How ominous. Is this guy planning something for Rudy as well ...
"Oh and it wouldn't hurt to bring a long some water in a canteen"
The figure tried to carry on the coveration as if to avoid something. He began to giggle a bit.
"Oh Arthur ... I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship between us ... Hehehe"
* * * * *
Arthur
I was currently laying flat on the bed looking up at the ceiling.
Dammit ... I was such an idiot back then.
If I simply thought about it ...it would have clicked that he was referring to Roxy, Rudy's master he would talk about non stop. Not to mention the Migurd Village that Ruijerd tried to make me stay at was apparently Roxy's hometown.
When we were walking down the street, I remember her figure running across like she was running from something. But I paid it no mind.
I simply listened to his orders and followed Rudy making sure he didn't look behind him at the time.
Which in fact I almost screwed up as when I saw said girl. Making me stop in my tracks in which Rudy asked me what was wrong.
What did Hitogami had in store for us ... Well ...
* * * * *
"It is I! The great Kishirika Kishirisu!"
During our little detour in Wind Port. We saw what appeared to be a small girl about to get assaulted by a grown man in the middle of the day.
But Rudy fired off some stone cannons and scared off the guy.
When Rudy fed her the skewers he brought on the way and I gave her my canteen of water.
The small girls vigor spiked up like she wasn't just on death's door from hunger.
This young girl with purple hair struck a pose for dramatic effect.
Me and Rudy simply looked at each other at the display.
"R-right"
". . . . ."
"Huh?" Suddenly one of her eyes spun behind her eye socket. "Ewww ... What's with you two? Are you two twins separated at birth or something ... Gross"
What was she talking about?
"Woah ... One one hand we got the twin with such a high mana reserve ... Maybe even on par with Laplace ... And then on the other ...it's hard to see. I have never seen a person with mana so dense and thick. I bet your Touki will be incredible"
The girl squirted her eye as she tried to study me, looking at me from different angles.
"What happen to you kid ... Did you die and came back to life or something"
Unbeknownst to anyone except one person in the group ... That was exactly the case.
Ummm, Miss Demon Empress. Your looking at the wrong person. It was me. I was the sad pathetic 34 year old shut in that got hit by a truck and reincarnated here.
When she said that Rudy made a face as he looked away for a bit.
"Maybe it's this mask ... Yonk" she non-chantaly popped off my skull mask ... Revealing my dragonic features.
"Wah .... A Hakuei. It's been ... How long since I seen one of you? I thought you guys went and hid in the mountains ... What's a hatchling like you doing all by your lonesome"
"It's a long story and we would love if you keep it a secret ... Lord Kishirisu"
"Hmmm ... Oh yes ... Oh of course of course ... Anyway, Now then about your reward for treating me to a meal"
At the end of it ... Not only did that young girl did turn out to be Kishirisu. But she also granted Rudy a demon eye.
The eye of forth sight. It allowed him to look into the future.
But not only that ...
"Hmm hmmm ... You there, missing twin. You can have one as well. You're a good boy so why not"
Somewhere along the conversation. I was address Kishirisu with Lord ...which seem to please her.
Well ... I could immediately see out her colors so I must of seemed her a person worth trusting. So if she said she was the great demon empress ... Who am I to judge.
The only issue was ...
*Splat ... Smush ... Crackle*
It hurt like hell when she thrusted her hand inside my eye without warning. I wonder if I would be able to dodge her attempt now since I'm a adult but oh well.
When she finally removed her hand she gave me a explanation on this eye.
"This one is a newbie I have just created ... I haven't worked out all the kinks yet so I'll come for a review later ... Buwahahahaha"
She said as she just jumped away and escaped.
Rudy quickly recovered but was a bit dizzy from his demon eye but ...
"W-what was up with that Ryuu?"
". . . . ."
But I didn't respond. I was too distracted taking in the information I was seeing.
I was seeing everything in ... Slow motion.
In my mind, I was still processing Kishirika
jumping away.
After that, Rudy had to end up holding my hand as I kept on bumping into things randomly. As I was in a complete daze.
It wasn't until later that I gave this demon eye a name.
I dubbed it the 'Eye of Heroism' as the state I was in was something warriors or people can get when they are on the verge of death.
Like one of those events when your falling with nowhere to go and some North God swordsman throws a sword at you.
The event happens in slow motion. I also heard that Ruijerd had experience that state a couple of times in the past as well. He called it the 'Heroic State' or 'Hero Vision'.
So the 'Eye of Heroism' it is.
Oddly enough I never got back with Lord Kishirisu but she never came looking for me either. To be honest, I think she forgot she gave it to me or forgot the eye all together.
Let just say I didn't have a good time using this eye. Now Rudy, Eris, and Ruijerd had to make sure they didn't leave me alone because I would randomly bonk into things while we traveled and I tried to control it.
So for the time being if I wanted to be left alone as usual I had to use my 'Dead End' headband as a makeshift eye patch.
I didn't get the trick that Rudy used to control his until I was getting a knack for it with my training with Master Lilly.
But that would be a story for another time anyway.
* * * * *
After that he would come to my dreams every now and again.
I hated to admit this but he was the one to give me the idea to suggest to Eris that we should get stronger.
He appeared the night of.
"My oh my. What a rash thing to do. Don't think that breaking off your other horn doesn't make you any less pathetic"
". . . . ."
"Relax ... Orsted is not a part of the Hakuei Clan. He's not gonna capture you and bring you back to your family. So you just chopped off your other horn for no reason ... Hahaha"
". . . . ."
"What's wrong? Where's that cold glare you first gave me ... Are you gonna cry?"
". . . . . ."
"What some advice?" He gave a wide smile.
I simply nodded as I did not know what to do. Where to go from here.
"Hehehe ... Hey why don't you go to your friend Eris later tonight and tell her you want to get stronger. I think she feels the same and I bet you two can come up with a solution together."
He didn't outright say it but it seemed he wanted to separate Eris and Rudy for some reason.
"Oh and one more thing ... You probably don't have to worry about your family finding you ... They are all dead ... Hooray"
"Wha ....what happened to-"
"If you want to find out then why don't you go check it out for yourself~"
After that dream I went to find Eris and we made a plan to get stronger.
I later heard from Soldart and Sara that Eris leaving him caused him great suffering.
I'm ... I'm so ... Sorry, Rudy. This was all my fault if only I didn't listen. If only I was stronger.
Later down the line Hitogami appeared again to say I might meet someone interesting if I look around the Red Dragon Mountains and try to find my village.
I tried to tell him it was probably in the demon continent as that was where Ruijerd found me. But he just shushed me and said I won't know until I find out.
That was when I met Master Lilly and she trained me in the North God Style.
The next time he came to me was when he told me not to go help Rudy rescue Zenith. His instruction was simply to hand Rudy the letter and bounce.
But the last time I listen to his advice it caused my friend great pain. So at the time I thought I could keep the damage to a minimum for now.
I thought I gotten stronger so now maybe I can keep everyone safe. If someone had to die then I believe it should be the one with the least to lose after all.
But I just made everything worse. I was keeping Rudy safe for most of the fight with the Hydra. But sadly at the last moment, Rudy was about to get thrashed and I was determined to get him out of the way ...
But then Paul ...Paul pulled me back by my collar as he leaped to rescue Rudy instead. He gave me a smirk almost saying 'yo brat, it's a father's duty to keep his kid safe. Butt out of this'
But why ... What was so wrong with sacrificing myself. I don't have a family but Rudy does and ... and I prevented Paul from meeting his grandchild.
Why ... am I such a failure.
"Phhhffftttt hahahaha ... Oh man how pathetic can you be. You dare try to outplay ... me! ... Give up you idiot, your a hundred years too early to be considered a threat to me."
Something was up ... He almost seemed ... mad. He was now currently degrading me as I just took it with my head lowered, I couldn't argue with him.
"Your dam right I'm mad. I gave you a simple ord- ... Advice and you couldn't even follow that. How pathetic are you ... You know if you simply followed my advice then Paul and Zenith would have made it back home safe and sound but oh boy did you up and screw things over"
While he degraded me, I couldn't help wonder why he would be so ... Mad. It didn't make sense from my perspective. All because I did the opposite of what he wanted. If he was a god then surely he would have met one or two people who disobeyed him ... So why
"Tsk ... Someone is getting observate. But I hope this means you will follow directions this time around. You can't out play me you reject so just give it up"
"I ... I understand"
It wasnt till later I figured out why he was so angry. It turned out I did foiled a plan of his. It turned out that if neither me nor Rudy went to help Paul, yes him and Zenith would make it out alive but from what Rudy told me then Roxy would have been the casuality.
When we got to the labyrinth we heard that Roxy had been trap in it for about a month. When we dived in, me and Rudy hit a folk in the tunnel when he went one way and me in the other.
It turns out that if Rudy didn't arrive when he did then Roxy would have surely died.
Roxy again. That was the second time his scheme involved Miss Roxy. but he was just bluffing to make me feel like an idiot and that it was hopeless to disobey him. He was trying to break me so that I would become his puppet.
I still wasn't good enough.
It was then I decided to learn the other two sword styles to improve my swordsmanship.
I trained with Master Augusta, Reida, and then with the Sword God, Ghislaine, and then Jino in the Sword Sanctum.
I even found my way into training sessions with Eris, Isolate and Nina.
It was during my training in the Sword Sanctum that he came again.
"Sup"
". . . . ."
"I see your still a boy with few words I see. Sigh, I guess beggars can't be choosers."
"What do you want now?"
"It seems you old pal Rudeus is planning on fighting with Dragon God Orsted . . . again"
"What!"
W-why would be fight that monster again? He barely survived the last time.
"Hmm hmm ... Oh my goodness. Just who would put that into his head ... He is a mad man on a mission. I tried to convince him otherwise but he wouldn't listen to reason"
I headed straight back to Rudy's house on the Nyla Express.
It seemed he got the impression that I heard about his new duel with Orsted since he sent a letter to Eris for assistance. I just got here faster since I had Nyla.
The rematch ended with me not doing much. But ... At least I stood my ground that time. I knocked out somewhere in the middle of the fight.
But when I came too. Eris was there along with Roxy and Sylphie. Apparently Rudy accepted Orsted proposal to join under him.
Much to my dismay. Why Orsted of all people Rudy?
But sadly ... I had to respect his decision.
After that I went back to the drawing board. I wanted to get stronger. I wasn't getting anywhere with where I am right now.
Of course I helped out with Rudy's missions when I can. Such as with getting Ariel into the throne ... And of course with the Shirone civil war.
I involved myself since I heard that Roxy was joining in. I knew Hitogami would plan something for her since he was after her for some reason.
I gave her that rare ring I got from a labyrinth that she used to transfer her damage from a life threatening wound. Heh ... I guess all of Master Lilly lessons about preparing for everything paid off.
I believe I stayed around until after Norn's and Aisha's 15 birthday. Well to be more precise ... I left after my 15 birthday ... Well it was hard to say exactly. One day I took noticed on my adventurer card and it said I was 15. I wasn't sure when it updated. I just knew it was after their birthday.
In human terms you are considered a adult when your 15 but for the Hakuei it's when I shed all my scales.
If I needed a reference, at the time I had the same amount of scales as Orsted on his face. So I guess I was not considered a adult yet. Oh well ...
From there I went to the Millis Continent to continue checking out Hitogami claim that the Hakuei Clan was eliminated. I was currently checking out the Blue Dragon Mountains since exploring the Red Dragon Mountains and the King Dragon Mountains came up empty.
It was then I met him. It was at that point I was met face to face with another one of Hitogami's apostle ... His name was Geese.
He seemed like a chill and laid back guy. When I think back, I couldn't really believe he was also a apostle of Hitogami. But it clicks, he was involved in Rudy's life.
I remembered how we first met him. Me and Rudy was in the beast folk prison for being wrongly accused.
After that he tag along with us until we reached Millishion.
He got friendly with Eris and Ruijerd and at the time I was ignoring his advances of being friendly towards me.
He was grey in my eyes so I didn't trust him.
Now that I think about he kept on insisting that I call him my senpai over and over again and that if I'm ever in a pickle hit him up and he will come to his kouhai's rescue.
I guess that's what he meant by that at the time.
He was trying to recruit me in a battle. He was trying to get me to go against Rudy.
"Hey now ... That's a bit harsh there. Don't think of it as a fight with the Boss. Do you think I really want to fight with my friend's child. No. Think of it as we are waging war with Dragon God Orsted. Yea, Boss is on the wrong side ... Yea so what do you say"
I hate to admit I wavered for a moment. My distaste for the Dragon Tribe ran deep. But I caught on he was using that to get me on his side.
I answered no. Saying I didn't want anything to do with this freud between Orsted and Hitogami. When I thought about it, it didn't really matter if one side won or not. The world wouldn't end if one side loses or not. So why should I involve myself ... But dispite all the excuses I was simply running away from this.
"Sigh ... Ok Ok ... If you can't help me with that then do you think you can help me with this little side project. You own Hitogami that much"
What was he talking about about ... I ... owned that bastard. He used me like a tool and when I was of no use, he threw me away.
But Geese went on and on how much I own him. How I never would have gotten my demon eye without him and leave the demon continent. How I never would have met Master Lilly if I didn't follow his advice to search the Red Dragons Mountains at the time. He even gave me tips on how to raise Nyla.
I hated to admit it ... But I guess I did own him. So I agree to a certain point.
I made it a point to tell Geese that after this I am done with this. Even Stevens. It seemed Geese wanted to argue but I didn't let him and told him to get on with it.
Geese wanted to kidnap Rudy's mom to blackmail him to give up. That's what he told me at the time. That if we simply get Rudy away from the clutches of Orsted then Hitogami would leave them alone.
I agreed. I thought I could keep the situation under control so that Rudy's mom wouldn't be hurt or abused.
It was rather simple. Me and Geese met up with Rudy at different times to not raise suspicion. Rudy was always trusting of me and I was good friends with Cliff as well.
I suggested Wendy specifically since she couldn't read to help take care of the house Rudy and the others were staying at.
The goal was to get Aisha out of the way. I know that eventually in their stay they would have to replenish their supplies.
Aisha being the micro manager as she is couldn't leave it to Wendy since she couldn't read. It was then I told Geese it was now the moment to strike.
He played off as he just wanted to take Miss Zenith out for a walk around town.
Of course Aisha would make the right play. To go straight to the adventurer district. It made sense, it was the most efficient path.
But I knew that she knew to think that way so me and Geese made the double effort to go through the Divine District to escape. It was a few extra steps but we got her in a warehouse when Geese went off to play his part.
"Geese what is the meaning of this! I thought you said we were going to hold her ransom to get Rudy to back off, not hand her over to the Latreias"
"Calm down calm down. This is just insurance, I need to know what the boss has packing, just in case this little plan fails"
"Grrrrr ... What are you talking about? This was not what we agreed upon. DAMMIT! ... What are you planning Geese don't tell me this is all a misdirect ... DAMMIT!"
I kick a wooden box in frustration.
This whole operation was going south. I didn't want to make myself an enemy of Rudy but if he finds this out then he will hate me.
"Well, what's done is done. What would be the boss's next step."
"Sigh" I stratched the hair on my head in annoyance.
By the end of it, it was my idea to let Rudy build his board. And then with a fellow board sweep get him into a fight with the Temple Knights.
It made me feel sick. Betraying Rudy's trust. Outplaying Aisha. It made me sick to my stomach.
As I was in my nusianing state. Something happened to get Geese shock.
I didn't noticed it at the time since I was in the corner of the warehouse thinking, disgusted with myself. Like what I used to as a child.
Someone got up to approach me.
It was Miss Zenith. It wasn't strange she would get up and walk, she could do at least that but she needed to be guided.
But here she was walking on her own ... Towards me.
"Zenny?" Geese didn't know what to do as he simply let her approach me.
When I noticed her and turned, she was already kneeling on my side.
"W-what ... Do you ... Want?"
"Uwahhhh ... Goooo?"
"Huh?"
I knew she couldn't talk, but it felt like she wanted to say something.
"Agoo?"
She reached out her hand to ... Caress my cheek. It was such a sweet and tenderly touch.
I froze
"Agoo. Uwahhhh goo"
I don't know why I acted the way that I did. But I ...
"AHHHHHHHHH! GET AWAY FROM ME!!"
I began to hyperventilate. I pushed her away in fear. Why was she freaking me out.
When I think back on it now it was almost like she was saying 'It's ok. Your fighting hard. Aren't you?'
And that ... scared me for some reason.
Why did her touch feel so familiar?
Why was she looking at me like that? No she should be pissed I'm using her against her son after all.
I didn't know what was going on?
I didn't remember much about what happened after that as I immediately left the place. I was done with all of this. With Hitogami. With Orsted.
No more ... No more ... I'm done
If those two want to go ahead and kill each other then let them. No skin off my back. In fact isn't this just some vendetta between the two. Would the world really end of one of them died. I wasn't sure but I didn't want to be a part of it anymore.
So what did I do when the going got tough. I ran away like the pathetic coward I was. To let someone else handle the mess.
I left Geese to his own devices and eventually Rudy was able to get his mother back ... Thank goodness.
I'm sorry Rudy. I don't expect you to forgive me.
So now where was I after all that hard work of training and bettering myself. I was just mindlessly traveling, on the run.
It was pretty pathetic actually. After all those years I was just back at square one.
Alone, simply just surviving day by day. I was no different than that small dragonic creature that traveled through the demon continent alone.
Nothing changed.
Well that was until.
"Hiya!"
". . . . ."
"What no hi, no I'm sorry for being such a failure. No crying"
This was what I was afraid of. Why I was having trouble sleeping after that day in Millis.
I might want to be done but that didn't mean he would let me go so easily.
"W-what do you want?"
"Ehehehe ... Well I'm in a bit of a pickle and I decided to give you one last chance to redeem yourself"
"What!?"
He wanted me to do the unthinkable ... He wanted me to ...
I drifted away from that train of thought.
No ... Never.
But what led me to the path I am on now.
It was Rudy's letter ... Even back then after meeting Hitogami that one last time, Rudy had sent me a letter telling me the situation and then telling me where to meet up with him and his allies in the Beheiril Kingdom.
I guess in the long run Rudy could never put two and two together that I was one of Hitogami Apostles.
I guess Rudy can be dense when it came to matters like that. I believe that was what made me feel more sick, that I had Rudy's trust and I stepped on it.
But not anymore.
Rudy's letter made me realize something in all my self loathing. I care not for Hitogami and I care not for Orsted. Frankly speaking they can go somewhere else and fight it out.
I chose neither Hitogami's side nor Orsted side. Rudy is my friend and if he is asking for help then I will answer his call. For in this matter, I will be on Rudy's side.
When I read his letter ... It all clicked to me. Geese and his allies were being used as bait to lure Rudy and the others away.
Like a snake waiting patiently for birds to leave so he can snack on the eggs. Hitogami was planning the same. Was this part of Geese's stragedy too ... No from what I knew of him, he was more honorable than that.
But I knew how much of a scumbag Hitogami is. How he can play very undermining. I knew exactly what to do as I hopped on Nyla and headed straight for Rudy's home before it was too late.
* * * * *
The plan was simple.
Foil any plans that Hitogami had in store and help out Rudy. After which I will separate myself from my friends as repentance.
Heh ... But I suppose Rudy didn't leave me alone no matter how much I tried.
He would send me letters. About what he was up to, his children, etc.
Sometimes because of the way I traveled from place to place, I would receive the letters randomly and not in order.
Like how I got a letter about his vacation in Millishion but then later about the birth of Chris and Lily. It was a bit odd to piece out the timeline.
I rose my palm up to the ceiling of my room I was staying at and close it into a first.
"Hmmm"
I made a promise to myself.
"I'll make it up to you Rudy. I'll make sure Aisha-chan stays safe and makes it back home, safe and sound"
And with that the young man drifted to sleep determined to make it up to his good friend. The friend who he betrayed and the one who never gave up on him.
* * * * *
Aisha Greyrat
Elsewhere within the same home. Two other individuals were still awake as well.
"Well that's that"
She slams the old book shut as she just finished telling the story of the legendary hero Ars.
"Though this had a bitter ending to it, I prefer a much more happier ending"
". . . . ."
"Is something the matter Ars? I only read this because you requested it but" She looked at the book as she can tell from its cover seems to be quite old and it was written in the Fighting God Tongue.
"Where did you get this? I don't recall us having a book this old in the house"
"I-I got it from Orsted's place"
"Really now, you know you shouldn't be taking things without permission"
"No its not like that. I was with Papa in his office when it caught my eye and he said I could take it if I wanted"
"I see"
Silence came as Ars was kicking his feet off of Aisha thighs when ...
"Aisha-nee ... What is happiness?"
"Huh? ... Oh umm ... I suppose it's when a man and woman get married"
"What is marriage exactly?"
"When a man and woman live together, eat together, under the same roof, and they make babies ..."
"How are babies made?"
Ack ...This kid. I suppose he is getting at that age.
"Oh ... Umm ... How do I explain this. Perhaps you should ask White-mama or Blue-mama for a good explanation. They could -"
"Aisha-nee why aren't you married?"
"I had no prospects. I mean I loved your Papa I suppose. But it would be inappropriate now, we are siblings after all. Sigh"
It seemed Ars had a sour face right now. Of course, after all, Aisha just plainly stated that her first love was his father of all people. Though the question if Aisha still feels that way remains to be questioned.
What has brought up all these questions?
It was a sign that he was growing up and for some reason it made Aisha heart ache. For what reason she didn't know why herself.
Silent came over the room again as Ars just taps his feet on her thighs again.
"Papa brought up the subject of marriage"
"Huh?"
"Papa said that I should get along his friend Ariel kids and if I wanted to go marry then it can be arranged"
Ars downcast his view as he tried to work up his confession.
"I-I see"
This was the first time of her hearing about this. Of course it made sense when she think about. Marrying off the first born son to strengthen ties with their alliances was a go to move. But ...
Just the thought of Ars, a troublesome kid she raised since birth, leaving the nest. Cause her heart even greater ache and her chest tightened.
"W-well ... It only makes sense ... You are the first son after all ..."
"But ... But to someone I don't even know!"
Oh I see ... Hehe ... This chicky brat ... He probably wants to marry someone with big breast so of course he has his offenses.
"It's ok .. if you don't want to just muster up all your courage and tell Papa you don't want to and I'm sure he will understand"
It seemed Ars wanted to say something.
"W-well, what kind of person would you like to marry. If you want you can leave it to me to-"
Just then Ars muster up all his courage as he turned to face her
"I wanna marry Aisha-nee!"
"Huh?!" Aisha lost her composure a bit as she got a bit flustered.
"Ummm"
She didn't know how to react. Ars just kept looking at her with his serious eyes.
Wah
Of course that was not the first confession she had received. Working in the Mercenary company, she received a lot of confessions. And those people had the same look Ars had.
This boy was ... Serious
And again her heart tightened.
This boy since she raised since birth, was the closest relationship she had. Actually now that she thinks about it ... He spared a striking resemblance to her big brother. Not her big brother now but when they had their first reunion and he rescued her in her time of need.
Aisha face stiffened as it was beginning to get flushed.
He was so cool back then. He rescued me like some hero. He was calm and collected. And when he learned I had a distaste for my brother he acted all goofy and embarrassed and tried to come up with a disguise. He was putting my feelings into the mix. It was at that time I thought. If I have to be a maid then I wouldn't mind serving this man for the rest of my life. In fact that's exactly what I did ... Hehehe
But here was Ars confessing his love to me. It made my chest tighten, that which any of the other confessions failed to do.
What should I do? How happy would I be if I just blow caution to the wind and let this feeling take hold of me?
But ...
"Hehe ... Thanks, but no"
She restrained herself.
"Even though it made me very happy to hear it from you. We shouldn't. Our relationship is similar to that of siblings as well. And I'm pretty sure Papa, the mamas, the grandmas would disapprove"
"But why?! ... Unless you hate me"
"No no not that. Your confession made me very happy Ars"
Aisha wrapped her arms around him. The ritual that would help ease his tension. But this time it didn't.
"Trust me ... When you grow up, you will find someone better ... Okay"
"Emm"
They hugged but Ars felt something different. That which he wasn't sure what but it was there ...
The relationship between Ars Greyrat and Aisha Greyrat will never be the same. It will change dramatically ....
Or so it should have.
But call it fate or misfortune. But a new path has been opened up and Aisha will not be able to fall for the temptation of the young Ars' advances ... For she departs tomorrow morning.