As the major had calmed the villagers down enough that they wouldn't attack, he turned his gaze to the soldiers. His eyes were cold even after saying what he did, he felt nothing but anger towards them. Among all the villagers, the major was the one who had known Kenzo the longest. He was the one who took care of Theia after the deaths of her parents. He was the one who had the closest bonds with the family, yet he had to act like none of it mattered. Because if the villagers saw his anger, that we wanted to fight, they wouldn't hesitate to attack them. And if they did it would be nothing but a bloodbath. They would get slaughtered in seconds. He could feel the tension in the air like ice against the back.
"Do you have a leader?" He said in his usual calm voice, eyes fixed on the soldiers. "If so, I would like to speak with him." Some of the soldiers glared angrily at him, annoyed at his lack of respect, while others knew that something was off and stayed quiet. The major could make out a figure passing through the group. As he walked out into the sunshine, the major could make out his appearance. His hair was shining auburn, his eyes blue as the sea. His face was friendly, warm, welcoming. He was the kind of person you trusted without even knowing him. He wore shining light armor over his clothes. But different from the others it wasn't made of steel, it was made of leather. His clothes were made up of white shirt, black pants and a hood that went down to under his knees. The hood was a dark blue color that matched his eyes. The major couldn't help but be reminded of Kenzo. There wasn't much resemblance between them but still something felt off. A feeling he tried to shake off but it never truly vanished.
"I can see we have come at a bad time. I apologize for that, but I would too like to have a word with you." He bowed slightly, his voice warm. "If it suits you, I'd prefer our conversation to be private. I hope that isn't too much to ask." The major was left breath taken. He had never met a soldier who acted like this, not even Kenzo. He had always thought of soldiers as harsh or strict people - with Kenzo as an exception - but he was nothing like that. The leader tilted his head slightly, wondering if he had been heard. The major hold back his train of thoughts, face burning red. He looked back at the villagers to make sure they weren't stupid enough to do something. When he was met with slight nods, he looked to the leader once again and nodded himself.
They backed a little away from the funeral, far enough not to be heard, but close enough to keep an eye on the villagers and soldiers. The major opened his mouth to speak but the leader was a bit faster.
"I'm sorry for intruding, but do you mind explaining to me what's going on?" His voice was still warm, but with a hint of concern. He sighed, took a deep breath and explained.
"3 days ago, some soldiers who were passing by killed some of our people." His voice was low barely more than a whisper. He looked the soldier right in the eyes. He could see his eyes flicker.
"I'm sorry I didn't know. I…" he didn't get any further before the major cut in.
"I can't blame you for what happened, it's not like you're the one who did it. But that doesn't mean that I trust you nor like you" he paused. "They took something important away from this village and its people. Even if you weren't directly responsible, you're still a soldier and who's to say you won't do something similar." The soldier looked to the ground not able to meet the major's gaze.
"Where?" he whispered, "Where are they?"
"If you're referring to the soldiers responsible you don't have to worry, they are dead" he answered coldly. "They were killed by one of the victims known as Kenzo." At this he flinched. He looked up, hands trembling. Breath short.
"Did you say Kenzo?"