I don't run, let's just say.....I can't.

The flames in the furnace went out and silence filled the room, they could hear the sound of their own breathing. Ryu took a peek at Ken's serious face and started walking towards a Katana type Soul sword.

I told you that this Soul sword was forged by our ancestors seven generations back, by Ray Takahashi. It has been 182 years since it was forged. He was a master blacksmith, an S-Rank protector with a Griffin spirit and also the man who stood by the first Shadow guardian. This sword was forged here, in this very own workshop. This isn't only a shop, it is an antique, it is our family's history and I as for one, cannot close it or abandon it."

"I shall protect it till the very end, as long as I am breathing."

"But the times are different, the balance that was forged by the seven guardians is no more and I as a father can't let my only son die trying to preserve history disregarding his future, it is my job to protect it or die trying... but you must survive and when that day comes take the Soul sword and your mother and run, be careful never to unsheathe it...you are no protector."

"And Shin.....we have been living together only for a month, but I know Ken looks up to you as a brother. If the day comes and you are still here living with us, I want you to run along with them, if you care about them even a little."

"I know you are going to argue with me Ken, but this is something you must do. Let me die in peace...knowing that you won't follow me to the other world and our ancestral history is safe with its own bloodline. It's your responsibility as a son and a carrier of our bloodline."

Ken had only silence to offer to his father, he didn't utter a word with only one question running in his mind 'Isn't there another way?'

"Sorry.....but I don't run when darkness comes my way....or you can say.....I can't." Shin interrupted the silence.

"Ken has a responsibility as a son just like you said, Mr. Takahashi."

"But I have a vow to fulfill, a vow that extends till my last day, just like you have a reason to stay back....I have my own reason as well."

"So, let me alter the plan you suggested a little bit Mr. Takahashi. Ken will take his mother and run with the Soul sword and he would do so, only if the city's defenses have lost." Shin was looking out of the window towards the sky in the direction where the great city which was guarded by the sixth guardian, Tristina once laid.

The father and son pair that were in front of Shin were dumbstruck, a person who always emitted an aura screaming someone to kill him if they could....announced that he had a vow to withhold, a reason to live.

Ryu and Ken tried to avoid bringing up Shin's past as they predicted something traumatic happened with him. The family decided not to pry him to tell his story, they decided that they would give him time to unfold his story to them willingly when the time is right.

Shin didn't utter anything else regarding his vow. Ryu and Ken were always in a confusion, what could the story of a man who always traveled alone could be. They were now perplexed beyond their threshold point as they have another mystery in their head.

"I know you have always had questions about me and my past, it is only natural that you would.....but you never uttered a word about it. If the need to talk about my past ever comes, I will reveal my past. Thank you for never doubting my nature even though I maintained a shady profile."

"Why are you saying it, like you are going to die tomorrow?"

"Its just that I didn't want to regret not telling you and part suddenly due to unknown circumstances."

'Just like it happened then...' he whispered to himself.

"Well...sudden circumstances are a part of life, but try to fight the odds as much as you can Shin."

"I can't breathe anymore in this heavy atmosphere anymore dad....why don't we take the day off, we are in no hurry in finishing any order today. Mr. Wakanabe's sword is finished anyways."

"Sounds good to me... and Shin, you don't need to work on any swords tomorrow morning, I need you to look after Mr. Wakanabe's 6 yr old daughter. His wife died a month ago and the little girl is frantic thinking she is going to lose her father too, so Mr. Wakanabe decided to take her with him where ever he can, until she calms down."

"It might take around 2-3 hrs for us to discuss about the shipments as he alone is supplying us all the materials for our shop. Just tell her a story or something while I and Ken take care of the business."

"A Story huh... got it Master Ryu, I am guessing we are going to start forging the Soul Sword after lunch then..."

"Yes....It has been quite some time since I forged a Soul sword and I am getting grumpier everyday. I need you both to help me out with energy transition phase....understood."

"Got it" Both Ken and Shin answered in unison.