Episode 107: SURPRISE, SURPRISE

[DIVINE REALM-TEACHING CHAMBERS]

{A very large room where new reapers are taken in for practice. The walls are thick, and the ceilings high, with pillars painted in bronze and silver. Despite it being a teaching ground, the chamber is solemn and quiet. Ornaments of plants also decorated the area, and picked older reapers are present to supervise and teach the newcomers.}

Nhairon's heart kept beating quickly, as he makes his way towards Humility, who was busy teaching the new reapers assigned with mowing peaceful souls.

His frustration was clear, and he was tensed for sure. Even the other reapers noticed his different vibe, and that his fingers were somehow shaking.

Nhairon felt nervous. He had never seen someone like that being before. Surely that must meant that he was powerful. Much powerful than him, perhaps. It was a stroke of pure luck that he was able to trick him.

He may not have known who he was or what his abilities were, but thank the heavens that he couldn't track him.

Nhairon kept walking, and the other reapers makes way, bowing before the first rank reaper.

Nhairon makes eye contact with them, then goes directly at the second rank reaper, still unaware of his presence.

When he was close enough, Humility looks at him. And felt a surge of negative emotions coming from the higher ranker. He furrowed his brows, showing deep concern.

HUMILITY: (What could have been the matter with him?)

He spoke inside his mind.

Nhairon stops when they were already facing each other.

He looked serious, that Humility can't help but feel a bit nervous about his sudden change of behaviour. He had never seen him this way.

NHAIRON: We need to talk...in private.

Humility's eyes grew bigger in surprise, and he looks at the reapers around. He points to the exit, telling them to leave them for the meantime. The reapers followed and eventually they were the only ones left.

Nhairon crosses his arms.

HUMILITY: What's the matter? What's all this?

NHAIRON: Well, something happened. Something troubling.

HUMILITY: Then tell me quickly. The suspense, I...I, I can't hold it much longer.

Humility looks at him with a serious worried expression. Nhairon gave a heavy sigh.

NHAIRON: Someone is hunting your friend, Red.

HUMILITY: Well, usually that's nothing new, but...if that 'someone' is enough to make you, uh, well... make that look, I am kind of concerned. Who was that guy?

NHAIRON: Didn't got his name. Because why would he give me his name? That's very stupid. Anyways let's go on to the details.

HUMILITY: Uh-huh. Uh-huh?

NHAIRON: He have feminine features, but undeniably male. He have this...black hair, long enough to cover both his ears. And he have bangs covering his left eye only. The exposed eye however, are crimson red, just like your friend's. He have long lashes, making him look like a soft person. He also have this pale skin. And...well, he was tall and skinny. His voice was rash...and...he can make illusions.

HUMILITY: Wow, how long have you two spent time together? That's impressive.

NHAIRON: Yeah, but...he wanted to get your friend's eye.

HUMILITY: Yeah, I figured. Since...you mentioned he have his other eye covered. What I don't get was why Red even got his eye. That's kinda...unusual.

NHAIRON: Yes. I don't know what type of creature he was either. I can feel negativity in him, but...I am sure...that he is not a demon.

HUMILITY: Well, hearing this...I feel like I need to somehow guard Red, maybe even change Gabby's guardian.

NHAIRON: Isn't he attached to her, though?

HUMILITY: Yes, I know they have a thing for each other but...I can't risk losing my old friend. I need to have him here, until it's safe. That's the safest move. I'm sure Gabby would understand.

NHAIRON: Are you sure Red would approve of this?

HUMILITY: Probably, besides it's only temporary.

NHAIRON: What we're dealing with is an immortal, just like us. Temporary could be a hundred years. Make sure to explain that to Red.

And have the lovebirds a proper Goodbye. You know, they may not see each other again.

HUMILITY: I...I'll do that.

Nhairon sighs one last time, pitying the situation of Red.

NHAIRON: Poor boy, his life sure is a complicated and tangled string of bad luck. I wonder if he'd have a good chapter somehow.

He leaves Humility, who was now thinking of his approach.

How can he tell his friend...that he may not see her alive again?

...

Red felt uncomfortable, watching Gabby sweep the floor in an incredible slow speed. She wasn't even cleaning, just making it worse.

The dirt was just spreading, and it makes Red feel angrier every passing second.

As much as he loves her, this is just too dumb to tolerate.

He was itching to yell at her and grab the broom, but for whatever reason, Gabby looks at him, with the most teasing smile he've seen.

GABBY: Irritated, enough?

RED: Were you doing that on purpose?

GABBY: Maybe?

RED: Damn it, Gabby! I thought you clean like that for real!

GABBY: Happy April fools, Heheh.

RED: Argh, let me take the broom then!

He takes the broom furiously and cleans up, with Gabby too shock to react.

RED: You're a grown woman for God's sake, you need to clean like an adult. Someday, you're gonna be somebody's wife. So you need to know how to do this kind of things.

GABBY: No need to be too serious, it was just a joke.

RED: A bad joke, then.

GABBY: Okay, sorry... I apologize.

Red looks at him, and frowns.

RED: Your humor is not my type of humor.

GABBY: Hey, I told you I'm sorry.

Still no response.

GABBY: Hey, are you mad for real?

He still won't say a word.

GABBY: I told you, I'm sorry...please forgive me. I won't piss you off again, I promise!

He continued sweeping the floor, not even looking at her.

GABBY: Alright then, I...I'll leave you alone for now...sorry again.

She turns to walk to her room, when Red suddenly giggles from the back ground.

RED: Ah, Hahahhah! Ha-Happy April Fools.

Red broke into laughter, while Gabby almost found herself crying. She thought he was angry for real.

Gabby came closer to him, giving him a playful punch on the shoulder.

GABBY: Curse you, I thought that was real.

RED: Pretty convincing, huh?

GABBY: Yeah, very...uh, hey, since it's Spring.

RED: Hm?

GABBY: You remember the time when I told you that we'll celebrate your birthday every spring, right?

RED: And?

GABBY: Do you remember it? What I told you?

RED: Uh, honestly, not really.

GABBY: Oh, well it's fine. But...what date do you like your birthday to be?

RED: Oh. Let's see...

GABBY: Do you want it to be April?

RED: Nope, you're rushing your animation episodes this month, I don't want to be a bother..maybe next month?

GABBY: Great! So what day next month?

RED: Uh, um...I don't know, you pick.

GABBY: Mmm...well, I'm free on May 19.

RED: Yeah, it's okay to me. But don't cook, okay?

GABBY: Ouch. I was planning to cook, you know?

RED: Change it. For the love of God, change your plans. I'd rather have you greet me simply. Also, if you can't do it, it's fine by me. It's okay as long as I know you're good.

GABBY: Awww, I'm touched.

RED: Yeah, whatever.

GABBY: I hope Jinko won't terrorize us again.

RED: He won't. With what Humility gave him, I doubt he'll come back.

GABBY: I, well...I hope so. It's really tiring having to deal with it. Even my parents got worried sick.

RED: *sigh* I...I...I'm sorry it was my fault.

GABBY: Hey! No need to apologize! All you did was protect me!

RED: Well I have a feeling that my presence and your involvement with us is the reason they keep coming back for you. We have been a danger to you, but I can't...simply leave you alone since...they may return, you know?

GABBY: I guess that cannot be denied, still it's none of your fault.

RED: Yeah, well...just...be careful too, okay? Don't wander too far from me.

GABBY: *giggles* As if I could.

Red smiles softly, petting her head like a child, in which Gabby did not protest to.

It felt nice knowing that she's not alone.

...

Night time striked and while Gabby was asleep, Red was reading another novel she currently purchased to keep him busy for the night.

But then his nose came to smell a familiar scent.

Lavander.

Red looked to his front, and there he was, his dear friend, with the saddest look plastered on his face.

RED: What's that look for?

HUMILITY: There's something I want to tell you, it's very important. So calm down, okay?

RED: When you said it like that, I'm freaking out more. Just spill the beans, dude.

Humility heaved a long sigh, and walks forward to him.

Whatever he's about to say, Red sure was unprepared to recieve.