Shackles of Guilt III

It hurts. It hurts. It hurts so much.

Tears started falling uncontrollably. I tried my best to halt its flow from my eyes, but ultimately, it was just a futile attempt. It kept falling with no end. There was no wound on my body, so why am I feeling pain?

Questions flooded my mind.

Why?

Why is it always me?

Why is it that this always have to happen to me?

Why is it that everyone that I care about always die?

...

I walked in through the gates of the Capital. As far as my eyes could see, there were people. Tons of people. It was really an eye-opener, how the entire population living in Capital is easily almost like hundred times the population of people living in my village. Some were in rags, while others were in fancy dresses and smart attires. It seems that there is an evident income gap within the population. I can't help but be in awe. It appears that Ieyasu's descriptions of the Capital were not exaggerations. I kept walking, all the while my eyes darted to whatever that catches my eyes.

It didn't take me long before I realise that I have been on the receiving end of stares. People were looking towards me. I decided to dismiss it as their curiosity. My eyes continue glancing around. I found someone at the corner of the street, staring at me. Unlike the stares of the other, his stare was unnerving. It was as if he was eyeing his prey. My gaze lingered on him for a while longer. I blinked. The next thing my brain was able to discern was that he had vanished. Still feeling uneasy, I continue walking onwards, not letting my guard down.

As I walk, my brain started working. I start pondering the various possibility of what happened. Why was he staring at me like that? Have I met him before? Could it be that I have something he wants? Am i imagining things? He was staring at me, that is a fact. His intentions are unclear, but he wants something from me. That is the most I can discern. It may cause me some trouble in the future. I think it is best if I be more cautious from now on.

With nothing but questions and no answer, I arrived at my destination. I have yet to see Ieyasu and Sayo since arriving, so I assume they intend to meet me after being recruited. The Military's recruitment house. I pushed open the door, only to be greeted by a long line of people, with what I assume to have the same intentions as me. I signed. This is going to take a while.

…

Finally. After what I assume to be 3 hours, I was now at the front of the long line.

I walked up to one of the desks. Without any questions whatsoever, he passed a form towards me. It seems he has been doing this all day. I picked up that sheet of paper and read whatever was written there. I was given education, courtesy of my parents. It included all subjects. HIstory, Geography, Mathematics, Science, Language etc. Although I was only taught the mere basics. I can still remember everything they have taught me, even till today, even though it was discontinued eight years ago by their deaths. They did have various technique to make me remember, even though some of it wasn't pleasant. I looked at the paper in my hands. I was offered the position of private. Pretty low position. I did inquire if there was any way for me to attain a higher position. The result was some complaints and me being chased out.

That went well. If Sayo was here, she would have been able to handle this more efficiently. I really miss them. I wonder if they are somewhere safe and warm right now. Since this job is no longer available to me, I might as well attain another job. Money don't grow on trees. It has to come from somewhere. I pondered the other job options that I have.

"Hey, you. The brown haired boy in front of me." A voice sounded from behind me.

I turned towards the source of the voice. I was now facing a yellow haired lady. Two long bangs frames the side of her head. She wore a rather revealing outfit. I assumed her profession would be a lady of the night. Though that title doesn't seem to be fitting, considering it was only late afternoon right now.

"Err, I'm sorry, but I'm underage!" I declined her offer. I adopted a small smile, trying my best to not blush at what I had just said.

"What? What are you talking about?" came the reply, all the while her face was blushing. "Anyways, were you rejected from joining the Imperial Army?"

"Somewhat. Apparently asking whether having a higher starting position results in a ban from entering this profession."

"Tell you what. I can help you get into the Imperial Army, or a small payment."

"Really?" I pretended to sound excited. Someone is offering their help, even if it sounds too good to be true. This just screams fishy. If something can be attained so simply, then everyone in this world would be able to get what they want. That's the first lesson our mentor taught to me when he was teaching us about combat and how it is just like our lives. Since she is trying to help, I might as well entertain her. Maybe I can be also get some information on the Capital while I'm at it.

Before I knew it, I was at a bar, giving the blonde, who introduces herself to be Leone, a treat.

"Basically, if you want to make it big here, you need two things. Money and connections."

What a corrupt society it is. I sure hope this doesn't happen in every part of the society.

Thinking that I have heard enough and somewhat already guessed her motives, I hand her a small bag of gold.

"Here is some money to help me get into the army. Though I am not going to put too much hope in it. It's okay if it doesn't work. Take the money as a form of thanks."

I was about to stand up and leave, when my eyes land on a certain someone. It was the same person whom I saw staring at me from before. Now that he was up close, I was able to make out some of his features. White hair, pale blue eyes. Noticing me staring at him, he gave me a slight smile before pushing open the door. My eyes were wide open in shock. This couldn't be a coincidence, could it? There is a possibility of him following me throughout the day. Is he calling me out? I ran out of the door, hoping to catch up to him and question him. My mind tells me to find out more, but another part of it tells me to be careful. There is no way to confirm that he could be luring me into a trap, whatever it was for.

"Well, something cropped up so I may have to leave. I'll see you around. I would check the office tomorrow to see if it worked. Bye!" Giving an excuse, I left.

Bursting out of the door of the bar, I looked everywhere, hoping to find that guy. I need to find that man. The sun looks like it's about to set soon. If I wants to call someone out, I would choose somewhere with less people. This allows the person who I am calling out to be able to see me easily. I looked around. He was nowhere to be seen.

The road on the left seems to have fewer people as compared to the road on the right. Clinging onto this reasoning, I ran towards the left road. I kept running, looking into each alleyway as I pass by. I was still unsuccessful in finding that man.

I need a more efficient way of finding that man.

I jumped onto the nearest roof and searched. There were still no signs of the man.

"Were you perhaps looking for me?"

Someone spoke. It appears that he was behind me. How? I didn't even notice his presence. When did he take my back?

On instinct, I reached for my blade as I turned around, only to notice that it was no longer there. I looked up at the person. It was him. His hair partially covered one of his eyes and his fringe ends at the eyebrows covering his entire forehead. He wore a white long sleeved coat with blue lines on the edges of the coat, which matches his facial features. My short sword was in his hands. I didn't even realise he took my weapon until I need it.

"Why were you staring at me back then?"

I asked him bluntly. This guy is dangerous. Being able to take my back and my weapon without me realising it. He could have killed me anytime he wanted to and I wouldn't even realise it. He also knew that I would come finding him. He correctly predicted my actions, and even took the trouble of making contact with me.

"Pardon?"

"Don't play dumb, I saw you looking at me. I don't think it's a coincidence that I saw you again at the bar."

"What makes you so sure of what you claim?"

"I don't have concrete proof, only assumptions. The fact we are having this meeting right now, could mean that you were able to predict my actions correctly. If all the encounters were coincidences, we would not be having this meeting right now. You knew what I was going to you and you deliberately hid yourself from me."

I labeled it as an assumption, since it was based on my speculations. It was really risky, but it is good enough to get him to confess, probably. Maybe I can also ascertain his intentions.

"And should what you say be correct, what's there to prevent me from killing you?"

"You possess extraordinary skills. You could have killed me anytime. You could have killed me when you took my back just now. I won't ask again. What do you want?"

There was a moment of tensed silence. Eventually, he started speaking once again.

"Sheesh, you are smart. I give you that. All I wanted was simply your help with something. In exchange, I will give you the location of your friends."

He lifted his right hand, and made some hand gesture while he was speaking. Maybe it was his attempt to dispel the tensed atmosphere while making himself seem friendly? That wasn't what caught my attention though. There was a scar on his right hand. On the back of his hand, was a scar, fashioned like a cross. If I wasn't mistaken, my mentor did mention he had a friend we could ask for help from if we require it. If my memory serves me well, his name was…..Hikari?

"Just a question though, but can I ask whether your name is Hikari?"

There was a look of surprise on his face. It was expected. Someone who you don't know knows your name. You would be surprised at the very least.

"Yes…..and where did you get that name from?" The last part was spoke with traces of killing intent. I found myself momentarily unable to breathe, before I recovered.

"There was a retired soldier in my village who told us that we can approach the person with that name should we find ourselves in trouble. If I wasn't wrong his name is Shinya."

The killing intent coming from him disappeared instantly, just like how it appeared.

"I see. So it's that old geezer. Well, he has been causing me a lot of trouble. Looks like he never changed. Kid, what is your name?"

"Tatsumi."

"Alright Tatsumi. This may come as a shock to you, but your friends are actually kidnapped. Their lives are in danger as we speak. I can't prove my words to you. If you trust me, I can bring you to where they are. You don't even have to pay me."

" My friends are kidnapped? What, if you know this piece of information, doesn't that mean that you watch them get kidnapped?"

"Yeah, I did. What are you gonna do about it? Kill me?"

"No. I'm already thankful that you told me this information. If you hadn't, I would not have known of their plight. I need to save them. Please, can you lead me to where they are right now?"

"Sure, follow me."

...

" So, this is where they are?" I asked Hikari. I received a nod of affirmation.

" This property belonged to the Harvard household. Their family has done much research on medicine, which were always very effective. They even had a company that specialises on the research and production of medicine. It is actually thanks to them that most illnesses out there can be cured."

"So, why are my friends kidnapped by them?"

"I think you should know why. Where do you think they test new medicine on before releasing it?"

I was shocked. My friends were kidnapped just to be test subjects. Guinea pigs.

I was going to run forwards, towards the guards and slaughter everyone inside of the house, but someone stopped me.

"Calm down. You need a plan. Not everyone here is responsible. Some might just be caught up in their evil doings. They are merely earning a living for their families."

"Then what should I do?" I asked him. Anger is now evident within my tone.

"Sneak in. Find the culprits. Deliver justice. Or something along those lines."

"That doesn't sound like a reliable plan. I just go find where my friends are."

We sneaked past the two guards and headed inside. Hikari has now changed into a long sleeved black coat with bright purple on the edges. He was equipped with a blade and a variety of other tools.

With my blade in hand, I moved down the maze within the mansion. I have made sure to cat my blade with poison that my mentor made or me. Eventually, our paths split. Hikari, claiming that he need to check something out, decided to go somewhere else within the mansion.

I don't mind working by myself. I feel that working alone helps to improve efficiency in battle. This never worked out whenever Sayo and Ieyasu were around.I moved through the halls, avoiding the guards on duty. I put extra effort to ensure my footsteps weren't heard. Eventually, I found two guards talking. One of them was talking about how he tortured someone back in his days in the military, while the other was listening attentively. Thought I could see that he had traces of disgust on his face. As silently as possible, I went behind them and knocked the first guard out. I moved my blade to the second guard. With the blade placed on his throat, I began questioning him on the location of my friends. I took some time, but eventually I was able obtain the information I need. Knocking him out, I moved the two guards into an empty room nearby started running, towards the back door in the mansion. It appears Sayo and Ieyasu was kept in the warehouse outside the mansion.

All of the memories I spent with the two of them started pouring into my mind. Every time Ieyasu and I got into trouble. Every time we were chided my Sayo for doing stupid pranks on her. Even the times we went adventuring in the forest on the outskirts of the village. There was memories we spent with our mentor, sleeping over at his place on many occasion, staying up late and telling us stories. If I remembered correctly, Sayo can't handle scary stories. Ieyasu liked stories where the hero saves the princess. I remembered about the memories of the past we had, the promises we made in the present, and the fantasies we made of the future. All of it was going to disappear if I don't save them.

I kept running. Not stopping for anything. Eventually, I reached the back door of the mansion. I opened and ran towards the warehouse. There were some screams coming from the mansion, but I just ignore it. For now, all that matters are my friend's safety.

Opening the door of the warehouse, something foul hit my nose. I pinched my nose. It took quite a while or me to ignore the scent in the air. Using the moonlight that shone through the door, I took a careful look around. My body froze. Everywhere, there were bodies of people. Some were clinging desperately to life, while others were already dead. I ignored all of them. My goal is to find my friends, though it seems like they would not be in a good condition looking at the state of most of the occupants. There was someone hanging before me on cuffs. Her body showed signs of torture. There was something in her hair. Something that I recognised, even though it was partially covered by hair. On her head, was a white flower hair pin.

Sayo.

I sliced at her cuffs, which broke on my first try. Her body slumped to the ground. I laid her on the ground. I stared at her. Her eyes are closed, and she isn't breathing. Maybe she is. I wasn't sure, since my body is shaking right now. I wonder if it was in fear or in anger.

"Tatsumi? Is that you?"

Someone called out to me. I turned towards the source. I found Ieyasu, inside of a cage. There are visible black patches on his body. I went forwards and cut open the cage. I dragged Ieyasu out of the cage. He was breathing heavily, greedily taking in as much oxygen as he can. He doesn't look like as if he is going to survive.

"Sorry, man. Having to make you go through this again. I know how you suffered when your parents died. Actually, Sayo was always looking out for you. She did everything she can to act like a mother to you. She wanted the best for you. I ain't surprised if she said that she fell in love with you. I tried my best to not get ourselves into trouble and also did things to get you to keep your mind away from the death of your parents. Looks like it didn't work." Ieyasu said, occasionally coughing.

"I knew. You guys were never good at hiding your intentions. I figured out what you guys are doing pretty much the moment you approached me. Though, I am still thankful to you guys, for caring about me.

"Hey, bro. Is it okay for me to ask for a favor?"

"Sure."

"Please kill the person responsible. The entire household here did this to all the people in this place. If possible, please kill them. Get revenge for us."

"Of course. That's what i intend to do."

"Also, please get over our deaths."

With that said. He slowly lifted his hand. He made a grabbing motion, before losing all of his strength. He hands fell onto his chest. His breathing slowed and eventually it stopped. He had passed on. All this time, a small smile was etched onto his face.

"Oi, Ieyasu. Don't sleep on the floor, at least sleep somewhere that isn't the floor. Sayo, you too. Aren't you supposed to keep us in order? So why are you joining him." I feel calm. I wanted to cry, but no tears come out.

I thought back to when the village elder introduced me to them.

"This is Ieyasu. Please get along with him, Tatsumi."

I stared at the young boy before me. He was about my age.

"I don't like him." That was my first response regarding him.

My parents died when I was eight. Ever since then, I shut myself in my house. Sometimes I would cry for hours, sometimes I would stone, staring at a spot in the house. Other times i would reminisce the times I shared with my parents. I only leave my house to hunt for food, to receive training from my mentor or just simply to bathe. Since I seldom spoke, most of the children in the village would avoid me. I think I lost my emotions during that period of time. Food was only consumed to gain energy, not because it was delicious or because I liked it.

The village elder would occasionally come over to check up on how I was doing. Obviously, due to my daily routine, the village elder became increasingly worried and decided to help me. One month after my parent's death, I was introduced to Ieyasu. Maybe it's because of his personality, we were always at odds. We fought often. Before I realised, I was showing more and more emotion. We went on adventures, getting ourselves in trouble many times. It wasn't long before we got out of control.

"This young lady before you is Sayo. Please take good care of her."

We were introduced to Sayo three weeks after I met Ieyasu. The village elders, hoping to keep us in check, introduced a girl to the two of us, in hopes of her being able to keep us in check. I was initially wondering how she was to do so, but eventually all of this doubt was thrown out of the window. Sayo was initially shy around us, but gradually opened up. Soon, she got used to Ieyasu's antics and my silent nature. That was how we met.

I looked at their dead bodies. I will come back to collect their bodies to bury them, after I have exacted my revenge. Maybe torture them even. I feel nothing, for now.

I noticed how their belongings were placed on a table within the warehouse. Picking up their weapons, and anything that once belonged to them which seemed useful, I exited the warehouse. The cool night breeze provided no comfort. I looked around. There are two figures in the distance. One of them was a guard while the other was a yellow haired girl. Thinking back to what Ieyasu had said, I assumed that Ieyasu's torturer would be the girl. I raised Sayo's crossbow, inserted an arrow on it and fired at the guard. The guard, which was preoccupied with whatever was behind him, did not see the arrow heading towards him.

The arrow found its way into the man's shoulder, rendering his right hand useless. He turned around and saw me. He lifted the rifle slung around his neck with his other hand and fired at me. I didn't even bother to move. All of his shots landed everywhere but me. Clearly he is not good with his left hand.

Keeping the crossbow away, I ran towards him with Ieyasu's axe in my right hand and my sword in my left, zigzagging to prevent being shot. Once I was close enough, I threw the axe at him. It landed into his skull, and he fell forwards, embracing the earth. I went towards him and with my legs on his head, I pulled the axe out of his skull. Blood dripped down from the axe. The blonde girl with the guard fell to her knees, shocked. I looked at her with my expressionless eyes. I lifted the axe over my head, preparing to deliver the strike.

Something landed behind me. I turned around. The first thing I noticed was the color red. Blood red.