A Foe in Town

After a few conflicts Yakura and others finally started to get along. On their way to the next village Yakura asked them about their past with The Absolutes and they agreed to tell.

Shion: Two years ago an army of Death Warriors and their leader come to our town. He said a few things about "protection" and "our own good". And they came to stay, not temporarily. A few of our neighbours gave their home to them. They ate, they slept, they enjoyed. Our town didn't even need protection, we got trouble once or twice a year and they were dealing a lot more damage than anyone else. Our food and homes were enough for us but we had to feed them to. They weren't many but they were eating a lot. And if you are wondering what they did to protect us, not much. Just two or three of patrolling while others enjoying themselves. Their demands were never ending: Food, shelter, tools and even women. The patrollers were not just looking for thugs, they were also chosing who they want to get laid. It was madness but the worst part is nobody was complaining. All people were greatfull to them like they were doing anything. Many people wanted to join them. The leader take them to a test to see if they were worthy. And by "test" I mean he was just beating them up for fun.

I couldn't believe any of those. Everyday my family was talking about how great, how generous they are. My friends were dying to chosen by them.

One day, while I was walking to home, one of the patrollers was staring at me with a nasty smile. I looked away and continued my way, faster. I looked back for a moment, he was following me. I started running and he chased me. He caught me a few minutes away from home. He grabbed one of my hands and pull me to himself. It don't remember a day where I was scared that much. I was screaming and hitting him. There were a few people but they were doing nothing. Well actually I was lucky they didn't help him. He wrapped me with his arm and closed my mouth with the other one. With last struggle, I freed my face and bit his hand. He screamed and let go of my body. I ran as fast as I can. He was yelling that I will pay for this. After I reached home, I explained what happened to my parents. Guess what they told me. "How could you reject him?". While my parents yelling at me, our door knocked. It was him and he brought a few other guys. They were yelling us to open the door. My parents went to the door in the blink of an eye. They were just apologizing and saying that I was just... "SHY"! I rushed to my room, got a few things and ran from home. The only thing good about them being lazy is nobody was around to catch me. I ran for hours, for days. As far away as from there. At that time, I thought I was done for. The money I take from home was about to end and I was too exhausted to go on. I walked with my last strenght and passed out. That's when I met them. Shoo was pouring water to my face and Kohi was holding my hand.

Akira: Heey! What about me?

Shion: Yeah, he was there too.

Akira: Thanks.

Shion: After that, I told them everything happened to me. Where I came from, from who I ran away. They understand me and accepted me. You know the rest.

Akira: All right, it is my turn.

Yakura: I'm afraid you have to wait cause we have arrived.

Akira: Aaaaaaawwww.

Yakura: Wait! I sense trouble.

Akira: What is it? Are the people here are angry or something?

Yakura: No. There is an army here, Absolutes'.

Akira: How did you kn... AH, right. You can read mind.

Yakura: That and they seem to be waiting for us down there.

Akira: Uh oh!

Shion: Is it okay to go there?

Yakura: Don't worry. I'll handle this. You two be sure keep Kohi safe.

Shion, Akira: Got it!

Yakura and the others landed to the ground. People were watching them from the windows. Shion and Akira were holding Kohi's hands, looking the environment worriedly. Yakura seemed so calm and unconcerned but he was watching each of them carefully. The leader stood up and the other warriors followed him. He walked slowly to Yakura. After he took a few steps Yakura held his sword and the warriors draw their weapons as well.

Leader: My, my! Seems like we have a troublemaker in our town.

Yakura: "Our"? Since when do you guys own a place you are supposed to "PROTECT"?

Leader: That's none of your damn business! Now answer me! Who are you? You seem like someone capable. Might be usefull under my command.

Yakura: That's not a good behaviour, you know? Shouting to your guests and demanding their name before you intruduce yourself.

Leader: Hah! We got ourselves a smart guy, eh? Very well. I'm Rai. Leader of the Sixth Army. Now it is your turn.

Yakura: Rai? Oohhh... Sixth Army! I heard you were approved a lot by the Absolutes. I think they are nearby, assuming they don't want you away.

Rai: Heheh! Yeah! They like my commandship and skills but they are not s... OH WHAT AM I SAYING? TELL ME WHO THE F*** YOU ARE!

Yakura: Thought I could buy some time talking to you but you know nothing.

Rai: What is the meaning of this?

Yakura: It means The Absolutes don't trust you that much, so they didn't tell you about their hideouts... Well, actually I wonder if they trust anyone.

Rai: YOU BASTARD! I'LL RIP OF YOUR HEA...

Yakura teleported near him and grabbed his hand, preventing him from drawing his sword.

Yakura: Carefull there. You might hurt yourself with that.

Rai: What the? How did you...

Yakura grasped his neck, preventing him to talk. And he turned to the soldiers.

Yakura: If you want your leader in one piece, STAND. BACK.

Yakura unloosed his hand.

Yakura: Now. Let's make a deal.

Rai: What... the f***... do you want?

Yakura: Leave this place immediately. Your help is not required here. Go and never come back.

Rai: HAH! Just who the hell do you think you are? You think we'd ju...

Yakura's hand started to burn. It was just for a few seconds but it was enough to burn Rai's flesh.

Rai: AAAAAAHHHHHH!

Yakura: This is your last warning.

Shion: Yakura, I think you should stop.

Rai: WHAT? YAKURA?!

The soldiers all were shocked. Some of them took a few steps back. Some of them just froze where they are. Many of the people who were watching them closed their windows and hid in thier homes.

Rai: This must be... my lucky... day. I caught the... most wanted... criminal.

Yakura: Caught? Do you really think you have the upperhand in this situation?

Soldier 1: Let him go, you monster!

Soldier 2: Yeah! go back where you belong, if you have one.

Soldier 3: Or we will make you pay!

Yakura: Those idiots. I wanted to end this peacefully but it seems you don't deserve it.

Yakura tightened his hand and Rai's head fell to the ground. Among the screams of the people, the soldiers tried to prepare an attack but Yakura killed them one by one. It took only a few seconds to turn the place to a bloodbath. Everybody around Yakura was shocked. He just wiped out the blood on him.

Shion: You really need to stop doing that.

Yakura: Stop what? Warning the enemy or killing the enemy?

Shion: The killing part. At least make it a little less... savage.

Yakura: That wasn't even close to what savage is. All I did was killing them simply. You can't expect me to kill them so nicely.

Akira: But still, did you really had to do this in front of everyone?

Yakura: I can't deal with the every single problem they have. There will always be some flaws in what I have done. But what I do is for them to have a safe life, not a perfect life. Besides, we are in a wild world. They have to be prepaired in sometime.

Akira: Can't argue with that.

Shion: Yeah... I think so...

Yakura: If you are ready, we search for a different place. I didn't read these people's minds but I have a feeling that they are not gonna listen to us.

Shion: True. Let's go.

Burgher 1: WAIT!

Yakura: What is it?

Burgher 1: I... Uhhhh... Just wanted to... Say... T-Thank you.

Yakura: For what? Getting rid of those idiots or for the show?

Shion: Stop it, will ya?

Yakura: Okay, okay! You are welcome but you are thanking me even though you know who I am?

Burgher 1: I-in this town, w-we don't like T-the Absolutes. W-we h-had no choice but to do w-what they said. You... saved us... a-and it would be better to... listening the story... f-from your side.

Yakura: Well, that's unusual but I'm not complaining. By the way, why are you in such fear. They can't hurt you anymore, you know?

Burgher 1: All that happened was... normal for you?

Yakura: Oh right. Sorry. After everything I've been through, I just got used to it.

Burgher 2: ASK THEM!

Burgher 3: YEAH! TELL THEM!

Yakura: Ask... What?

Burgher 1: We want to... We want you to... have dinner with us.

Yakura: Hmmmm. I appreciate your offer but we don't have time f...

Akira: HEY! Unlike you we require food, you know.

Kohi: YEAH! Let's stay here.

Yakura: I'll get you some food on the road we must hurry.

Shion: Don't you think it is a good chance to find some alliance. Also Kohi could stay here.

Yakura: Good point. OKAY! We are staying here tonight but as soon as the sun rises we will be going.

Kohi: Sun... rises?

Akira: Don't worry. I'll convince him to go a little late... Probably.

People of the town started to prepare everything. They put a lot of tables outside. Some made lunch, some prepaired lightings, there even people who wanted to do traditional dance. Kohi played with other kids, Akira and Shion helped the people. Yakura just sat and rested. He wanted to meditate but Shion told him a lot of times to eat with people. So he decided to do nothing. Except thinking. It was first in a long time that people invited him to dinner. The last time was before his slavery, with his family. He looked into their minds and couldn't find any mischief. But even knowing that they don't have any bad plans. He still felt uncomfortable. He is not used to people accepting him and being gratefull to him. He wasn't sure if it was okay to stay but it was a great chance to find some people and for Kohi. "Kohi". "Am I thinkimg about what I have to do or worrying about him" Yakura thought so. But it was just for a few seconds. He continued sleeping immediately. As for Kowata and Shoo. Shoo adviced to lure some of the monsters by attacking them. He attacked alone and after a little running Kowata hid him. That way, the monsters would go to report what happened. At least that was what Shoo thought.

Shoo: Those damn little bas*****! It has been two hours and they are still looking for me. Just go and call for reinforcements.

Kowata: As much as I liked your plan, I have to admit we missed the point of they being so stubborn.

Shoo: That was just a simple plan. And it failed!

Kowata: It is not about how the plan is. It is about how you think. You are trying to find new ways on your own. It is common to fail at first time, if you try more times.

Shoo: Sure but can I try another time. I feel exhausted.

Kowata: Great timing. Cause I know just a place for us to rest.

Shoo: Which is it?

Kowata: The one where the others are.

Shoo: Really?! Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!

Kowata: As you wish.

They started to fly straight to the town where Yakura and the others are.

It was a great time for Yakura and the others. They ate, chatted and had fun. At least others had fun. Yakura didn't stayed with them much. He ate a little and got to a quite place. While he was resting, the others were telling their stories to the people. Kohi was so tired, he slept early. While they were all passing time, a strange person came from the forest. They all stopped and looked to him. Cause he was no ordinary person. He had a gray skin, some places of his body had thorns. And he had two big swords on his back.

Stranger: MY, MY! HAVING FUN AREN'T WE. I NEVER THOUGHT SUCH THING COULD HAPPEN WHEN YAKURA IS AROUND.

Yakura sensed his presence a while ago but didn't react at all. Even when his mind is blocked. And after he arrived, Yakura just ignored him. People started mumbling. Akira stood up.

Akira: What is it you want. From the way you talk, I think you are not here to hang out.

Stranger: What happened to you, Yakura? Did you lost your tongue? Or are you scared that your friends talk for you?

Yakura: Not sure if we became friends.

Akira: After all we have been through? Can't you ju... Wait a minute! That's not the point here. Who the hell is this guy.

Yakura: He is Hibake. A soldier of The Absolutes.

Hibake: It is an honor for me that you remembered my name. I am so gratefull right now.

Yakura: Cut the sarcasm. That's my job.

Shion: And why are you here?

Yakura: That's actually obvious. The thing I am curious about is, why are you here ALONE. Didn't get enough last time?

Hibake: Ohh! I get enough but when I'm done with you, you'll wish you had done more than enough to me.

Hibake ran a few meters and jumped to the crowd. Yakura teleported in front of him and kicked him to the ground. People started to panic and scream. Shion and Akira tried to calm them down and get them to a safe place. Hibake pulled out his swords and in response, Yakura pulled out his sword as well. Hibake's swords started to glow like they were heated. He slowly walked to Yakura and striked. Yakura blocked the two swords by holding his sword horizontally. Both struggled a few seconds then Yakura swung his sword and pushed Hibake back. Hibake ran again and this time he struck repeatedly. But it was no use, Yakura was countering them easily. Hibake tried to take advantage of his two swords against Yakura's only sword by attacking faster. In return he focused on attacking too much, Yakura found his openning. Yakura swung his sword and one of Hibake's swords flew of. They stopped attacking. Hibake was breathing heavily, Yakura was just waiting for another attack. Hibake prepared himself and ran towards Yakura. Yakura swung his sword again and Hibake's other sword flew very high. Yakura jumped and kicked the sword. Hibake barely dodged the sword. Hibake clenched his fists and ran again to Yakura. Yakura put his sword back and waited. Hibake tried to hit his face but Yakura grabbed his arm. Hibake pulled his arm back and freed his hand. He tried to land another blow but Yakura blocked it too. He tried many times but it was no use. Yakura got bored and punched Hibake's head. He rolled a few meters and stand up. He looked his surroundings but couldn't see Yakura. Suddenly he got hit but he couldn't saw what hit him. He only felt a punch and heat. While Hibake was trying to stand up Yakura attacked again and again. Yakura was hitting him repeatedly. From front, behind, up and more. Finally Hibake fell to his knees. He tried to stand up but failed. Yakura appeared in front of him. Hibake looked to him. Yakura leaned a bit and brought his face closer to him.

Yakura: Meep Meep!

Hibake: Haaaahh. Your... your monstrosity will end eventually. Not by me but someone. Now kill me, finish what you didn't do last time.

Yakura: Wow wow! Aren't you getting a little... over dramatic?

Hibake: Enough with your nonsense. Just finish me already.

Yakura: I mean, I could have killed you last time. Aren't you wondering why I didn't do it that time.

Hibake: Well. It is hard to accept but you are a smart guy. You probably had a plan.

Yakura: Naah. That's not it. Those soldiers, blinded fools. I'm not even mentioning the golems, dead soldiers and the others since they are the creations of The Absolutes. But you are different from them.

Hibake: Hah! How's that?

Yakura: You are also blinded but you have a reason or reasons. They just do whatever they want under the name of Absolutes or they just worship power. But you... you are not like them, right? You know what pain is, you know what it is like to be not accepted.

Hibake: WHAT DO YOU KNOW OF ME?!

Yakura: More than you think I would know.

Hibake: Get to the point.

Yakura: I don't really see you as an enemy. I just think you are misguided. So don't be stubborn and at least listen to...

Hibake: CUT THAT C***! DID YOU REALLY THINK I'D BELIEVE YOU? SEEMS LIKE YOU ARE NOT AS SMART AS I THOUGHT. AND KNOW THIS, SAY WHATEVER YOU WANT I WILL NEVER EVER JOIN YOU!

Yakura: I was just about to say, listen to the story from my side. You just know the story's one side. Before you say that I'm a monster, you must know the both sides of the story.

Hibake: I. DON'T. NEED. TO!

Yakura: Very well. If you change your mind just uhhh... make a signal... or something. Now you are free to go, again.

Hibake: I will not fall for th...

Yakura: AAAHHHH! I GOOOOT IT! You don't trust me but think about it. I had the chance to kill you last time. Just think I have mercy or something and go already. I will not backstab you cause it is kind of pointless. Considering your condition.

Hibake: This time, I'll accept yo...

Yakura: Okay. See ya!

Hibake: WHY? WHY? WHY IS THAT HE IS SHOWING ME MERCY? I AM CERTAIN, HE DIDN'T WANTED TO KILL ME! BUT WHY? WHY?

Hibake stood up and walked away. While he was walking, he looked back and saw how Yakura was helping people. He got angry again and walked faster. With many questions.

People asked Yakura who that man was. Yakura told them he was just some angry guy from the past. That didn't convince Akira and Shion but they didn't ask any questions. While they were helping the people to clean the place, Shoo and Kowata came.

Shoo: Hey guys! How have you been?

Akira: SHOO! Its good to see you again.

Shoo: Yes my friend. It hasn't been a lot of time but I have missed you guys a lot. So did you gathered anyone?

Shion: Not yet but atleast we found this place for Kohi to stay.

Shoo: That's good. By the way, where is he?

Shion: Sleeping. He played a lot with the other kids.

Shoo: Really? I'm glad he made himself some friends.

While they were talking, Kowata came near Yakura.

Kowata: So, how had it been?

Yakura: Usual. I flew, I got hated, I beat some people. Oh also Hibake came again.

Kowata: By looking around I can tell he did not listened to you.

Yakura: Yeah.

Kowata: Do you have anything to say? Any different thing?

Yakura: ... Those people invited us to dinner, that's all.

Kowata: If you say so. But still, I'm glad you are getting along with people.

Yakura: What do you think I am, 5? You don't need to praise me for this.

Kowata: I know, I know. And speaking of people, did you ask any of them to join you?

Yakura: Nope.

Kowata: Will you ask?

Yakura: Maybe.

Kowata: Excellent. Now let us wait for them to rest. We can go on in the morning and you can ask the people to join you.

Yakura: Sounds possible. Now if you look for me, I'll be meditating.

Kowata: Understood.

Everone around went back to their homes. Shoo and the other stayed in an inn with Kowata. Yakura didn't joined them. He meditated outside till morning.