Chapter 24

Author: Thanks for reading and for supporting me. Please rate the book if you like it.

Den: I have a lot to say.

Author: The stage is already taken.

Den: Next chapter.

Author: Maybe never.

Den: Huh?

Author: Chapter 24 begins now.

Den: Not done!

********️️*********

NEXT DAY

INN

DEN'S ROOM.

"Master"

"Master"

"Wake up master"

Den groaned, tossing and turning in his sleep.

That voice sounded familiar but he didn't want to confirm. He was sleepy, hadn't gotten enough and wanted to sleep more.

"Master!"

Ahahaha!! Shut up! Shut up! You're disturbing my sleep.

"Master, get up. The sun is up high already" He felt someone shake him and this annoyed him already more.

The sun was up high but his energy was down low! He needed more sleep!!

"Leave me alone!" He yelled out in annoyance and immediately regretted it.

His head......it hurt!

"You drank again, right?"

Uh? And this woke him up. He snapped his eyes open, sat up on the bed like a good young soldier.

Looking beside him, he saw Mira, seated on the bed, looking so angry.

Ah, she was here.

And she knew he was drunk last night even though he cleared all the evidence.

Stupid Yu! He drank too much because of him! He was so worried about him last night!, and now, his head hurts like hell!

He thought, eyes landing on Yu when he looked on his left.

Yu was here. And he was not alone.

On the table in the room sat him and Zil.

"You drank again," Mira said, and the anger in her tone couldn't be ignored.

Now wasn't the time, he had to fix the problem with Mi.

Looking like an innocent cheerful kid, he began, "Mi, my dear, you're here. When did you arrive? Have you eaten? Drunk something? Should I arrange something for you"

"I don't think she wants to have something" Yu said and he looked at him, glaring while Yu only smiled.

Looks like he was having fun. Even with the mask he (Yuuki) wore, Den still noticed.

Gosh, he (Den) felt betrayed.

"Master, what do you suggest I do to you?"

Eh?!

"I....I never touched alcohol! Not once! Not twice!" A panicked Den exclaimed.

"But thrice and more"

Mira was right but there was no way he was admitting to that.

"Come on Mi, forgive me" he pleaded and glanced at Yu.

That traitor had the nerve to smile.

"I'll think about it"

*Sigh, this was the best reply for now. He only hopes Mira forgets all about it later.

"Master, I heard about what happened"

Heard about what?

"Zil, am sorry for your loss"

Ah, she was talking about Live village.

And they all stared at the uncomfortable kid. Feeling sorry for him.

"Damn those demon Island!" Zil roared in anger.

Mira and Yuuki watched him, surprised while Den chose to reprimand him.

"Those words aren't for kids, I don't want to hear them again" looking so serious.

But I'm almost 15, Zil wanted to argue back but decided against it.

Realizing he was still a kid.

"Brother Den" he called out to Den who had a deep frown on his face.

"What?" He asked and the annoyance in his tone couldn't be missed.

"Teach me magic . I want to get revenge on Demon Island. I'll slay them all for what they did to my village" Zil said in all seriousness, burning with anger and it was hard for him to breathe, they could see.

The three were surprised.

The kid wanted.....wanted revenge?

"But I........" Den was speechless. He didn't know what to say.

The word revenge didn't sit right for him. At the same time, he understood Zil.

However,........

"Please teach me!" The kid pleaded, head bow.

Yu watched Den, curious about the discomfort in his eyes.

(Dude went all the way. Sleeping with his mask on just to prevent revealing what he looked like to Yuuki and Zil. Am still amaze it didn't come off while he slept)

He also didn't like the thought of this kid living for revenge.

Nothing good,....... nothing good came out of getting revenge.

You'll only end up losing everything. This was the sole reason why he never set out for revenge for what happened to his master.

This was the very reason why he decided to keep everything in him.

The burning rage, the thoughts of revenge, the sadness of losing a loved one.

And this kid,......he wanted to take that path.

*********️️******

STREET

It was noisy.

Zil's pleas and begs for Den to accept him as his student,......was too much for him to handle. Yuuki couldn't stand it anymore. And so, he decided to take a walk around town.

*Sigh, it's been a while.

However!,.......he couldn't focus on his sightseeing.

Yuuki could sense it. He was being followed.

That wasn't all. He escaped one noise just to encounter another.

And he wasn't talking about the few noisy vehicles or the carriages or the busy businesses on the streets.

People were talking.

News about the incident from last night has already spread through town and people were talking about it.

However, the incident was manipulated.

Three ministers conspired to kill the king last night and they, together with their men, died at the hands of the royal guards. Their families being the only ones spared.

Yu knew the truth was far from that. But like they always say, sometimes, the truth is better off hidden.

Making his way to an empty dimmed alley, Yuuki made a stop. Deciding to face the person who has been following him since he came out of Den's inn.

"I know you're out there, come out" he said and sure enough, someone made their presence known.

This person came out of his shadow, and stood a few steps away from Yuuki.

Exactly, he could also use shadow, just like Yuuki.

This guy was Tilo, Yuuki's former comrade from his former group.

And this guy, was the same person he planned on meeting but didn't and instead, followed Den to Fall. He was the one he met in Blue Town and even gave the golden manhole key. He was also the one who gave him Mr Hond's description, just so it'll be easier to find the old man who was supposed to bring that important thing to the lady (In Ric Black Market).

Tilo wasn't just his former comrade, he used to be his disciple. One he trusted the most.

And he was now the current leader of his former group.

No one suited the position better than him. He personally trained him, and after him, Tilo was the strongest in the group.

"I told you not to follow me again. This is the last time we will meet" Yuuki said, annoyed.

Noticing this, immediately, Tilo said, "Please forgive me, the sun requests to see you before you leave town"

*Sigh, Yuuki sighed, so that's why he's here. The sun already knew he was in town.

However, Yuuki didn't have it in him to face the sun.

Saying goodbye was much more painful. And anyways, he didn't have much time left, he couldn't see him.

The sun, his former master. The very same master, he went on a mission (Getting something from the black market in Ric Town) for.

He was the important person who would endanger his life for what the lady had if he didn't acquire it.

All for his sake.

"Are you really giving up on our group? Have you really decided to follow that unknown man?"

Uh? Yuuki was surprised. He knew about Den already.

Well,.......

"You know why. I just want to do something right, before I......."

"But we could help. The sun is still searching for ways to help you" the desperate Tilo said.

He wanted his master back. He wanted Yuuki back and would do anything to have him back.

*Sigh, Yuuki sighed, "I got it, but it didn't help. I knew it won't but I still did everything to get it. I didn't want the sun putting himself in harm's way. You know how important he is. Don't let him try this again"

"But......"

"Dismiss it," Yu warned him.

Disappointed and saddened by the situation, the guy couldn't let out another word.

He lowered down his head, drowning in his emotions.

Still,......there was something he wanted to know. No matter how hard he tried to overlook it, it never went away.

"Why that guy? Sure, I've seen him in action and.......he's not that weak, but is nothing close to you"

Could it be that Tilo noticed this with his skill, 'True eyes'?

With this skill, he could see through anything and anyone.

How powerful, strong and how weak one is, he can see it.

Tilo wasn't born a magician, but he was born with a gift.

The skill, 'True eyes', and there were a lot of people like him.

But then,.......Yuuki didn't agree with him.

If he wasn't in a weak state, then he would be on an equal level with Den.

He was sure Tilo saw wrong even with his gift.

"I can tell,.... you've taken a liking to him. You even followed him around"

Surprised, Yuuki turned to face him.

How long has he been following him?!!!

"The kid has potential. He could be a great magician if trained well. The lady is also good at sword arts. The best I've seen so far. She even have a skill, 'Truth'"

The skill was somewhere like his but a bit different.

With this skill, you could tell when someone was telling the truth or not.

Tilo saw this when he followed Yuuki to Live village. The lady (Mira) used it while interrogating the neighbors (The old couple's neighbors)

He knew what happened. The mysterious deaths.

However, he didn't say a word to Yuuki because he was secretly following him without his consent and didn't want to expose himself.

"Also, that guy is way too sensitive when facing an enemy. How can you defeat an enemy if you show sympathy and empathy? Do they show you one when they decide to kill you? He'll have you killed"

Ah, he (Tilo) even knew about this. He must have noticed this when they fought the people in Fall.

However, Tilo was wrong. Den only felt that way because he thought they were innocent.

And truth be told, he (Tilo) was right. Those kinds of feelings could get him (Den) killed some day if he continued.

No one is innocent in this world. And even the innocent can betray you for a good reason.

Knowing all this he still thought.......

"That's why I have to accompany him. I have to be his comforter. I have to be his strong, reasonable mind. I.....I have no idea what this feeling is, but it is a really familiar feeling I know very well" he said, smiling.

Staring at those sparkling eyes, Tilo couldn't help but ask,

"Is he the one?"

"Huh?" A confused Yuuki asked.

"You always look like you were waiting for someone"

He (Tilo) tried to be that someone but it never worked. Those eyes of his master's still searched for that person.

"I guess so. The feeling is there. Still there even though I lost him"

"I hope you're making the right decision"

"I hope so" Yuuki replied with a smile and Tilo couldn't help but feel defeated.

He has lost his master, and there was no other way to get him back.

He hopes the sun can accept this as well.

*********️️****

INN

DEN'S ROOM.

With the noisy kid now gone, it was just Den and Mira, seated at the table in the room opposite each other.

They can finally talk about Mira's findings.

"Things are not looking good, master. I suggest we go back home"

Now this was not what he wanted to hear.

Still,......Mira was right.

"There's news trending. Three ministers were killed last night"

Surprised, Den exclaimed, "What?!....."

Something like this happened in this town?

"I guess this isn't a peaceful town after all," he said.

And here he thought it was.

Come to think of this........this.....this had nothing to do with.........

"I also got information about the old men," Mira said, gaining his attention.

Now, this was the topic he has been waiting for.

"After the golden key went missing, Old man Daunt called for a meeting in his place. Everyone showed up except Old man Drews. Well, he came later"

Hmm, and what was their next move?

"He did reveal to them, the key which was stolen is fake," Mira said and Den was confused.

What......was he thinking? Sharing this information. Den couldn't help but ask. And he also couldn't help but wonder, what were they planning to do next.

"And after what happened to Live village, they decided to announce it to the world. Someone from demon Island or someone portraying themselves as demon Island is coming after them. They're after the keys to open the gates of Demon Island and free the remaining demons trapped there. The message left after the massacre of Live village was mainly to cause fear and panic"

"That's one story," Den said, smiling.

What were those old men thinking?

"They plan on announcing this soon. And also,......they want to hold 'The heroes festival' "

The heroes festival?

Seriously?

"Those old fools. They never fail to amaze me" he said, shaking his head.

"But.......from what I heard,.......death flute was also used, and there were red rose petals as well. Could it really be someone from Demon Island or someone portraying them?"

*Sigh, Den sighed. He had no idea and only knew this was troublesome.

"Do you plan on interfering?" Mira asked.

Sigh, he sighed, again, "I have no choice. The lives of ordinary people are at stake. My people as well. I have to do something"

But he just didn't know what to do. How can he fix this without causing any trouble for himself and his people?

"Okay, now, let's discuss your punishment"

Ah, she brought it up again. A surprised Den thought, looking at the young excited lady.

"I've thought of the perfect punishment for you master"

And at this very moment, Zil came in and Den didn't feel it was necessary to reprimand him for not knocking.

"Brother Den, am ready" the kid said with a beaming look when he entered.

Nice saving Zil. He thought, staring at the kid with a grateful look.

"Brother Den, teach me how to use magic"

And that look crumbled down.

Uh? This kid.........he still hasn't dropped this subject!!

********️️*********

A DAY LATER.

Leaving the kingdom of Peace with all that they needed, they decided to head for Blue Town.

Where all the heroes were and they could keep an eye on them. Tail their every move.

Also,.........close to them, somehow meant close to the so-called demon Island as well. They were after the heroes after all.

However, before they head for Blue Town, they had to stop by that inn.

The one close to Live village.

Something about the manager's story didn't add up, though Den couldn't figure it out. Den wanted to hear it from him again.

Just to find out what didn't add up.

Yuuki made it clear to Den, if he was joining, there would be no revenge. He wasn't interested.

And Den confirmed. There was going to be no revenge. He only wanted to find out what was going on just to protect his people and other innocent lives.

Also, he promised the sun, his former master. He'll protect him no matter what. And though he no longer worked for him, it didn't mean he'll go against his promise.

He'll continue to protect him, from afar. Until he could no longer do it.

Anyways, this time, they were prepared for the long journey. Traveling by horses, but they weren't in a hurry. Taking their time to avoid exhausting the horses cause they still had a long way to go.

Leading was Zil and Den, the kid still pleading with him to teach him magic and Den still refusing. Giving no excuse or explanation as to why. If he does, maybe Zil will stop bothering him.

While Mira and Yuuki, on their separate horses, followed behind, some distance between them.

"Master never says what's on his mind but he's easy to read," Mira said, gaining his attention and drawing him out of his thoughts.

Though he (Yuuki) did not glance her direction, it seemed she still had his attention and was listening.

"We left home a long time ago and chose to live in peace town cause it was the most peaceful place"

And it did live up to its name until she heard of what happened to the three ministers.

"It seemed the master was always slacking off,......but that was far from the truth. Quietly, in the shadows, he always made sure his people and ordinary people were living well. Free from war. Free from loss"

Den would travel to the five troublesome places every year, making sure they had no plans of disturbing the peace of ordinary people and his people.

And she would always tag along. Even though she suffered from not getting enough sleep or good rest because of the unfamiliar places they had to take rest in.

His people were all important to her as well. She would do anything for them.

"Master........he never stopped caring"

Was that so? Now he was even more curious about him. Yuuki thought, staring at Den's back profile.

"Where's your home?" Yuuki couldn't help but ask.

"If you want to know more, ask him," the young girl replied.

Ah, he fell into a trap. Mira intentionally said all that just to make him even more curious about Den.

This girl..........she was pretty smart.

................Sure, he was curious about Den. His past. However, he couldn't bring himself to ask about it. Because in return, Den might want to know his. And he wasn't proud to share it.

"I always thought I was his one, but he never stopped waiting. Always talking about fate bringing the one. And now that you're here, I can't help but feel left out. Feel less important"

Mira felt left out,........for some reason, he felt guilty.

Thinking about it,....... meeting Den, it was always about him. He only thought about him.

He completely ignored Mira, who was always by his side.

What a jerk he was.

"I figured right away you're the one"

The one........he was Den's one?..........one of what? Yuuki had no idea.

"I don't know the name of these feelings. Of this so-called connection. Protect, accompany, care for. Die with and to die for. Get closer and closer. Be the only one. Control and stop. These are the messages in the feelings. What's the name? What's this connection?"

"Soulmates?"

"You're speaking like him," an annoyed Yuuki said, rolling his eyes.

"Well, that's something you have to find out for yourself. And if you want to know now, you can just ask him" Mira replied with a smile and he looked back at Den who looked so annoyed with the annoying Zil beside him.

Just ask him?

Was it that simple?