Chapter 28

Author: Thanks for reading and for supporting me.

Talia: Hello.

Author: You? I thought it'll be that guy. He did say he'll see me later. I wonder why he's not here.

Talia: That guy,.........is your guy the very same one i'm thinking of?

Author: I don't know what you're thinking.

Talia: I should have killed him!

Author: Hmmm, do that when you meet him.

Talia: So annoying!

Author: Tell him that when you meet him.

Talia: So evil!

Author: Ah, I believe that's you.

Talia: Huh?

Author: Huh?

Talia: What did you just say?

Author: Chapter 28 begins now.

Talia: Come back here!!!!

Author: Stop yelling! Am right in front of you!

Talia: That's the exit door!

Author: Oops.

*******️️*******

EVENING

INN

DEN'S ROOM.

Dinner was served in Den's room and the three, once again, stayed over in his room.

Juliana, the manager, was ordered to prepare everyone's favorite.

She already knew about Mira and Den's, and after getting information about Yuuki and Zil's, the lady made sure everything was set.

According to their taste.

The table was full of all kinds of food, dishes, and Zil, couldn't stop smiling, not having enough of his favorites (Fried rice with chicken, eggs and grilled sausages)

My favorites as well (But they didn't invite me)

It really was a pleasant sight, seeing the kid all happy, stuffing himself with his favorites.

Witnessing this sight alone, Den was full even though he hadn't touched the food.

Yuuki, on the other hand, had no appetite. Even though his favorites (Omelette rice, chicken salad and spaghetti with beef stew) were presented, his plate was still empty.

"Brother Den" a nervous, hesitant Zil called out to him.

But to his surprise, Den replied, "Yes?" Showing no emotion of anger. Could this be the time to finally pact things out with his new master?

Might or might not be, but he didn't talk about it.

"Sister Mira told me, you have inns all around the towns in north"

Including this town, only six places though, but the kid made it sound like all the cities and towns in the north.

Den thought, smiling at him.

"And the managers are all females, why's that?" A confused Zil asked.

Smiling, Den took a sip of his water before answering, "Is simple, I like beautiful women" and he looked at Yu who rolled his eyes.

(Just so you all know, Yuuki and Den still have their masks on and Den has it pulled up a bit. That's why he could take a sip of his water)

"That really is simple. My father used to say there's no such thing as an ugly woman, all women are beautiful"

"Your father had good eyes" Den replied with a smile and the kid smiled back.

Guess they've made up already.

Mira thought, smiling. So was Yuuki, smiling at the two.

"Anyways, why do you guys like being in my room? You all have your rooms yet you like staying in mine"

And why was his room chosen? Now it'll stink of food. He didn't like the smell of food after he was full. Smelled disgusting to him.

But it is not the same when he's hungry.

This guy........am speechless.

"It's because you're here?" Zil answered, smiling. He looked at Mira who also smiled, then Yu (whose eyes showed no emotions) before looking down, smiling.

"I see," he replied.

It was because he was here. Guess he was that important to them.

Snapping out of the warmth he felt knowing this, he (Den) said,

"Well, let's eat. Then you can leave and I'll have a peace of mind" acting like he felt nothing on hearing that.

They continued to eat, Den watching them with a genuine smile. His lips and eyes, revealing this.

Come to think of,.........the guards at the entrance of town never commented on it. They didn't ask him or Yuuki to take off their masks...............

Were they stupid or something?

*Sigh,............

Suddenly, a sad expression covered Zil's face as he held one tasty looking chicken leg in hand.

Noticing this, Mira asked,

"What's wrong Zil?" Worried, drawing their (Den and Yuuki) attention as well.

He stared at the piece of chicken leg he held in hand, saying,

"My father used to like chicken leg the most"

Did he have teeth for that?! The stupid Den exclaimed in mind, shock.

And realization hit him, now wasn't the time.

Ah,........

"Now, he won't get to have it, again"

Reminded of the important people he (Zil) lost. This was never going to end.

He (Den) thought, shaking his head.

Looking up with a smile, Den said, "Who said he can't have it? There's nothing absent in heaven. He can have everything he wants" and the convinced Zil asked eagerly,

"Really?"

"Yes" Den assured him and the kid's mood brightened. Continuing to have his favorites.

Nothing could really make you forget. The simplest things will keep reminding you of what you've lost.

And that will never change.

No matter how much you change.

*********️️*****

SOMETIME LATER.

ROOF.

After dinner, Den made his way here to enjoy some quality time alone while drinking. With Mira around, he dared not do that in her presence and had to come here.

His hidden spot when he was in Blue Town.

Den didn't look afraid. I mean, seated on the roof of this tall building, if he were to fall, his head would be bashed with no mercy for his precious brain but he wasn't afraid. Maybe because he had no plans of falling.

Seated, he was drinking, his mask pulled up a bit. He did so just in case one of his companions found him and he was sure one will, if he was to look for him.

Enjoying the cold breeze, the calm, quiet and brightened town, he lost himself in thoughtland.

And only came out when he felt another presence.

"Drinking?" Yuuki asked, taking a seat beside him before placing down his sword which he held in hand on his left, his other hand behind his back, seemingly holding onto something.

He (Yuuki) found him, just like he (Den) thought.

Smiling, Den asked,

"Will you report?"

"No" Yu replied and showed his bottle which he hid behind.

Seeing this, a delighted Den said, "You brought your own"

He (Yuuki) did. At times like this when he couldn't sleep, he had this to help. But of course, drinking too much was bad for his health, he knew.

Pulling up his mask as well, Yuuki opened the bottle and began drinking.

"You know, leaving Peace Town, I never thought I'll have so many enemies coming after me"

Peace Town,..........

Come to think of it,........Den was from Peace Town. He (Yuuki) never really thought about this. He was from that place as well and Den was always so close yet they never met.

What a surprise.

He (Yuuki) thought, shaking his head, before taking a sip of his liquor.

Nice, Den's inn really had the best liquor, just like the chef said.

"So many stuffs, happening at once. I'm worried about Mi. Can I protect her? Should I let her go? Should I free her? These thoughts cross my mind all the time" a confused Den said, before taking a sip.

And he (Den) had no idea of what was right or wrong. He really was having a hard time.

And he couldn't forget about Zil either.

That kid,........how can he help him?

"I've been wanting to ask. Are you two just master and disciple?"

Huh....., This guy wanted to know more about him. He should just say so.

Though he had a lot to hide, he was still willing to share a few things.

However,.......this is a golden opportunity, he can't waste it.

And the playful Den was back in action.

Smiling, he said, "You want to know about me"

Yuuki didn't feel like denying it because it was true.

"I have no idea how long it takes to be friends with someone. Never gone through it and never thought about it. Am pretty bold and straightforward. Always say what's on my mind and how I truly feel. I won't lie to you. The moment I saw you, I wanted to know more about you" a surprised Den stared at him for a few seconds and then, he smiled.

Ah, this was so not fun. It's been a few hours since he teased him and he (Den) thought he could finally do that, but.......... who knew the table would be turned.

Den,..........felt so....... embarrassed and pleased.

This guy.......how could he be so........

"Confessing your love to me?" He joked and Yuuki rolled his eyes.

It worked anyways, Yuuki's reaction to his teases really filled him with content.

So funny, he (Den) thought, smiling at him.

Well,........he'll (Den) still share it.

"Mi,....... we're not related by blood but I think of her as my little sister. She's one, and she'll always be one" Den shared, the serious atmosphere taking control.

Oh, so that was it. Yuuki thought, nodding.

Placing his bottle down, Den reached for the mask and took it off. Surprising Yuuki who didn't see this coming.

With the mask off, for the first time, finally, Yuuki saw what Den looked like and he was taken back.

Even if he wanted to, he still couldn't take his eyes off the beautiful man beside him.

Totally drawn to him, and he wondered if it was those blue eyes of his.

So captivating, so intriguing, so....... familiar.

"I never doubted you when we met. I know you're someone I can trust and I see no reason to hide myself" he (Den) said, smiling.

So beautiful,.......his smile. Just like in his dreams.

For some reason, Yuuki felt calmed on seeing it but something else within wasn't calm.

What was this?

Yuuki placed his hand on his chest,

Thump, Thump, Thump

And he felt his chained heart race, shocking the living life out of him.

Sh*t, What the f***? And for the first time in the longest time, he cursed.

This could not be happening. But it was. His heart was totally shaken by the sight of the beautiful man.

"Your heart racing at the sight?" The playful Den asked, smirking, terrifying the living life out of Yuuki.

He knew.

But then,......... seeing that beautiful smile of his........Huh? What the heck was he (Yuuki) thinking?!!!!

"Is.......I don't know how to explain it, but...is the connection. Making you see me in a different way"

"I don't find you attractive," a defensive Yuuki countered.

Den wanted to laugh, but held back and it was proving to be hard.

"I mean,......for some reason I do. But that's all! I mean, it can't be wrong right? I mean, anyone who sees you will find you attractive, cause you. But it doesn't mean I want anything to do with you"

Gosh! This guy was so funny. What the heck was he saying?!

Den could no longer hold it in. He burst out laughing. Laughing so hard that his stomach began to hurt.

"Okay,...Okay, I get it" he said, cutting down the laughter.

"I understand. This connection comes with the feeling of........ intimacy,......not as friends. You'll feel attractive to me. And maybe, if you get to know me, you might as well fall in love with me" he joked, annoying Yu.

"I plan on marrying a beautiful lady"

"And I planned on marrying my one, my beautiful lady"

And both looked down, depressed as they said at the same time, "But I found you instead"

*Sigh, maybe fate planned on letting them die bachelors.

What a harsh reality.

"Well!, We already found each other and there's nothing we can do about it"

"I'll make sure to keep my distance from you. Am not marrying you in this life" Yu said, a deep frown on his face but only his eyes showed it.

What did he just say? Den found it funny and he couldn't help but smile.

Gosh!, he felt so entertained. He could never do this with anyone else.

Still........... staring at Yuuki, he asked,

"So, going to show me what you look like?" gaining Yuuki's attention.

For a few seconds, Yu stared at him, thinking about heaven knows what.

And afterwards, he placed his bottle down and took off his mask. Showing off his handsome face.

Den was dumbfounded. Staring at the guy as if he has just seen the most attractive thing on earth.

Dude (Den) wasn't even weirded out by this revelation.

"What are you staring at?" He (Yuuki) asked, bewildered.

"I mean, you're even more handsome than I thought. How is this possible? You can't be serious" the fluttered Den said.

Seriously, was his heart racing at the sight?

What the........

"And you look even more beautiful than I thought. No offense"

"None taken, I've seen myself in the mirror and I like myself" Den replied, a smile gracing his good looking face.

"Glad to hear" Yuuki said, showing a little smile.

It was nice to know he liked and accepted himself. Not really concerned about what others say,.........one more thing to add to the list of what he liked about Den.

"Okay!, Then,.....I'll tell you"

Tell him what? Yuuki thought, looking up at him in confusion.

"I found Mi when she was a child," Den began.

The kid (Mira) said she won't tell him but she did so anyway.

And now, he remembered everything.

How they met her.

"So tiny. So innocent, so cute. I don't see that cuteness anymore" Den said, looking gloomy after letting out the last words.

Seriously? Yu thought, staring at Den.

Recovering, he said, "In any case,.......I came into town,.......and everything was destroyed. Everyone was killed"

Recalling that day, Den felt deeply hurt, and it was written all over his face.

"I had no intention of taking that tiny cute child with me. Nothing good will come out of taking her with me and I didn't have what it takes to take care of her. I myself, was a kid"

But fate had other plans.

"However, the moment she saw me, she rushed to me, clutched my arm, and won't let go no matter what. She was no longer crying. Looked determined, brave, strong, like she was an adult" he said, smiling as he recalled the child (Mira)

"Bringing her home with me, she still refused to part with me. Won't let anyone get close. And when I’m away, she'll get anxious, search for me all around the town. In the end,.........I had no choice but to take her with me wherever I went. We slept on the same bed, at the same time, and woke up together. That little girl was sticker than a gum"

*Sigh, Den sighed in disappointment, "Too bad she's not the same anymore. That gave me great joy"

Well, Mira did grow up. Yuuki thought.

Smiling, Yu said, "I see you really care about her"

Looking at Yu, Den smiled back, replying, "More than anyone else. Me now, is thanks to her"

"I see," Yuuki replied, nodding.

He was curious,.......how was Den back then. Before now.

Also,........what happened to Mira's town? Could it be Den was from there as well?

Which town was it? Yuuki was curious about a lot of things, from the story Den shared.

"Now is your turn. Share something" Den said, drawing him out of his thoughts.

A frown on his face, he said, "The story wasn't about you though"

"Just share," Den demanded.

Feeling defeat, Yu gave up,

"Fine" he (Yuuki) replied, took a deep breath, and then began.

"Yuuki Inder. That's my full name. I only told you Yu, cause that's my nickname"

"Mmmm" Den replied, smiling.

Feeling pushed to continue, Yuuki did,

"My first master, he took me in after my mother died. My father died before I was born. He taught me martial arts, sword arts, was always more like a father than a master" Den nodded, and he continued,

"One day,...........I was sent on an errand alone. Out of the school and out of town. To a village far away from home............... A day before I was to come back,........I received a letter from my master. He......He told me if I received the letter, then he was already dead. Told me to move on, live my life and never look back. Told me, not to look into his death. He.....He told me to survive, if nothing else, for him" and he (Yuuki) took a few seconds to calm down before continuing,

"This sword" Yu said, picking up his sword which lay beside him on his left, "It was his. The heirloom of his family and he gave it to me. Found it in his room, in a hidden room only he, his.........and I knew"

His? Why didn't he mention the other person? Den was curious.

"I rushed back home, only to find out it wasn't just my master. Everyone in the school was dead. Including all the people in town. They were all dead. My seniors, juniors, all the people I knew and cared about, they were all dead. None survived"

These were the scenes he saw in his dreams. His nightmares, it was always about that horrifying day when he had to see all the bodies of the people he cared about.

A year ago, it got even more intense. Hearing the screams and seeing the people he cared about get killed by shadows.

Perhaps, they were shadows because he had no idea of who they were.

And then,.......he started seeing Den in his dreams. His dreams after the nightmares. Started the same time the nightmares got intense.

But then,....... after meeting him and joining him on his journey, he hasn't dreamt about him, and it has always been those nightmares alone.

Such a shame, seeing Den always cleared off the bad feelings. Clearing the darkness he found himself in and brightening up his dreams. Like..........he was his light.

Sounds exaggerated but that's how he felt.

"I'm sorry" a devastated Den said to him.

Exiting his thoughts, Yuuki stared at nothing, shook his head and let out a sigh before saying,

"I felt so angry. So miserable. I wanted to get revenge. Find those bastards and make them pay,......but,.....I couldn't ignore my master's last wishes. I dare not. That day I lost everything. And I know I can never get them back. Is the end"

"But it is not the end. You found me" Den said and he stared at him with widened eyes.

Found him(Den)?............ A smile graced his face as he (Yuuki) lowered down his head.

Right.........it wasn't the end.

"I guess this is not bad" he (Yuuki) said, trying to hide the obvious smile on his face by facing down.

Acting offended, a deep frown covered Den's face as he replied, "Guess? For some reason I feel offended"

Wasn't the end?............Yuuki wonders if he can really build a new life, considering what he went through, did, and is going through now.

Was it going to be that simple?

Will he have such a blessing and miracle?