Farewells and Revelations
The silence that followed the battle against Kubo was filled with the murmurs of gratitude from the freed people. Children held the hands of the group members, tears streaming down their faces, while elders bowed in thanks. Even with aching bodies and exhausted minds, Yuzuki, Gotier, and Akari could not ignore the weight of the responsibility they had just taken on.
With the resources gathered from Kubo's castle, including coins and valuable items, the group managed to gather enough to ensure that the rescued people would have a new chance at life. Zeke, silent until then, led the efforts to find safe places, showing an unexpected sense of care. He pointed out distant villages, away from the threats of the Lead Clan or the conflicts in Pangea.
Paige, while helping to organize the groups for departure, watched Zeke with curiosity. His change in behavior was evident, but the reason still seemed a mystery.
During the exploration of the castle, Akari found a room full of documents. Among them, the group discovered references to the Church of Faith. The name Simon Riley, described as a ruthless hunter of people from the Island of Kugutsu, caught Gotier's attention. Simon was the son of Sandoval, an influential bishop and a central figure in the movement against the Kugutsus. Gotier's face hardened as he read the name, but he said nothing, keeping his thoughts to himself.
However, it was a painting in the corner of the room that drew everyone's attention. It depicted an imposing tower, surrounded by a dark and mysterious aura. At the top, the symbol of a silver dragon shone brightly. Gotier stopped in front of the image, his eyes reflecting conflicting emotions. He touched the dragon with the tip of his fingers but remained silent, hiding what it meant to him.
Paige, however, broke the silence with a soft song:
"'In the Tower of Moonlight, beneath the dancing dragon, secrets sleep in its light, awaiting the moon's return.'"
Everyone looked at her, surprised. Akari asked:
"'Do you know this song?'"
Paige shook her head, a melancholic smile on her lips.
"'It's an old song. They say this painting became famous because of it, but no one really knows what it means. Perhaps it's just a legend.'"
Despite her explanation, the mystery hung in the air, and Zeke, standing at the back, looked at the painting with a thoughtful expression.
Later, as they rested, Akari decided to confront Zeke.
"'Why are you helping these people so much? It doesn't seem like something someone called the King's Dog would do.'"
Zeke sighed, the weight of his history evident in his eyes.
"'After I lost to Yuzuki on the Island of Kugutsu, I was given a new mission by the King. They sent me to destroy a village that was opposing the king. But when I got there, I saw families… children…'" He hesitated, his voice faltering for a moment. "'I couldn't do it. I dropped my sword and refused. Shion noticed my hesitation. He captured me and sold me as a slave.'"
Akari watched him, trying to understand.
"'And now? Why help these people? Do you have something to gain from it?'"
Zeke shook his head.
"'I just want to survive. I'm not the same as before. Maybe I'm trying to make up for what I did, or almost did. Who knows?'"
A silence fell between them, but for the first time, Akari saw something different in Zeke: sincerity.
When the time to leave came, Paige hugged each member of the group tightly. She started with Gotier, who, despite his usual seriousness, allowed a small smile.
"'You are stronger than you think, Paige. Take good care of your mother.'"
With Akari, the hug was long and filled with tears.
"'You were like a sister to me,'" Paige said.
"'And you to me,'" replied Akari, holding her hands.
Finally, she turned to Yuzuki. He tried to smile, but still carried the marks of the battle.
"'I never would have made it without you,'" he admitted. "'Thank you for reminding me of who I am.'"
Paige smiled, but tears fell freely.
"'I'll never forget you all. You're my family, even from afar.'"
As she walked away, Zeke ensured she and her mother reached their new home safely. The group, now smaller, watched as she disappeared over the horizon, knowing that the bonds formed would never be broken.
Revelations and Growing Tensions
The next morning, the atmosphere in the temporary shelter was thick with emotion. Akari, silently, left early for the city. With quick steps, she crossed the rain-soaked streets, the cobblestones reflecting the gray tones of a still-threatening sky. The wet winds whipped against her face, but she stayed focused on her mission: to find something that could symbolize the beginning of a new journey for Zeke.
Meanwhile, Zeke explored the busy streets of the city. The place was a mix of opulence and decay. Some neighborhoods glowed with well-lit stores, adorned windows, and finely sculpted stone buildings. Other areas were overtaken by misery, narrow alleys where barefoot children ran and men with dark faces watched suspiciously.
However, something else drew Zeke's attention. He stopped as he felt a familiar and oppressive energy. His breathing became heavy. A presence, hidden in the bar at the end of a dark street, seemed to blend with the scent of rain and dust. He narrowed his eyes at the place, where the sign creaked in the wind and the lights flickered with the power of lightning.
"Alkaraz…" he murmured, his expression hardening. He didn't need to see him; the smell and energy were unmistakable.
Akari's Gift
Later, Akari returned to the shelter carrying a finely crafted wooden box. She found Zeke leaning against a wall, his eyes distant, lost in thought.
"Zeke," she called, breaking the silence. He lifted his gaze, surprised.
She handed him the box with a small, somewhat shy smile.
"I thought you'd need this. Something to help you start over."
Zeke opened the gift carefully. Inside was a sword with a hilt embedded with small rubies. Its blade, light and balanced, reflected the light with a silvery glow. He stood silent for a moment, running his hand along the blade.
"Why?" he asked, his voice low.
Akari shrugged, but her eyes sparkled.
"Because you deserve a chance to fight for something you believe in. Not just to survive."
He didn't respond immediately. His mind was filled with confusion, gratitude, and something more. He looked at her, feeling strangely connected.
"I… owe you," he said, his voice trembling slightly.
Akari shook her head.
"It's not a debt. It's a gift."
The silence that followed was dense but not uncomfortable. It was as if something unsaid hung between them, something neither of them was ready to acknowledge.
Yuzuki's Revelation
Meanwhile, Yuzuki was training in the castle courtyard. His hands were wounded, and sweat dripped down his face. Gotier watched closely, offering occasional guidance. Yuzuki's new technique was beginning to take shape but was still unstable.
"You're pushing too hard," Gotier remarked.
"I know," Yuzuki replied, his eyes shining with determination. "But there's no time to be cautious."
Later, when everyone gathered in the hall, Zeke reported what he had felt in the city.
"I saw Alkaraz," he announced, his voice laden with tension.
Silence fell like a stone.
Yuzuki paled, but quickly regained his composure.
"So it's true," he murmured, looking at Zeke. "If Alkaraz is here, it means Yuri is too. He doesn't go anywhere without his right hand."
Akari visibly tensed, and Yuzuki noticed.
"Yuri… is the bearer of a Kugutsu that controls blood," he continued, his voice dark. "And Alkaraz is feared not only for his position as clan leader. He enjoys enslaving and humiliating those he's defeated. If he's after us, it's not just for interest. It's for pleasure."
Gotier furrowed his brow.
"You seem to know a lot about them."
Yuzuki nodded slowly.
"I studied the clan leaders, their families, and their right-hand men. Everything I've done so far has had a logical purpose. But… it's not time to talk about it. Not yet."
He turned to Akari, his eyes fixed on her.
"And what about you? Is Alkaraz after us because of you?"
Akari hesitated before answering.
"My father… was the former leader of the clan. Maybe he wants to use that against me, or against all of us."
Akari's answer didn't seem to fully satisfy Yuzuki. He knew she was still hiding something. But before he could press her, Mao echoed in his mind.
"They'll find out, Yuzuki. All of your past… and our pact. You haven't told them the full agreement, have you? What a fool."
Yuzuki clenched his fists, ignoring the voice.
"We need to capture Alkaraz," he said, changing the subject. "And hand him over to the mercenary group. They have an extensive network of information, and there's someone there called 'The Hunter.'"
Gotier raised an eyebrow.
"The Hunter?"
"Yes," Yuzuki replied. "To destroy the enemy, we need to know them. And this is our chance."
Final Hook
As the group discussed the plan, Yuzuki looked out the window at the dark sky. He knew the battle against Alkaraz would be dangerous, but he also knew another battle was approaching — the truth about his pact with Mao.
"It's time to act," he murmured to himself.
Mao, always present, only smiled in his mind.
"You can try, Yuzuki. But remember… in the end, it's always me who wins."