Feeling so tired after his walk and being surrounded by many people that keeping saying to join him, he arrived in front of the castle gate. With a sigh, Arya forces his feet and suddenly approached by his friends.
''Good afternoon, I just want to see the reconstruction building in the west area you know? So, how about the reward?''
Hearing Arya words, Edward pride burst out. ''It's your fault, I and Charles already get our 'Point' reward you know.''
''Yeah, Edward is true. Why did you run away Ar-''
''See you in dormitories.''
Arya cut Charles word and said his farewell to his friends. Before long, he appeared in the school hall and started walking out as he heading toward the certain place. He didn't going to the dormitories but take a detour to the school backyard and find his comfortable place, below the big tree that facing the ocean and lay his body, the fresh wind, a warm noon sun, and calming atmosphere make him close his eyes.
''Ah... nobody that will scold and say me to do something, this is heaven~''
''Is that so?''
''Of course... the fresh wind that so refreshing, the warm light from the sun, this comfortable grass and a sweet fragrance.., eh? ''
Because of the relaxed state, Arya unconsciously answered the question that can be heard beside him. When he realizes something, he opens his eyes and turns his head to his right. In there, a beautiful figure with sky blue eyes that currently staring at him in wonder, a smile that appeared on her face, her long black hair is swaying following the wind blow, and the sweet fragrance that tickles his nose and makes his heart skip a beat is currently laying down while facing beside him very close.
''....W-what are you doing here, Yukiha-san.''
Arya that still speechless, rolling to the left and distanced themselves and ask her while trying to calm his heart. He didn't think that she will really lay down beside him and really close to him, seeing him like that, Yukiha just can giggle and get up while patting her uniform skirt from the dirt.
''Fufufu... I just passing this place when I see your figure that too comfortable so I couldn't help but to try to lay down too.''
''Is, is that so? So what is it?''
''Hmm, it's going to dinner soon. Look you are so dirty, your body full of dirt.''
Yukiha approaching him while patting his body to clean the dirt in his clothes because he is rolling on the ground. Before long she started to pat his head and take a leaf that currently takes a nest above his head.
''Un, you are clean. Now let's go to eat Arya-kun.''
*****
''Alright, students that are the new information regarding the effect from the virus raid the day before. For the Tournament it will be delayed for a moment, maybe around 2-3 days? Nevermind, now you can go back to the Gracia Continent or do your own, all the teachers will be in a meeting and maybe will absent for around 5 days. But, remember don't forget to study for the surprise exam~''
The teacher said that and leaving his students immediately, for the information that the teacher mentioned is about the pain system. This system cannot be stopped, but the percentage is reduced to the minimal around 25%. So the pain is quite hurt. Arya classmate is currently in dilemma, they want to go to the GC's(Gracia Continenet) but the incident in the Kingdom make some people think twice about his plan. But Arya didn't mind that, he already out of the class and heading toward the school hall where the Gate device is and going in quickly.
Just after he appeared, Airi greets him with her usual smile, after return her greet he started to walk toward the Castle. He is expecting the promised reward, so he couldn't help but smiles. While giving a smile and greeting toward the resident and the Guards patrol, they arrived in the castle. But Arya just only feel despair.
''I am sorry, Champione Arya. But the majesties is currently had a business so you can't enter the throne today. I am sorry.''
The Castle Guard saying that while bowing his head in apologies, Arya just waves his hand while saying it doesn't matter and said his farewell. He walked out of the castle and walking toward the castle garden. When he walking, he spotted his friends + red head that currently trying to hide her body in the wall.
Because her head and the sword handle is exposed, he calls her and walking toward his goal, the garden.
''Find a good place to take a nap, of course.''
''What!? You say that you will show us your reward!?''
''I didn't say that, isn't you the one that thinking like that? And you must know that the king is busy person you know~''
Arya that already find the suitable place, a big tree that somehow tilted forward like shadowing the person beneath it, Arya lay his body in the tree shadow while answering Edward in a lazy tone. He already closes his eyes and relaxed his body. He looks so comfortable like he already familiar with this place.
''This fools...'' Edward stared at him with dead eyes
''You know, I once already visiting this place when I was still a child.''
'''What...!?'''
Arya suddenly started to say something while keeping his eyes shut tight in comfort when his friends are surprised he just showing a smile because the wind is so comfortable. Before long he continued his story.
''I going in this place when I was 10 year, I going with my father to meet the King, no my father wants to introduce me to the King..''
''What!?''
''.... at first, I was surprised.... My father is sitting in the luxurious seat.... while wearing a beautiful crown...''
''What are this fools saying.'' ''I don't know, what do you think Alicia ?'' ''Uu... I don't know, may I call the doctor ?'' ''Shh... let him continue.''
Arya can hear his friend comment and then decided to shut his mouth for a moment, feeling the wind that hitting his body and make his body feels relax. After he sure his friends already quiet, he continues again.
''I was confused... isn't I holding my father hand? But like a normal kid, curious is winning over and I ask my father in wonder. 'Father, who is the father over there? He looks the same as you?' And resulting in a smile from both of them.''
''... my father just smile while saying. 'Hmm... isn't it good? So Arya has 2 father right?' And a smile appeared on my face. 'Heh... father become two? Amazing!'. The father with a crown is laughing hearing my word and my father is telling me to go to play. And I meet her...''
''What? You have two father? Don't tell me....''
''Shut up, Edward or I will send you flying.''
''Hehe..... Alicia is scary~''
''.....''
''N,nevermind. Oi, continue your story..''
''.....Zzzz...''
Because Arya stopping in the middle of his story, Edward asks him to continue, but the one that coming out is just his sleeping sound. All the people around him is almost fallen to the ground. To think he is really sleeping in the middle of the story is they must laugh or cry.
''How about I continue this story?''
A sudden voice makes them turn their head to the source of the sound, a bearded man with gray armor approaching them with a smile on his face.
''Haha... just call me Uncle B.''
Hearing the old guard said that Edward remembering something and said. ''Hmm.. isn't Arya calling you that too?''
''Right, I already know him 6 years ago when he and his father visit this castle.''
''What!? So it was true!?'' ''Is he a prince?'' ''Amazing.'' ''Arya-san, childhood...''
''Cough. no, he is not a prince, the King just having the same face as his father, like a brother or something like that. But their relationship is quite close. Anyway, let me tell you the stories.''
>>>The Castle Kingdom, 6 years ago<<<
After the boy meets with the King, his father allowed him to play around the Castle area and doesn't go too far.
Like the other child, he started running while having a laugh. He started to wander around the castle because the King already told all people inside this castle, Arya has a freedom to walking in the castle.
He explored to the kitchen where the maid that charmed by his cuteness giving him a snack, going to the barrack where he meets the resting training soldier, going to the training hall where the scary instructor is yelling and shouting at the soldier. That's when the boy meets with the cruel instructor that able to throw 6 people at once, when the instructor saw that curious boy, he use his glare to scare him, but he is the one who surprised instead.
''Cool ! How can you so strong Uncle !''
The innocent answer make him dumbfounded, he didn't believe that this boy isn't scared of his stare that said once scared the black Ursa warrior away, and this boy just having an interesting look with shining eyes and approaching him slowly.
The Ursa warrior that mentioned is a Bear people that having a huge body, but unlike a normal bear, its have long claw in both hand and more dangerous.
>>>><<<<
''How cute... is Arya really like that?'' Alicia showed a smile and hold her both cheeks with her hands.
''The heck!? Throwing 6 people alone!? Who is this man!?'' Edward snapped but still drawn with the story.
''Hey hey, Uncle B, isn't that instructor is yourself?'' Charles smiled and nudged the old guard.
''What, how did you... Cough.. A-anyway, lets me continue.''
''Arya-san, childhood...''
>>>><<<<
The boy that being ignored by the instructor finally being bored for watching and continue to explore the Castle, he approaching Armory and going to take a sword before he is held up by the guard that have a duty to check the weapon and put the boy outside the armory, when the guard just turn his body to lock the door, the boy already disappear.
After finishing his duty the guard going to the jail, he was shocked. The boy is chatting and talking to the prisoner, the boy isn't afraid of getting close and before the prisoner grabs him, the boy already jumps backward and laughing. Afraid of his safety, the guard bring him out and as the guard shift his attention to locking the jail door, he disappeared again.
This time, the boy walking in the castle garden while puffing his cheeks in frustration. When he arrived in the big tree with a weird shape, he lay his body and closed his eyes. His face showing a comfort expression before a sound wakes him up. The boy hearing that voice started to find its source, it was sobbing sound, someone is crying.
The boy with his curious keep walking and found the cause. A little girl around his age is crying.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
''Hey, why are you crying ? Are you hurt ?''
The girl's little surprised and turns her head. Her green jade eyes that full of tear is opened wide seeing the boy in front of her. The boy tilts his head in wonder.
''Whats wrong? Are you need something, I can help you!''
>>>><<<<
''Uwaah, what a kind child.'' Alica wriggled her body like worms.
''He is brave, to really going to armory and jail...'' Edward frowned.
''Umm. I am sorry, I must go.''
''Hey hey, Tachibana-san where are you going? The story isn't finished yet.''
Iroha suddenly stands up while bowing her head and started leaving them. They just look at her back for a moment after her figure is gone before their attention back to the story teller.
''So, what is she need? Is she hurt?'' Alicia is the one who asked the question, but the answer comes from the different place.
''Maybe she lost something and cannot find them ?''
'''Eh !?'''
''P, Princess !?''
When they hear another voice they turn their head, a beautiful figure approaching them making the Guard Captain surprised.
''It's fine, please continue. It was really interesting story, you know.''
''But Princess that...''
''It's fine. By the way, where is Arya?''
''Hm isn't he sleeping over... eh !?''
''.....''
*****
In the grassy land outside the town wall, a figure is currently standing still while looking at the distant. Before long, a voice can be heard behind.
''Wait Arya-san.''
''Um, Iroha-san, you followed me again?''
The figure, Arya saying that while didn't turn his head. When Iroha already standing beside him, he started to open his mouth.
''About the little girl, are you curious why she is crying ?''
When Arya takes a peek beside him, Iroha showing a puzzled expression and when she realizes that she nod her head. With a smile, Arya continues the story.
>>>>Castle Garden 6 years ago<<<<
''Ah..''
When the girl hearing the boy voice, she is still unmoving. As she is still shocked looking at the boy in front of her. Because they just stand there, the boy approaching the puzzled girl while taking out a handkerchief, before he can understand, the boy closing their face and he sweep her tear in her cheeks.
''Here, your tear is gone. So what can I do ?''
The boy saying that while throwing his wide giggle, the girl is still stand in a daze, but before long her eyes started to watering again. The boy is confused, his father once said that if he saw a girl crying he must weep her tear and make her happy. He started to panic, and close his face with both hands. The girl is still looking at him in wonder, before long the boy opens his hand and showing weird face and then close it again and when he open it, another weird face is showed. The girl is dumbfounded, the boy keeping showing his weird face and closing again for around 5 minutes.
Because it seems that is not working, his body trembled and he shook his red face before make a weird move. He imitates a bird, monkey, and more weird move, but the girl is just looking at him in wonder. The boy's face is going really red before he lost his balance and tripped a stone in the ground, make him flip and dropped to the ground that both of his feet sticking out and twitching.
''Pfft... haha haha....''
The girl cannot hold her laugh and laugh really hard, seeing this the boy finally able to sit up and laugh together. When they calm down, the boy asks her again. It's turn out that one of her shoes is missing and her back hair is stuck to the branch and her hand cannot reach her back if she turns around it just hurt her head. So she can't do anything.
With a giggle the boy walking behind her and easily free her hair, because of too happy, the girl leaped and hug the boy but she didn't notice her surrounding and resulting with her hair stuck at the branch once again. Her eyes are started to watering once again, before she crying the boy free her hair again, grab her hand and lead her in the safe place before searching something in his pants pocket.
''Here, tied your hair with this ! Your hair is too long, after that, we can find your missing shoes.''
The boy pulls out red and white long ribbon and gives it to the girl.
''But, I don't know how to tied my hair.''
''Let me teach you~''
Hearing that, the boy take the ribbon and pick the girl's hair, he cautious not to hurt her and tied her hair to the left side and she looks good with that. When he sure it's good, both of them started to search for the girl shoes. They finally found it behind the bush and walked to the castle with their clothes full of dirt and smile. They must go in different place, so they giving a farewell each other. When he arrived, the soldier is so busy running around while the instructor keeps yelling at them. The boy finally understood that they are confused to find him, but because he is here, they were relieved.
>>>><<<<
''Arya-san, you are so-''
''No. Don't say it \!!''
Arya holds his head with both hands in embarrassed and rolling on the ground. Before long Arya throws a sigh, stand up and turn his body toward Iroha while showing serious expression. The sudden change makes Iroha slightly surprised.
''Hey, Iroha-san. Did your challenge still exists ?''
''Hm.. what is it, so suddenly ?''
''I just want to relieve my stress. Iroha-san, fight with ME !!''
*****
''Uuu... little Arya is really cute~'' ''that guy is amazing, I will give my praise.'' ''Huhuhu... what do you think about your master, Airi ?''
''Anyway, how about your master ?''
Airi that keep having her red face and just answered Charles word like she already knows his master. Seeing this the princess turn her head toward the storyteller.
''But, it isn't over yet right ?''
''..True. But, Princess are you sure ?''
''Eh eh.. there is more ?'' ''I didn't want to listen, but this is must, tell me !!'' ''What is it, what is it.''
*****
Weapon clash can be heard in the outside of the wall of the town. 2 figure is currently having an intense fight, a girl holding a sword that big almost same as her body and a boy holding a spear and shield that attached to his left arm. Their fight is really eye catching. The girl that having a slim body, able to lift the heavy sword and swinging it around, the boy in other hand using his light weapon to strike continuously.
''You are better than before, Arya-san.''
''Human is improving each time, it just depends on oneself how to use their own time.''
After saying that, Arya rushing forward and unleashed his Rapid Thrust. He able to launch 6 stabs this time, but Iroha holds her sword forward as a shield and blocked all the attack. Just after the last attack finished, she swings her sword upward to cleave him into two but the shield is in the way and just blow him away. When he is still in the air, Iroha uses this opportunity to rush and turn her body. Using its momentum when turned around to increase the blow she swings her sword downward. But the sword just hit the ground, before it hit Arya body, he kicks the sword to distance himself and make the sword hit the ground really hard.
When Arya landed safely he rushes forward once Iroha sword stuck in the ground, using Heavy Blow he will finish her up. But Iroha just jumped and using her sword as a pivot, when her sword is pulled out she rushing forward and using the new move. He slashes her sword downward pull her sword above slash downward again, pull her sword to behind her head, jumped forward and swing it downward with full power. When she look at Arya that lost his composure for a moment, she is smiling and rotate her body to slash him in horizontal, blast him away.
'Dangerous ! I didn't think that when she is jumped, she will puff her chest forward. My eyes almost popped out, I think its will bounced out of her armor. Phew, that really break my stance for a moment.'
''Wh, where are you staring at !!?''
Iroha said it while covering her chest with both hands and turn her body to hide from him with a red face, it seems she realizes that Arya isn't looking at her eyes. Blushing too, Arya makes another excuse.
''About the boy and the girl...''
>>>>Castle Kingdom 6 years ago<<<<
After that, the boy always pulls his father to bring him to the Castle wherever his father is going to work. At first, the boy just bored so he is explored the castle, but because he already found a new friend he always visiting her. They always meet in the Castle garden and playing together. The boy even brings his favorite picture book and they started to read it together.
A story about the princess that kidnapped by a dragon and the knight, the monster and a hero picture, story about a unicorn and the like. They even started to learn how to read. Once, the boy pulls out the wooden sword and they started to imitate the story, The girl keeps saying that she want to be a knight and take the wooden sword.
''I am a knight !''
''No. You are a girl, so become a princess and wait for my rescue.''
''What, I don't want to~. Become a princess that always do this and that is boring, I will save the world !''
''But I am is a man ? How can I save you without a sword ?''
''It doesn't matter, I will become a knight ! The first Female Knight !''
The girl saying that while having shining eyes and swing her sword around. The boy thus thinks something and pick a scissor to make a monster mask, wearing it and saying. ''Rawr.. so I will become a monster and eat you !''. And they started their role-play, it was sad that the boy must lose because once the boy leaped to the girl and lock her movement in the ground, the girl is saying. ''Unfair! You are too strong, let me win!'' ''Eh? Aren't you a female knight?'' ''But, but...'' because the girl started to cry, the boy finally resign in his fate.
>>>><<<<
''Hahaha... how adorable!'' ''A female knight? The girl has a good dream.'' ''Arya becomes the monster.''
''N,no. I am alright, right, Uncle B ?''
''....''
*****
With her sword swing, Iroha throws Arya backward while keeping her stance steady. Between this, Arya takes a glance at Iroha red face.
''S-so you really push a girl down, Arya-san.''
''Wait a sec, what is with that! You will make misunderstanding here, I just imitate a monster that holds its prey to eat!''
''E-eat ? Pervert.''
''We are just a kid back then! Did I really hit your head really hard!?''
Arya didn't let her saying anything and rushing forward, they attack in the same times but Arya lose his speed because Iroha swing is somehow faster and heavy, he even blasted 10 meters. While gulping his saliva, he stands up for the rushing Iroha and he feels terror. A dark aura somehow surrounded her, and she looks at him with bloodshot eyes. While gripping his shield, he prepared for impact.
>>>><<<<
One day the boy isn't coming to the Castle garden and make the girl sad, she waiting for him until afternoon but the person doesn't appear. Even the next days the boy figure doesn't appear, the unwilling leaving the castle garden with a sad expression.
But the day after that, the boy is walking to the Castle surrounded by the different atmosphere. The boy is well-known by the people inside of this castle about his cheerful behavior and always greets with a smile. But the boy this time is looking so sad and gloomy. The boy arrived at the castle garden and a smile appeared on his face for a moment.
The girl isn't coming this time, he waits and waits, before a tear running down his cheeks.
While gripping at something with his both hand, he places the thing that he holds, a wooden pendant with shield and sword shape inside a hole where they always playing and leaving a note on the ground before running from the garden.
After that, the boy figure never comes in this place for around 6 Year.
>>>><<<<
With the loud clang, Iroha has pushed 5 meters away. She is surprised about the sudden power from Arya, originally when she block his attack she has pushed around 2-3 meter. So it was quite shocking when she look at him, a tear running down his cheeks.
''Do you want to know, why is the boy doesn't come for 2 days ?''
After Arya said that he dashed toward Iroha at full speed, it's lucky that she able to dodge his attack in time.
''That day, the boy is pulling his father to send him to the castle. They running from their home to his father workplace, they going to the alley to shorten their distant but because the boy not looking in front oh him, he hit a drunkard person.''
Iroha keeps jumping around to evade Arya merciless attack, he unsheathes his short sword and attacking with both hands. Arya spear that can reach the far place and fast slash from the short sword really troublesome. Because feeling frustrated, Iroha spin her sword and push him back.
''It's the boy, no, it's my fault. The drunkard is angry and pushes the boy down. Father that feels danger hit the drunkard in the face.''
This time, Arya using the stab continuously and force Iroha to the defensive stance. With a kick in his chest, Iroha able to take a breath.
''The angry drunkard pulled out a knife and stab the father in the stomach. It was in front of me, my father is being stabbed continuously around his back. And his red blood is imprinted in my mind.''
Before long, Iroha able to throw Arya spear and both sword already take a place in their own neck.
''Thanks to the police, I was saved. Sigh, it seems it's a draw. Let's get back.''
After said that Arya lowers his sword and take the dropped spear and walking to the town gate.
*****
''Huh, why is the boy isn't coming for a long time .''
''Ah come on Alicia, maybe the boy just sad because he is abandoned by the.... argh...''
''Shut up, Edward.''
''Alicia, let me help you.''
When Alicia hit Edward in the stomach, Charles pulled out a piece of cloth and gag him. Before long Arya arrived while showing the puzzled expression.
''Hey what is going on? Why did you gag him like that?'' Arya showed a surprise expression looking t the poor Edward.
''Good afternoon, Champione Arya.''
''Hmm.. who are you?''
When Arya turns his head, he saw a familiar face but he didn't think he has acquaintance a beautiful girl in a knight armor.
''It's fine, maybe he doesn't remember yet...''
While saying that, the armored girl pulled out a ribbon and tied her golden hair to the side. Seeing this Arya couldn't help but to open his eyes wide.
''How about this. Its has been a while, but Long time no sees, Ary.''