When he was given the letter, his closed heart soared once more. He unfolded the letter with such care, taking the words as if they were scripture, and his thumb grazed upon the words as if it were her once plucky lips. He imagined such a scene with rapturous delight.

Aria knew that he would listen to her. She also knew that Yoru would not. She never liked being led on. It was what led her to leave the cult in the first place. It may have hurt Kenichi for her to give up her mission, but she had returned nonetheless.

That made him happy.

This future, he would make sure it happened. That he promised even before he read the end.

His vision blurred, and teardrops distorted the words.

His fingers fiddled with the Crest of the Moon around his neck.

And once more, that he would make sure that this future would come to pass.

Even at a grave cost.

#

The sunroot had reached its end, and darkness consumed the forest. In its place, the forest leaves gave a soft glow. The darkness was as thick as ink, her powers were at its height right now. She could not take her eyes off this man.

“Oh!” The man clapped his hands together and spoke as if they were meeting in a much more pleasant manner. “How rude of me! I forgot, I should introduce myself. I am the chosen Champion of the Goddess of the Sun. My name is Bell. What is your name?”

Yoru didn’t answer. His smile twitched in response.

“Come on, don’t be like that. I am being polite. Just tell me your name.”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“…I have no interest to tell you my name.”

“…You shouldn’t like this.” His smile dropped. “I don’t like hurting beautiful women like you, but I will if I have to.”

“If you think you can.” She knocked on her Gate. “Then why don’t you try.”

“Kenichi!”

The two of them turned to him. Yoru had forgotten about him in this tense situation. It was hard to see him between the two trees, but her nose picked up on blood. He had probably been blown aside when the Black Sun landed.

Why was he giving his name to him?

“See!” He clapped his hands in joy. “That is how you introduce yourself! With a name! Now what is your name, milady?”

“Him giving his name doesn’t make me more inclined to give you mine.”

“Hahaha!” His laugh was hollow. “Well, I’ll ask later, then. Now, now, I recall I asked a question earlier that no one answered. Do you know a Prince Cedar Oswell?”

“And what if we did? What would you do with him?” She asked.

His smile brightened. “The Goddess has chosen me to slay him. He is evil after all.”

Her shadow boiled like hot tar.

“He isn’t yours to slay! He is mine!”

“Yoru!”

She was about to cut this man down, but was stopped by his voice. She turned to Kenichi. He shook his head.

“We have no use for him.” Kenichi explained. “My friend has been affected by Cedar’s evil, so I apologize. If I knew where he was, I would gladly offer him up to you.”

What…what was he saying?

Her fist was shaking, turning white.

“Hmmmm, that’s a shame. Revenge is a no-no though.” Bell stopped in deep thought. “I can’t have that though. I should probably kill both of you.”

“Wa-wait! Why?” Kenichi sounded shocked.

“Because.” He pointed at Yoru. “If she kills Cedar, then she took my right as a Hero away. I can’t have that.”

“Ha! That’s fine by me! You Black Suns are all the same! You’re just as broken as the Moon Cultists are,” Yoru yelled.

“Yoru! Even at this situation, you dare call us broken!” Kenichi roared.

Once more he attacked her. What he was saying felt off, like a bad performance.

Bell sucked in a breath. “Moon Cultists? Could it be…are you two…”

Then he spotted the crescent moon necklace around Kenichi’s neck.

“Ahhhh. I see.” He shook his head in disappointment. “And you were so kind too.”

It was just a blink, after that, he was gone.

Kenichi fell.

“Eh?” Her lips parted as she made that sound.

Bell stood over his body, his broadsword glowing and drawn. He gave a sigh and then turned to Yoru. He dropped something and it rolled towards her.

Kenichi’s face stared at her.

“How sad. I didn’t want to do that, but evil must be struck down!”

“I’ll kill you!”