"What? Why? So, you were in control? Also, wasn't knowing anything about Dorian a lie as well?" Xiang bombarded Hoshi with questions after the phase of awkward silence ended.

"I don't trust him as much as I do you. Besides, this was actually my second time transforming. What I did the first time I wasn't comfortable revealing to him. And no, I genuinely know nothing about Dorian but in that form it felt like I did." Hoshi looked down in disappointment.

"What do you mean not the first time? When was the first then? Did you remember about it only just now?" Xiang solemnly asked.

Hoshi recalled his fight with Honghui Zaruki and stated the fact that he killed some of the guards brutally.

"I see, that's why my old man had all that damage once he got out of the Lake of Solace. That's one mystery solved," commented Xiang.

"Why am I only remembering now? (Was it because of the difference of a single word during the reciting? I have told him everything, why does it feel like I shouldn't tell him this?) I killed those guards in cold blood and I couldn't even remember it," spoke Hoshi in a regretful tone.

"It wasn't your fault, you weren't in control of your body were you? Don't fret about it. Be grateful that you weakened my old man because you contributed big time in taking him down. Only Cora knows how many people he would've slaughtered if you hadn't," consoled Xiang.

"I guess you're right. Getting memory of that back tells me only one thing, find out what it takes to gain control of that power without rage. Otherwise I will just be like a demon in that form," determined Hoshi.

"Yeah and you need sleep in between that long hunt idiot. Let's head back." Xiang started moving towards his house.

"You go on ahead. I'll sit here for a little longer," said Hoshi as he sat back on the log.

"Suit yourself, see you tomorrow," replied Xiang before heading back home.

Hoshi smiled faintly before diverting his attention to the stars.

"You were right, Arien."

Write here

"The stars sure are shining brightly today." A younger Hoshi pointed out.

"They sure are, friend," someone familiar replied.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

"Hey Arien. Why do you hang out with me? The others don't take it very well and then there's my father. You know how he is." Both of them were lying on the faint orange grass of Exilir, gazing upon the sea of lights from a mountain top.

"What kind of question is that? I don't care what others think. I hang out with you because it just feels natural. Also, you are the only one who likes to hear my bizarre theories," answered Arien.

"Yeah, I doubt anyone else could bear them," jeered Hoshi.

"Speaking of which, here's another one. Call me crazy but I think there are other planets than this one out there and on them live completely different kinds of people. Not only that but they have children of your age there as well. Nothing feels repetitive there as you have so much variety in what you choose to do. So, what do you think?" Arien presented.

"I am not sure if it's really true, but more children of my age and lifestyle variety? I like to believe in those," opined Hoshi.

"There will also be more types of beings, just people living there. Including those birds you told me about. Can you even imagine that?"

"I wonder what you would have thought of Pandara my friend. About me finding someone my age or seeing a female for the first time. About the enormous selection of food available here. About taking a bath under a waterfall. About…. I want to show so many things to you, Arien. We never even got a chance to say a proper goodbye. But don't worry about one thing, I have got new friends. Xiang is one of them. You would've really liked him, he is kinda indolent and comical sometimes like you were. Most importantly, he has a good heart. So my life won't be that depressing until we meet again. Till then, take care wherever you are." Hoshi shed a tear while smiling.

The next morning……

Xiang awoke from his sleep and spoke once he got up from his floor haybed.

"You slept well? Eh Hoshi?

He looked around the other haybed in the room, but noticed the one he was greeting was already gone.

"Where have you gone off to now? What's this?" He found a note on the bed and read it carefully.

"Hey Xiang, wanna let you know I already left earlier than you might have thought. I was about to say my goodbyes but I decided I shouldn't disturb your sleep, you being tired and all. So, I have taken all my stuff and left to continue my hunt for more of those transcripts before finally returning to Sir Hirishima to learn more advanced skills in sword handling. I know there are a few more somewhere around here as my book has already directed me about the next one. Yeah I know, I could've stayed for some time longer but I didn't want to burden you and your mother any more. I am already grateful for what you have done for me with the Fenikkusu and even before that. Thanks for everything, my second… friend."

"Second? That little son of a bitch, should've at least stayed for breakfast. Well knowing Hoshi it can't be helped. Wherever you are right now, take it easy and more importantly don't die, my only friend." Xiang placed the note down gently and smiled.

"I have three years to plan this. Which demon core should I use this time? Abatu was too bulky and slow which allowed him to kinda overpower it. This time, as he will be significantly better than back at the lake, I will send someone with some decent levels of battle sense and planning skills. What about Verdin? Yes, the demon core which doesn't require ascension. That might be perfect," self-talked Dorian as he watched Hoshi, walking past him towards the even higher altitude mountains.

End of ACT 01