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The blade moved effortlessly, cleaving off Billy's arm at the shoulder. Jack, already in forward motion, grabbed onto his body and pulled him in like a clamp. Billy's shriek rang through Jack's ears and buckled his knees. He felt the weight of his friend's body fall on his. This weight was heavy. How could he let this happen? Jack threw his hand back and shot as much green light as he could.

Billy drags on the ground still unconscious. Jack couldn't get a landing. His feet couldn't form a step under him until he crashed to the ground a fair distance away from his bloodied friend.

"Help! Please help! He lost his arm!" Jack dragged the ground with his fingers to get to his friend. He grabs Billy's body and pulls into him. "Help! I need a doctor!" Jack only caught a glimpse of the cloaked figure heading back into the alley before the crowd of people surrounded him. Space. He needed space. He couldn't hear anything. All he could see was red.

"Help!" He ripped the straps to his sword and shield. Next was his shirt that he pressed against the remainder of arm attached to Billy's body. It was soaked already. He didn't realise people were leaned over the body already checking vitals. Jack took off his headband and began to tie it around his shirt. Why can't this knot? His hands can't stop shaking. A hand finishes the tie.

"...Hall on the left—"

"What?" Jack said, looking around for a quick second before fumbling to press on Billy's arm.

"Doctor Hocho is the best we have. He is three houses away from the town hall on the left!" The voice getting louder. Jack looked up, but everyone's mouths were moving. It didn't matter.

"Hocho...town hall...left." Jack pulled Billy's body onto his. He picked him up trying to keep his arm pressed against his chest as much as possible. Damnit, he won't be able to Wind Walk. It was taking all his mana just to carry Billy. How long was he running now? Town Hall? Why is it not there? No that's it! Left! Left!

The few people outside the house all parted. Jack rushed through the open door.

"Doctor Hocho! Doctor! Help!"

A small oldish man wearing thick glasses opened the door and jaw dropped immediately.

"Doctor! Thank the three! We were fighting...not with me...he is a soldier...ummm...he was—"

The doctor accompanied by a tall female dragged everything off a nearby table. "Put him on here! Grind the Yarrow! You boy, take that shirt off and raise his arm upwards."

The assistant ran to the cabinet as Jack fumbled to get the shirt off. "It was cut off...It has been bleeding a lot." The doctor came and helped Jack take off the soaked shirt. He began wiping the wound and soaking it with some material.

"Anila! Check his vitals. He looks flushed."

"Doctor! We don't have any blood packs!"

"Damnit! Boy what is your blood type?" The doctor continued moving and dressing the wound with the herb. "Is the arm here?"

"Boy what is your blood type?" This time he looked up.

Jack face was flushed of colour. His eyes were sporadic. "Blood type? I...I...d-don't know."

"Damnit, your eyes. Are you bleeding too? Anilia, get him to lie down immediately. I think he is wounded! He might go into shock hurry!"

Jack was being carried away. His feet were moving under him, but the room didn't feel right. It wasn't straight anymore, it wasn't steady. He had to stay with Billy! He had to be there. His thoughts focused, but his sight wasn't, he didn't even realise he was pushing Miss Anila to get to his friend.

"Stop. You need to sit down."

"I have to st..."

"Doctor! I have the arm here. That is a lot of blood. I am universal. Hook me up if you need any."

Jack felt his body go relaxed. Anila held up his entire weight. She began to drag him on the chair. Her shoulder began collecting Jack's tears. Her white top smeared with red.

"Ace! I'm so sorry! I shou—" His lips trembled. His hands trying to clear his blurred vision. The image of his teacher and friend swirled together.

"Hey, it's going to be okay. Get treated. Everyone is going to be okay," Ace reinforced while sitting on a chair as a needle went into his arm. Jack let himself be dragged away. He was placed on a chair as Miss Anila began to look at his wound.

"This was clean, and with all the blood we didn't notice. I will get you patched right up. The doctor has already stabilised Billy, don't worry. Hold this here."

"Thank you."

"What happened?" Ace questioned from the other side of a screen.

"Billy found a lead. He rushed over to tell me, and I didn't want to disappoint Stella again, so I went to check it out. We ended up catching them, but they had someone who was really strong, and they got both of us. When I rushed out, it caused a crowd and I guess that's why they didn't finish us off."

"Damn. It's good that you got out with just losing an arm. You did good to get him out of there Jack. Don't beat yourself up. He knew the risks that comes with being a soldier."

"Ace, I am so sorry. I know you said to be careful and I...I went and got Billy—" Jack's chest tightened. His fist followed suit.

"I did say that didn't I? I am pretty wise huh." Ace chuckled through the situation. "It's not like I said that because I knew this would happen. It's not like you went out just to get someone hurt. You both did what you think was right. You just lacked experience and that's okay. You both are breathing Jack. Now you understand the risks a little more. Try and calm down, I know next time will be better."

"Wise words, young one. You have seen a fair share of battles over the years haven't you." Dr. Hocho butted in.

"Even though you are living in a peaceful town like this, something tells me that you have as well old man." Jack hears the doctor chuckle.

"Ace, how did you find...ouch!" Jack jumped at the herbs stinging his shoulder.

"Sorry, it's to help numb the spot for stitches. We are going to start now, okay?" Anila cheerfully brought out her needles.

"Okay," Jack agreed. "Yea, how did you know what happened?"

"I was still cooking at Billy's place, when someone from the town came to tell Miss Monica that someone attacked her husband, and he lost an arm. They said he had gone to Dr. Hocho, so I asked them where it was and where he was attacked. I rushed to the spot and then here and well it wouldn't take me long to get here. I didn't even know you were with him until I saw your gear. Tenny stayed with Monica to escort her in case the attack was personal. They should be here in a couple of minutes."

"Monica...damnit." Every pore in his body opened. His throat felt like it was closing in. His heart sank and everything in his stomach raised.

"All done! You should try and get some rest. If you want to stay, you can take a nap on this chair, we aren't busy today," Anila said.

"Okay. Thank you very much," Jack replied while Anila excused herself. Jack sat there and closed his eyes. He couldn't sleep, but he couldn't face anyone right now. He knows he is running away, but it's only for a moment.

"Is that all the blood you need? Times have really changed." Ace laughed. It sounded like they are finishing up with Billy. Doctor Hocho must have really been good.

Jack listened to Ace tell jokes with the doctor as he worked. The doctor would chuckle and tell a story about strange things he has treated over the years. He said that he had seen a lot when he was a butterfly, before abruptly stopping. It seemed Ace didn't know what that meant either because he questioned him. The doctor said that he will save it for when they can share a drink.

Jack heard Monica's gasp. His hands clenched again. He shut his eyes tighter. There is no going back. They will all hate him.

"Monica, he will be alright. I put something to keep him asleep, but he will wake up in a couple of hours. I couldn't reattach the arm, but with it I was able to cover the wound. Take a seat."

"I see. Thank The Three. Mitchell scared the shit out of me when he burst in like that. It was hard just getting here, everyone is in a frenzy outside. Mitchell mentioned there was an outsider carrying him. Is it who I think it is?"

"Yea, I think he is sleeping behind that screen. He is okay too," Ace answered.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Damnit, if I was there, I would have beat all of them. I'm sorry I couldn't help Monica," Tenny said.

"Look how beat up he is! It must have been a crazy battle. Billy was bragging how strong he was." Jack felt his throat closing again hearing Monica's words. "Who could do this to both of them? It was a good thing Jack was there. I could have lost Billy. He was so excited to have finally have a big case. At least he can now tell stories about it." Monica chuckled.

Jack felt fresh breath flow into his body. Was she laughing? Did she not hate him? How could she laugh in this situation?

"Yea, he really is one hell of a soldier. Jack mentioned that he recently fell in love with the job. I feel bad, but from the short time I spent with him, I know this isn't going to stop him," Ace said.

"He really did, and you are right. My Billy wouldn't let anything stop him from protecting this town anymore. He changed a lot after working, but it was good. It was like he found the place he was searching for. I am sure they will all look out for him too."

"Probably, with charisma like his. On the bright side, he will get a bump up on the ledger for some time and he can stay home with you to welcome the child into the world."

"You are right, I didn't even think of that. Damnit, now I will have to change all the diapers. I'm starting to think he did this on purpose."

Jack heard everyone laughing. It was strange, but what else could they do? It was already done. He already made the mistake. What was he even doing? He wrestled his thoughts, but the sound of them laughing on the other side of the screen made him calm. He didn't notice when he drifted asleep.

***

Jack opened his eyes to absolute silence. The place was cool, a gentle breeze blowing through the open window. It was already night. He peeked behind the screen to see Billy still sound asleep. Ace sitting there writing down notes in a book.

"How long was I asleep?" Jack took a seat at the foot of the bed.

"A couple of hours. You weren't out for that long."

"What are you doing? Where is Monica and Tenny?"

"I'm just writing down some notes on herbs. The doctor gave me some interesting stuff to try when I was cooking a meal for him and Miss Anila. They are eating right now. Monica needed some rest, so she went back to the house. She has to be careful how she is carrying a child. She didn't want to go but everyone suggested it and she knew we would be here for him. Tenny is staying with her just in case anything happens. We still don't know how Eclipse operates."

"Oh, well I can stay—"

"There you guys are! I have been looking everywhere! Mr. Lundred told me after that something happened, and you guys might be here. What is going on?" Stella crossed her arms like a mother would while scolding children. Jack told her what happened as he watched her hands slowly unfold and eyes changed. She looked at Billy who was covered with a blanket from his neck down.

"I'm sorr—" she started.

"No. I am done with the apologies for today. We all make our own decisions and I bet you a drink that Billy will say the same when he wakes up. We still have a mission, and this is just a part of it. I understand how you can feel guilty, and I am not saying your feelings are unwarranted. It's just we have to keep our heads up, otherwise it makes everything harder. We believe in what we are doing, and we can't regret our fight," Ace said while standing up and placing a hand on both of their shoulders.

"Okay. I understand. It is my fight too, so you guys go get some rest at the inn. I will stay with Billy." Stella took Ace's seat.

"You sure? I don't really sleep much at night. I can stay." Ace fought back.

"All the more reason. We all didn't get much sleep last night. We aren't sure what tomorrow will bring, we all have to rest as much as possible."

"She is right Ace. You even gave blood. Let's go back."

"Okay. Make sure and get something to eat Stella," Ace said before grabbing a roll of bandages from the table. "Don't tell the old man I swiped these."

***

The walk back to the inn was quiet. Even though Ace said he didn't want any more apologies, he was definitely being considerate of how they were feeling. He just smoked his cigarette walking and taking in the sights. Jack could tell he wasn't angry, but he wasn't sure what they could talk about in the moment. The first words only came after Jack zoned in on the alleyway when they passed. Jack was very grateful Ace was his teacher. He wasn't sure what would have happened if he was alone in this.

Jack had already taken a nap, but he didn't realise how exhausted he was. The warm shower also helped with this regard. He just remembers thinking about doing better before drifting into slumber.

***

Jack woke up in a cold sweat. Blood? What was he dreaming about? The sharp pain coming from Jack's shoulder didn't help him keep any of the dream in his memory. The sun had just begun to rise. Billy must be up. Jack is excited to see him, but also extremely nervous. He brushes his teeth and changes into his normal clothes. He should grab his equipment in case Eclipse tries anything. Thank The Three that Ace brought his stuff along with the arm yesterday.

Jack knocks on Ace's door. No response. He must be in deep sleep. Jack continued down to the hall where he was greeted by Ace and Mrs. Doman, the inn keeper. They were in high spirits and seemed like they were talking for a while. Ace must have been here since Mrs. Doman came back from the vendors. He grabbed two apples as the inn keeper shooed him away with a chuckle.

"Billy probably freaked out when he woke up this morning. Like 'where did I last leave my arm?'" Ace burst out at his own morbid joke.

"You are a terrible person. I just hope he doesn't grow a moustache like that after getting your blood in him," Jack responds in between bites of his apple.

"You wish you could have a moustache like this," Ace said with a slight twirl of his lip creature. Jack was glad for the light-hearted banter, but his chest still felt heavy. Especially coming up to the alley.

His muscles were contracting. Walking became a chore for the next couple of steps, until his eyes widened, and body felt light. He unsheathed his blade. No time to hesitate. Strike first. Cut them down. Jack called green in his palm and launched forward at the cloaked figure sitting at the end of the alleyway. His left foot planted stopping him in the range he needed. He got him.

He felt the resistance at the end of the blade, but his eyes widened when he saw that it was plunged into his teacher's shoulder. Ace was crouched in front of the cloaked stranger, blade in his right shoulder and his left hand stopping the scythe Jack failed to notice. The blade was inches from his neck as they all were frozen in this scene for some slow seconds.

Ace used his right hand to wipe the blood splatter off the cloak's shoulder and takes out the apple from his pocket.

"You must be hungry. Can I get you something to eat?" Ace offers it to the small figure. It drops the scythe and snatches the fruit.

"Let's get you a proper meal." Ace extended his hand. The cloak takes the scythe blade attached to a small handle and puts it back in a sheath at its back. It takes Ace's hand and continues to munch on the apple. Jack's jaw was unhinged. He snapped his mouth close and grabbed onto Ace's shirt pushing him against the wall. The cloak still holding Ace's hand and the sound of chewing angered Jack even more.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?" Jack growled, staring into to the eyes of his teacher.

"Jack. He is just a kid." Ace calm. Jack loosens his grip a bit.

"Just a kid...you are right, but he should still be handed to the police. He is still a kil..."

"Jack!" Ace's snap made Jack release his shirt while taking a step back. His voice changed back to calm. "He is just a kid."

Jack followed the unbelievable sight to a restaurant where they sat at a table outside. Bees and butterflies gathered around them as the cloaked figure sat there as still as can be. Jack's eyes never leaving the mysterious boy. His teacher returned with the bowl of stew for Jack and the cloak. The food from the bowl disappeared a spoon at a time under the hood.

"You aren't eating?"

"I'm not hungry."

"You really shouldn't go on a hunger strike cause you are upset," Ace said, sliding Jack's stew to the cloak. "There is more when you finish."

This made Jack even more upset. Why is he doing this? This is a killer for Eclipse. He may have acted rashly but even as a child, he should be punished and taken away from this life.

"Jack, a life is a valuable thing. The Three say that we should explore our curiosity and not bring harm to another life in pursuit of it. I'm not a religious person, but what they say holds a lot of merit. The fact is we don't know everyone's past, and we don't know their future."

"I get that. I rushed into it without thinking, I know that a kid should never get caught up in battle, but I stand by my thoughts on justice."

"I am not just talking about a child. I mean all life. Would you have forgiven yourself if you found out your enemy was fighting for Eclipse to save a family member, a loved one? What if Billy's ancestors killed this one's parents and he was taking revenge? What would make you different from them in that situation? What if your opponent decides to turn on Eclipse and gets them all arrested and later becomes a hero saving as much people as they could? We don't think of these things in battle, and we shouldn't, but all these things are tied to a life. Just as I said all those things, they could also become the worlds most feared killer. The point is there is no right or wrong in a battle. Just opposing wills, and I don't think we have the right to end someone's life over it. I am a hypocrite because I have taken way too many lives. I even plan to slay a dragon. That is another life that the world is probably going to lose. Killing for revenge, sport, malice, it all is a messy road that I rather you not travel on. Trust me."

Jack takes a deep breath and reflects on Ace's words. What really gave him the right to take someone else's life? He wanted to be a hero, but did that mean killing? No, he always wished he was strong enough to protect people. He didn't need to kill to protect people. He looked over at the cloak. Someday you can become a hero, and if not, then Jack can stop him. That is good enough for him.

"I'm sorry Ace. I just got lost. I understand what you are saying. You are right, you say you have killed, and I can't see myself taking your life. Life is complicated."

"Ha! Not taking my life? Explain this wound on my shoulder then, you meanie!" Ace pouted while gripping his wound.

"Why didn't you stop my blade. You could have, just as easy as you stopped his." Jack pointing to the cloak that started on the second bowl.

"I wanted to have matching scars with you," Ace mumbled like a shy person confessing their feelings.

"You are a dumbass."

"Yes, the biggest dumbass in the world," Tenny said arriving on the table.

"Tenny! I missed you! How come you are here?" Ace asked, scratching his friend's head.

"Monica went to see Billy, so she is with Stella. Stella can protect her. I came to check on you two losers. Who is this?"

"This is the cloak that almost killed Jack yesterday."

"Oh cool, he looks very hungry."

"Yea he was. I gave him the apple that I was bringing for you this morning."

"I'll kill him."

Jack laughed as the two wrestled. Tenny got quiet and calmed down. His eyes looked soft. Jack noticed he was staring at Ace's bandages on his left hand. It had red soaked through it. Was that from the stab? No, the bandages are on his left arm.

"You didn't get much sleep last night, did you?" Tenny talked in a tone Jack never heard from him.

"I'm okay. I promise." Jack sat there with a million questions. His eyebrow raised.

"What are you doing outside?" A strange voice yelled from behind him. A lean guy about Jack's age walked up to the table. His clothes were nice, but his dark wavy hair was scruffy. His arms covered in scars. "You know that—" he looked at the trio on the table, "Dad would be angry that you are outside at a time like this."

"Hungry," the cloak replied in a soft quiet voice.

"Sorry, it is my fault, I saw that he was hungry, and my ledger is pretty good for this week, so join us. I can get you a bowl too."

"No, that is fine. Thank you for looking after my sister. We have to be going now."

"Sister? This is a girl?" Jack replied. Well, he knew he shouldn't have assumed in the first place.

"Well let me just get something for you to carry the rest of food in. It shouldn't be wasted. It would just take a second." Ace jumped up, still holding Tenny, he heads inside.

"My name is Jack," he said, offering his hand. The boy looked around a bit before taking it.

"I'm Garret and this is my sister Ashe. We have to be on our way now."

"Ace will be back now."

"Tell him thanks, but we would be in big trouble." He grabbed Ashe's hand and took her away from the table. Ace arrived right after to sees them walking away. He waved goodbye to the pair before packing the food in a box.

"Ace, what are we going to do? We know he is with Eclipse. Who let's their younger sister join a mercenary group?"

"I'm not sure but Tenny is following them from the roof. Let's go meet Billy and Stella and get Dr. Hocho to patch me up. We are going to meet Eclipse today."