Now the village has been more buzzing than usual. Laughter and conversation weave through the air, a stark contrast to the tense silence I brace myself for. I notice some few Orie guards, their armor glinting in the afternoon sun, patrol the village perimeter, watchful for any sign of the approaching magical creatures. Yet, there are no fresh signs of struggle, no bodies littering the dusty streets. Perhaps these creatures, these harbingers of chaos, have no taste for the village itself, or, they was terrified of the Orc earlier.

Everywhere we turn, villagers greet us with warm smiles and grateful nods. We are heroes in their eyes, a weight that settles heavy in my gut. With a tired wave and a wan smile, I acknowledge their cheers, the weight of their expectations a tangible presence.

We offer what assistance we can. Rodger, his weathered hands surprisingly nimble, repairs damaged fences. Ruby's magic, a gentle luminescence, soothes the aches and pains of those injured in the pervious skirmishes before our arrival. Aveline, however, remains a tempestuous cloud. Her disdain for Ruby, a living embodiment of the forbidden magic, hangs heavy in the air. Years spent under the Capital's rigid rule have molded her into a different person than the girl I once knew. It will be a long road to bridge the gap between them.

The sun begins its descent, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange and gold. Exhausted from our travels, we seek refuge in the familiar warmth of the village inn.

The wood is brown and worn, like it's seen way too many rebuilds. The roof slants real steep, covered in grey tiles. A bronze bird with a sharp beak sits on top, spinning in the wind.

As we get closer, the creaks and groans of the inn mix with the river's roar, making a strange kind of music. A sign hangs above the entrance, all dusty and faded. It shows a big, rough letters spell out the inn's name: "Orityr Inn." Smoke curls out of a chimney high up, promising warmth after our long trip.

The wood on the village bridge is worn smooth by many people walking on it before us. There's a strong railing on both sides, carved with pictures of hunting and eating, to keep you from falling in the loud river below.

When I get inside the Inn after everyone, I hear a shout coming from Aveline.

"Absolutely not! I am General Rai's Huskarl, sworn to protect him at all costs, even during his slumber!" Aveline's voice, laced with indignation, shatters the tranquil atmosphere.

The innkeeper, a woman with a kind face and a perpetually flour-dusted apron, holds her ground. "I understand your concern, miss, but we've prepared separate rooms for your party. It's our policy that unmarried couples cannot share a room."

Aveline bristles, her jaw clenching tight. "When in Matyr, do as the Matirians," the innkeeper continues, her voice firm but gentle. "I trust you all will respect our traditions."

Aveline grumbles under her breath, the fight finally draining from her. Relief washes over Ruby and me, a silent sigh escaping my lips. Rodger, ever the pragmatist, simply offers a wave and disappears into his room behind the counter.

"We should probably turn in for the night," I mumble, fatigue seeping into my bones.

Aveline and Ruby both nod, exhaustion etched on their faces. As we part ways, Ruby brushes past me, her touch lighter than a feather. A secret kiss, a whisper soft against my cheek, sends a jolt through me.

"Sweet dreams, Rai," she murmurs, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"Y-you too," I stammer, my cheeks burning. The warmth lingers long after she disappears into her room.

Aveline, at the other hand, giving me a "tsk" before walking past me, "I hope you won't get any bad things, General Rai. If something happens to you, I'll hunt the wizard."

"Believe me, it won't be happening," A brief sigh of relief and frustration can be heard by Aveline as she walks towards her room.

...

A few hours crawl by. Sleep eludes me, my eyelids heavy but my mind wide awake. Rodger's snores, a rhythmic rumble, drift from two rooms away. Unable to shake off the restlessness, I peel off my armor, leaving just my black sleeveless shirt, and slip outside.

The village sleeps under a blanket of stars. I wander through the quiet streets, drawn to the black river like a moth to a flame. Its gurgling current whispers a lullaby, momentarily calming the storm within me. A cool breeze dances through my hair, carrying the scent of damp earth and woodsmoke.

"Rai, over here."

A small hand waves from the shadows near the riverbank. Ruby sits perched on a wooden crate, a beacon in the darkness. Relief washes over me as I quicken my pace, a small smile tugging at my lips.

We meet in a silent embrace, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. Settling beside her on the crate, I finally speak, my voice rough with exhaustion.

"It's good to see you again, Ruby."

She hums in response, leaning her head against my shoulder. "The old man," she begins, her voice soft, "teleported me near here. He said you'd be arriving soon, so I decided to wait for you."

I chuckle softly. "That old coot certainly has his ways. So, how are things? Did they finish poking and prodding you with their magic tests?"

"They did," she replies, her voice dropping. "But he said I need to be available in case they need to... investigate the place I was in."

She lowers her head further, her words laced with a tremor I can't quite decipher. "Like he said before, I'm a Jinzo Madoshi... a human experiment."

My eyes widen in shock. A human experiment? That old man... he didn't tell me half of it. Ruby's grip tightens around my waist, seeking solace in the familiar warmth.

...

Her voice cracks as she speaks, each word a shard of a shattered past. "I lived in an orphanage called Harapan," she whispers, "along with eight others. We were living as a family, bound by shared joys and sorrows, with no parents or siblings to call our own."

A tremor runs through her voice, and she lowers her head further. "At first, it was a haven. We played together, ate together, slept under the same roof. But then..." she trails off, her voice choked with emotion. "Then, a new head came to Harapan. Everything changed. It became a... a slaughterhouse."

Unease prickles at your skin. I reach out, grasping her hand firmly in mine, a silent offer of support. She takes a shuddering breath and continues, her voice barely above a whisper.

"They injected us. Different colored liquids, each one more painful than the last. They ravaged our bodies, stole our sanity. Most of us didn't survive past the second dose. By the sixth... or maybe the seventh..." tears well up in her eyes, glistening in the moonlight.

"The pain... it stripped us bare. We barely recognized ourselves anymore. Only four of us remained." Her voice breaks, a sob escaping her lips. "I... I ran. With two others. But... but I was the only one who escaped."

She clutches at my clothes, burying her face in my chest. I wrap a protective arm around her, my fist clenching with a silent fury.

Those monsters... they'll pay for what they did to her.

"That's why..." she hiccups, her voice muffled against you. "That's why I hate seeing death... I can't bear it. I don't want to lose anyone again..."

Clarity washes over me. I understand her fear, the terror that lurks in her eyes whenever someone falls. She almost lost me twice in the underground, witnessed the brink of death firsthand.

A strange bond, forged in hardship. I hold her tighter, a silent vow against the darkness. "It's alright," I murmur, my voice thick with emotion. "You're not alone. I won't let you be."

Tears stream down my face, mirroring hers. "Promise me..." she pleads, her voice barely a whisper.

"I promise," I swear, the weight of my vow settling on my shoulders. I won't lose anyone close to me again. Not to monsters, not to fate. In the quiet of the night, I vow to fight for a brighter future, to shield those I love from the tragedies that plague my world.

Ruby and I lean in closer, our lips meeting in a soft kiss. One kiss turns into two, then seven... neither of us wanting the moment to end. When we finally break apart, she buries her head back into my chest, clinging to me tightly.

"Now it's your turn," she murmurs. "Tell me... are you the same Rai I met a few days ago?"

"Hmm? Why do you ask?" I reply, feigning confusion.

She meets my gaze with a worried frown. "I don't know," she says. "You seem... less cheerful than before. I saw you laughing heartily at the pub earlier, but it felt forced."

A humorless laugh escapes my lips. Even the best actors can't hide their true emotions from someone who can sense auras, even faintly. A forced laugh might sound happy on the surface, but the aura surrounding it betrays the underlying sadness...

A depressed laugh.

"I'm fine, really," I assure her, but the lie sticks in my throat. "You don't have to worry about—"

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"Lies." She cuts me off, her voice firm but gentle. Then, she presses a soft kiss to my lips, the simple gesture enough to bring tears to my eyes. I quickly wrap my arms around her, burying my face in her hair.

"Shut up..." I mumble, my voice thick with emotion.

"Tell me," she insists.

"It's nothing compared to what you've been through," I whisper, the truth tumbling out despite myself. But the truth, however painful, is better than the suffocating weight of unspoken feelings.

I pour out my heart to her, everything except the secret I hold with Galvana. I tell her about the love I had for Amy, the gut-wrenching pain of seeing her die not once, but twice. I recount the story of Alpha and Joshua, my childhood companions forever ripped apart, my hatred for Alpha burning like a brand in my soul for taking Joshua from me. Finally, I confide my vow to grow stronger, to one day exact my revenge on Alpha.

Ruby listens intently, her silence a heavy weight beside me. "I am sorry...That must be hard," she murmurs finally, her voice laced with empathy. "To see your closest friends turn against each other..."

I nod, unable to meet her eyes. With a gentle movement, she scoots closer, her hip finding its place on my thigh.

"Honestly," she begins, a playful glint in her eyes, trying to cheer me up, "I was a little surprised when you called me your girlfriend earlier."

"Huh?" I stammer, caught off guard.

She playfully pinches my waist. "I never officially accepted, you know."

"Uh... I thought we were... Hey, c-can you stop pinching me already?"

"Mm," she teases, continuing to pepper my side with playful jabs. "I think Amy might still be at the top of your list. That's why I don't want to accept just yet, hmph!"

This girl and her jealousy. It makes her even more adorable. I can't help but grin, the urge to kiss her bubbling up within me.

"What if you see her again?" she asks, her voice taking on a mock-tragic tone. "Will you leave me for her?"

A knot tightens in my stomach. It's a difficult question. Though a part of me will always hold a tenderness for Amy, I know our time is over. Now, Ruby is here. Someone I want to fiercely protect. I shake my head resolutely, locking eyes with her.

"I've made a decision," I declare, leaning in before she can question it further. My lips meet hers in a sudden, fierce kiss. Surprise flickers across her face before melting into pure passion. We kiss deeply, tongues tangling, a silent language spoken between us.

When we finally break apart, breathless and flushed, a strand of saliva connecting our lips, she buries her face in my chest. "So, are we officially a couple now?" I ask with a hopeful smile.

A giggle escapes her lips. "Hee-hee," she replies, shaking her head playfully against my chest. "Now you're mine. Promise you'll take care of me, okay?"

"Always," I vow, leaning down to nuzzle her hair.

"Thank you, dear..." she whispers shyly, a content sigh escaping her lips.

...

The night deepens, the moon casting an ethereal glow on the flowing river. A comfortable silence stretches between us, punctuated only by the occasional chirp of a cricket or the distant gurgle of the water.

"It's getting late," I murmur, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Should we turn in for the night?"

Ruby nods, a silent understanding passing between us. She slides off my lap and takes my hand, her fingers intertwining with mine. Together, we walk back towards the inn, a wordless intimacy blooming between us.

"Hey," I say, a playful edge in my voice, "if that old man tries to drag me off on another investigation, I'm coming with you this time. No more teleporting me away and leaving you to face it alone."

Ruby pouts, her lower lip jutting out in a mock frown. "I'll definitely insist on it! I can't believe he just whisked you away like that. It makes me mad just thinking about it."

I lean down and press a soft kiss to her forehead, stroking her hair gently. "Don't worry," I assure her. "I won't let him separate us again."

"Ngh," she mumbles, a blush creeping up her cheeks at my words.

The Harapan Orphanage... a morbid curiosity stirs within me after hearing Ruby's harrowing tale. Perhaps a visit is in order. It might be a grim adventure, but I'm prepared.

The inn stands quiet, the only sound the rhythmic snores echoing through the hallways. We tiptoe inside, careful not to disturb the other guests. As I reach for my doorknob, Ruby's hand shoots out, gripping my arm tightly.

With a shy smile, she pulls me towards her room, a silent question in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper.

"Can you..." she hesitates, her voice barely above a breath, "can you... sleep in my room tonight? It might be a while before we have another chance like this, what with the journey and everyone around..." Her cheeks burn a rosy red as her gaze flickers down to my arms.

"W-wait, you mean..." Ruby nods slightly, her face reddens deep.

I scratch my lower cheek slightly and look sideways, "I suppose we can..."

Her eyes widen with delight. "Really?" she asks, barely daring to believe it.

"S-shut up!" I face the other way in embarrasement. Looking at my reaction, Ruby giggles slightly while pulling my arms. And together, we enter her room, the vibe of a shared night hanging heavy in the air.

...

The door creaks shut behind me, and Ruby's voice pipes up, barely a whisper. "M-make sure to lock it!"

I slip the latch into place, a satisfying click echoing in the stillness of the night. Turning towards the bed, I'm met with a sight that makes me freeze. Ruby stands there, facing away from me, her back a canvas of discarded black – gambeson, gloves, boots, all removed with practiced ease. Now, only a plain black undergarment remains. But it's the faint tracery of scars and faint injection marks around her waist that steal my breath away. The outline of her slightly flat chest, the smattering of marks on her stomach and back, all speak of a past I can only begin to imagine. Then, a flash of crimson catches my eye - a tattoo of a single, defiant right wing adorns her right shoulder blade.

"W-what are you doing?" I stammer, my voice barely above a croak.

The sound escapes me before I can think, and Ruby spins around, her face flushing a brilliant crimson. She hides behind her hand, biting her lip, her entire body exuding a mixture of embarrassment and vulnerability. "W-who told you to l-look...?" she stammers, her voice barely a squeak. "I don't have any pajamas, so I usually... sleep like this before, okay?"

My own face burns with a heat that has nothing to do with the night air. I let out a sigh, half embarrassed, half awestruck. Stepping towards her, my gaze falls on the tattoo once more. "This is..." I begin, unsure where to even start.

"This is my mark," she mumbles, her voice barely audible as she tries to cover the tattoo with her trembling hands. "From the orphanage. It reminds me of everything I went through there, and I hate it."

"It's..." I hesitate, searching for the right words. "It's... pretty... I mean, aside from the experience itself, it really suits you, I think."

Her eyes widen, a sliver of surprise peeking through her fingers. "Really?" she whispers, a tiny spark of hope flickering in her voice.

I can't help but smile, the urge to comfort her overwhelming. As I turn to settle down on the floor, a pair of arms wrap around me from behind. Ruby nuzzles her head into my back, a silent plea for comfort. I stiffen for a moment, unsure how to react, before slowly relaxing into her embrace.

Her voice is barely a whisper, laced with a nervous tremor. "...We can share the bed," she suggests.

Seriously, Ruby? My cheeks are already burning like embers, and my heart thunders in my chest like a trapped bird. We've shared a makeshift bed before, sure, but this feels entirely different. Charged. Intimate.

My fingers brush against hers instinctively, a spark leaping between us. I gently release her hands and guide her towards the bed, my own movements stiff with nervous anticipation. We settle down on either side, facing each other, an unspoken question hanging heavy in the air.

The silence stretches, thick with unspoken emotions. Finally, I break it, the words tumbling out in a choked whisper. "I miss you," I confess.

Losing her so abruptly, banished by that old coot Darios... it had been the worst experience of my life, leaving me feeling utterly alone. Ruby, she'd become a beacon of light in the darkness, a reason to keep pushing forward.

Her gaze meets mine, soft and understanding. It feels like she's peering right into my soul, absorbing all the pain and vulnerability I haven't dared speak of. "...Me too," she murmurs, her voice thick with emotion.

A shadow of insecurity flickers across her face, and she looks down at her body. "I'm sorry," she mumbles, her cheeks flushed a rosy pink. "...I might not be... that attractive to you. With all these scars..."

A warmth spreads through my chest. I reach out and gently caress the faint tracings on her skin. "You're unique," I say, my voice firm. "And beautiful, no matter what."

She swats at my hand playfully, hiding her face behind it. "S-stop it..." she protests, but a smile tugs at the corner of her lips.

The night unfolds in a flurry of whispered secrets, shy touches, and stolen kisses. We explore each other's bodies with a newfound tenderness, the passion simmering beneath the surface finally boiling over.

Slowly, our clothes become a forgotten barrier, discarded on the floor. We face before each other, vulnerable and exposed, yet feeling a closeness we've never known before. A thrilling sense of intimacy as we explore each other's curves and contours.

The air crackles with unspoken desire. Our kisses deepen, tongues intertwining in a silent language of passion. Our movements become urgent, a dance of escalating pleasure. We reach a crescendo together, a shared burst of ecstasy that leaves us breathless and trembling as we release our love in unison. A soft moan along with creaking wood voices echoes in the room. We say nothing to each other, letting the moment drift us by, as any words coming out of our mouth will trigger an extreme embarrassment. The moans get louder, as we’re ready for the outburst of joy together.

In the aftermath, we lie entangled, my heart thundering against my ribs. The room is filled with the soft sounds of our ragged breaths and the creak of the old bed. No words are necessary; the shared experience speaks volumes.

!!!

Breathing heavily, we cuddle each other tightly, with Ruby nestled against my chest. In the quiet aftermath, a soft smile graces her lips.

"T-thank you, dear..." she whispers, her voice barely a murmur.

I press a tender kiss on her forehead, the warmth of the moment radiating through me. Leaning down, I capture her lips in a soft, lingering kiss. "Likewise," I murmur against her mouth. "I love you, Ruby."

"I... I love you too... Dear Rai..." she breathes back, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

We continue to exchange playful pecks, our fingers intertwined. Contentment washes over me as drowsiness sets in, pulling us gently towards sleep. Wrapped in each other's arms, our consciousness slowly fades.

...

Meanwhile, in the adjacent room, a girl breathes heavily, secretly, and her heart races...

#

End of chapter 06.