"I can't keep doing this... Keep fighting this curse I'm born with. It's like... Like trying to dry your clothes in a downpour..."
Hayato scoffed at his metaphor. Harry noticed all the tiny crinkles of worry etched into his pale face. How long had it been since his friend had a night of sleep?
Even before the mission, Hayato knew the burden of what that day carried. And the dark bags under his eyes showed it.
Gazing at the wall, his red eyes glazed with a kind of despair that made Harry hold his breath for fear he'd break down. He had to look away. Down at the mug of ale that looked like a child's toy in his large hands.
He gripped the glass container until his knuckles turned white.
"Hayato..."
"Stop." Hayato buried his face in his hand, gasping for air. "Just stop... Thinking you know everything... Y-You don't!"
Harry grabbed the mug with both of his hands now. He stayed silent. Wanting so much to say but not sure how for his friend to get it through his thick skull.
Ever since Hayato was a child. When that incident happened, only bad things followed him after. Harry couldn't blame him for believing in something as silly as a curse.
He didn't realize he'd come to regret that night. That night he chose to stay silent.
That'd been the last night they were able to talk...
The only time they'd have after, would be the night he cried in Harry's arms with the last bit of strength he had.
~~~
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Guild of Masters Academy, HQ
Year: 4036 A.N 3rd Month 15th Day
It's been two days since the incident in Sapling Village. Shadow Slayer, and Subject #03 family remain missing. Subject #03, Case#04 remains unconscious. I write this letter now, in the middle of the night, so please forgive my penmanship.
Dear overseers, I beg of your pardon. Please give my top student, Hayato Itou, Subject#02, Student#65 another chance.
What happened wasn't at his hands. Every student there has given be their recounts without consulting the other. Each one is similar, just from different points of few. You can find all seven within the letter I sent with this plea.
This is not like Case#03. He remained in control of himself. But Shadow Slayer is as strong as they say. And even my top Warriors were unable to conquer it.
It wasn't until Shadow Slayer pulled out of his own accord, leaving them to regain their bearings in the scorching village, that they were able to escape and avoid an encounter with the angry villagers.
---- Sincerely, Sarah Katayama
Dear Lady Katayama, in response to your letter, the Church of Spring has decided to give the mercy our dear goddess would have us give. Instead of terminating Student#65, we shall send our most trusted Magistrate to your renowned Academy to form their own opinions on the matter. They shall arrive soon after you receive this letter, and shall speak with each student involved with the incident to asses their mental states. If Student#65 manages to show his sanity is there, he shall be spared from our judgement. But if he fails in doing so, we will have no choice but to follow in the ways of our ancestors in the Holy Purge. There is no need for alarm, far more survive than in the past. Likely from the strength our ancestors lacked in mental and physical stamina. And someone like Student#65 should make it through with flying colors. As such, we implore that no interference from your Academy shall take place whatsoever. The consequences would not be something we'd care to discuss in such a trivial thing as a letter.
---- Sincerely, The Overseers of the Justice of Spring