As I followed the directions from the note, I bumped into Eden, “I need you to come with me,” he said.
“Not right now, I need to go somewhere.”, but he had his men surround me, leaving me with little choice. Eden insisted that he needed my help to complete a deal and that it wouldn't take long.
I ended up riding with one of Eden's men, who told me we were going to East Rockbourne. This made me nervous because it wasn't a part of our territory. The Shadows of Rockbourne only controlled the northern part of the kingdom, and our turf ended near the Academy “I thought our deal was that i defeated Akira!” I told him, I wasn't supposed to be part of anything else.
“I need that intimidating aura you have, trust me, having you there will make this go a lot more smoothly.”
When we arrived at our destination, it turned out to be an old bank that had been transformed into a fancy-looking place with a big chandelier and a round table. Three other groups were already there, probably representing the East, West, and South organizations.
The first to speak was a man with long gray hair and a small beard. “Shadow you're late!” He wore glasses and had a small cut on his left cheek. His code name was Max, these guys probably didn't want to say their real name due to the danger. Max was the leader of the South group; they mostly focused on human trafficking and slave work. I had a run in with this group in Wolfdale earlier in the year, I guess The Shadows had not claimed that territory yet.
Next was a man with dark skin and short white hair, his code name was Rune. “Have some respect for the young one, he still has much to learn.” We were currently in Rune’s territory, the East, they mostly focused on the production of weapons. Due to their close proximity to the Dwarven kingdom they were able to monopolize the production.
“All you men do is argue!” the last leader said. She had pale skin and short red hair. Her code name was Ember, the leader of the west organization. Little was known about what they actually did, but they for sure had a lot of nobles under their payroll.
Eden was wearing his usual white mask, “Shut the hell up, let's start already.'' They continued discussing territories and other matters, which made me increasingly frustrated as I kept an eye on the clock. I needed to talk to Yuki to find out what was really happening. Unable to hold back my impatience, I finally burst out, "Do you all ever shut up?!" My frustration had reached its limit, and I couldn't stand the endless discussions any longer.
“And what might your code be young one?”Rune asked.
“I don't have one, I don't even want to be here to begin with.” the room went silent, i looked over at Eden. Even though I couldn't see his face, I knew he had a big grin.
“Everyone has a code-”
“For fuck sake, fine if he’s the First Shadow then im the Last Shadow.'' I stood up from my seat. “If you want the Shadows territory that bad, then come get it.” With that Eden got up and we left, as we were leaving he whispered “Good job Yuri.” I fell right into his trap.
When we got back it was nightfall, Eden dropped me off at the estate. I guess this is where Yuki’s finance lives, it's kinda nice. But there was something wrong, there were no guards.
“Hey Eden, can you come with me?” I asked, my hands began to tremble.
“It's odd how quiet it is.” he said, my heart sank to the floor. A million possibilities filled my mind, what's going on?
We looked all over the house but there was no one, that was until we found a room. Next to the door was a pile of bodies, I hurried over, she couldn’t be… right?
“She’s in there.” i man said, i turned to see Ryuu, he looked like a corpse. “How am I going to fix this?”
I ran into the room and there she was.
“Why didn't you come, why Yuri?”her voice trembled and her hands were covered in blood. In Front of her was a young nobel, he had a giant slash across his chest. He was naked, and the person who killed him was holding the sword. I took the sword away from her, “Why didn't you save me?”
“I'm sorry…” i picked her up and carried her out the room, she passed out quickly after, the trauma must have got to her.
“Tell them The Last Shadow did this, and that your sister is safe.” I said to Ryuu, he looked relieved as if I had just taken a heavy burden off his shoulders. Eden did his usual evil laugh as we left.
When we got to my dorn Eden told me that he would be in touch soon about the Akira situation. As I was about to put Yuki in my bed she suddenly woke up. She didn't say a word, she just covered herself up with blankets.
It's been 3 hours…
“Just forget about me, forget all those dates,” She got up and headed to the door.
“At least stay just for tonight… please.” This time i looked right at her, i couldn't make the same mistake again. “So I know you're safe… Why aren't you looking at me this time." At this point tears were falling down my face. “Forget about you, how the hell am I supposed to forget about you!”
“...”
“You can tell me you don’t like me, you can leave if you want but I… I…” Suddenly I felt soft gentle arms around me, I looked up to see crimson red eyes. They were filled with tears. “I could never forget you”
The next morning I woke up, I turned to the left then to the right. She’s gone.
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I stood up abruptly, my eyes darting around the dimly lit room. I struggled to comprehend the shadowy figure in the corner, who was holding a glass of whisky. My heart raced, and panic surged through me..
"Eden!" I exclaimed, my voice quivering with disbelief and anger as I recognized the intruder. "Where's Yuki?"
Eden took a deliberate sip of his whisky before responding, his voice low and cold, "She was gone when I got here, but we need to talk." Confusion swirled in my mind.
Eden seemed unfazed by my protests and continued, "Tonight, Yuri, it's time." His words hung in the air, sending a shiver down my spine.
My eyes widened with disbelief. "Confront Akira? I knew it was coming, but so soon?"
Eden's gaze bore into mine, unwavering. "The timing is crucial. The opportunity has arisen, and we can't afford to let it slip away. You've been preparing for this, Yuri."
Fear coursed through me. I had anticipated a showdown with Akira in the future, but I hadn't expected it to come so suddenly. Eden leaned in closer, his breath carrying the faint scent of whisky. "I've mastered and shown you all of Akira's techniques during our time training together. But remember, Akira is ruthless."
I nodded, my mind racing as I tried to grasp the enormity of the situation that lay before me. "What if things go south?" I asked, my voice tinged with uncertainty.
Eden's normally stoic expression softened ever so slightly as he met my gaze. "If you fail, Yuri," he said, his words carrying a weight that settled heavily upon my shoulders, "your very life will hang in the balance. You must summon every ounce of strength and resourcefulness within you to ensure your survival. Akira is not one to bear grudges; he values strength above all else. If you manage to emerge from this ordeal alive, you'll still have the opportunity to try again."
As Eden drained the last drops from his glass and rose from his seat, the finality of his departure settled upon me like a heavy cloak. I knew that there was no turning back now. The impending confrontation with Akira loomed before me like an unyielding crucible, a trial that would test the limits of my abilities and determination.
Yuki
It all began with a remarkable encounter that still lingered in my memory like a vivid dream. On a day when I was lost in my thoughts, I had the misfortune of colliding with a nobleman known far and wide for his fiery temper. His anger erupted instantly, and he menacingly brandished his sword in my direction. Fear gripped me, rendering me immobile.
Then, like a guardian angel descending from the heavens, Yuri suddenly materialized, standing valiantly between me and the enraged nobleman. My brother, Ryuu, was by my side, swiftly pulling me away from the volatile scene. Leaving Yuri behind weighed heavily on my conscience, as I knew he had risked his safety to shield me from harm.
The joy that flooded my heart was immeasurable when I learned that Yuri would be accompanying us on our journey to the Academy. There was an aura of silent strength about him that drew me closer. Yet, as we embarked on our path to the Academy, a shadow of unease cast its gloom upon my heart. Our journey was disrupted by a sudden assault from a gang of criminals, and it was Yuri's timely intervention that rescued us. However, the sight of him emerging from the fray, covered in blood, sent shivers down my spine.
In the throes of panic and fear, I uttered hurtful words to Yuri, words that would haunt me later when I comprehended the full extent of his sacrifice. Our encounter left a rift of emotions between us, but I couldn't deny the lingering affection I held for him. As Yuri joined the Academy as a student, my heart swelled with happiness, and the ensuing months were a whirlwind of adventure and shared laughter.
But then my mother said i had to marry some guy, i told her i loved yuri but she didn't care. He started to take off my clothes and then I… I killed him.
I had left Yuri's room in the morning, its about to turn night, I need to tell him how I feel...
Rounding the corner of the campus, I caught sight of Yuri emerging from his dormitory. My heart sank at the sight of him, for his usual confident and radiant demeanor had given way to a pallid complexion and a distant, troubled gaze. Fearing the worst, I quickened my pace to catch up to him, my voice trembling as I inquired, "Yuri, where are you headed?" I desperately sought reassurance in his eyes, but they held no solace.
Yuri continued his deliberate and resolute stride, as if embarking on a mission of immense significance. After a brief pause, he finally responded, "I'm on my way to duel Akira." The mere mention of a duel with Akira sent shivers down my spine. Akira was renowned throughout the academy as the best, and the gravity of Yuri's decision weighed heavily on me. Tears welled in my eyes as I grappled with the reality of the situation.
Unable to contain my emotions any longer, I gently implored Yuri, my voice quivering with fear and desperation, "Yuri, you can't do this! Please." Yuri halted in his tracks, his gaze finally locking onto my tear-filled eyes. He reached out to cradle my face, his fingers trembling ever so slightly.
"How could you say that…" he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "How about you just forget about me then?"he said with a sad smile on his face.
My heart ached as I gazed into Yuri's light blue eyes, fully aware that I could not sway his resolve. Frustration, anger, and love swirled within me, and in a fit of emotion, I pushed him away, exclaiming, "Fine! Go duel Akira, but promise me you won't let yourself get killed. I'll be waiting in your room, and you better return to me, Yuri."
Yuri
I turned around, offering one final smile to Yuki as I grappled with the overwhelming weight of anticipation and uncertainty that bore down on my shoulders. My thoughts became a swirling tempest of memories, with my grandfather at the center. His invaluable lessons echoed through my mind, each one etched in my memory like an ancient scroll. I could vividly recall his patient guidance on how to grasp the hilt, the precise positioning of my feet, and the wisdom he imparted with each swing of the sword. Those lessons transcended mere physical training; they were the foundation upon which my entire life had been built.
I reminisced about my youth, a time when I would sneak into tournaments, a small and unnoticed figure lurking in the shadows. There, I watched in awe as skilled swordsmen engaged in combat with unparalleled grace and precision. Their every movement resembled a mesmerizing dance, and I absorbed their techniques like a parched desert absorbs raindrops. In those stolen moments, my dream of becoming the greatest swordsman took root, a dream that I had nurtured and carried with me through the passage of years.
However, as I drew nearer to the impending duel with Akira, doubt and anxiety took hold of my heart like relentless vipers. The odds stacked against me seemed insurmountable, and a pervasive question gnawed at my mind: would my years of rigorous training suffice to conquer this formidable opponent? The sword I held felt unwieldy, and my palms were drenched in the clammy sweat of nervousness.
Yet, an even more excruciating truth lay heavy on my conscience—the prospect of defeat paled in comparison to the pain of leaving Yuki with unwavering doubt in her eyes. She had promised to await my return in my room, and the realization that I might not come back weighed upon me like a millstone around my neck.
With each step I took, I carried not only the physical weight of my sword but also the immense burden of my past, my grandfather's enduring teachings, and the dreams I had lovingly nurtured over the years.
Akira stood amidst the tranquility of the training courtyard, his movements executed with a graceful precision that bespoke years of rigorous practice.
“Shit i'm late…”I said.
Before him laid the lifeless forms of my comrades from The Shadows, a haunting testament to my failure to protect them. The gentle swish of his blade cutting through the air was complemented by the faint whispers of the breeze, an eerie harmony in the aftermath of the battle.