Akira's eyes, bearing the weight of countless battles and the knowledge of the choices he had made, he held a wisdom that few could fathom. "Yuri," Akira began, his voice steady and filled with the calm of a seasoned warrior. "I've witnessed the fiery determination in your eyes, you remind me so much of Erey.” he looked down at the sword he was holding.
“But I implore you to reconsider your path. There are lessons yet unlearned, potentials untapped, I can teach. I do not want to end your potential." Akira's words resonated within me, a fleeting moment of doubt seeping through my determination. I held profound respect for him, having observed his relentless training. Yet, my resolve remained steadfast.
"If I die now, I know I may carry regrets," I replied, a trace of frustration creeping into my voice. "But if I refrain, I risk making a formidable enemy out of Eden, and therefore my loved ones will too."I responded.
With a sigh that carried the weight of reluctant acceptance, Akira finally yielded to my unwavering determination. He raised his sword in a gesture of acknowledgment. "Very well, Yuri," he conceded. "But remember this, before we embark on this battle to the death, like my sister once told me: The greatest achievement of a swordsman lies in winning battles without a sword."
I know those words, they are the words of my father.
As Akira's blade whizzes past me, I parry desperately, my arms straining under the force of his attack. The impact reverberates through my body, sending shockwaves of pain up my arms. Beads of sweat form on my brow as I struggle to maintain my footing, my breathing labored.
With each passing moment, Akira's dominance becomes increasingly evident. He effortlessly anticipates my every move, exploiting openings in my defense with surgical precision. His strikes are a relentless onslaught, a relentless storm of steel that I can barely fend off.
I desperately parry Akira's attacks, but it's clear that I'm outmatched in every way. The sheer force behind his strikes sends shivers of pain through my arms, and I can feel my muscles protesting as they strain under the relentless assault.
A swift, brutal strike from Akira's sword catches me off guard, slicing through my shoulder with a sickening crunch. I cry out in agony as a hot, searing pain courses through me. Blood spurts from the wound, staining the dirt beneath me a deep crimson.
The injuries continue to mount as the duel rages on. A deep gash across my chest spills forth a torrent of blood, soaking my clothing and making it difficult to breathe. My vision blurs, and I can taste the metallic tang of blood in my mouth as I gasp for air.
With ruthless precision, Akira strikes again, this time slashing across my thigh. The pain is excruciating, and I collapse to one knee, unable to bear my own weight. My body feels like it's on the verge of breaking, and despair washes over me.
But Akira shows no mercy. He presses the attack, disarming me with a savage blow that sends my sword flying. I'm defenseless, my hands trembling as I clutch my bleeding wounds. The realization of my impending defeat is a heavy weight on my chest.
Fear grips me as I realize the dire situation I'm in. My injuries are mounting, and it's becoming painfully clear that I'm outmatched. My vision blurs as I stumble backward, desperately trying to put distance between myself and Akira. But he advances relentlessly, his expression unchanged.
I turn and attempt to flee, my legs heavy and uncooperative. But Akira is faster, and he corners me with a swift, calculated maneuver. I'm trapped, nowhere left to run.
As I lay on the ground, my body battered and broken, and my vision dimming, I hear the triumphant footsteps of Akira approaching.
But suddenly, the air is filled with a strange, chilling presence. My gaze shifts to a figure with wild purple hair and a slender, who emerges from the shadows. He moves with an otherworldly grace, and his arrival freezes the dueling ground in place.
"Who are you, did Eden send you?" I manage to rasp, my voice barely above a whisper, my strength failing me.
The strange man grins wickedly, his eyes gleaming with an eerie light. "They call me Wildcard, one of the Ten Divine Lords, but it was you who told me of this day, this was just an act of fate."he said while shuffling a deck of cards.
I struggle to comprehend his words, my mind clouded by pain and confusion. The concept of Divine Lords is foreign to me, and I can't fathom what he’s talking about.
In my desperation, I try to muster the last remnants of my strength to launch a feeble punch at Wildcard. But my body betrays me, and I fall short, my punch landing harmlessly in the air.
With a sinister chuckle, Wildcard turns his attention to Akira, who lies motionless on the ground, the light fading from his eyes. The sight of Akira's lifeless form sends a pang of regret and sadness through my heart. I had hoped to defeat him with honor, to earn his respect in the process.
Wildcard draws a card from a mysterious deck he carries with him. "Let's leave your fate to chance, shall we?" he says, his voice dripping with amusement. "If this card is even, your life will end. If it's odd, you'll live."
My breath catches in my throat as Wildcard reveals the card. It's an ace. Relief washes over me as I realize that luck has favored me this time.
Wildcard's grin widens, and he sheaths his blade. "Luck is on your side today, young swordsman," he declares. "Consider this a second chance."
With that, Wildcard disappears into the shadows as mysteriously as he had appeared, leaving me alone with Akira's.
Akira, struggling to open his eyes, managed to offer me a faint, reassuring smile. "Yuri," Akira whispered, his voice barely audible, "Do not blame yourself for this outcome, even at a disadvantage you faced me head on.”.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I nodded, taking in every word.. "I didn’t want this.”
As Akira's breathing grew fainter he handed me his katana, I squeezed his hand one last time. "If my sister ever tries to get revenge, please stop her, I don't want to-" With Akira's final breath, he left me alone, I vowed to carry his death with me forever.
Yuki
In Yuri’s room, the passage of time felt interminable, and my anxiety grew with each ticking minute. My mind was consumed by worry, wondering about Yuri's safety and whereabouts. When the door swung open at last, a sudden rush of hope and fear jolted my heart. Yet, the sight that met my eyes shattered my composure.
Before me stood Yuri, his battered body bearing the painful marks of his recent ordeals. He swayed on unsteady feet, as if he were teetering on the brink of consciousness. Horror gripped me, and I couldn't suppress a gasp as I rushed to his side. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I hastily wiped them away, determined to be a pillar of strength for him. Acting on instinct, I delivered a sharp, desperate slap to his cheek, hoping it might jolt him back to the present.
Yuri winced in pain, and I helped him ease into a nearby chair, his breathing shallow and labored. My trembling hands went to work tending to his injuries, doing my best to alleviate his suffering, all the while carrying the weight of my own heavy heart.
In that tense and agonizing moment, words felt inadequate. The enormity of our emotions rendered us mute. Yuri, usually a man of many words, remained silent. His eyes spoke volumes, a blend of gratitude and profound sadness. His gaze, weighted with meaning, was fixed upon me.
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Summoning the strength to speak, I whispered, my voice choked with emotion, "I'm so relieved you're still with me." My sincerity resonated deeply, and a surge of relief washed over me, though it was tempered by the sight of Yuri in such a dire state. Slowly, his gaze shifted towards me, and for the first time, I saw tears welling up in his eyes. It was a vulnerability I had never witnessed in him, and it touched me profoundly.
Unable to contain my emotions any longer, I moved closer, my heart aching for the pain he had endured. I gently cupped his tear-stained face in my hands and pressed my lips to his.
Yuri had regained some of his strength, and he clutched my hand, guiding me towards his bed. At last, he found his voice.
His voice, tinged with a mix of vulnerability and relief, quivered as he confessed, "I’m sorry..." I responded by enveloping him in a heartfelt embrace. Yuri had risked so much for me, his selfless actions… yet I felt an overwhelming need to offer him the comfort he deserved. "I was scared I wouldn't be able to see you again," he admitted, his face flushing with both emotion and the intensity of the moment, his grip on my hand unwavering.
I chuckled softly, attempting to lighten the atmosphere, "Hmm, you smooth talker. Do you really think I'm going to forgive you for nearly getting yourself killed?" His eyes met mine, a mixture of relief, amusement, and a touch of guilt playing across his expressive features.
In response to my jest, Yuri gently pushed me backward onto the soft bed, his intentions clear. I instinctively gripped his shoulder as I tried to prevent his advances, a mischievous yet caring smile tugging at my lips. "Ouch, okay, I'm sorry," he gasped, his eyes twinkling with a mix of pain and playfulness, "you're going to open the wound, please stop."
Yuri
Lying in my cozy bed, I could feel my consciousness beginning to fade, the world around me melting into the hazy edges of sleep. Yuki, with her peaceful presence, was sprawled out on top of me, her closeness almost suffocating. Her voice pierced the air, breaking through the quietude of the moment.
"You jerk!" Yuki exclaimed, her words sharp like an unexpected jolt. I hadn't realized it, but perhaps my actions had been a bit too forceful. Regret washed over me; I had just blown a precious moment. Yet, I felt an urge to bare my emotions, to let her know what had been locked in my heart for so long.
"I love you," I stammered, my voice trembling slightly as the words tumbled out. Tears welled up in her eyes, and they began to cascade down my cheeks. Yuki tried to hide her face, her emotions equally stirred, but I gently seized her hands and moved them away.
Initially, I thought she might be angry with me, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. However, when I looked into her eyes, I saw a hint of a smile playing on her lips. She wasn't upset; instead, there was a warm tenderness in her gaze, a connection that ran deeper than words.
"Okay, but be careful," Yuki teased, her voice softening, "I don't want to wake up next to a dead man."
I began to take off her clothes…
The soft morning light seeped through the curtains, and as I slowly stirred from sleep, I found myself nestled beside Yuki. Her tranquil beauty in repose was a sight to behold, and my fingers gently brushed a stray strand of her hair from her face. I couldn't help but marvel at her grace, even as I steeled myself for the confession I was about to make.
My voice trembled as I whispered, "Yuki, there's something I've been keeping from you." Her eyelids fluttered open, and her drowsy gaze met mine. In that fleeting moment, I got lost in the depths of her eyes.
With a deep breath, I began to recount the story of how Eden had coerced me into joining The Shadows of Rockbourne. I described the intense duel I'd had with Akira, the heavy decisions I'd been forced to make, and the precarious position I now held as the second-in-command. "I'm torn, Yuki," I confessed, my eyes reflecting the uncertainty weighing on my heart. "Should I leave The Shadows, or should I try to change the way they operate?"
Yuki's eyes transformed from drowsy confusion to surprise, and then, inevitably, anger. "You've been keeping this from me all this time, Yuri?" Her voice wavered, carrying a blend of emotions, but her anger softened as she understood the reasons behind my deception. She sighed and said, "But I get why you did it, to protect me and my brother."
A wave of relief washed over me as I reached for her hand. "Yuki, I need your guidance. What should I do?"
Yuki paused, contemplating the situation for a moment. "Yuri, if you're determined to make amends, if you truly want to change things, then stay. Work from within to transform The Shadows. Make them protect the innocent, help those in need, and ensure that others don't suffer like you did."
I nodded, grateful for her wisdom. "You're right. I can't alter the past, but I can shape the future." Leaning down, I placed a tender kiss on her forehead, an expression of my deep appreciation and love.
Lying side by side, the burden of my secret had lifted, replaced by a shared sense of purpose and unity.
Yuki had gone out to grab breakfast early that morning, and we found ourselves seated at the kitchen table, munching on ham sandwiches. The ambiance was comfortable, and our conversation flowed seamlessly, everything was going back to normal. But then, just as we were beginning to relax, there came an unexpected knock on the door.
"I'll get it," Yuki declared, her tone a blend of concern and determination. She had likely been worrying about my injuries and didn't want me to exert myself unnecessarily.
"Hey, boss!" The first member greeted me. She was a striking woman with long, dark blue hair and fiery orange eyes.
Behind her, two men in their mid-20s stood, their appearances rugged and battle-worn. They exude an aura of strength and experience. Further back, two young girls, no older than my sister, nervously awaited their turn to introduce themselves.
"Sorry to show up all of a sudden. I'm Iris, and it's a pleasure to work under such a skilled swordsman," the girl with the long dark blue hair said with a respectful nod.
I guess Eden decided to give me a bigger role in the organization.
I brushed off the compliment, my response tinged with gratitude and humility. "No need to flatter me; I can barely stand. If it wasn't for Yuki, I might not be here at all."
One of the young girls approached Yuki, introducing herself warmly, "You must be the boss's wife." Her name was Sofi, and her eyes sparkled with a radiance that matched the sun. Yuki, unaccustomed to such praise, blushed in response.
Then it was the two men's turn, "I'm Hermes," one of them began, "and this idiot is Nestor," he added, pointing at his companion. Their contrasting appearances made them an intriguing pair – one with short black hair and the other with long orange hair and a well-kept beard. A playful exchange nearly escalated into a fight, but they were quickly reined in by the last girl in the group.
With long black hair and striking, darker-toned red eyes similar to Yuki's offered an apology, "Sorry about this, boss. I'm Elvira," she said, seizing the two misbehaving men by their ears.
“I'm Yuri, and this is Yuki. I'm guessing Eden sent yall?," I asserted, making a sincere attempt to rise from my seat, though my body resisted.
"That's right, boss," Hermes chimed in, leaving behind a substantial bag of coins. "Eden wanted me to drop this off. He mentioned it's the earnings from your last mission," he added as he placed the bag down. Afterward, the group left.
Yuki eagerly opened the bag, her eyes widening in disbelief. "No way, this must be around 300 gold coins!" she exclaimed. This reaction made sense, given that the average working household in this region earns just about 400 gold coins a year. I hadn't anticipated any payment, but I couldn't deny that it was a pleasant surprise.
My injuries weren't healing as swiftly as I had hoped. Yuki, aware of Ash's family's reputation for producing skilled medics, asked her to come over in the hopes of speeding up my recovery.
"Dang, Yuri, you look like a mess," Ash exclaimed upon seeing me. The wounds inflicted by Akira were wide and deep, often causing me to lose consciousness during the day .Eden once suggested that alcohol might alleviate the pain, and I had since taken up the habit. "I'm amazed you're still kicking, but your wounds are slowly getting better. You just need to be patient," she assured me. Ash then handed Yuki a glass containing a cream to aid in sealing the cuts.
"Thank you, Ash. I didn't want Yuki to handle this all by herself," I expressed my gratitude.
"No worries, but seriously, what on earth did you do to end up like this?" Ash inquired.
"He fought a bear!" Yuki chimed in, offering a somewhat ludicrous explanation, it sounded good in the moment.
"A bear? what do you see in this crazy guy Yuki.," Ash chuckled.
With that, the two of them left for their classes. I stayed in my dorm, grateful that the academy was lenient when it came to attending classes, allowing students to work at their own pace.
A week later, a group of children stumbled upon Akira's body, sending shockwaves through the school. The somber occasion of his untimely death was marked by a grand ceremony. The mystery surrounding his demise loomed large; no one could fathom why it happened or who might have done it. While many whispered about the possible involvement of The Shadows Of Rockbourne, no concrete evidence could solidify the suspicions.
When Iris dropped by to update me on the situation, I seized the opportunity to ask about a person, Wildcard. She claimed to have no knowledge of him, though I couldn't help but wonder if she was lying. This, for the time being, convinced me to place my trust in Iris.
As fate would have it, Eden ascended to the position he had plotted for, becoming the Leader of the Scelta.
Yuki, noticing the challenges I faced, extended a heartfelt invitation for me to move into her apartment, conveniently located near the academy. Gratefully, I accepted her offer. I wouldn't want to burden her as she sought to provide better care and support during this tumultuous period in our lives.
It took me two months to fully recover from my duel with Akira.