-Leon’s POV-
Is there even a word that could describe it? When I finished preparing the stage and the swords, the human abruptly emerged from the bushes with wounds.
They were small in sizes and numbers, but she was so frantic that she shouted at me instead of complaining about the pains.
“What are you doing here!? Hurry and hide in the cave!”
What…? What the hell was she talking about? I really wanted to yell back at her but the presence approaching this Hideout grew intense. So much that I almost thought my blood had run cold.
Before I could say anything, however, my shoulders were gripped and the girl looked at me in the eyes.
“Leon, please hide yourself and don’t make a sound.”
“What—wait, are you… are you crazy!? That monster isn’t any ordinary monster!! It’s a—“
“Please… go, Leon. I don’t want you to be hurt.”
The moment she said that, a very unpleasant memory resurfaced inside me. My chest tightened. I went into spasms, and I felt… feeble.
She was similar. Why did she say that? Why did she say such thing with the same expression? I couldn’t understand. How could she do this? Why is she doing this?
I tried to avert my eyes. But I failed. When I gazed at the pair of emerald eyes…… I was overwhelmed by them. For I knew and I could recognize her intention as clear as daylight.
“…please hide, Leon. You still have something to do, right? You can’t die here.”
“…………”
“Besides, rather than having two corpses left here, it would be better if one were to survive. I don’t know if I can defeat it but I want you to stay alive. Okay?”
……how selfish. She’s saying it as if she would die regardless of the circumstances. Had she given up, then she wouldn’t have showed me such resolute desire inside her eyes. It pained me to know what kind of resolve she had. It hurt me for knowing and yet choosing the same option again.
Even so—it’s odd. Why? For what reason does she have to help me? Why is she allowing me to have a chance when she had the right to live too? It was the only doubt that I have that I hesitated to go. It was the questions that I had that budged me to stay rooted there. Therefore—
“……why? Why do you wish not harm for me? Why are you protecting me?”
……it was something simple. She, a human who would live for a far shorter time than me. A human who was supposed to bloom and wilt like a flower… why would she accept death with a straight face like my mother did....?
The moment silence filled the air, I received a knock at my head. Light. The girl hit me twice, saying ‘Idiot’ as if she found the most stupid thing in the world. I wanted to speak against her for insulting me but I felt her soft hand rubbing my head.
“Who wouldn’t want to protect their family? You’re my little brother ever since we’re stranded here. We lived under the same roof, having fun together, arguing over trivial things, working together to survive, and even shared dinner. So why should I, your family, abandon you?”
……with a dazzling smile, she said the thing I hated the most.
With a bright smile and warm gaze, she declared the thing I did not possess ever since the one who was supposed to be my father… killed my mother in front of me.
The girl then pushed me. There was no force in it but my body instinctively responded by turning around shortly after. I turned my back against her who had welcomed me as a family. I turned my back at the one who treated me as one for all this time.
Why? Why? Why? No answer could be given. Hiding my tears, I ran into the Hideout and sealed the entrance with a pile of rocks from the rivers. Of course, there were gaps enough to ventilate the dark cave but I soon heard tremors.
The battle started.
I was anxious, and also worried. Anxious because I could not know what kind of outcome would arrive. And worried over the human. I didn’t know why I felt this… confused. I didn’t know why I was so worried that I imagined the worst to come.
But when the illusion of ‘Worst possibility’ emerged, all I could imagine was red of blood and a cold, soulless body on the ground. The image was too vivid that I clutched my arms. Too terrifying for me who had experience the loss of family.
In fear, I warded the illusions away. Countless imaginations ran wild but they always ended up in one result—death. Death of the human. I shook my head again in denial of that horrid future.
……then I discovered the tremors stopping. The faint sounds of ringing metals disappeared. The fleeting explosions and beastly roars vanished.
“…Has it… ended?” I moved the rocks away slightly. Trying to peek through the gaps, with my heart beating faster. Faster. Faster. Louder than ever.
Then I saw her.
Standing listlessly like a scarecrow. Her tattered clothes exposed her wounded body. Blood dripped from the tips of her fingers and from the wounds. Her breathing interval was rough. Albeit pale, her skin complexion was slightly flushed and the strands of golden tainted by crimson.
Despite how horrible her state was in, I was mesmerized by her enchanting figure. Was it because she was there? Was it because she was still alive? Or was it because she was able to defeat the impossible?
I cleared away the wall of rocks. I left the Hideout and rushed to the human. But before words could be given—the girl fell down.
“!—h-hey!?” Frantically receiving the body, I followed her fall and my back hit the grounds.
It was painful. And it was heavy. The girl’s body was also too wounded that I wondered how she could stay conscious despite receiving these… injuries. Blood leaked from her forehead profusely. One of her shoulder joint was dislocated with the muscle nerves torn off. There were countless cut wounds and a deep slash injury on her left hip. Most if not all of her bones probably cracked and even I could see her hands full of blisters and internal bleeding.
Horrible could not even describe it. The girl was at death's door long time ago yet she was awake for the whole duration of the battle. Even though dangers might have not passed yet—I was genuinely happy to know that the girl survived.
“—Hah. That’s very surprising. So have you fallen for her charm too, small runt?”
I quickly looked up. And there he was. Atop the Brial Tree, with his cloak fluttering by the wind. His cynical smile did not change. But I knew all too well that the mastermind of this farce of a battle was right in my view.
“…Takeru Roundtable… What do you want after all that?” I asked, almost glowering.
“Why should I even answer? You’re a true idiot if you think someone would just answer so willingly in Human Territory.” He answered.
“So? Why should I give a damn about your excuse? What do you want this time, Sage of Truth?” I strongly glared at him.
This guy is dangerous. I don’t think I want to cross him, but I can’t shake the hatred and disgust I have for him to lure an SSS-Class Monster for training purpose. In fact, that was more or less death match. How could he do that using his own pupil?!
“Hoh. So you’re still able to bark. Well, no matter though. That hatred of yours is a nice fuel for your petty ambition anyway.” The Sage of Truth descended from the tree with a simple hop.
He landed smoothly, without sounds nor impact. Not even the tall grasses swayed the moment his feet touched the ground. I was both bewildered and estranged by his feat but I could not let my guard down.
“She’s still alive right? That idiotic girl.” He asked.
“……what do you want with her?” In response, I held her tightly, protecting her from this atrocity.
“Funny how you were so hostile against other beings but mellowed to her. She’s technically my disciple so I can’t let her drop off the board now, right?” He reaffirmed. “Still… to think she beat this guy…”
We both stared at the dead body of the King of the Mountain. I didn’t know what the Hermit was thinking but I caught something glinting in his eyes. Does he know the monster personally?
“…at least you didn’t die a meaningless death, buddy.”
…what did he just say…? I raised my eyebrows but the Hermit clicked his heels and then turned around to face us again.
“In any case,” He paused and tossed a vial with red liquid as the content to me. “Tell her she passed with flying colors. That low-elixir is probably enough to heal most of her wounds but snap back her twisted joints first.”
I stared at the ultra-rare potion in my hand only to grip it as if crushing it. “You… dared to put her in a most untimely death and you still have the courage to help her? Is this some sick joke of yours!?”
The man shrugged as he waved his hands.
“I can be the villain if you want to get stronger. Besides, death is a common thing for mortals and can be a great incentive to work harder than ever.” He stated as if putting up excuses. “Not that you are a mortal… much less a human that can worry about death.”
I gnashed my teeth as my temper ran out. I was about to yell and rip the human’s throat out but—
“…Le…on…?”
A voice, one that I wished to never hear in this situation… appeared.
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A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
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I was sleeping nicely when I heard some yelling. Honestly, can everyone gives me a break? I’m a freaking victor crawling out of the mud! I just want to rest and eat some apples!
“I can be the demon if you want to get stronger…”
Huh…? That voice… is that Takeru’s? And wow am I impressed at how he worded it. A cool line like that is only reserved for someone that can be a great teacher, y’know? So nope! I’m not impressed, baa~ka!
But then, I heard some growling. Huh? Is this Leon’s…? Why does he sound so mad-
“Not that you are a mortal… much less a human that can worry about death.”
Eh? What did he just say…!? Who’s an immortal? Who’s not a human?! I snapped open my eyes and… I found a person staring at me.
“……Le…on…?” I muttered out his name out. Eh… that was probably a bad move in this situation.
Uh… Maybe I should get up? Yeah, I should. I stood up staggeringly and then found… Takeru.
“Ugh! Why are you here again!?” I pointed out. Unfortunately, my arm hurts and I squinted.
Takeru sighed, and he walked away. “You really can’t get enough of saying that, huh?” He said.
What is that supposed to mean?! Also… I heard something shocking earlier so as if I will stop here!
“Hey! What did you mean by that?” I asked.
The Lolicon didn’t wait and simply waved his hand.
“Just a slip of tongue. In case you don’t catch it, I referred to the brat behind you.”
What…? I turned around… and saw Leon hanging his head down, scowling as if wanting to bite his lips off.
“…eh… why am I always involved with troubles…?” Seeing the strained situation, I sighed in resignation and urged the redhead to return to the hideout.
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After arriving, I instantly passed out. Because of that I slept for a week like a log. Then I found myself very, terribly hungry though my fever has gone down very much. It was then that Leon helped cleaning my body and tended my wounds. Also, readers, don’t get the wrong idea. I was completely tired out and looked like a blood covered zombie after the death match.
As I was being treated by Leon for the third night…
“Are you okay, Leon? He didn’t do something weird such as hypnotizing you into a Geass Puppet right?” I asked.
“Gea…ss…? Uh… yeah, right. He didn’t do anything.” Leon replied.
Ah, is that so? From the makeshift bed (simply hides of animals dried, flayed and laid down in stacks) I was in, I patted the red-haired boy’s head for several times. Surprisingly, the boy didn’t snarl back.
“Hm! That’s good to hear then.” I said with a laugh like a grandpa.
“…will you stop it with that…? It’s… unsettling.” Leon commented.
Oh come on! I haven’t got friends of the same age with me and there’s nothing more interesting than to dote on my younger sibling!! Everyone who has a sibling, my view is extremely accurate right!? Ah, but Arika is an exception as she simply wished to be patted only when I was indebted to her.
“It’s fine! A little skinship won’t hurt~ It’s the privilege of being siblings after all.”
Leon finally sighed, but then he grew silent again. Arara, he even looked down to hide his expression?
“……why aren’t you scared?”
“Huh?”
“I’m… not a human. I’m a man-eating monster. You know it all too well, right, Charlotte Augmund?”
For some reasons, I could sense Leon’s tone of voice breaking apart and growing fainter. The reason why is unclear but he’s……
“Yet why? Why did you become angry for me? Why are you still treating me as the same before…? Why… even though I’m not a human… a Halfling—“
“Does it even matter at all?”
I interrupted him before it was too late. The boy was staring at me in disbelief but I repeated myself.
“Does it even matter at all? Leon is Leon right? Just because you’re a Halfling, will I even hate you for being an aberration like that?” I send out questions after questions.
“But… but I…!” He stuttered and nope, you don’t get a chance!
“Yes, you’re a Halfling. Probably a demon descent, even. I know that as you have horns and a tail you tried so hard to hide from me. Especially when we bathed together but you know… I already suspected that.”
Call it an intuition. First was because there’s no way an ordinary human could survive in this mountain all alone. Unless he’s extremely gifted, or possibly because he’s not human. However, I know that humans didn’t have the courage to face the unknown completely unprepared.
It’s actually impossible for a fantasy, medieval setting inhabitant to ignore curses and words of the priests. Because religion always have a way or two to spread their beliefs, influences of the church might have also affected the views of people to other species. All of my knowledge about it was because that Mad Scientist strapped me on a chair and lectured me all-day long though.
Speaking of church, the one here was a polytheistic one. Kind of like in Greece Age where Olympian Gods are revered in separate temples.
Well, other than that there were the demons. I knew they were violent, have barbaric strength and they had… the air of stupidity with them. Ivory was no exception as she got cursed in the very end. It wouldn't be surprising if an infant could lift a grown man up without a difficulty as long as they were demons.
However… just because people thought they’re evil, should I despise the demons? Should I despise their hopeless way of living which based on the foolishness the Gods implanted in their DNAs? I still am scared of Ivory and knowing that she would appear again once she recovered would be too much of a horror for me. Even so...
“Even if you’re a demon, you’re still Leon to me. I don’t give a damn about how others thought. I don’t even care about the rules set by people as they’re simply something they arbitrarily made. Just wait for a couple of thousands of years and… *poof!* nothing will remain.”
So I patted his head again. I comforted my little brother who was trembling like a lonely child he was.
“You’re not alone, Leon. I’m here for you. Mother and father would for sure be happy if you become our family member.”
“……even so… I……”
“Please. Let us become the place for you to return to.”
I hugged his small body. When crying, everyone looks smaller than they seemed to be. I don’t know if it’s just physiology phenomenon or because illusions alone. But I just knew what I can give to this child who was left with nothing behind.
“In the future, you may be able to make a new family. In the future, you might become a dashing prince that will save a princess. And someday, there will arrive the moment your longtime dream to bore fruits.”
But… what will happen after it? To those who had lost everything and still refused to take anything with them… What will be left of them? What will remain for them to cling to after their ideals were given form?
What will happen to them?
“Family—isn’t all about being together. It isn’t about being tied by blood alone. A family means you have someone connected with you, somewhere in this vast world… There’s still someone who possessed an unbreakable bond with you no matter where you go to.”
Is it okay to let them be like that? Is it okay to simply abandon them who had grasped the utopias they sought for the entirety of their life?
“And family means… a place for you to return to. No matter how far you have gone to. No matter how many times others might have shunned you… we will always welcome you back, Leon. All of us.”
I have experienced death. I have abandoned my family. I knew the bitterness of farewell, and I also knew the bliss of having one. To be honest, I really am a lucky guy to be reincarnated and was given with a loving family. Though I’m not a guy anymore……
“When you’re hurt, we’ll treat you. When you have decided, we’ll support your decision. When you feel weak, we’ll protect you. When you want to shout, we’ll listen to you. When you reached a dead end, then we’ll think up a way to solve it together. And when you did something wrong, we’ll scold you. Be it in joy or in grieves. To live, to laugh, to eat, to sing and to play. Together. Isn’t that… what being a family is?”
A small drop of tear fell onto cold cavern’s floor.
“……………yea…h……”
It was a sorrowful tear. It was a tear that signified the sadness and farewell. The pains of having to part ways with your beloved ones.
But as a coin held two different sides. A farewell… would always be washed by a new encounter.
The child in front of me cried. He wept uncontrollably. He was showing quite an unsightly expression as he wailed like a child he was. Tears falling from his wet cheeks. His face red and he gasped for times. Overflowing, and also resounding within this cave.
Even so—it was for sure, a tear that welcomed the acceptance of the only thing he wanted the most. Inside my embrace, I whispered to the boy with a smile.
“—Welcome back, Leon.”
That day, a bond manifested between us. Between a human, and a half-demon. Whether it was the correct thing or not. Whether it was allowed by the gods or not. It doesn’t matter at all.
After all—nothing could be wrong for becoming a family. The decision to be connected with someone… could never be wrong no matter what. I'm sure of it.