Not much has passed since then; the century-long conflict between those two had at once finally ended.
It had been a long battle of misunderstandings. How one wonders: how much blood was spilled, how many places' were affected, and how will one move forward from where they'd previously left themselves'?
From the moment those words' of end had hit them—these flooding questions' constantly strained them—but had it been for 'him', wouldn't they now be able to move on at the slightest?
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Wandering Cat: Lost
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Albeit small steps at a time'—'he' knew, as per him, "They'll manage to do so," and in such cases, those few years were all they needed, and as 'he' said, they had excelled at what was expected.
Construction had been smooth sailing—after, only had they been able to walk back on their own feet'—when said news' of 'him' had reached the ears' of them, although details of it were vague—'he' would soon easily be carved.
Needless to say—all would follow after 'those' who saved them—when set day would be close—never has a town lost in terms of arrangements; musically played instruments' and would've been adorned in bright banners—rows' of stalls at each corner; and at the end, dance and songs' to thank 'him'—the 'hero' as they called it.
The hero who fought—the hero who saved them—but, to the 'him' in question—even had peace arrived—barely a soul knew him; in fact, neither his appearance nor his name were given; if asked of the man, they would've replied with his adventures' instead.
Thus, 'he' was labeled as they've known him, 'hero,' nothing more and nothing less than the hero.
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This time around, the yearly arrangements' have kept the people occupied; the viewed town—the same as many others'—stands out—rather than its architecture or establishment; it was the mere rumor that the area itself was the home of the renowned.
As to take on the role of attraction—if done in narration, it would be that unlike others'—they'd exceed the amount needed into making one known—by that, it meant simply as it happens to be—to it's entrance til exit, one may not miss the plastered 'hero' sign and advertisement. Fortunately, their chief happened to be a man in business, as in the end, surprisingly enough, it worked out well—and the town of Milrose, like those once closed to ruin, regained its foothold once again.
...
A month of putting it all together—that's what it takes—hence, it's no wonder for a town in the countryside; each year they've managed to bring in plenty of tourists' and that includes' this year as well. With only days' until the said date, crowds' of people have already begun their daily escapades.
To prepare for in advance—a large-scale operation as this—in a typical town, it would've been unusual not to take advantage—for this reason, they would set each event separately and would've then been finished at the dawn of seventh'—which the demon king was at refortedly defeated.
The season? A cold one—if not for him, this would be of another complete stillness—like to monsters,' demons' typically slow down due to the weather condition' and to humans'—it would then be used for rest, hiding, and preparation—but because peace was achieved in winter, known for its tranquility, the previous soundless nights' were in bloom during such moments.'
...
The first day was more of a sight—an introduction to the coming scenario—in contrast to the constant place—only in such Milrose Town intend to catch the eyes of the people—to portray, it would be this—never once we've seen that assortment of goods'—foods' that suit—and to add up the statue of the him adorned in gold.
To be exact, by no means was Milrose Town 'wealthy' yet, according to the chief—it would've been bizarre not to go all out to a'special day'—or more accordingly to him; the statue would've been a fine investment for the years to come—following his orders,' the statue in question has become the model for those in affluent towns'—escalating his legend further and further.
As shown, it's not a joke for Milrose to be somewhat connected, if not for the rumored home as one might say—they'll indeed be fine believers'—making it so, returning to the statue—to view it was a delight, to both locals and to those who walked by.
...
Among the many people, the boy in uniform held the scrunch-up wrapped parcel in his right, his breath escaping in visible puffs—flakes' of white had begun to fall—he had been staring deeply at the figure for awhile, as if it were alive—although the stature itself was none other than display, nor did it presumably resemble any man as the facial was veiled.
Bon—his name, shaggy, neck-length ginger hair, and supposedly, at the age of fifteen, attire-wise—he works in delivery. With said job and the festivity—from next-door village, he'd often find himself downhills' at Milrose, and as a result, even for a delivery, he'd without fail hear of the hero—from that point on, had he'd someway seen his figure, one question would have repeatedly echoed:
“Why?"
“Why..?"
“Why...?"
“Why....?"
“Why.....? "
——Why.. did you—save us?
[As per 'him'—albeit small steps at a time'—he knew, "They'll manage to do so," and in such cases,]
...
What'd come to those who hadn't moved on?
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To explain, the boy was as normal as any, adding to the reality that he was of low status—due to the struggle, he was of that unfortunate bunch that took it directly. Perhaps, to him, a dream would've been as simple as his name—and just having to eat three times a day would've been bliss—less he'd lose appetite ahead.
Hence, he continues at this phase in these years since peace was achieved—not long had he had to rely on food given out; it was definitely unbearable then, but still, it was fortunate; he'd found a job to feed himself; thus, he will continue to do so without worry—less that's not the case for him.
Rather, now that it comes to this, his trouble is what follows: what should he be doing to move forward?
...
Ah, no matter—those thoughts would've been of no use to him; how long had passed since he stood here—the sun had started to say it's goodbyes'—a time wasted in pondering what to do with an 'unclaimed package'—this isn't the first it occurred; actually, he knew that it was another one of those pranks' played by those kids' immediately when the addressed was state—In a manner, it is recommended to check first; and an unknown pack as this—not a person would've want to drain their shift to uncover the receiver, especially in the industry he's in; you get paid for how much work you've managed to do in what is assigned to you.
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Yet, for him, a job like this wouldn't have been a problem; rather, he'd been the one to accept it. 'Who couldn't deny the task asked for by their manager?' as ridiculous as it sounds; he'd been the one who asked for it.
When signs of the sun were in motion, with a bow of appreciation, the boy turned around the statue of the hero.
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The sun had set by then, when at last—he had finished to report about the 'unfulfilled' delivery; questions' were no longer needed, and the manager could only let out the words' "You worked hard"—and settled it by the decision to 'change' the existing rule of the company of not accepting orders' labeled in unspecified locations.' Being overlooked as an 'incident'—throw out praise—and that was it for him.
——As expected, it still troubled him.
It went smoothly; nevertheless, it took him till it was dark out—unfortunately for him, snow had already piled out on the ground, withal the path had become familiar now, having to go back and forth to this' street. With a walk straight more, he would've been in the entrance to the connecting village—"What the—if not for 'that' creature who lay there, its tiny body blending into the surroundings.'
Snow-white fur, lengthy tail, and perky ears,' unlike the usual beasts'; this one was of uncommon origin. Noticing him—it had crouched its back; perceiving him as danger, it exposed its claws' and had been hissing at him—not letting him leave its sight.
If it's'someone' in that state—it isn't unusual—or even if it's'another' beast—then it'll be dangerous, and as he's gotten used to ignoring them, he's done it the same to the many he's seen, and maybe... Had this one amused him? or he'd just been nothing but an airhead as of late.
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Outside Milrose, in a village—atop the hills, surrounded by trees' and a few feet' apart from other houses'—a cabin lies inside a forest. It was small—with aspects' of neglect, made of log from oak'—and is visibly a one-room residence. From above its roofs' the stone chimney emits smoke, which is visibly seen from miles away.
Inside, in the middle of the room, a worn-out-looking sofa resides, and as the first rays of sunlight crept through the window, the creature with its ivory hair slept there peacefully.
In a second, the empty table right over had been adorned—a simple meal consisting of bread and stew—while the bowl with pieces of veggies was placed next to the one who sleeps. Upon that call, the creature awoke from its slumber—its azure pupils' that slowly opened to sit up to its share of food, gobbling down what had been prepared.
As they say, ignorance is bliss; in a way, this had been a part of the boy's routine—eating in silence with an unknown beast—and surely, it wasn't bad in the slightest.
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Snow has fallen less lately.
It had been three days' worth of heavy blizzards—from work to celebration, everything had been postponed—seeing that the sky had been so unexpectedly clear as to show no sign of hail. The fourth' event goes on as if nothing had happened, and that includes' those in jobs' as well.
Being a postman, he earned the sufficient amount to feed a number of two; with that, he'd taken on the role of being an 'innkeeper.' It was certainly not a house fit for dwelling; hence, for the single resident, he'd focused on fixing up the space.
...
Up until then, the festivities have gone at a steady pace. Because of the calamity, they've had to rush the planned events'—to review, the first to third would've been for show, and at fourth and fifth they've welcomed in performers' to stage, and on the current sixth day, if on first it had been towards' those in luxury—this one was built to cater to the community.
As for the day of victory—the majority would've wanted that celebrated with their family—and in these rural areas'—everyone is invited to join on the eve of the holiday.
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They had walked—a distance enough for the field of vision—for that short while ago, as he recalled, while he fixed up said place, the creature had pestered him again and again to enter the town, yet he'd decline on the invitation—and led it to the outside of the celebration; as it had no objections' currently, they had stopped to take a break—watching the party; it was all so strange to him; he hadn't really gone out of his house' if not for work-related—he hadn't had any time for a breather; or, he wouldn't want one to begin with else these memories would bother him.
...
They used to be a saying that was taught to a community: run—run—when there is an acrid scent of smoke and ash—when the sound of unending cries and screams dissipates—you should continue to act as if it were nothing, as to not refuse the time given.
The phrase passed on to every generation had been inserted in their minds; the reason simply is to be able to survive.
——But maybe if you hadn't done that, then you wouldn't have lost him.
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Those who were 'lucky' were the areas' that hadn't been roamed on by demons'—as blessed as that might seem, alas, them in similar shape were ravaged by monsters' instead, and to the order of knights' founded for these' reasons'; alas, they were in the capital in protection of those in high seats.'
Hence, in that decade, in such situations' for their survival, they had adapted to the ever-changing conditions—to those villages located in rural locations,' without having to be instructed, a system was formed within them.
...
In the wilderness, the deserted place of what seems to be an abandoned orphanage was used as the main grounds' and sheltered those of non-combatants and the wounded. Around them, they built up a camp that circled the forest—mainly for lookout and gathering; once the monster's horde up, they'd have to switch to other places.'
This had been their tactic in the decade.'—constructed to excellence by every mistake' as a result thanks' to recent discovery—their last base had been here, and they have not moved since. Where mana exertion draws out monsters,' had they been keeping their distance from one another—forming this strategy.
Accordingly, they were able to take it easy—had they'd taken it too much that they let their guard down, and apparently, life as it is, wouldn't let that happen, as what occurred after was too fast for them to take in.
...
Loud screams, cries, everything—was in chaos—people ran in all directions—bringing in what they could transport; leaving behind those of no use.
Only then has it taken place when those considered baggage is all' left—the base has been dyed red with those who deem it home. When it comes' to those who were isolated—would any voice get through—other than the man who stood there?
"Run," he says—those words of the brunette young man reverberate'—just for how long had he repelled those monsters'? bloodied, as he could very well be broken—he parried the attacks' that aimed towards' them, when he successfully made the impossible happen, and all that was left was him and the one underneath, pushing the boy similar to him who clung to the hem of his garment minutes' before the roof' had fallen.
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——The brother I had has always been a'stubborn' man—lazily seated, absentminded... whichever it was, "Brother!" The boy, without fail, would call him.
“Ah”
And he'll answer in exchange—though woken up from deep sleep, he'd react by dropping—“Should I worry...?"
“Sorry~ sorry~ hey, listen to this Bon."
And by that, he'd already started a second daydream—but even had those ideas' been farther than one could imagine, he would always continue these and speak of them to anyone he'd come into contact with.
Be it anywhere; "Hear this."
Put it in words,' "For this..." No matter what, and he would've done fantastic research.
——Perhaps that's why I quite liked him.
...
From weapons,' armor, and scheme, all was settled by him, and in all that...
——One of these dreams' fascinates me as this one was my brother's favorite as well.
"Hey, Bon, things'll clear up sooner—when that happens, let's leave this place!"
'Clearing up, huh? '
...
——A dream out of the question than any he'd done, and deep down, despite my stubborn brother... I liked what we think is the same.
...
——So, maybe, had you waited a little, we would've gone out of this—maybe if I had clung tighter, then—or at the very least, would you please... Even for the last time, just answer me.
In that silent turmoil; the boy shoved outside—could only respond in a cry.
——How many times' did I call out, despite that—this stupid brother of mine who'd answer without hesitation couldn't do so even if I'd crawled back inside.
After only being found by an injured man—who was with them being the last to leave—that was on standby.
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To distract him from mindless thinking—the creature had wandered up to an area—it had been nosing around for awhile, and what it had searched for might be the one in front of him—truly, he wasn't used to the kind it showed him.
[...one question would have repeatedly echoed:]
——Why?
The word 'chaos' matches the vibe perfectly—the landscape, as different as night and day to the first 'til the fifth—where would it be 'brilliant' and 'dazzling'—the sixth? Nothing of the sort, but somehow the reason for a celebration was clearer than before.
——Why...?
Villagers' huddle together' in a large pit of fire—as though time replayed; when one gets down to it—what people had shown—was the reality of what they'd truly felt when triumph had come to be—be it a foolish spree, happy laughter, or tears in pain—all of it was expressed fully.
"Ah"
——Rather, why did you leave me?
And that sight today would've been more accurate.
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To travel a distance—it had been at stray, 'til it finds' itself in a region in its cold month,' uncomfortable—the feline established itself at the center, hanging tight, surely, that 'guy' would fetch him as soon as possible.
Any minute now...
...
Very soon...
And of course, he had fallen asleep—caught sight of that nightfall—and had now become aware of its situation; it had lost its person.
...
He had wandered for awhile; however, he did not know why he'd end up in such a place. Rather than lose heart, he continued to walk that path—to think he'd forgotten something important.
Once it regained its strength—determined where to look—the sound of stepped-up snow reached its sensitivity. As it gazed in the direction, the stranger—a boy in his'teens'—revealed himself.
The boy went on his knees and muttered lowly, casting a fire—not too strong to burn and not too low either—to the extent that it aimed to attain warmth in that range. He was of no genius when it was magic, but a level of skill as this would've taken effect if anything.
With that, the tension from earlier was left behind—and had retracted its claws' in the meantime.
...
Hadn't it been long since the feline had eaten—and as such, anything would suffice, even for these constant bit-size pieces of greens?
The boy had brought him over, continuously offering him nourishment—although he had proved that he too was able to ingest more than that—the boy, stubborn as he is, wouldn't listen at all, which makes' him worry for that 'guy'—what could they be feeding him while he's not there by his side?
Nonetheless, he too had worries for this child; thus, before he left, he'd show him a bunch of others like him; maybe someone then would look after him.
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The period they had spent together had been barely a week—but,
——Perhaps I've no longer felt troubled; therefore, I'll hold back. The creature who I've trailed wasn't the one I expected to be—for he was more like me.
"Come visit!"
He called the creature who was no longer visible in the distance—it had been but trouble; its purpose was to leave, huh? Well, hopefully, until it finds a way—or even when it is unable to—may it know that a shelter is available.
...
——After all, you are someone who is much, much more lost than I do.