EXTRA 3: Idiots Don't Cry, They Smile!
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[Year: 6823]
At the very east side of the world, overseas lies an isolated continent, big as Mech-Country.
It was 'Kiran-Land'.
A continent which was mostly isolated from the other continents itself. Cause of a long-distance relationship.
However; Kiran-Land itself was quite lively continent. As different species lived in harmony in this land.
Expect for Dark Elves' that is...who mostly resides at the other side of this continent. As they were mostly a quiet bunch, who doesn't like to interact with others....
But that's a different story in itself.
◆Kiran-Land◆
At the center of the Kiran-Land lays a tall rocky mountain, reaching beyond the clouds. And around this mountain were dozens upon dozens of 'Dragons and Wyverns' flying all around it. All while, these creatures wouldn't even rest for a bit as they were doing this for almost about three millennium now. While many of the open space around it was soon filled by the locals, making it as the capital city of this land.
And soon, the capital city was named the 'Dragon City' by the locals.
As for the tall rocky mountain, it was soon given the name 'Guardian Tower' by the locals.
And the reason it was given this name was because at the very top of this mountain lives a being, who at this point had lived for countless millennium and cause of that not just the locals but the whole world calls this being a 'Living Legend' along with the other three.
And this being was the 'War Hero' of the first great war and the first Guardian of Kiran-Land.
She was the 'White Dragon(Jyoti)', or the 'Queen Of Dragons' as most of the locals knew her by this nickname.
For history's record; after the first great war ended, Jyoti helped the humans to build this city from scratch. After that, she started to live at the very top of this rocky mountain, never to be seen again in front of public eyes.
---At one random sunny day
A newly-weds couple step into the Dragon City, carrying bags of luggage on their shoulder. As the husband's eyes were filled with ambition and confident while staring off to the city with a big smile.
On the other hand; for the wife it was the polar opposite of how her husband's feeling...as she was looking down and looked a little anxious.
「...」
Without a word; the wife walks closer to her husband and grabs onto his arm.
「? Is something wrong, Maya*?」
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NOTE*: 'Maya' is a Nepalese word, and it means 'Love'.
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The husband addresses his wife Maya, while looking a little worried.
「..It's nothing.....」
But Maya just moves her head sideways and brushes it off as nothing.
Maya's husband puts his both hands onto her cheeks and said.
「..Maya, I understand that this is your first time ever stepping into a city and its making you a little anxious. But--I just want you to trust me on this one, ok? So, can't you stay here and support me 'til the end?」
「...」
At her husband's word; Maya nods her head. As they both starts to walk inside the city filled with hopes and dreams.
•••
••
About a month or so since Maya and her husband settled down at the 'Dragon City'.
And now, they were living under one of many small rooms at rent, as her husband would go to work at 'Industrial Company', while Maya herself would stay at home and do the chores and cooking.
It was going smoothly for them, as the husband was getting fairly decent salary from his work.
Until one faithful day--when Maya suddenly broke the news that she was pregnant with his baby during their dinner.
At first, her husband didn't know how to react at this. But--he soon starts to tear up as he felt really happy hearing this. And that same night both of them talked to each other all night long, of what they should name their child and many more, like planning to buy a house for their new family.
From the very next day; Maya's husband starts to work overnight just to get that few extra moneys, as he desperately tries to save money just to buy at least a cheap house.
And after 8 moths of hard work, he finally was able to buy a cheapest house with all of his savings.
And right now, on his mind was, "My wife is at the hospital...so I should decorate the house to give my wife and our new-born child a big surprise when they enter our new home!", with that in mind, he soon heads towards the marketplace to buy some decorations with his leftover money.
When it was about a week left before Maya's delivery, her husband came to visit her to spend some time together with his wife.
「Maya, don't you worry, ok! Just stay strong!」
Maya's husband holds her hands gently while showing a concerned face towards his wife.
「Um-hmm...don't you worry about me, dear. I'll be just fine.....I'm more worried about you....please, don't push yourself too hard just for our sake, ok?」< Maya >
Maya said as she watches her husband getting more deeper dark circles under his eye's day by day.
Listening to his wife's calm voice, he was able to loosen a bit.
「Maya, you don't have to worry about me. I can assure you that everything is alright! Anyways, I've brought you some fruits~ So, make sure to eat it, ok?」
Maya's husband said as he puts full basket of fruits at top of the table and kisses on her forehead.
「Well then, I'll be leaving for work. See you later, Honey~!」
With this, Maya's husband left the room for his work.
--Few weeks later
It was time for Maya's delivery. All while, her husband was at the work, working overnight.
Maya's delivery went smoothly as she gave birth to a healthy boy. And right now, she was resting for few days in a row, recovering her energy.
During this time; Maya waited and waited for her husband to burst this door wide open, and to walk towards her and say, "Congratulation, Honey!", but that moment never came as she waited for her husband's arrival for days in end...
Later, one afternoon; a group of people came to visit her whom she didn't recognize. But these people soon introduce themselves as colleagues of her husband.
At first; Maya was confused but she soon learned why they were here to see her...when one of them broke the news to her that her husband died in an accident during his last night shift...
And the reason was--her husband had been working really hard from day-to-night for these past couple of months even when he was feeling less energetic...until yesterday's night shift, when he suddenly slipped his footing and fell down at the huge grinding machine....
Maya couldn't believe what they were saying, while she kept telling herself that 'It was all a lie'. When she slowly told them to stop talking and leave her alone with darken face.
And right now; Maya didn't know how she should react to this news...while her one half felt pretty sad inside by this news and the other half felt very angry towards him. Cause he didn't care about his well-being.
But it didn't matter as she kept on waiting for her husband's arrival at this hospital. And even when doctors and nurses told her that she was healthy enough to be discharged, and yet she just kept on staring to a distance, still waiting for her husband's arrival.....
With no choice left--hospital's staff forcefully discharged her, as she was now standing outside while holding her baby in her arms.
Now, Maya was slowly walking towards the new address where their new home was located. While she constantly looks at her baby who was sleeping peacefully in her arms.
(...Cause of you.....I've lost my love........) < Maya >
Deep within her heart; she puts all the blames onto her new-born child whom she thinks is the sole reason, who had took her love away from her and yet she couldn't bring herself to hate her own baby...
And to top it off--her husband's smile constantly flashes throughout her mind. And before she could realize, she was already in front of her new home.
The house itself wasn't that special or anything. It was just a cheap house which is mostly purchased by low-class families.
When Maya entered the house, she suddenly got surprised to see decorations all around the house.
Like how--there were dozens of posters sticking up to the walls, all congratulating and welcoming her and their baby into the house.
But the person who should be saying this wasn't even present...which was making her heart to ache, while she quietly looks at her baby sleeping into her arms as she felt a burning sensation deep within her...
(...If only...you hadn't born...then he wouldn't never leave me.......) < Maya >
*Knock* *Knock*
Just when Maya was in pensive mood, she suddenly heard someone knocking on the door.
To which; she quickly got up and went to the door to open it, hoping to see her husband.
But instead, it was just a delivery man holding a box in his hands. When she asked about this, the delivery man just said, "We were ordered to deliver this box to this address after a week or so".
And the one who ordered it, was her husband.
Without a word; she just took the box from the delivery man's hand and sat down at the living room table, all while--she was holding her baby.
With her trembling hands--Maya carefully unboxed the package, and inside the box was a cake.
「...」
And the letters which was written on the cake made her heart to ached even more. As the words says, 'To our family!'.
To which, Maya couldn't ignore the burning sensation coming from deep within her heart. As she soon starts to sob--while her tears fell down on the cake and on her baby's cheeks.
「..why...*Sob*....why did you leave me behind...... *Sob* didn't we swore an oath to be together forever...... *Sob* *Sob*」< Maya >
Without holding herself back, she soon burst in tears.....As she remembers her husband more, which made her heart to ache more in pain......
Maya knew crying about this won't do any better, and yet she didn't know what to do with her life as she felt lost inside...
「!?」
But--suddenly she felt something warm on her cheeks....
「...」
She saw her baby touching her cheeks while looking at her in wonder.
Maya felt her baby's fragile soft hands giving her the warmth feeling which she had forgotten at this point.
The more she stares at her baby, more the baby's face was reassembling to his father. As she felt relived just by looking at the innocent face and...
「..Mark *Sob*....your name will be Mark from now on...... *Sob* After all, your father was the one who chose this name for you.... *Sob*......」< Maya >
Maya mutters as she held her baby more dearly into her arms and cried for hours....
--A decade later
After her husband's death. The very next day, she received about 10 Gold coins from the insurance company.
With all this money, Maya used it to enroll her son into a prestige school. But by doing so she had very little money left...
However--Maya did not give-in, as she soon starts to look for a job. All while, her son was attending school. But since, Maya had only work as a housewife, so she didn't had any prior knowledge of works. But it wasn't a matter at all as she would soon lands a part-time job at many noble's households as a maid to earn some money.
And she did all of this job without ever telling her son about this. Cause she didn't want him to be worried about her well-being.
And as years passes by; Maya worked very diligently at this field of work to live an honest life by earning very little in return.....
All while--Maya would always wake up very early in the morning, and cooked breakfast and a lunch for her son to eat during the interval. While she would get ready for her work.
But unbeknownst to her--one random day when all of a sudden, she felt her body had no energy left as her whole body soon starts to get paralyze, with no apparent reason...
And now, some parts of her body would get paralyzed from time-to-time, while she would occasionally coughed bloods, randomly.
Not long after; she realizes that something wasn't right about her health. She wanted to go and see a doctor for normal check-up, but--it wasn't possible since she was really on a tight budget...and top it off, her son's school fees were double the price than her own income......
And as days passes by; Maya's health was worsening, and yet she would always do her daily routine like normal and leaves for work as well. Even when she wasn't feeling all too well, just to cough bloods and would get paralyze or seizure later on, during her work. And even still she'll insist herself to continue...
However--after a month or so, Maya's body just gives up on her as she completely got bedridden. While she cursed and blame all this mess onto herself, for not being able to provide anything to her son.
But on the other hand; her son, Mark, didn't felt that way. As he soon starts to look after his mother like a responsible son, despite him being so young.
But Maya didn't feel like being proud or anything. Instead, she was now hating herself more than anyone for being an incompetent mother.
Maya wanted to get up from her bed as she didn't want her son to look after her, but--rather she wanted him to live his life to the fullest, without caring much about her.
To which; Mark just completely denies his mother's request and continues to look after her.
◆◆◆
A year later.
The situation got much more worsen than ever... Cause now, Maya had no money left to feed nor to pay the bills, all while--the bill receipts kept piling up at her doorstep more and more.
And during this time of the year, Mark kept on asking his mother's consent to do a part-time job at random places to earn some money.
To which; Maya straight out refuses her son's ideas, as she deeply didn't want to see her son struggling while she was still alive...
And one random day, Maya suddenly got-up on her feet. While Mark felt surprised by this, and at the same time he felt happy just by seeing this.
But perhaps, Maya had something going on inside her mind. As she soon told her son to get ready as she wishes to go outside for a walk.
When Mark asked about the reason, his mother didn't give any reason, whatsoever...
But Mark didn't care about this as he got ready like his mother told him to do, without much questioning. All While--Maya also got ready to go outside, as she held her one hand towards her son. To which, Mark happily holds his mother's hand and step outside their home.
••
•
After few minutes of walking.
Maya along with her son were now walking through the streets of 'Dragon City'.
「Mark... Let's walk a little bit slower, ok..?」< Maya >
「? But Mother! We still have a lot of places to visit!!」< Mark >
Looking all enthusiasm, Mark said as he was jumping all around his mother.
(Mark... You're so full of energy......) < Maya >
Maya felt happy, as she watches her son getting all lively again.
「I...why am I so weak......why can't I give you the same happiness as you did.......am I even worthy of being your son, mother.......」< Mark >
But suddenly, Mark said with meek voice and was looking down, looking somewhat in pain.
「...」
To which; Maya crouches down and gently pats on her son's head.
「What are you saying.....you are already enough! In fact--I wanna be just like you, Mark!」< Maya >
「Liar...you're lying! You always lie! If not then--why I always see you hiding behind those fake smile!!」< Mark >
「...」
「How can I make you smile, mother?! Why did you have to become ill?! When I should be the one!? Why? Just why can't I protect you, mother...?! *Sob*」< Mark >
Soon, Mark gritted his teeth in frustration, while he breaks down in tears at midway of his talk.....
「*Sigh* You know, Mark. I'm really grateful to have such a caring son. So, thank you for always staying by my side.」< Maya >
Maya suddenly hugs her son very dearly, and whisper softly to his ear.
「H-Huh?! W-What are you saying---」< Mark >
「Without you, I would've been lost a long time ago... But you gave me hope and courage to live. You gave me a reason to strive for another day. So, thank you from bottom of my heart for always protecting me, son.」< Maya >
「...B-But! *Sob* All my life--I've been nothing but a nuisance to you, mother! *Sob* So why are you thanking me..... *Sob* *Sob*」< Mark >
「..Sometimes, you were a nuisance to me. But at the same time, you were also kind and caring too. So, don't curse yourself...you've already done enough for me..... *Sob*」< Maya >
Maya mutters, as tears starts to fall down from her eyes as well.
「..If so then.......why are you crying..? I wanted to make you smile, y'know!? *Sob* *Sob*」< Mark >
At the same time; Mark also starts to cry profusely, seeing his mother's tear.
「Oh, believe me. You may not be able to see it but deep down I'm actually smiling. And there's also something I have to tell you...」< Maya >
「? what is it, mother..?」
「Can you just be a stupid and innocent boy again? It really pains me to watch you getting all serious at this age...... All I wanted to say is, 'Don't be all too serious, sometimes being an idiot wouldn't hurt, y'know~ And always remember to smile...even when times are tough!'」< Maya >
Maya continues to whisper softly to her son, while she gently rubs Mark's head to comfort him.
「..Then, I will become the idiot son you always wanted! But just promise me that--I'll be the one who will protect you from now on, ok, Mother?!! *Sob*」< Mark >
Seeing her son's eyes filled with determination, Maya gave a faint smile and hugs her son very dearly...
「Yes, I promise...」< Maya >
「WAAAH--*SOB*! WAAAH--*SOB*!!」
Hearing his mother's gentle voice, Mark couldn't help but to break down in tears, crying like a new-born child.
「Mark...'Idiots don't cry, they smile'~」< Maya >
「*Nod* Yes...」
With a light nod, Mark wipes his tears and once again looks up to his mother with an innocent smile hanging onto his face.
「Now, that's better~」
Maya soon stands up and held out her one hand towards her son.
To which; Mark happily holds her hand and they both starts to walk more deeper into the city.
•
••
After walking around the city all day, Maya and her son were feeling pretty tired as they were heading back home.
While returning home, Maya decides to take a different route.
And after walking for about a minute or so, they soon would see Mark's school building at sight. And outside the building's main gate--there were guards guarding the gate along with Mark's class teacher just standing there....
When Mark spotted them, he quickly runs over to them, looking all happy.
「Good evening, Sir! How your doing?」< Mark >
Mark said with an energetic voice, while greeting his teacher in respect.
「? Oh, hey Mark~ I'm fine and all, thank you~」
「Hehe~~」
「Anyways. What are you doing here at this time?」
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
「Well~ I was just showing my mother the city around~~」< Mark >
「?! Your mother..? But I thought---?」
「Good evening, Sensei.」< Maya >
Soon, Maya slowly came closer at her son's side and greets the teacher.
「? Mrs. Lee! What a pleasant surprise to see you here~ How are you doing? I've heard from your son that you are ill. So, I hope for your fast recovery, Mrs. Lee!」
「Thank you for your kind words, Sensei.」< Maya >
As Maya and the teacher were talking to each other, Mark cheerfully heads towards the guards.
「Anyways, Mrs. Lee, let's get to the point. I wanna confirm that you sure about your decision..? I mean, you're not in good shape...so if he's not around then who will look after you..?」
The teacher said looking a little concern.
「Yes, I'm very well aware about this, Sensei. And I understand your concern too but don't worry--I know someone who will look after me.」< Maya >
But Maya just calmly nods at teacher's remark.
「...If you say so, Mrs. Lee.」
After the brief exchange between Maya and the teacher, they look at the playful Mark who was talking with the guards.
Soon, Maya slowly walks up to her son and softly calls him out.
「..Mark.」
「? Yes, Mother!」
To which; Mark happily faces back to his mother with a smile. And Maya also crouches down and opens her mouth to speak.
「Mark, I want a small favour from you.」< Maya >
「Yes, what is it, mother?」
「The thing is...I want you to stay at the school dormitory with your classmates for a while.....」< Maya >
「Wha!? Why?! D-Did I do something wrong, Mother!!?」< Mark >
Mark suddenly felt shocked and panic hearing this, that his happy face was nowhere to be found now--while he looked anxious...
「Mark...please forgive me for not telling you beforehand.....I didn't want you to feel anxious or anything.....I only wanted you to do is to play, study and nothing more! So, don't waste your youth--looking after this pathetic old woman.」< Maya >
Maya said with a gentle voice and puts her hands around her son's cheeks.
「NO! Don't you dare to say this!! I *Sob* I *Sob* I want to stand by your side forever, mother!! *Sob*」< Mark >
Mark suddenly starts to cry for not wanting to live separately from his mother.
「Mark...I'm always by your side like you are to me. So, wipe your tears and be strong. Cause I know, you can. And you don't have to worry about me. Just take care of yourself, ok? Mother have something to take care of.....」< Maya >
Maya said as she gently rubs her son's cheeks, while her eyes became all too watery for no reason...
「...B-but---」
「Shh! No buts. Please....」
Maya said with shaky voice as a single tear falls down from her eyes.
「..I understand......」
Seeing his mother's tear, Mark couldn't handle himself from agreeing to stay at the school dormitory.
「Thank you--?」
「Waah! Waaah! *Sob* *Sob*」
But suddenly, Mark hugs his mother as he couldn't stop crying.
「...*Sob* Then, let me stay like this for few more minutes...*Sob* *Sob*」< Mark >
「...」
Without a word; Maya soon cuddled him up and gave a gentle kiss on his forehead.
「Sensei is waiting, y'know?」< Maya >
「Um. I know...」
After few minutes of hugging his mother, Mark gets up and turns around at teacher's direction.
「Sir, I'm ready!」
Mark said with firm voice and walks up near his class teacher.
「Yeah. Let's go then.」
The teacher leads the way to the school dormitory as Mark was following him around. But--for the last time he looks back at his mother.
「..take care, Mother...」
Mark mutters and continues to follow his teacher.
All while--Maya felt sad and happy at the same time, seeing her son walking away from her as tears were falling down from her cheeks.
Soon enough, Maya also turns around to leave...
◇◇◇
It's been few months since Mark had started to live at the school dormitory.
And during this time; Mark would always look out the window from time-to-time, in hopes of meeting his mother once again. After all, Maya hadn't come to see him after his last interaction with her...
But it was all pointless as that day never came...
When all of a sudden; someone did came to visit him. But the person who came wasn't his mother nor someone he knew, but rather a complete stranger. A blonde man to be precise at his mid 30s was the person who came to see him.
At first, Mark didn't knew what to say, or to react.
But it wasn't necessary--as the blonde man soon introduce himself as 'Kageyama Tomoki', and told him that he's here on behalf of his mother to pick him up from the dormitory and to bring him back home.
Mark wasn't convinced enough to trust the blonde man whom he just met and yet he didn't feel any malice from the man, while he didn't want to miss this opportunity to return home. So, he soon obliges to return home with Tomoki.
After packing his stuff, Mark quickly leaves the dormitory with Tom. And starts to walk towards his home.
•••
••
•
While walking through the streets, Mark opens his mouth to speak.
「So, Mister Tomoki. You said that you are a friend of my mother, right?」< Mark >
「? Yeah, why?」
「Then, can you tell me 'How did you know her'?」< Mark >
「Oh~! You wanna know, huh? Well, you'll know when it's time~~」< Tom >
「...」
Mark felt somewhat disappointed hearing Tom's reply. But Mark had another question in mind to ask.
「..how come I've never heard or seen you before until now..?」< Mark >
「Oh--that's because I was overseas all this time. And it hasn't even been a month since I've arrived at this continent~」< Tom >
Tom said with a cheerful smile and kept on walking, without a hitch.
With that, they both continue to walk.
And after few minutes of walking, they suddenly came to a stop, as they were now standing right outside the house.
「....what the.......」
But Mark himself was quite surprised cause the house he once knew was completely different from the one he had previously known about...
「Oh yes! I forgot to mention that we've actually renovated your house to its core~ I hope you'll like it~~!」< Tom >
Tom said with a smug as they step inside the house in unison.
(...is this my house..?)
The moment when Mark step inside, he felt completely baffle as he saw the interior walls of the house were now in vibrant colors and all the cheap looking furniture were also replaced by the new ones.....at first, he couldn't even believe that this was his house.
「? And who are they, Mister Tomoki..?」< Mark >
But--above all; Mark got more confused to see a boy and a girl at their late teens, cleaning the house.
「Oh? Hey guys, won't you come here and say 'Hello' to Mark~?」< Tom >
To which; Tom calls both of them out. And seconds later, they stop cleaning and walks towards Mark to greet.
「Greetings. My name is 'Ino Ruiz'. Nice meeting you.」< Ino >
「Hello. My name is 'Kira Beckham'. Nice to meet you.」< Kira >
Both, Ino and Kia introduce themselves with a bland voice and looks at Mark with their cold eyes.
「H-Hello...m-my name is 'M-Mark Lee'.....」< Mark >
Mark said with stiff voice as he felt really uncomfortable by Ino and Kira's gaze.
「And my name is 'Kageyama Tomoki'~ And I travel around the world along with these guys~ And I hope, we can get along~~!」< Tom >
Out of nowhere, Tom suddenly puts his arm around Mark's shoulder and came close to his view with a cheerful smile.
「....*Nod*...」
To which, Mark awkwardly nods at Tom's word.
And during this time, Mark felt something off as he looks around for a moment and slowly opens his mouth to speak.
「...where's mother....?」
「!?」
Just hearing those two words, Tom's cheerful smile suddenly disappear from his face.
「*Sigh* First of all, why don't we sit down and relax for a bit~ And after that I'll give you your answers~」< Tom >
Tom soon leads Mark to the living room and makes him to sit on the couch.
「..Ok...」
To which, Mark awkwardly obliges and sits down quietly.
As for Ino and Kira, they soon stand behind Tom like guards.
Even though, Tom had already told them many times not to be like this. But they would do it anyways.
All while--Tom and Mark sat down at the living room's couch while making a direct eye contact with one another.
「Before we talk about a certain topic. There's something I'd like to ask you. If you wouldn't mind that is...」< Tom >
Tom said with soft voice, as he raises his one eyebrow while staring at Mark.
「*Nod* Ask me anything, Mister Tomoki. I'll answer all of your questions!」< Mark >
「*Nod* Yes, I know.」
Tom lightly nods and proceeds to ask him the question that been bugging him.
「..Then, tell me, Mark. Who would've you choose between your mother and the whole world?」< Tom >
「Isn't it obvious, Mister Tomoki? I'll definitely choose my mother over the whole world!」< Mark >
Mark quickly answers it, without much of hesitation.
「I see. It's like how I expected...」< Tom >
Tom mutters as he somewhat starts to have deep thoughts about something...
「..Mister Tomoki..? Hey! You listening?!」< Mark >
However, Mark wasn't having it as he starts to shake up Tom from his doze-off state.
「..Huh? Wha...?」
Moments later; Tom came to his senses by rapid screaming from Mark.
「...Mister Tomoki! If you don't have any more questions to ask, then please tell me where's my mother!?」< Mark >
「...」
Without a word, Tom just stares at Mark who was looking more desperate than ever...
「..Ino. Kira.」
When Tom calls Ino and Kira out. They both nods their heads in response and leaves the sight. As moments later, they came back holding dozens of diaries in their hands and puts them on the table in front of them.
「...what's this......」
Mark felt confused, of why they would bring these diaries here...
「It's your mother's diaries, Mark. So, why don't you read these first? Before I tell you where your mother is...」< Tom >
「...」
「Here. Go ahead.」
Tom said with calm voice and helds up a diary towards Mark. To which, Mark slowly took it with his trembling hands and unfolds it to read.
「...」
For a moment, Mark keenly reads the diary but after reading it for a while--he felt kind of puzzled by it and not long after he soon picks up another diary to read.
--Few Hours Later
After reading dozens of diaries, Mark felt completely speechless as he couldn't believe of what he just learned....all these diaries he read for hours were all the secrets that his mother hid from him for all these years. And the more he thought about this, his heart was aching more as seconds passes by.
The very first diary which was handed by Tom takes place when Mark had just born into this world. When Maya used to curse herself for ever thinking her son was the one for her husband's death...
And above all--the biggest heartbreaking moment for him was, when his mother's biggest secret got revealed that she was at the 'Last Stage' of 'Breast Cancer' for a very long time....and with the help of expensive medicines she was able live longer then expected. But not long after, her budget got really tight as she had to stop buying these medicines just to feed her son.
「...why didn't she told me about this.....was I that incompetent......」< Mark >
Mark mutters and bit his lips in frustration.
「Well...She was afraid that you might do something reckless to safe her.」< Tom >
Tom said with a calm voice and hands him a glass of juice.
To which; he silently takes it but doesn't drink it, while he gritted his teeth in frustration just by thinking about it.
「But! What's wrong with that?! To protect my mother!!?」< Mark >
Mark frowned as he soon burst out in anger.
「*Nod* Your anger is reasonable, Mark. But you also gotta understand that your mother was also trying to protect you in her own way.」< Tom >
「...」
Hearing Tom's calm respond; Mark starts to have second thoughts on this matter, while he quietly sits down on the couch again.
「Y'know, I tried to cure her cancer...but she straight out declined my help......」< Tom >
「!? Why.....」
「She had told me that, 'Seeing my idiot son pushing his limit every day, also makes me wanna do the same. So, let me fight this cancer by myself. After all, I'm his stupid mother'. But for me--it was all too silly, and I could've just cured her cancer without ever telling her about this. But I just couldn't, you know.....cause of, how much determined she looked to beat her cancer........」< Tom >
Tom said with meek voice and looks a little gloomy.
「...why.....」
And Mark who was listening to this got more confused at his mother's decision.
「Anyways~ Let's go out for a walk~~!」< Tom >
But before, Mark could comprehend the situation--Tom suddenly stands up from the couch with a cheerful smile.
Seeing Tom's reaction changing so quickly, Mark felt a bit surprise...
「? But...where are we going anyway....?」< Mark >
「Hmm. I don't know~」
「Wha?」
「To be honest, I expect you to be our guide, y'know~~」< Tom >
Tom said with a smile as Ino along with Kira were quite ready to go outside.
With a short sigh, Mark soon agrees to go along with them as their guide.
--A Hour Later
Since Tom and others were new to the city, Mark becomes their guide for the walk.
Tom and others were chillingly roams through the street while listening to Mark's explanation to every building's significant history which they were visiting.
All while; Mark kinda felt nostalgia from all of this. After all, it reminded him of his mother, when they had visited the same places.
After visiting all the place that Mark had to show, Tom soon requested to visit the cemetery for some reason...
To which; Mark agrees and took him straight there, in front of the cemetery's gate.
When they were in front of cemetery's gate, Tom soon walks right beside from Mark and continues to walk inside the cemetery, all while--Ino and Kira also soon follows his lead.
As no one stood by his side. Mark kinda felt left out...so, he also soon joins up with Tom. And with that, they all start to walk inside the cemetery.
However---
Before they could step inside. They stop in their tracks as they saw a young woman wearing a light blue kimono stood in front of them, as her smooth white hair fluently float around.
All while, Mark along with Ino and Kira were quite confused and awe at the same time seeing a woman blocking their way. As they feel threaten by the mere sight of this woman.
And the young woman in question was Jyoti. The first Guardian of Kiran-Land.
「Yo~ Long time no see, huh, Tomoki~~」< Jyoti >
Jyoti soon raises her hand up in the air in form of greeting and smirks at the sight.
「..Ms. Jyoti...what are you doing here? I thought we're supposed to meet tomorrow, no?」< Tom >
「*Nod* I know. I'm actually here to meet an old friend of mine- de gozaru~」< Jyoti >
Jyoti said and looked inside the cemetery for a moment.
「I see.」
「Anyways. Since we're already here. So, I'll just give you the thing you've asked for- de gozaru~」< Jyoti >
「!!?」
Before Tom could do even anything--Jyoti suddenly closes her distance towards him in a blink of an eye, while she hands the white paper to him.
「T-Thanks.....」
Seeing Jyoti's face up close, made Tom really uncomfortable. But Jyoti could care less about this, as she soon looks behind him to see Mark and others just a few steps away from them.
「By the way~ Who are these kids, Tomoki?」< Jyoti >
「Oh? They---」
「Oh, wait...don't tell me, you got yourself a Harem now. And these kids are the results...I always knew that this series has a harem tag.....but never expected you to have a harem--」< Jyoti >
「Oi! Don't you dare to come up with this weird conclusion!! There's only one person I love, and you also know that Ms. Jyoti!!!」< Tom >
Soon enough, Tom reacts to it by covering Jyoti's mouth with his hands, preventing her from spouting anymore nonsense.
「Yes yes, I understand. Now, can you let go of me? Or perhaps, you're into me- de gozaru~?」< Jyoti >
Jyoti nods at Tom's words and puts her both hands up in the air, while holding a small white flag with her right hand.
「*Sigh*...sure.....」
Feeling unsure, Tom hesitantly let go his hands from Jyoti's mouth.
「Now, that's better~」
With a smile, Jyoti soon walks through him and stood in front of Mark and others, who were still baffled by the insane speed which they had witness from earlier.
「What's your name, kids?」< Jyoti >
Jyoti soon crouches down and asked for their names.
「Ino...」
「..Kira....」
To which; Ino and Kira soon introduce themselves while they were on guard ready to attack, as they felt losing all their sense of reasoning slowly, just by being near her... While doing their best not to feel intimidate by her.
「Fuhu~ You two are funny- de gozaru~」< Jyoti >
Seeing this kind of behavior from them, Jyoti giggles as she thought it was all too cute. And soon enough, she brushes them off as she soon turns her attention at Mark, who was also dreaded in fear just like others.
「And what's your~?」
Before Mark could even react to it. Jyoti holds his chin up to see eye-to-eye.
「? M-M-My name is Mark Lee!」
Mark felt pressure just by talking to her. But he tries his best not to feel intimidate by her, as he smiles back.
「Hoh~ So, you're the cause for him to ask me for that piece of paper, huh~ Interesting...」< Jyoti >
「...say what...?」
Mark soon got puzzled by her words, as he tilts his head in question.
「Hm? Seems like Tomoki didn't tell you about this, huh?」< Jyoti >
「...about what--」
「STOP!!」
Suddenly, Tom cuts them off with his word as he walks closer to them.
「Hmm?」
「..I'll tell him by myself.」< Tom >
「Sure~~」
With a light nod, Jyoti happily steps away from Mark, and took out a 'Rolling Paper' to smoke.
All while, Tom crouches down and turns his attention towards confuse Mark.
「...」
「*Sigh* Mark...I was going to tell you about this after you met your mother.....but thanks to her, I got no choice but to tell you now....」< Tom >
「...」
「You see. The piece of paper which Ms. Jyoti handed me is a 'Guardian Seal'.」< Tom >
The Guardian Seal is the highest form of order which is directly sign by the Guardian him/herself. With this, anyone can have full authority over anything as they will have the Guardian's consent to do so.
However--the Guardian Seal itself wasn't all to valid around the world, as there were continents in which Guardian doesn't exist and so does their rules.
But it wasn't the case in this matter. As Tom soon took out the Guardian Seal from his pocket and shows to Mark.
「!!?」
To which; Mark got baffled by seeing the seal. After all, he knew that getting a hand on this is like giving your own life for it or to know the Guardian personally.....
「..does that mean...Ms. Jyoti, knows the Guardian personally or is it another way...?」< Mark >
「No. Actually, she is the Guardian herself.」< Tom >
「Wha..?」
「Huh?」
「Eh?」
After knowing Jyoti's true identity, not just Mark but Ino and Kira were also shock hearing this. At the same time, all three of them somewhat already had guessed her identity to be this.
「Oh yes! I haven't told you guys about this either, huh~ my bad...」< Tom >
Seeing Mark and other's reaction, Tom soon scratches his head in embarrassment.
「...」
「Anyways. You also must be wondering, 'Why do I have such an important paper with me. And what I'll do with it, right'?」< Tom >
「.. *Nod*...」
「Well...first of all, I'll transfer you over to a public school.」< Tom >
「! What do you mean by that, Mister Tomoki?! You do know that everyone who studies at the public school are just a bunch of mischief, right? Then--」< Mark >
「..Mark......」
Tom suddenly whispers gently and stares at him with a serious face...
「You've always been a responsible and honest one. But unfortunately, it's still not enough for you to survive in this messed up world...what you lack right now is stupidity.」< Tom >
「...but--」
But then again, Mark got cut off by Tom, who still had something more to say.
「After all, I did promise her to make you into a stupid and free one...」< Tom >
Tom mutters and looks up to the sky with a faint smile.
「...you mean.....she wanted this.......」< Mark >
Mark clenched his fist with a darken face.
「I wonder, if--」
「Mister Tomoki!」
「Yeah?」
「I accept...to transfer over a public school of your choosing!」< Mark >
「Geart~ Now, let me handle the rest~~」
(..And why you're so easy to deceive, Mark......) < Tom >
Tom thought as he felt bad for deceiving Mark in the name of his mother.
「*Nod* I understand, Mister Tomoki!」
Mark said and looked at Tom with his determine eyes.
「Anyways. You said that you wanted to meet your mother, right?」< Tom >
「Yes! You are right about that!」< Mark >
At Mark's quick response, Tom lightly nods his head and stands up on his feet.
「Then, follow me. I'll lead you to her.」< Tom >
Tom said with a bland voice and starts to walk inside the cemetery, as Mark soon follows after him.
And Ino and Kira also soon followed after. All while, Jyoti was calmly smoking and slowly walking her way through the cemetery.
••••
••
Without a single word, Tom continues to walk more deeper into the cemetery while he was giving off these intense vibe...
Mark felt something was off as he saw Tom getting more emotionless as they were walking more deeper into the cemetery. But--before he could think of anything, Tom suddenly stops in his track.
「We're here...」
Tom slowly mutters with a grim face.
「!? Where?!!」
To which, Mark looks around himself desperately to see just a glimpse of his mother.
「Mark...you don't have to look around.....she's right here........」< Tom >
Tom bits his lips as he slowly moves aside from Mark, revealing two gravestones side-by-side.
「!!? Wha......」
Mark felt completely speechless to see his mother's grave lying right next to his late father's grave. As Mark soon fell down on his knees while he couldn't believe of what he was seeing....
「...」
The only person he desperately wanted to make happy and to protect was gone from this world, leaving him behind.
「...I'm sorry, Mark......but she had lost the fight.........」< Tom >
Tom suddenly hugs him from behind, while he looks onto the gravestones with a darken face.
「...No......please, tell me it's all a lie........this wasn't supposed to happen, y'know.........」< Mark >
Mark grunts as he drags himself near his mother's grave, despite Tom's protest.
「..no...no.....No! No!! No!!! NO!!!!」< Mark >
Mark soon starts to punch the gravestone of his mother, repeatedly. As the gravestone starts to crack up little-by-little.
「..No...No! No!! NO!!!」
Mark kept on punching the gravestone even when his fragile hands were starting to bleed, while a crackling sound can be heard, coming from his fist.
Seeing how much heartbroken Mark was, Tom had no choice but to drag him away from the gravestone.
「Stop hurting yourself, Mark! I know you're angry and frustrated. But it won't bring her back, y'know......」< Tom >
Tom said gently and pat him consolingly on his head as he tries to calm him down.
「..but...but.....I didn't want this to happen........」< Mark >
「Trust me, Mark. Nobody wanted this outcome......」< Tom >
Tom couldn't see Mark getting all hopeless, so he hugs him more tightly without a single care.
「..but *Sob*.....but *Sob* she...she promised me that she'll wait......」< Mark >
「Mark...」
Seeing Mark like this; Tom couldn't help himself but to feel remorseful as he somewhat felt responsible for her death.
「Hmm...I don't know the details. But let me say this, 'What are you so afraid of?'~ *Puff*」< Jyoti >
Out of nowhere, Jyoti was crouching near Mark. While taking a puff from her rolling paper.
「...」
Mark got baffled by the sudden sight of Jyoti, looking directly at him with a smirk.
「Ms. Jyoti...」
As for Tom, he was more confused.
「Are you afraid that if you accept what's in front of you then you'll lose all hope to see your loved ones again? Or perhaps, you feel incompetent to face her? *Puff*」< Jyoti >
「...」
「Just take one step at a time then~ I'm sure you'll soon realize how much she values you~ *Puff*」< Jyoti >
「...」
With a short puff, Jyoti pats Mark on his back and pulls Tom away from him by the collar.
「!? Whoa! Wha--」
「Perhaps, it's best not to interfere now~ Don't you also think, Tomoki~? *Puff*」< Jyoti >
「...are you sure, Ms. Jyoti? You think he's ready for this...? I mean, he's still a kid!」< Tom >
Tom said as he was being dragged away single-handedly by Jyoti.
「So, you think it's best for him to run away from the truth?」< Jyoti >
「!? N-No.....it's not that......it's just that......what if he couldn't recover from this whole ordeal then........」< Tom >
「Well, it's all up to him- de gozaru~ Whether you like it or not~ *Puff*」< Jyoti >
「...」
Tom looked concern as he now stares at Mark's back, who was now slowly getting up on his feet with a darken face.
「...Mother......」
Mark slowly walks closer to his mother's grave and fell down on his knees and just stares at her gravestone with his blank expression.
「..I....I hope you're sleeping well, mother.....You know, I have so much to say.....but guess I'll just wait until we met again.」< Mark >
Mark said with his trembling voice as he looks up to his mother's grave with tearful eyes, all while--he tries to smile like an idiot...
「And can you see me smiling, mother? *Sob* Before I leave, I just wanted to say one last thing..... *Sob*」< Mark >
Mark mutters to himself as he starts to take praying position in front of his mother's grave.
「..please look after me...see me growing up. Even though, I'm pretty sure you already are.....And lastly, please give me your blessing......」< Mark >
Mark said with a soft voice and bows his head deep down onto the ground.
「...」
Moments later; Mark gets up on his feet as he wipes the tears from his face and starts to walk towards Tom and Jyoti's direction.
「By the way, Ms. Jyoti. You said, you came here to see your old friends, right..?」< Tom >
「Hm? Oh yes! I totally forgot! Tee-hee~」< Jyoti >
「Oi...you really look weird doing that. Stop embarrassing yourself...」< Tom >
All while, Jyoti and Tom were having their own little chat.
「Anyways. Would you like to meet them, Tomoki? *Puff*」< Jyoti >
「Nope. I'm busy.」
「Ugh, Tomoki...get yourself some sense of humor... You're always way too much serious for nothing--」< Jyoti >
「Wait, hold up! First of all, what are you even doing here? Shouldn't you be meeting your old friends right now? And second, I have to play the straight man role because of you! If I don't then you will just turn this 'Extra' into some kind of fever dream!」< Tom >
Tom soon frowns at Jyoti's words, as he gives his reasoning to act this way, while his eyes were twitching by her annoyance.
「*Puff* You know what, Tomoki? Let's get going already~」< Jyoti >
As Jyoti took a last puff from her rolling paper. She suddenly starts to drag Tom by his collar again, despite Tom's protest...
「M-Ms. Jyoti! Please stop dragging me! I already told you I'm not going!! Why do you always have to be so forceful?! Have some dignity as a Guardian!!!」< Tom >
Tom grunts as he was being dragged like a doll by Jyoti.
「HAHAHAHAHA~~」
While Jyoti was just ignoring his plea and laughs it off like an idiot.
『...』
As Mark, Ino and Kira silently follows them from behind. While Mark was still coping from his loss...
•••
••
•
After for another few minutes of walking through the cemetery, Jyoti suddenly came to a stop. In front of dozens of gravestones.
Seconds later; Jyoti lets go Tom's collar and slowly walks near these gravestones. While Tom and others silently watches her, until Tom broke the silence.
「...Ms. Jyoti.....are they........」< Tom >
「Yeah. My old friends.....resting peacefully now......」< Jyoti >
Jyoti mutters and took a 'Seiza Position' in front of one of many gravestones. While she lit an incense stick and puts it at the gravestone.
「Anyways. Let me introduce you to my friend~ His name is 'Jadiya(जडिया)'. And he was among many humans with whom I've made friends with after the 'First Great War'~~」< Jyoti >
----------------------------------------
[ *NOTE: 'Jadiya(जडिया)' is a slang word in Nepali. It refers to Alcoholic person. ]
----------------------------------------
Jyoti mutters as she soon took out a full bottle of 'Sake' and pours it down at the gravestone in front of her.
「You know, I had met this guy during my visit at one random bar for a drink. And before I knew it, we've become quite close friend despite barely knowing each other for just weeks or so~」< Jyoti >
Right after pouring the full bottle of Sake at her friend's gravestone. Jyoti soon takes out another bottle of Sake and drinks it in one go, as she somewhat looked refresh than before.
「Haaaa~ It feels really great to drink Sake after a day or so~ Now then~~」< Jyoti >
With a smile, Jyoti took a praying position in front of her friend's gravestone. While Tom and others also did the same as they didn't want to disrespect the dead.
「*Sigh* But despite being good friends...we often used to bicker over the bills as neither of us was willing to pay the bills......and before I knew it, I lightly slapped him to give him a warning, in my sober state.....」< Jyoti >
『...』
「And the next thing I saw was....my friend Jadiya's head turning full 360 like a ghost as he was pronounced dead at the very scene....」< Jyoti >
『...?』
Tom and others were just speechless by this, as Jyoti continues to pray in front the grave, ignoring her surroundings.
「..I'm so sorry, Jadiya *Sob*....It's all my fault...*Sob*...... I shouldn't have don't that..... *Sob* ......」< Jyoti >
Jyoti mutters as tears starts to fall down from her cheeks, profusely. While she moves onto the next gravestone.
「And to cope with the loss of my friend, Jadiya....I've gone to meet another old friend of mine. He's name was 'Gajare(गजरे)' *Sob* *Sob*!」< Jyoti >
----------------------------------------
[ NOTE*: 'Gajare(गजरे)' is a slang word in Nepali. It refers to Stoners. ]
----------------------------------------
Jyoti said as she stares at the gravestone with her tearful eyes, all while--she took out a rolling paper and lits up to smoke.
「I was so emotional that day...*Sob*......that I ended up smoking several of kilos of 'Marijuana' all by myself...*Sob*...while my friend Gajare tried to cheer me up by telling jokes...*Sob*.....*Puff*」< Jyoti >
Jyoti said with trembling voice, as she took a puff.
『...』
Seeing this, Tom and others were feeling more speechless, as listening to it was starting to hurt their brain cell.
「The jokes he had told me was really funny that I couldn't resist myself from laughing...And before I could know it, I had subconsciously patted him lightly on his shoulder...」< Jyoti >
『...』
「..But...but then again......I used way too much force than I should've had... Cause the next thing I knew was, I saw my friend Gajare's head all smashed up into the walls......killing him in an instant! *Sobbing*...*Puff*」< Jyoti >
Jyoti said meekly as she took a long puff from the rolling paper and flicks it away.
『...』
(Ah...in the end, you're the one who had killed your own friends. And more importantly, you don't even slightly look remorseful about this!) < Tom >
As Mark and others felt dumber by listening to it. On the other hand, Tom facepalm as he couldn't help but to feel sorry for those who had lost their lives.
As for Jyoti, she soon moves onto the next grave with her watery eyes.
「...I was so devastated by the loss of my two friends....*Sob* *Sob*.....that I ended up visiting another old friend of mine. He's name was, 'Tyaapee(त्यापे)'.」< Jyoti >
----------------------------------------
[ NOTE*: 'Tyaapee(त्यापे)' is a slang word in Nepali. It refers to the person who takes prescription drugs for their own dopamine. ]
----------------------------------------
Jyoti said as she soon took out dozens of colorful pills and holds it tightly with her right hand.
「To cope with the pain...my friend Tyaape gave me dozens of pills to get high...*Sob* So I don't have to feel the pain, you know....*Sob*.....」< Jyoti >
Jyoti said with trembling voice and swallows all the colorful pills in one go.
(Oi...please don't....)
「...and before I knew it, I was so high by taking those pills along with other substances that I was out of mind....and....*Sob*......*Sobbing* and before I had realized, I had made my friend Tyaape to swallow the same number of pills that I've taken.....which caused him to suffocate as he couldn't swallow them all in time.... *Sob* ....*Sobbing* *Sobbing*......」< Jyoti >
『Well, that was expected. But what the heck is wrong with your story!?』
Mark and others soon frown in unison as they understood her story is nonsense.
But Jyoti just continues her story as she moves onto the next grave.
「...with broken heart...I had decided to visit another friend of mine to ease up this pain.... He's name was 'Maale(माले)*'. And I knew that he would understand my pain as he had also recently lost his brother 'Dhule(धुले)*' due to overdose.」< Jyoti >
----------------------------------------
[ NOTE*: 'Maale(माले)/Dhule(धुले)' is a slang word. And it both means the same, the people who takes heroin/cocaine', a junkie. And by the way, there's also some Nepalese people who will use them in one word. Like this, 'Maaledhule(मालेधुले )'. ]
----------------------------------------
『Ah, it's his turn now, huh...』
With dumber expression, Mark and others stares at Jyoti's back. As if they knew what was about to be unfold.
「At first, I didn't know what to say as we weren't close at all...but awkwardly enough I was able to fill him in on my situation.....and yes, I didn't tell him that I was responsible for their deaths......after all, you do not want to look like a murderer in front of your friends, right...?」< Jyoti >
Jyoti said with darken face.
(...not only did you kill your own friends......but now you're straight up a liar too........) < Tom >
All while; Tom didn't think much of this as he seriously didn't want to hurt his brain with her nonsense.
「...Since I was already high by taking other drugs from earlier......the moment I step inside Maale's house....I....I suddenly vomited right on his face! *Sob* *Sobbing*」< Jyoti >
Jyoti said with trembling voice as she starts to cry in front of her friend's grave.
「..*Sob*......And before I knew it, I saw Maale laying on the floor motionless...*Sob*....and when I checked for his impulse....he didn't had any....*Sobbing*!」< Jyoti >
(I knew, there were a lot of ways to die. But this...) < Tom >
『Poor guy...he had to die in such a disgusting way...』
Tom and others couldn't help but to feel bad for Jyoti's friends specially for this last guy... As they cover their mouth, trying their best not to show disgust.
While Jyoti was constantly shedding tears in front of her friend's grave.
「Honestly...I don't even know; how can I ask for their forgiveness......other than to---*Blergh*!!」< Jyoti >
Out of nowhere; Jyoti suddenly vomits right front of her friend's gravestones...
『! EWW!!』
To which, Tom and others couldn't hide their disgust any longer towards Jyoti.
「What the heck, Ms. Jyoti---*Blergh*!!」< Tom >
「?! Tomoki-sa---*Blergh*!!」
「!? Oh Shit---*Blergh*!!」
「..I'm gonna---*Blergh*!!」
Perhaps, seeing Jyoti throwing up and feeling disgust at same time cause this reaction, as Tom and others soon threw up as well...
「*Huff* *Huff* Somehow, I feel refresh now...」< Jyoti >
Soon after, Jyoti stands up and looks at Tom and other with her pale and sweaty face.
『...』
With their own pale and sweaty faces, Tom and others awkwardly makes an eye contact with Jyoti for a moment--before they regain their composure momentarily.
「Thanks for listening- de gozaru~~」< Jyoti >
Jyoti said with a smile as she wipes her sweaty face.
「Ms. Jyoti, can you get to the point already? I'm pretty sure you didn't just bring us here for nothing, right?」< Tom >
「Well well~ You sure are bold as always, huh, Tomoki~~」< Jyoti >
With a smirk, Jyoti walks closer to Tom and takes out a rolling paper to smoke.
「Well, if I don't then...you'll just waste time......」< Tom >
「That's true...but that doesn't mean you have to be rude towards a beautiful lady, y'know~~!」< Jyoti >
Jyoti said as she crouches down a little and uses seductive posture to charm Tom.
「*Sigh* I'm sorry...not even once, I thought you as a woman...let alone acknowledging you as a lady......Seriously, I'm really sorry.........」< Tom >
Suddenly, Tom puts his one hand at Jyoti's shoulder as he somewhat looked sorry for her.
「Wha?! No way...」
Hearing this, Jyoti felt complete shock as she soon falls down on the ground with her hands and feet, as if she had lost a battle.
「..can you just stop overreacting, Ms. Jyoti? In the first place, this 'Extra' was supposed to be about Mark's past! So, why are we even focusing on our nonsense talk...*Sigh*」< Tom >
With a sigh, Tom stares at Jyoti in annoyance.
「Well, it's because my fans wanted me to have more screentime- de gozaru~ So, I can't let them down, y'know~~ *Puff*」< Jyoti >
In an instant, Jyoti got up her feet as she was now looking all too happy.
「*Sigh* Can you stop laying already? When I know for the fact that this Web-Novel has less than five followers.....let alone your fans...」< Tom >
「Hmph! If you don't want to believe it, then that's fine! Afterall, I'm sure I'll eventually have my own fans in future- de gozaru~~」< Jyoti >
Jyoti said with haughty voice and took a puff from the rolling paper.
「'Eventually'? Then, even you aren't sure of it, huh, Ms. Jyoti...」< Tom >
「You know what! Let's just not talk about this topic anymore- de gozaru! *Puff*」< Jyoti >
With a pout face, Jyoti looks at Tom, as if she was angry with him.
「But you're the one who brought this up, y'know...」< Tom >
「...... *Puff* 」
Without a word, Jyoti continues to stare at him while she took a long puff right in front of Tom.
「*Cough* *Cough* I don't have time to play along with your little games, Ms. Jyoti. So, if you don't have anything to say then we'll be taking our leave. And also, stop smoking in front of others... *Cough* *Cough*!」< Tom >
「*Sigh* Fine...let me get to the damn point then. *Puff*」
Jyoti mutters as she took a last puff from the rolling paper and flicks it away.
「But first~ Care to hold my hand for a sec?」< Jyoti >
Seconds later; Jyoti held out her hands towards Tom and others.
『...』
To which, Ino and Kira raises their eyebrow in suspicion.
「*Sigh* All right. If that's what you want, then...」< Tom >
Tom soon nods lightly as he walks closer to Jyoti and holds her right hand.
「If Mister Tomoki trust you on this one then so do I!」< Mark >
Mark also soon obliges as well and holds Jyoti's other hand.
「「...」」
To which, Ino and Kira had no choice, but do as Jyoti said, as they didn't want to be left out.
Moments later; Jyoti, Tom along with others were holding their hands in circle.
「Heh~ I hope no one have a heart problem or anything- de gozaru~~」< Jyoti >
Jyoti said with a smug.
And before, anyone could say anything...
『...』
The whole scenery of cemetery around them changes instantly into clear night skies as the ground itself they were standing on was no more...
「!? W-Wow...I'm flying! I'm flying!!」< Mark >
Mark got surprised as he saw not just the Dragon City but the whole continent itself right under him.
「「...」」
As for Ino and Kira, they were quite baffle by the sight as they soon realize that the Kiran-Land was quite smaller compared to the whole continent itself.
「What the hell...did you just use 'Teleportation Magic', Ms. Jyoti?!」< Tom >
But Tom wasn't all too happy by this, as veins were popping up on his forehead.
「Come on now, Tomoki~ This isn't your first time or anything, y'know. So, can you stop being serious for once?」< Jyoti >
Jyoti said with a smile.
「Well, it's not like I'm angry. It's more like you always do this type of things without a warning!」< Tom >
「*Sigh* You know Tomoki...there's somethings better left unsaid. Like, when you see someone watching p*rn while being in public places. So, you just walk away from the person as you feel like there's nothing to say here.」< Jyoti >
「Oi, you're using right words in wrong sentence! And more importantly, why are you even giving this as an example?!」< Tom >
「*Sigh* Here we go again...Tomoki being Tomoki.」< Jyoti >
「Hey! What do---」
「*Snap*!」
Suddenly, Jyoti snaps her fingers in an instant, as she looks at Tom in disappointment.
『...』
At the snap of her fingers; Tom and others got completely silent as the very night skies suddenly starts to give this eerie and ominous feeling all of a sudden.
They couldn't figure out what it was--but they couldn't shake this feeling either... They look around their surroundings very thoroughly with their keen eyes, in hopes of finding the cause...
『...』
「Heh, took you long enough~~」< Jyoti >
But before they could--Jyoti smirks while looking above her head as if talking to someone.
『..?』
To which; Tom and others soon looks above their heads in disbelief, as they saw a jet-black dragon just big as continent itself, or maybe even bigger, following them from above.
The whole dragon's body were covered with its crystal-like scales, while a gust of wind was created every time it flaps its wings.
『...』
As Tom and others stares at this creature in awe, the dragon itself lower its altitude slowly closer them.
「Let's go already~ It will be troublesome if someone sees us- de gozaru~~」< Jyoti >
Jyoti said with cheerful voice, and suddenly pulls Tom and others along with her and landed at the top of dragon's back.
「Ms. Guardian, Ms. Guardian! Isn't this the legendary 'Night Dragon' from the books?!」< Mark >
Right after they landed; Mark quickly walks up to Jyoti and looks at her with curiosity and excitement.
「Yeah~」
With a smile, Jyoti lightly nods and pats Mark's head gently. All while, the dragon itself continues to fly through the night skies.
According to the many historians; the legendary 'Night Dragon' was first said to be seen right after the 'First Great War' ended. Just roaming through one world after another, as most people would saw this mystical creature every once in a decade.
As some claimed, it was their good luck charm. While others claimed that it was nothing but a misfortune. And there were also others who had put a bounty on this mystical creature for its materials.
But most importantly--no one knew the exact reason of why this mystical creature roams through the space and planets only during nighttime.
「Ohh~ Ms. Guardian, it is also a rumor that it has a name too?」< Mark >
「Yeah. Her name is 'Yoru(夜)'. Also, she is a female, so it's better if you can address as 'her' rather than 'it'- de gozaru~」< Jyoti >
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[ NOTE*: 'Yoru(夜)' is a Japanese word. Which means 'Night/Evening'. ]
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At Jyoti's remark, Mark nods it lightly.
「'Yoru', huh... Nice to meet you, Yoru-dono! My name is Mark! And.....uhhh-mmm......」< Mark >
While introducing himself, Mark soon forgets what he was going say, as he soon shrunk down his head in embarrassment.
「Heh~」
Seeing this, Jyoti couldn't help but feel amused by it.
But Tom wasn't looking all too happy by this.
「Ms. Jyoti, can you stop fooling around and get to the point, already?! Let's not waste any more time! Or else, already bored 'Readers' will just stop reading it, entirely!! Maybe, they already have......」< Tom >
Tom said with grumpy voice as he stares at her in somewhat annoyance.
「*Sigh* You really wanna know, huh?」< Jyoti >
「.. *Nod* 」
At Jyoti's words, Tom lightly nodded.
With a smirk, Jyoti looks at Mark and others for a moment.
「I'll be straight. I see potential in them. So, I'd like to train them- de gozaru~ What do you say, Tomoki?」< Jyoti >
「..is that it..?」
Tom mutters as he tilts his head sideways, in confusion.
「Well...to be honest, I was bored doing nothing. So, you get the gist of it, right?」< Jyoti >
「Well...kinda... But I still don't get it why you're willing to train them, without a price, y'know......」< Tom >
「Ah! Now, I understand your concerns. So, how about this~ From now, you'll be cooking my meals until there training finishes~」< Jyoti >
「...」
「So, what do you say, Tomoki? Is it a 'yes' or a 'no'?」< Jyoti >
Jyoti said as she soon held out her right hand towards Tom for a handshake.
To which; Tom thought for a moment---before he finally nods and shook hands with her.
「Fine. I'm trusting you on this one, Ms. Jyoti.」< Tom >
「Heh~ You made the right choice~ I promise, you won't be disappointed by the results- de gozaru~~」< Jyoti >
「Yeah... I hope so.」
And so--with this; Mark, Ino and Kira were soon going to be train by the Guardian(Jyoti) herself for many years to come.
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I hope you enjoy it and sorry for my bad grammar and I hope it's understandable.
I'm trying my best to improve and if you find some mistakes or anything like that, then let me know on the comment.
Peace:)