Our Journey

Chapter XII Prologue

A long corridor spanned out ahead, marbled floors glinting under the sunlight, filtering in from the windows lining the walls.

Lined with redwood doors, a young man frantically glanced between those doors as he rushed about, two-toned fixating upon one door in particular.

This was the one, and without even taking a moment to knock, the young man burst into the room.

The interior was in complete disarray, things thrown about carelessly.

Two men stood in the room, in a heated disagreement, before looking up, startled as he barged in.

"Where is he." Eon demanded, disregarding any sense of formality as he stared daggers at the two men. He was infuriated by what he had heard, by what transpired.

"I did not give you permission to-"

"I'm not asking." Eon hissed, interrupting Alacard before he could even finish. "I asked where he is. What did you do to him?!" Black tail lashing out behind him, Eon didn't have an ounce of delicacy, despite who he was speaking to. He'd tolerated enough. Max had tolerated enough. Eon didn't even know what he had been going through these past, several months. He could only imagine.

"I suggest you watch your tone, lest you'll join him." Alacard finally replied, ice-blue eyes flashing with violent light. "It's a wonder I'm willing to deal with your behavior as of late, or all these Demon's in general." His tone dropped. "...But as far as this situation is concerned, the little Demon's fate will be sealed."

"That's-!"

"Once word is out, the decision will be out of my hands." Alacard readjusted his uniform collar, glancing off towards the upturned bed. "...It's almost a bit of a shame, he worked well, but something so dangerous can't be allowed to walk freely. If his luck holds out, he'll at least be able to spend the rest of his time in confinement." Alacard turned on his heel, opening the door. "You'd best keep yourself in check, Eon. Who knows how long your existence will be tolerated here before the Society decides to weed you out." He tossed these words over his shoulder, not looking back even once, before taking his leave.

Eon was left behind with Sage, marinating in his sense of panic and frustration.

If he didn't do something soon, Max would be...

What should he do? What could he even do??

Eon realized the answer he was searching for...Was incredibly simple.

"...Sage."

Sage didn't know what to say, but he perked his gaze up when Eon called out to him, though his back was turned. Eon didn't even cast him so much as a glance.

"...What is it?"

"...Tell Azuma I'm sorry." Were Eon's only words as he left the room.

Right there, he'd made up his mind, leaving the building, and heading back to his apartment. He needed to prepare, to grab whatever necessities he could before nightfall, and after that...After that, he would break Max out of there.

However, as soon as he climbed up the staircase on the side of his apartment, rounding that corner to the doorway...There stood Azuma, leaning against the door.

The two locked gazes, Eon frozen where he stood, just a few steps below.

"...Azuma."

"I had a feeling you'd rush back here the moment you heard." Azuma said, his tone flat as he pushed himself off of the door. "So you're leaving, are you?"

"...I..." Eon was struck speechless. He should have known Azuma would anticipate this. He didn't even need to say anything to Sage. "...I just-"

"Go on." Azuma cut Eon off, his gaze perking up, surprised, yet Azuma's hazel gaze was soft. "You have nothing to feel guilty for, Eon. You've done more than your fair share of time in service to the Society...And beyond that. If this is the path you've chosen, I support that fully." Azuma walked down, placing a hand on Eon's shoulder, trembling slightly, looking pained, yet proud somehow. "...You've really grown. So much from that little brat I picked up out of nowhere. I only wish I could have held my end of the deal that day...I'm an utter failure-"

"No." Eon was the one to interrupt Azuma this time, firmly grasping the man's arm. "It was an honor working under you. I've always been more than happy to do whatever you asked me to...Because people like you are the future for people like me...Given the chance, I want to continue working under you, but..." Eon was troubled, narrowing his gaze. "I can't...Leave him like this. It's my fault. I brought him into this, but more than that, I..." Eon's words trailed off, that strange feeling once more overcoming him.

But he finally felt as though he understood it.

"...You've finally found it, haven't you?" Azuma suddenly spoke up, a smile on his face. "Something important. More important than the Society. Than yourself. A reason other than yourself."

Eon was quiet, but he too...Smiled, understanding Azuma's words.

"...Yeah. I guess I have, haven't I?"

"Go to him." Azuma nodded. "I'll do everything I can to cover you...But after this, I can't say for sure what may happen." Azuma cast Eon an apologetic look. "The next time we meet, we could very well be on opposing sides."

"Don't you dare go easy on me, when that time comes." Eon nodded back with a grin, the two parting ways, having said their goodbyes.

Until they meet again...Even if that would be as enemies.

Eon would accept that fate head on.