Chapter 9: Old Home
769 Words
It was morning when Akio got to Tow. It is a beautiful and active city, full with shops, parks, sightseeing's, some very small dungeons and old monuments. The place was crowded. People were dancing, singing and gambling. Akio remembered his childhood.
He is 26 now, but this was the place he grew up. His father was a guard and his mother passed away by a deadly sickness, so the most of the time he stayed at his uncle's place. His aunt was a housewife and spent his time a lot with her, learning how to write and play games. He aspired to become like his father, protecting his home by risking his life. Uncle was against it, seeing how his father was always busy, but he couldn't ruin a child's dream. They had a newborn when Akio was ten. They named her Hina. He took care of her as if she was his little sister and played with her almost every time. When he turned 20, he left to Highfalls to work there as a guard. He wrote letters to them occasionally, but they have not seen each other in years.
When Akio got to his old home, he carefully knocked at the door. Uncle managed shops in the area so they were a wealthy family. Akio was worried, as he didn't see them in years and suddenly barged in their home with an unknown boy. Door got unlocked and opened. A beautiful young girl with long black hair looked at the tall man holding a child. It was Hina.
- Hello Hina! Been a long time hasn't it?
She did not recognize him at first but after:
-Akio? Is that you? – Said Hina in a trembling voice.
-Yes, Hina. You have grown into a fine lady. - Said Akio in a soothing voice.
Hina closed the door, but Akio quickly stopped it with his leg. He opened it and saw her walking away, not even paying attention to him.
-What's the matter Hina? Did something happen? – Asked Akio in a worried voice.
She still didn't respond. He carefully put laid down sleeping Rekka on the couch and approached Hina, grabbing her shoulder. Hina turned around and slapped his hand away. Akio got confused, he thought she would be happy seeing him again, but it was the opposite.
-What happened? Did I make you upset?
-I can't forgive you. – Quietly answered Hina.
They sat down. Akio sat beside Rekka. Hina noticed the weird boy.
-Who is he? - She asked.
-it's a long story. Most importantly, why are you so upset about me? –Asked Akio.
-Are you that dense? – Said Hina and made an irritated voice. She clenched her fists – You were an older brother to me. You played with me every day, taught me various things. I looked up to you. I bragged in school about how cool you were and that nobody had someone like you close to them. One day, once I got back, my parents told me you have left and won't be coming back anytime soon. You didn't even say goodbye to me. I got depressed. Kids from school laughed at me, saying that the person I was bragging about left me. It would not be a problem if you at least said goodbye! - Said Hina in a high tone and started sobbing
Akio hasn't thought about her feelings this much when he left. He felt bad for Hina and hugged her, saying he was really sorry and didn't think about his role about being an older brother. She hugged him back, but said that she still couldn't forgive him yet.
-Where' uncle Kiyoshi and Aunt Sara?
-They left for work, what about that sleeping boy in the cloak, who is he?
Akio was a little hesitant to say what happened, but he gave in and told the story.
-Really? I'm sorry for your lost friends – She felt bad. Hina thought how exhausted Akio was and that she worried him even more when he came back – But wait – Hina walked back, scared – Does that mean when he wakes up, he can burn us alive!?
-His eyes were normal when he was knocked out and the symbols on his hands are gone, I don't think he will. I think it reacts to grief. When he saw his dead mother, he turned into that demon. – Said Akio
Hina touched Rekka, checking if he was still hot, he wasn't. They heard the door open and Akio saw uncle Kiyoshi and Aunt Sara walk in, tired.
- Writer
