Infinite Genius

Journey To Central

Morning is here.

Shin who was sleeping, slowly opened his eyes, and stretched his arms sitting on the bed. 

Suddenly hearing some noise, he turned his head to that direction and was astonished to see two kids eagerly looking at him. It was none other then Ben's two children. Shin tried to smile and wave at them. The kids didn't even moved a muscle and kept on staring at Shin. He felt a little awkward about the situation and remembered he ain't got much experience with little kids in the past.

Suddenly one of the kids shouted " Zen...it is time to slay this monster...!"

The other kid responded " Yes brother lets get him.."

Shin thought " huh?...what monster?...where?". He looked at both sides.

The kids charged at Shin with small wooden swords which they were hiding on their back, and was shouting " 

Rawhhh........"

They started attacking Shin with those wooden swords.

Shin responded "Guys...please don't kill me ". He was blocking those weak hits with one of his hands and had a little smile on his face.

Hearing the commotion upstairs Marie shouted " You two little idiots stop troubling Shin... "

The kids suddenly ran out the room, saying " we will get you later monster "

Shin was still smiling. He felt somewhat very happy.

Sometimes later, Marie called everyone to eat breakfast.

Everyone in the house gathered around the dining table. The two kids were staring at Shin with a serious look while eating their food. Marie hit them both on their head, shouting " Stop staring and eat properly "

Seeing this, Ben laughed and said "Hahaha.... Both of them are very naughty. They seem very interested in you. That's why they are fooling around with you. "

The two kids of Ben, both are twins. The older one is Yen and the younger one is Zen.

After finishing breakfast, Shin was about to get out the front door of the house. Just when he reached near the front door, Zen and Yen appeared before him out of no where.

Zen said " i***t monster uncle... come play with us "

Yen added " If not, we will not let you out"

Shin with a smiling face got down on his knees so as to face the two kids before him. He said "Alright...alright...I will play with you guys. But first let us go out, or your mom will get angry."

The twins agreed immediately agreed.

As they got out through the main door, Shin saw Ben preparing his horse. Shin went near Ben who was working on fixing the saddle on the horse.

Shin asked " Are you going to work, Brother ?"

Ben replied " Oh Shin...no I am not going to work today. I already made arrangements to fill my absence at the diner. Today I am going to take you to central"

Hearing what Ben said, Shin looked surprised as well as desperate.

Shin tried saying something " But, you know..."

 Ben  interfered" Yes there will be lot of people looking for you right now. Every news spread quickly like a wildfire here in Azgal. But you ain't need to worry about anything as long as you stick closer to me lad. And after passing through the town of Hawkwar, there is seldom people who can recognize you."

Ben opened the bag attached to the horse and took a cloak out, and threw it to Shin.

Ben continued " Here...you should better cover your hand and face with this. "

Shin still looked to be in so much doubts.

Ben saw this and tried to  encourage him " There is nothing to worry about kid...just chill !"

Marie came out of the house, carrying a little bag with her. She extended that to Ben and said " here is some food to eat on the way"

Ben took it from Marie's hand and secured it. She turned to shin. Gave him a hug.

She said to Ben " Honey please take good care of  Shin."

Ben replied " Yes I know...,you don't have to tell me that "

Marie took a step back, looked at Shin, gently placed her right hand on his head and said " Be strong kid. Everything will be good. May the angels protect you always...And no need to worry. Ben is far more stronger than he actually look."

The words of Ben and Marie really motivated Shin. He decided to go along with Ben to the Central. He put the cloak on, hiding the dragon tattoo on his hand and covered his face with the hood.

Then he turned to little Yen and Zen who were angry about him leaving all of a sudden. He got down on his knees once again and said with a smile on his face " Little Yen....Little Zen... sorry that I can't play with you guys today. Next time I promise we will play together whatever you guys want!"

Zen and Yen were still in angry mode and said nothing back.

Shin tried persuading them "Please don't be angry... I will bring you guys candies and toys, when I get back from Central."

Hearing this Yen and Zen calmed down a little and said " Ok we will let you go this time. But next time you should play with us uncle."

Shin nodded meaning yes.

Seeing all this, Ben and Marie were smiling and looking at each other.

Ben and Shin got on the horse and started their journey. Marie and the kids waved them goodbye.

After a few minutes they entered Hawkwar town. Shin who was sitting on the back of the horse made sure his face and hands are covered for good. There were so many imperial guards from central roaming around the town. Seeing them Ben said

"Seems like they tightened the security here. I think they want to make sure you are gone for good "

Shin covering his face,  hid himself even more behind the back of Ben, as they approached crowded area. Suddenly he felt the horse was stopped. He got scared. But then he realized a sound familiar to him. It was the old man, the head of the village Asuma.

Ben to Asuma " Hey old man... "

Asuma replied " Greetings master Benjamin "

Ben continued " What's with the fuss around here? So many imperial guards..."

Asuma replied to Ben " They are here looking for the 'fake clipper' . Search parties comprising of imperial guards and various adventurers are looking for him all around Azgal "

Ben with a confused face asked " All around Azgal ?! Just for one guy who acted as an imposter ?!"

Asuma looked down to the ground with a disappointed face and replied " Master Benjamin seems like you didn't heard the news... A group of adventurers were found dead at a certain deeper part of Augue forest. Everyone is saying it was done by that fake clipper. Every resident of Azgal who heard the news are very angry and want him dead."

Shin and Ben were in Shock hearing what the old man said. Another guilt on Shin's head which he has not done. Shin wanted to break out from his current position and yell out 'I didn't do it' at that very moment. But he somehow managed to remain motionless.

Ben understanding the situation, told his farewell to the old man and tried getting out of Hawkwar with Shin as soon as possible. 

On the entrance out of Hawkwar to central, two imperial guards stopped them and asked Ben who it was on the back. Ben told them it is the sick little brother of his wife, who he is taking to central to meet with the best doctor available. With respect and trust on the words of the great hero, they let them leave .

After a few minutes, Ben told Shin that it is ok to remove the cover if he wants to.

But Shin remained motionless not replying to Ben. Ben understood what he is going through at that time and let him be.

Ben rode the horse as fast as he can, with the aim of reaching Central as soon as possible.

J