Arc 1: Kumoshima Part 21
1314 Words
Chapter 21
Great, Nephrite thought as he quickly observed the surroundings. He didn’t really expect it to work. On top of that, trying it right now was a reckless decision.
It has been a while since the idea came to his head.
Nephrite had a good sense of hearing when he was still in his original world. However, when he woke up in the core, his senses upgraded. His eyesight and other physical features got better. This gave him a hint that maybe his sensitive hearing had improved.
Though, at first, he thought nothing had changed on it. After all, his normal hearing in this world was just the same as before.
He experienced the first change in his hearing while spying on Lord Fei at the teashop. He was able to expand his hearing in a wider range but he's not sure because Lord Fei’s group didn’t create enough sound and the walls were blocking the wind.
Despite that, he only noticed the change clearly while imprisoned in the cave. He heard those hooves of horses back then. But being underground made it easier to listen to movements so though the idea appeared in his mind, he still did not gave it proper attention.
He recalled those two events now and thought, why not?
After scanning, he saw two silhouettes upfront, each on both sides only the other was a bit further ahead.
Nephrite didn’t waste time. Without opening his eyes, he returned his sword to the scabbard and took the bow and arrow Shier prepared.
Every movement was fast and precise.
He aimed and shot an arrow to the nearest one before the other could even point an arrow at them.
Nephrite’s skill wasn’t on a good level yet but as long as he managed to graze the opponent, the paralyzing poison would do the rest.
The other bandits were alerted when they heard their comrade bellowing in pain and rage.
However, before he could even celebrate the hit, he saw a few more bandits up ahead. Nephrite can’t help but curse.
“You can see them?” The driver suddenly asked. He wasn’t looking at him but the road
“Yes,” His eyes still closed, Nephrite answered, his voice a bit weak.
The driver didn’t ask anything else. He stood up carefully from his seat on the wagon then steadily shifted to the back of the horse.
There were lots of arrows already struck in their wagon. Some of those bandits hiding in the trees were taken by Shier as they passed but there were still a lot of people surrounding them.
“Lend me your bow and arrow. We must reach our destination soon.”
Nephrite didn’t hesitate. But just as he was about to hand it over to him, the wagon hit a bump and he fell towards the back of the driver.
_____
Kazuyuki froze, not just because Keisuke bumped on his back after falling, but the moment the two of them collided, everything surrounding them felt like it froze on the spot.
A bright mental imagery was transferred to his mind’s eye too. He was about to ask how it happened. But then the mental imagery vanished just as he felt the hands move away from him. Without thinking, he yanked his hand back.
Before he could even think further, Kazuyuki said “Don’t move. Hold on my back, I can see them.”
Kazuyuki could do it while on the wagon but he was more comfortable shooting while mounted on a horse. He patted it’s head before he let go of the reins.
Kazuyuki aimed at the rest of the bandits, his stance showing an elegant and mastered control.
He still didn’t know how Keisuke did it, but instinct told him not to ask.
Kazuyuki hit the enemies lurking ahead in the dark, swiftly and efficiently, however, he left them alive.
Nephrite didn’t ask Kazuyuki either. He just watched as he carefully analyze how Kazuyuki was able to see it, too. Or how he tried to quell his happiness upon accidentally confirming the driver's identity.
Soon they passed the forest safely. Open field with small dark smokes greeted them.
This was the first time Nephrite personally came to Rose Valley. But Keisuke’s memory was filled with it. He had a very clear view of how it looked as if he had been there already.
So seeing the state of the fields aghast Nephrite so much.
Gone were the beautiful flower and rice fields along the way. What’s left was charred land on both sides.
He didn’t expect it to be razed like this early on. The town seems still intact.
The guards saw their carriage and was about to stop them for inspection when they saw him,
“It’s the Young Master!”
“Young Master, you’re back!”
Nephrite was sitting beside the driver while Shier rested inside the wagon. He waved his hands at the guard. “It’s nothing. I brought some supplies. Let us in now so we can settle.”
The guards let them pass while a part of the crowd followed.
Kazuyuki was surprised but he didn’t ask. He didn’t know how influential they were for people to know him this much.
He quietly drove until they reached the side road with a large field full of cabbages nearby.
Keisuke got off the wagon right after they halted.
Kazuyuki followed the other person with his eyes.
"Aren't you going to talk to him?"
Shier asked all of a sudden.
"No. I don't think he wanted to see me right now."
"Young Master, though we were familiar with each other, growing up in Silver Rain, we had never been close so I can't say what is holding you back."
Kazuyuki didn't answered.
"Keiㅡthat person with us, he changed a lot. But he risked some things to be with you as well. If both of you just gave up like that," Shier sighed, "Isn't that an insult to every lover in the world? You just started dating for a day!"
"I didn't give him up, what are you saying?" Kazuyuki looked at Keisuke who was currently talking with the farmers and soldiers. "I need to fix some things before I go back to him. It is already unfair that I made a move at him without clearing things with Aijin."
Kazuyuki admitted to himself that he'd been a jerk. Though Aijin was possibly betrothed to the imperial family sooner or later, he should have talked to her first.
"You better do and see where your heart lies. Even if Keisuke changed, he is still our friend. We won't let you hurt him."
Shier waved him goodbye. Before he could leave, Kazuyuki called him.
"Thank you for helping me."
"Just do your best, Young Master," and left the wagon carrying a crate of goods as he walked towards Kurokami who was waiting for him.
Kuro nodded at Kazuyuki when their eyes met.
Kazuyuki then observed them from afar. As Kurokami and Shier approached Keisuke, the latter smiled brightly.
Then Kazuyuki remembered Keisuke's expression just hours ago. The hate, pain and other emotions in the other's eyes.
Kazuyuki's heart fell apart, like shattered glasses. He wondered if it will ever mend. Is there still someone waiting for him once he return?
The farmers helped collect the goods they've brought. Just as he was about to get off and leave the place sneakily, he saw a folded paper beside him, his name written on it.
There was no other person who could leave it except Keisuke.
He quickly opened the letter.
"Paper apart, away far and wide.
Can not wait, the center cracked.
We found each other without a linear line.
We are Ice and Fire
If we turn to water, then it is fine.
We will be one despite space and time."
- Writer
