Warrior's Mask

7. New Beginnings

Ishido's POV:

Many people say that I’m just a child, and so I don’t understand these kinds of beauties, but I do - they’re something that are quite rare to catch a glimpse of, but seeing people regain hope that they haven’t had for such a long time is one of the most purest beauties in this world, and I get to witness that a lot more than most, which, a lot of the time, makes my job worth it. Even if it’s not a ‘proper’ job, I will cherish what I do until the day I die. It’s one of the few things I have going that make life worth the trek, and I am blessed to have such abilities, I’m aware of that, but being the hero can be so tiring

As children, we all imagine becoming heroes in which we are soaring through the skies or powers of inhumane ability. But we all grew up, and some of us came to the conclusion that being the villain has much more perspective than anyone thought. And that’s where we go wrong, as a society. No child ever says they want to be a villain when they’re older. The heroes are written so the villain would seem colder. It didn’t matter if they laughed like the Joker or smiled like Harley before they realised they had broken her or wore hearts like the Queen of Hearts. Villains' personalities are always gonna be broken glass. Another puzzle for the hero to fix. But nobody ever notices the glass pieces shine as they mix.

They hated Cruella for being out of her mind, but they never spoke about how they were never kind. They were written to be evil; never given moments to be the hero's equal. They hated Mother Gothel for trying to stay young, hated how she grew prettier with every word that she had sung. But people will always complain when they grow old; never agree with Mother Gothel because she didn’t have hair of gold.

They failed to understand Maleficent beyond the curse; never realised how much her heart had hurt. The villains are never loved yet expected to love. Lies about the villain are easily sold. The truth is hidden that they are constantly fighting the world. They don’t have long hair that glows or beautiful names that everyone knows. They don’t meet their one true love. They are only ever seen as weapons used to draw blood.

They don’t show up in children’s dreams because they were written for their screams. What nobody notices is that the villain is the hero. Because they keep fighting despite drowning alone in sorrow. Not everyone grows up to be a princess. Not everyone meets their soulmate with a stare so intense. Some people are born to be even greater. Even though their names were never written down in history or on paper, they stand out and they are unique. They have voices but people hate when they speak.

These are the people who don’t smile at princesses and their dresses. Instead, they cheer and laugh at villains and their successes. They relate to the villain because they teach them to be strong. Villains show them the peace in being slightly unhinged; show them how to deal with minds that run faster than the wind. Being the villain means that you are worse. It means you will be nothing more than a curse. Heroes are given their luxurious lives, whereas villains always have to pay the price.

A villain isn’t supposed to be born with a heart. That is left for those who look like art. As Shakespeare had said, “Hell is empty and all the devils are here.” But the villains are known as devils, so they have nothing to fear. Villains had to find peace in the dark; had to go crazy only to leave their mark. People who view the world in eternal darkness walk around looking like they’re heartless when they have the biggest hearts, except they have been shattered into many parts.

They will forever be seen as psychotic killers, though really they’re only broken villains. And that’s where we go wrong. Our minds are warped and conditioned to trust heroes who don’t truly want to help us instead of inspiring to be villains who are pretty average humans.

The mind is truly terrifying, is it not?

It is - the most terrifying thing this world has created. But that’s the fun of it all, I guess. And what makes it that much harder to deal with. Because society hates villains, even if they didn’t have a choice in becoming one.

“You’re the only person who knows about my story.” I finished, hoping to get through to him. I want to help him because I know no one else will do it. I want him to become society’s version of a hero. It’s the least he deserves.

Is that the only reason?

Of course. What other reason could I have?

Who knows with you? You’re a mystery to the world, and it makes it that much harder to read you. You act like an i***t, but we both know your IQ is higher than most people give you credit for. You’re a prodigy who knows how to play the world, to the point where everyone believes this ridiculous mask, and I don’t know what to make of it.

…Mask? I have no idea what you’re talking about. I only mask my sadness. Everything else about me is 100% natural.

“And why the hell would I care about your stupid story?” Yoshimura growled, bringing me back to this cruel reality, and I watched as he tried so hard to cover his emotions but failed miserably. Whether he’ll act on them is another story. People are so easy to read, and they don’t realise it. “If you want to confide in someone then do it in that white-haired freak you call a friend.”

He started walking away, and I felt the sting of defeat. I should have thought a couple of steps ahead, and had some sort of contingency plan. That’s the thing about making a spontaneous decision like that - it’s hard to predict all the outcomes at that moment, and sometimes it can blow up in your face. I looked at the floor, suddenly wishing that I had just listened to my prisbeast instead of embarrassing myself, knowing it was probably going to lead to a dead end, whispering “I’m sorry for trying.”

“Don’t be. I’m sorry for being such an ass.” Yoshimura said, and I looked up to see him just standing there as if he was weighing out his current options, his emerald eyes gleaming in the sun as he stared at me, a troubled look on his face. He has such pretty eyes. They’re such a beautiful shade of green. “Why’d you tell me?”

“What?” I gave him a blank stare, confused and surprised that he even cared enough to ask about it. I may have just pulled the miracle off. I am praying to every God out there that I pulled this miracle off. It would make my life so much easier if I had.

I’ll be impressed if you manage to get anywhere with this one. He has such high walls, and the wonder boy doesn’t have much going for him any more. It’s a shame, really. This could have been beautiful.

Don’t underestimate the power of the wonder boy. I still have a few miracles up my sleeve, so just watch where this goes.

What makes you so sure you can still make a change? You are running on nothing but fumes, my child. You’re done. This is it. You have nothing left.

*sigh* When you’re driving a car and it starts running out of gas, the car doesn’t slow down. Not until the tank is completely empty does everything shut down. I think for a long time, I’ve been the car with the gaslight on - always on the edge of breaking down, but still running full speed into disaster, no one knew that anything was wrong. Until one day, I will just stop. Stop getting out of bed. Stop answering the phone. Stop caring. Everyone will wonder what happened, but they will never know that I’ve been running on empty for weeks, and on that fateful day, the wonder boy will go down with not a bang, nor a whisper, but the cries of this world. But until that day comes, the wonder boy will continue fighting for what he believes he’s right, and continue putting plans into motion, because that’s all he’s good for. Miracles will never cease to exist while I’m here. And when I’m gone, the new generation will be there to take over my legacy, so you’ll be fine. If they’re anything like the current generation, you’ll be fine. I promise.

Seiji… This world never deserved you, or your miracles. You truly are a blessing in disguise.

When I go, please continue my legacy. Don’t let them forget me.

We’ll see you when we close our eyes, and maybe one day society will understand why everything it touches surely dies.

Thank you.

“Why’d you tell me that? Cause it sure as hell ain’t because you thought I was gonna comfort you. So why?” He tilted his head to the side, his eyes skimming over me, and I was dragged out of my thoughts. Bro, I can’t tell you the actual reason, you’d hate me even more than you already do, which I’m not sure is currently possible, but who knows? I can give you a cruddy cover-up if that means anything to you?

“Um... I don’t know… I guess I trust you.” I said, realising that I wasn’t actually quite sure why myself. I know I wanted to help him, but I didn’t need to go this far. I really need to start thinking things through. I guess I’m starting the plan early. I don’t know how I feel about that, but it is what it is I guess. It’s too late to go back now. I was hoping to wait this out a little bit longer, but there’s nothing I can do anymore. It’s time to throw the world into chaos. In a way, it’s been a long time coming.

He stared at me, and then laughed, but there was pain in his eyes as he held his broken arm close to him. “You are such a terrible liar, it’s laughable.”

“I am not a liar!” I protested, realising that he hasn’t cussed once around me. I notice that whenever I’m around he cusses significantly less. I mean, I’m not complaining, I don’t like all the cussing, but I never thought he’d censor himself around me. Shin probably threatened him. I can’t think of any other reason why he would bother to stop doing it so much.

“Uh-huh. And I ain’t Satan in disguise.” He replied in the most sarcastic voice possible. And this is when my idiocy really shines through. It’s unbelievable, actually. I don’t know how I’ve made it this far in life.

“Wait, really?” I gave him a confused look, almost questioning everything I once knew. I thought he was at least related to Satan. Actually, that would explain the father, so he might be, who knows?

“I give up on you. You’re so dumb, I can’t deal with it right now.” Yoshimura said, walking off. I walked after him, and then managed to catch up to him. We walked in step, and Yoshimura let out a huff of irritation. “You’re annoying.”

I pouted, despite knowing that he was only speaking the truth, but having to protest otherwise because I’m annoying like that “I am not!”

“Sure, you’re not. Are you planning on following me for long?” He asked, not bothering to look in my direction. I noticed the bags under his eyes. That explains why he’s been slightly more irritable today. And the apology earlier - he never apologises. Or at least, not outright like he just did. Life just doesn’t give him a break, does it?

“Yep! Is that a problem?” I gave him a curious look, a small smile forming on my face. I can’t believe I’ve actually managed to have a conversation with him without getting my head ripped off like I usually do.

“Yes, but it’s not like my complaining is going to make you leave, so I might as well take you somewhere if you’re not going anywhere.” He told me, surprisingly, with no hint of annoyance on his face, almost like he’s wanted to take me for a while.

“Where are we going?” I asked, my smile dropping. I am now a mixture of confused, disappointed and excited. I wanted him to open up to me, not to take me somewhere, but at the same time, this could be good. But what about his arm? I appreciate the kind gesture - he’s opening up to me, for once - but he deserves to be healed.

“I just wanna show you somewhere. It’ll be a bonus if I could get rid of you while I’m at it, but I doubt that’s going to happen anytime soon.” He mumbled, and my smile reformed slightly, a hint of gratefulness. He didn’t have to do this - we both knew that. So to do this was a lot more than I had originally expected him to do.

“But what about your arm?” I asked, my eyes glued to the protruding bones, and I almost shivered at the sight of it. I don’t know how he walks around when his arm looks like that. It must be excruciatingly painful for him - it was painful to look at it.

“It’s fine. I’m fine.” He glanced at me, and then sighed, a reminiscent look on his face. What? Did I remind him of something? “Simomi has the power of healing, so I’ll get him to fix me up. Is that good enough for you, Mr Wonder Boy?”

I smiled and nodded, glad that he was trying, at the very least. Honestly, I’m surprised Simomi would even bother to heal him. They seem like they hate each other 95% of the time. I don’t know how they’ve got this far with the relationship they have. You can’t even call it a love-hate relationship. It’s more like they only deal with each other because they need each other to win, otherwise they would have already tried to kill each other at any given chance. It wouldn’t surprise me if they had already made attempts on each other’s lives - it seems like the kind of thing they would do, to be honest.

“Why are we going to this place?” I watched him, trying to see his expression change, but not once did it falter, nor did he look in my direction, but that was to be expected. Who knew a monster could have a change of heart? It was a nice surprise.

“Because you shared something important with me, so I’m going to do the same thing.” He replied, finally glancing at me. My hand tightened around Kagemiko, a sense of relief that I was getting somewhere with him, glad the white tyrant didn’t just shut down on me. As I continued watching him, my thoughts raced. Maybe he is a nice guy after all. Or at least, semi-decent. A person. “What are you staring at?”

“Nothing.” I looked forward again. I wonder if it’s because of his father that he acts the way he does. All he’s seen is a jerk, so he became a jerk, even though that’s not who he wants to be. Or maybe I’m just overthinking this whole situation. It’s at times like this I wish I was as smart as Shin, and then life would be so much easier. But the tragic thing is, I’m not as smart as Shin, and I’ve got to work with what I have.

“What’s eating you up?” Yoshimura asked, interrupting mine and Kagemiko’s conversation, and breaking my train of thought. I am very confused right now, and with very good reason, I believe.

I looked at him, amazed he would even bother asking. He doesn’t take me as the kind of guy who would try and start up small talk. But what do I know? The guy’s only just started having conversations with me. “What?”

“I’ve never seen you think, let alone this much for this long. What’s wrong with you that you have to think this much? It doesn’t suit you whatsoever, and I honestly don’t know what to think of it. I’m about to call an ambulance for you.” He met my gaze like he was questioning everything he knows about me. Dude, I feel you right now. I honestly have no idea, either, and I hate it. It’s annoying not knowing what the heck’s going on. Trust me, I know. I usually know everything and life just flipped a 180 on me and now I’m an i***t.

I’m not sure how much I want to comment on that, but you've always been an i***t, Seiji. Or, at least, since we’ve been together. Which, I believe, is long enough.

I’m just gonna pretend that I didn’t hear you because clearly, you don’t mean that whatsoever. Right, Kagemiko?

Sure.

Awesome.

I chuckled, his concern being the highlight of my day so far, which was great. He’s not completely heartless, which is nice to know “Why do you care?”

“I am slightly concerned at the thought of you thinking.” He quickly thought about what he said, double-checking that it made sense

I grinned, letting out a small gasp of happiness, “You’re concerned about me thinking! I’m taking that as a win, even if it’s at my expense, and nothing you say or do can make me change my mind, no matter how hard you try!”

“Everyone’s concerned when you’re thinking,” Yoshimura mumbled, and I pouted. That ain’t fair. That was a low blow. It may be true, but it ain’t fair.

“And I thought you were going to be a nice person to me,” I said, which made Yoshimura snort in response. Okay, it seems like that plan is going downhill already. I sighed. I just want him to open up to me. I want him to know that I’m here, and I care.

You’re a wise one, young Ishido. I didn’t know you had it in you. I’m impressed by what you know.

I have to hide a lot behind my smile, which is why, I guess, I understand him so much. And this is why I want to help him so much. Because I feel like I can relate to his story. It’s sad, really, that someone had to go through so much to get to this stage, and how easily Yoshimura takes it. It’s not right. He shouldn’t be forced to hurt like this.

I always knew that you were different, but not once did I think it would be in this sense. This kind of difference never even crossed my mind.

What do you mean?

You’re the only person who has bear witness to the young Yoshimura’s pain and suffering and then has been courageous enough to take up the challenge of helping the dragon wielder at one of his darkest hours. As you saw, everyone else has just turned a blind eye to the boy’s suffering, no one thinking that he’s gone through enough to deserve a break from such horrendous acts of violence that his father subjects him to.

I guess I can understand that. No one ever knows what his reaction is going to be, making him even harder to approach, let alone help. But… I’ve walked through the darkness of the Earth long enough to find a sliver of light anywhere. That light is hope. And I can sense it inside Yoshimura. He hopes that he can be a better father and person in general. I’m here to help him continue hoping. Even if it kills me.

He’s just a broken kid who needs a proper home and someone to love him for who he is, no matter how much of a monster he becomes.

We’re all just broken people, trying to find our place in the world. But that’s how the light gets in. People underestimate the darkness. It can work the same wonders I can.

I’m proud of you, young Ishido.

“Kid, you’re scaring me. You haven’t spoken in a whole five minutes, and you’re still thinking, both of them concerning matters in themselves. I mean, I’m not complaining, the silence is kinda nice, but it’s creeping me out.” Yoshimura said, once again breaking my train of thought.

“Are you worried about me?” I teased, a small smile coming to my face. Honestly, I’m just glad that he wants to talk to me. It means my plan might have a chance. I might be able to change him for good. He’ll become more than just a Yoshimura. And the backlash may be enough for me to depart without any hitches. My last miracle will be tearing down this society so these ‘monsters’ have a chance of rebuilding it.

“Am I worried that you might burst a blood vessel and die before I get the chance to crush you? Yeah, I am.” There was sarcasm practically dripping from his voice as he spoke, and he wore his signature smirk when he looked at me, only teasing me further. This is unfair. He has years of practice and experience in this kind of stuff. I don’t. I’m at a disadvantage.

“So, you do care!” I exclaimed, trying to play it off. It doesn’t matter that he has years of insulting people, I’ve had years of annoying people so we’re an even match. I think that checks out.

He snorted, that being his usual response for everything. I’m impressed that I can get him to engage this much in a conversation. “Keep on dreaming.”

“I will, don’t worry.” I grinned as he let out a sigh of disbelief. He isn’t prepared for me in the slightest, is he? But then again, who is ever prepared for me? I like to keep people on their toes. They’ll thank me later, trust me.

“You’re amusing, kid. Annoying, but amusing.” He gave me a small smile; something that seemed so genuine it was precious. That’s a nice change. Sho has such a nice smile. It’s a shame we don’t get to see it more often.

“I’m gonna take that as a compliment!” I told him, my smile only growing wider and he shrugged in response, not bothering to argue anymore, but the smile was still on his face and his eyes softened. He was finally starting to relax.

“You do you.” He mumbled, and I nodded in agreement. I trailed behind Yoshimura as he led me into the forest that surrounded Temari. I looked around uneasily as we got deeper into the forest. Where the heck are we going? And why does it have to involve a forest? It’s so creepy. I don’t like it here. I glanced at Yoshimura, who looked as cool as a cucumber and walked with absolute confidence in himself. How does he do it? This place is scaring me half to death. I hope we get there soon because I don’t trust him to protect me if we suddenly get attacked, he's injured and doesn't like me.

"I will, so don't worry." I grinned at him, trying to hide my fear, and Yoshimura stared at me as I spoke. Even when I stopped, he continued to stare at me. Is there something on my face or what? Was he trying to figure me out? Good luck with that. I tilted my head to the side in confusion and met his gaze, trying to figure out why he was staring at me without asking him, but to no avail. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, don’t worry about it, Ishido.” He replied, looking forward again. I suddenly started getting weird vibes from him and watched as his confidence started to falter. What’s up with him today? Not only has he tolerated me, but his confidence is starting to dissipate. Do you think he’s sick? Nononono. He can’t be sick. I need him to protect me from the monsters and the pirates. Wait a minute… will sickness affect how he fights, or not? I wonder… “We’re here, Ishido. Get your head out of the damn clouds.”

We walked into this clearing that’s entrance was surrounded by trees, so it was difficult to make out what was positioned ahead. As we walked through the mass of trees that surrounded the clearing, the sun momentarily blinded me, but it was totally worth it. I had put my arm up in front of my eyes to block them from the harsh sunlight, and when I removed my arm, there was a beautiful waterfall directly in front of me, and at the bottom, there was a lake that covered about half the clearing. Surrounding the pool of water was a load of blue flowers that seemed to be kept in pristine condition. And then, as I looked around the clearing, I saw a load of white flowers that were dotted around, and they were so pretty. Those and the blue flowers were a nice colour scheme, and they reminded me of Yoshimura, which is a nice touch to it all. When I think of Yoshimura, I do not think of a blissful paradise that he’s managed to upkeep. I imagined an abandoned house that looked worse after he entered it.

“This is so amazing! I can’t believe you have such a beautiful place, and you didn’t tell me?!” I exclaimed, jumping up and down in excitement.

“I wonder why I didn’t tell you.” He sarcastically murmured under his breath, and ignored him, soon noticing a VERY important detail that I didn’t notice before. How I missed it, I have no idea, but somehow, I did.

“You have a battleground here?! THAT’S SO INCREDIBLE!” I exclaimed, my excitement now rocketing sky-high. This couldn’t get much better. I looked at him and grinned, holding up Kagemiko. “You wanna battle with us?”

Yoshimura smirked, “Sure, Simomi and I have been just itching to destroy you once and for all.”

“You can keep on dreaming, buddy. I just know that Kagemiko and I are going to win against you this time, 100%.” I replied, but then stopped in my tracks when my mind finally stopped working at a million miles a minute, the thought only just dawning on me. “What about your arm?”

He glanced at his arm before smiling sadly. It’s still hurting him, but he’s gonna lie anyway. It makes me question my credibility as wonder boy if I can’t even help one kid from getting hurt even more. “Simomi healed me for the most part, so I can still do a battle or two. I’ll be fine, Ishido.”

I took a deep breath, memories of what happened with Shin flashing through my mind. I don’t want a repeat of events, but there’s not much I can do. Even the wonder boy has his limits. I don’t think I can convince him to not do this now that I’ve brought it up, and I am now cursing myself and my big mouth. I’m sorry, Simomi. “Okay, I trust you Yoshimura.”