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The Sun was slowly setting, people are disappearing, the stalls are closing and the candles in the windows are going cut. For me it’s the perfect time of day to go to The Forest of Whispering Trees. The resources that are in the forest are difficult to obtain they cannot be found on anyone’s bazaar. The townspeople are afraid to venture there because there are legends that if you dare to go there, the whispers will consume you and you’ll never return home. Of course, thanks to this warning, I’m able to explore the forest without running into anyone. This has its advantages, because people don’t destroy the fauna and flora of this place. I could freely look for what I needed at a given moment, or I was slowly running out. I’d been here so many times I could pinpoint the exact spot where the Night Queen, the Misty Flower or a simple medicinal herb grew.
I wrote down on parchment what I had to find, when I was leaving the hut, which was rather on the outskirts of the town, I felt drops falling from the sky. I pulled the big, black hood over my head tighter than before. After one drop, another one fell, and the other became a whole mass. I couldn’t stop my expedition now, so I walked straight ahead to get into the forest. As I was walking, I noticed a wax lantern not far away, I was quite shocked because of this, because at this time no one wanders the streets of the town, let alone works. Plants and herbs would wait because I felt that if I didn’t satisfy my curiosity, I wouldn’t fall asleep tonight.
✧✧✧
The closer I got to the place, the denser and strangely dark the atmosphere became. If it was to discourage me from continuing to get there, it certainly didn’t work. I kept going, I wanted to know where it was coming from. I arrived at a really old tavern. The moss had managed to settle on the wood from which it was built, the straw roof gave the impression that a slight gust of wind would blow it away, but this didn’t happen. The building completely stood out from the rest. Nowadays, no one uses straw as a roof anymore. People invest in stone and wood.
The drops falling from the sky made me feel everything and nothing at the same time. A bitter smell reached my nostrils, it accompanied every curse and, ironically... alcohol. Depending on the status of the curse, the degree of bitterness varied. The rain didn’t allow me to identify its type, so I had to go inside to find out. I made sure that the hood on my head wouldn’t slip down and that it would lie in the same place all the time. I pushed open the wooden door and finally entered the pump room. Furthermore, I was struck by an overly intense smell, I could immediately rule out any alcohol... and all the spells I knew...
There was a young man behind the bar, I wouldn’t give him more than twenty-five. He didn’t look very friendly at first glance, but as soon as he looked at me, I immediately thought of the turquoise lake that was in the middle of the Whispering Trees Forest. He was slightly surprised, after all, which of the residents stays outside so late in the evening? I stepped closer and felt an unknown force hit me. Surely it was some more advanced curse that I had not yet had the pleasure of knowing. I didn’t stop, I sat down at the bar, checking that the hood hadn’t slipped down. That could be a real problem for me.
We stared at each other for a long time until finally the bartender spoke. The voice was harsh and sounded as if he hadn’t spoken to anyone for several hours, maybe even longer.
- What to serve? - The man remained fully professional and didn’t let anyone know that he was confused just a moment ago. I wasn’t ready to order anything, so I took a quick look at the liquors listed and pointed to a drink with a fantastic name, “Moon Nectar”. It was also the cheapest, I didn’t have many goldsmiths with me. As soon as the drink was served to me, I thanked him. There was a deep silence that was filled with unspoken questions, neither of us bothering to start a conversation. We stared at each other curiously, at the same time trying to scan the other person with our eyes. I was puzzled by the curse that hovered over him. Maybe The Master will know something more? He knows more about such things than I do.
I put the mug on the bar, putting the right price for the nectar at the same time.
Without looking back, I headed towards the forest. The rain that had accompanied me before was slowly disappearing. I had to hurry up, due the fact that people in village start to wake up to life very quickly.
✧✧✧
When I was already at the entrance to the Forest of Whispering Trees, I felt his presence, the deeper I went, the colder it became, and I wrapped myself more tightly in my cloak. Suddenly, something pressed me against the nearest tree. I panicked a bit because I couldn’t move even a little, but by sensing the energy evaporating, I calmed down considerably.
- Master? - I asked, as if already knowing the answer, a tall, calm figure emerged from behind a tree. Magenta eyes and magenta-brown hair that I’ll recognize everywhere. The magic hat he wore gave him mystery, and this... slimy yellow and blue toad on his shoulder...
- My little Yoichi, have you already forgotten how horrible people are? Didn’t you learn from your mistakes? Maybe I should remind you what happened last time? - When he said this, he smiled in sadistic, frightening way. When he asked the last question, he grabbed my arm, which continued to burn mercilessly. “Is there a valid reason why you poke to this mortal?” He squeezed harder and finally moved away to stroke the toad. I had a feeling that the toad was the one who said everything to him. I’ll catch him someday.
- Master, that boy... He... He’s cursed! A kind of curse that I don’t know yet. Could I use your library? I asked, hopeful, still holding my arm, which hurt. Ness just nodded in appreciation. He allowed me to look into his library that was several years old. The man’s magic eased and I was free to go to my mentor’s hut.
✧✧✧
The house seemed much smaller from the outside than it really was inside. It was wooden, had admixtures of stone, which was entwined with ivy, the windows were tightly covered. The entire roof was covered with moss, but here and there stone tiles could be seen, black smoke was seeping from the chimney, indicating that master was currently weighing some elixir, or trying to recreate an object written in books left by his ancestors. The hut was entered by wooden stairs, which creaked every time someone stepped on them. It was helpful and annoying at the same time.
Before I took the final step in front of the door, I breathed a sigh of relief, because I hadn’t been here for a long time and I didn’t know what to expect inside. I could expect anything from the master.
I opened the door with a slight hesitation, but when I entered the door, I was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness there. It’s never been this clean here. I didn’t see any books on the floor covered in purple carpet. A black cat I knew well walked along the corridor. Ichi must have been happy as soon as she saw me, because she started fawning over me. I knelt down to stroke her.
I looked around, by the standing cauldron everything was arranged, the used book was open on the right page and lay on a special stand. The bookshelves around were filled to the brim with various books, arranged in color and size. The plants that Ness kept inside were more than neat, and no soil spilled out of them. I had to spin around, because I didn’t believe that was really my master’s hut.
Every time I was here, there was chaos, disorder, and the owner of the house himself told me to clean up all the mess. As soon as I shook off my reverie, I finally allowed myself to approach the bookcase I was interested in. It didn’t take me long to find the right book. I grabbed a dark green thick book engraved with gold, very original inscription “Curses and witchcraft affecting the life of human”. I flipped through the book in search of a specific spell that I remembered from the tavern I was in. I had to find out if I could help him in any way.
I came across a slightly torn page with a curse that was similar to the description I remembered. I folded the corner of the page gently, closed it, and rushed to master to ask if I could borrow it indefinitely. I had to verify if it was really the same.
Ness just nodded in agreement. Nothing stood in the way of me going back home.
I was so bust finding an adequate description of the curse this man was struggling with that I completely forgot the original purpose of my trip to the forest. I was reminded of it by the parchment lying heavily in my pocket.
Leaving the forest was not much of the challenge for me, but just crossing the village, without being noticed by the locals, was already there. I stayed close to the trees, away from the main street of the village. Where the shadow was my friend and the gently coming sun was my enemy.
I wanted to wait until dusk to go to this boy’s pump room again.
Once in my hut, I put the book on my bed to study and analyze exactly what he needs, maybe even find the right spells in my arsenal to help him get rid of it.
I was delighted that there were so many notes about this spell, but from second to second, my smile faded, because the more I delved into it, the more I began to believe that whoever it at him must been a real monster... I didn’t know what to say, I looked blankly at the wall. I closed the book and put the notes aside. I felt overwhelmed by it. I lay down and I don’t even know when I fell asleep.
“The Poisoned Circle of Betrayal – It can only be thrown by a family member. The victim may not even realize that he is cursed. The curse has an emotional charge, often cast under the influence of jealousy, hatred or unspoken resentments (...) The spell is reversible, but it is necessary █████████ . “
✧✧✧
I woke up a moment before nightfall. I looked around the place where I lived, the book I was reading was lying on the floor, with the spine up, on the table magically appeared the things I had written on parchment last evening. Master... Or worse, that toad, they had their fingers in it. Still, I was grateful that I didn’t have to go there again and could take care of helping a stranger.
Pulling on the hood of my cape and making sure it stays in one place all the way has become a habit for me.
✧✧✧
The path wasn’t too long, I learned to move in the dark, it went quite smoothly. I got to the pump room, just like the night before, behind the counter was the same guy as before. With calm and precise movements, he wiped his booze mugs.
I walked slowly over and sat down in front of the bar. I looked around the room and there was no one else just us. It’s not like I expect someone to be there at this hour. We were silent again, I stared at the way his hands moved on the glass, there was something mesmerizing about it. The only thing that distracted me was the smell of the curse wafting around the boy.
I didn’t want to start the conversation first, I didn’t even know what to say... It was so quiet I was lost i my thoughts, still staring at the boy’s working hands. This curse would not be easy to get rid of, I knew that. I’m willing to take the risk. I looked at the green-haired boy again, and the question came to my mind, why would anyone want to cast a spell on him? Did he do anything? I don’t think so, he looks too innocent, although the burning scar on my arm showed that the outward appearance could be only relative.
I shook my head at my own thought, not all people are the same, and the boy in front of me certainly didn’t deserve what happened to him.
I heard a deep sigh on the other side of the counter, the tavern owner getting impatient. Was he waiting for me to say something?
- You again? What are you doing here so late and why do you need this cape? It’s not that cold outside...” - He broke the silence, slightly nervous.
- Huh?? Is this how you treat regulars? Why do you have a tavern open so late, when you don’t want anyone coming here? - I answered the question with another question. I was surprised by how he reacted to my presence.
- I was the first to ask the question... - he muttered under his breath.
- I... I lives at night, so that’s why I visit this place after dusk. - I didn’t want to answer the question about the cape, because he would immediately guess who I was.
- Yhymm... The tavern is open all day and all night. I never expected guests until you appeared, like a ghost from the Forest of Whispering Trees, bursting into the bar after dusk. In evening, I rather clean up the remains of the villagers visiting the shelter. - He replied much more calmly than before.
- Are you a vampire? - He asked, looking at me, raising one eyebrow.
- Wh... what? Where did this idea come from? Do you really believe that these beings are alive...? - I laughed. The stranger shrugged.
As time passed, the conversation flows well, the tension in the shoulders melted into thin air, and the bartender seemed to be more and more eager to talk, at first, he rather responded with half-words, a nod or simple “mhmm”, but from moment to another, he talked more. I was very happy about it, I rested my elbows on the counter, listening and admiring his beauty.
✧✧✧
Outside, slowly through the dark clouds, the first rays of the sun were breaking through, which I took as a sign to slowly get ready to leave. I would have liked to, stayed a little longer, but I promised him that I would be back here tomorrow after dark.
- By the way, before I leave, could I know your name? After all, we’re almost like... Friends? - I asked as freely as possible. Deep down, I was a little nervous.
- My name is Rin Ito... just Rin. - he held out his hand towards me. I accepted his hand. - I’m glad to meet you Rin, I’m Yoichi. - I smiled gently. I hoped that despite the hood covering my eyes and nose, my mouth was visible.
Saying my name, I felt strange, only the master calls me that, but I couldn’t risk that if I revealed my last name, the boy would turn his back on me and my efforts would be vain.
I said goodbye to Rin and left as fast as I could so no one would, catch me.
✧✧✧
A dozen or so quiet night passed, where I used to some to the tavern specifically to talk to Rin.
It seemed to me that he was also looking forward to meeting me again.
I tried to ask him for information from which I could draw some conclusions about the curse he had. For now, I didn’t want to start a conversation about it directly, because the boy may be unaware. He didn’t look like a person who would be frightened at the thought of this information, but I didn’t want to tempt fate.
Ever since I found out that he had an older brother, I began to suspect that maybe he was responsible for all this mess. Their relationship was not the warmest after the event that took place. I had no idea what event had an impact on it, because he never told me. We had known each other for too short a time and I respected his space very much.
I talked to the master about it, and we both came to the conclusion that his parents could be behind it. The book does not specify whether the spell is one-time or can be used several times on one and the same person. From what he told me, he didn't have a good relationship with them either and he doesn't remember them very well.
I couldn't say much because I never had parents or siblings. It was always just me and Master Ness.
✧✧✧
The day came when I had to finally get going. I wanted to acquaint him with the subject, so I asked him to close the tavern for a day and come to my hut. He agreed because he knew it was important to me.
My house was far away from a small town, it was not very large, but at the back of the house I had a small garden with a few trees, vegetables, herbs and a few types of flowers. It was no different from most huts that could be encountered on the road.
I invited my guest inside. The interior of the hut was not unique either. Basic equipment, bed, stove, small bookshelf, table, kitchen worktop, several cabinets and two chairs. Everything I needed was here. I told him to feel at home.
We sat down quietly, Rin was looking around my little asylum.
- Rin, there's something important we need to talk about, so I asked you to come all the way here, where no one will surprise us with an emergency visit. - I said, and the boy nodded his head in understanding. - But before that, I'd like to uncover my face so you can read everything from it, if you have any hesitation about the truth of what I'm saying, okay? - He looked at me skeptically, but with full interest.
I walked over and stood in front of him. I gently began to remove the hood of my cape, all the while watching Rin's face, he looked neutral. I knew what I was risking by exposing my entire head.
I made one last move, and the hood of my pitch-black cloak fell over my shoulders, I was looking at the floor, trying to avoid his gaze.
There was a deep silence. Neither of us spoke. My brain was already starting to come up with all sorts of scenarios. Does he know about me? Did people warn him about me? Maybe he heard all these rumors? Will the anger of the inhabitants hang over me again? When he gets out of here, my life will turn into hell? I didn't want to go through it again. I started to stress and panic.
I lifted my head slightly to look at the boy in front of me. His expression surprised me. His mouth was slightly open, his pupils were dilated, and his expression was speechless? And definitely surprised. The boy, as soon as he saw me looking at him, coughed. The tips of his ears turned slightly pink.
- I still don't understand why you hide your face. Are... well... beautiful, Yoichi, - he said quietly.
I felt the heat travel to my cheeks, I turned away from it for a moment and patted my face, hoping it would pass quickly.
- ... So you won't report me to the residents, you won't do a public execution? I asked as quietly as I could, turning again to look him in the eye.
- Yoichi, what are you saying?? What public execution? Is it all about all these rumors? I nodded. - I don't care, really. Locals often come to the tavern and talk nonsense while drunk. I don't believe in any rumors, especially after I got to know you better. You'll tell me about it when you're ready. - He folded his arms, tilted his head slightly to the side, looking at me, and shrugged.
- Okay, thank you Rin. - However, this is not what I wanted to talk to you about today, it is about you. Entering the tavern for the first time, I was attracted by something other than alcohol. I took a deep breath. - What lured me that night, what weighs on you.
- I suppose that since you are interested in it, you must have some knowledge about fate? - He asked calmly.
- Rin... How can I tell you this... Listen. - I stopped to think about what I wanted to say. He does not know that this is a spell cast on him. - It's not fate, Rin... It's a curse. Quite strong in my opinion. When I saw you, I didn't know how powerful the spell is. Now, fortunately, after a short consultation with the master, I found the book and I know how to help you. Rin, I know how to get you out of this. - I finished speaking and smiled gently in his direction. The boy was shocked, I wasn't surprised at all, because it's hard information to digest.
- ...What... How? What a curse??! - He muttered to himself, and the look of disbelief was still on his face.
- Don't worry, Rin... I know how to help you. I walked over to him and reached out to stroke his shoulder, in an act of comfort. - We're going to go through this together, do you want to go outside and think about what you heard? - I asked quietly, worried about him. He stared at me, nodded slightly and very slowly.
I led him to the door that led to the garden. Maybe if I leave him here for a moment, he will cool down and process my words calmly.
A small bench located right next to the entrance was very useful. Rin sat down and stared at the alder trees that had been planted, or perhaps at the colorful flowers planted at the end of the garden, plants such as hollyhocks and gladioli, which were tall and suitable for further layers. In the front, I had herbs and smaller flowers, lilies of the valley, sage and forget-me-nots. I was very proud of this garden, even I stopped for a moment to see again my effort put into this place.
I quickly recovered, I didn't want to disturb Rin in his thoughts. I turned on my heel and was about to go inside, but I felt a hand grab me by the fabric of my blouse.
- ... Stay, sit next to me, please? A weak voice reached my ears, and I couldn't disagree, so I stayed.
Silence in good company will never be a waste of time. I could sit down and think about the ritual that we would be doing together.
I was roused from my reverie by the voice of the boy next to me.
- ... Yoichi, tell me, can you really get rid of it?
- I'm sure. I have everything I need to perform the rite. You don't need to worry anything, you can trust me. I looked at him and smiled slightly. - If you're afraid that it will hurt, it's nothing of the sort. It's a painless process and only takes a few hours. - I continued to try my best to comfort him and reduce his fears.
The curse itself can have painful properties, I'm sure he felt discomfort before he got used to it to some extent, but removing it is much easier and not bothersome.
- Remember that we don't have to do it now, we can wait, maybe you should sleep on it calmly? - I assured him. Rin looked at me the whole time I was talking to him, nodding his head every now and then to indicate that he was still listening to me.
- ... So we can transfer this into... I don't know, maybe...? Next week? - He was uncertain, I understood that, if I were in his place, I would like it to end as soon as possible, but at the same time I would be held back by doubts. This time I nodded, it didn't matter to me when I got down to it, what mattered was Rin's comfort.
We were silent in each other's company for a while, only to say goodbye again. I could already start counting down the nights to see him again.
✧✧✧
For the next few days, I did not leave the house, mentally preparing myself for the ritual. I left the other boy alone, I didn't want to put pressure on him.
I was in the middle of writing a letter to the master, I heard a knock on the door, I was surprised, I left the table. On the other side was Rin. As soon as he noticed me, he blushed slightly. I didn't expect him here, I stood with my eyes open. I must have looked ridiculous to him. He asked me to put on a cape because we were leaving. I asked if no resident would notice us, he nodded.
Putting on my shoes and cape, I asked where he was taking me. He replied with a simple "You'll see". He did not drag me deeper into the village, I felt a slight relief. We went beyond the designated border of the town.
It was already dark, so the road seemed much darker, mysterious.
✧✧✧
We have reached the Aether Hill. The place itself seemed mystical and enigmatic, as if it were not real at all. A delicate mist hung all around, which gave a mysterious expression, the flora here was not much different from what I could easily find in the village, but even here it seemed untouched by anyone. Do the residents really not feel the need to walk into the unknown? By sticking only to the boundaries set by another person, they will never see something new, they will never feel the desire to explore. It must be terrible.
My thoughts were interrupted by a slight shaking of my shoulder. I looked at my companion. He looked like he wanted to say something, but he stopped himself and mumbled for me to sit on the grass next to him. I readily agreed.
- So, what did I do to deserve to go out with you? - I asked suspiciously. Rin turned his head towards me after what I said, still with a slight flush on his face.
- Well... I wanted to watch the stars with you tonight. I missed you. - He said the last sentence, so quietly that a slight breeze would have made me not hear him. As he said this, he was looking up at the starry sky above us.
I'm sure I wasn't any better myself, I could feel the warmth spreading through my face, but also in my heart. It's nice to hear from another person that they missed you even though it's only been a few days. I smiled to myself.
We spent a few hours watching the stars. I showed Rin the constellation I had once seen in books, in the master's hut. For a moment, he thought I was joking because some of the names were so ridiculous. The constellation of Canis Major? I explained to him how he had to look at it and laughed at his face of disbelief. I will never get over the admiration of how much his eyes and mouth can widen under the influence of surprise.
- Yoichi, could you tell me why you're so afraid to leave the hut during the day? Why do you make such a big watch so much that the locals don't notice you? - The boy was serious as ever. I was confused, why was he asking this right now? It was a difficult subject, the scar on my arm made itself felt again. A few years have passed, and it still hurts the same.
- You know, it's not like I've always worn a cape. A long time ago in the village, I was appreciated by people because I helped them with mild illnesses. I prepared an infusion of herbs and it helped them. Sometimes, with slightly more serious illnesses, I tried to use my maana, without their knowledge, to prevent the infection from developing further. Most of the time, it costs me some vitality, it's like giving away a piece of myself. - I was proud to say this, after all, helping people was the most important thing for me. I didn't hesitate one bit, I knew I was doing the right thing to help. People wanted more. The Master once explained to me that such a greedy creature as Human will never have too much, they will always take more than they can carry, just to have it. Now I could confidently agree with him.
However, I continued on.
- ... But one evening, a mother with a child came running to my house... I tried to help as much as I could, really. She didn't believe me and wanted too much from me. I was giving this child my maane, at some point... - I paused, to sniff gently.
- ... I exceeded the allowed amount, my fingers began to disappear. Even that didn't work! H-he was dying... he was dying, Rin. - I wanted to scream, remembering how this child was dying on my lap, I looked at the boy next to me. Seeing that I was shaking, he moved closer to me and hugged me lightly, twisting the small circles on my shoulder with his fingers.
- ... Residents, well... They know me as Isagi, which is why I introduced myself to you by my name. - at the memory of meeting Rin, I smiled slightly, through tears. - Not long after the boy died, the inhabitants turned their backs on me and even tried to attack me, they succeeded, I was in my hut at the time... They attacked me with everything they had... You know, I still have a few scars, but there's one I'll never forget. It still hurts, you know? - I cried into the boy's shoulder. Why did I allow such a beautiful night to turn into an outpouring of my grievances? - The boy's mother asked me to do it. I... to this day I haven't let it heal, it's kind of like, ... my penance for not saving this poor child... - I pulled away from Rin gently to reveal the still unhealed scar on my arm. He gently reached out to touch it with the tip of his finger, but when I hissed in pain, he immediately pulled his hand away.
- Yoichi, you know... that it's not your fault, is it? You did everything you could, you gave as much as you could.- He was looking at me, his eyes full of seriousness and compassion. I was only able to nod my head, wiping away the tears that flowed out during the story.
Neither of us spoke again, gently hugging each other, we watched the stars. My head on Rin's shoulder... It seemed to be as natural as the fact that day always comes night.
✧✧✧
We were coming back, it was slowly getting light. I apologized to him for what happened on the hill, but he waved his hand at it and said that he had asked about it himself and that I should not worry. Rin walked me to the door before saying goodbye to me, placed a gentle kiss on my forehead and told me I should rest. I thanked him for everything, a blush crept up my cheeks, saying goodbye to him. When I was sure that the boy was heading towards the tavern, I turned and entered my house.
I'm going to miss it, Rin, the stars and the master. I thought as soon as I got inside. I have to finish the letter to Ness and the green-haired man.
Just two more full days and I will finally redeem all my sins.
✧✧✧
I spent the last day in my garden, among the plants around me. I had to put everything in order before tomorrow, weed it so that it looked nice. I really loved this place. I put all my heart into it.
Tomorrow will come the moment when I will breathe a sigh of relief. I was looking forward to it, but at the same time I know that I haven't discovered everything yet. I didn't sail out to the open sea, I didn't climb the highest peak, but that's okay. Freeing yourself from remorse sounded much better than traveling.
A light wind blew my hair, I could already feel the feeling of freedom coming. I smiled to myself as I went inside after a few hours of work in the garden. I had to add a few more sentences to my diary. I have been running it for several years. I wrote down every piece of information that was important to me, a few recipes from herbs that I discovered. I hoped that it would go to the right person.
As soon as I finished, I put two letters in it. One, much longer than Ness, and the other much shorter, because I had not known him as long as the master - to Rin, but no less filled with feelings. These two made life not all that bad after all this. I wanted to leave something behind when I was gone.
✧✧✧
It was noon, I was waiting for Rin to appear. He was about to stand in the doorway. I was glad to see him. During this time, since I had the opportunity to meet him, I have become attached to him. Conversations with him were comfortable, the silence was relaxing. I think stargazing could become my favorite activity. I would never admit it out loud, but I was falling in love with a boy.
My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. I knew right away that it was Rin. I invited him with a smile.
- Tell me when you're ready. - The very sight of the green-haired man filled me with peace.
- I think that... I'm ready right now if it doesn't... well, the problem. - He was nervous, I saw it in him. I walked over and stroked his shoulder. I nodded, in an act of understanding. I instructed the taller boy that it would be best if we were standing. This way, the curse will not get tangled anywhere along the way and it is easier to notice changes when the cursed person is in a standing position. I had to draw a circle around us that would act as a barrier, and the scattered petals and dried leaves of Hyssop* were already a part of the rite itself.
I explained every step to Rin, hoping it would calm him down.
The only thing missing from the ritual was us. I called the other boy. I asked him to give me his hand, and he did so without hesitation. I explained to him that from the moment we entered the drawn circle, we could not interrupt the ritual, because it would have irreversible consequences. I received a nod to indicate that he understood.
I grabbed his other hand as we faced each other. A gentle smile adorned my face. Don't worry, Rin you'll be free of this in a moment... we both will.
I was starting to say the words that would bind my maana to the curse, Rin didn't need to know about it, because he would never agree to it.
As time passed, the curse became less noticeable, in my head I celebrated a small victory. I could see on the other boy's shoulders that the invisible burden was disappearing and his eyes were slowly taking on their lost shine. Now his eyes seemed even more beautiful, the lake in the Whispering Trees Forest could no longer compete with them.
When I knew that the rite was about to end, I turned my attention to my body, it was falling apart. Large patches of energy accumulated in one body were leaving and crumbling, trying to break through the fabric of clothes. Some of them looked like a puzzle that I saw on display at one of the markets.
- Yoi... Yoichi?! What is going on?!! Why, why are you disappearing? Rin looked at me confused, I could only smile and tighten my grip on his hands. I couldn't let the ritual go to waste.
- Don't worry, Rin... It doesn't even hurt. - I whispered. I could see tears welling up in the boy's eyes, I wanted to wipe them away, but I couldn't. I wasn't lying when I said that we couldn't interrupt the ritual in any way. The ceremony will end when I am completely gone. The soft light that accompanied the crumbling maana illuminated the green-haired man's face.
- You're really handsome, Rin. - I could look at him for eternity and one more day longer, if I had the opportunity. - Thank you for letting me get to you... approach. Time... spent with you, was... priceless. - I had to hurry up to speak, because I could feel my throat and face slowly falling apart. -On... Table... A diary, letters... Take care of... Garden... I love you... Rin.
I didn't regret walking into the tavern that night. It remained unspoken, I smiled. I could finally find peace.
☾☾☾
He Disappeared... He completely disappeared. Small pieces of energy continued to fly around. I fell to my knees, it was too much. I felt an emptiness engulf me. Why did he leave? If only I knew, if only I knew...
To relieve my anger, I slammed my fist on the floor and plunged into despair again. I wanted to scream, after all, I could live with this thing.
Looking ahead, I saw his clothes on the floor. I took them and cuddled up to them, feeling Yoichi's scent and warmth on them.
I despaired in silence, clutching my clothes as if they were the last resort.
What kind of journal? What lists?!? Take care of the garden?!?! And why did he say "I love you, Rin".
I looked around the room. Indeed, there was something on the table. Two books. Holding his clothes with me, I stood up and walked over to the table.
One of the books was small, almost pocket-sized, I assumed that it could be this diary. When I picked it up, two letters flew out of it. I ignored them at first, but seeing my name on one of them, the one intended for me, I put it in my pocket. I want to open it when I'm at home. I opened Yoichi's journal.
I saw herb recipes there, his notes, information about the inhabitants he once had the opportunity to treat. Details worth attention.
The second book on the table was open on a specific page and was much, much thicker than a tiny journal. I glanced at it, my eyes opened even wider... It's impossible.
"The spell is reversible, but it requires sacrifice by another loving person."
Oh. Sacrifice? For my good? Yoichi...
I closed the book. I didn't want to look at it again. I met and lost the blue-eyed one, thanks to that damn curse. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. My heart ached. If I didn't agree, I could be sitting with him at this moment, talking and watching the stars. I would like to know more about them, to know more constellations.
I don't know how much time I spent staring at the already empty table. I didn't want to go home, but I know I have to. I needed to read the letter he left me. I could read it here, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to be distracted here. Is there anything else I don't know?
☾☾☾
I was sitting on the bed with an open letter. Once again, Yoichi surprised me. The boy was not a human, he was a being made of a large amount of maana, which took the shape of a body. He was just a soul summoned by chance by Ness – that is, his master... That would explain why his hands disappeared when he tried to save that boy... Yoichi also explained to me that it would be different for a flesh-and-blood human. At the end of the letter, he mentioned that I should take care of his garden and that he wanted me to live as if I had never met him.
I was not able to fulfill his request, I will never forget him. I gritted my teeth... Never. He deserves to be remembered.
THE END
BONUS:
✩✩✩
Somewhere near the place of the recent incident, a wizard was walking. He felt empty, as if something important had been taken away from him, maybe even someone from his family, his son. He raised this boy as best he could. - My little Yoichi... You were too perfect a being to end up like this. You chose this path yourself, I couldn't stop you. I hope you left happy, your guilt is gone, and you have experienced the freedom you desired. - he said to himself. I also hoped that this mortal was worth it... - he felt a weight on his shoulder. It was the same toad as always – Kaiser. - I don't need you anymore. - I said in a firm voice, I threw him off my shoulder.I tapped my cane on the ground, so I could teleport to the hut.
At the same time, the toad began to be chased by a creature from the forest. Ogres are rare creatures in this forest, but not impossible to find.
The creature grabbed the toad's leg and devoured it. After all, this is what the food chain is all about, smaller individuals die because larger individuals need nutrients.