Bab 28: Pain and Regrets
The sun had fully risen, marking the beginning of a new day's activities.
Dan gazed out the window like a child, captivated by the stunning beauty of the last realm, Nameless. Unlike Eldoris, Nameless appeared more developed and adorned in every way. This was Dan's first time seeing such a grand and beautiful city, having grown up in a poverty-stricken village and never seeing Eldoris due to his blindness.
"Wow!" Dan exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder.
"Haha, come on now, you're embarrassing yourself, Dan," Ella chuckled, glancing at Naya.
"Right?! What's your deal? Haven't you been to a city before?" Naya fumed.
"Well, I haven't…" Dan said, shocking Naya and Ella. "I grew up with my sister in a small, poor village. This is my first time seeing a city like this."
"W–Well, you'd better get used to it—hmph," Naya pouted.
"Right," Dan said, scratching his head in embarrassment.
"But if I may ask, where is your sister now?" Ella inquired, as Naya showed interest in Dan's response.
"She is dead," Dan answered with a straight face before lowering his head. "I was an arrogant, troublesome, and weak little brother. I caused her nothing but pain, and that day…I couldn't save her." Dan clenched his fist tightly.
Feeling a heavy sense of guilt, Ella leaned forward to comfort Dan. "Don't blame yourself for—"
"But it's alright now," Dan interrupted, flashing a bright smile, though Ella knew he was still in pain. "Now I have decided to protect what is dearest to me."
A few minutes later, they arrived at their destination—a gate resembling a portal that connected the last realm to all other realms. Dan and Naya dismounted the carriage before Ella, with Dan staring blankly at the huge portal, admiring its beautiful sight.
A man approached them, bowing respectfully before speaking. "All preparations are ready, milady."
"Thank you, keep up the good work," Ella said with a bright smile, moving towards the big portal.
"We are moving, Dan. Don't fall behind," Naya alerted Dan, who was still mesmerized by the portal.
As they entered the portal, they immediately emerged on the other side as if no time had passed, though it actually took one to two hours to travel between realms using the portal.
A group of people awaited their arrival. "Welcome, milady," they all bowed.
Pure bloodlust hung in the air, and Dan could sense it, but he couldn't identify its source.
"We will guide you to your accommodation," one of them said.
"Accommodation? What about the meeting?" Ella asked.
"Yes, about that—the meeting has been postponed to tomorrow. We apologize for the inconvenience, but it was a last-minute decision."
"Is there a particular reason for this sudden change?" Ella asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Y-Yes, the chief's candidate fell ill this morning and was rushed to one of the realm's best healers."
"That's unfortunate," Ella remarked.
"Indeed, but fret not, he is recovering steadily and will be fine by tomorrow."
"Alright then, please lead us to our accommodation."
"Yes, your carriage is prepared," the man said, pointing to two carriages nearby. Ella approached the first carriage, about to enter when she noticed Dan following her.
"You and Naya can board the other one," Ella said.
"I can't do that," Dan said, wary of the bloodlust he sensed. Unbeknownst to him, the two carriages were a setup to get him closer to Naya.
"It can't be helped," Ella sighed, entering the carriage, followed by Dan and Naya.
Ella and Naya sat together facing Dan, who was busy admiring the city's beauty through the window, oblivious to the tension between Naya and Ella.
Naya wore a sad expression, realizing their plan wasn't working as Dan remained clueless. Ella nudged Naya, giving her a thumbs up with a smile, she was about to cook.
"Dan…" Ella called out.
"Yes!"
"I've noticed your hair is overgrown and messy. Doesn't it bother you?" Ella asked.
"Hmm…now that you mention it, it does feel a bit heavy," Dan replied, touching his hair.
"Then haven't you thought of cutting it?"
"Not really, but I would like a good cut," Dan answered without hesitation.
"Why not let Naya do it? She's quite skilled," Ella suggested with a smile.
Dan looked at Naya, squinting his eyes. "I don't know. My sister usually did this…but can I trust you with my hair—"
"I can handle it!" Naya shouted.
"Hmm…alright then, but don't mess it up," Dan scoffed.
"Yes!... Huh? What's with that attitude?" Naya grunted.
"How can I trust my hair with someone who betrayed me? Don't think I've forgotten what you did!" Dan barked.
"I didn't betray you!" Naya insisted.
"Liar!"
"Umm…can we all be quiet?" Ella tried to calm them, but her efforts were in vain. She sighed and looked out the window, noticing a pet market. Overjoyed, she stopped the carriage and got out, followed by Dan and Naya, curious about what had caught her attention.
Ella admired an animal that looked like a dove but had unique patterns on its body. "This is a fulcan," Ella said, touching its feathers.
"That's correct, milady," the shop owner said. "They are rare birds from the first realm, loyal with a lifespan of twenty years."
"Twenty years?!" Dan exclaimed.
"Indeed. They cost a fortune. Would you like one, milady?" the shop owner asked.
Ella hesitated before answering, "No, I didn't come here for that," though it was clear she was tempted.
Leaving Ella, Dan turned to find Naya missing. Worried, he searched until he spotted her at another shop.
"What are you doing here?" Dan asked, closing the gap between them.
"Oh, Dan, come see," Naya waved him over. "It's a baby wolf."
"A wolf? You have an odd taste," Dan said, though he found it cute and fluffy. He grabbed his left hand as unpleasant memories flooded back.
"What's the matter, Dan? I think it's cute," Ella said.
"Yeah, it is, but…"
"It's okay if you don't like it. One day you'll find an animal you're fond of. After all, we all come from different animals," Ella stated.
"Different animals?" Dan was confused.
"Do you believe in reincarnation?" Ella asked.
"Well, I don't believe in god and I have never worshipped any, but I think I can accept reincarnation," Dan said.
"Yes, reincarnation happens. It can be in any form, at any time. It's said that the animal you're attached to is either the one you came from or will become," Ella explained.
"Ehh? I've never heard that. But when you say anytime, does that mean…"
"Indeed, you can reincarnate in the past, as time doesn't exist," Ella said, shocking Dan and Naya. "Haha, I think I said too much. Let's get going," she said, returning to the carriage.
As they continued the journey they came across a huge church, in front of the church was a statue of a man with long hair, wearing a rob and a blindfold, on one his hand was a balance scale and the other a book, does that ring a bell? Yes! The statue goes contrary to that seen in Heloria.
"Who is that?" Dan asked curiously
"Hmm..?" Ella looked out the window and saw the statue "Oh..that was the first ruler of the ten realms"
"Hmm? Ruler and not head chief?" Dan asked
"Yes, in one of the books at the library it was said that all ten realms were once together as one with a single ruler who was worshipped by even the seven"
"Ohh so he was that strong?" Dan stroked his chin "then why don't you guys worship him instead of the seven?"
Ella waste a little time before answering "Well because he is a legend, apart from the seven nobody knows him"
"That's bad, I feel for the guy"
***
They finally arrived at their destination—a grand mansion used as an inn for distinguished guests. Inside, people were already waiting for them.
"We will take you to your rooms," a young man said with a bow, signaling three waitresses to lead the guests.
"You can follow me, sir," a young girl said to Dan with a cheerful smile.
"Sure," Dan said, letting the girl lead the way.
The room was spacious and fragrant, offering a relaxing ambiance. Dan immediately jumped on the bed, making himself comfortable.
"There are clothes in the wardrobe if you need a change," the girl said, pointing to the wardrobe.
"Thanks," Dan replied.
"Is there anything I can help you with?" the girl asked, her tone changing to a more girlish one. Dan found it odd but dismissed the thought.
"Nothing for now," Dan responded.
"Okay, sir. I'll take my leave and return with your dinner later."
The girl left, leaving Dan alone. He changed into a lighter outfit from the wardrobe and lay on the bed to rest. A knock interrupted his relaxation.
"So soon?" he wondered, thinking it was the maid. "Come in, the door is open..."
To his surprise, Naya entered, wearing a nearly transparent nightgown, which aroused Dan as he had never seen a girl other than his sister in such attire.
"I'm here to cut your hair," Naya said, raising a small pouch.
"Huh? Oh, Right, yeah, you are," Dan said, stuttering.
Naya sat on the bed while Dan sat on a small chair between her legs, giving her better access to his hair. She trimmed it slowly and steadily, giving his head a neat shape.
"You're really good at this," Dan complimented.
"Yes! But I'm nowhere near your sister's skill," Naya said, causing an awkward silence. "Umm…about your sister, it's not your fault…"
"Yeah, right. What do you know?" Dan chuckled dryly.
"I may not know much, but I know what it's like to lose loved ones. My parents were killed because they couldn't pay taxes, and my brother was sentenced to death for stealing medicine for me," Naya shared.
Realising what he had done Dan tried to apologize"Naya, I'm sorry—"
"What I'm saying is, it's not our fault. These things happened due to circumstances. Don't blame yourself. You said you don't believe in God, but I do. I believe he's watching and will come for us someday."
"My sister was kind and hardworking but always nagged. She ensured we ate, no matter how little the food was, while I played with scrap toys, I caused her nothing but pain. I was a burden. I wish I see her one more time so I can apologize to her," Dan said, tears filling his eyes.
"She has forgiven you. Now you must move on and stop blaming yourself," Naya said, caressing Dan's head as he rested it on her lap, crying.
Minutes passed as Dan lay on Naya's lap, her strokes calming him.
"Thank you, Naya," Dan said, his eyes closed.
"S-Sure, no problem," Naya replied, blushing.
As they enjoyed their moment, Dan felt a strong pressure—the same bloodlust he sensed before. He sprang up, worried about Ella.
"Naya, where is Ella?" Dan asked.
"Milady is in her chambers," Naya answered, stuttering.
"Naya, stay here and don't go anywhere. Ella is in trouble," Dan said, vanishing from the room with a gust of wind.
[NEXT: THE FIFTH PIECE]
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