章 6: Honoring the Deal

When Illyana woke up, the first thing she noticed was the angle of Shin's jawline. The shape of his face was defined. Everytime she looked at it she was tempted to squeeze it. His yellow eyes were also unsettling. That was until…she realized how deep they were. Scary to the enemy, calm to his allies. That was his look.

The second thing she noticed was that she was in his arms, held in a princess carry. Well she WAS a princess. Her arms wrapped around his neck for stability. This caused him to look down at her.

"...You are awake." He commented, ignoring the blush on her cheeks.

"Where are we?" She asked through her embarrassment. The blonde looked him dead in the eyes.

"We are far from the capital…Far from the kingdom. In a place with no demonic presences in a radius of 20 miles." He answered. Illyana used his neck to pull herself up closer to his face.

"Belasco?"

"He is dead." Shin revealed. Her eyes widened.

"How? The only thing that can kill him is his own sword."

"...Irrelevant. I can cut through any concept of power. Divinity is nothing. The Nahobino are known to kill gods. The horned god killed plenty of gods and stripped them of their knowledge. The Nahobino carries his blood."

"Nahobino? Is that what you call yourself?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. The young man shook his head.

"It is what I am. Born again to kill demons…but we failed. All of us. The demons won the war and the god of law was killed."

"That…sucks." She didn't really know how to respond. His words only made him more mysterious.

"Nevermind that. Let us return to Earth." He announced with a tiny smile.

"What about the kingdom? With no king…"

"That is not our problem. When you can fully control your traversal ability, feel free to come and go as you please."

"Alright…but can you at least put me down?" She finally asked, her blush as prominent as ever. The Nahobino shook his head.

"...No. The safest place for you is in my arms until I check your body for curses. It is unknown what spell Belasco used on you."

"Oh…okay." She muttered. Illyana rested her head against his chest, forcing the blush to recede.

Shin quickly pulled out the disk given by the Ancient One and tossed it. A portal opened up, revealing Kamar-Taj on the other side. He then strolled through in a casual manner. The portal soon closed behind him. Limbo was gone for good.

"You were gone for about half a second." The Ancient One commented. She was still in the same place as when he left.

Illyana turned her head to see the bald sorcerer. She smiled at the blonde Russian, noting the close contact between the girl and Shin. Interesting. An unexpected outcome.

"Hello…"

"Greetings, Illyana. I'm glad you're well. I pray that Limbo didn't treat you too harshly?"

"It was rough, but I came out stronger…Mrs?"

"Ah, just call me Sorcerer Supreme. Or the Ancient One."

"Alright then."

Now that greetings were over, both women turned to Shu. He was still carrying Illyana after all. The young man finally spoke.

"I need a room. We will return in about an hour."

"Oh? Gladly. You must have decent stamina." Sorcerer Supreme joked before waving her hand.

A door appeared on the nearby wall. Shin ignored her innuendo while Illyana's ears turned red. He swiftly brought her into the room and placed her on the bed.

"Stay still." He ordered.

"..................." She only watched, curious about what he would do. His first action left her stumped.

The young man casually untied her boots, pulling them off. He closed his eyes then placed his hand on her delicate toes. He slowly traced his fingers up the side of her warm leg, feeling the calf and supple thigh.

"Shin-"

"Shhhh." He gently shushed.

Illyana was starting to think he was a pervert. Regardless of her frantic thoughts, Shin's hand continued to wander. It reached her smooth stomach, stroking her belly button and rising up to her breasts.

To her relief or disappointment, his hand ignored the erogenous zone and reached her neck. He stopped on her cheek. His thumb stroked her delicate jaw for a moment…then he finally opened his eyes.

The young man looked down at her face and smiled. He'd been smiling a lot lately. It felt good.

"There are no residuals anywhere. Whatever spell he used is gone from your system, and it won't be possible again since he is dead." He revealed.

"...Mnn." She hummed quietly.

"Sit up." He said.

The princess did as ordered not even realizing how forceful he sounded. Probably due to his gentle voice and her rose tinted lenses. Shin cupped his hands together, the blue glow on his body turning extremely bright.

Eventually, the sound of water could be heard. It spilled between his fingers but never stopped flowing. He brought it closer to her lips.

"Drink." He said. Illyana raised an eyebrow.

"What is it?"

"This is miracle water. It will cleanse you of anything I could not sense."

After hearing his words, she drank from his hands. She could feel the magical properties with every gulp. Old injuries and microscopic tears from previous battles. Slight dislocations and chipped bones. Strained muscles and tendons. All were healed, along with her organs improving their functions.

"Did you drink it all?" He asked.

"Yes, doctor. I drank it all." She answered with a roll of her eyes. He'd literally just watched her drink it.

"Show me." He said.

His eyes bore down into hers. Illyana opened her pretty lips wide and stuck out her pink tongue. The young man cupped her chin and looked in her mouth before nodding. The blush had reappeared on her face.

"Good. That is all."

With that out of the way, both of them left the room. The blonde mutant did her best to regain her bearings. That medical 'session' was a bit much.

'I can't believe he told me to show him. I can't believe I actually showed him! Ugh!' She squealed mentally.

"Ah, are you two finally cooled off? Passion can be very time consuming." The Ancient One teased.

"You're mistaken." Illyana said with a straight face.

"Oh? I understand. Let me stop with the teasing then. Well…onto more important things. Would you like to go visit your brother?" She asked. The blonde mutant nodded.

"Yes…Didn't you need me for something though? I thought it was all part of the deal between you and Shin." Hearing her question, the Sorcerer Supreme smiled.

"It isn't that I need you for something. The world needs you for something. I am only the means. Shin was the tool."

"Okay…well thanks anyways."

"You're welcome, Illyana. I'll open a portal to the Institute."

The bald lady waved a hand, opening a portal directly in front of the school. Students of all varieties could be seen looking in from the other side. Not even bothering to say goodbye, Illyana dashed through the portal.

Shin didn't make a move to follow. He remained in place, wondering what he should do next. The Ancient One shook her head.

"Shouldn't you at least send her off to her family? That counts as part of the deal."

"...And then what? I have no purpose." He revealed. His calm voice carried a tint of solemnity.

"Go and meet the people of this world, Shin. Meet people. Go places…and find your purpose. I don't believe staying here will help." She said.

The young man thought for a moment before turning to the portal. As soon as he took his first step, the woman cleared her throat. He looked back at her.

"My doors are always open to you. If you wish to see me, make an effort and I will know. Live freely and keep an open mind."

"...I understand. Farewell." Shin responded with a smile.

He stepped through the portal and it closed behind him. A crowd of mutant students had long since formed around him. They grew silent as they took in his unique features. The young man could only smile.

"...Where did she go?" He asked the crowd. Multiple students jumped to respond.

"The girl that ran out of the portal?"

"I know where she went!"

"No you don't! I know where she went!"

"Over here!"

"Follow me! I'll take you there!"

The Nahobino followed the helpful students all the way down to the training facility. Knowing that they weren't allowed in, the students said their goodbyes. What a good bunch they were. Respectful and kind.

'Mutants huh?' He thought. Good impression so far. With his hands behind his back, the Nahobino strolled down a flight of stairs. It led to a massive room tailored for sparring and live combat.

Illyana could be seen hugging a hulking metal man. They looked similar. There were tears coming from both parties.

"Piotr! My brother. I missed you." She cried. The giant man grimaced.

"Forgive me. I couldn't find you no matter where I looked. Illyana…The years went by…I-I almost gave up." He spoke softly.

"No, it's okay. It's okay, Piotr!"

There were a few other mutants in the room. A feral man that looked as if he would lash out at anyone who spoke to him wrong. A young brown haired man that wore custom-made sunglasses. He was the first to notice the Nahobino, his eyebrows creasing into a frown.

Shin took a few more steps into the room before stopping. He didn't plan on moving for the time being. No need to interrupt. It didn't take long for the feral man to notice him as well. Two hostile gazes landed on him. Ignoring them, he fell into his thoughts.

'Meeting people…Going places…Already, my approach is wrong. I should greet them regardless of their preconceived notions.' He thought. Right before he greeted them, the feral man spoke.

"You lost, bub?"

".................." He didn't respond.

When it came to new people, it was either hit or miss. A roll of the dice. It would be hard to break out of this. One day. One step at a time.

Illyana, who was catching up with her brother, eventually noticed how quiet the surroundings had become. Only when turning to the man in sunglasses did she notice their expressions. Following their gazes, she realized they were looking at Shin who'd just entered.

The Nahobino had straightened his arm, preparing to ignite his saber. The brown haired mutant had a hand on his glasses, ready to release. She couldn't even understand how things had gotten to this point so fast. Well…she could. Shin was very intimidating to those who didn't know him.

"Guys, relax. This is the man that saved me from my fate." She exclaimed. Hearing her words, both mutants calmed down.

"You should work on your conversational skills." The brown haired mutant suggested.

"...I've begun the process." Shin answered promptly.

His calm voice washed over the two. The tension quickly died down. Illyana grabbed Shin's wrist and dragged him to the group.

"Guys, this is Shin." She introduced him.

"Scott."

"Logan."

It wasn't a perfect greeting, but better than nothing. Next came the giant metal man. Stopping beside Illyana, he stretched out a large hand.

"I am Peter. You bring my sister out of hell. I'll forever be in your debt." He said. His Russian accent was heavy. Much heavier than his sister's.

"...It was not a problem." Shin shook his hand. Or tried to. It was a bit awkward.

"Piotr, it's not hell. It's Limbo. They are different." Illyana corrected him.

"Eh, they all the same."

"It is not the same, brother!"

"...What do they teach at this place? Are…mutants being trained to fight?" The Nahobino asked out of the blue. Logan and Scott glanced at each other. Scott was the one to answer.

"This institute teaches them how to survive on their own. We educate the mutant students on every subject in order to broaden their views. Both sides of the coin. NOT to be trained as soldiers."

"...Mnn. I understand." He hummed before turning away.

With his hands behind his back, he slowly walked toward the stairs he entered from. Logan could tell Shin was leaving. Their personalities had a few similar traits so it wasn't hard to guess. Illyana also noticed. Turning a bit frantic, she patted her brother's arm.

"Excuse me. Be right back." She spoke in russian.

She ran to catch the Nahobino before he went up the steps. Snatching his arm with strength, she stopped him from leaving. Shin casually focused on her. He was getting used to her antics.

"Where are you going?" She whispered aggressively.

"I've sent you off to your brother, to your family to live freely. The deal is honored. My presence is no longer needed. I don't know where I will go next…but I plan to go where the wind takes me." He answered with a distant look.

Illyana's eyes widened. She hadn't expected him to leave so soon. It hadn't dawned on her that he would leave once she was free.

"Who said the deal was complete?!" She exclaimed in a half whisper. Her voice was growing louder.

"Is it not?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No! Who said I was safe? I could be kidnapped again by another demon at any time! You would leave a defenseless girl?" She continued. The corner of Shin's lips curled up.

"You are no longer the defenseless girl that was kidnapped."

"You will NOT go on some pilgrimage. Not while I still need you here. Here with me!" She snarled.

"...What else could I possibly do for you here?" His calm voice stopped her from completely blowing her lid.

"There are many things! For example…" She continued.

Meanwhile, Peter, Scott, and Logan watched from afar. There was a puzzled look on their faces. All except Peter. The metal man was smiling.

"Now that is the sister I remember. Very headstrong. When she is mad about something, she won't let it go." He said. Logan smirked.

"Feisty one huh?" He joked. Scott rubbed his forehead with apprehension. Colossus nodded.

"She is only like this with people she is close to. It seems that man has wormed his way into her heart. As her blood brother…I must test him to see if he's worthy of her!" Peter exclaimed before stomping over to the bickering couple.

"...Illyana. You are changing the facts-"

"What facts?! Aren't you honorable? Do your duty!"

"...Let us go back to the beginning. What part of this deal is incomplete?"

"You keep asking the same questions I already answered!"

"That's because you keep-"

"You can't just leave after what we did earlier!" She finally yelled.

The surroundings turned silent. Crickets. Even Peter faltered for a moment. Shin tilted his head in confusion. He didn't understand what she meant.

"Alright alright, let it rest for now. Shin…a word, friend." The metal man beckoned.

"...Peter."

"It seems you are closer to my sister than I originally thought. If you will stay beside her, you must show me your strength. Let us have a spar."

"...........?"

"You seem confused. Never mind the details. Just indulge me." Colossus said.

The Nahobino didn't respond. He hadn't been planning on staying by her side. That part of his journey was already complete. What was all this for? Illyana gently pressed on his back.

"Just do it. It's nothing serious, right?" She spoke in his ear. In reality, she was happy to distract him from leaving. +10 points to her brother.

'I said I would follow the world's whims. Very well. Let it be so.' He thought.

"...Alright." Shin finally said.

The two made space between each other. Shin cracked the joints in his right hand. His expression was calm and relaxed. Contrary to Illyana's expectation, he didn't ignite his saber.

"Begin." Scott's voice came from the side.

Colossus immediately charged the Nahobino, but he was slow. It took a full 2 seconds for him to cross such little space. Shin was unimpressed. A massive fist swung down at his small frame. Small in comparison to Peter of course. With effortless movements, the Nahobino sidestepped the ground punch.

He then crouched down with his hand stretched wide. A burst of wind pressure blew behind him as he accelerated in speed. He was immediately under the metal man's chin.

'Sakanagi.' He thought.

BOOM

His open palm slammed into the bottom of Peter's chin, bringing his heavy feet off the ground. It didn't matter how heavy the mutant was. Like a rocket, the giant was launched into the ceiling. His head broke through the material with little to no resistance. Colossus was out cold, hanging from the ceiling like a chandelier.

The other mutants looked on in shock. Shin immediately turned to Illyana. He felt a little bad about the result.

"...I apologize. Though I made sure not to inflict any real harm, your brother will be incapacitated for a while. I should've held back more."

The silence stretched on as Logan and Scott reevaluated the man before them. A battle between them would not have gone well. Only now did they realize this. Illyana was the least affected. Without a word, she silently brought Peter down with her abilities.

Luckily, the silence wouldn't last much longer. Two more people entered the facility from an elevator door. A bald man on a wheelchair rolled into the area with a woman by his side. Her skin was a chocolate flavoring, accented by her white hair.

"I thought I'd sensed a new mutant. To think it was you, Illyana. Welcome back."