I'm baaaack!

My God its been soo long! I'm sorry! Life got the better of me and of course, this is what happens to me when I end up writing multiple different stories. But I'm back on track. Thank to everyone who is still interested in this story!

Before they knew it, the two travelers who were newcomers to the Howling Wolf Village got into the swing of things. They got adjusted to their jobs. They were more than familiar with the store runner of their preferred restaurant; going there so often, it was becoming a second home to them. Slowly but surely, they were making enough money to fund more of their long journey to the Land of Water. It would only take a couple more weeks at the rate the duo would head on their way.

It saddened Maigo's heart a bit, as it meant they would have to leave this little slice of paradise. The people in this village were kind towards the blonde, not hostile or suspicious. It was a nice change of pace that Maigo once believed would never happen. But staying in this town showed the blonde what was possible, and there was hope. For a better tomorrow, a future where Maigo wasn't despised, and a life where he was accepted and allowed to live peacefully among other people. It made him begin to look forward to what his future would bring.

That was until the last week in the Howling Wolf Village. During that final week, Maigo was forced to open his eyes again to man's darkness and see what people were capable of.

He noted something was off when he began noticing a group of gentlemen whispering to each other while working out in the fields. They always bore expressions of suspicion and caution, as if the last thing they wished to be was overhead by anyone, especially their boss. Then, hours later, after work was done for the day, Maigo would see that same group of men hanging around in a local bar with the same expressions, one of them constantly looking over their shoulders, paranoid that someone would hear their discussions. The paranoia was justified later on as Maigo witnessed one of those same men speaking with one of the burnouts that would hang around in one of the alleys in town, exchanging a small object.

Maigo got a bad feeling when he saw the glee on the face of the burnout as he held up the object for closer inspection, awaiting this thing he held in his hand. The man licked his lips greedily as he unwrapped the package and walked further into the alley's darkness. The sight left a chill in Maigo's gut. He didn't want to mess with those guys. But a part of him just wanted to get in their faces, stare them down. It was almost a nagging urge to do so. He wasn't sure why; it wasn't his problem, so why should he care? He and Sasuke were going to leave soon enough as it was anyway. He should keep to himself and stay out of other people's business.

And yet, he found himself marching toward the alley and the men.

"Hey!" The blonde shouted. Shit. What the fuck am I doing?

The men ignored him, too engrossed in their habits. Perhaps Maigo should take the opportunity to walk away. Instead, the blonde opted to charge forward and slap the object from the men's hands. It fell in a messy heap onto the ground, ruined.

"What the fuck?" One of the men shouted at Maigo, frothing at the mouth.

"You know someone died using this crap," the blonde seethed. Inwardly, Maigo was terrified, but outwardly, he showed no sense of fear.

"That's cuz he never knew his limits," one of the men responded. It incensed Maigo further, outraged at the desensitized fellows.

"You could die just as easily, too, doesn't that fucking matter to you?!" Maigo shouted at them.

"We all gotta die sometime. Might as well enjoy the ride," one of the men remarked. The blonde shook his head at the man's profane words.

"You're all crazy," Maigo sputtered at them.

"No, you're crazy if you think you can ruin our stash and get away with it," one of the men said, balling his hands into fists and getting into a stance that reminded the blonde of his training with Sasuke. Guess it's time to see what I've learned.

One junkie charged at the blonde head on but so did another, coming from the right. His hair standing on end, Maigo wordlessly shifted his weight to the left, effectively dodging while doing a sideways backflip, his left foot kicking one of the men in front of him square on his chin. The force of the kick caused the man to fly back three feet away, knocking himself against the wall at the end of the alley. Upon landing, Maigo was ready for his next two assailants. With Sasuke's teachings, he blocked punches from the guy on his left, jabbing him quickly once in the eye and kicking him hard on his left knee, and the guy on his right, who also opted to throw a punch. Maigo grabbed his extended arm, swung him around quickly and harshly, and knocked him into his friend. They crumpled into the ground, disoriented. Seeing all the men bruised and weakened, the blonde was slightly disturbed. Sure, Sasuke had taught him a little to defend himself, but was it really so effective, or was the beast within at work again?

Maigo took his chance and ran for it, leaving the alley behind. He headed straight for the inn. He kept looking back to make sure he wasn't being followed. He made it to the inn and slammed the front door behind him, chest heaving. The spectacle captured the innkeeper's attention. Concerned, she exclaimed, "what on earth? Is everything alright?"

Maigo took in a few more breaths, collecting himself. He cooled his expression and said, "yeah, I'm fine. I just - ran into some of the guys in the alley."

"Ah," she knew exactly who he was referring to, "I see. You didn't fight them, did you?" she took notice of the bruises on the blonde's hands, the redness of his fingers.

"Pretty sure I ran from the fight," Maigo answered, ashamed.

"They don't look it at first, what with their habits, but they're a wild bunch; if you're not careful, they'll hassle you every chance they get," she said. "Someone needs to do something about them."

Maigo retired to his room.

Sasuke was already there, rummaging through his clothes, when he noticed the blonde enter. He immediately took note of the grave expression on his friend's face. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"I fought the junkies in the alley," Maigo said, getting to the point.

Sasuke's eyebrows raised in shock. "Really, are you okay? You seem unhurt," the raven-haired companion said, giving the blonde a once-over.

"Yeah, they didn't manage to hurt me. I'm the one who beat them up," Maigo explained.

"Way to go!" Sasuke said in a tone of approval, slapping his friend on the shoulder. But Maigo's face remained ashamed.

"It's not something to be proud of," the blonde said morosely. "I'm just worried about running into those guys again. What if they want to fight me again?" What if the monster takes over? What if I kill someone? Maigo wanted to voice. He could still feel how easy it was to throw the men around like they were rag dolls.

"Maigo," Sasuke said, putting a hand on his friend's shoulder. "You can't be afraid of the fights that come your way in life. I mean, should you go looking for a fight all the time? No, but sometimes the fights will come to you, like it or not. And you can try to run from the fight, but you may not be able to avoid it. Sometimes you're not given any other choice but to fight. Will it get out of control? Maybe sometimes it will, but know that no matter what happens, I'm on your side. Because deep down, I know you're a good person who wants to do good."

The blonde wanted to believe his companion's words. Wanted to let them run over him like water and soothe his aching heart. Maigo wanted to take Sasuke's kind words and wrap them around him like a cocoon and bask in the warmth of his faith.

"Anyone ever tell you you're too nice?" Maigo said sheepishly, refusing to look the raven-haired man in the eye.

"I feel like I have to make up for the past," Sasuke replied, "based on what I can recollect, I wasn't a kind person before."

"I think you're the kindest person I've ever met."

"No offense, but I think you have a very low bar in terms of people who've been nice to you," Sasuke jested.

"Nah, you are so very kind. I don't see how you could ever be anything other than that, let alone a bad guy. I just… can't see it. There's too much goodness in you," the blonde insisted with a small smile.

"To be fair, you don't know me very well," Sasuke responded.

"I know you about as well as you know yourself," Maigo's smile expanded into a grin. They both laughed at that. The blonde couldn't remember the last time he did that. Nor could Sasuke.

The month was almost up, and between both men working the whole time, Maigo and Sasuke were able to raise enough money to make their way onward east towards the Land of Water, their intended final destination. Maigo was sure to always leave the inn with either Sasuke or at times where the surrounding area was most populated. Tomorrow would be their last day in the Howling Wolf Village. The travelers would work their final shift, collect their pay, gather their things at the inn, eat at their favorite restaurant in town and head out.

The day went on peacefully enough, and incredibly fast. Sasuke told some of the workers of his and Maigo's plans. They were sad to see them go, and wished them well on their travels. It continued until everyone was on the line for their pay. Soon enough it came down to Sasuke and Maigo who patiently awaited their last payment from Natsuo.

"So it's your last day," she said, handing them the cash. "A shame, you two were good workers. Reliable. Sure you have to head out?"

"Yes, I'm afraid we do," Sasuke said. Maigo nodded in agreement.

"Well, if you ever change your mind, you're always welcome here." Both young men were grateful for the woman's words and bade her farewell.

They used their latest pay to settle up at the inn where they had been staying. For Maigo, it was the first place since they began their travels where he consistently had a roof over his head and a warm bed to sleep in. He hadn't taken it for granted and would miss it dearly. But where Sasuke went, he would follow, even if it meant he had to sleep on solid cold, dirty floors for the rest of his life.

All their things gathered, they headed to the ramen shop in town. Upon seeing their bags, the shopkeeper was dismayed. "Don't tell me you're leaving?"

"I'm afraid so," Sasuke confirmed.

"Oh damn," she was forlorn, "You two are the best customers I've ever had."

"That's nice of you to say," Maigo said to her sheepishly.

"We wish we could stay, but we have to move on," Sasuke said politely.

"Well, I'm going to go out of business," she said more to herself than her customers.

"Now I'm sure that's not true," Sasuke countered.

"Will it be the usual then?" She asked. Both young men nodded. They got their regular orders, two bowls of miso ramen, and their bellies were full, warming their entire bodies.

"God, that was so good!" Maigo remarked. "I'm gonna miss your cooking!"

"I'm gonna miss you both," the shopkeeper said warmly. She gathered their empty bowls and went into the kitchen. Sasuke left the money with a nice tip on the counter, and the two travelers exited the store without another word. When the shopkeeper returned, they were long gone but found the money and generous tip left behind. She smiled fondly, thinking of the men who had just walked out of the store.

Maigo and Sasuke went on their way and headed out of the village. But then, a small gang of unruly types were awaiting them at the gates, Maigo in particular. The three men he had encountered the other day were there, their eyes directed at the blonde. Maigo was immediately anxious of what would happen. Nothing good could come from this.

"That's him," one of the men from the other day pointed right at Maigo. Sasuke turned to look at his friend, who returned his eye contact with apprehension. Sasuke understood what had to happen next. Both travelers dropped their bags and proceeded into a fighting stance.

The vagabonds charged forward, but Sasuke was ready, running ahead, sliding down, and grabbing one of the attackers by the ankles. He had been training, so Sasuke could haul the man and flip him over, then spin around to launch a powerful kick square in the upper middle part of his chest, right where his diaphragm was. The man fell, unable to breathe. Another man charged forth, and Sasuke punched him hard in the gut, so hard the other man fell onto his knees and vomited, writhing in agony.

Maigo was taken aback by the brute force of his friend, as were the other men, some of whom were now hesitant to attack. But then a minuscule package was thrown in the middle of the melee, and an abrupt explosion of smoke burst, completely blinding everyone within a ten-foot radius. There was much coughing, and Maigo's eyes were burning.

And then, nothing.

The next thing Maigo remembers is waking up in a bed. He was back at the inn.

But that's not right, he thought. We were leaving town, and then we ran into those guys -

"Ah!" Maigo cried out as a sharp pain took precedence, completely ruining his train of thought.

"Hey there," Natsuo greeted him. She was seated in a small wooden chair nearby the bed Maigo was put in. She appeared to have been waiting for Maigo, but he was unsure.

"Um, hey," Maigo said, confused.

Natsuo smiled knowingly at him, "You have no idea how you got here, do you?"

Maigo shook his head. "It's alright," Natsuo told him. "You're not expected to after what happened."

"You got hit with a smoke bomb, but it wasn't your typical one. The smoke was laced with chemical properties of the herbs you've been helping us pick back at the fields you've been working at the past couple of weeks. Remember how I said they have hallucinogenic properties? This is what I meant. Sometimes they make you see things. Sometimes, they make you black out entirely. It's unpredictable and changeable based on the person affected by it. In your case – well. It was a little different with you."

"Basically, you went apeshit. You changed into a violent person. The way you went after those men," As Natsuo reflected on the incident, her face morphed, lost in the past in abject terror. "All of them are dead. None of them survived."

"I'm sorry," Maigo said solemnly. So it happened again. He lost control. Whatever properties were in that drug bomb, it set the beast inside free to run amok. He shuddered to think just how badly he massacred those men.

"Are you going to kill me?" Maigo asked fearfully. He still hadn't forgotten the days he was hunted as Akuma of the Iron Lands.

"No," Natsuo replied. "Those men had been giving us trouble for some time, long before you turned up. But you can't stay here; you have to leave right now. It's not up to me; it's the others. They feel unsafe with you around after what happened."

"I understand." Maigo got out of bed, and Natsuo walked him out to the village gate. She stopped him before he crossed it on his way out of the town. Both of them took in the devastation left in Maigo's wake. Part of the metal that held the gate together was melted. Other parts were shattered and reduced to tiny broken bits. An entire wall was obliterated as if a beast had pummeled right through it. Despite their best efforts, the villagers could not clean up all the blood that had been spilled.

It took everything the young blonde man had to not bawl in public. His gaze fell to the ground. Natsuo gently placed her hand on his shoulder while he blinked through the tears.

"Before you go, take this," Natsuo handed him a somewhat large bottle. "Because of the dose you were given, some effects might still linger for the next few days. For some, it has lasted even weeks. As I said, it's different for everyone. This should help, but use it sparingly, okay?"

"Why are you being so nice to me?" Maigo spat out.

Natsuo flinched but steeled herself. "I don't see how being cross with you will help."

"Are you afraid I'll hurt you?"

"I'm not gonna lie; after all this, yeah, I'm gonna look at you twice. And yeah, I wouldn't want to piss you off, but I don't think you're some mindless monster if that's what you're getting at. If you were, you wouldn't be crying over dead men who did nothing but cause trouble for other people. Now take this bottle."

Maigo took the bottle. "Okay."

Seemingly unsure of what else to say to the young man, Natsuo quickly said, "Good luck, man." Maigo walked on, passing the village gate. It didn't take him long to stumble upon Sasuke, who had set up camp less than a mile from town.

"Hey," Sasuke greeted him. Given recent events, he appeared somewhat awkward, though it was unsurprising to the blonde.

"Hi," Maigo managed. He sat down next to his travel companion, gaze fixed upon the campfire.

"Should I ask how you're feeling?" Sasuke chanced.

Maigo shook his head, rolling his eyes, peeved. "It happened again! I lost control, and people died! I knew it," he finished bitterly.

"Those men had it coming," Sasuke tried defending him.

"Those men are dead because of me," the blonde argued. "It doesn't matter who they were. And maybe they could've become better, but now that chance is gone forever because of me and this monster inside me."

"Did they tell you what happened?" Sasuke asked him.

"They didn't have to. I know what this monster is capable of," at the mention, the blonde felt a sick wet heat coil within his gut. He knew it was the beast within.

"It must have been those drugs that set you off," Sasuke concluded. "Natsuo did caution us to be careful when handling the crops. But yeah, you went off. Killed them all like they were basically nothing. You got so strong and angry so fast. Your eyes had changed like last time, and you grew a tail. You had the claws again and fangs, but your skin looked like it was boiling, almost on fire. Heat was coming off of you in waves like you yourself were fire. The way you roared…." Sasuke stopped then. He almost shivered.

"Anyway, I kept my distance but managed to get your attention before you tried to run off somewhere else. I wanted to try to contain it. It burned my eyes like hell, but I managed it. I even started to cry blood. My head was killing me for a while too."

"I'm sorry."

"It's alright. Stop beating yourself up over this. We'll just have to learn to control the beast inside you."

"We?"

"Don't think I'm going to let you face all on your own."

"I mean, sure, you can stop it, but other than that, what else can you do?" What if, one day, Sasuke wasn't strong enough to keep the evil at bay? What if, one day, Sasuke was no longer by his side?

"This last time I stopped it, I felt more," Sasuke explained, "like if I could've pushed myself, I could've come face to face with that thing, even if it lives inside. Like I could talk to it, it's hard to explain."

"You speak as if you could see it," Maigo said.

"Yeah, actually, I could, but just for a second. There was this huge cage in the back," Sasuke responded. "Has this creature always been inside you?"

"If it has, I wouldn't remember."

"Maybe it would remember."

"I don't see it being helpful. Every time I feel him, I feel his hate," Maigo told his friend. It was like a brutal whip of burning sensation coursing throughout his body that sent the blonde into a silent panic each time. "I don't want to talk to him."

"But he lives inside you," Sasuke said, "isn't it counterproductive to ignore something that is literally a part of you?"

"I won't talk to him," Maigo repeated.

"But –"

"I said NO!" the blonde shouted at him. Sasuke jumped at the loudness of his conviction. Maigo was surprised at himself and immediately regretted his harsh tone.

"I'm sorry," he said desperately.

"No, I'm sorry," Sasuke apologized.

"You were only trying to help me, and I snapped at you. I lost control like a monster," Maigo said sadly.

"Listen to me," Sasuke implored, "you are not a monster. Sure, you have power that is out of control, but your heart is what matters most, your intentions. So long as you don't have darkness in your heart and have good intentions with good actions to follow, you'll never be the demon others will claim you to be. As for the entity inside you, if you fear it so much, we won't talk to it for now. But understand, if it is an entity with a mind and will of its own, it may try to use your body to cause others harm. I haven't known you long, but I believe you wouldn't want that. So in time, you may have to confront what lies within you."

"I understand," Maigo calmed himself at his words. He may indeed have to confront the beast that lurks inside but not today.

"So where to now?"

"Well I was thinking about that," Sasuke pulled out the map they were using as their guide of the world, "To save time, we can cut around all these lands here," he gestured on the map, "by paying for passage on a ship from this port. I think we can sail as far the Land of Frost and proceed on foot until we reach a port there and sail around the Land of Whirlpools to the Land of Water."

The blonde nodded in agreement.

"Okay, we probably shouldn't stay here for the night, though," Sasuke said. "The townspeople were spooked." In reality, neither traveler wanted to cause another riot. Sasuke quickly cleaned up, and they went on to continue their long quest. There was unease about what awaited them on the road ahead, but the young men had each other and hope in their hearts that they would see their troubles through and find what each one was looking for all along.

I'm sorry I could only eek out 1 chapter this time around, but I'm continuing on with chapter 13. I can't for the climax of this story!