Man it's been a hot minute. In all seriousness though I am so sorry for being gone so long. I won't take up your time here but if you do want to know why I was gone just skip to the end of this chapter. Thanks for sticking with me.


It had been 2 days since Michael's outburst, that day left a stain on him as a person and it took its toll. The formerly stubborn combative and rude Michael had become passive and reserved. He spent most of his time alone deep in thought only coming out for food or drink. Bori and Matthew wished to speak to Michael but Jiyu denied their advances.

"Master Jiyu. He was consumed by his anger but he needs someone to help him through this period. Do you intend to leave him like this?" Bori objected to Jiyu's rule. Surely it made no sense to leave a depressed man to himself.

"I have no intention of leaving him be. Michael has been suppressing his emotions for a long period of time. This period of isolation will allow him to reconnect with those emotions. I will be the first to speak with him." Jiyu stood firm in his conviction to the dismay of Bori and Matthew but they understood that Jiyu wasn't one to allow people to suffer for the sake of it. They understood and allowed Jiyu to go through with his plan.

Soon after Jiyu entered Michael's sleeping quarters. Michael was laying down but was awake, he looked up to see Jiyu standing in the doorway with a bag in his hands.

"Good Evening Michael." Jiyu took a seat at the table in Michael's room. He looked over to see Michael had turned away, Jiyu instead emptied the contents of his bag.

"You've been fighting for so long for the sake of others Michael. I was brash and made claims that were not appropriate. I apologize." Jiyu continued emptying his bag. A stand, a teapot, cups, herbs, and a bladder filled with water.

"I will not pretend to understand your situation, it's possible I may never understand, but I want to help you." Michael got out of his bed and shuffled his way over to the table. When Michael sat down Jiyu could truly see how he had been living. His hair was unkempt, his clothes were dirty, and he smelled terrible. Jiyu didn't care, he set the teapot on the stand filled it with water, and with low leveled fire magic set the water to boil.

"Is Rozu okay?" Michael asked Jiyu. His voice was weak and croaky, but Jiyu only frowned before responding.

"Rozu is fine, Bori is adept with healing magic."

"I hurt her, I hurt Bori, Matthew, you. I-"

"You were not yourself Michael, it's like I said. You gain great strength but the anger consumes you."

"I don't know what to do anymore. The demon. The one I told you about is many times stronger than anything I've ever seen. Even while I was using that ability I doubt I would have any chance of defeating him."

"Maybe now yes, but if you were to control your anger I would not be so sure."

"But you said I wouldn't be able to control it."

"I said you would not be able to control that ability, but controlling your anger is something else entirely. I once had the same ability as you." Michael stopped drinking his tea and stared up at Jiyu who had dropped his cup and stared into nothing.

"A powerful monster killed those dearest to me. I blamed myself for what had happened and all I sought was vengeance but the monster never again showed itself. I spent years consumed by rage and anguish but as years turned into decades, I learned that my anger only held me back. During my search I found this temple, as time passed on I began to accept what had happened and repurposed my life. I found Matthew, Bori, Rozu, and then you." Michael couldn't find the words to respond. He stared at Jiyu as he stared at the floor, Michael could tell it was painful for Jiyu to recall the events.

"I learned that helping others helped me to move on, and then one day I felt warm. It was as if all of my pain and hatred were lost and I reached new strengths. The difference between myself and you is that you were much stronger than I was then. Should history repeat itself you may become strong enough to complete your mission." Jiyu took a sip of his tea stared at Michael.

"I see a lot of myself in you, Michael, I don't want to see you locked in the prison I narrowly escaped. Please, let us help you." Jiyu had tears rolling down his eyes and with that sight Michael had the same. Michael finally understood what Jiyu had been saying. He took a sip of his tea and smiled.

"This is some damn good tea." Michael chuckled a bit at himself.

"It's nice to see you happy Michael."


Jiyu couldn't have known what Michael's path to inner peace was, it was unlikely that even Michael would know himself. Each person would have to develop that understanding themselves, all that Jiyu could do was guide him in the right direction. Firstly Jiyu knew Michael had to make amends for what had happened. Despite not being himself apologizing and showing the others he was genuinely sorry would help put Michael's mental state in a better place.

"I am so sorry. I let my anger take over and I hurt both of you. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Michael was in a deep bow as he confronted both Matthew and Bori, he wasn't even able to finish his apologies before he was stopped.

"Michael. It- It's okay. That was then, it is a new day and you've done so much already to better yourself." Bori stopped Michael during his apology and spoke his mind.

"The fact that you've come to do this has already shown me that you are redeemed for what happened." Matthew was the second to speak the two men pulled Michael in for a hug. Michael was hit with a new wave of emotion. He hadn't expected them to forgive him so fast and put up no fight for the tears he began shedding.

"You walk the path of redemption now Michael. Don't lose hope."

"Believe in yourself and stay on this course."

Michael's interaction with both Matthew and Bori was very good for all of the parties involved however when trying to approach Rozu it was anything but good. Any attempt ended with Rozu doing everything in her power to escape from Michael. It pained him to know her impression of him was effectively a monster, it was so bad to the point that even seeing Rozu made Michael avoid her as to not cause her any more duress. Jiyu decided that coming to terms with Rozu would come later.

Jiyu knew that calming Michael's mind would be a necessity so the two spent long periods of time together meditating, drinking tea, and talking. The two spent long periods of time going on tangents on any manner of topics. Often Michael would ask Jiyu questions and Jiyu would in turn reply with his best advice. Michael even began writing down Jiyu's words of wisdom and taking them to bed with him every night. Several weeks went by and Michael had come so far in so short a time it amazed even Jiyu, but Rozu still feared Michael. She had calmed down slightly she no longer ran at the sheer sight of him but she was very cautious of him and if he ever looked in her direction she would seek cover or leave the room entirely.

"Perhaps we should sit Rozu down and have Mich-" Jiyu was talking with Michael in his room about Rozu before being interrupted by him.

"No."

"Michael?"

"No, I don't want to cause her any more issues." Michael sat on his bed rubbing his hands together with his head down.

"I understand your concern Michael but she needs to see you're changing." Jiyu gave a slight smile trying to convince Michael that apologizing to Rozu was necessary but Michael did not accept it, not now at least.

"Jiyu please I don't want to force her into anything. If she wants to forgive me let her initiate it."

"Alright Michael. Would you like some tea?"

"No, it's time for me to apologize to my family. I need to go home."

"Michael, are you sure? It will not be easy, I did not want to tell you earlier but they may not accept you back."

"It's okay Jiyu they need to know why I've been gone for so long. Regardless of whether or not they accept me back."

"I will make the preparations." Jiyu left the room and began the preparations to return to Michael's home.

The trek down the mountain and through the great forest to Carne Village would take roughly 2 days, so Jiyu took the day to prepare Michael instead spent the day with Bori. Bori asked Michael to speak with Rozu but he turned down the request and told Bori of his plans. Bori was taken back but proud of Michael.


The day came, Michael and Jiyu said their goodbyes left the temple, and made their way down the mountain.

"Michael, I have seen you grow in so much so quickly. I am filled with joy."

"I had good instruction and good help."

"Do not sell yourself short, Michael. All that you have gained was by your doing. You paved this road of redemption."

"Thank you. Master."

The two camped the first night at the foot of the mountain. Before Joshua went to sleep however he needed to contact a very special individual.

'Fox, we need to talk.' Joshua called out to the fox in his mind but there was no answer.

'Fox, I need to know about him.' Joshua spoke to the fox again in his head but again there was no answer.

'Fox, tell me about Ains.'

'Nice to speak to you again Michael. How are you?'

' I am well. I just want some information.'

'I suppose that is fair. You've served to be my most entertaining subject so I can give you that much.

'How long have been gone from Carne Village.'

'Approximately 10 years.'

'Fox, please be truthful with me.'

'Are you accusing me of lying? No, you've been gone for 10 years. Most of that time was you surviving in the great forest.' Michael refused to believe it but after some time there was evidence pointing to it being true. His hair had begun to gray over the years, he just never took notice of it. Michael was pushing into his early 30s at this point but the realization was shocking to him.

'I came because you had a question about Ains, if that is not the case then I will take my leave.'

"Wait!" Michael said out loud which ended up waking Jiyu.

"Michael, are you okay?"

"I am fine, Master. Just- Just a nightmare."

"Do not falter or lose hope Michael. Walk this path with strength." Jiyu said before allowing himself to go back to sleep.

'Yes?'

'When will Ains first appear?' The fox was silent for a few moments as if it knowingly wanted to build suspense.

'Sooner than you may expect. That will be all for now, Michael. Don't disappoint me.'


During the day when they walked they avoided monsters but when they were forced to fight the two fought well together easily taking down any manner of monster in the forest. When they reached the edge Michael sighed. The plains before him were a strong reminder of what he left he saw Carne village just over the horizon and he cried, he was almost home. Jiyu comforted him knowing that Michael was taking a big step, Michael collected himself and the two continued to walk.

"This is a major step forward, Michael. I was unsure you would be ready for it, but now I know you are. You are much stronger than I was then."

"I owe my strength to you, Master. To everyone at the temple."

Michael and Jiyu arrived at Carne Village but something was wrong. The village was in a state of disrepair. Houses, fencing cropland it was all destroyed or.

Burned.

"Michael, wait!" Michael assumed the worst and ran into the village looking for any signs of life thankfully people were working to fix the damages. He sighed in relief knowing that there were survivors but fear soon ran over him. What if Maria hadn't?

"Michael?" Michael turned to see the face of a man he knew all too well.

"Tobias. What happened?" Tobias ran over towards Michael.

"Stop! You've been gone for 10 years!" Michael stopped Tobias continued to hurl insults at Michael which then drew the attention of the villagers. More began to recognize Michael and were amazed but cautious of his return.

"I-I am sorry for disappearing, but I came to explain."

"She was devastated when you left. For years Maria prayed for your return. We all thought you were dead and here you show up 10 years later."

"I understand your anger, and I will take whatever punishment you deem fit but ple-"

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you all." Jiyu came from behind Michael and stood between him and the crowd.

"My name is Jiyu. Michael has been staying with me since he left here. Although none of you know me let me say this. Please hear Michael out, he only wishes to explain himself."

There was murmuring amongst the villagers but they came to an agreement and decided to hear Michael out

"Where is Maria?" Michael scanned the crowd but did not see her at all.

"Explain yourself first and if I deem your answers to be worthy. You may see her."

"Very well. Before I speak does anyone have any way of detecting a lie? I want to leave no doubts."

"I do Michael." Jiyu replied. Jiyu casted a spell that branded Michael's forehead. If at any point Michael lied the brand would glow powerfully and shock him.

"There we go. I am from another land from here, maybe not even in this world. I was brought here against my will by a powerful creature. I still don't even know its name. It tasked all those years ago to fight a powerful demon for nothing more than entertainment. I defied this creature's will when I settled here and it threatened to destroy everything here. I feared for all of you, so it gave me a decision. Leave and stay focused on the task, or stay and suffer the consequences. I was so scared to tell anyone the truth, I-. I didn't want to endanger any of you. I know you have no reason to forgive me so I won't beg for it but please just. Please let me see Maria, she needs to know." The villagers were shocked at Michael's claims. Another world entirely? Even Jiyu was amazed at the new information that Michael had stated. The villagers despite being hurt by Michael's sudden disappearance forgave him, but Tobias did not have good news.

"Maria is not doing well, Michael." Tobias said with his head down.

"The village was attacked by heavily armed men several days ago. A powerful mage saved us but Maria was injured and soon became sick."

"Please let me see her."

Tobias took Michael and Jiyu to Maria's home to see her. Michael cried just seeing the home itself but when he entered and saw Maria in her bed he threw himself down to her side.

"She's been this way since she was attacked we've looked for healers but none were able to lift this ailment and the mage who saved us has yet to return since I am sorry but I don't think she will survive." Michael sobbed at her side for hours. Jiyu asked that everyone leave him to her and let his emotion ride out, and they agreed. Michael stayed by her side for hours. He blamed himself. He could've done something and now she was like this. Michael knew he couldn't save her but beyond anyone else in the village, he knew someone who could.

"Fox."

"Yes, Michael."

"Tonight we need to talk."


Alright so. I've got some explaining to do and I'm not gonna sugar coat anything. Work has gotten in the way a little bit but I had ample time to pump out chapters so why haven't I? Simply put 10% writer's block and 90% laziness. I never stopped thinking about this story but I kept putting it off for the next day, and then the next day, and then the next day, and so on. The next chapter is going to be the final chapter of this story. I had no intention of making this story a long one. For those of you who patiently waited for an update here it is. I am sorry it took so long and I hope you enjoy the finale of this little nugget that was in my head.