It seems that I have once again visited this place accidentally. Or maybe it's Sloth that wished for me to come. Either way, it's strange to see him awake in his own will… with no thorns to defend him too. Right now, he is completely vulnerable to any harm and it is not his character to be dropping his guard that easily.

"Little Magus, it's been more than a year since you entered here. You should know why you are here right? There is a disturbance between the balance of sprites inside your body. If it is not solved in haste, your body will crumble and you will be corrupted. Soon… you will also turn into an evil god and exist only to bring destruction. What will you do now… Little Magus..?" it seems that he was worried of my well being. I don't blame him though, since he, too, almost turned into one.

"You do not have to warn me, Sloth. I am the owner of this body so I am aware of the abnormality of sprites. But what you fear will not happen as long as my mind is stable. Do not worry about me, I've managed all hardships in order to be together with the people whom I value." I smiled brightly which was replied by a deep frown from him.

"And some of those people accused you for a sin you never committed and executed an unjustified death. I wonder why you still chose to mingle with humans knowing what wrong doings they have done to you. You have not forgotten right?" a sigh left from my lips. It was a dreadful memory to be ended with a genuine smile on my face. True, I was betrayed, accused and killed… but I had no regrets on trusting humans.

"I will never forget… not a single memory will be forsaken. So please don't worry about me, I know what I am doing. Please trust me… I, too, also want to live despite of everything. I need to return back to the world of living now, Luffy must be worried about me." I turned my back at him who started to wrap himself with thorns and went back to sleep. I walked towards the light in the distance and wondered what is happening outside.

"Luffy..?" that was the first word I uttered upon my return to reality. Luffy, who was sleeping next to me, shifted closer and snored. I chuckled and then tried not to move too much that would disturb his sleep. I hummed a song to make him sleep more comfortable which was replied with another hum from him. This is quite warm and comforting. It was not a wrong decision to follow him here…

It seems that my sleep replenished the energy I have consumed. This isn't good, having such a low vigor can cause me trouble in the near future. Well, I am in a form of a human child so that is to be expected. But how can I enhance a human body to endure such mental, physical and spiritual strain?

"My, I am only causing this little child to worry for me. I guess I'll need to improve my vigor or else it might turn into a bitter end for me." I patted the sleeping monkey next to me and gave him a hug. We both could use a rest, I also need more energy to store before going out to hunt food for the both of us.

…

The moment I woke up, I removed myself from the clinging little monkey and changed my clothes with another of kimono that was fresh green in color. One satisfied, I stopped and rested my hand to my chest while taking a mental note on what Sloth warned me about.

"An evil god… huh. That is quite worrisome. This only means that I will need to rush my preparations. This will means that I will need Soul Enhancing Pills and Fortification Elixirs so that I won't destroy this body in process. Even though it will shorten my lifespan, I must take that risk. Time is ticking too fast… that man is roaming around the world and that is not a good sign…" a sigh left from me as I remember the last moments I shared with my parents. They were both fools… fools who knew everything but decided to hide the truth in exchange for the lives of many.

"…how ironic. The one who brought upon great achievements to the world is the one to be robbed his life away by people. Oh well, even if the world despises my very own existence then so be it. All that matters is that there are people who illuminate my path to where my destination is. With them present, there is no way for me to turn into an evil god." I took a look on Luffy who was still sleeping and smiled widely.

'Only for those who care…'

"Now, shall I go find food?" I straightened my body posture like how noblemen would and walked out of the room only to meet another child with pretty freckles. Both of us stopped from our tracks and gazed at each other with confusion. He looked really surprised to meet me but I was more surprised…

...I mean, who would've thought that I would meet the soul of someone whom have done such a great impact to my life. But it is really nice to see him again. I do hope this life offers him something better than the previous one.

"Why hello. I didn't notice you, do you need anything?" I gave him the gentlest smile I could offer without making me look like I'm being too friendly for his comfort. He was startled when I spoke, he even tried to glare and walk away.

My heart thumped as I watched him walk away in haste. To think that I would meet him again. Is this fate? Could this be another cruel curse or is it a blessing this time? Who knows? I'm just so happy that I met him once more. Enmity… this time… I hope to see you find peace within your heart and mind. I could only hope…

|To be Continued…|