騎士の犠牲義務 - Sacrificial Duty of a Knight

Entries 4 - 6

Entry #4

I decided to visit King Toraichi since he always enjoyed my company with Rin. He greeted me with open arms like how it was during childhood with Rin and the others.

It has been several years since he lost his wife but from what he told me; the wives of the royal family were dying around the same time due to some sort of complications in birth. Eventually a few of the husbands were going too but he could not tell me why they did. Maybe they're still alive but not in this world?

However, I asked him if knew about what happened when I denied to be a part of Rin's relay. He shook his head and said that it wasn't my fault nor his.

"Your heart tells you what is right, not what is easy. Maybe you thought it was easier back then but fate has made its own jokes," he says.

"I know…" I replied, "Rin and Haru, Rei and Nagisa, Alexa and Makoto, the Magic Six. But still…I feel like I just rejected him and ever since then."

"Well both of you still spend some time to each other," he answered.

"Maybe but I don't think it was enough," I said.

I got up after finishing my tea and thanked him.

Afterwards, I went to back to my duties and guarded for another couple hours. Then, I went on over to the Mikoshiba residence with Nitori because they made extra food and wanted to share a mini-feast.

"So when do you think Rin-senpai and the others will return?" asked Nitori.

"Hopefully soon," I answered, "It's already been at least a few weeks."

"I'm hungry!" moaned Momo.

"You're always hungry," I laughed.

"It's so much effort to stay as a Knight!" he replied.

I could only chuckle with these guys. At least I have someone to share some of my feelings to. However, it doesn't feel complete without the others…especially Rin. Maybe is it that I am paranoid? I know that it will bother me if I know Rin and the others are in danger and I cannot do anything about it.

Entry #5

I had a dream last night. It was about Rin. The others were there too but it was mostly Rin. It was back when we were like 9 or 10 years old and Rin was excited to have a relay of myself, him, Momo, and Nitori.

We practiced hard and did what we could but we still haven't beaten the times that we had previously. Rin smiled and said that patience is the only key.

But that's when I was fed up.

"It's not for me," I said, "Forget it. I don't want anything to do with this as a team."

That's when Rin flared up and grabbed me by the goggles but at that moment, I woke up, not realizing that it was all just a long time ago dream.

However, I went back to sleep again and that's when I saw something disturbing; a person who looked like me but had a blood-red eye and a skeletal arm that had some clawed-looking weapon.

"You failed to grant Rin's wish," said the entity, "Now you must pay the price!"

He grabbed me by the neck and I started to choke. I woke up more intensely, horrified on that nightmare before I sighed in relief.

"What the hell was that?" I muttered.

I rested my hand over my heart, beginning to regret what I said to Rin those years ago. Since then, he joined up with Haruka and the others and bonded their friendship as prophersized. As for Momo and Nitori, they continued to swim with me as we did individual training. Momo and Nitori joined up with some other guys for the Medley relay but I passed, saying that I have to begin my training as a Water Knight.

The other two decided to join me regardless, saying that it was not the same if I was not with them. After a bit of an argument, I let them join and we registered. From there, we had intense training of various exercises with swimming but we learned various weapons and other strategies. Most people began training by around 13 years old but we were like 9 or 10.

Since we were underage, they taught a more intensive study program as well as the traditional education. By the time we became of age, we then started the intensive training.

Rin on the other hand continued his relationship to Haruka and the others (Haruka especially). I could only watch from afar as they were happily exploring the world while I am stuck at a wall.

I feel like I am about to get upset….but I can't vent and forfeit my duty! I made a promise to this kingdom!

Entry #6

I never thought life could throw a bucket of water at you as quickly as fate changes lives.

Just a short while after the Magic Six left to Olympia, Gou discovered a book that had some of the family secrets. She was worried that her father was going to catch her so we escorted her out to the Jangwa Meadows. After learning the truth, she was quite horrified and upset by the cowardice of her father.

I told her to calm down and at least try to understand her father's wishes but she was not having it. She rushed back to the kingdom and we quickly scrambled after her. However, she tripped over at some point and kinda got a few bruises.

However, that's when something interesting happened. Nitori's eyes glowed a little and waved his hand over the injuries, healing her. It was similar magic that Rin and the others had! I wondered if it was the same magic that I used previously that somehow was affixed onto him?

I tried to flick my hand also at a tree but nothing came out. We returned to the kingdom afterwards. By mid-late afternoon, a miracle happened.

Kisumi and Hayato were found alive!

I was hanging out with Awlida, Matsuura, Anne, Shirahama, and Chigusa when I turned my head and the two just sudden appeared there. I was so happy to see him alright so I gave them a hug. I signaled Nitori to ring he bells and the entire kingdom celebrated happily on their return.

"We're back," he said, "Hayato, go so say hi."

The little one waved with a chuckle and the audience ran wild happily with an applause. Nitori and Momo saw the two and joined in after passing through the crowd.

"We thought you've been dead!" said Momotarou.

"Well the storm was a bit traumatizing for sure," replied Kisumi, "However, I cannot stay here for long. I have to get back to the Magic Six. They're fine on Olympia for now but I'm afraid something has happened and I can't let them get into more trouble."

"Is onii-chan alright?!" asked Gou.

"He's just as strong as ever," he replied, "Gou, can you do me a favor and take care of Hayato while I go back? It'll be a little while more but I must return."

I smiled to hear that Rin is still doing alright.

"How did you get back?" I asked, "Did Gaardus help you out?"

After further conversation, we learned that Hayato wanted to train in swimming. However, Kisumi has to return to Olympia but he didn't say why. I wanted to ask but I could only nod and accept his wishes. The kingdom wanted to offer him a feast but he had little time to stay here.

"Kisumi," I said, "Please keep an eye on Rin for me."

He turned and answered, "Don't you worry! I know that Shark Boy is tough! But I'll check up on him once they are done with their current mission."

"Thank you," I said and waved.