The Third Party - Chapter 45

Ken’s POV (12 yrs. and 8 months old)

I look back at the group as we continue walking back to where the nature deers live, and assess their faces, and look for anything out of the ordinary, so far there seems to be none, but why won’t they look me in the eye.

Even uncle and auntie are avoiding eye contact with me, hmmm, there must be something that happened to them earlier when I was sleeping, but to what it is… meh, I guess I’ll find out later.

My fight earlier must have thinned out the forces of the monsters that came out of the gate, for we haven’t encountered masses of them, only a few, which we dispatched off quickly.

‘Arcane and Wind Magic: Surgical Sweep.’ A soft breeze flew past me towards a radius of… one mile… Oh it has upgraded, but isn’t this still level one when I checked it?

‘There must be some improvement to your power or cultivation when you were asleep.’ said White floating in front of me, I casually took a glance at him.

‘It seems so… I can check my Skills/Spells window right?’ I ask.

‘Yes you can.’ Okay, I’ll open it, ‘Status Window’, my stats displayed itself on the a transparent panel, and invisible to others, thought I might add that there.

[ Status window.

Name: Ken Rogers

Race: Human

Job: Apprentice/Disciple

Level: 30

Strength: 85

Agility: 85

Intelligence: 185

Defense: 8.5

Luck: 50

Mana Points: 8,000

Health Points: 6,880

AP (attack/magic power): 12,897

Primary Points: 0 ]

Wait what?! What happened? I stare at White accusingly, meanwhile taking a calm walk with the group, unsuspectingly. Wow kind of feels like I have a dark secret, then again it is a secret.

‘Don’t look at me like that, I may be of transcendent being but with my connection to you restricts some of my capabilities, like when you’re in a special kind of sleep, I’m thrusted into your subconscious, and when it’s not like so, I’m free to do anything.’ He said.

‘Oh, you did mention this one in the past too, but after so many of those kinds of sleep, I didn’t get any stats boost, why now?’ I thought to myself, mentally holding my chin.

‘Beats me, how about we check the spells or skills that you have.’ He said.

‘Okay, Open Skills/ Spells Window’

{Sorry, updating server}

Okay- What? Huh????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? What is happening?! I held out my hand above my head.

“Fire Magic: Firestorm.” I expect the magic circle to be of average one meter in radius, but oh boy was I shocked when it showed triple the size and summoned triple the amount of fire glaves, about 60 of them.

I stared wide eyed above my head, just as the group did as I had took a quick glance at them, not only were the glaves large in quantity, they’re also doubled the size with more menacing edges to them. I didn’t design this.

I dispersed my magic, making every glave disappear but this time, all of the weapons dispersed in a crystal fashion. Okay, now that’s cool but at the same time suspicious, I know that I have loved pretty spells of characters I know of and played in the past but, this is just so different from the ones I remember.

I wonder why, I shook my head and proceeded to continue walking- Uh, why aren’t they walking? I look at Syla as she noticed it too, she shrugged at me, or at least that’s what it showed, I look back at my friends again.

I recognize something.

“Are you guys okay?” I ask, as I notice them breaking a sweat, it’s not that furiously flowing but I see it even this far, and, is this fear I feel?

I know that sounds ridiculous but being together with them made me all the more familiar to their expressions, but this one is new on them, and one I am extremely familiar with. I feel my expression harden at the thought of my friends fearing anything, or anyone at that matter.

There is nothing more that I treasure more than my friends and family in life and in this life,

I swear if I’d know who did this to them, I’ll return the favor a hundred fold. I calm myself by taking a deep breath to slow down my chaotic thoughts, for their sake as well as mine.

I don’t want them to be more agitated as it is. No, they’re trembling, but more so to our new companions, I know that I’ve constantly given advices and support to my friends in terms of personal problems, but seeing them tremble this much, aches my heart.

I approach Celine as I notice her eyes turning saggy through the tears she’s fighting to suppress, in fact, I feel that all of them are trying, hard, to suppress their emotion, this breaks my heart even more, I held Celine in my arms and she let me as she also wrapped her arms behind my back.

I rested my chin on top of her head.

I could hear her soft sniffles, I look back at my friends and see that Lila and Saber are furiously holding each other’s hands, Glen’s face scrunched up in anguish, Wilbert’s back was facing me, I could not see his expression, but I notice the slight tremble of his body.

Allen looked neutral, but I know that’s his way of putting up a façade to protect himself from the plethora of emotions swarming in his eyes, the other four fared no better, Flin was trying hard to suppress his tears, fear evident in his eyes.

Riyah and Icarus are in a tight hug burying their heads between their necks, Princess Lang is hugging herself, and I hear audible words of comfort coming from her mouth. Tension clearly on the air.

I look at the adults, but they’re deep in thought.

“Tell me, are you okay, What happened?” I ask Celine, ‘Concept: Concept of adaptation’ I released my power slightly, coaxing them to stable themselves and not get carried away by their emotions.

Celine shook her head, I know this reaction.

“You don’t want to tell me, in case what you will say will insult me or anyone here?” this time, Celine paused for a moment before slowly nodding. I smiled warmly at her, even if she can’t see it.

“That’s okay, I can always ask someone else.” She looked up at me, her face betraying her as her horrified expression says it all that she doesn’t want to tell me.

“Allen.” I called out snapping Allen out from his trance, he was the one I felt that had adjusted quickly to the mood. “Can you please explain the situation to me?”

“NO!” I look at Celine, shocked. I took my time to calm down the raging emotion.

“Why not?” I ask softly.

“Because… it’s just… no.” she looked lost in thought.

“Celine, I’ve already swore to you and to each of our friend that I won’t hold any judgement in my heart towards your actions against, anyone in particular, don’t be afraid to confront things when you have the chance, and in this case, I have a feeling that it has something to do with me.” She reluctantly nodded.

“Don’t go acting all shy on me now, maybe this has something to do with Wilbert?” I ask teasingly, and I could see her cheeks flare up in the shade of red. Hahaha, she’s so cute to tease.

I chuckled momentarily breaking the tension in the air.

“We almost died.” and it returned… What?

What?

WHAT?!

“Who did this to you.” I stare furiously at Allen. I look at everyone. “To all of you? Where it those twisted creatures that came out of the demon gate?! Did you guys have to finish them and made you fear them while I was asleep?! I swear that if I encounter on-“

“No Ken, it wasn’t them.” He said.

“Then who?!” I asked albeit a little loud.

“You.” said Allen, unhesitatingly. I stare at him in shock, not believing what he said, but when I looked back into his eyes, I knew he wasn’t lying, I nod slowly, and held my head down.

“I… have nothing to say.” WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?! WHY WOULD I HARM ANY OF THEM, THEY ARE MY FRIENDS, WHY WOULD-

“KEN! Snap out of it!” I feel myself pop out of my degrading thoughts as Allen shook me. I stare at him dumbfounded, he was looking at me, desperately, as if searching for me, yet I don’t know how to respond.

“I-I, I’m sorry.” I say, my voice faint. Celine, right beside him.

“You don’t have to be sorry. Hear me out.” I look at him, directly into his eyes. “I know that you don’t mean what happened earlier, and I know that we’ve talked about this one in the past too, but don’t start blaming yourself for our near-death experience.”

“Don’t you guys… resent me?” I ask.

“Why would we resent you, when you’ve done so many things for us in the past, and don’t make me go through all of them for they were a lot.” He said reminding me of the things I did for them.

“Other than that, you’ve paid our mistakes in blood, remember that?” he added. I nod.

I feel my heart ache even more, unpleasant memories resurfaced to my head, but I quickly shook them away.

“You may think that this is your mistake and that you should bear it, that’s fine but let me remind you, just like you’ve said, don’t regret any action you’ve taken and go blaming it on others, or yourself for that matter,

Instead, take responsibility for the people affected by your decision, and this is me taking responsibility for my action.” He said. You don’t have to act that strong Allen, but I could not say those words.

“I should’ve told everyone to vacate the area once we’ve noticed the signs, once I’ve noticed the signs, but in the end, I had almost doomed the rest of the group because of my indecision.” I could feel his eyes turning sad, and angry for himself.

“You’re not to blame on this, you were asleep, we already know what would happen if we stayed and that we could have just waited it out until your sleep ended, but we stayed anyway.” He added.

“Allen.” I voice out softly.

“I, We, know it’s much more your fault for your magic almost killed us, but it was my indecision that led us to the situation in the first place.” He said. “You’ve taught us to be understanding of any situation in any given time, and it was this moment that I realized what you meant.”

“I’m sorry for doubting your concern for us.” He hugged me, tightly.

*Sniffle*

I didn’t even notice that I was crying.

“Allen, you don’t have to shoulder the burden.” said Wilbert, finally facing our direction and walked towards us, Allen retracted from the hug and look at Wilbert.

“It’s much as our fault as it is ours, like what you said, us six had already known what would happen if Ken is in such a state, but we’d let our emotions cloud our judgement, resulting to what almost happened to us.” Wilbert said.

“He’s right Allen.” I said. “You don’t have to beat yourself up just to take up all the burden on everyone’s back, and such heaviness should never be held by someone like you.” I wiped the trail of tears on my face.

“I’d like to apologize too, if it were not for me going into that kind of sleep, none of this would have happened.” I say, but raised my hand to stop him from retorting. “Upopop, let me finish. How about we share the burden with one another and take responsibilities for our actions.”

“Yes, we agree.” said Saber, on behalf of the both of them.

“And besides there’s no use dwelling on what happened in the past, right?” said Glen, wiping a stray tear from his eye.

“Right, and to move forward bearing with us the things that we’ve learned and use them whenever a similar opportunity arises in the future.” said Celine.

“You guys…” I sniffled again and wiped another tear that fell down on my right cheek. “I know I’ve been saying this so much, but, I’m very proud of you guys.” I went to hug each and one of them, while we all laughed and threw our anguish to the side.

Still recognized, but willing to let go and move on from the thoughts that we know will clog our minds for the years to come, what better way to get rid of it than to forgive the act today, but ponder on it for awhile, until our conscious is satisfied.

I almost got suffocated since Allen has his tail out which wrapped itself around me tightly. The siblings had snuggled themselves and rubbed themselves on me. Glen covered my face with his big ears and with his semi-buff body made it all the more difficult to wiggle out of his grasp.

Celine, Wilbert and I, hugged as if our life depended on it, not the intimate type, just semi-intimate. Once everything calmed down, I stood to the side of Allen as our other friends conversed with one another, reviving the usual cheerful air.

“What about the others, how are they holding up?” I ask Allen, since throughout the hugs, the adults went out on their own, probably to have their own space, while our other four companions are silent at the side.

“I don’t know, but let’s check up on them.” He said, I nodded and approached Flin.

“Flin, are you okay.” I ask, Flin snapped out of some kind of trance, probably he was deep in thought.

“Oh, yeah, I’m okay.” He said, avoiding eye contact with me, but his tails betrayed him, as it plopped down behind him forming one huge downcast tail.

“Oh I know you’re not or are you?” I ask again.

“No really, I’m okay, it’s just that…” Flin trailed, fiddling his hands.

“Just… what?” I ask softly, he looked at me, and I nod at him to let him know that I’m okay for him to say anything on his mind.

“It’s just… Me and Allen… talked about this earlier before he brought it up to you, and I don’t mean to be rude towards you but…” I nod again, encouraging him to continue. He looked down at his feet.

“… I was afraid, of you, and… when you, casted that fire spell earlier, the fear came back full force and I just, couldn’t help myself, to fear you even more.” He said, his voice soft, I look at his quivering form, almost fragile as a glass, as if he’d break if I’d so ever touch him.

“I understand, and from now on, whatever you may think of me in the future, or any decision regarding towards me, I’ll respect.” I say, a soft smile lingering on my lips.

“No, I-it’s okay, really, you don’t have to go so low for me in anyway, I-I don’t mind being around you or anything for that matter.” He said, getting all flustered.

“You sure you don’t mind that someday I might be the cause of your…” I trail. He looked uncertain for a moment, before shaking his head and looking straight at me determinedly.

“I won’t, I’ve learned so much about you and from you, and this time, whether you may or may not cause me wounds in the future, I won’t take it out on you since it will be my decision to bear my own.” I smile widely at him.

From then on, I had talked with Riyah, Icarus and Princess Lang, thankfully the three were understanding, but on different ways, Icarus was stuttering and finding it hard to find his words. Riyah was torn between two sides about, I don’t know, her belief maybe?

She didn’t come to a decision, only afterwards she had calmed herself down to ponder for awhile. Princes Lang was scornful as always and spouting righteous stuffs here and there, but she surprised me when she later contradicted herself.

And then she proceeded to tease me of how mature she is being, oh same old same, wish I could say that to her, but nah, that would dampen her pride even more, and then she proceeded to proclaim that I shouldn’t be a weak rival, I nodded with her.

“Anyway, are you really sure you don’t remember anything of what happened?” Princess Lang asked.

“I’m sure, for every time that happened I have no control over my magic and just like what you witnessed and they said, it would cast different kinds of spells I made or use.” I say, while the group pressed on, almost arriving where the Nature Deer’s live.

“But don’t worry, I’ll find the answers as to why this happens to me, but for now, I’ll take up on the responsibility of my indirect actions.” She nodded to me, Princess Lang is surprisingly adequate when we talk in a more serious note.

“We have arrived.” said Uncle Trunk, as for a couple of meters further, we could see the Nature Deers huddled together, and once they saw us, came to greet us and their leader.

That reminds me, what had he and aunt Coralia been doing while we were having that conversation, I stare hard at him, he noticed me and looked me in the eye, I stare harder, looking for answers. Suddenly a thought flew to me.

I look at uncle Trunk and he nodded. So they understood our situation, that’s convenient, and nice of them too.

We all took a rest that night as almost as we had arrived, everyone found themselves a spot to sleep either on the ground, Allen, Saber, and Lila slept on the trees while the rest were at the ground.

The herd was concerned of how we reacted but I reassured them that everyone was just tired and are in need of rest, I refused the dinner they made for us since we have already eaten earlier, thankfully they were understanding and left me and my group alone.

Granarados took cae of the situation later and had commanded his herd to prepare for the night. I could still see the fear in his eyes although he tried hard not to show it. This makes me feel wore about myself.

*Slap slap*

No! Wake up Ken or I’ll slap myself some more for you, all of those things happened in the past already, there’s no need for you to be all over and reminiscing of the stupid thoughts of yours, we’ve already promised to our friends that we’ll make it up to them so we’ll do just that!

Came morning, everyone was freshened up, I had prepared breakfast since I woke up early, and I made sure that everyone would feel comforted and happy, even if it’s just for a moment.

“Syla!” Who’s there? A mountain lion, ran towards Syla and said something, instantly, everyone’s happy mood plummeted down.

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