Vengeance Upon Fate - Chapter 22

As the two came nearer to the gate, Kurogane realized that it was the same entrance he went through earlier. This only led him to worry about where Mitsuo would be taking him.

(He’s not talking about that place.. is he? As nice as the river was, something just didn’t seem right there.)

“Knock knock! Anyone home?” Said Mitsuo, who was already leaning forward – his head only inches away from Kurogane.

Lost in his thoughts once again, Kurogane was startled at first but shook his head to regain consciousness. Wuxiaworld for visiting.

“What’s on your mind? Is everything okay?”

“Y-Yea, it’s nothing, really.”

The same two guards began approaching them since they were before the gate now.

“Out for another hunting trip, kiddo?”

“Yeah, my first attempts weren’t successful, eheh.”

Kurogane chuckled nervously, hoping they would take it as an excuse to let them leave without further questioning.

Mitsuo leaned towards Kurogane’s ear and whispered.

“You know these guys?”

“Uhmm.. well…”

“Who is this? A friend of yours? asked the same guard.

Mitsuo was surprised and somewhat irritated that they didn’t recognize him, despite his family crossing the south gate several times.

Kurogane noticed his irritation and began to slightly panic.

“Sir, I’ve crossed here mult- ”

Kurogane covered his mouth with his hand, leaving nothing but muffled noises for anyone to hear.

“He’s…. My brother! Yeah, my older brother! Helping my useless self for the family. J-Just the usual.. hehe.”

Kurogane didn’t have a single clue as to what he was saying. His heart began to pound while his sweat tickled his face.

Mitsuo eventually stopped muffling and slowly removed Kurogane’s hand. He seemed a lot calmer and serious in his tone compared to before.

“He’s exaggerating sir. I’m actually a cousin of his, but he loves me so much that.. well.. he ends up calling me big brother. Cute, isn’t it?”

Kurogane’s face turned red, extremely embarrassed at the false idea he gave the guards, regardless of whether it was going to help them get through the gate.

“He-…”

Before Kurogane could attempt to say anything, Mistuo placed his hand on Kurogane’s mouth, this time stopping him from speaking.

Frowning in annoyance, Kurogane’s words were nothing but muffled noises.

Both guards looked at each other then glanced back at the two.

“Well, we don’t know what’s entirely going on, but just don’t get yourselves in trouble out there. Do your thing and come right back, got it?”

“Yes!”

“Will do!”

…

“Yea, better let him and his friend go before he burns your butt cheeks again,” snarked the other guard.

“For God’s sake, will you shut up?”

The other guard burst out laughing, holding onto his abdomen once again.

{Aaahahahahh}

Kurogane and Mitsuo closed their eyes, waved gently and forced a smile as they proceeded to walk past the gate.

After going onward for several minutes, Mitsuo began walking off the main path – the same direction that lead to the river Kurogane had visited earlier.

(He’s actually taking me there… this isn’t good. I have a feeling we should avoid that place. But what should I tell him without sounding weird? I might come across as someone who’s ruining the fun.)

“Check this out! What do you think?”

Mitsuo pointed towards the same spot Kurogane had bathed and washed his clothes earlier.

“Wow, looks like a pretty fun place to hang out.”

…

(Why did I just say that) Kurogane thought as they both began walking towards the location.

“I know right? The view is gorgeous here and we can even go for a swim!”

“Yeah.. I agree”

Kurogane nodded his head and forced a smile, but eventually looked forward with concern.

Both were now under the tree, sitting down on the log to admire the beautiful morning view.

He noticed the amazement in Mitsuo’s eyes, who was gleefully immersed at what he was experiencing. It wasn’t a surprise since the sun produced a rather unique, sparkly view that would mesmerize most viewers.

(Maybe this was the right thing. He’s really enjoying this place. It won’t hurt if we stay a little longer.)

“Hey, Mitsuo?”

Mitsuo turned his face to Kurogane, still occupying his lightened smile.

“Yea buddy?”

“Wanna go for a swim? I bet you can’t beat me if we raced.”

Mitsuo closed his eyes and laughed.

“You know, that was the most enthusiastic thing you’ve said since we met.”

“You really think so?”

“Yea, I’m glad you’re finally loosening up. After all, we are friends.”

“Yeah, definitely!”

Both giggled and excitingly began to stand up when suddenly, a pair of large, muscular hands emerged from behind.

Kurogane noticed them first, literally a second away from wrapping their arms around Mitsuo.

His heart skipped a beat, his eyes widening. He was far too startled to utter even a sound of awareness.

…..?!!