VARIANT (For The First Time, I Don't Mind Losing)

Chapter X - Variant

Katsuki stared at the surrounding piles of haystacks to check if he, or the nerd, (actually just the nerd) forgot anything. 

After making sure that there was none, he then went on to secure the strings of his hooded cloak tightly around his broad shoulders again, and flapped the hems to get rid of the small residues of hays that got stuck. He stomped his boots to do the same.

Deku had began to wonder last night why he still wouldn't take off his cloak, but he managed to dodge it once more and say that he just fucking preferred it that way.

Thank fuck that was enough, and that the nerd is good at taking hints. 

Also.. thank fuck that Deku was fast to fall asleep. Like, as soon as his head hit the hays, he was already halfway dreaming.

Katsuki didn't have to pretend that he needs rest and go lay down the hays too. It also gave him just enough alone time to think about the events of the previous day.

Somehow, he had the first part of the riddle.. a little sorted out. 

But where does it actually leads him too? 

Does he have to find the oracle first before figuring the rest of the riddle out? Or the other way around? 

Will it not work if either of it isn't found or solved yet?

Or,

Is the riddle and the oracle two parts of the key that functions differently?

That is a possibility too.

It could be that the riddle is some sort of.. instruction? reminder? something like that? for the yielder on what he should do—no, what he should be, in order to successfully retrieve the stone. And the oracle will be the one that will show the way.

Is that how's it gonna be?

Goddamnit. 

So many fucking question!!

Katsuki firmly told himself then, that this should be the only thing in his mind for the whole day. 

His utmost attention should be solely focus on figuring this whole shit out, while diligently searching for the damn oracle. 

He'll have Deku tell him a possible target for the day, as soon as possible.

Speaking of the nerd, he woke up just at the crack of dawn again, and went out ahead a little while ago to "pick up some fruits"— that's what he said, but Katsuki knew he just wanted to again, give necessary space for the "prince".

The consideration of that boy is overflowing. 

Even last night, Deku had him choosing the "best" haystack first.. as if such best existed in this shabby place.

The two of them had managed to find an empty stable—big enough for four horses, right behind a seemingly abandoned house. The size of the place made Katsuki conclude that it used to be owned by some noble before. 

They decided to settled there for the night, after the daemon had finally convinced the boy that they didn't need to find an inn anymore. (It was fucking no easy task though, and it took all his will power to not snap out over the kid.)

As Katsuki now prepared to head out the horse stable though, he suddenly felt a strange aura emitting from his satchel.

Flapping the cover to open it, he found the source coming from the pouch of the pearl, and quickly pulled it out. It was pulsing a bright blue color.

A message? 

He turned to reached for the door to secure the lock. It was just a flimsy piece of iron inserted in two hooks, but it'll help to make sure Deku wouldn't suddenly barge in.