Connecting Light [KNY FF]

CHAPTER 22: Overwhelming Regrets

Isamu and Shimon had a staredown.

"Oi, Shimon-kun. We've done enough damage. Let's continue searching for food." One of the Kanoe ranked hunters called out with irritance.

Shimon rolled his eyes and walked past Isamu.

"Whatever. I don't need to waste my time on a low life who cuts wood for a living." Shimon said before walking away.

"Was that really necessary?" One of the hunters glared at Shimon. "Shut up."

Isamu didn't look back at them and continued walking back to the village. Ayume and Sanemi were working together to ensure the village is restored. Isamu smiled as he was happy to see Ayume back.

He then joined in to help.

"Ah, Isamu-kun. You don't have to help. I'll fix everything, okay?" Ayume noticed him and had a warm smile.
"It's fine. I got nothing to do anyway." Isamu smiled brightly and helped lifted some of the farmed crops.

"Thank you, Isamu-kun. How have you been? You sure have grown a lot since the last time I saw you." Ayume stated with joy.

"I've been well. My father is fine too." Isamu assured. "And Natsumi?" Ayume asked.

"Cute as ever." Isamu developed a smile as he got reminded of his younger sister.

Ayume turned her gaze to Sanemi who was giving out food to the children. A subtle breeze blew by, gently making her hair flow away from her face.

"It's nice to see people care for others. And it feels even better when you're the one doing it. You don't need a personality to care. There is no obligations to do so too. But..." She then turns back to Isamu.

"When you care, that is the greatest gift you can have and the greatest gift you can give others." Ayume had a smile that warmed Isamu's heart. He was speechless. He couldn't say anything but think deeply.

"So, Isamu-kun. No matter what happens, never lose the feeling that you have to care for others." Ayume advised with sweet voice which made Isamu teared up a little.

"Sorry...I don't know why am I crying.." He aggressively wiped his tears. Ayume just smiled and continued doing her work. Isamu helped shortly after.

~Time skip~

The sun was starting to set and Isamu had to go back to the mountains. Ayume and Sanemi were helping the villagers to their temporary homes to rest so that they would be safe from any demons.

"See you tomorrow, Ayume-san." Isamu packed his wood and food supplies to carry it on his back.
"See you. Take care on your way home. Send my regards to your family, and thank you for helping out here." Ayume had a bright smile on her face.

"It's the least I can do!" The young boy smiled back and went home.

"I wonder where the other demon slayers went to.." Ayume was looking around looking for some people.
"Huh? Who?" Sanemi asked as he wasn't really paying attention to who was in the village and who wasn't.

"That demon slayer with his friend. Shimon...was his name, right?" Ayume asked out with a slight smile.
"Why do you care about him?" Sanemi sounded quite frustrated to learn his name.

"Well, It would be awful if something bad happened to him. He went out with his friends but none came back. Even the ones who left for a short wlk came back here to help with night preparations." Ayume pointed out as she was observing everyone from the start.

Sanemi blinked out of slight confusion and looked around as well. "It seems like they're not here. Shouldn't care about them anyway." He was annoyed at the bare thought of Shimon. He faced back at Ayume who had a worried look.