King's Kou: Do not awaken the knight in the beast

Chapter 23: Gaku the Seahorse

He did his job perfectly. There was not a single hole of mistake where Master Boota could peek through. The clothes were folded immaculately. The stir fried vegetables were cooked right so that they maintained that crunch. The protective seal that deflected anything and anyone was intact until it was shattered by Master Boota's acquaintances.

They did not appear to be chummy with each other. The moment their eyes connected Master Boota's frown deepened and his foul mood became even fouler. Gaku was prepared to attack. Despite being a humanoid eel that was two feet tall he could take on formidable beasts for the sake of his master. On top of that, he needed to avenge the seal he took pride in. That slithering reptile and that miscreation of a centaur, bird, fairy or whatever she was, had the audacity to barge into their solitary life.

"Master, shall I punish these trespassers?"

The snake flinched from his hostility but was more concerned about the welfare of their dying companion. Gaku was very sure that his waspish master would not turn a blind eye to this disrespect.

"Kid, you have to help Kou. He was seared like a barbecue by Soleil's flames. The bangles on him are slowing his healing!"

Gaku smirked and snorted. The youngest of the group sensed his amusement to their bereavement and glanced at him sharply. No way his master would treat a single hair on that man's body.

"What are you waiting for, world peace? Get him to my tree house!" Boota barked out, taking one of the limp arms from the youngest person and flying to the tree house without wasting a single second.

Gaku's jaw nearly dropped. There were many viels who came to seek his help but every one of them were turned down. Oftentimes, those viels couldn't accept being shunned and they would end up trying to murder his master. Most viels were immortal, but since their bodies were patched up with different body parts plus the flooding of chemicals into their circulation, their bodies sprouted more abnormalities that even now gave Gaku nightmares.

Master Boota wasn't always a gelid hikikomori. Many humans knew of his existence and his capabilities. People from all parts of the world sought him in this forest to get treated for their injuries, illnesses and disabilities. Although Master Boota was hesitant he couldn't turn his back away. He was a doctor. He continuously said yes to those in need until a certain incident sealed every plea with a: "No, just die for all I care."

So, despite sulking, Gaku carried out his loyal duties as Boota's fish servant, painting sacred symbols on a paper while whispering his prayers. With each finished seal Gaku danced around the paper tag; a white magic circle appeared on the ground before it completely shrunk underneath the seal.

"Give us protection." The paper lifted from the ground, floating in midair and shortly flashing a transparent wave of green light, similar to the northern lights.

Gaku patted his own back with his webbed hand for a successful seal. He turned around, ready to amble to the next spot.

"A fish fixing a holy barrier on land?"

Gaku spun, tensing when he saw the horns sticking on the man's forehead. He didn't notice his presence even when his hands were leaning against the barrier, like a child eager to see what toys were ready for him to play with. He was wearing a three piece white suit. His blazer waistcoat and vest were lined with gold designs. He could be from a noble family or heck, maybe he was the king of this country. His white coat made clunking sounds from the gold coins that exaggeratedly lined it from top to bottom. Gold glitters powdered around his bright orange eyes that sat in the middle of darkness where a normal eye should have white ones.