Duality (DxD) (Part 1)

Ch 25 - My Master

Jin was in Ban's room, holding Ban's hand as he looked at Ban. He looked even more sickly. He had lost some muscle because eating and swallowing were getting a lot harder. Some of Ban's hair was falling out, Jin was looking at a powerful old man, reduced to a frail and sickly one. But that wasn't why Ban was holding onto his hand now. Ban had one last thing to do. He needed to prepare Jin for what might have happened in the future. He couldn't leave Jin completely clueless about who he was.

Ban: Jin. I'm... I'm going to die soon.

Jin: Don't... Don't say that. You're just really ill.

Ban: You're... You're such a naive kid when it comes to others feelings. *Cough* Just let me talk for a second.

Jin looked down at Ban as he held onto his hand with both of his. Bans hands had gotten frail over the few months Ban first showed he was sick. So much so Jins hands looked large.

Ban: You're... You're special. You might find out why, no, you definitely will. Whether you pull that string or not, you'll find out.

Jin: What do you mean?

Ban: When that happens, when you find out why your are special... *cough**cough*. Under my bed, there's a letter. Remember what I said though, don't pull that string. Not... not unless you're in danger.

Jin: I think you've finally gone, senile old man. Just get some rest. I'll make dinner and bring it to you.

Jin said as he tried to stand up but Ban held onto Jin as tightly as his weak hand could. Looking at Jin with a small smile.

Ban: You... don't think I didn't have some requests of you... now that I'm dying?

Ban let out a weak laugh as Jin looked at him. Lightly smiling as he knelt down. Thinking that if he had the strength to joke around, maybe he was going to be okay. Maybe this was an illness he would get over. But that was wishful thinking.

Jin: Go on. What punishments are you going to give me?

Ban: Don't think of them as punishments. Think of them as... selfish requests from a dying old man.

Jin: What did I tell you about saying that?!

Jin raised his voice as his hands shook. Ban put a lot of effort into turning over, to place his his other hand on Jin's hands. Looking Jin in his crimson eyes.

Ban: First... try and live a life you don't regret. I have many regrets in life, and I want you to end up better than me. So don't regret the life you've led now... and the one you'll lead from now on.

Ban said as he could feel Jin's hands shaking. Trying to maintain his expressionless face. Trying to believe Ban was going to be okay. As if trying to wish it into existence.

Ban: Secondly, try and go to school. I know you like having friends, so don't outcast yourself. Despite your rough edges. You're a very handsome and kind kid.

Ban chuckled as he coughed out. Jin smirked a bit as Ban saw it out of the corner of his eyes.

Ban: Jin. I... I know after I told you about Garo, you've always seen yourself as a monster.

Jin looked at Ban as he gulped. He hadnt been saying it, but how could he not feel that way. He killed someone, he didn't feel bad about it, he enjoyed hurting people, he had many similarities to Garo. He couldn't help but feel like a monster.

Ban: And... you are. You're a complete monster. But just because you're a monster that rejects the idea of heroes and villains, doesn't make you bad or good. As I said, you're a kind kid, but to those you believe deserve it. You're drive to get stronger is inhuman and you've grown faster than anyone I know. So continue being a monster, but don't regret the actions you make being one.

Jin looked at Ban as he smiled. Letting his head hang down as a single tear fell onto Ban's hand.

Jin: I'm... I'm so sorry for being a burden to you. I... I can barely carry my own burdens and... and I tried so hard to carry yours but failed. I'm so sorry Ban.

Ban could only look at Jin surprised. Gently smiling in Jins embrace.

Ban: As I said. You have been my greatest burden. The hardest one I've ever had to carry. But that's only because... you have been the best thing in my life and I felt selfish. So I kept telling you to go home despite how mad it made you. I saw it hurt you, it hurt me to say it knowing you didn't want to see your guardian after what happened. But it... it hurt even more because I wanted you to stay. I had a hard working disciple I could teach. A child I could raise. You... were a blessing in my life Jin.

Tears began streaming from Jin's eyes more. Falling more and more but he didn't make sounds of a cry.

Ban: I would say go home, but I have a feeling you'll go eventually. I know how much you miss it, miss her. So... one last request. Don't let my... our martial arts be forgotten. Ah it will suck if I spent my whole life on a martial arts only for it to be forgotten.

Ban and Jin gave a slightly laugh, but just because Ban was trying to make light of the situation didn't mean tears weren't shed. Even Ban had tears well up.

Ban: I... I don't want to be forgotten. I don't want my disciples and students practices to be forgotten. I don't want our lives to be forgotten. But I know martial arts is a constantly evolving practice and when I look at you Jin, I see it's growth. So improve on it. Change its name, improve its moves, make a second part to it. Do whatever you feel nesesary to make it grow. But make sure those techniques are your own... *cough* *cough* *cough* *cough*. And don't forget its foundations.

Jin looked at Ban completely shocked. Looking at him with tears in his eyes and a pain in his chest. Ban was saying Jin was more that good enough to change his legacy. What Ban worked his whole life to great. Jin couldn't help but cry.

Jin: Please... Please don't leave me... master.

Ban: Hahahaha... *cough* *cough* *cough*. W-What happened to old man? Don't call me master. You... you have always been my student, my disciple. But I've always seen you as something more.

Tears fell down Bans face as his life was flashing before his eyes. There were regrets trying to keep him alive. His lost students, how he handled Garo. But Jin, he was some of the happiest memories he had.

Ban: I... I have one more thing to give you. A gift, and great power. You... you'll know what it is when you read the letter. So now please close your eyes.

Jin: Please...

Ban: Do this for me Jin. Promise me you'll live a good life, and that... you'll go back home, when the time is right for you. I... after taking care of you for so long. Know how much she's going to be missing you... *cough**cough* despite everything that's happened.

Jin: I... I... I promise.

Jin said closing his eyes with tears in them. Feeling Ban touch his head. Jin felt a powerful sensation course through his body. As if Ban gave him something. It was a purple glow even in Jins closed eyes. One that with no doubt lit up the room. Jin felt changed, something inside of him that wasn't there before.

But then he also felt Bans hand drop. Looking at Ban who had his eyes closed but a peaceful smile on his face.

Ban was dead, and Jin could only hold his hand as he cried silently.