Ashes

Arch III. The Longest Road. Entry 5. The Darkness has Awakened

They returned home as soon as Nine began to feel a little better and could walk. The man who tried to kill the young Lord also arrived on another continent. Ahriman, breaking the laws of his continent, agreed to the deal. He also sent his people. True, these were the people who were sentenced to life imprisonment and who silently awaited their end.

The mayor had given Number Nine slightly different clothes, as his had been torn during the fight, and he simply could not allow him to return home in rags. Ritsu was against it, but who was he to go against his lord?

"Are you sure you feel okay?" Ahriman asked, helping the girl get on board. "Does anything hurt? If you feel bad, tell me right away, I'll let you stay for a while longer."

"No, no, everything is fine, your grace," she shook her head. For some reason she didn't want to stay here at all, even though she felt something familiar, being in this place

"Well, if you're sure." He smiled and let go of her hand.

The ship set off on its way back to the Arishta continent

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Soon they arrived home. Ritsu led the line of workers, and Number Nine walked silently next to her master. Her wounds still hurt, but the girl did not dare even say so, afraid that she would anger the young Lord. Ritsu constantly glanced at Nine, as if checking how she was feeling, but he did not say anything either.

They were met by the remaining slaves, whom Ritsu had ordered to remain within the fortress walls. They repaired the old staircase that led from the basement to the throne room as a shortcut.

"Ritsu, who are all these people?" Number One asked, pointing to the people he didn't know.

"Your new friends," he answered briefly, tugging at the chain. "They will help you. If they survive."

"I see" One sighed. He knew what he was talking about, then his gaze fell on the man whose hands were in iron gloves that did not allow him to even move a finger. "And what about him?"

"He tried to kill me," Ritsu began to say, "and if it weren't for Nine... One, examine her wounds and, if necessary, help her."

"Okay. Let's go," he took the girl by the hand and led her along. She didn't resist. It seemed that she was just very tired.

When they returned to the basement, One was silent for a while, staring at Nine. It seemed like he really wanted to say something, but didn't know how to do it.

"Is something wrong?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. "I can see you're trying to say something."

"I... Can I ask you... Um... I need... Uhh..."

"Should I take off my shirt so you can examine my wounds?" she asked, as if reading his thoughts. He nodded silently, looking away. He felt awkward.

Nine nodded in response and took off her shirt, allowing the boy to examine her. The girl no longer felt as afraid as she had before. When the deed was done, Ritsu suddenly came to them. "One, Nine, follow me," he commanded and left the room. They looked at each other questioningly, and then followed their lord.

"Ritsu, what's wrong?" One asked. He always spoke without permission and was not afraid of the one who made his life hell. The young Lord was silent, only breathing angrily. One put his hand on his shoulder. "Ritsu?"

"What?" He turned around abruptly. His eyes were a completely different color. As if he was possessed by someone

"One, get away from him!" Nine immediately began to speak. Somewhere deep in her mind, something long forgotten surfaced "Th-that's not exactly Ritsu. That's..."