Boy Meets Ai

Chapter 58

Chapter 58

Now

Thomas looked down; his expression hard to read. Seiko was having a hard time digesting everything he had just told him.

"When I woke up, my dad was gone, and I couldn't feel my legs. My mother knew it wasn't an accident. She decided to take me and run."

"Wait what? That's crazy. Who does she think did it then?"

"While I was in the hospital, she never left my side. She later told me that my aunt had come to visit while I was still unconscious."

Thomas' voice became even more hushed. Aramais looked particularly on edge.

"Master, perhaps we shouldn't- "

"I trust Seiko. It's alright." He was now close enough to whisper into Seiko's ear. "She told my mother everything. She confessed to killing her own brother." Seiko was shocked. "She said she would kill me herself while I slept if we didn't forfeit my dad's will to her."

A shiver traveled down Seiko's spine. How horrible! He knew his own aunt didn't care much for him, but she would never try to kill him! It was almost too much to believe. However, one look into Thomas' eyes told him everything he said was true.

"That's what you mean. About money changing people." Seiko sighed heavily. "Your own family did something like that...."

Thomas nodded solemnly. "She took everything from us, our house, our life, but I don't hate her for it anymore. I just want to give me and my mom the life that my dad wanted for us. I have to be the one to take care of us now that he's gone."

His voice quivered as unseen memories slid through his mind. Memories of a time that wouldn't come again. Seiko was just beginning to realize that the cheerful boy he knew carried a heavy weight on his shoulders.

"I want to protect our friendship Seiko, but I can't pass up an opportunity to make things right."

Seiko understood his friend's fears at once. Betrayal, abandonment. Thomas' emotions washed over him. This tournament was the same opportunity for him as it was for Seiko. It was a chance to make a better future despite the past.

He wasn't sure what to even say. What could make Thomas understand that he would never let the prize come between them? In fact, was that something he really could promise? He had come this far, endured hell in his fight with Ogun. He wasn't sure when, but a fire had started to grow in him. He didn't want to lose, no matter what. He felt a strange shame wash over him as he imagined crushing Thomas, claiming the prize for himself. It was Oaklee that snapped him out of it, slapping him on the shoulder.

"You guys are way too similar. It's almost annoying. So focused on what's in front of you that you miss the bigger picture!" She chided. "It's simple. We just include Thomas in our winner's pot. It's not a million but if you would be willing, you're guaranteed a quarter of that! Our fight tomorrow can just be for fun, and we don't have to worry about hating each other when it's over!"

They both looked up in surprise. "Do you really think that's possible?" Seiko asked.

"Are you kidding me? Thomas, if Shinobu and Hendricks knew what you had been through, there's no way they'd refuse."

He pondered the idea for a moment. Seiko's throat tensed up as he waited for his response. Finally, Thomas looked at them with a smile.

"It sounds like a nice plan. I think I might be willing to go ahead with that if your party is ok with it."

Seiko let out a sigh of relief. He was happy to include his friend. Even if it meant less money, it was still plenty for him.

"Master, are you certain this is the best course of action? We need the entire prize! Perhaps you should think about" Aramais hushed voice dampened the celebration.

"What's there to think about?" Oaklee leered at the other Ai, mirth in her gaze. "This way, everyone gets what they want."

"It may look that way to you! You think you know so much, but you don't understand anything!" Aramais snapped. His harshness caught them all off guard.

Thomas grabbed his companion by the shoulder giving him a reassuring look. "We're gonna go talk it over but I'll message you soon."

Aramais looked at him with confusion and anger in his eyes. But ultimately, the Ai surrendered to his user. They went to Gabriel to thank him for the invitation then they left the hall. Seiko watched them walk back towards the city.