DiMENSIONS [IDOLiSH7]

16: Trust

-Silica-

"I can't accept that."

It was the first time for Tenn to give Iori a scary-looking face; a big frown and sharp eyes showing his strong disapproval of the discussion.

After the discovery of Majabah, further research was needed to pinpoint the exact location and to figure out how to form a connection between the two worlds.

Tenn seemed reluctant on whether he should remain in Silica or go back to his hometown. Majabah was his home. He was a magic user so returning there would be the right thing to do.

Because Tenn had a hard time making his decision, Iori proposed his idea. If Yamato, Ryuu, and he were to find a way to travel to Majabah, it was likely they would have a plan on how to get back to Silica. Iori wanted Tenn to return to Majabah so the magic-user could decide where he wanted to be. That was not all. The condition was that Tenn let Iori go with him. Iori claimed that he wanted to find Mitsuki, which was partly true. The real reason was that he wanted more time to spend with Tenn, even if it was in a completely foreign place.

Iori told Tenn that his decision would depend on whatever his Nii-san wanted to do if he found the guy. However, Tenn was not having any of it. The magic-user refused to let Iori be exposed to a cruel world full of discrimination like Majabah.

The two were discussing the matter at home. Tenn stood in front of Iori, who was sitting on the couch, reaching his arms out to press the younger boy's shoulders downwards. The high school student felt intimidated, scared even. Was Tenn always this protective?

"You are NOT going to Majabah, Izumi Iori. Not when no one knows if your brother is really there. Definitely not when you don't know how to cast magic or hold a blade." Tenn sounded like he was scolding a kid. "I will not let you expose yourself to danger."

"Bu-but Nanase-san," Iori stuttered. "Am I wrong...?" He stopped to swallow in mid-sentence. When Iori was about to look away, Tenn directed his gaze to force Iori to retain eye contact with him.

"What are you trying to say?" Tenn demanded.

"Am I wrong... to think you will protect me while I'm there?"

Tears started to well up in Tenn's eyes. "I can't protect anyone, Izumi." He let his hands flop and drop from Iori's shoulders. The scientist was shocked to see Tenn so hurt, so fragile that he would break with a single touch.

"I tried to save my little brother's life," Tenn spoke with tears running down his cheek. "Which ended up taking his one and only trusted personal butler's life."

Tenn did not know about his Dispel magic power. After he regained his consciousness and found he was not executed, he was convinced Gaku's body was torn into shreds by Sousuke's whirlwind. He assumed Riku would have been told both he and Gaku were dead. He could imagine the boy mourning their deaths day and night. Tenn did not want to lose anyone dear to him ever again. He would protect Izumi Iori at all costs, even if it meant he had to be far apart from the boy.

"I trust you, Tenn-san."

Iori's words woke Tenn up from his haunting nightmare. "I don't know what you've been through, but during our time here in Silica, you've always been looking after me, so I trust you."

"Please let me go with you."

~~

-Majabah-

"Lazu, try freezing this block of wood."

It would be strange to keep calling a baby dragon who could communicate with humans 'dragon', so Mitsuki gave the beast a nickname, at least for the time being. Since Mitsuki was a Beastmaster, Lazu was pretty much fully in his care.