Parallel Vol. 4 [LEGACY EDITION]

Chapter 76.2: My Guild

"Kashi!" Stryke called with worry as he grabbed the daeben and spun him around. "Are you okay? Any injuries? What was that earlier? I've never seen you chant before! And that blood! What was that ab—" Boink! "Ow!" The young tora yelped in protest as he massaged the bump on his head.

"One question at a time," Kashi playfully admonished as he blew on his knuckles. He then rapidly answered, "I'm fine. No injuries. And earlier's a secret." The daeben's eyes sparked with deadly intrigue as he said, "It's my secret weapon."

"Cheh. Stingy." Stryke pouted, but before he could protest any further, Absalon tapped his head, and then looked at Kashi.

The old general's eyes held equal parts worry and resolve as he asked, "Will they be a problem?"

"The adjudicators?" Kashi shook his head. "Not directly at the very least. I cannot say for sure what tricks they might pull though. We have to be on guard."

"Ah..." murmured Paris as he let out a defeated sigh. "To think you would make an enemy of the adjudicators of all things." Contrary to his words, however, the King sported a bright smile as he lamented, "It would seem we are in for some hard days ahead." Glancing at Kashi, he added with a smirk, "At this rate, I might be forced to fight a few battles, don't you think?"

Kashi, however, responded with a condescending smirk, "Sure. Get some babies and you can fight all you want."

"You!" King Parissius spluttered, but then harrumphed. "I will leave you to attend to your guild. I must placate the guests. I am sure this fiasco frightened them."

"Then, I will leave that to you, Your Majesty," agreed Kashi. "Thanks for the help."

King Parissius brushed his hair, a twinkle in his eyes as he replied, "Of course. It's the beautiful thing to do, after all." He chuckled as he turned and walked towards the nobles. "See you soon, Kashi."

"Likewise, Your Majesty," replied Kashi. He watched as the young king walked up to the guests, Paris' brilliant smile, serving to soothe their nerves. The daeben smiled, and then took a deep breath. He then slowly breathed out as he turned to look at Lunette, who was supported by her brother.

Kashi hesitated as he looked at the songstress. "Lune..." He started to reach out his hand, but Lunette instinctively pulled back, terror and fear in her eyes. Kashi sharply pulled back his arm, and tucked it behind him, a bitter smile on his face.

Realizing what she'd just done, Lunette's eyes watered with guilt. However, right now she could not help it. Whenever she looked at Kashi, all she saw was the emotionless eyes that stared her down as she choked. "Kashi... I..."

"No, it's fine," retorted Kashi with a shake of his head. "It's my fault this happened." The daeben sighed, and then looked at the rest of the Maggots who regarded him with strange looks. "Well, I suppose I owe you all an explanation." He turned to Jade and mimicked a dome with his hands, "Jade, if you would, please?"

"Sure." Jade nodded, and then cast a spell for an isolated zone. A translucent dome covered the Maggots, blocking out all outgoing sound.

"Thanks." Kashi, after ensuring the dome was in place, proceeded to spill the beans on his life. Everything from his parents' identities, to his peculiar relationship with Razznik and Suzuki.

By the time he was done, Stryke and Jade were in tears, while Shokō and Syèl sported complicated expressions. Leila, who already knew the truth, gazed at the floor with sullen eyes, while Absalon gazed at Kashi with concern and worry. Meanwhile, Miote sighed and then shook his head, as understanding finally dawned. Now, he knew why he had always felt like Kashi and Suzuki were different people. They actually were from the start. But if this was the case, then the man who sent him on this mission to begin with also knew the truth.