It Wasn't What It Seemed To Be

Chapter 17 -Just For Need? Or Driven By Greed?-

After a few days after leaving the village, things seemed normal, well, almost normal. Luz had been much more quiet lately, and had been working in his room more often than usual. In all honesty, the friends couldn't help but wonder at what was bothering him. So they all agreed on making a plan to help cheer up the blond. And maybe then, Luz could be open about his problem.

As a certain albino was walking down the stairs in his regular clothes, he entered the small closed room before smiling at the group in front of him. "You guys ready?" He asked. The rest nodded before Sakata decided to speak up, "So what's the plan?"

Araki smiled, "Well, me and Mafu were discussing and we decided that I will stay Luz, since I have duty today after all. So it'll be easier to distract him with that. And Sakata will stay in the kitchen to make preperations here with Nqrse."

Shima then tilted his head, "What about me, Mafu, and Eve?" The albino then crossed his arms before happily speaking, "You two will come with me to the village. We're going to try to look for something nice for him as a gift." He explained.

Araki grinned, "So are we all ready now?" The friends nodded happily before making the albino smile even brighter, "Then let's go cheer up our friend~"

As the friends left the room, they all went to their assigned groups to the locations that were decided. Araki was opening the door and saw the blond looking out the window from his seat. He frowned before walking up to him, "You alright?" Luz then smiled, "Yeah, im alright."

The red-head nodded but really, he just didint like it when any of his friends lie. And he could tell that the blond's smile was fake, and anyone else could even tell too. At least, for those who's been around Luz for a long time. But for now, he knew he should stick with the plan. He was confident that this will work, now he just has to make sure he wouldn't head anywhere near the kitchen.

Meanwhile, outside the castle on the trail of the forest was Mafu, Eve, and Shima. The three were headed their way to the village, or well, soon to be town. It was a regular walk, Mafu would occasionally get distracted and Eve and Shima would have to keep him on track.

Once they had finally reached the village, Mafu, Eve, and Shima started walking in. They then stopped to a small bench near one of the fountains that were near. "So.. What are we looking for?" Shima asked. The albino then turned to him, "Anything really, well actually anything that's good for a gift."

The male nodded before standing up, "Then, should we split up and just walk around? It's pretty big and it'll take longer if we go together." Mafu nodded before Eve had stood up as well. "Then, I'll head this way, Shima you go the the left side, and Mafu, you can head straight." Eve explained, while fixing his mask. The two males nodded in agreement before the three had went to the direction given to them.

Everything was going well, and there were alot of stuff they had found. Most were pricey but they each got one for the blond. And so far, things were going smoothly, once they found their way back, they met up again.

"Looks like we all found something." Mafu smiled. Shima then happily crossed his arms, "Well, let's start heading back-"

"Excuse me."

The three then turned to the voice behind them and noticed a tall male, most importantly, the leader of the village. "You three, may I ask why your alone?"

"Damn paper work!" Luz exclaimed. Araki turned to him and grinned, "Having trouble again?" The blond sighed, "Yeah.." Luz then kept quiet for a few seconds before looking up at the red-head, "Where's Mafu, Eve and Shima?"

"Um... Here at the castle?" The blond then shook his head, "I know they're not here Araki, they were supposed to be on duty today. Now where did they head off to?" Araki then started scratching the back of his neck ,"They were headed towards the village to get you something nice." Luz sighed before looking down at his desk.