THE PRICE OF WAR [Taka x Reader]

XVII. Back To The Start

"I have to go..." you said to Yrion and Kyria.

"What?"

"Hayltel is in danger, I have to go"

"Hayltel? No way!" Kyria exclaimed as Yrion translated the others.

"Wait, what?" Taka yelled.

"I'm going with you" Kyria told you.

"I'm going with her too" Yrion joined.

They all began to get upset and shout.

"Oh, no! No way! I understand that you want to save your family but mine is here in Mizumura!" Ryota yelled at you while pointing to his wife and daughter "I'm not going to leave them again ..."

"Me neither..." Tomoya joined after several seconds "I'm very sorry"

"You guys stay, I'll go with her" Taka decided.

"You're crazy?" Toru yelled "It's a complete suicide!"

"What's happening here?" Yusuke-senzo's voice interrupted you all.

"Senzo, my home is in danger. I must leave"

After hearing your explanation, his expression changed completely and he didn't think twice.

"We have no time to waist. Go get your armor, soldier. I'll go with you" he said.

"Senzo!" some soldiers yelled.

"Hayltel is in danger!" Yusuke-senzo shouted to the rest of his soldiers "Those who are willing to come put your armors on immediately. Those who don't... Pray for us"

The hamlet began to mutter and fidget as you ran to put on your armor as soon as possible. When you finished, you quickly returned to the square. Your companions were ready to leave while some more finished joining. There weren't only Kyria, Yrion and Yusuke-senzo, but also all the soldiers from Hayltel and the Western Kingdom who had come with you. About fifty men in all.

"My son, don't do it!" Taka's mother cried as her son walked out the door with his armor on "Don't leave me again!"

"Mother, I have to do it" he said as he dismissed his brothers with a hug and a kiss on the forehead.

"What if you don't come back this time?" she screamed, totally devastated.

"Son, calm down!" his father stopped him "You don't need to be a hero. You don't need to prove anything to anyone. Stay with us, I beg you..."

"Father, I can't!" Taka yelled, pulling away from him.

"Listen to me! If you stay in Mizumura you won't die. And if you go..." he said as his voice drowned just thinking about it.

"If I stay I'll never see her again"

His family watched him in alarm when he spoke those involuntary words. Taka took advantage and managed to get away from his father. His mother cried uncontrollably again while his father couldn't even react. Taka grabbed Kahze by the reins and approached the troop. Toru was the last to mount his horse and join.

"You too?" Yusuke-senzo asked him, concerned.

"This troop has nothing to do without me" he smirked as he stared at you.

His determination made you smile. Ryota and Tomoya came to say goodbye.

"I'm so sorry..." Ryota lamented.

You approached him and you greeted each other bringing your fists to your foreheads.

"We'll soon see each other again" you stated as you greeted Tomoya in the same way.

"Good luck, wielder" Ryota wished you.

"We're all with you, Yumiko... I mean, Aalyn" the other smiled.

Hatsumi watched you from a corner and you greeted her with a bow, reminding her of the promise you made to her.

"When you're ready" Yusuke-senzo told you.

You looked back one last time. Tomoya and Ryota hugged their families while Hatsumi cried while praying with her eyes closed. A great feeling of uncertainty had gripped the faces of the villagers as their eyes pointed to you as the sole culprit in the whole situation. One thing was clear: nothing good had happened since you had discovered your power. The crow approached you impatiently again:

"My lady, please! We have no time!"

You looked at him in pain and addressed him with a solemn voice:

"Bring us back to Hayltel"

And so, after the squawk that signaled your departure, the flock took flight as the soldiers herded their horses and your body transformed into that of an eagle. Meanwhile, the people of Mizumura once again dismissed their heroes amid encouragement, tears and applauses.