ᴿᵉ:ゼロ 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐒

S1 E23: Fighting For Love

NIGHTFALL

Rushing to Irlam Village, I could already see the torches a-blazed in the darkness. One of them shouting out to me in curiousness. He must've been one of the parents but unexpectedly it was a dear friend whom rescued me that day. Smiling upon his sweet recovery, I ran up to give him a warm hug. Laughing at each other in embrace, we've waited so long to do this. Our bond has surely developed over the cause of five days...

Boseman: My boy! What are you doing out here so late? It's past your bedtime!

Jiro: It's good to see you too, Boseman. I'm grateful to see you're doing well...and are ready to continue...may I ask something?

Boseman: Hmm?

Jiro: Could you please tell me where the children are? Have you seen any of them?

Boseman: (Reflective) No...sorry I have not. We've been looking for them all day. Sadly, the children were no where to be found. Unfortunately, the parents are starting to get tired and would need to rest. They just want their babies back.. <holding onto his pendant> and as parent, I would understand what it's like to be scared of those close to you. Can't imagine the pain a parent would go through for one's child...don't you agree, Jiro?!

-Recalling his past memories of the one's whom raised him, no he doesn't understand. But, he knows what it is like to lose something inside...a part of your own soul ripped from you-

Jiro: Sadly, I can't recall a peaceful or even a fond memory. But, I assure you...we will find the missing children in due time. That's a promise...

Boseman: (pats the boy's (side)shoulder) It's nice to have you back...Jiro. The villagers could use your support since they're too afraid to enter that demonic forest. Wait...you don't think---

Jiro: Yes, Boseman. I do think they lie inside that damn place. 

Boseman: (Shocked) How? Why are those kids inside there? Did someone kidnap them?

Jiro: Kidnapping a group of kids would be too strenuous for one man...which leaves out a simple answer...the Mabeast.

Boseman: Really? I thought this settlement was warded off by the glowing crystals...

Jiro: Warded? <thinking> 

Boseman: Yeah, the crystals react as a barrier against dark creatures lurking in the forest.

Jiro: That means... <eureka moment> of course! the crystal must've cracked or something... possibly meaning someone had the nerve to sabotage it. Maybe, the power vanished leaving a single spot defenseless from the Mabeasts...Dammit. 

Boseman: That's quite a hypothesis, Mr. Ren...

Jiro: Thanks, but there's no time for compliments...it is time for action...

-As I held onto the handle of my sword, I ran off into the forest to search for the dim or faded crystal I've guessed-

Boseman: Jiro! Wait up!

-Looking back, I continue to ignore him and not drag him into another problem of mine. Arrogant as always, I ran faster so it could get ahead of him...finally being able to reach the broken barrier. This is where the demonic puppy must've led those missing children-

Boseman: Jiro <huffs in exhaustion> damn, you're fast!

Jiro: Go back, Boseman. You're in no condition to fight...please remain here.

Boseman: You idiot. If you enter that forest, the Mabeast will shred every last tissue in your body. You'll die...my friend.

-Turning around, I was going for the persuasive type, and earnestly asked him to return to the village-