The Sixth God (Arc 1: From The Pale Ashes) [BL]

Chapter 9

The blood drifted down the river, diluting it until not a hint of red could be seen. Shida blankly stared at the cut, it wasn't too deep, now that the water flushed it out. It will heal fine, just another scar of his body.

Shida sighed, scrubbing the rest of his body and ignoring the slight twinge and trickle of blood the movement caused.

The cold water started to drill into him, turning his heavily tanned skin a shade of blue. The shivers started up, slowly turning more violent but he stayed in the water.

Anything to prolong the time away from that place.

I could run away....

The thought drifted through his mind as if scheduled on the clock. And every time Shida ignored it though it was getting harder as time went on. Really, how hard would it be to start gathering up supplies? It didn't mean he would leave, just that he was ready if the time came and he needed to.

But he wouldn't. He couldn't leave Ina. He wouldn't do that.

He wouldn't.

Shida's body shuddered as it remembered all the pain and wounds it accumulated over the years. He wouldn't wish it on his worst enemy. And definitely not on his only friend.

Ina was all he had. He had to take Ina with him. And if they did leave, where would they go? They had no money, no destination. With their silver eyes, they would only meet more peoplelike Milly and Grey, Shida was sure of it. Shida couldn't protect himself let alone Ina.

But did Shida need to protect Ina? After all, Ina was special, a blessing of Lumine according to Milly. Ina would be loved while Shida would be-

Shida stopped his train of thought, not wanting to go down that spiral. It would only lead to that dark place inside himself that was hard to get out of.

Shida looked over at the shadows that were webbed through the forest but not a single one moved, not a single one answered his call.

The shadows had long since stopped protecting him.

A bitter smile rose on Shida's face.

There was no happy ending with Milly and Grey.

But there wasn't one out there either.

When Shida could no longer feel his toes, he waded out of the water. Grabbing the ripped burlap sack near a pine tree trunk, Shida quickly dried himself off. Putting on Ina's old winter clothes and coat, Shida carefully put on the worn leather gloves. They were still big on him, barely fitting but the warmth it gave to his hands and heart made them incomparably fragile to him.

Shida wanted to prolong the time he had away but he knew if he didn't show up soon, he would get in trouble. His stomach twisted, threatening to heave but after a few deep breaths, Shida was able to start walking back.

The snow was just a light dusting on the grass but the temperature froze the grass and ground enough to emit crisp crunches with each step.

He weaved aimlessly through the trees, his steps growing heavier but unconsciously taking him back to that place.

A dread slowly dripped into his veins, a startling growl echoed in the forest.

Shida froze, focus snapping back as up ahead he saw a deer carcass. Its body was ripped open, innards steaming on the forest floor. It's glazed eyes stared at Shida, horror frozen forever.