Moonlight Blue

After a week, a lot of change happened in the city of Waham. More of Dread’s men journeyed to the city as they made preparation for the slave business that was going to be set up.

Zeke visited Naomi in her inn.

Naomi was behind the counter, drinking her worries away. Zeke entered as he walked up to Naomi.

“What has gotten you so down?”

Naomi glared at him before asking.

“How did you know?”

“Know what?”

“That Raizer would willingly work for Dread. And don’t lie to me by saying you don’t know. After all, you did say that it would depend on his choice.”

“Tell me what happened first.”

And then Naomi began her story.

It was three days ago. Raizer showed up at the inn as he was filled with rage. He walked up straight to Naomi who was sitting down on the chair. The moment Naomi saw him, a look of relief dawned on her face.

“I’m so glad to see that you are-“

“You knew that I was going to die, didn’t you?”

“What?”

“You left me to die at the hands of Dread. HOW CAN YOU DO THAT TO ME?”

Naomi stood up and stared at Raizer’s eyes.

“I told you, didn’t I? I told you about the dangers. But noooo, you had to listen to that snake instead of your sister.”

“You’re not my sister. You’re nothing to me.”

“What is that supposed to mean, Raizer?”

“I’ve joined Dread’s gang.”

“W-wait, what? Do you know what he’ll have you do? You’ll be a slaver-“

“And so what?”

A look of disbelief shot up Naomi’s face.

“Raizer, you can’t be thinking of doing such a filthy job?”

“If it means I’ll get to live, I would even kill you.”

A third-party voice echoes through the inn.

“That’s enough, Raizer.”

It was Jasper.

“You’ve finally showed your face, coward.”

Jasper descended the stairs as he stood next to Naomi.

“How can you say that to big sister? How far have you fallen, brother?”

“DON’T YOU DARE CALL ME THAT. You lost the privilege to call me that four days ago when you abandoned me.”

Tears slowly dripped down Naomi’s face.

“Hmph. Those crocodile tears of yours won’t save you this time. I know I was forbidden to kill you or even hurt you but, I swear this, Naomi. As long as you live in this city, I will make your life a living hell.”

Raizer turned his back and left.

“And that is it. That is what happened.” Concluded Naomi as she poured herself another cup of rum.

“So, you’ve been drinking since then?” asked Zeke.

“Yeah. So tell me, how did you know?”

“It was obvious really. In his eyes, you left him for dead just to save your own skin. But I think Dread was also responsible for his behaviour.”

“Dread?”

“Dread is a person who believes that in order for someone to move forward, they should discard their past. Usually, he makes his new subordinates kill the people they love but since you are under my protection, you’ll be safe.”

“Really?!”

“Yes. After all, he is the person who left his own younger brother to fend for himself. He is ruthless even to his family. Sigh, I could never understand that part about him. I mean, the only reason people want to be strong is to protect what’s dear to them.”

“You speak like you have a sibling.”

“I do actually. A younger sister. I’m doing most of this for her like how you were doing for your younger brothers.”

“I never thought you had sister. Why are you telling me this?

“Don’t know. Maybe I sympathise with you. Maybe it’s to gain your trust. Maybe it’s a lie. Maybe it’s the next plot of my plan. It could be many reasons. I guess I’ll leave it to you to figure it out.”

This guy. No matter how I look at him, I can’t read him at all. Thought Naomi.

“I actually came to tell you that I’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

“You’ll be leaving? Already?”

“Yeah. I’m a busy guy after all.”

“I see. Have a safe trip, I guess.”

“Thank you. I hope you meant that.”

“I didn’t. I hope you die.”

“You do know if I die then you’ll die too, right?”

“Yeah. I just hate your smug face.”

***

Zeke met up with Dread who had just finished hunting.

“What brings you here, Zeke?” asked Dread with a menacing tone.

“Can’t I visit a friend?”

The only thing Dread could do was click his tongue.

“I came here to tell you that I’ll be leaving tomorrow.”

“I see.”

“So, try your best not to mess up again, okay?”

Bloodlust radiated from Dread’s face.

“Oh, yeah. I’ll trust you’ll take care of the problem that’ll come your way.”

“What problem?”

“Are you that dense? Remember idiot, you massacred a ton of guards. A military force from the capital will probably be sent to look into things here.”

“Ah, of course.”

“Do me a favour, don’t kill everyone. Leave at least one person to send word about the danger that is you otherwise they’ll just keep sending more people to investigate. That would bring problems considering you have to leave after two months.”

“I understand. If that’s all, you can leave then. I can’t stand looking at your smug face.”

“Do I really have a smug face?” asked Zeke as he looked at Maeve who was always following him. She responded.

“Yes. You do have a punch-able face.”

“Smug face. Smug face. Not punch-able.”

“I guess you have them both then.”

The next day finally arrived and Zeke and Maeve left the city of Waham. And just like that years passed and the relationship between Raizer and Naomi only grew colder until they didn’t recognise each other anymore.