A Tamia's Tale

He was truly an abhorrent person. Despicable, rotten and useless. Useless was the word his mind was stuck on. 

Clutching sand in his hands, feeling the hot sun hitting his head like a hammer, his throat becoming sore from the lack of water… How long had it been since he got here? A few minutes? Hours? 

Tears couldn't spill as his breath couldn't even be heard by the desert. As still as the landscape, he stood there, on his knees as his head kept spinning.

Why? 

He repeated that word over and over again, like a broken record as the events that had transpired kept repeating in his broken mind. Why him? What did he do to deserve all of this?

As his mind wandered further and further, irrational events turned into rational thoughts. 

Perhaps he did deserve all this. Even while he didn't believe in fate, destiny or any other almighty divinity controlling his life, he couldn't help but feel cursed. He never wanted to be in this world.

All he ever wanted was…

What did he want exactly? He didn't know anymore. Perhaps he never knew. Perhaps he was too much of a coward to even fight for what he wanted. 

A crow passed above him, croaking as if mocking him. But it fell on deaf ears. He didn't even glance up. His eyes were burning yellow from the sand below him. 

I truly am a horrible person

His mind wandered to another set of self-flagellation. But someone came at the right moment to shake up his thoughts. A shadow hovered him, shielding him briefly from the scorching sun. 

The scent of flowers invaded his nostrils, amplified by the heat. "Man… He really sent us packing, didn't he?" a voice came through in a casual tone, accompanied by a sigh. "And I was really liking examining those cars…

The familiar person crouched next to him. "Hey, Luka. Are you okay?" she asked, her voice grounding him to the present.

He raised his head to meet her eyes. There were no words, just incomprehension. Her face turned into a worried frown as soon as she noticed his eyes beginning to shine. That's when he was reminded. 

Turning away his head, he simply stood up, as if his tiredness had vanished. "I'm fine."

His reply was as short as distant. Saki could sense he wasn't telling everything and a deep worry gnawed at her mind. One is born from having lived close to humans for a long time.

"You're clearly not okay," Saki replied with a sigh. She scratched her head and walked back up to him. "If you wan—"

"Just shut up."

The succubus stopped in her tracks. For the first time she met him, she felt hurt. His usual rudeness couldn't compare to the venom he had just spat. His voice, filled with raw intensity and anger resonated within her as she took a step back. The mark from their contract burned her skin, as she felt a mix of emotions flooding her senses. 

Without another word, Luka turned and began walking, his footsteps crunching softly against the sand as his eyes remained locked on the distant horizon. His shoulders were tense, and his movements lacked purpose, as if he were moving just to escape.

"Just…" he muttered after a pause, his voice quieter, tinged with regret. "Just leave me alone."

Saki watched him for a moment, her emerald eyes staring at his back. Her wings spread behind her as she soared in the air. Within seconds, she was hovering ahead of him, blocking his path.

"You idiot," she said, her tone sharp, though her expression softened with worry. "You don't even know where you're going!"

Luka stopped in his tracks, his gaze darting away from her. "I'll find a village eventually," he muttered, brushing past her with an air of dismissal.

"A village?" Saki echoed, bewildered. "Do you even know where you are? You're in the middle of a desert you fool! The only thing you're going to find is death!"

Her words finally made him stop. He looked at her, and for a fleeting moment, something flickered in his eyes—something vulnerable. But it was gone just as quickly as it came. "So what if I do?" he asked. "Maybe that's just how things should be."

Saki froze, her eyes widening with shock as he brushed past her. "What…?" Her words were stuck in her throat as she tried to process what was going on. It wasn't his fault that he was sent back here. So why would he be so upset?

"I understand you're upset but that's not how things should—" she began as she turned around, but he didn't even stop. It was clear he wasn't listening—or at least he acted like it and nothing would change his mind. Like an invisible force pulling him forward, leaving everything behind.

Without another word, her shoulders slumped. She was missing something. For some reason, returning to this world had broken him more than it should, especially since he was not that alone. He had said how he liked learning magic, how he liked the people here, right? 

"Then why…?" she whispered to herself, the question carried away by the desert wind. It wasn't like him to get all down like that. Even when he came back from Ryuuji, he was moody, for sure, but not to that extent. 

Like a detective, she decided to follow him for now. If worst came to worst, she would have to carry him toward a village and hope for the best. Though his steps seemed aimless, she realized he was moving in the right direction. Whether it was instinct or his ability to read the shadows cast by the sun, Luka was heading toward the nearest settlement.

She just hoped he'd still have the strength to make it there.

An hour passed, the oppressive heat showing no mercy. Saki's wings twitched in frustration as she watched Luka's movements grow slower, his strides shorter and more labored. He was practically dragging his feet now, and even following his sluggish pace was becoming an exercise in patience.

"Luka," she called, her tone sharper than she intended.

He didn't answer, his focus locked on the horizon. His breathing had become shallow, his steps faltering more with each passing minute.

Saki sighed, gliding down to land softly behind him. "You're going to collapse before you get anywhere," she said, her voice softer this time.

"I'll manage," he muttered, his tone hollow as he forced himself to keep walking.

"No, you won't," she countered, stepping in front of him and folding her arms. "This isn't about being strong or stubborn. You're dehydrated, exhausted, and—"

"Just fucking leave me alone!" he snapped, his voice cracking with anger as he glared at her. "You're a succubus! Don't you have better shit to do than follow me around like some goddamn puppy?" His eyes were dry and hurting but 

Saki flinched at the anger put behind his words and took a step back.

Luka didn't look back. He pushed past her and resumed his staggering pace, each step more strained than the last. His shoulders were tense, and his fists clenched as though the anger he'd unleashed had nowhere else to go.

Saki stood frozen for a moment, watching him walk away, her chest tightening with a mix of frustration and sadness. There was something unsettling her about how much he could switch up his emotions, from grief to anger in a split second, as if he was a walking time bomb.

Her emerald gaze lingered on his retreating form as she tried to make sense of it. He was upset—furious, even—but at whom? At her?

She racked her brain, replaying their interactions in search of anything she might have done wrong. But nothing of note came to mind. If she had crossed a line, surely Luka would have told her outright, wouldn't he?

Letting out a steadying breath, Saki muttered. "Idiot…" before she unfurled her wings and started following him again with light steps. 

Luka's pace faltered even more as exhaustion overtook him. His legs trembled with each step, his knees threatening to buckle, and his breath came in shallow, ragged gasps. Saki's concern grew with every stagger, her eyes narrowing as she prepared herself to catch him if—or rather, when—he fell.

But she wasn't fast enough.

Luka's legs gave out completely, and he collapsed into the scorching sand with a dull thud.

"Luka!" Saki called, rushing to his side in an instant. She knelt beside him, her wings folding close as she gently turned him onto his back. His face was pale, his breath labored, and the heat radiating from his body was alarming.

"Damn it," she muttered, her voice filled with urgency as she brushed the sand off his face. "I told you this would happen, you idiot."

"Don't… help me…" Luka rasped, his voice faint and broken as he struggled to push her hands away. He shifted slightly, trying to sit up, but his arms gave out beneath him, and he slumped back down. 

"You can't even lift yourself off the ground," Saki shot back, her voice sharp but cracking with emotion. "Stop being so stubborn!"

She pressed a hand gently but firmly against his shoulder to keep him from trying again. "You're going to kill yourself at this rate, and for what? To prove you don't need anyone?"

Luka's chest rose and fell unevenly as he stared up at her, his brown eyes turning golden with the sun flickering with defiance that quickly gave way to something more fragile—shame, perhaps, or exhaustion too heavy to fight.

For a moment, he simply lay there, the fight draining out of him. "Why…?" he murmured weakly, his gaze drifting away from hers. "Why do you even care…?"

"Because…" Saki began but soon cut herself short. She knew saying something half-heartedly wouldn't satisfy him but she couldn't tell the truth either.

"I've been helped enough," Luka muttered, his voice tinged with bitterness. He turned his face away from her, his struggle resuming as he tried to sit up again.

"Luka—" Saki started, but he ignored her, his body trembling with the effort.

"So go away…" he rasped, his arms shaking as he tried to push himself off the ground. "A loser like me should just stay alone."

"No," Saki said sharply, cutting him off.

Before he could respond, she slipped her arms beneath him and lifted him effortlessly. His eyes widened in surprise, but he was too weak to fight her off. "What are you doing?" he demanded, his voice hoarse and strained.

"I'm tired of walking with you," Saki said firmly, her emerald eyes blazing with determination. "So now, we do it my way."

With a powerful flap of her wings, she shot into the air, the wind rushing past them as she ascended. Luka's protests died in his throat, his strength finally giving out as his head rested limply against her shoulder.

He said nothing more, his eyes closing as exhaustion finally overtook him.

He was in a dream—or perhaps a nightmare, one that would never end. The wind rushed past him like a ghost's whisper, but his consciousness had drifted far beyond the pull of reality. Voices ebbed and flowed at the edges of his mind, too faint to grasp. He felt weightless, as though the world itself had forgotten him.

But his past remembered.

It resurfaced now, dragging him back into the shadows he had tried to escape. He saw himself—no longer a man, but a boy: lost, hollow, wandering through life with neither aspirations nor desires. A broken heart, fractured into pieces, until it had shattered his mind.

He hated it. All of it. The world, its cruelty, and its indifference. But above all else, he hated himself.

And yet...

He could not deny them—those faces around him, etched with concern, offering love he could not accept. They had tried to pull him from the brink more times than he could count, their hands reaching into the abyss to drag him back to life. And what had he done? He had pushed them all away.

That's what this moment reminded him of. Trapped. Powerless. A life hanging by a thread, as hopeless as ever.

He did not deserve their help. Not when he had made it clear he would squander it. He did not deserve their love. Not when he had proven incapable of holding on to it.

That's why he couldn't understand. Why was she helping him? 

But no one answered. 

To trust her would mean trusting himself. But could he?

Was he even capable of such a thing?

Saki's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, where she could see a plume of smoke rising behind the dunes. It was a village she had already been to, small and poor, but its inhabitants were warm and hospitable to travelers. 

The village came into view, its modest collection of stone and wood buildings huddled together against the harsh desert. A few figures moved about the outskirts, their heads lifting at the sight of Saki descending from the sky.

She landed gently at the village's edge, careful not to jar Luka as she cradled him in her arms. A middle-aged man with weathered skin and a wide-brimmed hat approached his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Is he alright?" the man asked, his voice gruff but kind as he gestured toward Luka.

"Exhaustion and dehydration," Saki replied briskly, her tone calm but firm. "He needs water, rest, and somewhere cool."

The man nodded and waved her toward one of the smaller buildings. "Come on, then. We'll do what we can."

Saki followed him without hesitation, her wings and tail disappearing thanks to her camouflage magic. The inside of the tavern-like building was simple but clean, the air blessedly cooler than the sweltering desert outside. She laid him down gently on a table, brushing a strand of dark hair from his face as she adjusted his position.

The man soon returned with a pitcher of water and a damp cloth, setting them near Luka. "I'll fetch some food too," he said gruffly before stepping out.

"Thank you," Saki murmured, her voice softening as she soaked the cloth in water and pressed it gently to Luka's forehead. His breathing, though shallow, had grown steadier, and some of the tension in his face had begun to ease.

As she worked, a curious woman approached, her eyes flicking between Luka and the bandages wrapping parts of his arms and torso. "This man has a lot of bandages on him. What happened to him?" she asked, her tone cautious but intrigued.

Saki hesitated, her emerald eyes briefly darting to Luka's still face before answering. "He's been through a lot," she said simply, her tone carefully neutral. "More than I can explain in a few words."

The woman frowned, crossing her arms as she studied Luka. "Looks like he's seen a battlefield," she said thoughtfully. "Those aren't ordinary injuries."

Saki chuckled at the woman's remark, unknowing that what truly happened was worse than that. "You're right. But right now, all he needs is help."

The man came back moments later, carrying a bowl of steaming stew and a loaf of bread. "Here," he said, setting them on a nearby table. "Food's ready when he wakes up. You should eat too, miss."

Saki offered a small, tired smile. Even though she was succubus and didn't need to eat, she appreciated the gesture. "I will, once he's stable."

The man shrugged, wiping his hands on his apron. "Suit yourself," he said casually, but then his eyes narrowed slightly, studying her with a touch of curiosity. "By the way, you're a succubus, aren't you? The way you were flying up there…"

Saki froze for a moment, her shoulders tensing instinctively. Her heart skipped a beat, though she kept her expression carefully composed. "What makes you say that?" she asked cautiously.

The man scratched his chin thoughtfully, his gaze drifting briefly toward the door she had entered from. "We killed one not long ago," he said casually, as if discussing the weather. "She warned us that more of her kind would come, but I didn't expect to see you, miss."

Saki's emerald eyes narrowed sharply, her mind racing. Her body tensed instinctively, but then her expression shifted as realization dawned. Her eyes widened, a flicker of recognition lighting them. "Wait… you're…"

"Aye, miss!" the gruff man interrupted with a hearty laugh. "It's been forty years, but I still remember the day we met!" He tapped a finger against his temple, grinning as though recalling a fond memory. "Don't worry—I know you're one of the good ones. We're not gonna hurt ya."

Saki blinked, a nervous smile flashing across her face as she relaxed slightly. Her lips parted as if to speak, but hesitation stalled her. Her gaze searched the man's weathered face, dredging up fragments of memories long buried.

"Gerard…" she finally said, her voice quieter, like rediscovering an old song she thought she'd forgotten. "You… remember me?"

The man chuckled, his cheeks tinged with a slight blush as he nodded enthusiastically. "How could I forget? That night was one of the best of my life!"

Saki blinked again, then burst into hearty laughter, her hand resting lightly on the edge of the table. "Right… You were one nervous guy, weren't you?"

"Ahahaha!" Gerard laughed along, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "And look at you—you haven't changed a bit! Not a wrinkle on ya! So, how old does that make you now?"

Saki's playful smirk widened as she leaned in slightly, her tone taking on a faux-menacing edge. "Haven't your parents taught you never to ask a woman's age, Gerard?"

The man raised his hands in mock surrender, grinning widely. "Fair enough, fair enough! But seriously, it's good to see you again, miss. Didn't think I'd get the chance."

"Likewise," Saki replied, her smile softening as she glanced at Luka. "Though I wasn't expecting it to be under these circumstances."

"Life's full of surprises, huh?" Gerard said, folding his arms and leaning against the wall. He glanced at Luka, his curiosity piqued. "By the way, is this your new guy? Don't tell me you're the one who—"

"No, he is not," Saki cut him short, her tone sharp but calm. "He's… a friend."

Gerard raised an eyebrow, then nodded knowingly. "I get ya," he said with a grin that suggested he was imagining more than she intended. "No need to explain. None of my business anyway."

Saki rolled her eyes, letting out a small, exasperated laugh. She turned her attention back to Luka, her expression shifting to one of quiet concern. "Do you have a room for him tonight? We don't have money, so…"

Gerard scratched his chin thoughtfully, his brow furrowing. "I've got a free room tonight," he said after a moment. "But if someone comes in the middle of the night needing it, I'll have to ask ya to leave. Sorry," he added with a sheepish chuckle. "The bed's only for one, though—if ya catch my drift."

"I'll sleep somewhere else. It's fine," Saki replied quickly, waving off his concern.

Gerard gave her a curious look, his brows knitting together. "Oh… You really weren't joking, huh?" he muttered under his breath. "Anyway, if it comes to that, I'll set up a small spot near the stables. Hay and sheets—nothing fancy, but it'll do for him to rest."

Saki's lips curled into a warm smile, her emerald eyes meeting Gerard's. "Thank you, Gerard. I mean it. I'm glad your kindness hasn't dulled in forty years."

The gruff man scratched the back of his head, his face reddening slightly at her words. "Ah, don't mention it," he said with a chuckle. "Just doing what I can."

As Gerard stepped away to make preparations, Saki sighed softly, her attention returning to Luka. She adjusted the cloth on his forehead and pressed it a bit more, making droplets of water trickle down his cheeks. 

Why? The question echoed in her mind as she gazed at the young man before her. She had met countless men in her long life—warriors, kings, cowards, schemers. It wasn't hyperbole to say she had seen the full spectrum of human behavior. And yet, this man remained a mystery.

When they first met, he had seemed so… ordinary. A bit rude, sure, and with a cynicism that hinted at a life of disappointment, but nothing like the broken figure lying before her now. Something had happened—something that had shattered him in a way she couldn't yet understand.

Her mind wandered to his world, the one he had been pulled from. Had the Hatman said something to him?

Or perhaps…

Saki frowned, her fingers brushing lightly against his temple, as if her touch could smooth away the lines of anguish etched into his face. Perhaps you were broken from the start? she wondered silently.

That time when he fought Yelena was burned into her mind. The way his behavior switched entirely from a survivor to a calculating assassin. But even then, she had attributed much of his victory to a mix of luck and underestimation on Yelena's part. Luka hadn't fought with confidence or experience—he had fought like someone with nothing to lose.

Yet he still had so much to lose. The more she thought about it, the less it was making sense. Why fight when you have a home to return to? Why did he try to save her, knowing fully well he was at risk of dying?

Saki pulled her hand back, her frown deepening. Was that part of you always there? she thought. Or did this world bring it out of you?

Her gaze lingered on his face, his features softened by unconsciousness yet still shadowed by whatever haunted him. She leaned back slightly, crossing her arms as questions swirled in her mind. 

Then, as if reaching a conclusion, she straightened. Hovering her hand just above his forehead, she closed her eyes and steadied her breathing. Her fingers trembled slightly as she focused, tapping into the faint magical hum that connected her to him through their bond.

But then, she hesitated.

Saki opened her eyes in a cold sweat, her breathing becoming ragged as something clutched her chest. It wasn't right—it was too soon. She wasn't ready to face whatever truths lay buried within him. 

After all, she had come to respect him. It wasn't her original plan when she arrived in Sora, but for some reason, she took a liking to him. No matter what of an idiot he was, there was no way he was a fool. Everything he had done until now was calculated to a certain extent. 

Her mind wandered back to their conversation in the carriage, right before the invasion of Sora. It was a moment she hadn't thought much about at the time, but now it stood out, replaying in her head with unsettling clarity.

"I guess… I'm a bad person after all,"

He had said it so casually, as though stating an unremarkable fact. It sounded like a confirmation rather than a random thought. He confirmed himself that day that he was a bad person. 

The sun's shadow began to stretch across the stony tavern, casting long, faint lines across the room. The quiet hum of the place seemed distant, muffled as her thoughts spiraled inward. She glanced down at Luka, still unconscious, his breathing steady but shallow. It seemed clear that he wasn't going to wake up anytime soon.

Saki stood, her body stiff with lingering tension. She looked at him again, her gaze softening. With a sigh, she decided it was time to move him. There was no use waiting around for him to come to on his own—if she had learned anything about him, it was that he'd likely push himself past his limits until his body gave out.

Without ceremony, she lifted him, his form limp in her arms like a sack of potatoes. He was surprisingly light, and as she carried him across the room, she noticed the way his face had softened in sleep, the harsh lines of stress temporarily smoothed.

There was something oddly intimate about carrying him like this, something that tugged at her chest as she settled him onto the cot in the room Gerard had offered. Saki gently adjusted his position, making sure he was comfortable, though she didn't think he'd stir any time soon.

She stepped back, watching him for a moment. Despite the confusion and frustration swirling inside her, she found herself feeling an odd tenderness toward him.

"Sleep well, you'll need it," she muttered in a soft voice. 

Saki stood there for a while, her mind whirring, but the silence was all-consuming, only interrupted by his steady breathing. Slowly, she turned away, stepping out of the room to give him the space to rest. For now, that was all she could do. The questions could wait. 

What he needed now was a new beginning. And no matter what he had to say, she had to see it through.

With her mind made up, she decided to stay at an old friend's place for the night. Surely that person would help her, or at least provide a place to stay. And if they didn't want to, well, she had other ways of persuading them. A little mind-control magic was a small price to pay to ensure things went the way she needed.

After all, no brainwashing has ever hurt anyone, right? she thought to herself with a wry smile.

The night passed by without a hitch. The next morning, Saki hurried back to the tavern where Luka was sleeping, her mind wandering to the many activities she had in mind. What he needed was to think about something else, get his mind out of his self-absorbing thoughts.

She arrived at the tavern and made her way to the room where Luka was still sleeping. Gerard told her no one had come tonight so he was able to stay in his room. As she reached the door, she only heard his steady breathing.

"Still sleeping, huh…?"

With a wry smile, she closed the door behind her and stepped closer to the bed, hoping to give him a good fright. 

She leaned in, her grin widening as she prepared to pounce.

"I hope you're ready for a good scare," she whispered to herself, her tone playful.

Then, with a sudden movement, she stopped in her tracks. Her smile disappeared almost as soon as it arrived and she regained a normal stance. Her eyes were riveted on the small chest near the bed, or rather what was on it.

She said nothing but her heart rate was skyrocketing. 

With trembling fingers, she reached for the rope, tied into a noose. It wasn't used at all but it was still there. 

A noose big enough to pass your head through.

Saki's mind raced, her thoughts scattered as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing. This wasn't just an oversight; it felt deliberate. She stared at it, her chest tightening so much she felt like throwing up. 

It wasn't there when she had put him in his bed. The chest had nothing on it.

Saki's fingers trembled as she slowly pulled her hand back, staring at the rope in disbelief. This meant Luka had woken up during the night. He had found the rope… and done this himself.

"What the hell…" she gritted her teeth in anger, not comprehending how you could get to that point. The simple fact that he hadn't used it was good but it still felt unnerving and disgusting to her. 

A disgust she couldn't hide as she grabbed Luka's shoulder and gave him a shake.

"Luka… Luka…" she called out, her teeth clenched as she grabbed him tighter and tighter until he would wake up. 

Something was boiling inside her. She couldn't believe it, there was no way it was real. 

She shook him harder. Wake up, damn it!

"Hmm?" Luka groaned under the shaking, his head shifting slightly as his eyes cracked open, his vision blurry and unfocused. His expression was hazy, as though he were caught somewhere between sleep and wakefulness.

He turned his head slowly, his eyes slitted, a faint groan escaping his lips. "What…?" he mumbled, clearly disoriented.

Saki's breath hitched in her throat as her anger began to mix with something deeper—something raw. She was no longer sure whether she wanted to scream at him or just shake him until he understood.

"What is that for?!" she whispered angrily, holding the rope in her hand and presenting it to his face. 

With a soft chuckle, Luka turned away from her, comfortably resting his head back on the pillow, as if nothing had happened. "It was for killing myself," he said casually, his voice still hoarse from the sleep. "But I figured it was too painful, so I stopped," he continued, chuckling lightly, as though it was no more significant than a passing thought.

Saki froze, her heart hammering in her chest. The words hit her like a punch to the gut. He laughed—laughed as if it was something trivial.

"You… you were serious?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, a mixture of disbelief and horror. She could barely comprehend what she was hearing.

Luka then sighed and turned his head back to her as if he realized something. Then, with a casual chuckle, he waved his hand dismissively. "It was a joke, a joke…" he mumbled with a smile.

Saki's fingers tightened around the rope and she let out a shaky breath. "Don't you joke about something like that," she finally managed to say. "That's not funny."

Luka's smile faltered, and for the first time, a shadow of something real flickered in his eyes. But it was quickly replaced with the same indifference, as though the walls had gone back up.

"Relax," he muttered, though his tone lacked conviction. "It's not a big deal. Really."

Saki opened her mouth to respond, to press him further, to demand answers, but before she could say anything, a knock interrupted the moment.

Gerard's voice, soft and cautious, came from behind the door. "Can I come in?"

Saki hesitated for a moment, torn between wanting to stay with Luka and needing to process everything that had just been said. She gave Luka one last, lingering glance before pulling away, her hands still clenched tightly around the rope.

"Just… don't do that again," she muttered, her voice more of a plea than a command. Without waiting for a response, she turned toward the door.

"Come in," Luka called, his voice sounding less heavy, as if the intrusion had already shifted his mood slightly.

Gerard opened the door slowly, stepping inside with a concerned look on his face. "I'm not bothering you two, am I?" he asked, his gaze flicking between Saki and Luka.

Before Saki could answer, Luka was already up from his bed, surprisingly quick for someone who had been on the verge of collapse just hours ago. He stretched slightly, then held his hand out to Gerard with an apologetic smile. "Thank you for helping me, Mister," he said, his tone sincere but somewhat subdued. "I'm sorry for bothering you so much."

Gerard took his hand firmly, returning the smile with a warm, reassuring grip. "It's fine, it's fine," the old man said. "Glad to see you're back on your two feet."

Saki stood back, watching them interact as his mind still lingered on what she had seen. Luka was acting as if nothing had happened with so much ease it made her shiver. She swore that if she hadn't seen that rope, she wouldn't even have noticed a single problem.

"If there's anything I can do to repay you," Luka began, bowing slightly.

"Oh, yeah!" Gerard answered. "Can you work a bit today? I'm down a waiter today, he is a bit sick. That would be great and you can even sleep again here tonight!"

Luka hesitated for a moment, as if considering the offer, then nodded. "Sure, I can do that," he said, his tone nonchalant. "Happy to help."

"Okay then, come! I need yer help!" Gerard said with a chuckle, clapping Luka on the back before motioning for him to follow. Without another word, he led the way to the lounge area.

Saki remained standing in the doorway for a moment longer, watching the two men leave. A sense of unease gripped her chest, but she pushed it aside. 

The morning went on without a problem, as Luka was used to working in a tavern, back at the Blue Falcons' guild. He slipped easily into the rhythm, greeting customers, taking orders, and moving with the fluidity of someone who had done this countless times before.

Saki watched him from a distance, her mind still racing. Luka's facade was back in place, and it irritated her. She had seen this in many others and it bothered her. 

And she hated herself for not having noticed sooner. 

All this time she thought she knew him better than himself but she was proven dead wrong today. It was as if all conceptions she had of him were shattering with each passing day. 

"Luka! Get me the bread from the oven!" Gerard shouted across the lounge while serving some customers.

The tavern was busy, as usual, for a small village. It was still a stop for many travelers on pilgrimage toward the holy city or, even further, Fyr. Pilgrims, merchants, and wanderers passed through, making it a busy hub of sorts. 

Luka carefully approached the large stone oven, the heat radiating from the crackling fire, making the air around it wavy. The heat smeared his face with sweat, making it difficult for him to even see the bread buried deep within the ash.

With a wooden peel, he began taking them out, one by one. Slowly but surely, he pulled one, two, and three loaves of bread out, setting them aside in a basket. As he reached for the last one, his movement shifted, and for a split second, his grip slipped from the accumulated sweat on his hand.

The wooden peel clattered to the floor with a sharp crack, and the loaf of bread tumbled from the peel, landing with a soft thud on the ground. 

Gerard arrived in a hurry after hearing the sharp crack, his eyes widening as he saw the damage. "No way! You broke my peel?!" he exclaimed, rushing over to the scene.

The wooden peel had split in two, the weight of the bread proving too much as it fell to the floor, snapping in the middle before it clattered to the oven. Gerard's frustration was palpable as he picked up the broken pieces, inspecting them with a sigh.

Luka stood still, his expression blank, but his body language stiff with tension.

"Sorry…" Lula muttered finally, his voice distant. "I didn't mean to."

Gerard didn't immediately respond. His eyes flicked from the broken peel to Luka, his frown deepening. After a moment, he shook his head, his anger flaring. "How am I supposed to bake bread now? Should I pull it out with my goddamn arm? Is that it?"

The handle of the peel had broken slightly, but the worst part was the flat surface, cracked with the shock of the fall. It was clear this wasn't just about the broken utensil anymore—it was the culmination of frustrations that had built up.

"I'm already in debt, you know that?" Gerard continued, his voice rising in frustration. "Argh… Goddamit." He slammed the pieces of the broken peel onto the counter, clearly unable to contain his anger.

Luka's expression faltered, and he stepped forward, trying to offer his assistance. "I'm sorry, I'll—" he started, reaching for the broken peel to help clean up.

But before Luka could get any closer, Gerard lashed out. "Get away from my inn! You damn clutz!"

The room became silent, the words cutting everyone's breakfast. Luka didn't respond right away, his eyes cast downward, his body rigid. With a fluid motion, he pulled off his apron and gave it to the man before leaving the building.

Gerard stood there for a moment, still fuming, but it was clear that Luka's departure had affected him as well. His anger had already begun to fade, replaced with something else—guilt, perhaps, or regret.

Even the patrons around the room exchanged glances, some of them putting their cutlery down, looking at Gerard with concern.

"Come on, Gerard, it was just a peel!" one of them spoke up, his voice trying to defuse the tension.

"I know!" Gerard shouted back, his frustration growing. He let out a sigh and leaned against the counter, rubbing his face with his hand. "It's just… I'm in deep trouble right now, and that was the last straw…"

Saki, who had been quietly observing the exchange, stepped forward, her curiosity piqued. "You didn't say anything about that."

"How could I?" Gerard muttered, his voice quieter now, laced with shame. "After all this time, it would have been sad, no?"

Saki crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on him. "How bad is it?"

Gerard hesitated, his shoulders sagging as he stared down at the broken peel on the counter. He wasn't meeting her eyes, clearly uncomfortable with opening up, but the tension in the room was enough to prompt a response.

"It's bad, Saki," he said quietly. "I've got debts, people breathing down my neck, and I'm barely keeping this place running. Last time the Emperor's army took everything I had without even paying." He looked up at her then, his eyes hollow and empty. "My wife left me for this guy that traveled to Sora, and now a succubus used my inn and killed three people here before I confronted her."

Saki recoiled slightly upon hearing his story. She hadn't seen him in forty years now and it was clear life wasn't really grateful for his kindness. She could feel the desperation in his voice.

"I didn't know…" she murmured, her voice softer now. "Don't you have any friends that could help you?"

Gerard gave a short, bitter laugh. "Ask for help? Who would listen? Everyone's got their own problems. And after everything that's happened, who could blame them for turning away? Everyone is afraid of this place and the village is becoming poorer as time passes. Everyone's leavin'."

Even after he had said everything, only a crushing hopelessness took over her. What could she do to help? They had no money and the village's decline wasn't something that could be taken care of in a day or two. It was a matter of geographical placement and circumstances more than anything. 

And with the steady decline in population, it was only a matter of time before this town became a ghost of its former self, fading into memory.

Saki placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, giving him a small, empathetic smile. "You'll get through this, Gerard. You're a strong guy. Wait a minute, I'll go find Luka. I'm sure he will understand."

Gerard looked at her with a mix of gratitude and resignation, nodding slowly. "Thanks, Saki. I appreciate it... more than you know."

With one last glance at Gerard, Saki turned toward the door. She needed to find Luka, as she was more worried about him for now.

As she stepped outside, the radiant sun immediately hit her skin, and a wave of heat enveloped the town, making the air feel heavy. Saki paused for a moment, letting the warmth wash over her, before her eyes scanned the street. It was eerily quiet, the usual hum of activity muted by the oppressive heat.

Luka was slouched against the wall of a nearby house, the shadow barely shielding him from the relentless sun. His body was tense, his arms crossed so tightly across his chest it looked as if he were holding himself together.

Saki hesitated for a moment, her heart tightening at the sight. He hadn't noticed her yet. For once, the sharpness she was used to—the biting sarcasm and cold indifference—was absent. All she saw was exhaustion.

She walked toward him, her footsteps soft on the dusty ground. As she drew closer, she noticed the faint crease between his brows, the way his gaze seemed unfocused and far away.

"Luka," she called gently, her voice soft but firm.

He looked up slowly, his movements sluggish, as if it took everything in him just to lift his head.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her heart pounding a little faster as she knelt down beside him.

Luka didn't answer right away, his gaze flicking away for a moment before meeting hers. The silence between them felt heavy, like he was deciding whether to let her in or not.

After what seemed like an eternity, he gave a small tired nod. "Yeah," he muttered. "I'm fine."

Saki didn't buy it for a second. The words didn't match the look in his eyes. "You liar," she called him out.

Luka flinched slightly at the words, and for a moment, his expression wavered. His shoulders tensed, and he turned his gaze downward, avoiding her eyes.

"Don't worry about me," he said, his voice flat, almost rehearsed. "I'm fine."

"Then why the rope?" she asked, this time showing the elephant in the room. "No one fine would do that."

As if unable to escape from it, Luka resigned himself. 

"It wasn't…" He hesitated, the words catching in his throat. Finally, he exhaled shakily, his voice dropping to a whisper. "It wasn't for anything. Just… a stupid thought."

Saki's gaze softened, but her voice remained firm. "You might not believe me, but I've seen a lot of humans in my time. And the ones who let thoughts like that fester… it rarely ends well."

"It's not new," Luka countered sharply, his tone defensive. "It's just… resurfaced. Everything that's been happening lately… it's like it won't stop piling on."

Saki studied him for a moment, her tail flicking lightly behind her as she weighed her words. "That doesn't make it any less dangerous," she said quietly. "Ignoring it won't make it go away, Luka."

"I'm not ignoring it. It's just…" 

He can't go home anymore. No matter what he tried to do, he always got pushed back in this world. He had said how much he hated it there, how much he didn't care about the people living there. 

"I am weak. There is no denying it," he finally said, his fists clenching. "I abandoned the people back at Sora because of petty reasons."

"Huh?" Saki blinked, not understanding what he meant by this. "You didn't though. You saved Morgann and drove back Kaeris. That's pretty heroic."

Luka shook his head. "No, I meant when Morgann was losing her father. Before the invasion."

Saki was a bit lost and she recoiled in confusion. "You're awfully harsh on yourself… You were bedridden for days after almost getting killed."

"That's true but… I also left Kanami alone."

"You're worried about her?" Saki raised an eyebrow and a faint smirk tugged her lips. "Didn't know you liked her that much."

Saki's smirk faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression. Her tail flicked behind her as she considered his words. "You really think you let her down?" she asked after a moment, her voice softer.

Luka nodded, his gaze distant. "I wasn't there when she needed someone the most. And now… I don't even know if she's okay."

"I heard she was off training back in the mountains of Ryuuji," Saki replied after a pause. "So don't worry about her. Besides, she's strong. She'll be okay."

Luka managed a faint smile, the tension in his features easing slightly. "I hope you're right."

Saki's tone sharpened just a touch, though her expression remained kind. "Focus more on yourself because you clearly aren't."

"I…" he paused and frowned. She was right and he knew he felt more discouraged than ever. But to top all of it off…. "I feel like, I don't matter at all. Like… I'm not allowed to feel angry." he finally admitted, his fists clenching. 

"Everyone had it worse than me and helped me anyway," he added, the words rolling out of his tongue. "Morgann lost her father, Kanami was alone for a long time… They had insane problems that I can't even compare. I'm just… selfish for even feeling angry about anything." His voice was laced with bitterness, a knot in his chest tightening at the thought of all the people who had suffered far more than he ever had."

"You feel angry for being sent here?" 

Luka's silence answered her with a small nod. His anger wasn't just about what had happened; it was about everything that led him here. Especially now that he knew who did it. That it wasn't just random. A feeling of helplessness took over him and added to the guilt of not knowing why him. Why was he targeted by the Hatman?

But he couldn't stay there and do nothing. His mind and body screamed at him to just give up, stay in one place, and wait for the imminent destruction. But he knew how dire the situation of this world was.

There was also another thing that drove him nuts. Something from his past that he couldn't shake off. 

"Also, like I said before, I'm a bad person," he finally stated, full of confidence. "I know you think otherwise but…"

The words hung in the air, but Luka didn't need to say more. His thoughts were loud enough. I killed someone. The thought echoed through him like a terrible refrain, the memory of it making his insides twist.

 Not only did I kill someone, but I forsook my own convictions the moment I got here. No… since a long while ago. The truth was too painful to confront fully, but it was there, hanging over him, and it felt like the core of everything wrong with him.

Luka wasn't one to believe in blind righteousness or blind evil. There was no right or wrong in survival. But he felt it. Something he had decided to do long ago, eating at him from the inside, a promise not forgotten but tossed aside. 

Too angry at himself for avoiding the inevitable. Too much of a coward to end his life. Too scared to even fight for what he believed in.

No dreams, no needs, just a tranquil river going its way until the inevitable death. It was easier that way, wasn't it? But the longer he stayed trapped in that mindset, the worse it became. His self-imposed numbness was the only thing that kept the flood of guilt from breaking over him.

And then Saki broke through it all with a sharp, playful grin.

"Then let's just say you are one," she said, her voice light as air. Luka blinked, confused, as she crouched down in front of him, tapping his nose with her finger in a teasing gesture. The contact startled him, and for a moment, he almost forgot the weight of his confessions. "That doesn't matter to me at all. I'll follow you anywhere."

She flashed a smile, innocent and unburdened by the darkness that clouded his thoughts, the most genuine expression Luka had seen in what felt like forever. For a heartbeat, he forgot everything—the guilt, the anger, the weight of his past—and saw only her sincerity, her belief in him.

It reminded him of an old friend he had. One that he shared everything with. One that would believe in him more than any other.

Luka stared at her, unsure whether to laugh or to cry, and, for the first time in what felt like an eternity, he felt a flicker of something resembling warmth. 

She had no idea what kind of person he was, she had only met him not long ago. Yet, she was still there, smiling at him, offering him a shoulder to cry on or even just to lean on.

I really can't let her down, huh…?

He swallowed hard, his voice thick with emotion, though he didn't quite know why. 

"I still don't get why you're following me…" he chuckled, his voice thick, as he shook his head in resignation. It was baffling, really. He couldn't understand it. She had every reason to walk away, yet here she was, unwavering, offering him her presence. It made no sense.

Saki gave a playful grin, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Perhaps I just want a piece of you?" she teased, though it was clear it was all in jest. "But I will say I have my own reasons."

Luka raised an eyebrow, caught off guard. "Your own reasons, huh?"

Saki's smile remained, though now there was a hint of mystery in her expression. "My own reasons," she repeated, her voice steady. "And no, you're not going to know them until the time is right."

"But if you want one," she added, tapping his nose again to annoy him. "It's because you saved my life."

Luka stared at her as if he had remembered something. 

That's right, he had saved her. He almost forgot about it. Luka stared at her for a long moment, his chest tightening as he realized just how much she valued that single act. He almost felt guilty for not remembering it sooner, but as he looked at her—her genuine, unwavering gaze—he realized that not everything he did was trying to survive. Of course not, he risked his life multiple times to save others. 

"That… That was nothing," Luka muttered, feeling a flush of awkwardness rise in his cheeks. "I didn't know what I was doing at the time anyway."

As if a surge of confidence took over him, he stood up and faced the inn. 

That's right, he thought. He was sent to this world and he managed to save many people in the end. True, he was scared and he still was, but he still saved someone.

Without waiting for a response, Luka turned and began walking toward the inn, his movements purposeful and intense.

He pushed the doors open, stepping inside with determination. Gerard, who had been sweeping shards of wood from the floor, paused mid-motion as Luka approached.

"Hey, I don't—" Gerard started, his brows furrowing, but Luka cut him off with a raised hand.

Before the innkeeper could protest further, Luka strode to the counter and placed the broken halves of the wooden peel alongside the scattered shards. Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out a talisman, its surface blank.

"What are you…" Gerard trailed off, his expression shifting from irritation to confusion as he watched the young man's strange actions.

Luka didn't respond. Instead, he knelt by the oven, scooping a handful of ash from its depths. Carefully, he used the ash to inscribe something onto the talisman, his movements precise and steady.

When the symbols were complete, he stood and pressed the talisman against the two broken halves of the peel, aligning them as if mending a wound.

The innkeeper leaned forward, his curiosity piqued despite himself. "What are you doing?" he asked, his voice gruff but no longer hostile.

Luka didn't answer. The talisman began to glow faintly, the symbols he'd drawn pulsating with a soft, golden light. Then, in a sudden burst, the talisman shone brightly, filling the room with an intense radiance before disintegrating.

When the light faded, Gerard blinked, his eyes adjusting to the dim interior once more. He stared at the peel in disbelief. It was whole again, the cracks and splinters completely gone.

"You fixed it?" Gerard asked, his voice tinged with awe and skepticism.

Luka nodded curtly. "It'll hold," he said, his tone matter-of-fact with a faint smile as he stepped back, brushing the ash from his hands.

Gerard picked up the peel, running his fingers over its smooth surface as if searching for any imperfections. Finding none, he looked up at Luka, his expression unreadable.

"You… You're a mage?" the innkeeper said, blinking multiple times. "I… I talked to a mage like that…"

Luka didn't respond. He simply bowed. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience, I'll be on my way now." Then, without another word, he walked out, leaving Gerard standing there.

Once outside, Luka walked over to Saki who was about to catch up to him.

"What did you…?" she began, glancing back toward the inn where Gerard stood, smiling with the mended peel in hand.

"I'm sorry, Saki," Luka bowed once more. "I was an asshole for not considering your feelings and I pushed you away."

If only she knew how difficult those words were for him to say. The apology came from a place of deep regret, a recognition of how he had treated her, and how unfair it was. Luka had a habit of pushing people away, especially those who were trying to help him. Perhaps it was because he saw their care as suffocating, or maybe he thought he didn't deserve it.

But the truth was, it wasn't just about him. At the core of it all, he had made her worry. And that, more than anything, was unforgivable in his eyes.

He couldn't bring himself to burden others with his problems, but she had already done so much. She had flown him here, helped him recover, and even tried to understand the turmoil he was going through. She had done everything for him, and yet he had shut her out. He had pushed her away when she only wanted to help.

With a relieved sigh, Saki waved him off. "N-No problem. It's fine, really. I get why you were sad but you do sure come back up quickly though…" she scratched her head. "Are you sure you're okay?"

With a positive nod, Luka straightened. "Yup! All thanks to you. Now, I know what I must do."

"Oh? And what is it?" 

He was away from Sora but the demon army menaced the whole world. It was only a matter of time until a full-blown war broke out.

As he was, he couldn't do much. He was weak, and the humans were clearly at a disadvantage against monsters like Kaeris. 

And seeing that little creature in front of him, so understanding and carefree…

"It's time to pay the succubi a visit," he smirked, clenching his fists. 

"Eh… WHAAAAAAT?!"