After leaving the house he grew up in, Toya had headed towards the village. But on the way he made sure no one saw him. He reached the village without any trouble. It was lunch time he figured. Which Toya didn't complain about after all it worked in his favor. As he got closer, he could hear the lively chatter of the people, he could see the kids run around playing. He managed to get to the village without anyone seeing him. The place he was going wasn't too close to the market - where everyone was at the time. He arrived at his destination without problems just like earlier. He stood in front of the biggest house in the village. The house were about one and a half times bigger than his own. It was made out of grey stone and didn't really look like much. For a time, he hesitated before going to the door and knocked. But he knew this was the right thing to do.
When he knocked, he could hear a voice calling "Coming." He knew the voice well, he had head it lots of times back when he always got himself into trouble. It was only a few days ago he thought but still it feels so distant. He corrected himself; he still gets into trouble but now just on a larger scale. He could hear the footsteps on the other side get louder as they approached. Toya looked around to see if anyone was nearby, and when it didn't seem like it, he focused his attention on the door. He heard a click and a moment later he saw the major standing in front of him. Is hair being wet like he had just came out of a bath. But other than that, he looked just like he used to. He was tall as ever and his hair shining black. His eyes glowed like they could see right through you.
"Yeah, what is it?" the major looked down and saw Toya. "Oh, hey Toya how unusually for you to come by…" he didn't come further as he saw the state the boy was in. His eyes were lifeless. He had a backpack on his back and a sword on his hip. But what made him left in shock were his clothes. His clothes were covered in red blood. As Toya saw the majors gaze, he realized back at the house he had only wiped off the blood on his face and hands, he hadn't done anything about his clothes. But it was too late now the major had seen it and wither way he was planning on telling him what had happened. As the major realized he just stood there standing.
"I'm sorry. Please come in." he frowned. Toya was grateful for this he didn't just want to be bombed with a lot of questions. The major seated him on one side of the dining table and himself on the other.
"Tell me Toya, what happened?" He asked concern peeking out under the calm tone. So, Toya explained.
He explained that his parents had been killed by the hands of the soldiers. He didn't tell the whole truth but changed it a bit. He told him that his father had managed to kill the soldiers before getting turned to ash. He thought it would be better this way since Toya himself wasn't exactly sure what happened himself. He knew he was the one who killed them, but he didn't know why. The major was shocked at the news. He didn't want to believe that it was true. He had known Theia and Kenzo for over a decade. But still he knew the kid wouldn't be lying about something serious like this. But he still had a feeling that what he had been told weren't the whole truth. As Toya had finished talking, he sighed.
"What are you planning on doing now, Toya?" he asked dropping the calm voice. He couldn't hide his concern, his sadness.
Toya looked down as he answered "I'm…" he hesitated "I'm leaving the village." The major clenched his fists, he knew would Toya would say something like that but still he wanted it to be a lie. His parents had just been killed. The kid is in no condition to be leaving he thought grimly. He knew that the soldiers had been bad news, but he never imagined they would do this. The major knew why his parents were killed and the kid needed to know too he thought. But before he had the chance to say anything Toya spoke.
"I know the reason why they died. It was because my father was a deserter from the army, right?" he asked in a low voice still looking down.
"But how I am the only one in the village who…" he didn't get further as Toya had lifted a hand to stop him.
"I overheard you and my dad talking the other day, that's why."
The silence filled the room like darkness a closed room. Toya felt ashamed for lying. He had always admired the major. He reminded him of his dad, strict but caring. And the way they didn't run from a fight. But still, he couldn't tell him the whole truth or at least not now. Toya let out a sigh, lifted his gaze and looked directly into the major's eyes.
"Major, can I please ask a favor of you" he paused looked over at him before continuing. "Could you please tell the rest of the villagers that I also got burned to ash." The major was caught by surprise. He never thought Toya would ask that. Seeing that the major was about to argue Toya continued.
"It would be a lot easier for me if I didn't have to worry about you guys. Other than that, then the soldiers don't return - to wherever they came from - the people who sent them might send more. And if they do that and are hiding and protecting me the villagers will get in danger." The major was too stunned to reply. He just looked into the boy's eyes. The eyes he had reminded him of the ones Kenzo had. So full of determination, so unwavering. He knew he couldn't change the fact that Toya was leaving the village. He was right if the villagers knew he was alive it would complicate matters, but still this was his home and a 10-year-old boy shouldn't leave it just to keep us safe, he thought bitterly. The least he could do was help the kid to the best of his abilities.
"Fine. I will do that for you on one condition. Take care of yourself and ones you are ready come back here." He said a faint smile crossing his libs. Toya felt relived; he never thought the major would approve of it. He thanked, as well as asked if he could use the bathroom to change clothes. Of course this was no problem at all.
When Toya had done all the things he needed to do with the major he begged his pardon and headed for the door. He was caught by surprise when the major called his name and tossed him a little bag with coins and a map.
"You can't survive without money. I know it isn't much but it's all I can give." He was surprised because the village was poor and most only barely had enough for themselves, but here the major tossed him a bag of coins. Toya's eyes began to water as he couldn't contain his emotions anymore. The entire conversation he had tried to lock away his emotions not wanting to worry the major more than necessary. Now he stood there tears about to fall from his eyes. He knew the longer he stayed the harder it would be to go. Therefore, he turned around thanked the major for everything and left. As the door closed behind Toya the major was left in the living room. Drip. Toya wasn't the only one who had hid away his emotions so had the major, and now that he had left they all came out. His hands shaking, while tears fell from his eyes. He sat back alone in the living room crying.