Chapter Text
The days passed, and Barok’s curse didn’t hurt him again. One day, after going to sleep later than usual, he woke up to the realization that he had slept through the entire sunset, that slight pinch not even enough to disturb his dreams.
Only now that he was free from it did he realize how much the frequent pain sapped his energy… His habitual tasks now seemed to take much less effort, and his disposition was often quite high. It wasn’t just the lack of pain, though: not having to worry about hiding his curse, or dread the moment it would activate next, made him much less anxious—something he hadn’t realized could be so exhausting.
If Barok tried to thank Kazuma for it, though, he would just dismiss it with a grunt and a wave of his hand—though sometimes this was followed by him asking if it really was working properly. So, instead of thanking him with words, Barok offered him his entire being: he would do anything he could to make Kazuma as happy as he had made him, for as long as he would have him by his side.
They continued to meet almost daily. Sometimes, they went out for their habitual walk, and others, stayed in Kazuma’s cabin until Barok’s shift at the inn was about to start. It didn’t take long for them to get used to that new physical proximity they shared, and slowly the hesitation diminished as they touched, giving place to things much sweeter.
That evening, as they lay together in bed, Barok found himself observing Kazuma’s body, his gaze following those scars covering his skin. The most obvious were the ones on his face, but there were more of them all over his body. Without thinking, Barok lightly traced a thick one on his back with his fingertip.
“How did you get these scars?” he asked.
Kazuma showed a bitter smile. “From the same man who gave you yours.”
“Stronghart?”
Barok stared at him, wide-eyed. Kazuma simply nodded, then lowered his gaze.
“He doesn’t just want me,” he said. “He wants me back.”
“What do you mean?”
Kazuma chortled, though his expression betrayed his nervousness with the subject. “Just that. Everything else isn’t as entertaining as you’re probably imagining.”
“That is not why I’m asking,” said Barok in a gentle voice. “I simply want to know more about you…” He reached toward Kazuma’s face, lightly caressing his cheek. “As much as you are willing to share.”
“I…”
Kazuma lowered his gaze, pressing his lips into a line. Barok didn’t say anything else, allowing Kazuma to make that decision by himself. Finally, after giving it some thought, he spoke in a low voice.
“I don’t like to talk about it.”
Barok couldn’t deny that he was hoping for a different response, but didn’t mention it. “I understand. You don’t have to.”
Kazuma thought for a moment longer, then finally gave his answer. “No, it’s fine.”
He took a deep breath, though his anxiousness was still clear. Barok didn’t rush him, waiting until Kazuma spoke again.
“Well… When I was a child, people drove us out of our homeland in the east.”
“Why?” asked Barok.
“You saw what our magic can do. And I don’t think our appearances helped much… I don’t know, I was around ten at the time, so they just told me other people didn’t like us. And I didn’t really question it.” He forced a chuckle. “I mean, they made it very clear already. You know, as annoying as it is to be called a cursed witch, a demon, or void-eyed, or anything like that… You end up getting used to it. So others keep finding new ways to hurt you, until… The only thing left is for them to kill you.”
Barok nodded, unsure of what to say to something like that.
“Stronghart offered us refuge in his estate when no one else did,” Kazuma continued. “And, in exchange, we offered our powers to him. Showed him how to use it… Taught him the roots of our magic, how it should be used, the lines you should never cross.” His voice became bitter. “We wouldn’t have done it for anyone else… But we adored him. He had saved us, so of course we did.”
It was hard to imagine a version of Stronghart that inspired trust… But he was a calculating man, and it wasn’t beyond him to take advantage of people in need.
“Then,” Kazuma continued, “one day… He decided that he had learned enough, and didn’t need us anymore. So he ordered our deaths. And he didn’t even have the decency to make it quick… He let his underlings do whatever they wanted to us, and they… They really enjoyed it. Took their sweet time, too…” He paused, continuing in a lower voice. “We were locked there for days… And the ones who stayed alive the longest got to see the others die, one by one. In the most terrible ways you can… You can’t even imagine.”
“I’m sorry.”
Kazuma shook his head. “I managed to escape thanks to my father and a few others. They wanted at least one of us to survive, and… I was the youngest one still alive, so they chose me. They waited until one of those men opened the gate, and attacked them all at once.” He lowered his eyes. “And I ran… I just ran and ran, I don’t know for how long. I don’t even know how I ended up here… One moment, I was still running, and the next I was in Mr. Sholmes’ home. I have no idea what happened in between. I’m just glad that man didn’t find me.”
Barok simply observed him for a moment, speechless. “I know Stronghart is a cruel man, but I had no idea he did something like this.”
“Of course not…” Kazuma scoffed. “He wouldn’t want to ruin his perfect image. We should have imagined that we could become a stain in his reputation if others learned about us… But we never doubted him.” His voice grew louder. “He was this… This immaculate being that could do no wrong.”
Thorny vines grew from the ceiling and floorboards as Kazuma spat his words, but he didn’t seem to notice—or care—about them.
“I lost everything because of him… My family, my friends, my entire clan… I spent years of my life trying to move on, but I can’t even do this… Because I’m reminded of that bastard every single time I look at my face.”
The vines grew and twisted, and for a moment Barok feared they would take over the entire house. Kazuma glanced at them with a tired expression, then closed his eyes, taking a few deep breaths. Slowly, the vines receded, disappearing inside the cracks in the wood.
“Sorry…” Kazuma murmured. “I usually deal better with this.”
“You don’t need to,” said Barok. “You can just let it out, if it will help.”
Kazuma offered him a tired smile. “That’s the first thing you learn about wild magic: don’t let your feelings overcome you, or…” He gestured all around, frustrated. “Things will happen. Everywhere.”
Barok wanted to say that he could deal with some thorns if it meant lightening Kazuma’s burden. But, before he could find the right words, Kazuma spoke again.
“Anyway, he probably thought he didn’t need us now that he had our magic for himself. But even if you replicate it perfectly, it will never be like the real thing. Not even close. And that’s probably why he wants me now.”
Barok considered those words for a moment. “Just so I have an idea… If you were the one who did this…?”
He raised his gloved hand.
“To be clear,” said Kazuma in a serious voice, “I’d never place a curse on anyone. But, if I did this… To cause pain the way he did, I would need just a few sigils. If I used the same amount he did… It would most probably kill you.” He averted his gaze. “Even if you managed to survive the pain, the flesh of your arm would have completely burned up from the inside. And, if your arm hadn’t turned into ashes yet, it would happen again hours later… Unless you either died or cut your arm off.” Kazuma looked away, clicking his tongue. “What in hell was that bastard thinking…?”
Just thinking about those words was terrifying enough. Barok stared at him, wide-eyed. “You can do something like that?”
“This is the kind of magic you only learn so you can’t replicate it by accident,” Kazuma explained. “My clan sworn to never use these carved flesh curses on people… It’s a vile use of our magic that we’re supposed to guard with our lives. But then we went and taught a demon how to do it.”
Kazuma went silent, his expression darkening.
“And he used it against you,” he muttered. “I should kill him for it.”
Barok shook his head. “He is one of the most powerful men in this country. That would be suicide.”
“Worse than suicide… I’d be giving him exactly what he wants.” Kazuma sighed, tired. “So I have no choice but to stay hidden, and hope that bastard dies a miserable death before he finds me.”
He looked at Barok, seeming nervous.
“He doesn’t know I’m here, right?”
“No, I haven’t communicated with him since I left. Everything I learned, all the rumors… I told him nothing about it.”
His words made Kazuma relax a little. “Good… I don’t want to lose my home again.”
Barok reached toward him, cupping his face. “If he ever comes after you, you won’t be alone.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. But… Thank you.”
Kazuma took his hand, bringing it to his lips to kiss his palm. Barok observed him for a moment, his mind still in that conversation they shared.
“Your magic…” he said. “I never saw you use it before.”
“You did, just not without preparation,” Kazuma explained. “The sigils and enchantments make it easier to control. Without them… You saw what can happen.”
“I don’t mind some unpredictability.”
“You say this because you didn’t see what it can do.”
Barok offered him a slight smile. “Can’t you show me?”
Kazuma’s face contorted into a slight grimace. “You really want to make my life more difficult, don’t you?”
“No. I simply want to see you without any restraints.”
Kazuma gave it some thought, then let out a low sigh. “Another time, maybe… When I’m far from anything I could break.”
“Of course.” Barok raised his hand, caressing Kazuma’s hair. “Thank you for talking to me.”
“Just don’t think too much about it,” said Kazuma in a dismissive voice. “It’s all in the past.”
Barok couldn’t agree with it. Kazuma’s isolation and fear of being found, while not unjustified, was proof enough that he hadn’t completely moved on. And a lonely life isolated from everyone else wasn’t something Barok wanted for him.
But Kazuma had let him in. And maybe it would take some time, but Barok wanted to see it as a sign that he wasn’t completely against the idea of coming out of that cocoon he made for himself.
“Do you want to go for a walk before I have to go back?” asked Barok.
“Sounds good.”
The way he agreed so easily was also a hopeful sign.
Time passed, and soon the end of that year approached. The town was decorated in a festive manner, some of which with Barok’s help. The celebrations in that place were slightly different from the ones in his home country, but it still filled his chest with nostalgia.
When the final day of the year came, all Barok could think was that he wanted Kazuma to see those pretty decorations and lights—to be there with him during that celebration.
“Won’t you come with me?” he asked.
As he expected, however, Kazuma’s response was immediate. “I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” There was a hint of annoyance in his voice. Kazuma took a deep breath, continuing in a softer tone. “You know he’s looking for me. If anyone happens to see my real face, for whatever reason…”
Kazuma stopped talking, shaking his head.
“I can’t risk it,” he added. “Please, don’t insist.”
The answer was disappointing, but Barok didn’t try to convince him.
“Very well,” he said. “Would you mind if I spent the night here with you, then?”
Kazuma dismissed the idea with a faint smile and a gesture of his hand. “Don’t mind me. Go have fun with everyone else.”
“It won’t be fun without you.”
It was true, but his words still made Kazuma furrow his brow.
“You’re impossible,” he said. “If you regret it later, don’t blame it on me.”
Barok simply smiled in response, pulling a grunting Kazuma into a tight hug.
“I would never regret spending time with you,” he murmured.
Kazuma didn’t answer. He rested his head on Barok’s chest, slowly letting out his breath.
“You make it so easy for me to believe you,” he said.
“Please do.”
Kazuma let out a small laugh, which filled Barok’s chest with warmth. He kissed Kazuma’s forehead, receiving a kiss on his lips in response.
They spent some time reading together, until some sounds and voices coming from outside grabbed their attention.
“Is someone outside?” asked Kazuma.
Before Barok could answer, someone knocked on the door.
“Oi, Kaz, Barok…” Gina yelled from the other side. “Open up!”
They exchanged a brief glance, and Kazuma seemed completely lost.
“Come quickly, or the food will get cold,” said Susato.
“Or, even worse,” added Sholmes, “get devoured by our dear Naruhodo.”
“You’re the one stealing bites off everything!” protested Ryunosuke.
Kazuma looked at Barok, puzzled. “Did you tell them to come?”
“I didn’t.”
Kazuma hesitated briefly, then stood up, walking to the door, being closely followed by Barok. He opened the door, and there they were: Sholmes, Gina, Susato, Ryunosuke, Mikotoba, and Ayame. Kazuma stood still beside him, looking from one person to the next, seeming unsure of what to say.
“So…” said Kazuma, cautiously. “Why did you come?”
Gina rolled her eyes. “Are ya slow, or what?” She grabbed Kazuma by the wrist, pulling him outside. “Come on… Sit down and get some food.”
Ayame and Mikotoba set a large towel on the ground, covering it with a number of plates and bowls of food they brought on a wheelbarrow.
Sholmes looked up at the clear sky. “The fireworks should start very soon.”
Ryunosuke grimaced. “I hate the noise…”
His words made Gina cackle. “Shit, Ryuu… You’re so weak.”
“Just leave him be, Gina,” said Susato.
“Yeah, yeah…” Gina grabbed a dumpling from the pile, stuffing it in her mouth. “Aunt Ame, this is really good!”
“I knew you’d like it.” Ayame smiled, pleased. “Susato helped me make them.”
“Nice, Sooze!” Gina patted Susato’s shoulder. “We should get married.”
Susato giggled. “I refuse.”
“Come on…”
Gina pouted, but soon turned her attention back to the food. Mikotoba gestured toward the plates.
“Get some too, Barok,” he said. “We brought enough for everyone.”
Barok did as he said, taking the plate of food Ayame offered him, giving it a taste.
“It’s delicious,” he said.
“I’m so glad you liked it!” Ayame smiled, then turned her gaze to Kazuma. “What do you think Kazuma?”
“Yeah,” said Gina, “we made it all thinking of you.”
“Delicious, isn’t it?” asked Ryunosuke.
Kazuma seemed to shrink under all that sudden attention. “Can you all stop looking at me like that?”
Sholmes laughed. “Don’t forget that our dear Kazuma is quite shy.”
“I’m not…” Kazuma grunted, averting his gaze. “Whatever.”
“Come, now…” Mikotoba placed a slice of freshly baked bread on his plate. “Have another slice.”
“Try the meat pie too,” said Ryunosuke. “That one’s mine!”
“And the biscuits are mine!” said Gina, proudly. “Here, try them!”
They kept adding to his plate, until Kazuma almost disappeared behind that pile of food. He looked at Barok, quietly asking for help.
“I can’t eat all this…” he murmured.
Barok did his best to hold back a small laugh. “Do you want to share?”
Kazuma exhaled, relieved. “Sure.”
He placed half of his food on Barok’s plate, and Barok didn’t realize that all eyes were on them until a low giggle called his attention.
“You two are quite the sweet couple,” said Ayame.
Kazuma lowered his eyes, embarrassed. “Auntie…”
“Right?” Gina sighed. “I knew they got all mushy talking about each other, but it’s even worse when they’re together.”
“I think it’s cute,” said Susato.
“Can’t you give them a rest?” said Ryunosuke. “Or next time they won’t open the door for us.”
“We’ll break it down!” said Gina.
Kazuma narrowed his eyes. “I dare you.”
Gina grinned. “Just watch it!”
“Kazuma…” said Susato. “Please, don’t encourage her.”
The friendly argument continued for a while, as they filled their stomachs. Some minutes later, a sharp sound, followed by a bright light made them all look at the sky.
“Ah, there!”
Susato gestured toward the first of the fireworks, which was soon followed by many more, covering the sky like countless colorful flowers. Kazuma placed his hand on Barok’s, then rested his head on his shoulder. Barok leaned his head against Kazuma’s, watching the beautiful spectacle while enjoying his partner’s warmth.
At that moment, his entire life seemed perfect.
Once the fireworks ended, as well as the food on their plates, Sholmes approached Kazuma, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“Kazuma, do you have a moment?”
“Sure.”
They walked toward the back of Kazuma’s cabin, while Barok and the others placed the dishes and the towel in the wheelbarrow, still sharing a nice conversation. Some minutes passed with no sign of Sholmes and Kazuma, and Barok offered to check on them before Gina did.
He walked to the back of the cabin, and there they were, sharing a tight hug. Kazuma was crying against Sholmes’ chest, while Sholmes softly patted his back with a gentle smile on his face. Barok watched them for a moment, no sting of jealousy this time—probably because now he understood how different the love Kazuma felt for him was from the one he felt for Sholmes.
He quietly walked away, not wanting to intrude on the moment any longer, simply telling the others to give them a minute.
“We should be returning to the inn now,” said Ayame. “Please, give Kazuma a hug for us.”
Barok agreed, watching as that small but lively group walked away. A few minutes later, Sholmes returned by himself.
“Where is Kazuma?” asked Barok.
“He went inside, already.”
“I see.”
He probably didn’t want anyone to see his crying face, which Barok could understand. He looked at Sholmes, unable to hold back a smile.
“This was your idea, wasn’t it?” he asked.
“Does it truly matter?”
“No. But thank you.”
Sholmes returned his smile. “I should be the one thanking you, my dear Barok.”
“Me?” Barok stared at him, surprised. “Why?”
“To put it shortly, your words gave me some food for thought.”
That conversation they shared months before returned to Barok’s mind. Before he could say anything, however, Sholmes patted him on the shoulder.
“I should be leaving now,” he said. “These old bones are begging for a restful night of sleep. Don’t go to bed late.”
“I won’t.”
Sholmes walked away, waving at him one final time. Barok watched him for a while, then returned to Kazuma’s house, walking inside. He found Kazuma sitting on his bed, hugging his knees. He wasn’t crying as much as before, but still hadn’t stopped completely, either.
As Barok approached him, Kazuma gestured vaguely toward his own face. “Just ignore this, alright?”
Barok smiled at him. “Alright.”
He kissed Kazuma’s forehead, then sat by his side, hugging his shoulders, giving him all the time he needed to recompose himself.
Their little new-year party was just the first step of many. While Kazuma refused to leave his home, the number of visits from the others increased.
One day, Ryunosuke would appear with some fresh flowers and herbs he gathered on his way there. The following day, Susato would bring him a book she thought he would enjoy. Then, Ayame would bring him a plate of homemade food, just to make sure that he was eating properly. And then, Mikotoba would gift him a new coat, since the weather would start to get colder soon. Meanwhile, Gina and Sholmes just appeared every other day, without any excuse—and soon the others started to do the same.
At first, that change seemed to confuse Kazuma, but with time, he started to accept those visits better—and maybe even look forward to them. It made Barok wonder if the others had been afraid of overstepping their boundaries and pushing Kazuma further away from them in the process. However, the more Kazuma accepted their approach, the more they tried to get closer to him, slowly waiting for him to let all those barriers down, and let them in, just like he did with Barok.
After a few months like that, Barok and Sholmes managed to, together, convince him to accompany them to the town to celebrate Susato’s birthday. At first, Kazuma was nothing but pure anxiety, pulling his hood as much as he could, constantly looking around like a terrified animal. Little by little, however, he started to relax, even seeming to be enjoying himself by the end of the day.
So, they did it again when Ryunosuke’s birthday came, and then Ayame’s; and then, for no big reason. Kazuma’s hesitation to leave his house never faded for good, but after a while, he would more often than not agree to their invitations.
It was the same that day. Barok and Kazuma sat together with Ryunosuke, Susato, and Gina in Barok’s room, playing cards.
“Ah!” Ryunosuke opened the widest smile. “I got them all!”
He showed his hand of cards with a victorious air, which made the others check it: an entire collection of all seven Goblins from the deck.
“That’s impressive, I suppose…” said Susato. “But… it also means you lost.”
Ryunosuke stared at her, confused. “Did I?”
Susato nodded. “You are supposed to have as little Goblins as you can by the end of the game.”
“You should get rid of them by, y’know, passing them to others when they get a card from ya,” said Gina.
“Wait… really?” Ryunosuke widened his eyes. “But that’s how I’ve been playing it since… Well, forever.”
Gina furrowed her brow. “How can ya play a game this wrong for so long?”
“I… don’t know? I just got really sad every time, because the game ended just before I got the last Goblin.”
Susato giggled. “Maybe the rules are different in your hometown?”
“Or maybe he’s just slow,” said Gina.
Kazuma, who had been following the discussion with a lost expression, widened his eyes. “Ah, so that’s how it works… And I thought I was unlucky because Ryuu stole both my Goblins…”
Gina looked at him. “You were playing it wrong too?”
Kazuma gestured toward Ryunosuke. “I asked Ryuu for the rules, so…”
“Me too,” said Barok. “I simply assumed the rules were different around here.”
Gina stared at them in disbelief. “Really? Y’all been playing the game wrong all this time?”
Ryunosuke lowered his head, embarrassed. “Sorry…”
“Don’t feel down, Ryunosuke…” Susato patted his shoulder. “I think collecting all the Goblins is far more impressive than winning the usual way.”
“Isn’t it?” In a second, Ryunosuke seemed to recover his energy. “We should change the rules, then!”
“Why not?” said Kazuma. “I still have to get back at you for stealing mine, anyway.”
“We really gonna start collecting Goblins now?” asked Gina. “The game’s called Stinky Goblins for a reason.”
But Ryunosuke was already shuffling the cards again, with an excited smile on his face. With a resigned sigh, Gina took the cards he gave her, not seeming very happy. They played that new game for a while, until Kazuma spoke.
“So… When is someone supposed to win this?”
“It would take a while to get all seven goblins, so…” Susato thought for a moment. “When they have most Goblins in their hand, I suppose?”
“At any time?”
“Maybe?” said Gina. “It’s kinda hard to know with the rules all changed.”
Barok considered it briefly. “We should make it so you can end the game anytime, when you feel like you have more Goblins than the others. And then, we check if they were right in their gamble.”
“Sounds good,” said Ryunosuke with a confident smile.
“Alright, then…” Kazuma grinned, revealing his cards. “I have four.”
“What?” Ryunosuke’s smile dropped. He leaned forward to make sure he was seeing it right. “No way… And I was all confident because I already had three…”
Gina looked from one of them to the other. “You two got terrible luck, don’t ya?”
Kazuma shrugged. “Who cares, I still won.” He faced Ryunosuke with a wide grin. “Surrender the Goblin crown to me.”
“No!” said Ryunosuke. “We’re playing it again.”
His determination made Susato giggle. “Defend your crown, Goblin King!”
“I will!” said Ryunosuke as he shuffled the cards. “I’ve been losing at this game for years without knowing… I’m not going to stop now!”
“We’ll see…” Kazuma snickered. “But you better start counting your glory days, your majesty.”
“Yeah!” Gina raised her fist. “Get him, Kaz!”
As time went on, the rules of that game became more and more impossible to follow by everyone, except for Kazuma and Ryunosuke, who fought fiercely for that imaginary crown. It was a mess, but still entertaining to watch—especially when Gina came up with new pieces of lore for their feud, intensifying the drama until both were completely lost in that made-up story.
Barok was suddenly hit by the realization that he had never seen Kazuma laugh that much… He didn’t mention it, of course, but quietly hoped he could hear more and more of that sweet sound from then on.
Barok watched anxiously as Kazuma finished reading that page of his notebook. Nothing but a vague idea and a few starting paragraphs.
“How is it?” he asked.
Kazuma smiled, still looking at that page. “I like it.”
“Do you?”
“Yes, especially the bit with the mermaid. It’s pretty good.”
Barok grunted in disbelief. “Is it really, though?”
The question made Kazuma raise his head, narrowing his eyes at him. “You’re not expecting perfection on your first try after years, are you?”
“No, but…”
How could he even explain it? That fear of never getting better, that he was pathetic for even trying, and that Kazuma would, somehow, like him less because of it… Part of him knew they were all irrational fears, but knowing it didn’t make them feel less real.
“It’s good,” Kazuma insisted. “And it’ll get better the more you do it.”
Barok lowered his eyes. “I hope so.”
Kazuma sighed, closing that notebook. Then, he approached Barok, grabbing him by the shoulders and staring into his eyes.
“Can’t you at least try to believe me for a second?”
“Sorry.”
“Apologize again and I’ll lose my patience.”
Barok couldn’t help but smile at that obviously fake anger. Kazuma abandoned his act, returning the smile before leaning in for a kiss.
“Is it really good, though?” asked Barok as soon as their lips parted.
Kazuma grunted. “What did I just—”
“Alright, alright…” Barok raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. “It’s good.”
“You’re impossible, you know?”
Kazuma pushed him on his back on the bed, making Barok chuckle. He brought his hand to Kazuma’s head, pulling him into another kiss. Truth was, he was relieved… It was nice to have the chance to write again, and even better to have Kazuma’s support. He still thought those first attempts were garbage, but…
Barok let go of those thoughts for the moment, paying attention only to the taste of Kazuma’s lips, and the feeling of his hands caressing his skin. It was so easy to get lost in that feeling… He could hold Kazuma in his arms countless times, and it would never feel like enough.
The loud sound of someone pounding on the door startled both of them apart. With the surprise, they didn’t respond, and soon the pounding began again. It wasn’t anyone from the town… If it was, they would have said something. Kazuma looked at Barok, who knew they shared the same terrible presentment.
“Does the witch live here?” asked someone from outside.
Kazuma seemed to grow smaller by his side. “Who… who is it?”
There was silence, followed by some hushed whispers—whoever was there, wasn’t alone.
“We are here in Lord Stronghart’s name,” said the same man. “You are to follow us quietly, and we shall not harm you.”
That name made Barok’s body freeze. Kazuma stopped breathing, widening his eyes.
“Go away…” muttered Kazuma.
Again, the response was only hushed whispers from outside. This time, however, they were followed by louder banging on the door, and then on the windows. Kazuma’s magic kept them safe against the attackers, but each loud sound made Barok’s chest tighten more. Kazuma curled into a ball, shutting his eyes, and Barok held him close, his mind racing to think of what to do.
One of those men clicked his tongue. “It’s no use… Not even a scratch.”
“Damn witch.”
For a single second, Barok dared to hope they would leave them alone. Soon, however, one of those men spoke.
“Set the town on fire. Maybe that will make him come out.”
Those words made Kazuma jolt up. “Wait…!”
Barok reached for him in time, holding his arm before he could do something impulsive. “Kazuma, calm down… They are trying to lure you out.”
“But they might…” His voice cracked, and he lowered his eyes. “I can’t risk it.”
Barok wanted to protest, but knew there was nothing they could do. “Alright… We’ll fight them together.”
To his surprise, however, Kazuma shook his head. “Stay inside. You’ll be safe while you stay here.”
“I can’t let you—”
Before Barok could do anything, thick vines grew from the ceiling and floorboards, quickly wrapping around his arms and legs. He was so taken aback that it took him a second to realize what Kazuma was about to do.
“Kazuma!”
But Kazuma was already crossing the door, slamming it behind his back. No, no, no… Barok couldn’t let him fight on his own. No matter how powerful he was, if those men really were sent by Stronghart, then… There was no way they would return empty-handed.
The sounds of the battle made it clear that he had no time to waste. Using his fangs and all of his strength, Barok fought against those vines until he managed to break one of his arms free, soon doing the same to the other one and his legs. He dashed out of the house, throwing Kazuma’s cloak over his shoulders and head, grabbing his hunting knife from the desk on his way.
There were signs of wild magic everywhere outside, free from any sigils to control it: vines, flames, cracks, and burn marks on the ground… Still, despite his magic, Kazuma was a single person, and around him were dozens of armed men. Without thinking, Barok threw himself into that fight. The afternoon sun burned every centimeter of his exposed skin, but he ignored the pain—after over two years of daily invisible burns, that much was nothing new.
Kazuma glanced at him, seeming angry and worried at the same time; Barok sustained his gaze for a second. We’ll do this together, he said without words, and Kazuma seemed to understand it—even if he didn’t like it.
So, for a long while, they fought with everything they had. However, for each man they defeated, two more approached, and then, three more, like the endless heads of a hydra that simply wouldn’t go down. They were stronger, but there were too many of those men… They had no chance of winning.
The sunlight made Barok slower and weaker by the second. He kept moving, as if fighting against invisible binds, but all he could do was divide their attackers while Kazuma fought using his magic. But for how long would that work? For how long…?
There was a sharp pain on Barok’s back, which made him stumble forward with a mute scream; not far from him, one of Stronghart’s men held a bloody blade. Barok gritted his teeth, throwing himself against that man, slashing his neck with his knife. He licked the blood on his hand, hoping it would help that wound close faster, but the sunlight made his healing much slower.
Barok tried to stay strong, but his legs faltered under his weight. It hurt… He couldn’t move any longer. He did all he could to stand up again, but it wasn’t enough… He was too weak.
“Barok!”
He raised his head, and could only watch as Kazuma’s moment of distraction cost him a deep wound on his chest. He fell down, bracing that wound while bleeding and groaning in pain. Barok used all that was left of his strength to reach him, cradling him in his arms while their opponents formed a circle around them, their weapons raised.
“Surrender,” said one of them. “We are supposed to take you alive.”
Knowing that was more terrifying than believing he was about to die. Kazuma reached weakly toward him, and Barok held his hand.
It was over… Neither of them could keep fighting. All they could do was either surrender or…
“Barok…”
That silent plea was the last push Barok needed. “I know…”
Barok tightened his grip on his knife with his other hand. He wouldn’t become Stronghart’s puppet again… And he wouldn’t let that man hurt Kazuma, no matter the cost. If that was the end, at the very least they would die together—first Kazuma, and then himself.
But, before he could end it, a loud roar made the earth shake. Barok could barely see through the pain that burned his skin, but soon something covered the sun right above them. Barok squinted, and that thing’s shape became clearer as it got closer: a golden dragon with flaming blue eyes.
Recognition lightened in Barok’s mind. Could that be…?
The dragon landed, standing over them with its enormous body, shielding them from their enemies and the sun, breathing fire on their screaming opponents until there were none left breathing.
“Take them to safety,” said the dragon in a loud and ethereal, but also familiar voice. “And shield Barok from the sun, no matter what.”
Only then did Barok realize that, following the dragon, came their friends from the town.
“Right!” Gina gestured to the others. “You heard him… Go, go!”
Mikotoba and Ayame threw a piece of cloth over Barok’s head, grabbing him by the arms and helping him move. Not too far behind them, he could hear Kazuma’s weak voice.
“Mr. Sholmes?”
“Don’t worry, my boy…” answered that almost ethereal voice. “I will put an end to all this.”
“Wait…!”
Barok lifted that cloth from his face, in time to see the dragon take flight. Ryunosuke and Susato helped Kazuma move, while he tried to follow the dragon with his gaze.
Between how fast it all happened, and how much pain he was in, it took Barok a long while to fully understand those events, and what they meant. The others took the two of them back inside Kazuma’s house, then did their best to take care of their wounds. No one questioned the fact that he was a vampire—in fact, they didn’t seem surprised at all. Maybe his sleeping habits had clued them in, or maybe Sholmes…
Sholmes…
Barok wanted to feel relieved—for that and for the fact that he and Kazuma were still alive. Yet, he couldn’t stop thinking about Sholmes and his last words before departing. Just what was that man planning? If he truly meant to face Stronghart, then…
He didn’t want to think of how secure Stronghart’s palace was, or how many men he had under his command. He couldn’t… If he did, worse things would find their way into his mind.
“It’s my fault…” Kazuma muttered. “I knew I shouldn’t have left…”
“Don’t say this.” Mikotoba gently interrupted him, holding Kazuma by the shoulders. “You did nothing wrong, my boy.”
“But I…”
“It’s all that bastard’s fault!” Gina yelled, kicking the wall. “I just… I just hope Sholmes burns that asshole to a fucking crisp!”
Barok lowered his eyes, worry weighing bitterly in his chest. “Do you think he will be fine?”
“Of course he will!” said Gina. “No one can stop that guy, much less a… a coward that can’t even fight his own battles!”
As she spoke, however, it was hard not to notice the tears in her eyes. Without thinking, Barok reached for her hand and pulled her into a hug. Kazuma soon joined them, as they cried their worries together.
“He’ll be fine…” said Gina. “He’ll be fine, you’ll see…”
“He will…” Kazuma agreed.
Barok couldn’t say anything, so he simply nodded. The others joined them in that moment, be it with a hug, or simply with an understanding touch. As worried as they were, all they could do at that moment was take care of Barok and Kazuma’s wounds and wait.
So, wait they would, for as long as they needed to.
The news of the golden dragon who flew over the capital spread like wildfire. Its presence brought fear to all of the city’s inhabitants, but its destruction was concentrated in one single place: the palace of Mael Stronghart, one of the great rulers of that country. After an entire day of relentless destruction and pointless resistance from its enemies, the creature vanished without a trace. Large groups of hunters searched for it, but it was like the dragon had disappeared into thin air, leaving nothing but ashes behind.
Such news brought them hope, but not enough for their fears to completely fade. Sholmes hadn’t been killed as a dragon, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t injured, or worse. The days passed slowly, almost torturously so. Kazuma couldn’t relax for a single moment, a pile of enchanted trinkets quickly growing by his side. Barok tried to comfort him as he could, but it was hard to sound positive when he was worried as well.
That evening, Barok approached Kazuma, who worked tirelessly on his desk, placing his hands on his shoulders. Kazuma looked at him, and Barok kissed his forehead.
“You should try to sleep,” he said.
Kazuma shook his head. “You know I can’t.”
“Then, just lay down for a while,” Barok insisted.
Kazuma didn’t answer, but also didn’t protest when Barok guided him to the bed. He didn’t lie down, but sat between Barok’s legs, resting against his chest while Barok embraced his waist. They didn’t say a word, but Kazuma slowly relaxed in Barok’s arms.
“Barok…”
Barok braced himself for another painful question. Is this my fault? Should I have stayed hidden? Should I have left before it all came to this? If I wasn’t here, would he be safe? Would things be better if I never came to this place? He had heard all those questions before, and no matter how many times he told Kazuma nothing had been his fault, it never seemed to be enough to ease his mind. It hurt every time, but what else could he do?
That time, however, Kazuma offered him a smile. “I’m glad you’re here with me.”
Relief and warmth filled Barok’s chest. He slightly tightened his embrace, resting his head on Kazuma’s shoulder. “I will always be.”
They stayed like that, in a comfortable silence, for a while. Then, suddenly, the sound of someone knocking on the door interrupted that peaceful moment.
“Yes?” said Kazuma.
“Is the healer home? I could use some help…”
That familiar voice made both of them jolt up.
“Mr. Sholmes…?”
Saying that, Kazuma rushed to the door, opening it. As they thought, there was that man, covered in wounds and bruises, looking exhausted, but still standing. Without another word, Kazuma threw himself against Sholmes, who stumbled back, falling on the ground with a short laugh.
“Careful…” he said. “I’m still sore from that little stunt.”
Kazuma didn’t answer, too busy hugging that man as tightly as his arms would allow him to. Barok crouched beside them, offering Sholmes a smile.
“Welcome back,” he said.
Sholmes returned the smile. “Sorry for the wait. I had to be a little more discreet on the way back.”
“I thought I’d never see you again…” said Kazuma.
Sholmes lifted a hand, gently patting his head. “I should have done this a long time ago… Please, forgive an old man’s cowardice.”
“Say this again and I’ll never forgive you,” grunted Kazuma, without letting go of him.
Sholmes chortled at the response. “In that case… It is good to see you again, my boy.”
They stayed like that for a while longer. Then, Kazuma sighed, finally moving away from him. He stood up, offering Sholmes a hand for him to do the same.
“How are your injuries?” asked Barok.
“Don’t worry about them,” said Sholmes. “It is nothing a long night of rest won’t fix, or perhaps two.” He paused, massaging his back. “Could you two lend me your shoulders for a moment? I’m afraid I’m too old for this kind of adventure.”
Barok and Kazuma agreed, offering Sholmes support while helping him slowly walk his way to the town, where they were first greeted by Gina’s joyful scream, and then by everyone else, who were just as glad to see Sholmes as the two of them had been.
With time, the rumors about the dragon faded, and most people who hadn’t seen it with their own eyes started to believe it had been nothing but an absurd tale—which was a good thing, and helped keep Dragonrest a peaceful place.
With Stronghart gone, a heavy weight Barok hadn’t realized he was carrying suddenly disappeared from his chest. But even better than that was looking at Kazuma and seeing no fear in his face.
It was as if, after long years of waiting, time had finally started to move properly for them again. And Barok wouldn’t waste that chance: he would start a new life with Kazuma, and live it to its fullest, with no regrets in his chest.
But, before that…
That evening, when Kazuma opened the door for him, Barok didn’t go inside.
“Can we go for a walk?” he asked.
“Sure.”
They walked together as they did countless times before, with their arms linked. As nice as it could be, Barok’s mind was restless, trying to find a way to say what he needed to.
“Is there something on your mind?” asked Kazuma.
“I am considering something…”
“And what is it?”
Barok took a deep breath: now was the time… He couldn’t lose his courage.
“Traveling back to my old home,” he said. “I want to see my family once again.”
Kazuma stopped walking, looking at him with a wide smile. “That’s great!”
“Do you think so?”
“Of course! They’ll be glad to know you’re alive.”
The positive reaction helped calm Barok down a little.
“I hope so.” Barok paused. “But there is something else…”
“Yes?”
He hesitated for just a moment, then reached for Kazuma’s hands, holding them. Kazuma observed him in silence while Barok gathered his courage to speak.
“Would you come with me?”
Kazuma widened his eyes. “I…”
“You don’t need to agree,” Barok added quickly. “I will come back to you, no matter what happens at my old home. I just thought…”
Barok struggled to find the right words. Not only did he want his family to meet the person he loved, but he also wanted Kazuma to be there when he saw them again after such a long time—he wasn’t sure if he would be able to do it by himself.
To his surprise, however, Kazuma laughed, moving closer to give Barok a light kiss on the lips.
“Alright,” he said. “I’ll go with you.”
Barok stared at him, surprised. “Are you sure?”
“I think I’ve spent enough time locked inside. It’ll be nice to, you know…” Kazuma shrugged lightly. “Go somewhere new for a while.”
Without thinking, Barok grabbed him by the waist, lifting him from the ground, laughing and spinning around a few times while Kazuma grumbled in protest.
“I’m so glad to hear this.” Barok put him back down, looking into his eyes with a wide smile. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me for something like this.” Despite his dismissive words, Kazuma could barely hold back an amused smile. “Besides, I’m curious to meet your family. I hope they don’t mind me being… You know.”
He gestured toward himself. Barok shook his head, then cupped Kazuma’s face with both hands.
“You are perfect,” he said.
Kazuma looked away, trying to sound annoyed. “Don’t say these things.”
“It is true, though,” Barok insisted. “You don’t know how much you have changed my life just by being who you are. Everything I have today, I owe it to you.”
“That’s not true.”
“It is. And I will say it as many times as it takes for you to believe me.”
Kazuma grunted in protest, and Barok kissed his cheek in response.
“What should I do with this clingy vampire…?”
“I wonder…” said Barok with a hint of playfulness.
For a moment, Kazuma simply looked at him without a word, as if thinking about something. Barok observed him, slightly curious.
“But…” said Kazuma, finally, “I think I understand what you mean.”
“You do?”
Kazuma nodded, smiling sweetly at him. “You changed me too. And I’m happier because of it.”
Those words were everything Barok wanted to hear. He would do anything to keep that smile on Kazuma’s face… He would treasure Kazuma and that bond they cultivated together for as long as there was life within himself.
“I’m happy too,” said Barok.
Be it for ten, or ten thousand years, or even tens of different lives… He knew from the deepest parts of his heart that, as long as they were together, those feelings would never change.