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The sun had yet to make its trek across the horizon. The night drowned most of the color of the grassy plains. Boji held onto the stead being led by Bebin in search of his comrade. Mitsumata’s offspring combed thru the land and in turn, found what they were looking for.
I am doing the right thing…right?
Boji shook that thought out of his head. He made his decision. It wasn’t time to second guess anymore. He un-mounted the horse and took off. Bebin took his leave wishing his short-served King luck.
Growing up as a prince he had a lot to be thankful for. He was privileged in that even with his supposed defect people accommodated him. There were others completely worse off. But…
It wasn’t enough to stop him from being selfish and hurt by the words of others. Words that even if he couldn’t hear them still seared and dug into his skin.
Weak, idiot, incompetent the list went on. It was the same cycle over and over. People who were sworn to his father and by extension him and his family were the same people whose lips read differently than what they communicated to him. Liars who he couldn’t help but love all the same. From his closest people, there was love but there was no faith. That hurt more than the injuries Daida had inflicted on him.
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“You won that fight and made it look easy.”
Thinking of it as false flattery Boji showed his tired smile.
He pointed to the rest of his wardrobe so the member of the shadow clan would take his fill and his leave.
“No, I’m not here for that.” Kage’s eyes in that moment reflected what the little prince could make out as remorse.
“I know how this is gonna sound and I get that it’s outta nowhere… I just...I’m on your side alright! No matter what happens.”
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He didn’t know at the time if those words were lies but he wanted to believe them. He needed it. So he clung to them. He never felt so relieved after crying more tears he became lighter.
His memory went back to the conversation with his teacher (the good one).
“You know why the gas of the underworld entrance didn’t kill the two of you right?” Despa asked while buttering his toast at breakfast. He wondered if they knew of their own predicaments or at least what he surmised himself.
“Uhh, we kinda assumed it must have been knock-out gas.” Kage answered taking a bite of his toast. Boji already cleared his plate and sat listening while wondering if it would be okay to ask for seconds.
“Heavens no, it’s actually cursed gas meant to kill anyone not permitted in the underworld.”
“So you sayin we got lucky?” Kage’s eyes widened from that tidbit of knowledge.
“Well luck may not be the right wording..” it looked like he would have to explain some things.
So curses deflected or canceled one another…It made sense now looking back on it.
One of no strength and the other with a body that brought mistrust and scorn from others. Those were their curses. As fate would have it their paths crossed.
“A good luck charm will keep you from misfortune so long as you keep it close."
Good luck charm, encourager, and friend. Kage brought out hope and that gave him the strength he never thought possible. In turn, Boji vowed to always trust him.
“King or not if you find something which truly matters to you. You ought to pursue that something with all your heart. “
Following his mother's words He would make his own kingdom. One that would accept and value them. Would it be possible? Even if it wasn’t this journey would be fun!
Kage was surprised but happy to see his friend. Even with the new goals Boji placed he would back his friend up.
“So you still got even more to learn is that right? Meaning we gotta run off on a whole nother journey now. Hey, you brought some coin didn’t cha?” Kage asked. His eyes lit up at the gold Boji showed in his satchel. “ a king’s ransom!”
“Auggh eh!” Let’s go!
“Wahoo!” They both sprang in excitement with their legs carrying them to their next destination.
“Than-k y-ou!” Boji didn’t need to turn back to know why Kage’s voice was wobbly. Tears were also coming from Boji’s own eyes.
thank you. Please stay by my side.
If it meant he had Kage by his side then Boji would be content to remain cursed alongside his friend for the rest of his days.