The next day.
When Kevin and Cu Chulainn prepared to leave the Shadow Kingdom, no one came to see them off.
Not because of any lack of sentiment, but because nearly everyone was busy cleaning up the aftermath of the destruction the two brothers had caused the day before.
Still, the mood the night before had been lighthearted and celebratory. The disciples had laughed, shared tales, and indulged in the kind of camaraderie that only comes after witnessing something extraordinary.
As the two reached the edge of the Kingdom, approaching the series of boulders that marked the final exit, Cu Chulainn prepared to leap forward. But then, he noticed Kevin lingering behind, looking over his shoulder.
He didn't need to ask. With a knowing smirk, he patted Kevin's shoulder, leaned close, and whispered, "Take your time, brother. No rush. I'll be waiting up ahead."
Cu Chulainn then gave Kevin a wide grin, followed by an exaggerated thumbs-up. "Good luck, warrior!" he called out, bursting into hearty laughter before leaping across the first boulder.
Kevin rolled his eyes but didn't bother to explain.
Cu Chulainn had always been perceptive, despite his impulsive nature. Over the years, he had picked up on Kevin's feelings for their enigmatic master, Scathach.
Whether it was admiration, love born from years of training and shared hardships, or something akin to Stockholm Syndrome, the truth was undeniable. Scathach had long since claimed a place in Kevin's heart.
Kevin himself knew it too.
She was, without question, the most striking woman he had ever met. Her beauty, her unyielding strength, her commanding presence—all these qualities had drawn him in. It was a quiet, deeply rooted attachment.
But for now, Kevin wasn't here to confess.
He walked to a nearby boulder, sitting down and gazing at the dark expanse behind him.
"I know you're there," Kevin said aloud, though he made no effort to search the shadows. "You don't have to come out. I'm probably just talking to myself anyway."
He chuckled softly, the sound tinged with both amusement and melancholy. "I just wanted to say a few things before I leave."
Kevin took a deep breath, steadying himself.
"First, Master… I'll come back. One day, I'll return to see you. That's a promise."
The cold wind rustled through the trees, carrying the sound of his words further into the shadows.
"And yesterday... yesterday meant a lot to me." Kevin's tone softened, becoming almost contemplative.
"Do you know, when I first met my father, I was only seven? Cu Chulainn had just saved me from a wild dog. I didn't know where I came from, why I was here, or where I was supposed to go.
Back then, I didn't have any answers. But I did have one goal: to catch up with him. To be someone who could stand by his side."
Kevin paused, a wistful smile playing on his lips. "But no matter how hard I tried, it was never enough.
And then you came into my life.
You gave me a chance when I had nothing left. You became my new goal, my guiding star. Even if I was nothing to you but a curiosity, you became everything to me."
He stood, turning to face the empty expanse, as if addressing her directly.
"Yesterday, for the first time in my life, I didn't lose to Cu Chulainn. For the first time, I felt like I was enough.
And for that, I have you to thank. Without you, I would have given up years ago."
Kevin's voice gained strength, conviction. "But I'm not done yet. There's still so much more I want to do. I'll stay by Cu Chulainn's side for as long as he needs me, and I'll do everything I can to change his future.
After that... I'll come back to face you again. I swear it. Because…"
Kevin smiled, his voice turning playful. "I still haven't defeated you yet, Master. And you promised to wait for me."
He turned to leave, but a thought stopped him in his tracks. He hesitated, then murmured, "And maybe… maybe next time, you'll finally let me get close enough to…"
Kevin trailed off, chuckling to himself. He could practically imagine Scathach's expression if she'd heard him finish that thought.
He shook his head, tightening his grip on Flagrak, and leapt across the first boulder.
But as Kevin soared through the air, something caught his eye. A shadowy figure stood at the edge of the forest, partially concealed by the gloom.
It was Scathach.
Her arms were crossed, her crimson eyes gleaming softly as she watched him. For a brief moment, their gazes locked, and Kevin could swear he saw her lips move.
"Stupid apprentice…"
When Kevin landed on the other side, Cu Chulainn was already waiting for him. He sat casually on a boulder, chewing on a piece of dried meat.
"You're here already?" Cu Chulainn asked, raising an eyebrow. "Huh, I thought you'd take longer."
Kevin rolled his eyes, brushing past him. "Yeah, yeah. Let's get moving."
As they set off together, Cu Chulainn stole a glance at his brother. Kevin's expression was calm, but there was a warmth in his eyes that hadn't been there before.
Back at the edge of the Shadow Kingdom, Scathach lingered for a moment longer, her gaze following the two brothers as they disappeared into the distance.
She reached up, gently stroking the small bird perched on her shoulder.
"Go with them," she said softly, her tone almost imperceptibly fond.
The bird chirped in understanding and took flight, darting after Kevin and Cu Chulainn.
Scathach turned away, retreating into the shadows of her kingdom.
She would wait. However long it took, she would wait.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Go to my Patreon Account to read up to 30 Advance Chapters
patreon.com/Izanami_no_Mikoto