The hunting camp was in full swing, and many groups had already successfully hunted down a significant number of the dangerous beasts that roamed the island. Their efforts were rewarded with high praise from their superiors, but one particular marine stood out: Jinzo. He had accumulated the highest score among his subordinates, a reflection of his skill and experience. But as the battle raged on, Jinzo couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
"I need to check on them," Jinzo muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing. "That kid warned me about an ambush. I can't afford to wait any longer."
Without another word, Jinzo spun on his heels and dashed off, his movements so swift they left a trail of shadow in his wake, disappearing into the dense forest.
Meanwhile, Jericho guided Nathaniel and Laziel along a mountain path, preparing them for a different kind of battle—one against the quick and elusive flying beasts that had been terrorizing the island. It was an important lesson, for these creatures were known for their speed and unpredictability.
Nathaniel gripped his pistol, steadying himself with both hands. His heart pounded in his chest as he tracked the erratic movements of the flying beast circling high above. Jericho's voice cut through the tension.
"Focus, Nathaniel. Precision is what makes a true gunslinger. Don't panic if it spots you—wait for the right moment. Take your shot when it counts."
Nathaniel nodded, but his hands trembled. The beast's erratic flight patterns made it difficult to focus, but he knew Jericho was right. This was a test of his patience and precision.
Without warning, the creature's eyes locked onto Nathaniel, its gaze cold and calculating. With a piercing screech that echoed through the mountain air, the beast lunged, diving toward him with terrifying speed.
Fear surged through Nathaniel's veins, his body stiffened in panic. His mind clouded with dread as his arms shook uncontrollably, the pistol becoming a weight in his hands. He couldn't seem to steady his aim.
"Nathaniel, calm down!" Jericho's voice boomed, cutting through the panic. "Focus! Breathe! You're better than this. Patience and precision—remember that. You can do this!"
But despite the encouraging words, Nathaniel's anxiety held him in a vice grip. He could see the creature closing in, its wings slicing through the air with an almost predatory grace. The terror in his chest threatened to overwhelm him.
"Nathaniel, if you don't pull the trigger, we're done for! Focus! You've got this!" Jericho's words were laced with urgency, but they pierced through Nathaniel's fear.
Breathing heavily, Nathaniel squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through him, his body trembling in fear. But he remembered Jericho's advice—patience. He steadied his grip, focusing on the movements of the beast, blocking out the panic.
Stop shaking. You're not a coward. Just focus. Breathe...
With a sudden clarity, Nathaniel opened his eyes, his aim sharp and steady as he locked onto the diving beast. The terror that had once clouded his mind faded, replaced by determination.
Without hesitation, Nathaniel pulled the trigger. The sound of the shot rang out, and in an instant, the bullet sped through the air, piercing the beast's wing. It screeched in pain as it lost control, spiraling downward uncontrollably.
The beast crashed violently to the ground, its body slamming into the earth with a resounding thud.
Nathaniel stood frozen for a moment, his breath coming in short gasps. The fear was still there, but it was no longer the dominant force in his body. He had done it. He had taken the shot—and it had paid off.
Jericho slapped him on the back with a grin. "Nice shot, kid. You're one step closer to being the real deal."
Nathaniel collapsed to his knees, his breath coming in ragged gasps, his heart still racing from the intense rush of fear that had quickly transformed into a surge of newfound confidence. His hands shook, but the pistol in his grip felt more familiar now, almost like an extension of himself.
"I—I did it," Nathaniel stammered, his chest heaving as he spoke. "That was terrifying. I thought I was done for."
Jericho, standing tall and unshaken, placed a steadying hand on Nathaniel's shoulder, a grin spreading across his face. His eyes gleamed with pride as he looked down at the young gunslinger.
"That was damn good, kid. You nailed it. You handled that beast like a true marksman. Trust me, with that kind of focus, you'll be able to take on anything. Fast, unpredictable, it won't matter. You've got it in you."
Laziel, his eyes wide with excitement, couldn't hold back his enthusiasm. He bounced on the balls of his feet, a grin spreading across his face as he cheered for Nathaniel's success.
"That was amazing, Nate!" Laziel exclaimed, his voice full of energy. "I saw that shot from all the way over here! You took it down like it was nothing! I can't wait to get a shot at one of those flying beasts myself!"
Nathaniel couldn't help but laugh, his nerves slowly easing as the adrenaline of the moment wore off. He smiled up at his friends, feeling a surge of pride and relief, knowing he had just taken a significant step toward becoming the gunslinger he always dreamed of being.
The forest of Beastmarrow Island was eerily quiet as the sun began to set, casting long shadows between the towering trees. Jericho led Nathaniel and Laziel along a narrow, winding trail, the sounds of their footsteps the only thing breaking the silence. They had spent the day hunting and training, but Jericho felt a nagging sense of unease creeping up his spine. Something felt off—like they were being watched.
Despite his years of experience, Jericho couldn't shake the feeling that they weren't alone. The wind shifted through the branches above, and his hand instinctively hovered over the handle of his musket. He glanced over his shoulder at Nathaniel and Laziel, both of whom seemed to be lost in their own thoughts, still processing the lessons from the day.
"Stay alert," Jericho muttered under his breath, though he wasn't sure if the boys had heard him. He couldn't explain it, but every part of him told him to be on guard. It wasn't just the beasts they had to worry about in this wilderness. There were worse things out here. Things that hunted hunters.
Laziel, sensing the shift in Jericho's demeanor, glanced nervously at him. "Jericho, you okay?" he asked in a soft voice.
Jericho didn't answer immediately. His eyes were scanning the trees, the bushes, the shadows. His instincts were screaming now, louder than ever before. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and gravelly. "Something's not right."
Before Laziel could respond, a loud crack echoed through the trees, the sound of a twig snapping underfoot. Jericho froze, his eyes narrowing as he swung his musket into position, scanning the area for the source.
"Stay behind me," Jericho whispered urgently, his voice steady, though his senses were on high alert. He could feel the weight of the moment, the growing tension in the air. They were being hunted—but by whom?
The answer came faster than he expected. A loud shout broke through the silence.
"Hold it right there!"
Out of the underbrush and from behind the trees, a group of marine soldiers emerged, their firearms trained directly on Jericho, Nathaniel, and Laziel. The sound of their weapons being cocked echoed ominously in the clearing.
Jericho immediately stepped in front of the kids, his body tense, muscles coiled for action. His fingers gripped the handle of his musket, his heart pounding in his chest.
From the back of the group, a tall figure emerged—Lucina. Her piercing blue eyes glinted coldly in the fading light, and her steps were calculated, confident. She was dressed in her marine uniform, the insignia of an admiral clearly visible on her chest. Her presence was commanding, radiating authority and an almost predatory calm.
"Jericho," Lucina's voice was icy, each word dripping with disdain. "I had hoped this day would never come, but it seems you've forced my hand."
Jericho's gaze hardened, but he didn't flinch. "Lucina... I should've known you'd be the one to come after me."
Lucina's lips curled into a smile, but there was no warmth in it—only the chilling promise of what was to come. "I never wanted to be the one to arrest you. But you've broken too many rules, Jericho. You've betrayed the marine forces one too many times. Your actions today are the final straw." She gestured to the marines surrounding them. "Take him. Alive or dead, it doesn't matter to me."
The marines stepped forward, their guns aimed at Jericho and the boys. Jericho's eyes flicked to Nathaniel and Laziel, who were standing frozen in fear behind him. He could feel their panic, their uncertainty, and he knew he had to keep them safe.
"You have been involved in a series of serious infractions, Jericho. Your association with pirates, aiding in the release of a wanted criminal, is a direct violation of marine protocol. You've disregarded the authority of our chief and warden, issued threats, and spread false information. You have also concealed the whereabouts of your brother, knowing full well the truth. Further, you've brought underage children to a hazardous hunting ground and have been training them without the warden's authorization, which is a clear breach of regulations...."
"You've infiltrated restricted areas and overheard confidential conversations, actions that compromise the integrity of our operations. Additionally, you've been supplying firearms to outsiders and pirates, which is an act of treason. As a result, an order has been given for your immediate arrest. You will be tried and executed at the Cerulean Tide within one week. Should you resist or attempt to flee, we will take the children into custody and imprison them. I advise you to carefully consider the consequences of your next actions."
Jericho remained silent, his gaze fixed ahead, as Laziel tucked himself behind his legs. "Well, Lucina, you sure took your time getting to the point," he said, his tone calm but laced with frustration. "I thought I'd be hauled off the moment I broke the first rule. And as for the kids, cut them some slack. Can't you see their aspirations? They're dreaming of becoming marine troops, of mastering the art of gunslinging. I merely gave them an opportunity to prove themselves at the camp, and I'd say they did just that."
Laziel, still trembling, peered out from behind Jericho's legs. "Uncle... I'm scared," he said, his voice shaky. "Execution? Are you serious? You're sentencing him to death just for breaking some rules? What kind of law is this? Didn't you already plan an attack on the agency out in the east?"
Nathaniel, though outwardly brave, stood tall and glared at Lucina. But Jericho quickly cut him off, his voice sharp. "Quiet, Nathaniel. Stop being reckless. We're surrounded. Keep your head down and watch what you say."
"You're supposed to be the ones who uphold justice, the ones who protect the weak! And now, you're sentencing one of your own to death after everything he's done for this force? Jericho spent years crafting weapons, fighting for you, helping make this force stronger, and you're willing to throw him away like he's nothing? Just because he sold a few guns to outsiders to survive? How is that fair? I joined the marines because I believed we were the ones who fought for the truth, for the people, for what's right! The entire ocean, the Vast Expanse—what happened to our mission? But now… now I see it! The truth is ugly, isn't it? Your laws are just words—empty, corrupted words that no longer mean anything! You talk about justice, but all I see is betrayal! How can you call yourselves heroes when you do this? How can you look at yourselves in the mirror and say you're protecting anyone when you're condemning a man who gave everything for this cause? Tell me how that's right!"
Jericho's frustration boiled over as he shot Nathaniel a sharp, angry look. "Shut the hell up, kid! You're only making it worse!" His voice was harsh, filled with regret. "If they want to take me down after all the mistakes I've made, then so be it! But don't you see? You're digging yourself into a grave with every word you spit out! You think raising your voice will change anything? You think screaming will make a difference? They'll just kill you too if you keep this up! You're throwing your life away for nothing!"
But Nathaniel wasn't backing down. His face contorted with a mix of rage and sorrow, his eyes burning with the weight of his words. "No! That's not what you told me! You told me to find my own way—so why are you giving up now? Is this what you meant by finding a different path? Is this what you were hiding from me all along? The marines aren't the ones who bring justice—they're the real problem! They're the ones ruining everything, not the pirates! It's them! They're just a bunch of bullies, pretending to be the good guys while they crush people like us! You're telling me this is the world we live in? You're telling me I'm supposed to become one of them, after all this? I can't... I won't!"
Tears streamed down Nathaniel's face, his body shaking with emotion. His words came out in desperate gasps, his chest heaving as he tried to control his sobs. "I hate you! I hate all of you! You're supposed to protect people, to make things better, but all you do is destroy everything you touch! You've lied to me! You've betrayed me! You're all so hopeless—everything you've fought for, all of it, is just a damn lie!" His voice cracked, breaking with the intensity of his grief, as he collapsed to the ground, unable to stop the tears pouring from his eyes.
The weight of his words hung in the air, thick and suffocating, as Jericho stood silent, his heart heavy with the realization that he had failed to protect the boy he had promised to guide.
Nathaniel's emotions consumed him as he pointed his trembling finger at the marines. His voice cracked, raw with anguish, "If you want to kill Jericho, then you'll have to go through me! I don't care how many of you there are!" His hands shook violently as he gripped the pistol, his tears mixing with the dirt on his face. "I'll... I'll kill you all! I'll take you down with just this one gun, no matter what I have to endure! I swear to you, I'll do it! I'll—"
The marines' muskets locked onto him in an instant, their cold barrels trained on the boy who was barely holding himself together. Nathaniel's breath came in ragged gasps, his voice growing louder and more frantic. "Go on, then! Shoot me! I dare you!" His heart raced as the tears continued to pour from his eyes. "But I promise you, I swear I'll kill every last one of you, whether it's today or in the future! I will do it! I know I will!" The words spilled out in a frantic storm of emotion, and in the chaos, the weight of his fear, his pain, his grief, became too much to bear.
In his stress and anxiety, his finger jerked against the trigger, and the deafening crack of a gunshot split the air. A bullet whizzed through the wind, slicing the air and striking one of the marines square in the chest. He dropped instantly, dead before he hit the ground.
The world around Nathaniel froze for a second, but only for a second. Jericho's frantic shout snapped him back to reality. "You idiot!" Jericho's voice was barely audible, the urgency in it drowning in the chaos as the marines immediately responded. A flurry of bullets ripped through the air, the sound of each shot like thunder in Nathaniel's ears, and everything around him seemed to slow down.
In his mind, time stretched out like an eternity. The world around him faded to black and white. He could hear the shots, the marines' fury, but his body was frozen, his heart hammering in his chest as he braced for the inevitable. The bullets were coming for him. His mind screamed, This is it. This is how it ends.
But then, Jericho moved.
In an instant, Jericho leapt forward, his movements as if in slow motion to Nathaniel's terrified eyes. With a shout that reverberated in Nathaniel's very soul, Jericho threw his body in front of Nathaniel, wrapping his arms around the boy just as the hail of bullets rained down.
The world returned to color, but it was too late. Nathaniel's eyes widened in horror as Jericho's body was struck. The bullets tore into him, piercing his flesh, blood splattering in all directions. Jericho's body jerked with each impact, but he held Nathaniel close, protecting him with everything he had.
Nathaniel's breath caught in his throat, his chest tightening as he felt the weight of what had just happened. The sight of Jericho, his protector, his mentor, being shredded by bullets, burned itself into his memory. Jericho was bleeding heavily, his breath shallow, but despite it all, a smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. He looked up at Nathaniel, a laugh bubbling up through his bloodied lips.
"You..." Jericho gasped, his voice barely a whisper. "You damn fool... I... told you to stay quiet... Didn't I? Damn it, kid... Why didn't you listen..." Jericho coughed, a spray of blood bursting from his mouth as he struggled to hold onto Nathaniel. "You don't know when to back down... when to stop running your mouth, huh? But look... at what I did... Look at me, kid... I... protected you... You... idiot..." Jericho's laughter turned into a choking gasp as more blood poured from the wounds in his chest.
Nathaniel's heart shattered as he looked down at Jericho, his mentor, the man who had taken him in, who had taught him everything he knew. The man who had just saved his life, and now, he was dying in his arms.
Jericho's breath grew shallow, his body trembling with the weight of the wounds he had taken. His lips parted, and he laughed weakly, blood bubbling at the corners of his mouth. "But looks like you won't need to go through and witness my execution after all…" He gasped, coughing, more blood splattering across the ground. His eyes, though dimming, locked with Nathaniel's, filled with a kind of sorrowful pride.
"Just… remember, kid… what you learned today…" His voice was strained, the effort to speak almost too much, but he pushed on. "Panicking… losing focus on who you are… that'll leave you in the dust..." Another spasm of blood shot from his mouth, his body jerking with each painful breath.
"Kid... you're tough… real tough… just… stupid. But even then... I know you'll become a real man, a real gunslinger who stays calm… even in a jam," Jericho continued, his hand trembling as he reached for Nathaniel's. He clutched it weakly, his fingers slick with his own blood, and pressed the pistol—his own, the one he had crafted for himself—into Nathaniel's hand.
"Remember our promise," Jericho whispered, his voice barely audible now, fading with each passing second. "When you become the best gunslinger around… bring this exact pistol to my grave... Keep it safe… don't break it... And if you do… make sure you repair it. Deal?"
His breath came in slow, labored gasps, his eyes unfocused, staring at Nathaniel as though he were already gone. "But... be smarter... Make your dream… become a... re...a..li...ty..." Jericho's final words faltered, his body going limp, his grip slackening as he breathed his last.
A chilling silence followed, the reality of Jericho's death sinking in like a heavy stone in Nathaniel's chest. Jericho had given his life for him, had protected him until the very end. And now he was gone.
A heart-wrenching scream pierced the air—Laziel. "Uncle!" He cried out, his oice breaking in sheer agony as he pushed Nathaniel aside, collapsing at Jericho's side, his tiny hands shaking as he tried desperately to shake him awake. "Uncle, please! Please wake up!" he screamed, but it was no use. Jericho's body lay still, blood pooling around him, his once-vibrant form now cold and lifeless.
Nathaniel stood frozen, his heart crashing against his ribs, his entire body numb. Laziel's anger, his pain, boiled over in an instant. He whipped around to face him, his eyes burning with grief and fury.
"Nate! You! You killed him!" Laziel shouted, his voice raw with rage. He raised the pistol Jericho had entrusted to Nathaniel, pointing it at his chest. "He told you to shut up! He told you to stay quiet! And you still... you still kept talking! I hope you die, Nate! I hope you... I promise you, I'll make sure you pay for this! I will kill you!" His voice cracked, the weight of his promise carrying the bitterness of his broken heart.
The world seemed to slow as Laziel's finger tightened on the trigger. The gunshot rang out, but before the bullet could strike Nathaniel, a shadow blurred across their vision. A figure dashed between them, and in a single, swift motion, Nathaniel was yanked out of the way, his small frame lifted off the ground.
The bullet whizzed past him, its impact sending a shockwave through the air. The sound of it hitting a tree trunk was deafening, and the force of the explosion knocked the tree over, sending debris scattering in all directions.
"Damn it, Nathaniel! You've gone too far this time!" a deep, gravelly voice shouted, filled with urgency.
Nathaniel blinked, the world still spinning, and turned to see the man who had intervened. It was Jinzo, his protector, the one who had saved him in the nick of time. His hand was still firmly gripping Nathaniel, pulling him out of harm's way, but his eyes were filled with fury, frustration, and something deeper—disappointment.
"J-Jinzo…" Nathaniel's voice trembled, a small, fragile whisper. "Is... is that you...?"
Jinzo didn't answer right away, his eyes flicking to the still form of Jericho, then to Laziel, whose heartbroken sobs filled the air. His expression hardened, but there was a flicker of pain behind his gaze. "You're lucky I got here when I did, kid," he said softly, his voice no longer filled with anger, but with something else entirely. "What were you thinking?"
Nathaniel could barely comprehend the weight of the situation. Jericho was gone. Laziel hated him. He had lost everything in a single, disastrous moment. His hands shook violently, the weight of Jericho's pistol heavy in his grip. Jericho had died for him—he had sacrificed everything. And now, in his grief, Nathaniel was left with the unbearable guilt that he had caused it all.
The world had collapsed around him, and all he could do was stand there, shaking with the weight of his actions.
To be continued...