"If it isn't the Barbarian Hero himself in the flesh," Ryuk called out, looking at Anteris, who stepped forward while chuckling,
"I'm not a hero. You of all people should know that," he responded, coming to stand by Ryuk's side, resting on the railings.
Both of them turned to look down, their eyes unconsciously trailing toward the large statue in the center of the settlement.
"Everyone in here will argue the opposite, though," Ryuk muttered beneath his breath, just loud enough for Anteris to hear.
"I never knew..." Anteris said, pausing as Ryuk turned his attention to him. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the novｅlfire.net
"Knew what?" Ryuk asked with interest.
"That they would still remember me after so many years."
"For a time, I was always worried I'd never be recognized, or... belong." His voice was low, almost to himself, before he sighed, clearly troubled.
"What's wrong, Anteris? You seem worried about something," Ryuk noticed.
Anteris turned to him, his troubled expression quickly changing to his wide grin again.
"What are you saying?" Anteris deflected, trying to sound like things were fine as usual, but he watched as Ryuk looked blankly at him, before turning his gaze to the Crowd of Aetheris Barbarians.
From the side, Anteris could see a faint smile.
"You remember the first time we met?" Ryuk asked, reclining against the railings.
"Yes. I remember whooping your ass quite badly," he added, making Ryuk's eye twitch, though he continued.
"You were imprisoned, Anteris. And truthfully, you were awaiting death, weren't you?" Ryuk asked rhetorically, continuing before Anteris could reply.
"Right then, I can guess you most likely never thought about finding the tribe again, or worried about being recognized or belonging."
"You thought they all never survived after all,"
"But then, you got out, learned of their existence, and saw the possibility of returning to what you gave your life for.
"Still, you doubted. 'Maybe they don't recognize me anymore. So much time has passed… I'd never fit into their world anymore,' you thought."
Ryuk turned to look at him.
"But now, you've found that not only are you recognized, you're well remembered. Now all those sacrifices and pain are more than worth it, don't they?"
Anteris only hummed under his breath.
"Hence, you wish to settle down, don't you, Anteris?" Ryuk asked, watching as Anteris remained reclining, looking silently into the distance.
It was silent, but the silence was louder than any spoken answer.
"I understand, Anteris," Ryuk said.
"I always told myself, Ryuk... I would live this new life of mine in your cause, having your back!"
"I swore it to myself many times."
The sound of iron twisting apart could be heard as Anteris's hand clenched the railing so tightly it bent under his grasp.
Now, I feel like a traitor just for even having the thought of—"
"You've found your peace, Anteris," Ryuk cut in, locking eyes with him.
"You fought for this with all you had, and you won."
"Now you feel safety and peace in what you've fought for. That feeling isn't wrong, nor traitorous. It's natural."
Anteris opened his mouth to reply, but Ryuk stopped him.
"You wish to follow me, like a knight to his master." Ryuk's voice was calm, but Anteris's eyes wavered.
"I see your actions, Anteris. And for as long as it lasted, you have been a good knight.
"Now... you deserve your peace."
"I'll be fine. I always am, aren't I, Anteris?" Ryuk smiled, but Anteris could see it.
The sadness in those shimmering purple irises.
It left him lost for words.
He had once seen anger in those eyes, Pain, too.
He felt something wet on his cheek, and when he swiped at it, he found tears glistening on his fingers.
"I'm crying?" Anteris asked in shock.
The last time he cried, he couldn't even remember.
Not in over 500 years of memories.
He was pulled from his thoughts when Ryuk's arms wrapped around him in a deep embrace.
It stunned him, but his arms folded in and held tightly.
"I... I... I will never forget," Anteris swore amidst tears that spilled like a wave.
He could feel the pain.
The pain of parting was so vivid, like a blade stabbed through his heart.
"I will never forget!" he swore again.
Silence fell over the balcony for a long time before footsteps approached.
They parted from the hug and turned to see Clan Leader Doragua, who wore a strange expression before quickly reading the mood.
"You've decided to leave?" he asked.
Ryuk nodded, a smile forming.
"Thank you for your hospitality," He said.
"No, I should be the one to thank you for your mercy and kindness. The Aetheris Barbarians will forever be grateful," Doragua replied with a bow.
Ryuk gave one last look at the Aetheris settlement.
The gentle breeze sent his hair flowing rhythmically as he listened to the chatter and laughter.
'So peaceful,' he thought.
And truly, only such a place was deserving of one like Anteris, not his dangerous, chaotic side.
Silently, he turned to the Clan leader, who gave a firm nod and stretched his hand forward.
A golden gate appeared in the air, and Ryuk stepped toward it.
One more step before crossing fully, he paused and looked back.
Those were the last words Anteris heard from him.
They left a deep ache in his soul, but in that moment, he also saw Ryuk's smile, happy for him despite the parting.
It was a bittersweet feeling, leaving him both guilty and fulfilled.
"Ryuk," Anteris whispered as the teleportation gate vanished.
The sound of space itself cracking under his grip echoed, as his fingers clenched into a fist, but then his hand relaxed.
A confident grin returning
"You're one special being, Ryuk."
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