CHAPTER 57: Gratitude comes a long way

Daikichi POV

I notice Kana wake up slowly and the minute she see’s me, I shook my head while slowly inching to the door behind me. She noticed me and the minute she turned around, she got the idea as she turned back to me with a worried look.

Don’t make any sudden moves. I whisper in my mind as I look at her while shaking my head slowly. I see her shake Ms. Sam awake and whispered in her ear. They both slowly woke up Miki-sensei and tried to move bit by bit my way.

“Come on Takumi, let’s not do this.” A voice came from outside and I can see Takumi already unsheathe his weapons. Lisa and Amaguchi also are ready to fight at any given moment.

“Do what? Why can’t you guys just do your own thing? Why chase us around like cops.” Takumi said and I can see he’s not backing down. “This is the problem Balo, you’re all so goddamn caught up chasing Yasu, and it should be Luro you’re chasing around.”

“Yasu we understand, but we can’t just let them all go. Remember what the other group said as they left them behind." The same voice rang out as I tried to listen while slowly stepping backward.

“Look, even if they did that, that's not the point and I heard the story from them. So far, you fucking idiots are siding with the bad guys.” Takumi said and I started getting a picture of what they’re talking about.

"Bad guys? What did we do? The fuck did we do?” Amaguchi asked.

“These dumbasses thought you all left those guys behind to save yourselves. Used them as bait.” Takumi said without turning to Amaguchi.

“You mean Suyeon’s brother? That fucker is still alive? After what he did to us, he deserves to die." Lisa says and I can see her body shaking from remembering her ordeal.

“You see Balo, those fuckers you decided to leave by themselves in the city did some pretty nasty things to these guys. I rather sleep with dead boars that with those people.” Takumi says and I can feel the door behind me.

“Look, I know we all made a mistake and that's why we’re here. Where’s Yasu?” I hear a girl's voice and I know it's the girl Yasu slapped with his frying pan.

“He’s sleeping.” Lisa snarls at them. “If you’re protecting those guys, then you’re no better than an enemy.”

Lisa’s hand suddenly glows and everything suddenly got tense. Roots started appearing from under them but it suddenly froze before shattering to pieces.

“Nice try you won’t catch us the second time bitch.” Lisa snarls and I can see she’s furious.

"Everyone stop! Sheathe your weapons and let's talk this out!" Ms. Sam ran out towards them but no one is listening at the moment, Kana ran for the door behind me as I open it slightly for her to get in with Miki-sensei.

"Tell Mamoru, get them out of there." I whisper to her and she nods before entring the door.

Lisa looks at me and I pointed the door behind me. She understood and gave me a weak nod before stepping to the side to let Ms. Sam through. She kept one hand behind her back as she tried to get her attention. Her hand glowed faintly and all of sudden, rocks came off the ground behind me covering the door making it seem like it was never there. Right at that moment, the wall in front of them came off exposing everyone on the other side. The mage that rooted everyone before stands right across Lisa and I can see her hand along with her staff glowing a brighter color.

"Ms. Sam, I don't think we can talk this through. I still won't forget what he did to Hiroko." One of the guys says and from what I remember to what Yasu told me, his name was Junpei. I felt angry just seeing him and not wanting to draw attention to the wall behind me, I walked towards them as I call out my dimensional bag. I took out the two swords Yasu gave me as I stand beside everyone. Goro-sensei did the same along with everyone else.

“And I’ll never forget what you did to my girlfriend you prick.” I snarl at him and I can see his face contorts of anger. “What? Want to slap me also you bitch?”

“And who the fuck-“

“Who cares who the fuck I am, sure Yasu slapped the shit out of your girlfriend but you almost killed mine. I don't know if you have a brain or not but, it should be us chasing you all down for attempted murder you motherfuckers.” I can see him ready to attack but one guy who’s the only one not unsheathing his weapon got in front of him.

“Junpei relax.” He says and I can see he’s starting to get irritated towards his teammate. “Look, come with us so we can get this all sorted out. We don’t have to fight. I swear under my name you all aren't in trouble.”

"Or, you can just go on your way and do whatever you want to do and we'll go on our way and do what we really need to do," Takumi says beside me and everyone is still tense at the situation.

“All of you! Stop!” Ms. Sam shouted one more time and I flinch a bit since she’s right beside me.

“Everyone put your weapons away.” The same guy who stopped Junpei looked at his team and no one budged. “Now!”

They all started sheathing their weapons except Junpei who kept a fighting stance.

“Junpei put your weapon away.” The guy between us said glaring at him.

“I will if he puts his weapon away.” Junpei snarls at me making me laugh. I put my sword inside my bag and gave him the middle finger.

“Daikichi!” Ms. Sam shouts as she glares at me and I gave her a shrug.

Junpei finally sheathes his sword and I can see him fuming as he crosses his arms.

“Ok, good. Now, let’s talk. I haven't properly introduced myself to you all but my name is Balo.” He says as he held his hand out to me but I never shook it.

“Talk, the hell do you want with us?” I snarl at him still remembering what happened before.

“I just want everything to be sorted out. The other team said you left them to die, Takumi said the opposite just now. Can you all tell me what really happened?” He asked and I shook my head.

"As much as I want to have a storytelling scene around a campfire, the scars on peoples hearts on this side is too much. For me to even utter a word, I need to get all their permission.” I say looking at Lisa and I can see her on the verge of tears. She couldn't hold herself as she silently cried.

“There goes your answer. We don't want to talk or say anything to a bunch of strangers.” Amaguchi says as he ushered Lisa to stay inside and sit on one of the chairs Takumi built before.

"One thing I can tell you, we didn't do whatever the fuck they say we did," I tell him and I can see Balo in deep thought.

“Who cares what you did, I need answers to why Yasu did that.” Junpei steps forward and his face makes me want to repeatedly punch him.

"You fuckers know damn well why he did that!" I shout at him getting infuriated. I was thinking they would all fly into a rage but no one said anything as guilt caught up to them. "Do you even have any fucking idea what he went through in there by himself?"

“Daikichi relax-“

"No Ms. Sam, I won't. These guys think they can just waltz in here as nothing happened but, what do you think Yasu would do the minute he finds out they’re all out here?” I asked her and she didn't reply. “They’re fucking lucky he’s unconscious.”

“Unconscious?” The girl standing beside Junpei says as she started approaching me. I got into a defensive stance making her stop on her tracks. “T-tell me, is he ok?”

"Ok? Ha, get real. He's far from okay now that you're all here. Why the fuck does you all want to keep meeting him? Doesn't it click in your mind that he doesn't want anything to do with any of you guys?" I feel hot and my face is probably turning red from anger. Everyone just averted my gaze without saying a word except Junpei who kept glaring at me.

“Would you all just leave him alone?” Ms. Sam said and it caught me off guard. I thought she would mediate between us but I can see she cares more about Yasu than them.

“Ms. Sam, we cant-“ The girl to only be interrupted by Ms. Sam’s look.

“Why is that you can’t leave him alone? He went through hell because of you guys. As much as I want everyone to be all right with each other, my main priority is Yasu and will always be. From what I can see, he’s better off if he doesn't meet any of you at all at the moment.” Ms. Sam explained in a calm tone.

The girl suddenly burst out in tears and Junpei stepped in consoling her. “It’s ok Hiroko.”

“Now that we got this sorted out, leave. We don’t want to go with you or do anything with any of you.” I tell them not wanting to prolong our meeting.

“Look just come with us and-“

“Didn't you just hear what we said? Going with you is not possible. Especially when you’re harboring criminals.” I snarl at him. “What the point of going with you anyways? So we can relive our nightmares?”

“I’ve had it.” Junpei suddenly stepped forward placing his hand on my neck. “Paralyze!”

My body went numb and I couldn't move anything.

“Daikichi!” Lisa shouts as she ran to me but Junpei was quickly on her doing the same thing as he paralyzes her and Amaguchi who went into a rage. Takumi tried to swing at him to be only stopped by Balo.

“Dude relax! Daikichi stop it!” Balo shouted out as Goro-sensei rushed him with his shield.

Junpei was quick to dodge while placing his hand on Goro-sensei’s back paralyzing him also.

“Junpei! What are you doing!” One of their team ran for him and my body felt like lead. I couldn't move anything.

“Look, we don’t have time for this. You said it, they need to be held accountable for their actions. I don’t want another Rikimura running around.” Junpei says towards Balo who stopped Ms. Sam from approaching us.

“Are you fucking crazy!” Takumi shouted checking on all of us and everyone is on the ground unable to move. Takumi kept his guard down as I saw Junpei slowly move behind him.

“Watch out!” I was too late as Junpei had his hand over Takumi’s neck and his body slumped down on top of mine. “You fucking asshole! Release us!”

"Not so tough now huh, look, I have nothing against all of you but I can't take any more chances. Now, where's Yasu?” He asked me leaning towards me.

"He's not here," I tell him hoping he didn't notice the wall Lisa made earlier.

“Oh yeah? What about that wall over there?” Junpei says as he stands up and walks towards where Kana and all the injured are resting. Dorang was already on the ground along with his group trying not to attract attention or agitate everyone. “Akane, destroy that wall.”

“No!” I shout but no one did anything. Not even Balo who tried to calm down Ms. Sam as she started crying trying to break free from his grasp. I see the mage from their group walk pass me and she chanted some words making her hand and staff glow. In a few seconds, the rock wall Lisa created crumbled exposing everyone inside.

"Kana! Mamoru! Go!" I shout as I notice them looking at me with fear as the wall crumble in front of them.

“Daikichi!” Kana shouted as she ran for me and like Déjà vu, everything repeated in my head as she ran blindly not wary of her surroundings.

“Kana stop!” I shout at her as she passes Junpei who got his hand out ready to paralyze her.

In a quick blur, he suddenly disappeared as the ground beneath him erupted while he flew out the cave. Suyeon sluggishly lands beside Kana as I hear her breathing hard.

"Don't you dare touch her," Suyeon says as she slowly stands up. Kana got right next to me and in a split second, roots appeared under Suyeon forcing her to the ground. I look at Yasu who’s still unconscious on his bed as roots appeared out of the ground to hold Kana down.

“That fucking hurt.” Junpei came back with his armor almost gone and blood coming out of his mouth. He dropped down the ground and the healer from their team ran for him.

“Junpei!” Everyone ran towards him but I can see his expression change as his complexion turn pale.

“Now!” Yasu suddenly shouted as he got up his bed and in a quick motion, he was right next to us as he freed Suyeon and Kana from the roots before launching himself towards their mage. She was caught off guard as he grabs her by the head slamming her face down the ground.

Mamoru quickly got a portal up and I felt my body was picked up as I watch Yasu handle me with ease. I saw everything as a blur as I see my body fly across the room into the portal making me bounce around on the other side. One by one, all of us that were paralyzed came flying into the portal and I see Dorang along with his group pick up all the unconscious as they jump right in. Mamoru tried his best to hold the portal open as it started blinking fast.

Suyeon came jumping in with Kana on her shoulders and they both stumbled to the other side. Ms. Sam along with Miki-sensei ran through the portal carrying Nala. The last one was Yasu who stood his ground fighting all of them preventing them from reaching the portal. Even when he just came back from being at the verge of death, he managed to hold his own as he sent some of them flying while some were knocked unconscious. I see him run at one side and in a split second; Takumi came flying into the portal with him jumping right in.

“Mamoru!” Junpei shouted and I can see Mamoru look struggles to keep the portal open.

"Brother," Mamoru whispered and Junpei tried his best to run towards the portal.

“What are you doing?! Why are you here?!” Junpei asked and I can see his expression going wild.

"I'm sorry, brother," Mamoru says as he deactivates the portal right before Junpei got through it. He drops to his knees and as soon as the portal closed, I regained the feeling on my body. Everyone was on the ground while some started placing the unconscious near a tree surrounded by green grass. I tried my best to stand up yet my body felt weak as if I just did some extreme exercise.

“You ok?” I asked him and he nods as he moved towards a tree slumping down at the base of it.

“Yasu!” Kana shouted and as soon as I turn around, I see him on the ground convulsing.

He screams brough everyones attention was to him. He kept scratching the ground over and over again before turning on his back as he started clawing his neck. Suyeon quickly got on top of him restraining his hands to prevent him from scratching his throat open. I ran to them as I tried to help her hold him down but he was too strong as he continued to scream trying to break free. Everyone helped hold him down as Kana and Ms. Sam shouted his name healing him. Not knowing what's happening, I felt scared as I see blood coming out of his eyes, nose, and mouth. He kept screaming as if his insides were burning before completely passing out.

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.

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Darkness quickly came as we all huddled around a campfire. Ms. Sam handed out some of her potions to those who have a fever and luckily, it had an instant reaction as most of the unconscious woke up and was able to move around right away. The only one that wasn’t healed was Yasu. Even when Ms. Sam almost used a whole bottle, it seemed like his fever never went down and the potion never had any effect.

“He’s going to be fine right?” Kana asked Ms. Sam as she wipes Yasu’s forehead. He’s been sweating once his fever came and there was nothing we could do to bring it down.

“I hope so but he’s burning up I wish I had all my medical equipment into this world.” Ms. Sam replied and I can see her expression full of worry. They’ve been working non-stop taking care of him and I can see they’re at their limit.

“Ms. Sam, you should rest. Me and Kana can handle from here.” I tell her grabbing the cloth of her hand.

“Ok, wake me up if his condition get’s worse.” She tells us as she slumps down beside him. She didn't even bother washing at the puddle Lisa made. In an instant, Ms. Sam fell asleep and I couldn't blame her. Just a minute ago, we were taking it easy and now, we're always on the edge looking over our shoulders. I stayed awake with Kana as she took care of Yasu wiping the sweat off his forehead. Suyeon stayed up with us as she sat beside him reading her book.

“Are you sure you’re ok Suyeon?” Kana asked worried about her since she hasn't slept since we got out of the cave.

“Y-yeah. My body feels sore a-a bit but I’m fine.” Suyeon says before going back to her own world getting lost in her book.

Daytime quickly came and we switched shift with Miki-sensei and Goro-sensei. I quickly fell asleep beside Kana who slept next to Suyeon. I didn’t have any dream as I was woken up with a gentle shake and I can see the sun slowly sink into the horizon, covering the sky with an orange blanket.

“Daikichi, wake up. Wash your face and let’s eat dinner.” Kana whispers as I rub my eyes. “Amaguchi and Takumi managed to catch a boar, they’re preparing it now.”

I look up and everyone was busy doing something. Dorang along with the group he came with is butchering the boar while some started building shelters. I was probably in deep sleep and didn't notice that they built a roof over us. Yasu is still unconscious beside us while Suyeon sat beside him leaning on a log reading her book. She saw me looking at her and gave me a quick smile.

I gave her a nod of hello before groggily walking towards the puddle.

“What the…” I whisper as I see they build a sink table made out of wood.

“Like my creation? I just learned it after I leveled up my skill.” Takumi whispers and I can see he’s busy building something right next to it.

“Yeah, and hey, how you’re feeling?” I asked him. Even when it seemed alright, the fact that he left his team on a bad note at both times. It must be getting to him as I see he’s keeping himself busy more than ever.

“I’m fine. Kind of pissed off at their stupidity but, someone has it worse.” He says looking at Mamoru who isolated himself. I see him sitting by himself at one of the campfire just staring at it. “Who would have known, he’s Junpei’s brother.”

“Yeah…” I whisper looking at Yasu. I'm worried about how he will react towards him once he wakes up.

“Guys! Let’s eat!” Dorang shouted as he pointed towards the pile of food on top of a table. Getting a better look, I see a lot of tables around the area.

"Wow, you really got busy huh," I whisper towards Takumi and he just gave a small laugh as he washed his hands on the sink table.

Since there’s no plumbing, there’s a giant looking tub right next to it and a pail is used to collect water. I waited for him to finish as I watch him dump the water onto the sink, which collects all the dirty water to empty it towards the ground below. When he was done, he handed me a towel from his bag before walking off towards the table. I quickly washed my face and walked towards our group, which gathered at a table near Yasu. Mamoru came also and sat next to Amaguchi. I’m glad everyone doesn't feel any different with him and I hoped Yasu would be the same.

“Ok guy’s dig in. We tried our best to cook it.” Amaguchi says as we all grabbed pieces of meat with our bare hands. It was hot to the touch but not too hot that it burned our skins. I took a bite and the juice that came out of the meat flowed into my mouth. Yet, it wasn’t satisfying as the taste was bland. Since I was too hungry, I didn’t say anything as I kept eating.

"Damn, this taste like nothing," Amaguchi says as he bites into what seems like a rib bone. "Sorry guys, we tried out best to cook it."

“It’s ok. But I wonder how Yasu makes his food taste so good even when just put salt on it.” Kana asked as she placed a bone down in front of her. She grabbed another one and ate without making much facial expression.

“I bet it's his skill," Amaguchi says and even I wonder at what limit he can cook.

"I have never tasted anything bad he made," Lisa says making us remember the first time he fed us. "I don't think he can make anything taste bad."

"There is one time he vomited what he made," Suyeon says as she places a bone down to grab another one.

“What? When? What did he make?” Amaguchi asked like a kid.

“It was when we got out of the dungeon. We were stuck up the mountain.” She says as she looks around trying to remember. “Ah, it was the ogre queen.”

We all stayed silent for a moment looking at her.

“Ogre queen?!” Ms. Sam’s mouth was wide open. Even we didn't expect him to eat actual demons.

“Thank god we didn't come across any demons. I don't think I can stomach Yasu cooking one.” Lisa says as she puts her food down losing her appetite.

“It didn't taste that bad…” Suyeon whispered making us all look her way again.

“Don’t tell me…” Kana stopped talking and her mouth is wide open from shock.

“He fed you the ogre queen?!” Lisa says standing up and we all look at Yasu who still lays unconscious.

“W-well y-yeah. And it d-didn’t taste bad.” Suyeon stutters making us wonder what else he fed her.

“I need to have a talk with him when he wakes up.” Ms. Sam whispers as Lisa sits back down.

“How is he?” Mamoru asked.

“He’s burning up but today, his temperature started dropping.” Ms. Sam explained but in my mind, I wanted to ask something else. I wanted to find out if Mamoru is fine.

“He won’t kill me…right?” Mamoru suddenly asked and we all stayed quiet for a bit.

"He won't. Don't worry, I know him more than anyone here and I know he won't." I tell him and he gave me a nod. I guess he's worried if he will ever fit in here now that we know he's Junpei brother. “Don't worry man, nothing will change between us. Also, Yasu might be an asshole but trust me he- what?”

I see all of them looking at me as their eyes trail towards something above me. I look back thinking it’s Luro yet all my worries are gone when I see Yasu standing behind me.

“Yasu!" Kana shouted as she stands but Ms. Sam beat her to him moving like lightning placing her the back of her hand on top his forehead.

“You’re still burning up. Go rest.” Ms. Sam says and Yasu waved to her weakly smiling.

"You ok bro? Here have a seat." I tell him as I stand up but he just told me to sit back down as he walked near the table grabbing one of the meat. In an instant, he devoured it and I can see the color come back into his face. He grabbed another meat and kept eating until he ate everything that's on the table.

“Ugh, my bad. Didn’t mean to eat everything.” He whispers as he walked towards the forest and in an instant, he disappeared into the dark. We all didn't know what to do as we started scampering up chasing after him but he quickly came back holding a dead wolf. Its fur was as black as night and its eyes are as red as its blood. He quickly set it down near the fire and started butchering it.

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Ms. Sam approaches him and he nods to her as he butchers the wolf into pieces.

“Yeah, I heal by eating. I ate enough so I should regain some energy.” We hear him whisper as he started cooking the wolf over the fire and the smell started making me salivate. It wasn’t long till he cooked enough pile of wolf meat as he places them down the table. He quickly washes his hands and I can see Mamoru just sitting by the table not moving an inch.

"Guys eat, we're moving tomorrow," Yasu tells us and we all sat down on the table where Mamoru is. Yasu just passed him as he went back down towards the bed laying down on it. He quickly called out his bag and took out the fur blanket he used before and placing it over himself.

"Oh my god, this is good," Amaguchi says as he started eating and the smell of the meat is enough to make me feel hungry again.

“Thanks for the portal.” I hear Yasu whisper right before I grab a piece of meat out of the pile. I notice everyone is full of smiles as Mamoru tears came out silently crying.