Chapter 11: Past, Present, or Future?

The sun has earnestly arose but a boy was already long up before it did. The morning light, weak though it was, pierced his eyes like a stiletto. Pitching his body up and down as his hands gripped on a tree branch, vigorously lifting his body weight half a meter off the ground. The bright sun beamed over his chiseled body, revealing the results of his faithful compliance to his daily training manual. His sweat damped body exuded steam and his panting left a moisture that showed the humidity in the wind.

Not too long ago, he was just a regular student living a blissful life. On a day he thought to be regular, he died. Killed by his childhood friend whom he thought to be dead years ago. One way or another, he got transported to this fantasy world after his death. However, his setup was not of a chosen hero saving the world from it's impeding doom nor was he reincarnated to live his life to the fullest. From the books that he's read down to his childish fantasies, Keisuke was expecting a life full of joy and adventure. But those books were nothing more than just wish fulfillment.

Reality is cold. His life in this fantasy world had been nothing but suffering. The type where plucking a knife on his own throat could not even end this misery. Again and again, he felt it. The warm liquid called blood and the pain that comes along with it. If making him go through that agonizing torture again and again wasn't enough, a fraction of his memory was deleted upon waking up from death.

But in the midst of all his insecurities, a girl was able to shed light in that endless pit of darkness.

Carefully hidden underneath a shade lies sleeping beauty. Because she whimpered in her sleep, he knew she wasn't dead. It was still clear in his mind. The time when he tasted the tender creaminess of her lips. How warm she was, how soft. Finding her childish side caused him an even greater sense of satisfaction because he knew he was the only one who could put her mind at rest.

Reminiscing what happened last night caused a pleasant heat beneath his clothing. Last night... No, it was earlier this morning. That was probably the longest night he's ever had in his entire life. She was beautifully made and he took pleasure in it. A cry escaped her, and another, until it was the break of dawn. Keisuke had learned a great deal about Erin in a single day.

"Mhmm.... Kei..?"

The beautiful Goddess opened her eyes accompanied by a moan. Her face flushed and her hair was loose, forming brown locks. What permeated in her view was a boy. The boy whom she confined herself into. The boy who had seen her vulnerability. His kindness touched her heart and caused her to put aside her reservations. But it wasn't just because of that kindness why her heart had turned over with love for him. The boy treated her with the most tender and sweet approach. Something that her fragile heart was not accustomed to. Everything was a first for her, and because of that, she could not stop wondering if it was the same for him too.

Say yes, she pleaded in her mind.

Still bewildered by the sudden brightness, Erin silently watched Keisuke perform his morning exercise. As she positioned her back against a tree, she felt a burning sensation accumulating between her thighs and crimson residue was sticky in between. This dreadful sensation caused her to remember his words last night.

I'll be gentle...? Remembering this, she fought to keep the blood from rising in her cheeks. Kuuh...

Keisuke quickly moved his body and stretched his muscles. He cracked his neck and shoulders, as he walked over the leaves and approached the cowering lily. He sat beside her and inquired about her well being.

"Did you sleep well?"

"M-Mhm..."

She had an urge to hit him, but couldn't muster enough courage to stare at Keisuke's naked torso up close. A blush was creeping along her face, on the side of her cheek that was visible to him.

"Umm.. how are you feeling?" He asked nervously.

"I feel terrible," Her knees pulled up and her chin hunched over them. "Everything happened so quick I barely have time to think things through."

"I see... I had a feeling it was like that after all." Hearing her words, Keisuke left the area. She would not need to explain what she meant.

Looking at his rear beamed by the sunlight, Erin was suddenly mystified by the ominous tattoos that are branded on his back.

Markings??

Once she was done preparing herself, Keisuke offered her a piggyback ride. Erin clumsily crossed her slender arms around his neck, passing her breath to his ears. Slowly, he raised his back from the ground and resumed their journey.

* * * * * *

After trampling over through the fresh foliage for another day, they were finally able to leave the treacherous region governed by the elves. A different kind of breeze rustled in the wind. Keisuke deeply breathed the fresh air ahead of him, thankful that he had safely passed the greatest ordeal he encountered in his short life.

"Ahhh..."

Just when he was about to enter a state of solemness, Erin pulled his hand and tugged him away, spinning around as if they were children. They stopped at the edge of a cliff and stare at the distant horizon. The light of the setting sun dyes them gently, and the light breeze slapping through their cheeks was phenomenal.

"It's a beautiful scenery, don't you think?" He asked while staring at the horizon, his face remained motionless.

"Ye-Yeah.."

"Don't worry, humans are not as bad as you think."

Hearing his verbal assurance, Erin gently leaned her head on his shoulder. For a short while, they stayed in that position, enjoying the majestic view presented in their eyes.

"Well, we should get going."

Trudging downwards on a hill slope, the two came upon a field of crops and a few elderly people tending to them. Farm houses surround the man made roads and wooden fences were place in between.

"Hey kid, you passed through the Sea of Trees by yourselves?" One of the old man walked up to them with a surprised look.

"No, we're just a pair of merchants passing by the roads to Saphir." Erin answered.

"Ah, Saphir is indeed a good place to start for young merchants like yourselves." He proudly said. "Although," the old man's gaze traveled to their clothes; which were covered in dirt and blood. "You two seem to have been through a lot."

Keisuke nodded his head to answer the old man's question. "Long story. Actually, were looking for a place to stay for the night. How about I help you work at the fields in exchange for a room?" His shamelessness that knows no bounds left his lips.

The old man simply laughs at his sudden declaration and said, "Hahaha!! What a vigorous kid! Sure, follow me. We could use a hand anyways."

The old man walked to a nearby house and urged them to follow. As soon as they're alone again, Erin gently reached towards his hand.

"Kei... aren't you tired?"

"I'm fine." He turned to face her, grabbed her tender hands and slapped it on his cheeks. The warmth passing through her hands was enough to erase the exhaustion written on his face. "See, that's all I need." He reassured her just like that.

"If you say so..."

* * * * * *

"Here."

The old man handed him a plain short sleeve garment made of cheap fabric. There's a few small holes noticeable on the shirt, but for Keisuke, who had nothing with him other than the uniform that he's wearing, its more than a luxury.

"Thanks a lot old man."

"No need, you can use the riverbank nearby if you want to cleanse yourself."

Following his words, Keisuke left the room with the old man. Waiting on them outside was Erin, who had also finished changing to the clothes provided by the old man's daughter, with a cheerful smile on her face.

"You look good."

"M-Mhm.."

Without thinking, words of praise left his mouth. It was just some simple villager clothes that reeks of poverty, but for Keisuke, it was exquisite. Beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder.

"Well, since it's already late, why don't you two join us for dinner and we'll start the work tomorrow?" The old man said.

"Alright, that sounds great to me. Just that... I'll be back in a little bit."

"I'll come--"

"Sorry... I just want some time alone.. Neh?"

Thus, Keisuke left the house by himself. If it was the old Erin, she would have no doubt persisted on coming, yet something about his words carried a hint of loneliness. His dry tone and the fake smile that he flashed to ease her mind was backfiring. Nonetheless, Erin respected his decision.

Erin thought to herself, when did it start? Just moments ago, he was cheerful enough to hold her hand. She stood silently, as her mind recalled the recent events that just occurred.

* * * * * *

While I was indulging myself to my worries, I had already reached the riverbank. The sky had long turned dark and the usual spirits that lightened our path were nowhere to be found. On the blue water stream, the moon reflected clearly and every soft breeze a caress, revitalizing my confused soul.

"Haa... What is this feeling? It hurts..."

Overwhelmed by the sudden feeling of despair, I tightly clenched my chest. I wonder, when did this feeling start? My heart pounds so hard that, despite the bothering sound of the water current, I am aware of my blood whooshing through my entire body. This feeling of loneliness that surrounded my entire being in flood, what is it?

Perhaps it was because of the watery abyss in front of me that I could not think right, but it was because of that after all. I can't think of any other reason. When we entered the old man's house and a young lady greeted us behind the door and called him Pops.

Shit.

What does that even mean? Just because of a single word, why does my chest feels so tight? It feels like my heart would explode just by hearing that word and any other term that associates with it. I was tense enough without having to listen to my own heartbeat. The intense pressure shrouding my heart was so occupying, that no matter how much I tried to digress, my resounding heartbeat would be sure to kill me.

Struggling to my feet, I positioned myself at the edge of the river and knelt. I splashed and indulge my dreaded face into the river water. I stripped to the waist, washed my upper body, face, and hands. I put on the fresh shirt that the old man handed me from before. As the ripple of water stabilizes, I saw a clear reflection of my face. The face of a murderer. Eventually, the heart wrenching cry of that girl echoed inside my ears; so distraught that I can barely contain myself.

I did not know why I felt now a greater weight upon my shoulders. Of all the things I am, a killer and a fool are but a few of them. A confused boy. A seeker who cannot find his way. Or perhaps deep in my heart I knew, but kept distracting myself from the truth, preferring to proceed in ignorance, for fear that the truth would paralyze me, and bite me to death.

Even though I've resolved myself to do all of these, why is my heart wavering?

* * * * * *

It was past midnight. Sitting on top of the bed, Erin patiently waited for Keisuke. While solemnly watching the moon and the bright stars outside the window, her mind went adrift, unable to properly reach a conclusion.

*knock knock* A polite rap on the door brought her back to her senses.

"Come in."

Wordlessly, Keisuke entered the room, walked over to the bed, and wrapped his arms around her fragile self. Her cheeks felt the moisture of his hair; still wet from the time when he took a bath.

"Kei, what's bothering you?" She asked.

"Erin... do you not feel anything weird because of that ring?"

Keisuke's question led Erin to a conclusion; that he was once again worried about her well being. No, that was wrong. All the time, he's been thinking about her safety.

"I'm fine." She murmured softly.

"Then why can't you remove it?"

"There must be some sort of magic infused in this ring, preventing me from doing so."

"Anything else? Like dizziness, or something.. I don't know. Tell me."

"Kei, you're worrying too much."

Erin slowly moved her fingers and returned his embrace. She placed her palms on his back, caressing him gently. Unseen, her face broke into a smile. She was happy that someone would deliberately think of her like that. She could feel her heart happily jumping a little somersault.

"Erin, I... I want to correct these mistakes. Even if it means I have to start everything again, as long as I could reassure myself that everything is okay, I would return."

She did not understand what he meant, yet it told her that he was going away and would not be back. He would be gone to a place where she could not grasp. Parting from Keisuke would hurt her. Alot. She knew that.

"I don't want Keisuke to leave me." On the verge of crying, she uttered the words that were hidden deep within her heart.

"But..."

"I don't care." She stopped his words. "I don't want Keisuke to leave."

Erin perceived that Keisuke is carrying a huge emotional baggage. Different from the one she knew. Different from the one he just previously revealed. Very heavy and painful. And the cause of all those distress was her. That every passing second, the emotions he kept hidden would destroy him. She considered herself selfish, but no matter what, she does not want to lose the last person that supports her.

After a moment of thinking, Keisuke pulled away, just enough for him to stare at her face. He reached to her face, push the bangs covering her forehead, and kissed her there for a very long time.

"Its late.. Let's sleep?" Keisuke said with a stiffened smile.

Her pale green eyes met his with interest. She leaned a smidgen closer. And with a stroke of blush, she took his lips. An immature kiss, but at that very instant, their bond was completed. It was just a simple smack of her lips, yet it was heavy, and it felt great. It contained maturity, and fleeting innocence.

"Kei..."

She couldn't read his expression, but something about the flicker in his eyes said he might just thought of leaving. His face was calm. Yet there was something in the sound of his voice, something in his eyes, that completely made her worry. That no matter how hard she tries, she could not stop him from departing.

"Promise me you'll stay?"

Meeting those emerald eyes staring so clear and beautiful into his, he knew he'd never be satisfied without it. Erin leaned her head against his chest, and his heart took a crazy leap. Anymore of these and he would've surely done that.

"I promise... to the past, present, or future."

Hearing his gentle words, Erin felt that she could smile forever.

"Hehe.. It's late. We should sleep."

After that feeling of loneliness subside, Erin plunged onto the bed and faced the wall. The bed that the old man provided for them was designed to accommodate only a single person, so she scooted over. Keisuke pulled the bed cover and sat on the bed. He stripped his shirt over his head and kicked his shoes off.

"Waaaiiiit!! Was there a need for that?" Erin protested as soon as she heard his shirt touched the wooden floors.

"Umm.. Yes?"

A short answer and Keisuke turned around to lay down on their bed. Yawning, he put his arms around her waist and drew her closer. Erin could feel the close proximity of his sculpted muscles.

"Umm... can I kiss?"

"F-Fine!"

After getting her permission, Keisuke squeezed her tighter and nuzzled her neck. Delicately, he worked his lips at the back of her ear, gently stroking her soft spots with his tongue.

Shivering with pleasure, Erin managed to let out a complaint. "Stupiid.. Not there..."

However, such beautiful moaning just further intensified his solid excitement. He heard her refusal, ringing as one of the most finest melody he's ever heard in his short life. Slowly, as if he was handling a precious gem, his hands crawled upward, trapping her innocent bosom beneath his fingertips. Although he had a chance to touch it before, he was too excited to properly feel them.

"Erin... you're gonna need to help me out here..." He whispered to her ear.

"No," she turned around to face him. "I thought you wanted to sleep just now?" Bickering, she turned around to face the wall once more. "Good night."

"Q.Q...(Blue balls...)"

Hearing her protest was enough. Keisuke halted his kisses and just satisfied himself by burying his face deep into her hair. He was warm, and he smelled great, and though deny it as much she might, she liked the way how he pressed her body against him. Keisuke fills up the room. He's surprisingly quiet, but his energy permeates every nook and cranny. His presence felt masculine and safe, although the truth is, he probably draws more danger than he scares away. He is a young boy after all. And the disturbing reality is that she loved him messing around with her ears.

I-I'll forgive you this time...