For their sake, he hides

Late at night, Fagusio’s ship sails to a new destination. The purple flames from the braziers struggle against a chilling breeze to remain lit as the sea gifts those aboard with a calm travel. Sitting against a wooden wall, Pietra is on the deck, looking at the sky. She had never seen so many stars, but her thoughts prevented her from enjoying the view.

- Giovanni, what are you doing? - she asks herself, trying to understand.

- Do you think it’s our Gio?

Leaning against the mast, Nicholas gazes at the sea, thoughtful.

- I don’t know. It doesn’t make sense, but, at the same time, there are some concerning coincidences…

- Even if he did cross the portal, he wouldn’t have the time to make the swords.

- Unless he prepared everything beforehand.

- Are you saying he is some mastermind? Pia, we are not in one of his campaigns.

- Our spawn point was a church, and there were exactly three swords with his name secretly engraved in them. How do you explain that?

- Suzuki told us that some religions of this world use buildings similar to churches. Also, why hasn’t he appeared to us? Why would Gio let us go through so much trouble without helping us?

- I know, but… Sorry. I don’t want to suspect him or anything. The possibility of him being in this world as well never crossed my mind, and now I’m so worried. Different from us, he is alone. He’s more socially awkward than Kai with people he doesn't know.

- If he’s here, we will find him.

- Yes…

The duo feels the absence of the original third member of the party.

- Where is Kai?

- Doing his own thing, I’m sure.

- I’m here.

They both look in the direction from which his voice came. Kai stands proudly on the upper deck, arms crossed, his hoodie billowing in the wind. He looks at the horizon with determination.

- Since when have you been there? - Pietra asks, slightly annoyed.

- I’m wherever they need me.

- What are you talking about?

- I will do the impossible and see the invisible!

Pietra takes a dice from her pocket and throws it at his ankle, making him lose balance and fall to the lower deck.

- My aura…

- This is not the time. Can’t you see we are discussing something serious?

- I am serious.

He stands up and, after brushing the dirt from his clothes, continues.

- No matter where he is, we are going to find Giovanni.

- And what if it’s not him? - Nicholas questions.

- We beat whoever it is then for setting those damn swords on us.

- Shouldn’t we beat him either way? - Pietra jokes.

- I like Gio, but I’m not against the idea - he chuckles.

- Do you guys remember when he surprised us with a group of witches cursing an entire city? Almost half of the NPCs we loved died. - Pietra reminds the group of their past tabletop RPG campaign.

- Damn. That was a cool plot twist. I don’t think something got me so off guard.

- There was that time when one of my characters got one-shotted by that demon with a ridiculous name - Kai says, faking frustration.

- Furfur?

- That one. Thanks again for avenging me using that holy baguette. Creating a templar baker was such a brilliant idea.

- Asai! - the small creature exclaims, popping out from inside a nearby barrel.

- Of course, you can join! Come here - Nicholas lifts her and brings her close to the others.

- Why are you all so loud? I’m trying to sleep - Lirika says, coming out of the ship’s interior.

- Look who’s talking. You talk so much in your sleep that I couldn't get a proper night's rest when we shared a room in Vatogus.

- R-really?!

Filled with nostalgia and joy, they all laughed together, recalling their past and what awaits them in their future. A moment like this was exactly what they needed to calm their nerves. A few hours later, despite Asai's protests to stay a bit longer, the ladies went to bed first.

Kai yawns.

- Maybe I should go too.

- Kai, wait. Now that we're alone… - his voice sounds a bit reluctant.

- I don't want to be the first to know you're coming out of the closet.

- I want to talk to you about something.

- Just like old times, huh? Well, without Giovanni. You do know how terrible I am at giving advice… Or with words in general, right?

- It's not like I want to hide anything from Pia, but… Anyway, can we? - his tone tells Kai that it’s something important, so he stops messing around.

- Alright. Talk to me.

- When we were with Suzuki, you said the abilities we have are “more like curses”? Why did you say that?

- Ah, well… Sorry, I didn’t mean it. I just said in the heat of the moment. I was frustrated because we can’t use the goddess's blessings, but the power of your sword is nice.

- I was thinking about when you got stabbed in the chest. At that moment, I touched you and the knight simultaneously. That’s the reason you healed.

- Doesn’t that mean you saved me? Man, that’s awe-

Interrupting Kai, Nicholas mumbles on the verge of tears.

- I think I killed him.

- Don’t be ridiculous. It was a severe wound, but I’m sure those knights had a capable healer with them. Do you remember how strong and royal they were?

- I couldn’t see properly, but I’m almost sure that when the General found us in Vatogus, there was one less man with him. That’s the reason why they have followed us so far!

- Okay, look at me, Nicholas. You’re overthinking this. First, the man with perfectly combed hair is pursuing us because it’s his duty. He believes we are evil. Second, the knight who stabbed me might have just stayed behind since he was hurt.

- Yeah, but…

- Let’s do this then. If we ever see Guson again, we will try to speak with him. We may end up beaten again, but anything to ease your mind.

- Okay, that works for me.

- I’m telling you. There is nothing to worry about. Remember that you saved my life. I am very grateful. You are amazing!

Nicholas wipes his tears with his fingers.

- Thanks, Kai. I’m feeling better.

- I should be thanking you, shouldn’t I? Regardless, you should get some rest, too.

- You are right. I’m going. Good night - he nods and leaves.

Kai smiles slightly, happy that he could help him. Unfortunately, his happiness will not last long.

- Why didn’t you tell him… That he killed me… - a grim voice mumbles to Kai.

Right beside him stands the same knight he was talking about. There is something very sinister about him. Still wearing his armor, he stares with wide-open eyes. Upon closer inspection, dried blood is visible near his chest and mouth.

- Get lost - Kai responds indifferently, already familiar with him.

- Murderer… Corrupter… Must die…

- You bought in on yourself. Just leave.

With these words, the figure vanishes.

- Dammit… I’m sorry, Nicholas…