Haruki…
Despite my misgivings about my struggle to carry out my divine duties, my curiosity about Haruki’s motivations deepened, prompting me to ask earnestly, “What do you fight for?” My question lingered in the air, not merely seeking an answer but inviting a glimpse into the deeper drives and convictions that guided his actions. My gaze fixed on him, hopeful and intent, ready to understand the passions that fueled his journey beyond the mere mechanics of combat and survival.
As I finished explaining and posed my question, I noticed Haruki was deeply engaged in listening, his attention fixed on my words. The genuine interest he showed was flattering, and I felt a growing fondness for him. His eyes dropped to the ground, his body still except for the occasional tapping of his foot—a subtle sign of his contemplation or perhaps nervousness.
Then, in a voice that was soft yet retained a gruff edge, he responded, not with an answer to my question but with an unexpected apology. “I see. I um… I apologize for fighting you in your goddess’ temple. If my elders found out I did this, I wouldn’t hear the end of it.” His admission was tinged with a hint of regret, suggesting a respect for his own traditions and a newfound respect for mine.
I observed a hint of shyness in his demeanor as he continued, providing an answer to my earlier question. “To answer your question, I don’t fight for anyone or anything. Just to get stronger. That’s all it is.” His words were simple, revealing a singular focus that seemed to define his existence. To emphasize his point, he stretched out his arm, flexing his hand repeatedly. The motion appeared habitual, a physical manifestation of his constant drive to build his strength.
His straightforward response and the accompanying gesture painted a picture of a man whose life was intertwined with the pursuit of personal power, perhaps leaving little room for deeper attachments or broader causes.
However, his apology momentarily shifted everything into a lighter realm. I was genuinely surprised that he was apologizing to me, and in response, I couldn’t hold back a burst of laughter. I tried to cover my muzzle with my hands, but my amusement spilled over, my laughter echoing around us, unrestrained and filled with joy, as if his apology had tickled some funny bone unexpectedly.
After a moment, I finally managed to regain some semblance of composure, though residual chuckles continued to escape me. “Please, that… it…” I struggled to find words, my reaction perhaps more exuberant than the situation warranted. Realizing this, a light blush warmed my cheeks as I became aware that my laughter might not have been quite appropriate for someone of my divine duties. My smile lingered, though, touched by the unexpected humor and the simplicity of the human moment between us.
Haruki had turned his head, looking in shock that I had laughed. I cleared my throat and regained a bit of my poise, offering a warm, sincere smile. “It was lovely, truly. I don’t think I’ve had quite so much fun in quite a long while. At least, not like that~.” My voice carried a playful inflection, a light tease in the air as I observed his form, reflecting on the unexpected joy of our interaction.
Then, my expression shifted slightly, a hint of curiosity mingling with concern as I pondered his earlier response about his motivations for fighting. “That’s it? Doesn’t that seem… empty?” The question emerged gently, not as a judgment but as a genuine inquiry, inviting him to reflect on the depth of his pursuits and perhaps consider what truly drove him beyond the surface.
He appeared slightly taken aback by my forthrightness, an eyebrow raised in mild surprise at my reactions. Yet, as our conversation progressed, he seemed to ease into the exchange, his initial discomfort melting away. “Hm. As long as it was fun, then I guess that makes up for it. Still, I’m not here for that. I need to get the bounty. So, no, it’s not just to get stronger. It helps me to also live. It’s… my work. My craft. Something I excelled in growing up, and I haven’t strayed from this path.”
His explanation offered a clearer picture of his life—fighting was more than just a pursuit of strength; it was his livelihood, a craft he had honed since youth. This revelation made me think more about his character, mayhap not simply a warrior seeking professional gain but as a professional mastering his chosen field. I couldn’t help but tease a little however, “So here’s a question. Assuming that you beat me…” the tone in my voice was playful, a mischievous glint in my eyes present.
“And everyone else, and you become the strongest in the entire world, and in all the planes of existence, what’s next? Like… why do you fight? Sure, this mark of yours will get you paid, and then you’ll move on to the next mark. But… why?” My inquiry was light, but pointed, inviting him to explore beyond the immediate goals of his quests, to reflect on the deeper motivations driving his battles and pursuits. This however, seemed to strike a nerve within him.
Haruki rose abruptly, his glare sharp and piercing. I watched him closely, noting the slight baring of his teeth—a raw, instinctive reaction. “It doesn’t matter what is next, what matters is that I’m taking down my next challenge. I don’t have a deeper meaning than that, nor do I need it!” His words were terse, a defensive assertion of his straightforward approach to life.
However, he quickly caught himself, realizing perhaps that his response was more heated than he intended. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, visibly working to regain his composure. After a moment, he opened his eyes and looked at me with a calmer expression, his demeanor softened. “My apologies, again. That was… unnecessary.”
Unfazed by his reaction, I stood up gracefully, extending my hand towards him along with a kind smile. His outburst hadn’t taken me by surprise—it wasn’t the first time I had provoked such a response, and it likely wouldn’t be the last. “Would you like to join me and find out? I’ve been trying to find my own path, something of my own.” My offer was genuine, driven by a compelling sense that something about this man was intriguing. There was a pull towards him, an inexplicable allure that made me eager to have him accompany me on my quest for self-discovery, and perhaps, help him learn more about himself in the process.
As I extended the invitation, I saw Haruki’s eyes widen, the stern lines of his face softening with surprise. He took a step back, clearly thrown off by my proposal. “What…? Join you in what, your guild…? I don’t do guilds. And, whatever your god wanted doesn’t mean it’s what I want, either. So…” His voice trailed off as he averted his gaze, his expression mixing defensiveness with a hint of shyness.
It was evident that my questions had struck a chord, though he seemed hesitant, perhaps misunderstanding my intentions. “No, not a guild,” I clarified gently, hoping to ease his concerns. “Just…join me. Not in any formal group or organization, but as a companion on a journey. I believe Sune sent me to you, so here I am, in whatever capacity you need.” I smiled, my voice carrying a hint of destiny. Surely it was destiny, right? “Maybe the whole point wasn’t to cleanse the temple. Maybe she knew you’d be here, and for whatever reason, I believe she wanted you and I to meet.”