- Laby: Ooooh! Laby knows this place! Nisha! Nisha, you remember too, right?
- Gaia: The map must have been accurate. We didn't get lost since the Shrine. This is all thanks to...
- Laby: Shh! Bellonde, you can't talk! Ara is talking to someone!!
- Gaia: Talking...? With who?
- Laby: Mmm, uh... Ara said, a very important family that's always with her!
- Ara: Eun, may I ask you something?
- Eun: Go on.
- Ara: When you told me about a wager you made with the Red Demon King... You told me you were relieved that the wager was nulled. I thought that was because your rage from being sealed was abated... But that's not it, is it? From what I gather from your response when you heard about the White-Ghost King, you still hold great resentment towards the demon that sealed you. But you were still relieved because... Because I wouldn't... I wouldn't have to harm my brother with my own hands... You were relieved that I wouldn't have to suffer pain.
- Eun: ... Ara.
- Ara: It's rather strange if you think about it. They say even a brush of hands form a connection. And you and I, aren't we bonded through our souls? You've always protected me. And you believed in me when you told me of the wager you made with the Red Demon King. And... You gave me a heartfelt apology. I was hesitating... Because I didn't know how you would take my words. I was afraid I would hurt you, because... Because you've become very important to me.
- Eun: ......!
- Ara: But that's why I wanted to tell you how I feel. I don't want to regret because of words unspoken any longer.
- Eun: .......
- Ara: ... Eun. I do not want to part with the El Search Party. Not only because I need to find my brother... But because I find this path just. They accepted me, a complete stranger, and trusted me to fight along side them. They were patient, and understanding of my duties. Nothing is clear at the moment. I can't help but suspect the fact that no one knows what has transpired, even though a Demon Ruler was involved. But I will release you from your seal. If the White-Ghost King is truly the reason why you were sealed in the first place, I may not take their life, but I will make sure they repent. You may think I'm too ambitious, but... I want you to stand by me, Eun. On a path I find just. I want us to walk this path together, without parting with those I've found to be honorable.
- Eun: ... I remember when we first met. You were stubborn, even when your life was but a candle in the wind. Ara. The reason why I'm pursuing the demon that sealed me, is not just to release myself from the seal.... I don't trust the Red Demon King. However, I do know the circumstances around me when I was sealed was dubious at best. The Haan family was a small martial arts family. Thought they did have an exorcist background, they were never exceptional. But that day, it was different. They used a special exorcism skill to seal me inside this hairpin. I've been wondering how they've obtained that power, and the Red Demon King provided an answer. There was a demon involved in my sealing all along.
- Ara: Eun...
- Eun: Even thought I'm a beast, I grew up absorbing the energy of this land. I accepted that I too, would fade one day, and become part of the Earth that became a part of me. But not if the reason I was sealed was because of someone not of this world. That is an insult to my being, and anyone who thinks they can get away with insulting me, will learn that they are sorely mistaken.
- Ara: But... What about my ancestors? It was my ancestors that borrowed the power of outside sources and sealed you. It is understandable if you are angry with us for that reason alone. But you acted as the guardian spirit of the Haan family, and aided me on my journey until now.
- Eun: Of course I was angry in the beginning. But how can I be angry when they have only acted in response to my actions in my later days. Besides... The Haan family still showed me respect. They spoke of my past, and treated me as a guardian. If anything stands in my way, I would remove it. Before, I acted in instinct. But since I traveled with you, the cause and effect of my actions that once eluded me became much clearer. It seems that a just being can even change a beast set on their ways.
- Ara: Eun... You truly cherish our family.
- Eun: It is your action that made me this way. But sometimes, I wish you weren't so stubborn. Back then, Elrios wasn't even aware of the existence of demons, so it can't be that there were many demons loitering about. And to be able to seal me... Must mean that this demon was truly powerful. Nothing is certain. But you're right, it is suspicious. Even if the White-Ghost King was not directly involved, it could very well be that it was the right-hand man that executed the deed.
- Ara: .......
- Eun: But I'll wait. I won't rush ahead. We'll resurrect the White-Ghost King and listen directly from the source. I'll decide then, remembering your words.
- Ara: Eun...! Does that mean...!
- Eun: I was aware you were agonizing between my goals and the El Search Party. Hmph, listening to you like this, I must be getting too soft.
- Ara: Euuuuuun...
- Eun: My, my, where's the righteous girl that demanded my help? Stop crying!
- Ara: Eun... You'll stay with me, won't you? You're like family to me.
- Eun: Yes... Alright. I'll stay with you. Now look ahead. The forest has ended.
- Laby: Oh, over there! That's Mao and Calonne's house! Eh? Ara, what are you doing all the way back there? Come on! Laby will introduce you to Laby's friends!
- Ara: Yes...! Coming!
|