Shadow Slave

The smile froze on Hero's face. He lowered his head, as though in shame. After a minute or so passed, shrouded in heavy silence, he finally answered.

"Yes. I thought that if I do it when you sleep, you won't have to suffer."

Unseen to him, a bitter grin appeared on Sunny's face.

A long sigh escaped from the young soldier's lips. He rested his back against the cave's wall, still not looking up.

"I don't expect you to forgive me. This sin, too, will be mine to bear. But, please, if you can… find it in your heart to understand. If things were different, I would have gladly faced that monster to let you escape. But my life… does not belong to me alone. There is an unencompassable duty I am sworn to fulfill. Until it's done, I cannot allow myself to die."

Sunny laughed.

"You people… Look at you! Planning to kill me and still insisting on having a good excuse. How very convenient! I really hate hypocrites like you the most. Why don't you be honest for once? Don't give me that crap... just say it! I'm going to kill you because it's easy. I'm going to kill you because I want to survive."

Hero closed his eyes, his face full of sadness.

"I'm sorry. I knew you wouldn't be able to understand."

"What's there to understand?"

Sunny leaned forward, anger coursing through his veins.

"Tell me. Why do I have to die?"

The young soldier finally looked up. Even though he couldn't see in the dark, he turned his face in the direction of Sunny's voice.

"That man was a villain… but he was also right. The scent of blood is too heavy on you. It will attract the beast."

"You can just let me go, you know. We'll part ways. After that whether or not the monster finds me won't be your problem."

Hero shook his head.

"Dying in that creature's maw… is too cruel a fate. It's better if I do it myself. You are my responsibility, after all."

"How noble of you."

Sunny leaned back, dejected. After a short while, he quietly said:

"You know… when I just came here, I was ready to die. After all, in this whole world — two worlds, actually — there's not a single soul who cares whether I live or die. When I'm gone, no one will be sad. No one will even remember that I existed."

There was a forlorn look on his face. A moment later, however, it was gone, replaced by mirth.

"But then I changed my mind. Somewhere along the way, I decided to survive. I must survive, no matter what."

Hero gave him a thoughtful look.

"To live a life worth remembering?"

Sunny grinned. A dark gleam appeared in his eyes.

"No. To spite you all."

The young soldier was silent for a few moments, then nodded, accepting this answer. He rose to his feet.

worry. I'll make

overly confident? What makes you think you'll be able

Hero shook his head.

"I doubt that."

second, he staggered and fell on one knee. The young man's face turned deathly pale, and with a pained groan, he

satisfied smile appeared

"Finally."

***

"Finally."

face covered in blood. Astonished, he was staring at his hands, trying to understand what

magic

and a pale face, he turned

put the curse of the

Sunny sighed.

divine curses around, but no. To

"Then.. how?"

The young slave shrugged.

I poisoned

flinched, trying to comprehend his

"What?"

water. While gathering flagons from the dead soldiers, I squeezed Bloodbane juice into each one — except my own, of course. Not

gritted his teeth, struggling through pain. A sudden realization appeared on

other two were in such

Sunny nodded.

for this world, but you finished him off before the poison could. Yourself, however… it was as though Bloodbane had no effect on

Hero's face darkened.

"I see… I understand."

about something, then looked at Sunny

didn't know… that we

Sunny just laughed.

Shifty was the kind of man who would kill for a pair of boots. Scholar was like a wolf in sheep's clothing. People are selfish and cruel

Hero spat more blood.

"Then… what about me?"

disdainful expression appeared on Sunny's face. "You

"Why?"

at him and leaned

in my short life, but I do know one thing," he said, all traces of humor

only cold, callous contempt. Sunny's face hardened

a slave

Hero lowered his

"I see."

Then, suddenly, he laughed.

you are a wicked little shit, aren't

Sunny rolled his eyes.

no need to

wasn't listening

This is good. My conscience will

slave sighed

you mumbling about? Just

chuckled and suddenly pierced him with a stare. Somehow, he