Akeno paused, not sure where that came from. But then, she hugged his head with a sweet smile, her cheek pressing against his hair.
"I love big brother too~."
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|DxD|- Chapter 66- Last Words Of Wisdom
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Departure was a very strange thing. Or maybe it was the emotions that rose when the time came. It was nearing ten at night in Kuoh and Igor was outside with Shuri. A row of five large suitcases lay open on the lawn with an assortment of clothes, blankets, and other amenities.
Shuri was kneeling by one of them and packing the last few pairs of clothes. Her work ethic was forced, yet quick. She was as focused as she was serious.
"I've packed you with enough clothes to wear for three months. Use all of them, not just a few pairs. If you come back with any of these clothes still smelling like they're new, you will hear from me."
There was a certain depth behind a tone, a monotony that seeped into her orders.
"And these blankets and pillows as well. I bought them for you to use. Not sit in your suitcase. I added pillow covers and a few spreads for you as well. Use them too."
Shuri gestured to the last two suitcases.
"I couldn't get as much as I wanted since everything is last minute, but I packed you some extra honey, dried persimmon, hardtack, and tea bricks. If you ration it carefully with everything else you've stored before, it should last you fifteen years. Don't go on an eating spree, Igor."
"Yes, aunty."
"You're there to train. Not play."
"I know, aunty."
"Good."
Shuri closed the last suitcases with a heavy, yet silent heart. The sound of the zippers filled the silence. She got up from her knees and took in the sight of the boy before her. Just yesterday, he was so short he barely reached her stomach. Now, he was shooting for the skies, making her be the one who looked up to him.
It was difficult to not feel emotional. He'd lived beneath their roof for five long and happy years. Shuri sincerely wished he'd stay longer, but she didn't say it. Instead, she closed the distance between them. Igor had grown a lot, but that didn't mean he no longer needed care.
"What did you brush up against for your jacket to get dirty?"
She lightly scolded as she brushed away the dust on his shoulder. She straightened him out and fixed his collar.
"There. Now you're presentable at least."
"Thank you, aunty."
"I know, I know. Now come here."
Shuri stood on her tiptoes and Igor leaned down. She gave him a kiss on the forehead and her lips lingered. Her eyes grew heavy, but she had to remain composed.
"Go before Akeno wakes up."
"Mn."
The four suitcases flew up and came to hover behind Igor. He said nothing nor moved a finger. He only smiled at the woman who'd raised him for so many years. Gently, he pulled her into a hug and laid his head on her shoulder.
"I love you, aunty."
Shuri was caught by surprise. His warmth, his proclamation—it was a battering ram against the steel doors to her heart. She returned his hug, tightening her hold around him.
"I love you too, Igor. Now do well in there."
"I will, aunty."
Igor pulled back and a golden sheen of energy whined to life around him.
"Please apologise to Akeno for me."
"I will. Now shooo before you wake her up."
"Hehehe…"
Igor chuckled as he hovered in the air.
"Thank you."
He vanished, his words lingering behind. Air filled where he once stood with his belongings. He was gone, and it took a cold breeze for Shuri to come to terms with it.
*Drip…* *Drip…*
The soil wetted with her tears. Goodbyes were always the hardest. Despite her preparations, it still saddened her. She looked into the distance where she sensed him heading to his mother's tomb. It would be a very long time before she could sense his energy again.
"Goodbye, Igor."
She spoke weakly. She already missed her little boy.
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|DxD|
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The depths of Kuoh's forest were dark enough to see not even a silhouette. The snow still lingered on the ground, the cold winds covering the footprints of many animals.
A fresh pair of sandals left a new mark on the snow. A steady whine was the serenade to his presence. Igor was a faint glowing bulb of energy in the darkness.
He waited and waited without pause. His golden light steadily glowed as the minutes passed. Igor patiently stood still until a gruff voice cut through the darkness.
"How long are you going to wait?"
From the darkness, Baraquiel emerged. Faint snow covered the trim of his beard and hair, betraying his long watch in the dark..
"I was waiting for you, old man."
"Right. You've seen me. Now go. Stop wasting time here."
Baraquiel replied with mild irritation and dismissal.
"Come on, old man. No goodbye? No words of wisdom? Nothing?"
"It's just a year, boy. Not a long time."
Igor shrugged.
"It's fifteen for me, old man."
Igor spoke with casual dismissal, but Baraquiel caught the underlying tone behind it. Consciously or not, Igor wanted to see their faces one last time.
"Alright, Igor."
Sometimes it was far too easy to forget the weight on the bearer, their smile disguising their aching shoulders.
"Words of wisdom it is."
Baraquiel didn't let his mood sully the air. His boots crunched on the snow as he walked forward. He stopped before the tomb's barrier, his back towards Igor. For a moment, he breathed, the rustling leaves filling the silence before he spoke.
"On your shoulders…"
He began with heavy words.
"...you carry the lives and memories of an entire civilization. You hold its history and its greatest achievements."
He glanced over his shoulder to where Igor stood quietly.
"Your father gave you the name 'Edenfall'. One day, you will raise the name of your clan and bring it to glory once more. You have gone through many trials, battles that should've taken your life and your heart. You not only survived, you persevered."
A breeze passed, carrying the words deep into Igor's heart. By the time he raised his head, Baraquiel stood before him with an approving smile.
"You are a born warrior, Igor, befitting of your name. In a few years, you have seen and survived what would kill a weaker man."
Baraquiel placed his hand on Igor's shoulder.
"You have shown your perspicacity. You have the guts, the bravery, and the determination to thrive. This training you're doing will be your foundation. So go in and come out stronger. We will be right here once you do."
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AN: Goodbyes were made. From the kids to the adults, at least we hope Igor leaves with a clear heart. Training is calling. Hope you're still enjoying the read thus far and thanks for staying in tune.
Chapter 66
END