⚜️𝕽𝖊𝖐𝖎

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The elderly man repeats himself once more. 
"Reki". He gently shakes with the young man's well-built torso.
Reki abruptly awakens. His bare chest straightens, as his deep-set, brilliant arctic blue eyes fling wide open. The comfortable sheepskin blanket slides off his muscular physique as he holds a razor-sharp clip knife in his left hand. As the elderly gentleman resuscitates him. Reki firmly grasps the blade encased in black leather with such force that his knuckles turn white. The old man examines the silver dagger.
"It was just a nightmare," he says quietly.
He softly holds Reki's strong shoulder. Reki fights to catch his breath as he sweats from nervousness. His well-built chest heaves forcefully as he looks at the knight next to him. His eyes widen as he grumbles angrily. He clenches his peach-colored downturned lips. The knight greets Reki with a kind pat on the shoulder and a broad smile. He chuckles as he brushes his cloud-colored, long goatee.
"It's just me." Reki breathes with relief, yet he is largely annoyed. He puts his cliff dagger back under his pillow and mutters angrily.
"Fuck you, Ward." Reki glares at Ward, who raises his palms in innocence. Reki softly supports his massive upper torso with his elbows. Ward, a knight with silver hair and a tall, slender build, smiles at his younger knight. His white coat of arms rests over a gleaming chain mail—his silver hair curls over it. The small white scar on his brow reminds him of a fight fought many years ago. Ward's narrow lips tense up as his smile disappears. 
"It's time," Ward says as he lifts a white blouse from a mango wooden cabinet. Reki sighs deeply and wipes his chin. As he snatches the blouse from Ward's grasp, his black, wavy hair curls over his sharp Elf ears. "Reki, how old are you now?" Ward inquires, his gaze drawn to Reki's shaven chin.
"24," Reki mumbles absently as he rises from his wooden bed.
"You've been with us nearly 18 years. That's a lifetime in the name of the Goddess! Yet you still are the kid that screams in the middle of the night," Ward observes. Reki brushes aside the question and slips his blouse over his head. Ward traces the lines of Reki's Z scar on her lower back.
"Reki," he begins, but Reki cuts him off. "Ward, not right now."
"You've been saying that for seventeen years," Ward objects as he hands Reki his white garment. "Reki, I can't help you if..."
"I'm not asking for help, Ward," Reki says as she takes the clothing. His voice is a little louder. Ward nods, his gaze drawn to the naked grass beneath Reki's bare feet. "I will send Matthis," Ward declares, opening the lemon-yellow tent. "Ward, please wait," Reki begs. Ward waits patiently. His hooded eyes are fixed on Reki. 
Ward recognized the young guy in front of him as his son. He rescued him on a stormy day on the beach when he was alone and vulnerable. Reki had grown into a powerful and heroic man, but his heart was tormented. Ward and his company of twelve knights, including Reki, were like family, but nothing was known about Reki's past. Ward had taken him in, taught him, and knighted him when he was only eighteen. Ward was irritated, although Reki refused to tell him what kept him awake at night. Ward cursed and growled at Reki often because he chose to spend his time with gorgeous women rather than his companions. They had to flee towns or inns on occasion because of Reki's acts. Despite these difficulties, Ward had grown close to Reki and couldn't fathom living without him.
As Ward helps Reki with his garment, he begins the conversation once more, "Reki, I'm not judging you. I want to get to know you better, so I can help you." Please explain what is going on." Reki groans, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
"It's not that simple, Ward," he says, stumbling to put on his black leather boots. Ward grunts with frustration.
"I realize it can't be easy when you don't trust anyone, Reki. But I want to help you, and I need your permission to do so."
"I do trust you, Ward."
"No, you don't Reki. And It's okay if you don't trust me, Reki. That is your personality. All I want to do is be there for you." Ward exits the tent. Reki is left with mixed feelings. He wants to confide in Ward, but can't bring himself to do so. He fails to recognize the person staring back at him as he looks in the mirror. His chiseled jawline, penetrating crystal blue eyes, straight ink-black brows, and olive-colored skin stand out to him. However, what sticks out the most is Reki's internal pain, remorse, and rage, reflected in his eyes.
He understands that he can never tell anyone about his background or the pain he suffers. He blames himself for his younger brother's death, and the guilt is eating him alive. Not only that, but he can't bear the thought of the knights revolting if they knew the truth. Even though it hurts, he decides to keep his secrets to himself. No one can ever know why he was on the beach that day...

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