Chapter Text
“Potions, check. Rations, check. All my weapons repaired…” You fumbled through your belongings in a half-daze. “They’ll certainly have what I need if I overlooked anything, so I guess I’m ready to leave. I should say my goodbyes, now.”
You finally had a new directive straight from Elder Fugen and the Hunter’s Guild: investigate the mysterious monster activity threatening the distant Kingdom and Kamura. Your presence was required at the outpost called Elgado- with a new base of operations, your anxious heart was aflutter with excitement. What would you experience there, and how will you fare?
You made a little pilgrimage around the village to let your beloved Kamura family know that you were going to head out soon. Yomogi’s smile, Iori’s buddies, the twins’ well wishes… You carried them in your heart, as you prepared for the departure.
The last person you went to see, perhaps your most cherished of all, waited for you by the river. You watched petals of the cherry blossom trees float by, as if guiding you towards that familiar head of forest brown hair. He turned to see you.
“Utsushi,” you called out as you approached him.
“Hey there, Ace. Gettin’ ready for your trip?” The instructor smiled as you approached, and he held out his hand. You eagerly took it in yours, and you both entangled your fingers together.
For a small while, both of you stood there in soft silence as you took in each other’s presence. You treasured every second, every shared breath, as you listened to the calming flow of water by the bend.
You and Utsushi had been a couple for quite a while, now. You had previously spoken about a time when you might be separated due to work, and that time had in fact arrived. It felt bittersweet and your heart ached, though you hurt to admit it.
“… I’ll miss you, you know.” You were first to speak, as you glanced at your entwined fingers. “Try not to worry about me too much, okay? I’ll be sure to tell you all about my adventures, as always. I’ll remember every detail, so it’ll be just like you saw it happen yourself.”
“Thanks, Ace. Nothing would beat being there with you in person, though. I gotta admit, I’m kind of worried. As you meet new people and get into all sorts of stuff…” Utsushi hesitated before continuing.
“What if you forget about me?” He had a sad smile, as if he felt ashamed for even saying it. “Like, these days, I’m not so sure you need me around…” He was being strangely insecure for someone who was normally so boisterous. He couldn’t admit that something Hamon said earlier bothered him- something about learning to let go of his disciples. How could he ever let you go when you were no longer just his pupil, but his lover?
You took your other hand and tapped his forehead with a gentle fist. “Whoah there, stop that. I want you around, you know that. At least, I wish you could come with me… But even you know better than I do that duty keeps us apart. I’m ready for it if you are, though. It just makes seeing you again all the more worth it.”
The instructor chuckled, relaxing his shoulders. “Yeah, you’re right. I already knew this sorta thing would happen, so I can take it. But I figured I should just say it so it’s off my chest.” He took a deep breath, shrugging off his concern. “Right then, Ace! Go and show em’ what you’re made of! I can’t wait to see what you pull off out there, as your teacher and your one-and-only.”
Utsushi released your hand, and he put both of his on his hips, an upbeat demeanor returning. “I hearsay they call you the Fierce Flame of Kamura. How do you feel about that? A pretty cool title, if I do say so myself.” The emphasis made you smile, he was such a goof. He made it sound like he was the one who came up with the idea.
“It’s a bit flamboyant, isn’t it? Haha,” you admitted. You held pride in being Kamura’s greatest hunter, but even you knew to drink your humble juice from time to time when you had off days, too. “I’d rather people just call me by my name. Or even just hunter of Kamura, you know.” Your bluntness was so endearing that Utsushi couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
That was a shared sweetness between you two. Subconsciously or not, you always tried to make each other laugh, and it made every moment that much more precious.
“C’mon, live it up a little!” Utsushi said. “Keep your head up high and just accept that you’re the actual coolest out there. And that’s not just me saying it. Everyone knows you’re awesome, and that’s exactly why you’re being called on to help out the Kingdom in the first place!” He raised a fist up in the air in excitement. “Yeah! My Ace is gonna show those monsters who’s boss!”
It was your turn to laugh wholeheartedly. “Alright, alright! I’ll do my best, as always. You’ll see if I don’t, instructor.”
You both turned to face each other again, and you embraced Utsushi. The warmth of him in your arms gave you comfort, as he rested his head on yours, hugging you in return.
“… Ace. Take care, alright? If you ever feel overwhelmed, just come back to me.”
You were surprised he still had trouble saying it out loud.
But so did you.
“… Yeah.”
You pulled his mask down gently, giving him a deep and fervent kiss to remember you by.