15 Where did he go...? (2/2)

He came back into his senses after 20 minutes of meditation, he got up and looked towards the north of the great plain of Yodha, from which he could sense tremendous amounts of dark energy.

”I don't care what you are planning anymore...I just don't care.” Shin said with an indifferent tone.

It was hundreds of miles away, yet he could sense the terrifying dark energy that was present there. It came from the place where the great city of Tristina once laid under the protection of the sixth guardian.

-------25 minutes later-------

Izumi was waiting for Shin, back in Ryu's shop impatiently and angry at herself for losing him. She frequently stole a peek out of the window to see if he came back.

”He will be back in no time...He is always punctual with his work we will start the process as soon as he comes back.” Ken stated as he viewed an irritated Izumi.

Izumi turned around to give Ken a nod with a fake smile. But her irritated state could be easily read, witnessing how she impatiently tapped the ground with her leg.

”I am back Ken...Oh..um, am I late or are you early again Miss Izumi?” Shin had his ever present dead fish look on his eyes.

An irritated Izumi let out a small smile which shouted the words 'where did you go?' as she said

”No, I am early today as well. I guess you like to have a walk after lunch everyday huh, you always come from a walk by the time I arrive. Where do you go, do you have a favourite place?” Izumi asked as if she was making a small talk.

”No, I just roam around aimlessly hoping to see if any new shops opened up in the nearby alleys or I explore the places I haven't been to yet.” Shin answered casually as he averted his eyes as if he was just continuing her small talk. But nevertheless one could see sparks flying in between Shin's and Izumi's eyes.

Ryu and Ken,who were busy making preparations to continue forging the Soul sword, didn't witness the flying sparks between Izumi and Ken.

The four continued with their usual procedure for 5 hours before Ryu signaled them to stop, witnessing their exhaustion.

”Ken, you will accompany me till my house, right?” Izumi asked Ken as she gave a sweet smile.

”Yes, I am.” Ken followed Izumi out of the shop.

Shin understood what was happening. ”Mr. Takahashi, I am going out for a little stroll as well, I will be back in a few minutes. Would that be okay?”

”Not a problem, but don't make it a habit. I can't take care of the shop alone everyday, atleast till the Soul sword is completed.” Ryu answered as he was sat, still panting from using the energy conservation spell for too long.

”Got it...Mr. Takahashi.” Shin stepped out immediately and followed the two from the shadows as if it was his daily routine to follow people from the shadows.

”So, Ken...I understand that your family has been living here for a long time and your worker is from Tristina. He likes to take some casual strolls it seems. Did you ever accompany him on a stroll in the afternoon?” Izumi put up her usual poker face as if she had no interest in the matter, but was making a casual small talk.

”No, he likes to take a stroll all by himself.” Ken answered naively as ever.

”How can a you be so naive, Ken...? You will die because of your naive nature someday if this continues.”Shin whispered slowly as he witnesses Ken give away the answers casually to every question Izumi asks him.

”We are here...see you tomorrow at the workshop, Ken.” Izumi waved her hand to say goodbye as she smiled.