In the flesh

ㅤ Chaltier had always been his faithful companion. A reliable support from the very first meeting until his last breath. He had become so accustomed to taking him for granted that meeting the original unleashed a storm of emotions, tangled into a tight ball. Chaltier was still as polite as by his voice felt—young. But more importantly, he was far nobler than the one who would later be called the young master by him in form of swordian. Now he was the young master, standing higher in rank than the unknown Judas, who hid his true origins under a mask, ashamed of him, himself and his actions. "Something wrong?" Chaltier expressed surprise. Though the mask obscured the emotions on his face, Chaltier could feel them with his skin. Tension. Pain... Empathy squeezed his heart. The hidden swordian remained silent, not daring to reveal himself. He shared his master's feelings entirely, caring for him more deeply than he did. Judas extended a trembling hand, silently offering a handshake: the words caught in his throat. And Chaltier smiled calmly, squeezing his shaking hand tightly. A living warmth filled his soul, bursting into consciousness like vivid emotions. Judas felt as if he had once again become acquainted with the one who had supported him his entire life, who had kept him from despairing in the most difficult moments. Reinterpreted his essence. He had never treated Chaltier like a tool. Like a thing. But now, seeing a living person before him, he was more deeply moved by him, rethinking his care, his words. The feelings imbued in them. He absorbed them through the warmth of his hand and the bright gaze. "I…" Judas unfroze, "I want to express my respect to you," he said with the utmost politeness, not allowing the remnants of his origins to spill over. "And gratitude." "Oh, come on," Chaltier laughed. "No need for formalities, we are comrades!" "Exactly," Judas exhaled with a slight, ironic smile. He had been given a truly rare opportunity. Not only to atone for his sins. But also to meet Chaltier in the flesh. When Judas was "alone," he touched Chaltier, wrapped in cloth. "Thank you. Forgive me for always forgetting you're a hero. You truly are great." "Come on, young master, you're embarrassing me!" Chaltier felt awkward, trying to protest verbally. "Chal," Judas interrupted his attempts. "What is it, young master?" "I have a favor to ask." "What?" Chaltier asked with interest. Judah's pauses seemed to tease him. "Let's dispense with formalities. After all, I'm no longer 'young master'. And you're more loyal to me than any friend." "Er…" Chaltier hesitated. He was too used to the current state of things. And then... So suddenly. "It'll be hard for me to adjust…" he admitted honestly. "Then start by at least calling me by my first name." "As you say…" Chaltier trailed off, trying to decide which of the master's names would be best to use. The one known only to a few, or the one accessible to the masses. "Master… Emilio." Judas smiled. He was glad that Chaltier had chosen a name for the closest ones. But at the same time, he sighed a little disappointed, since even by his first name, Chaltier addressed him as "master". "I apologize…" Chaltier hastened to apologize, realizing he'd done something wrong. "Nothing. We still have time to become just friends. Without any masters or formalities." If Chaltier could breathe, he would undoubtedly have breathed a sigh of relief. As it was, he simply said: "But we're already friends. Formalities are just habit." Judas hugged the swordian even tighter, smiling gratefully. "Right, sorry. And thank you." They still had a little time to spend in idle chatter before heading off to save the world. They discussed all sorts of trivial matters, occasionally touching on more serious topics. Like ordinary friends. As usual. ㅤ