THE BEGINNING OF THE NEAR END

Akima was pacing about, he seemed to be in so much distress. He stood behind a tree opposite Edmund's family's house.

"Where is the bastard." He said to himself quietly not wanting to make much noise. He couldn't go in since he didn't want anyone to be aware of his presence. He had also made sure Edmund promised him not to tell the others using his financial situation as a cover-up. He recounted his words to Edmund that he wouldn't be able to treat the others out and it would limit their fun if there wasn't much money to spend. He smirked at this with his right hand on his beardless chin.

He stood a bit motionless and looked up to the sun. He noticed it was slowly getting less brighter and knew that he could either go in or he would miss the big chance.

Akima took a slow glance around and began to make his way to the building. He peeped a bit through the old roughly arranged brick at the entrance and saw Edmund making his way towards the Stables.

Akima whistled on catching sight of him but Edmund still couldn't hear due to the distance. He became furious at this but forced himself to move further.

"No matter what happens, I can't ruin this." He let out a breath and whistled again.

Edmund turned but couldn't see Akima who was behind the bricks. He was about to turn when he saw a body frame. Akima studied his gaze and rushed out waving his hands up.

His eyes pooped out on seeing him. He tapped his head after suddenly remembering their planned meeting and ran to Akima.

"I'm so sorry, I completely forgot about it." He said with pleading hands. Akima frowned at first but quickly changed his expression.

"It's okay."

"So, are you good to go?" He asked giving a fake smile.

"Yes….Let me go and get us some horses."

"I have mine so just get yours." Akima cut in.

"Okay, I will be back," Edmund said and turned to get his horse.

He didn't take more than a step when Akima held his garment.

"Please, don't let anyone see you. I wouldn't want this to get leaked."

Edmund was stunned at Akima's behaviour. He was touched by how much effort his friend was putting into their hanging out even though he wasn't financially buoyant.

"Don't worry, I will be quick." He said and ran off.

Akima smirked as he watched Edmund run off.

"How foolish could this fellow be?" He spoke silently to himself placing his hands on his chin. He was still wondering why Edmund still decided to hang out with him even after he had poisoned him.

He woke up from his thoughts as he saw a figure holding a horse approaching. He grinned a bit and changed his expression as he saw Edmund draw nearer. He rushed out of the arranged bricks and began to wave to Edmund implying that he should hurry.

Edmund smiled at his childish behaviour before pulling the horse harder.

Drax stood motionless in front of his quarters as he watched what was happening. He noticed Akima and Edmund ride out of the compound.

"Where are they going to?" He thought to himself. He was wondering why they were the only two since he knew that they weren't that close to spending a moment together.

"Akima.....Edmund..." He felt as if his brain was playing a trick on him. So he stretched his gaze a bit till he couldn't see their trails.

"Well, that's none of my business." He took a last glance and made his way to the stables.