A/N: When I first wrote Iris, I had a clear view on how I wanted it to go. I spent time thinking about it and how I should let the story flow. Months later, when I started writing the draft, there was something that I wanted to do, something to make the story unique. So now, here it was, rewritten. I hope you guys find it in you to give this a chance. I am new in writing stories and I know I am not perfect. You, my dear readers, will be the ones who will help me improve. Help me make this story better by sending me your reviews and telling me what you think! (ps: If you happen to know someone who will be willing to be my BETA, I would be so grateful.)
For people who have read Iris the first time it was published, I am very sorry if I had to change the first chapter. You see, the chapter you read before will be the second one, with a few changes. To all of you, I present one of my works and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Iris: Prologue
The room was dark and quiet. He could see nothing, hear nothing but silence. There was no sign of anything that could tell him that he was here. There was no sound, no light, nothing.
He wandered through the pitch-black room with an air of indignation. His heart felt like it held lead as his mind swam in the memory of what could have been. He knew that he had to accept it, eventually. Yet, at the back of his mind, he was still human, he would always be.
He did not belong here, he would never belong here. He wanted to go back.
When he stopped in his tracks, he wondered idly if he should continue walking. Even before he entered, he knew that the room was big; he even thought that it would be daunting to go inside.
But he didn't feel a single tinge of fear within him. He felt so many kinds of emotions when he entered this place, but not fear, never fear.
For a moment, he wanted to go back through that door, back to where everyone waited for him with smiles. He closed his eyes as he tried to remember that one smile which never failed to melt his heart. He knew it waited for him back home, he knew he longed to see it again. It seemed so long ago.
His mind was torn, there were so many things that he wanted; but with a sigh, he continued forward.
He wanted answers and he would do his best to get them.
A flash of light from a torch suddenly caught his attention. He halted his steps and narrowed his eyes, intending to see the silhouette produced by the light.
Someone was inside.
He took a reluctant step forward, in an effort to find out if this was what he was searching for. He considered opening his mouth and speaking, but no words wanted to come out.
A sigh escaped from the silhouette. It was a man, then.
A sound of someone standing up filled his ears. He closed his eyes to observe as the man took his first step forward, followed by another and another and another. . . He knew that he was only a few steps away; he could almost feelthe man's presence near him.
When he opened his eyes, the room was surrounded by light, and there stood a man garbed in a black cloak.
His features were calm, almost teasing, as a grin played on his face. He was very lean and tall, with hair as black as night and stubble on his chin. He looked very... regal. He didn't know the man looked that way, he never expected him to look that way.
Yet what caught his attention most were the man's eyes. Those raven eyes that were wide with warmth: it was as if they were glowing.It never occurred to him that he could feelthis peaceful in the presence of this man, not even if he lived a hundred years.
Silence filled the room. He had the urge to look around, especially now that he could see it very well... but his gaze remained transfixed to the man's face.
A loud guffaw escaped from the man's throat.
"I'd never thought I would get to see someone else here," said the man.
Somehow, the way he said it made it easier to bear. "I didn't think I'd be here, either."
"Ahhh, young man, you underestimate yourself. I haven't welcomed you yet, forgive my impudence. Come, let's have a feast, I reckon you're hungry."
The man turned his back on him and tried to go back to where he came from.
He didn't move. There was something in the playfulness of the man's voice that incited anger. His voice quivered as he tried to speak, to know the reason why he was here. "I want to know why you brought me here."
"You already know why you are here, young man."
"No! I still don't understand why I had to give up that life. Why did you have to send me here?" Another sigh escaped from the man's lips but somehow, all he wanted to do right now was punch him, make the man lead him back to where he came from.
But the man turned around to face him again; a crooked smile was on his face. "There is a reason why you are here, and I know you know it. But to answer your question, your actions sent you here, not me."
He felt saddened by the man's answer. He already knew that and his heart broke when he thought of the things he had to give up because of it. He wanted to cry, but he couldn't, he wouldn't. He would stay strong. "This is worse, far worse, than giving me death itself."
The man put a hand on his shoulder, and when he looked up, all he could see in the man's eyes was sadness. "There are things that are worse than that, I reckon you already know. But come, I will find a way to see if we can remedy that."
He looked at the man, crestfallen, and he uttered a sigh. "How can there be? I'm already here."
"We'll see. For now, you'll have to follow your fate."
He bit down a sob. Following his destiny would also mean giving up everything; yet, he wanted to cling to the small hope that the man provided him. He wanted to see her, one last time, just to make himself believe that by doing so, he would remember, etch her in his soul.
The man patted his shoulder and started to go back to where he came from when he stopped him. He suddenly got an idea and hoped that the man wouldn't be against it. "C-can I see her one more time? Just once. And then I'll go along with your plan."
The man smiled. "Let's see. For now, I want you to meet someone."
He allowed himself to surrender to this fate. But he hoped, prayed that someday, he would be back in her arms.
Someday.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the Prologue. Answers will be presented to you as the story continues. Tell me what you think!
fia's rapier
October 27, 2011