All children, except one, grow up.
Cursed with an immortal body, Czes was doomed to an eternity in this form. Plagued by the knowledge that his body would never physically age, yet mentally being far more mature than most adults, his was a lonely existence. Friends were hard to come by when they would eventually grow up and realise their 'ten year old comanion' had never aged a day. For this reason, he was constantly on the move, constantly abandoning those he cared for. Until one day he decided not to care at all.
The other immortals did not have the same fear as he did – it was much easier to blend in with society as an adult with an undying, unaging body. People could just pretend they looked younger or older than their frozen age, and were therefore able to spend anywhere between 5 and 15 years in a single place (depending on who they were). However, Czes was lucky to be able to spend 2 years in one location - suspicions would always arise swiftly regarding his lack of guardians. As time went on, this issue became even more prevalent as concern for the welfare of children increased. Those who did figure out the truth then struggled to comprehend how to interact with a child who was older than them – should he be treated like a superior? An old man who demanded respect? Or just as they had always treated him, a child and nothing less?
Then came that fated day: his reunion with that man. Both terrified of dying and bored of living, Czes searched for his fellow immortals in the hope that they could either save him or bring an end to his torment. Maiza had always been kind. He had no doubt that he would do what was right.
As he looked into the seemingly young man's gentle face he could see the pain two-hundred years had done him – his were old, sad eyes, rimmed with the scars of loved ones who had died, while he lived on eternally.
Two-hundred years ago - some time after they achieved immortality – they had become separated. During those misplaced years there was not one other immortal that he had missed so severely. He missed the way that Maiza would take the lead and help everyone else to reach their goals; the kindness he would unfailingly show to all; but most of all he missed the smile he would wear through his deepest regret. The smile he was wielding now, like a diamond shield dazzling in its protective filter.
As Maiza reached out a reassuring hand to the everlasting child, Czes knew he would never feel alone again. They were kindred spirits, united in sorrow. Time would never stop for them, but they could at least make the most of it knowing that if all else failed, they were together.