Destiny

Destiny is often as hard to understand as it is to accept. Rion had learned this early on from the tender age of ten.

"Why can't I go outside and play like the other kids?" Rion had asked one evening after finishing his reading assignment for the day.

Tzur had insisted on it. Rion couldn't understand why. All he knew was that he much rather be outside exploring the rest of the world where everything was new and exciting. Sure, he could go outside whenever he pleased, but never beyond the dojo walls.

"The realm is not ready for you yet." Tzur answered cryptically. Not really answering at all. And even though young, Rion had not missed the flicker of sadness that passed over Tzur's face.

"Why?"

"Sometimes people find it hard to understand those who are different", Tzur answered slowly, pausing as if to consider how much he should say , " You have a very important role to play in the future of Rados, and you need to be prepared for it"

"What if I don't want to?", Rion frowned, staring at the floor while looking as mutinous as a ten year old could. To him "important" was code for boring and a lot of work.

" No one can escape their destiny."

"I bet I could find a way.", he muttered sulkily. In his mind he was already working out different plans of escape, envisioning the the many things he would see and do.

" Maybe for a while,", Tzur relented, "but in the end, it will always come back to you. The best you can do is be brave and face it head on."

"It's not fair."

"Yooul find out life usually isn't "

Rion had nothing to say to that. And perhaps sensing the strength of his discomfort, Tzur stepped forward and pulled him into a warm embrace, .

"I only want what's best for you, " Tzur continued soothingly, trying to comfort the child who was a son in all but blood, " you won't have to worry about it for a long time yet and I'll be there with you every step of the way."

"Okay ", Rion mumbled quietly.

" Its not an easy thing to accept. But I know you'll do great things, and make me more proud then I already am "

Rion released his grip and stared up at Tzur with an uncertain expression, which almost instantly melted into a huge grin.

"Does this mean I can explore outside?"

Tzur smiled slightly , amused by the child's enthusiasm and determination, " Well see...for now how about we go ahead and wash up for lunch?"

Rion nodded eagerly and ran off , full of the carefree optimism that came with youth. Easily reassured and convinced that all would turn out right in the end.

Fate however didn't see it that way...

Fast forward two years to an older and more world wise Rion. Currently sitting on an unfamiliar bed in an unfamiliar room, and staring hollowly at the wall. It had taken a whole two minutes for his world to be turned completely upside down.

His training wasn't supposed to be cut so drastically short. He was supposed to have many more years to train, but the defenders had unexpectedly destroyed the Megalith and broken the cycle.

"Rion...I just wanted to let you know that suppers ready if you are hungry.", Mel's voice came muffled from the other side of the door. The defenders had been kind to him, but right now he felt too numb to answer. A couple seconds later he heard her footsteps retreat down the hall.

More importantly, Tzur should still be alive.

Tzur who had been his family, and the only constant thing in his life. The one who believed in him, said he had a bright future ahead of him, and gave him the courage to face his destiny.

And now Rion was left questioning himself... If he had failed Tzur, what chance did he have of facing his destiny?