"Okay team, let's take a break, then we'll get back into it after lunch," I call, wrapping up the first half of training.
I wipe my brow as I stride over to the shade to take a drink from my water bottle.
"Phoenix, I have an idea!" Kyriessa states as she comes to stand beside me.
"Uh-huh?"
"We should host a tournament here on Emeraldia for all the Squadrons of the Atmos. It would be a great way to form alliances with other squads besides the Storm Hawks," she says brightly.
"That is a brilliant idea, Kyrie. But there is the problem of expenses, and not to mention schedules. I'll definitely look into it, though," I reply, taking another sip from my water bottle.
Kyriessa nods, and then jogs off to catch up with Maybella, Luca and Ranyaan, who are all headed to the town for lunch. I look over and spot Dante lingering about, watching me. I roll my eyes internally before deciding to go over to him.
"Aren't you going to join the others?" I ask.
"I just want to make sure that you're okay after last night." He shrugs.
I sigh and reply. "Honestly, I feel like crawling into a hole and living out the rest of my days like that, but I can't let it get in the way of my work. I'll be fine, Dante, just give me some time."
He nods, and reaches into his satchel.
"Here, your mum made us lunch this morning. Let's go to the forest and eat."
"I tell you, I'll be thirty and that woman will still be making my lunches for me," I laugh as we begin to head to our clearing.
Our lunches eaten and our stomachs full, Dante and I sit, just looking around quietly, taking in the beauty of this small piece of paradise.
"We're so lucky to live somewhere so beautiful," I murmur.
"Yeah."
I've always loved this clearing, It's good for taking my mind off things I otherwise don't want to be thinking about. The pure serenity of just sitting here is enough to make me forget almost anything. Both Dante and I are sitting at the base of the largest tree here, our tree. I can't remember when, or why, but it has always been 'our tree'.
"Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night," Dante says quietly.
"You couldn't be more correct if you tried," I agree.
Shuffling around, I pull myself to the center of the clearing and lay down, looking up at the bright green leaves, and the blue of the sky beyond them. Dante comes to rest beside me.
"Let's stay here for the rest of the day," he suggests, placing his hands behind his head.
"Nice try, but we should get back soon," I reply.
"Seriously, PC, take a break. You need one."
I really like Dante's idea of staying here for the rest of the day, but I need more convincing.
"He's on your mind. This is the only time today where you have been actually relaxed and fine. I say we stay here."
And I'm convinced.
"Fine. Pass me the bag," I murmur.
Dante hands me the bag, and I rummage around until I find the crystal I'm after. I activate it and Kyriessa's face lights up the holographic screen.
"Take the rest of the day off, Kyrie, and let the others know okay?" I say.
She replies and I shut off the crystal, shoving it back into the bag. I resume my prone position and glance at Dante from the corner of my eye. He's gazing up at the canopy, and seems relaxed as ever. Always so chilled out, I wish I could be like him. Deep inside of a parallel universe, maybe another version of me is completely carefree and easy-going all the time. I chuckle quietly at the absurdity at such a though.
"What's funny?" Dante asks, turning his head to face me.
"Nothing, just a silly thought," I reply, smiling slightly.
A few minutes pass and we both remain quiet, until Dante breaks the silence.
"Do you want talk about it?"
"Talk about what?" I ask, playing dumb.
"Him. You know, get it out of your system and whatnot."
"I don't know. Talking isn't going to change anything," I mumble.
"Just talk. Hell, cry if you want to."
"There's no way I'm going shed another tear about that subject, idiot," I scoff, knowing in my heart that it is true. "I made a monumental mistake, but it's not like it's ever going to happen again. I'm swearing off relationships."
"Good call."
We lay quiet, and the time seems to just breeze by. I'm very relaxed here. I love it. I turn my head to Dante, who is watching me with a grin in place.
"What?" I giggle, scrunching my face up at him.
"You."
"What about me?" I ask, propping myself up on my left elbow.
Dante does the same, and etches closer to me.
"You're a very strong-hearted person, Phoenix. I admire the way you never back down from anything, or give in under pressure. You're my hero," he smiles.
I feel my cheeks blush and I smile at my friend.
"No, you're my hero, Dante. If it wasn't for you I would most definitely be lost," I say quietly, seriously.
"You don't understand what I'm saying." His voice suddenly holds a very anguished tone.
I stare at him and tilt my head to the side.
"I love you, Phoenix. I always have. And I don't think you realize how much you hurt me by doing what you did. Why don't you love me back? Phoenix, why? Phoenix..."
"Hey, Phoenix! Wake up, it's getting dark." Dante is hovering over me, shaking my shoulder.
"What? Oh, I didn't realize that I'd fallen asleep," I mutter.
I blink quickly a few times, and realize my eyes are wet. That dream was...It seemed so real. Why did he have to wake me? Suddenly my mood shifts and I pout a little as Dante pulls me to my feet.
"You didn't sleep well last night did you?" He asks, and his voice sounds as if he is scolding me.
"Not exactly. Are you going to stay over again? Maybella is staying the night at my place."
"Nah, mum wants me home tonight for something or rather, I think it's some family thing. Another time though."
"Okay. Well, walk me home at least, idiot," I laugh.
Dante carries the bag as we walk slowly back to my house. I love this time of day, the pink and orange colours in the sky are absolutely beautiful. The way the late afternoon sunlight reflects off the clouds in golden light is breathtaking. Sometimes I like to get lost in the beauty and just not think about anything, but everything. All the possibilities that the Atmos holds, they're endless and so exciting. One day soon I plan on widening the patrol area to the next Terra over, seeing as it is still technically in the realm of Emeraldia. If I could somehow establish an ancillary Squadron to take care of said Terra, that would take a load off of my team.
I look down from the sky and notice we are just out the front of my house.
"I'll see you in a day or two, PC. Say hi to your folks for me."
I nod and pat Dante on the shoulder, before heading through the gate. I reach the door, I'm about to head inside when I hear Maybella trotting up behind me. She has a side satchel, the strap draped over her shoulder, and a full megawatt smile on her face.
"Hey Phoenix," she beams.
"Hi May."
I open the door and we step inside. I hear mum in the kitchen, and when I enter the living room, I spot my father in his usual place on the couch watching a news report.
"How was training today, kiddo?" he asks, turning the television set to mute.
"Tiring," I reply, stretching my arms above my head.
After about two days of not training, I decide to round up my team and get into it again. Dante is walking with me to our usual training spot, and occasionally he will nudge my shoulder playfully. As we walk, there is a growing sound of commotion, and near the source of the noise I look to see what is going on. There are Officials surrounding the area, the front gate to a house has been cordoned off. I stop dead in my tracks, a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach.
"Dante," I whisper, grabbing his sleeve tightly. "This is Julin's house."
"Maybe all that macabre crap got to his head and he ended sacrificing someone to a demon lord," Dante laughs.
"No."
I let go of his sleeve and sprint towards the house, quickly ducking under the cordon tape. I'm almost at the front door when an Official stops me.
"Sorry Miss, you can't come any further, the Investigators have to finish sweeping the scene," he says.
"I am the Sky Knight of this Terra, I have a right to be here," I retort, feeling my heart begin to race.
"Oh, my apologies. Do go through. The Investigators are almost done if you want to survey the scene for yourself."
I blanch as I step through the front door. An instant chill sweeps over me as I take tentative steps along the hall. On the ground there are little yellow markers with numbers, some with letters. I make sure not to displace them as I walk. I reach the living room and two Investigators are standing, talking. They look up when I enter.
"Sky Knight Phoenix. There is no need to be here, we have it all under control," one of them says.
"Would somebody please tell me what is going on?"
"It's an apparent suicide, Ma'am."
I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me. That is not what I was expecting to hear. I look around at the small yellow markers on the living room floor and see that there are prescription narcotics packets, all empty; empty bottles that would have held alcohol scattered here and there.
"Who?" I ask, but fearing I already know.
"The young man who lived here. There was nobody else here, I'm afraid."
I pace down the hall further until I come to the master bedroom. More Investigators are here than anywhere else in the house, and when I shuffle past those who are standing in the doorway...I see nothing. Hands have come from behind me and are covering my eyes.
"Phoenix, You don't want to see this," Dante whispers gently.
"Let me go, Dante," I breathe. My voice shudders violently as I speak.
Dante listens and removes his hands from my eyes. And now I wish he hadn't. First my eyes see the rope which is tied around an exposed rafter, then what is hanging from it. Julin. Completely still, lifeless. A hand covers my mouth just in time to muffle the scream that makes its way up from my lungs. A moment later I recognize it as my own hand. Why would he do this? I've never seen a dead person before, let alone somebody who I've actually known. Dante's arms support me as I begin to collapse, but my eyes cannot move from the sight before me.
"Did you know the victim, Ma'am?" one of the Investigators ask.
"Yes," I choke.
"Does this mean anything to you?" She hands me a note, clearly Julin's handwriting.
I read it: Do not fear death. Death is always at our side. When we show fear, it jumps at us faster than light. But, if we do not show fear it casts its eye upon us gently and then gently guides us into infinity. The last time I spoke to you, I didn't mean it, it was the only way. Death is inevitable for me, and I shall meet with it as an old friend. Do not hate me for what I did. It was right at the time. Goodbye.
I read through it five times, understanding only bits and pieces.
"I'm sorry, no," I lie, handing the note back.
"Sky Knight, you know your duty. Inform the victim's next of kin of his death."
"The victim has a name," I mutter sourly.
"Of course, sorry. We are finished here. Do you wish to inspect the body further for your reports?"
"Yes. Leave me alone to do so, then I shall inform whomever of this...incident."
They leave, and I feel Dante standing somewhere behind me, but I ignore him. Walking over to Julin, I circle his hanging form once, twice. There doesn't seem to be anything out of the ordinary, all in all a textbook suicide. Until I spot something on the inside of his vest-jacket. I lean in to take a closer look and move the jacket trying not to touch him.
"Residue from a crystal blast," I whisper.
I know for a fact that Julin never was interested in crystals and that he only used them when necessary. He didn't even own any crystal powered weapons, or the crystals to use them if he did. Under closer inspection, I recognize the residual pattern and connect it to a Firebolt blast. The only people I know to use Firebolt Crystals were the Cyclonians.
"Dante, Julin was murdered. Whoever did it made it to only look like he took his own life. And whoever did it did not do a very good cover up."
Dante walks over and I move out of the way so he can take a look at the small spot of residual blast marks.
"This was a Firebolt," he mutters, beginning to look over the rest of Julin.
"That's what I thought."
"Cyclonians?"
"Who knows. There's a chance, but what would the Cyclonians get from murdering Julin of all people?"
Dante shrugs and continues to look around. The evidence in the living room would suggest beyond a doubt that it was suicide. I knew Julin to take the occasional drug, prescription or otherwise, but never had he indicated suicidal tendencies. Never was there any evidence of self harm. He wasn't even depressed. Julin was always so upbeat. No, this was definitely a set up.
"Are you okay?" Dante asks from beside me.
I hadn't even noticed him approach.
"The last time I spoke to Julin, I told him that I hated him," I breathe quietly. My voice is barely audible. "Dante, I need you to do the report, I can't."
"Sure thing. Are you going to go tell his family?"
I sigh and turn my back on the scene.
"I'll come with you if it will make it easier."
"Nothing is going to make this easier, Dante."
Repressing a sob I begin to walk away, down the hall, out the front door and away - away from Julin...
I bring my Skimmer to a stop, Dante slowing his to park beside me. With a deep breath I pace slowly towards the Stells residence. Coming to the front door, I knock thrice, all the while my heart racing faster, my tear ducts fiercely trying to exhume the tears that want to escape so badly. But I use every last ounce of willpower to keep face. Soon the door opens and a woman with dark hair glances at me questioningly.
"Mrs. Stells?"
"Yes, that is me," she replies. Her voice is rough on my ears and she regards me suspiciously.
"I am Phoenix Emeraldia, Sky Knight. Mrs. Stells, it is my regretful duty to inform you that your son, Julin, was discovered dead in his home this morning," I say, trying to keep my voice from breaking.
"Oh. I suppose I should invite you inside to discuss the details."
She steps aside and guides both Dante and myself to the living room, taking a seat. I do the same, not taking notice of my surroundings.
"What happened? Murdered? Tragic accident?"
It comes as a shock to me that this woman does not seem all too upset about her son's death.
"The Investigators declared suicide, but after investigating the scene myself there is evidence to suggest murder," I state. "Mrs. Stells, you seem not to be surprised by this news."
Mrs. Stells scoffs and sits back in her chair, crossing one leg over the other.
"Julin was always a problem child. He wasn't normal, always trying to dabble in some form of black magic or the other, listening to that terrible music. He had an obsession with the macabre. I tried to raise him right, but somewhere I must have went wrong. I cannot say that I did not see this coming, but thank you for informing me."
I try to contain my displeasure at the statement of this woman, but my restraints break.
"I knew your son, Mrs. Stells. There was nothing wrong with him. I always thought he was exaggerating when he said his folks despised him, but now...You should be ashamed of yourself," I hiss, standing and glaring.
"So the rumors were true then? That Julin was together with this Terra's Sky Knight?"
"I am not going to discuss rumors when you do not even care that your first born son is dead. Now I have informed you, I will be on my way. I don't know why I even bothered coming here," I growl venomously before stomping away.
I mount my ride and take off before Dante can even pull his key from his pocket. Soon I spot my destination and take my skimmer down, coming to a quick stop. I jump off and run into the shop, looking for Mr. Rantyll. He isn't occupying the front counter, so I run to the back of the shop to find him working with some crystals. He looks up in question at my sudden appearance.
"What ever is the matter, child?" asks he.
Placing the crystal on the table in front of him, Mr. Rantyll stands and paces over to me.
"I need to forget something. Help me," I whisper, tears finally making their way down my cheeks when I am no longer able to hold them back.
"What has happened, dear?"
"Julin. He's dead. I don't want to remember seeing that. Help me forget him." I pause to wipe my eyes. "Teach me to use my powers to forget, I know you can."
"I'm sorry, but that is far too risky. Not even the most powerful Energy Caster ever attempted such a thing."
"Please, pa-pa," I whimper, pleading with him.
Mr. Rantyll steps towards me and gently ushers me over to a chair. I sit down and clasp my hands in my lap.
"Let me tell you a story," he says as he sits down beside me.
"I'm not six anymore, can you help me or not?"
He ignores me and continues.
"As you know, many, many a year ago, Corvus Emeraldia founded this Terra. Those who were settled here after its discovery were mostly Energy Casters. At that time, everybody still worshiped the Ancestors as Deities due to how powerful those before them were. On record there are only three who have attempted to channel their powers for repressing memories, and one of those three was none other than Corvus Emeraldia's closest friend, Jayanne Sparrow. Now, Jayanne Sparrow almost matched Corvus' abilities, but not quite. She had had always kept her powers in check, repressing them if you will. One day, her husband left her for another before she could tell him she was with child. Her heart was broken, but when she gave birth to the child, her heart was mended immediately. She loved that child with everything she had. But one fateful day, the child ceased breathing while sleeping.
"Jayanne fell into a deep depression after the death of her child, and eventually discovered an ancient manuscript of the Elders. On that manuscript were the instructions to use the power of Energy Casting to make yourself forget. The only problem was that your powers had to be at a certain level, a level that even Corvus himself was not yet familiar with. When he discovered what Jayanne intended to do, he tried repeatedly to talk her out of it, but to no avail. Jayanne went ahead and attemtped to perform the casting." Mr Rantyll pauses, and takes a sip of tea.
"Did it work?" I ask, now interested in hearing the rest of this 'story'.
"Yes. It worked. But too well. Jayanne forgot, she forgot everything. She forgot herself. She had no memory of Corvus, or anybody she had ever known. But worst of all, she forgot what love, what happiness, what peace was. Jayanne was Jayanne no longer. The only thing she had left of herself was her powers. Now, you can imagine somebody with such a level of power and no concept of love or compassion or any idea how to control the power within them would be quite devastating. Corvus had feared what would become of his friend, and he was right in fearing so. Jayanne Sparrow quickly learnt to control her powers again with no help. Eventually her mental state become more unstable, she became a danger to the Terra and its people."
Mr. Rantyl pauses once more to take another sip from his tea cup.
"One day, something inside Jayanne snapped; as if she couldn't stand not knowing who she was any longer. The phrase 'going off the deep end' comes to mind. One day, when she could no longer handle whatever might have been going on inside her head, she let loose. What she was doing was extremely dangerous. Jayanne spent her time pushing her powers to the absolute limit, and eventually discovered a manuscript of power draining. Power draining is quite self-explanatory; as an Energy Caster, you drain the energy from anything you can, therefore increasing your powers further. And so, Jayanne was doing just that. It was a forbidden act too, mind you, and still is to this day. She was completely unstoppable, well that's what everyone thought. Everyone except for Corvus. As her friend, Corvus knew he had to stop Jayanne, or die trying."
"So what happened?"
"Have you heard of 'The Battle of Three Nights'?"
"Yes. A wayward Energy Caster was bent on destroying the Atmos. That was Jayanne?"
"Indeed. The battle between Corvus and Jayanne lasted two days and three nights. Now do you know how Corvus defeated his greatest friend and rival in that battle?"
"No, it's not in any of the history books," I mumble.
"I mentioned earlier that Power Draining is the most forbidden act known to man, almost more so than murder."
"Corvus drained Jayanne's energy?"
"No. He did not. In fact, Jayanne drained the power from every Energy Caster she came across. But the human body has a limit to the amount of how much power it can actually store. Well, as you can imagine, Jayanne's power was so great, it had consumed her, it controlled her. And finally on the third night of the battle, Corvus confronted Jayanne, aware of her fate before she was. She began to drain Corvus' power, and he allowed her. Although she was mad before, draining Corvus' energy drove her further into insanity, beyond the point of help for any normal human. Because when you drain the energy from a living being, you absorb their memories. Corvus had the memory of Jayanne's previous life, before she had forgotten who she was. She couldn't stand it, and ended up destroying herself with all the stolen energy and powers."
"She killed herself?"
"Partly. But the amount of power within her would have destroyed her eventually, she urged the process along and died almost instantly."
"Wouldn't the amount of power within her make her implode?" I ask, furrowing my brows.
Mr. Rantyll chuckles quietly.
"No, dear child. That would be crystals. No, Energy Casting comes from within you, comes from the heart, if you will. So think about it. The power comes from your heart, but if you overload your heart, what would happen? It would simply give out, of course. Jayanne's heart failed under the stress of such power. And that is how Corvus won the Battle of Three Nights. When it was over, the power he lost to Jayanne was restored into him. Although it was too late for the others, they were stuck without their powers for the rest of their lives."
"Is that why...?"
"Perhaps. And so, the moral of my story, young Phoenix, is that you do not ever want to use your powers to try and forget anything, no matter how bad."
I sit for a moment taking in the story. Could such devastation really come from forgetting?
"You said there were three who tried to forget. What happened to the other two?"
"Ah, well one of the other two went mad and ended his life, the other did the Casting wrong and ended up losing his power completely."
"Is there nothing you can do to help me forget?"
"I'm sorry, dear, but there is no amount of pleading that will convince me to repress your memory of this incident. But I will tell you this; the best way to forget, is to just not think about it."
I nod and reamin silent.
"How about a cup of tea, and you can tell me about what happened?"
"Yes please."
Reviews would be greatly appreciated, so I know whether or not to continue with this fic. Thanks for reading.