Empire of Dreams
Written by Doggiegal
Chapter 2: Stay in Shadow
Did I do the right thing for all of us? For myself, for Shiek, for Link? I feel as if I should have been more careful, more protective, more anything with those two. They are the ones who will suffer the consequences of others' actions—sins committed ten years ago. Our one shield will be lost, the limit exceeded, and the two boys will bear the weight of the world on their shoulders—aided only by the Revered Six and the stranger who possesses a power that the Evil King oh so desperately wants. The fight they will put up is one that we mere spectators will be affected by, directly or indirectly.
As the home team scores, everyone cheers. Well, nearly everyone. I'm not cheering, and neither is a small group of people dressed in the opposing team's colors. Can't help but wonder what the hell possessed them to travel across a few states simply to watch their team lose by a great deal of points. Okay, so the score's only 14 to 6, but still. It's nearly the end of this quarter, and I can't help but wonder what the half-time show was. Acrobatics? Ventriloquism? Pets performing miraculous tricks?
I voice the question to my son and his friend, figuring that the boys would know the answer to my ignorant question. My dearest son, all the while rolling his eyes, reminds me that they usually announce the act towards the end of the second quarter—not the first. They hadn't received news of it yet, either. Secretly, I think he just likes making me sound stupid. It's probably one of those boy things—though girls might do something akin to that. I'm not much of a child person; Shiek acts like an adult simply because I probably would have kicked him to the curb otherwise. Or at least forcibly shut him the hell up.
Yeah, he learned pretty quickly that pissing me off was equivalent to signing a death contract. I'm such a wonderful mother. And yes, I do believe he picked up my marvelous sarcasm. In fact, I think it's even rubbing off on Link. I'm a bad influence on the boys, I swear, but still…They seem to think that I'm preferable to Link's foster parents and younger sister. Personally, I can't see how.
I'm not exactly sure why we attend these games to celebrate. Yeah, sure, it's a lot like a party. I mean, what with the loud music, nut cases, drunken people, yelling, and girls in skimpy outfits. Did I mention that I absolutely abhor parties? Yeah, so the boys find it entertaining—and it is their birthdays we are celebrating. Also, the nachos aren't too bad, either, but that's a little off topic.
Hell, what was I talking about earlier? I swear, I ramble too much. Only I could go from prophecies to half-time shows to nachos. Hahaha, don't I feel special. I suppose I should be thinking "happy thoughts" (if such things exist) today, and save all negativity for tomorrow. Then again, Impa without negativity is like a lamp without electricity. Doesn't work properly. Hell, it doesn't even work at all!
Yeah, yeah, I know. Your ears are probably charred crisps right now. I can talk for hours they (whomever the hell they are) say—just not on everyday topics. I mean, seriously. Prophetic nachos?
I must be off the deep end.
Author's Note: See, see? I did update it by the end of the week! The very last day of the week, in fact. I'm surprised I actually stuck to it—even if it was a last-minute type thing. The title for this chapter is from "Stay in Shadow" by Finger Eleven. Oh, if the score seems too high for the first quarter (I honestly think it's fine, but I'm not sure…), then shoot me. No, not literally.
-Doggiegal
