"Get him!" a soldier from the back exclaimed as they all charge towards me. The front row soldier readied his slow strike. I dodge to the right with ease, retaliating whilst unsheathing my sword. The blade cutting through his chest from his right shoulder to his left. The soldier fell to his knees rather easily. Considering these are the most elite in the continent, I was taken aback by the lack of willpower. His armor clanged as I elbowed the soldier behind me to the ground. I jumped backwards to make some distance. There were about 8 people left. "This I can make do..." I said to myself as I ran towards them.
I have fought monsters, though I have no experience against people. But then again, what's the difference?
The second soldier wielded a lance. One wrong move and I'll be skewered. "Hyah!" the soldier yelped as it drove the lance forward. A yelp that was oddly feminine. A quick step to the right and the lance just barely hits me. I immediately follow up with a leg sweep. The forward momentum caused her to tumble forwards, rolling just a few meters away. I turn my attention to the remaining soldiers. "STOP!" commanded a burly voice. They all ceased to move and sheathed their swords, proceeding to fall in line. I panted as they all stopped. Out of stamina, already? What am I doing? "HA!" they all breathed in unison. I splashed the blood on the grass, cleaning my blade and sheathed it. I felt all my body became heavier as I wore the sword. I really need to get used to this.
A loud, rhythmic clunking of metal was drawing near. The soldier's now shaking. The source of the loud metallic clunking was from a man, dressed in fine military garments. His armor was bulky. The shield he held was enormous. However, to him, it was light as a feather. Beside him, a woman, with snow white hair dressed in standard battle uniform, was following him closely. A rapier grasped in her left hand. Her steely eyes met with mine. Like a sudden magic bolt hitting me, I flinch. "What happened here?" the man asked the soldiers. They all shivered before speaking up. "H-he caused the damage, C-colonel Levon!" one soldier said.
Colonel Levon? As in, the Dylan Levon? Hero of the Border Wars? And here I thought he was just a legend father used to tell me. As unbelievable as it was, the man eyeing the soldier fitted father's descriptions. Deep blue hair and a defining aura around him. Even if you only heard of him in legends, being in the same area as him is like the fresh smell of peppermint in the morning. It's just feels good. But then, at this point I realized that the soldier the colonel was eyeing was pointing at me. His hand was shaking. Probably sweating, too. My eyes widened as he averted his gaze from the soldier and directed it at me. Fear enveloped my mind. My heart sank down, my breaths becoming deeper and longer. Dylan walked on over to me. I only stood there, balling my fist as he approached. "You... Explain what happened..." he said. "Gladly." I said. But before I could utter any words, he held his right hand in front of me. "From the moment you arrived here, all right?" I nodded. "You see, I was just visiting Saint Paula for a check up then all of a sudden an explosion occurred, followed by the response of what I assume to be Sun Capitol soldiers." I stopped. He continues to nod as I explained the situation. I think I hit all of the right notes there. "Continue..." "Right, then after making my way to a corner near the plaza, I picked up this long sword from a downed soldier before entering the plaza. That's where I met and fought Roger Acelin." "WHAT!?" he shouted as he dropped his shield beside him before grabbing my shoulders with his hands. "Tell me where he went!" "I don't know. He was gone when your troops arrived." Dylan let out a defeated sigh. He turned to look at his soldiers. Though I can't see the colonel's face, the soldiers did jump back a bit. "Anyways... That sword you wield was from a soldier, wasn't it?" I immediately took the blade off of me. This is considered as theft, after all. "Oh, yeah. Right. I should return this to-" "Oh no, no. You can keep it. I'll take your word for clashing with Acelin. He's a tough one, I'll tell you..." I agree. Taking a punch to the gut really tells you that. "Well, we'll be taking our leave. Farewell." he said, turning his back toward me. The white haired lady was still glaring at me. She gave me one final snarl before catching up to Dylan. Like a child running to it's parent.
I suppose there is nothing left to do here. Despite the fact that most of Corona Village is destroyed, I am still glad that I'm alive. Well, mostly glad. I strap the sword sheathe on the body again. This time feeling comfortable with the weight. I guess mood changes when you meet face to face with a living legend. I stared at the burning debris of the Rune Chariot in the middle of the plaza. Still engulfed in flames after several minutes have passed. I actually wonder if eternity exists?
There was once eternity. Eternal life to be precise. A tale all living beings know of. The legend of creation. The Almighty Sdorica. Proud and pure, slain by Vendacti and gave mankind liberty and freedom with the price of losing their eternal life. But who knows if that ever is true. The fact of the matter is, you'll be speechless when it actually is the truth. Then again, nothing is truly ever real. It's up to us to make sense of it all.
I walked past the burning pile. Now, I made my way home. The embers wished they could follow me, yet they disappear with each passing second.
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"Roxas! Where have you been? I have been worried sick! And my goodness, look at the moonlight! It's late!" Father cried as he embraced me. My noodle arms slowly hugged him back. "Just visited Saint Paula, father." "That's good... I'm just glad you're back home..." he was now squeezing me. "Uhhh... How about you let go now, father?" I said. He promptly did so. I was gasping for air as he was triumphantly standing in front of me. Despite me returning home past bed time, he was in a good mood. Which is rare, even so in this season.
If there's anything to look forward to in this house, it's sleep. The moonlight on the foot of my bed makes a good sight before dozing off. But before that, I usually help father with house chores. Sweeping the floor, washing whatever plates we have left and fixing the house was a common routine. We'd always have something to fix every night. "Roxas, get the mallet. These need to get reinforced." Father said as he was examining the table that I nailed on the wall. We got to work as soon as I returned with the mallet in hand.
As much as I like to sleep, this is really mandatory. Sometimes we have no choice and fate makes them for us. We're stripped of the freedom we've been given even when we're already free. A paradox, one might say. Putting mankind on strings and playing with them would be acceptable if we were given something that compensates our loss. Maybe that's what the contented men thought.
"Son, what are you staring at?" Father snapped his fingers at me, bringing me back to reality. A couple of mallet swings later, and the table is properly nailed to the wall. I hope it'll last until next year. I just hope it does. "Maybe we'll call it a night, no? It has been a long day..." He's right. It has been an extremely long day. I look outside the window, the moon's brightness was at it's peak. The candle that was lighting the house was running out of wax to burn. "It's time to rest..." I muttered as father was already snoring, lying on his left side on the floor. He didn't even bother getting out the mongrel pelt. I sighed. "I guess there's no helping it then." I said, proceeding to get the pelt for myself.
I laid it down on the floor and spread it to it's maximum length. Mongrel pelts are enough to encompass two people. It's quite spacious when I'm the only one who's using it. As I stared at the ceiling, my mind was a mess. There were no coherent thoughts to think about. No issue to argue on my own. Just the nonexistent static that's going on in my head. I continued to stare at the ceiling longer, father's snores were becoming awfully apparent by the minute. I let out one yawn before the sleep in my eyes overtook my body.
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As I felt the darkness wrap around me, I also felt my mind wander. These were the only chances life gave me at being any normal. Dreams are instantaneous. Sometimes, you have no control and you are forced into a perspective where you experience it first hand.
It's like living life in the eyes of another person. Once you're aware, however, you can do whatever you want. That is, for me, live a normal life.
This was not given to me this time.
The hazy vision made it slightly difficult to see what the dream had in store for me. But, after a short while, it finally became clearer. I was surprised. Not by a birthday surprise, not by a gift from a friend or from father, not even from seeing mother after a long time. Although, that would be pretty great. I was surprised that I was in a place I didn't recognize.
"Huh..." I looked around me. I was in a hall of some sorts. Decorated with red banners with golden lining, stained glass windows and a throne placed at the end of the room. I don't usually be imaginative, yet this was awfully strange that I imagined a place this grand.
The dream was finally unfolding it's story.
I felt my feet move towards the throne. As much as I was getting excited to actually sit on an actual throne, even if it's in a fake reality, I didn't. Instead, I took a seat on the throne's right arm, sitting rather comfortably despite how it looked. I just sat there for a while, looking at the blinding light beyond the windows and staring at the beautifully designed banners.
Suddenly, as if I knew what to do, the sound of trumpets made me stand up at attention. Chin up and breast out. Like royalty. I don't remember anything about being so noble and proud. As if I had anything to be proud of. Being the son of a farmer is as dreadful experience.
Giant doors, opposite from the throne, swung open. 5 pairs of soldiers were lined up on the carpet before the throne. I felt my right hand grasp the sword at my back. Somehow, it's lighter than before. No, calling it light would be an understatement. It was so light that it didn't even feel like a sword anymore. I unsheathed the sword with my right hand and held it in front of me. Hands firmly placed on the pommel.
Faint footsteps echoed through the throne room. The soldiers stood firm and held their javelins tightly. I did the same. This all, somehow, felt natural. We don't know our purpose in life. And yet, here I am. In this dream. Looking onward unto the arrival of a person. Feeling as if this is what I was made for...
Although it does feel like this is destiny, a dream remains a dream until fate decides so. And, as far as I am concerned, fate really loves to pull on my strings. Like a dragon with it's puppets, it's will forever final.
"Heads high, everyone! The Princess is here!" a voice called. I smiled. At the back of my mind, I didn't know why I smiled. Neither did I know to whom did the voice belong. Until I heard her giggle that I realized that the voice that called her was my own. "Hehehe, okay okay, Roxas. No need to be all so formal." she said. I took a step forward, though I didn't move from my spot. I was waiting anxiously. Who is this person? How does she know my name? Why am I here?!
Fate once again, decided to play a game with me. A game in which I cannot win. A one sided game. Like always. And forever.
Her dress was beautiful. All white, but designed with intricate patterns that you could clearly see. She had long, amazing blonde hair that was free flowing. That made my heart throb. Still, I did not know why. I have so many questions. Are they going to be answered today? Right here? Right now? Fate says no.
As soon as I got a glimpse of her face, reality came rushing to me. My consciousness floated in darkness. For a while, I was left stumped. It was like finally finishing a long day of planting seeds but then you realize you've planted them on the wrong soil and you'd have to start all over again. A flash of light came. Next, a silhouette. Then the face of father was front of me. He was... awfully close to my own face.
His eyes were worried. He had sweat running down his face. One drop spilled to my nose as I flinched. "What are you doing...?" I asked him. I look to my left as I saw him pinning my left arm to the ground. Same goes for my right arm. He still hasn't responded to my question. I sighed. I guess I have to wait in order for me to get my answer, huh?
"Sorry, Roxas... You were acting a bit strange..." I won't say I'm surprised or anything. It's been going on like this for a month. This didn't happen before Saint Paula, too, so it's odd to think an outburst like that occurred after my visit to Saint Paula. "The same act, father?" "Same act..." I don't know what the outburst is, though. Father isn't the type of person who explains things clearly to you. Most of the time, he'd give you a vague imagery and leave you with it. It's frustrating, to say the least. Since I'm his son, I have to deal with his personality. After all, if mother can do it, so can I? Right?
"Uhm... father..." "Yes?" "Can you get off of me, now?" he did what I asked. I sat up as he sat beside me. I turned to look at the window, the dawn's early light beams through into the house. I figured it was time for some field work. Sitting up from the pelt, I hurriedly rolled it and set it aside for later this evening. Grabbing some rye bread from the counter, I went outside.
"Ah... early morning..." I muttered as I stared at the fields. It was harvesting season. Coincidental, huh? This is what I love and hate about this time of year. I love the fact that we get to reap what we were working our butts off all year and hate the fact that it's void season too. There is nothing else you could do but live on. I grabbed the sickle from the storage box and made my way to the open field, chewing the bread that I stuffed in my mouth.
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It was now mid-day. The Sun was now beginning to be unforgiving. The lack of water in your body would easily be the death of one. Luckily for me and father, our house was near a river stream, so water was a fairly abundant resource. Still, it was hot. Cutting off the last sugar cane, I tossed it to the wheelbarrow as I wiped the sweat off of my forehead. I see father working on the last row of sugar cane. He's pretty determined today, so I opted to go get a bucket of water instead of helping him. He believes that if one is willing to do it, then one should be able to do it without help. Judging from the look of his face, he seems that way today, as odd as it may seem to me. I pushed the wheelbarrow closer to him, just enough for him to toss the sugar canes in. I went to the house and changed my clothes. I threw aside my sweaty shirt and got a bucket of water. "Where did I put my sword...?" I asked myself as I darted around the house, looking for the longsword. "Here it is!" I enthusiastically said as I grabbed the handle and tied the sheathe around me. Time to head for the river stream.
Aside from the usual critters that run around these parts, everything wasn't out of place. Nothing is ever extraordinary. Unless, of course, you count the glimmer wolves. They are always, and I mean always, the reason behind bush and grass fires. I remember a time when they were so destructive, that they managed to burn half of Paradise Prairie. That didn't please anyone. Especially father. He got so upset that he tried to kill them all. If I didn't stop him there and then, all glimmer wolves would've been extinct. But, that would've helped the prairie, right?
The river stream was fairly close, so it wasn't much of a journey to be honest. However, it was still practical to bring a weapon with you wherever you go. Especially at this time of year. Longtail Beasts surely are major causes of crop loss. I hate those things. You can't even tell if they're good as pets or just plain old monsters in disguise. They're a hassle too. Life's hard as a peasant. I knelt down on by the river bank and scooped a bucket full of water. After putting it aside, I leaned down to grab myself a drink. A quick sip off of the river wouldn't hurt.
"Help! Somebody help us!" I heard cries of help. I sighed. Just as my lips touched the water too. I stood up and looked around. I waited for a bit. Bang. Bang. Bang. Each blast shaking the earth beneath me a little. "ARRGHH!" the cries come from little children. Oh, I wonder which monster is ravaging little children today. Just as I expected, a large, muscular creature with sharp, yellow fangs with wings that protrude from the back of it's arms, were attacking 2 children. "Kids!" I yelled at them. Both of them looked at me. The beast began it's descent from the air, planning to crush the poor fellas. "Run!" the beast crashed. Dirt and rocks were flying everywhere. Luckily, as the dust conceded, the little guys were unscathed.
I ran at the beast, long sword in hand. It's sensitive ears caught wind of my approach and swiped me away. I dodge to the right and slashed the sword in, scraping it's left wing. It screeched in pain and flew away. But it didn't flew away. Blood was quickly escaping from the wound I caused, rendering it useless for flight. This was my chance. I threw my blade at the beast's chest. It roared in pain. I unleashed my full speed and charged right in, the distance between the beast and me were covered in just seconds. I jumped towards it, my left hand aiming at the sword I threw.
The moment I managed to grip the handle, the beast flailed like a madman. The sword in my hand threw me around like a ragdoll. I held on tight, no matter what. Until finally, my feet met the ground and sliced it's chest apart. Making the both of us crash into the ground.
As the dust settled, I limped away from the beast with sword in hand. Or rather, in between my fingers, dragging it along as I made my way out from the impact crater.
I looked back. The longtail beast, slain. This was my first. Most of the time, me and father would just repel these things off of our field. But never have I ever slain one until today. For the first time in my life, I felt victorious.
As if on cue, a big dramatic pause, fate, once again, decided to play with me.
I approached the beast's bloody corpse. I knelt down and brought up my skinning knife. Longtail Beast hides are precious. As people can't easily kill these wicked bastards. They sell at a high price at the market too. Maybe I'll get a fortune from this alone. Who knows? Maybe enough for us to make a comeback in life.
I drove the knife in, smiling as the thoughts of the future excited me. Fresh blood trickled from the wound. I stopped to watch the blood flow from it. As it reached the bottom, from which I expected to be grass, it drips onto the arm of a child.
The child that I was trying to save.
I took a step back. Fear enveloped my senses. Confusion arose in me. How could this be? "Hey! What happened here!?" shouted a woman as she ran toward my direction. Alongside her, I assume would be the child who was attacked earlier.
I didn't answer.
"Oh, you killed a longtail... Thank goodness... My son told me everything. So, where's my child?" she said. She even looked at me with the most sincere and concerned eyes that I wish telling the truth was easy.
But telling the truth isn't easy. At least, not for me.
I took a deep breath. Yet no words were spoken. Just plain and utter silence. I leaned towards my right, reaching for my skinning knife. As my fingers lightly touched the handle, she shrieked. "HHYAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" her face was drained of color. Her son started to vomit. I just took out my knife. The beast's blood started gushing out.
"Wha... I don't even... Why!?" her face was carrying a variety of emotions. I could see anger, confusion, despair and insanity. All in one. Take every negative energy in the world and put it on her. "Ma'am... I'm sorry... I tried to save him..." I said, trying to comfort her.
She fell to her knees. Despair was all I could see. Her sobs became louder. The disbelief in her voice grew. My heart could not take it. Her son joined her in her mourning.
I slowly reached out to her, pushing one final attempt to calm her down. But, then again, what can I do? Say sorry again? That it was a slip up? No, no more. Any more would result in more tears.
So, I walked away...
