The Sun was disappearing behind the clouds. A ray of light touched me before showing me the dark and dreary sky. Clouds were covering the light above. A sign of hopelessness.
"What am I gonna do...?"
I whispered to myself. Though the sky was dark, the breeze did not let up. It was the world's way of telling me to cheer up. Or at least, that's I like to think of it as, anyways. Even though I like to keep up a smile all the time, there isn't anything to be happy about. Not after what happened the last few weeks.
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I sat behind a wooden counter, just beside the main road. In front of me were nothing but grass, some rocks, and occasionally blue spotted wolf cubs playing with one another. To my left was the pathway to our home and the main road leading to Totemtaff Ridge. To my right, the path to the Kingdom of the Sun.
This was a route most adventurers and merchants would take. When I was a little boy, I used to merely stare at the window and watch as travelers would cross my vision countless times. It was a thrill. This time's thrill, however, was a bit different.
The last few weeks, I was able to slay more Longtails and carve out their hides for sale. Right now, we got a crate filled to the brim with Longtail hides. We're selling a piece for 2000 curren, since this is, what I found out, to be the cheapest price for these hides. If I am able to sell all of these, we would have enough money to move to a better place. But considering it's father, I doubt that we are going to go anywhere. "What you're looking at, Roxas, is what me and your mother worked so hard for... This is our home..." he said. I remember clearly how he said it, too. He was smiling. Quite widely, as I may say. He was proud.
Now, here I am. Sitting. Just sitting. My head resting on my hand as boredom struck me once more. The only way I could pass the time was watching the ants move to and fro. I've always wondered what they were doing deep in their colonies. Probably attending some big, old ant or something similar to that.
I stood up. I could hear faint voices in the distance. "What are you doing, you idiot?! We are suppose to be heading back home now!" said a voice that was rather high pitched. What followed was the exchanging of shouts and yells that were inaudible. These were all coming from a wooden carriage that was drawn by a Kalta. A pretty magnificent beast if you ask me. The only animal that could survive in the desert all by itself. If the world fell into ruin and there was nothing but sand, this animal would be it's only inhabitant. At least, it would be the last to die off.
"LONGTAIL HIDES ONLY TWO THOUSAND CURREN! COME GET YOURS TODAY!" I shouted at the top of my lungs. That should do the trick. Like flies flying to a decomposing corpse, the cart was hastened and stopped immediately in front of me. I didn't even get to react when it got to me. I heard clings and clangs as the cloth covering the carriage was moving. Emerging from the carriage, was a huge figure. About twice as wide as me. "Hohoho~ what were you saying lad?" said the same high pitched voice. It came from a man. No, a machine, finely dressed in splendid clothing that were certainly made from the finest of tailors. His mechanical arm held a glass of wine and held out his right hand to me, it's head making it's way to it's hand to face me. "Oh, uh, Longtail Hides. Only two thousand Curren." "TWO THOUSAND!? And how many are those babies?" "About 74 in total..." As his head ran toward his torso and, somehow, sat comfortably, he immediately gestured his companion to get whatever he was asked to get. "SOLD! I want EVERYTHING!" he celebrated.
I could only watch on as he reveled in his joy. Despite going through pain to get to the number of hides in my possession, business is still nice. Although it wasn't all that difficult to find Longtails, slaying one would take quite the time. The frequency in which they came to our field, however, was a whole different story. Still, though, I've hit a jackpot. Just as this mechanical merchant did. Not to mention, I sold everything all at once. Today's really a good day. As far as good days go.
As his tiny, mechanical head danced around his entire body, a pushcart was pushed towards him, containing a large sum of curren. He then reached into his mechanical body and took a few dozen crystals and added them to the cart. "Here, young lad. A cart full of curren! I'm in a good mood today, so I added a few extra crystals to compensate your troubles~"
And here I thought today couldn't get any better. I felt a wide smile creep on my face as I stared at the cart. This isn't a treasure room full of money, but it's something.
I lifted the box up and handed it to his companion, who swiftly carried it into the carriage. "Well, that's about it for me! I'll see you next time~" he said as he tipped his wine glass and turned his back on me. Climbing on top of the Kalta saddle, he grabs the reins and whips. The Kalta dashed towards the Kingdom of the Sun, leaving only dust as it disappeared along with the merchant.
Huh, what an interesting fellow that guy was.
I looked to my right to see unbelievable amount of money he gave me. Considering he was a merchant, this was about a 1/16th of his fortune. A small sum that we peasants could dream of.
I excitedly pushed the cart home, thrilled to announce to father the good news.
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A few minutes of fairly fast paced cart pushing, I reached our house. Looking at it from afar, it was really an old house. The wooden structure was all soft and saggy from all the exposure to rain and heat. Even both at the same time. Only recently have we got another problem in our hands. A termite related problem. Now, I don't usually feel safe under the roof mother and father made. I feel like it could come crashing down at any given time.
Nevertheless, I kicked down the door and announced loudly. "FATHER! I SOLD EVERYTHING!"
But I wasn't greeted by an overjoyed father. Instead, he was kneeling down, his head bowed down in front of the window. The sun's rays touching his scalp. He's praying. "Huh..." I pushed in the cart into the house. There was still enough space to move around, even when I put this cart that merchant gave me. It was a big cart, I'm not gonna lie. It took a whole lot of space. It was twice the size of our rusty wheelbarrow.
"Roxas, come join me." he said as he patted the floor beside him, gesturing me. Well, why not? I went on over beside him and did what I was told. I knelt on the floor, quite uncomfortably. But I didn't mind. It was prayer, after all.
"Why pray all of a sudden...?" I asked him. "Why not?" I stopped to think. Ever since mother passed away, father wasn't praying as often as he should. Everyday, the three of us would gather in this very spot and thank the Sun for all the blessings it had given us. But, not anymore. I used to keep it up, but then there was no point without mother. She would always lead our prayers to the Sun. She was our guiding light. Our sunshine, if you will.
"Why did you stop praying all those years ago, then?" "Because..." he stopped. I think it was a cruel question to begin with. I never felt pain any truer than losing someone dear to you. When I was young too...
"...I couldn't let go of her, Roxas..." he breathed a heavy sigh. I felt my chest become tighter. Just thinking about it, oh how I wonder how he feels right now? I couldn't even scratch the surface. No, what I am feeling right now would pale in comparison to his.
"Roxas..." father turned to me. His look was serious. "If you ever love a woman, promise me, protect her with all your life. Don't ever be like me..." he said. Firmly squeezing my shoulders. For the first time in years, he actually managed to say something that is helpful. Well, at least helpful in the future, assuming I'll ever get a woman I intend to love. I simply nodded. He smiled, satisfied with my silent answer.
"Right, what was it you wanted to tell me?" he said as he walked out the door, completely ignoring the huge pile of curren right up in his face. "Oh yeah, I sold everything. A kind merchant bought everything and gave me extra. So, a win-win." I explained. Only then did father notice the cart of curren.
His jaw dropped to the floor. I saw the face of joy and disbelief. Who could blame him, though? "R-really!?" he expressed, his voice cracking just a little bit. I simply nodded with a smile. He ran up to me and hugged me tight. I was nearly suffocating. I couldn't breathe all that well. This was fairly reminiscent. "Okay-OKAY! Please, let go now!" I pleaded. He let me go. I was grasping for air.
Although, we did hit a jackpot today, I couldn't help but feel a tad bit sad. I don't know why. I just...
...didn't smile.
Father got wind of this very quickly, though. "Roxas?" I turned to look at the cart. It was definitely a sight worth seeing. All those riches, one that we never got hold of until today. Heh, I wonder...
"What's wrong, son? Aren't you overjoyed?" "I am..." I didn't curl up a smile at all. It would feel nice, though. "You don't seem like it..." Again, he's now becoming of a father worth having. It was strange. The sudden change of our home's atmosphere was strange. All of it didn't make any sort of sense. I felt lost. My thoughts were racing out of me. Like a swarm of locusts.
I want to throw up.
"Yeah... I am..." I didn't hear myself conjure up any emotion. I am just lying at this point. Even if he asks me what's wrong, I wouldn't be able to answer. I look at him. His smile was gone. Maybe, just maybe, even he knows what's wrong.
I made my way out of the house. I couldn't bear to ruin such a good moment. And, somehow, I did. Only now did father ever notice that the door was gone.
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The afternoon breeze was a bit refreshing. The sun's rays weren't all that harsh, now. All the critters were dozing off, the flowers were withering, and the mountain's glows grew more intense as the soul energy coursed through them. It was a pretty sight to behold. Was.
All things are pretty the first time you see them. Like flowers for instance. They look absolutely beautiful the first time you've plucked them from the ground. But as time passes, they wither and their beauty will fade as if they were never beautiful in the first place.
I wonder...
I just wonder if there's anything in this world that is ugly the first time you see it, yet it begins to show all it's shades of beauty. A flawed that is being loved instead of a perfection that is loathed. If there is such a thing that exists, then please, world, show it to me.
I walked to the same tree and hill, one where me and mother used to sleep under. We would always watch the clouds pass by after father has finished all of his field work and doze off some time later. It was pretty peaceful and kind of fun.
I walked up to the tree's trunk. All the carvings me and mother made were still there. I remember them all. It's like we just carved them out yesterday. One such marking struck me. It was saddening, now that I saw it.
"One, Happy Family" I smiled sadly. There was a little heart beside it too. How time flies...
How cruel time is...
"Roxas!" yelled a rather familiar voice. I turned around to see where the voice came from. The same blue haired lad came up to the hill and greeted me. "Hey! How're you holding up?" Marcus asked me. "I'm fine, thanks. Why are you here, though?" "Well, my teacher decided to quit and go to Paradise Prairie for personal business. So I came here looking for him. Didn't think I'd see you here." "I live around these parts..." I commented. It bugged me a little that he hasn't realized it. Well, who would guess correctly anyways? I guess I'm the one to blame. I didn't tell him all my details, too.
"Oh, right... Anyways..." he stopped. He forgot what to say next. He just stood there with a frozen expression. I swear I saw a little bit of sweat drip from his face. "Oh, yeah! I also need your help." Without any remorse, without any consideration, he straight up asked me from the blue. Why did I become friends with this guy again? Nevertheless, I accepted and answered, "What do you need?" "I need you to help me track down Professor Clovis. I have something to give him." "Wait, don't tell me you're just an errand boy of the Academy..." "Ah, no. Not really. It just so happens to be me all the time. It gets kinda annoying, too." Considering he is in full uniform, his words spoke the truth. But who knows? Maybe he just likes to dress up as a student. Nonetheless, it's not particularly good to be assuming people's intentions.
"Well, I need to get my sword first..." I said, walking away. He grabbed me before I even got 4 steps. "Hey, you don't need it. You got me!" he proudly said, pointing at himself. "Hahaha, nah. I just wanna be safe. There's no such thing as too careful, after all." I tugged at my arm as he lets it go and I started walking away. "You coming?" I turned to my shoulder, looking at him as he stood atop the hill. He nodded as he followed close.
Along the way, we didn't talk. Every time I turned to look at him, he would just look around the scenery. There wasn't really much to look at, to be honest. Well, coming from a guy that is very familiar with this certain path, it would be a one sided statement. Still, I still couldn't help but chuckle at his, somewhat, out of place behavior. Trying to fit in but can't no matter what. Is that what school does to a person?
We arrived at our house at twilight. Father working on the door. As expected, too. I came in through the window. It was, of course, wider than the door, so entry wasn't all that difficult. I overheard father sigh in disappointment as I entered the house. What can I do? The door is still under repair. I grabbed my sword from the side of the table and exited the house swiftly. I fitted the sheathe on my body and went up to the front, greeted by Marcus and father talking.
"So, you saw everything?" my father asked him. "I... uh... y-yes? I don't know what happened, though. I saw him, but I didn't understand a thing." Marcus replied. I walked up to them, my presence finally acknowledged. "What were you guys talking about?" "Ah, don't sweat the small stuff, son. Just come back as soon as you can, all right?" Father said, reassuringly as he patted me on the shoulder. My question wasn't answered. So I was a bit irritated. "Let's go?" Marcus asked me, pointing at the path behind him. "Yeah, let's..."
We strayed from the main path and unto the grassy fields. Back tracking would prove to be difficult. The sun has finally set, leaving both of us in the dark. "Hey, don't worry..." Marcus snaps his fingers, sparks of fire escaped his fingers, forming to a bright flame on his palm. Still, even if he was able to provide light, I doubt we'll be able to return to the main path before sunrise.
It was almost 2 hours since we embarked on our quest. At least, that's what it feels like. We've been walking a straight line through the tall grass for a while. Marcus should be careful. We don't want any grass fires. Especially at night. The prairie would be scorched by dawn, if that were to happen.
"Where is Professor Clovis, anyways?" I asked him, feeling a bit worried because of our situation. "I don't know..." he shrugged. "You gotta be kidding me..." I said under my hand, making sure he wouldn't hear it. There were so many things that were wrong in our situation. He could've at least got some clue on the whereabouts of his professor.
Just then, out in the darkness, we heard growls. "Wolves...?" he whispered to me, fear was evident in his voice. "No... this is... different..." I know how wolves growl at you. All too well, in fact. Rustling of grass, the handle of the sword in my hand, anything could pop out at any time.
Like a perfectly timed entrance, a block shaped creature revealed itself to us. Though we couldn't see it entirely, the glowing symbol on it's body was enough for us to identify it.
"A monster!? Headmaster Ceres didn't tell me about monsters here!" Marcus exclaimed, causing the creature to attack us full force. It threw itself unto us. I quick slice downward was enough to kill it. The remains turned to mush before dissipating in black smoke.
One hit.
I'm sure that wasn't all of it. It's too good to be true.
Only then, when one of them died, did all of them revealed themselves. Countless, different shaped monsters surrounded us. Their symbols glowed brighter, lighting the darkness around us. Marcus putted out his fire, filling the void beneath us.
They all attacked. I began slashing, first at nothing, then actually started hitting something. This was all lucky strikes in the dark. I moved forward, separating from Marcus. I could see bursts of flame coming from behind me. He was doing fine without me.
Another slash killed about 3 of them, another killed 2. Thrusting the sword in front of me, I hit nothing. I quickly spun around, my sword outstretched to my farthest point. I killed about 12.
I look behind me. The flames were beginning to be blocked by the monster's sheer number.
Only did we realize that we were simply outnumbered. We needed to back off. I threw my sword at Marcus' direction. Fortunately, the flying sword cleared a path for me to slip through. I dashed through it, my right arm was beginning to ache.
"Argh! Marcus! We need to run! Now!" I told him as I grabbed my sword. "Flamora!" he casted. A great fire came out from his palms and incinerated a whole bunch of them.
I really felt the heat crawl on my skin. It was the first time I felt the evening air being overpowered by flames. It was rather odd, for me
The spell he casted gave us a clear path for us to escape the amalgamation of monsters. I quickly grabbed his forearm and rushed out without hesitation. Everything felt slow, as if time slowed down.
Darkness, that was darker than black, were closing in on us. I closed my eyes. I was truly in the void. But my feet kept on running.
I refuse to open my eyes. I don't want to know my efforts were useless. But not now. Not yet.
"Roxas... Slow down!" I opened my eyes. I looked back. The monsters were nowhere to be found and I was running like it was my last day. The adrenaline, the fear, it all consumed me. Relief overflowed in me as I slowed down my run.
"You... Really... Saved us... Back there..." Marcus panted, his whole torso was drooping. Fatigue was evident in his eyes, his clothes soaking with sweat. I should've been merciful. If I were to assume, Marcus wasn't getting any physical activities down.
"Y-yeah... Sorry..." I said, in between long breaths. Even I was panting as well. I closed my eyes, trying to relax as my brain tried to grasp the situation we're both in.
I opened my eyes, this time I was greeted by the shining moonlight. Everything was clearer now. Even the mountains could be seen in the distance. As if by some odd stroke of luck, we were gifted by the world a chance to live and see through to our quest.
"Why, would you look at that..." Marcus said, looking at the bright, full moon hanging above us. It was beautiful, of course. I sheathed my sword as I continued to gaze upon the heavenly body. "Wow..." I mumbled.
As I stared at the moon for several seconds, I could see Marcus search his bag from the corner of my eye. "Where is it...? Where did I put that parchment...? Aha!" he joyously exclaimed after rummaging his stuff. "I knew we were on the right track! How could I forget!?" "Why? What does it say?" "Headmaster Ceres says that if there is an unusually large amount of monsters in an area, Aosta Clovis should be nearby."
That was an intriguing coincidence. "Professor Clovis was the reason why we had a barrier around the academy in the first place. He was technically a living magnet." Marcus explained whilst scratching his head. "Damn... Should've realised it sooner... Anyways, I think we know where we're going..." he said, pointing to where we originated.
I silently sighed, knowing I had to deal with that again. But, to be completely honest, it was also my fault I agreed to this in the first place. The mistake was on my part.
Unsheathing my sword in preparation, I glared at the monsters in the distance. I couldn't help but laugh a bit. I knew at this point forward, my life would be full of battles.
"AARRGGHHH!"
Just then, without much warning, my right arm ached. The pain was returning, more powerful than before. "H-help m-me!" I stuttered. Marcus didn't do anything, but watch. Watched as I writhed in agony. I curled up on the ground as the pain pulsated.
Then, I heard grumbling noises in the distance. They're beginning to come closer. Are those the monsters? I gazed at my left, my question answered by the hoard of monsters swarming towards us.
"Uh... Roxas?" Marcus worriedly asked me. I tried reaching for my sword. Then a wave of excruciating coursed through my veins. The only sight I was able to see was the escaping dark mist and crimson red sparks flying from the mark of the Eclipse. The cloth wrapping my arm was torn as power seeped from my arm, like rats clawing their way out from an uncomfortable situation. Sparks turned to bolts as the pain became more intense. Then, like always after the agony, everything faded to black.
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My body ached. I didn't know what time it was, didn't care where I ended up. The visions were blurry. Everything I saw, I couldn't understand. Even when I told my mind to try. During it all, however, I could feel my body. Pain and movement were cruelly synchronized. I felt the sword in my hand. I felt it slash through flesh and hard shells. I felt their blood splatter on my clothes. I felt everything as I lived the moment that I couldn't control.
My body felt alive. But the actions weren't my own. I was being played like a toy. Still, what choice did I have?
I had no choice.
No liberty over this burden in my life.
Just as I was about to lose hope, I slowly regained control over my body. I felt my mind being in my own control. I felt refreshed, yet all at the same time, I was extremely exhausted. I fell to my knees and held my sword tightly. "Marcus... You all right?" I asked him, my body was heavy. I could just barely even lift a finger. Meanwhile, Marcus had his face first on the dirt. His uniform was already covered in mud and grime. I could hear him breathe, which was a good sign. More or less, he passed out.
I tried standing up but my legs gave in. I was at the mercy of time. I don't even know if time was still running at this point.
I look around me. Puddles of darkness decorated the once lush grasslands around the both of us. I drove the sword to the ground and lifted myself up, the blade acting as a lever of some sorts. Luckily, I managed to find the strength for me to remain standing.
Inhale.
Exhale.
Inhale.
Exhale.
The struggle was finally over. These darkened grass were our witness, our proof of our victory. Yet, I still felt empty. Like our struggle was a meaningless act.
"What did we fight for again...?" my words were dull. They didn't hold any sense nor meaning. I looked down on Marcus, who was beginning to move. "Argghh..." he groaned in pain as he slowly lifted his body up from the ground. "What happened...?" he asked me. I simply shrugged. I didn't know what to reply. I was tired. I know he is, too. Once I reach my house, I'm pretty sure I'll just sleep on the entry way.
"Hmph!" he forced himself to stand. "Ha-rumph! Argh! Th-there we go..." he gasped as he tried his best to hold in the pain. I could tell from his face that we has in pain. I wanted to give him a hand, until I remembered father's words.
"H-he... Must be over there..." Marcus weakly said, pointing at the two hills in front of him. At this point, I forgot what we were tasked to do. Did this serve me any purpose? Was this battle my own choice?
That I do not know anymore...
I do not remember...
"Oof... Let's get a move on..." he said, his tone was surprisingly charismatic despite what happened.
I lifted my right arm to the sky and took a gander at it. The cloth was now gone. Dark mist was seeping from the mark, accompanied by a little bit of red electric sparks. A new symptom, I presume.
I pushed my hand forward, hoping to get any form of reaction. Mist shot out from the mark. The mist was living, as it crawled to the nearest living object, an injured monster. It then slowly engulfed the creature in it's darkness and began draining the life from it.
I felt it all. The dying breath of the monster to the moment where the life force flowed into me. Like drinking fresh mountain water, I felt renewed.
The entirety of my body was now lighter. For the second time, this curse was about as helpful as it could get. However, Marcus was still, unfortunately, in pain. "H-how... What did you do...?" he asked me, his voice cracking from, what I can guess, the throbbing pain.
"I do not know..." I said as I looked upon the mist, returning to the mark as if it was a part of me. It technically is a part of me. I just don't want it.
He fell to his knees, his body was weakened. I gave him a helping hand. To which, he gladly took. He swung his arm around me and helped him walk.
We saw a figure in the grass field, walking towards the both of us. I stopped walking half-way through. A cloaked man dressed in blue and marigold. Dark blue hair with strands of white hair at the sides of his head. A monocle on his right eye, hiding the glaring red eyes he possessed.
"P-professor Clovis..." Marcus said. "Hmph... I am professor no longer." he coldly said. With a wave of hand, dark energy escaped from it and went straight to Marcus. From a simple act, Marcus was healed. "Phew... Thank you, professor." he said, bowing his head down in respect. Aosta sighed. "Need I repeat myself?" Marcus' body stiffened as his head jolted up. He frantically shook his head. "I thank you for taking care of the monster problem of my lab. If there's nothing else for me, I shall be taking my leave." he said, diving straight to the point.
I got the vibe that he wasn't the type of person who talked alot. He was cold, emotionless and unnervingly calm. "Wait! Headmaster Ceres wanted to give this to you!" Marcus stepped in, rummaging his bag once more.
Aosta peered into him and turned an eye to me. I jolted up. He looked from top to bottom, examining me. He was especially aware of my right arm, to which he was attracted to. He looked away and turned his attention to Marcus.
He gave him a large seed. Or that's what it looked like. Aosta was a bit surprised, but accepted the offering nonetheless. "Tell Charle my thanks." without even saying a farewell, he turned his back towards us and left.
"What's up with him?" "Don't worry, Professor- er, I mean - Clovis isn't exactly, what you say, a social person." Maybe that's why he left the Academy. The people was his hindrance. But that's just my guess.
"Well, mission accomplished. Thanks alot, Roxas!" I turned an eye to Aosta before returning mine to Marcus "You're welc-" but before I could respond, he disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Lucky him.
Now I'm stuck in the middle of the Prairie. In the middle of the night for the Sun's sake.
Well, isn't this marvelous?
