Chapter IX: Mirror of Me

Qitiza, the famous merchant city, was as lively as one could imagine. People from different backgrounds gathered together in this place for commerce, putting aside their differences for business. The streets were crowded, as many vendors shouted to those passing by, persuading them to buy their products.

Kyle stared at the city as the Nahpaamo drew near to the dock. He sighed, relieved that he had arrived safely. His ride came to a full stop, and the other passengers started to gather their belongings and make their way to the exit. He waited for the crowd to die down in the cabin before he grabbed his own belongings and exited, going down the long flight of stairs to the docking area. Once reaching the bottom of the steps, he was greeted by a Syethu. "Velcome to Qitiza. Zank yoo for your shervices." Kyle nodded and headed out towards the city. Once he left the docking area, multiple vendors waiting by the station called out to him to get him to buy whatever they had to offer. Most of them didn't appeal to him and continued to make his way to the heart of the town.

He reached the central square. Many vendors and buildings surrounded the square, all facing a monument and fountain in the middle of the square. Kyle spotted a bakery and decided to buy something that he could eat during his journey. The smell of bread baking reached him and he couldn't help but be reminded of his home in Talizaiya, when he was living with the fauns up until recently. The redhead shook himself of his reverie and placed his order.

As he left the bakery, a boy waited by the exit for him to pass by. Jumping at the opportunity, the boy snatched his money pouch and started to make his way down the street. "Hey!" Kyle yelled, breaking into a run after the mischievous child, who in turn laughed, amused as Kyle chased him. As the boy turned the corner, however, they were stopped by another man, who ripped the money pouch away from the boy.

Kyle slowed to a stop as the stranger carelessly tossed the money pouch in his hand. This man closely resembled himself, only with dark brunette hair and a lighter shade of green eyes. The man's eyes traveled to the young boy, who protested to have the money pouch back. "Filmore, you know you shouldn't steal from others."

Filmore gave up protesting and pouted. "I'm sorry, Fiosan, but I need money to buy my mom some food."

Fiosan sighed and reached into his own bag and handed the child a small pouch of gold. "Go get something for you and your mother."

Filmore brightened up and ran off, yelling behind him, "Thanks, Fiosan!"

Fiosan turned back to the mirror image of himself, yet so different at the same time. He tossed Kyle's money pouch to him, who caught it with ease. "Sorry about that. You know how kids are these days."

"It's all right," said Kyle, putting the pouch away before turning back to him.

"I haven't seen you here before. Are you a traveler?" Kyle nodded, confirming his answer. "I see. Well, I say just be careful. There are many who will try and steal from you. Ah, how rude of me. I'm Fiosan by the way, and you are?"

"Kyle."

"Ah, it's a pleasure in meeting you. Where are you from?"

"Well, up until now, I've lived in Talizaiya."

"That's quite a ways away. What brought you here?"

Kyle turned his head away and bit his lip. He didn't know how much to disclose to this stranger. For all he knew, he could be an enemy as well. "I'm visiting close friends."

"That's always nice. Well, I'm afraid I cannot stay for long. I have to finish up my orders and deliver them to my clients. Good day." Fiosan saluted as he walked by Kyle, turning around the corner and disappearing.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we do not have any rooms available at this time," said an old, balding man with a scruffy beard. "We do not have any rooms until tomorrow afternoon. If you want, there is another inn southwest from here. It's not too far off, just a few blocks away."

"Thank you," Kyle replied.

"You're welcome. Sorry for the inconvenience."

With a nod, Kyle turned on his heel and headed out of the inn. He wrapped his arms around himself as a bone-chilling breeze blew. Wanting to get out of the cold, he began walking down the direction the innkeeper had mentioned to find another inn he could stay for the night. He looked up to the heavens. It was a starless night, but the moon, large and full, illuminated the darkness of the night. Despite the cold, he could not help but feel at peace.

Kyle looked back to the street ahead of him, where he saw two men approaching him, looking at him with sly grins. One had dirty blonde hair and brown eyes while the other had long brunette hair pulled into a ponytail. "Well, well. What do we have here? Are you lost?" the brunette asked, coming dangerously close to Kyle.

Kyle ignored the man and continued walking, but the other man grabbed his arm. "Hey now, what's the rush? We'll help you find your way. You can just come with us."

"I don't need your help," Kyle grumbled, pulling his arm away from the man's grasp, and began to walk again.

"Hey now," said the brunette, placing a hand on Kyle's shoulder to stop him.

The redhead in turn, elbowed the man in the face, emitting a cracking sound of his nose. The man backed off instantly, quickly bringing his hand up to his bleeding nose. His blonde companion snickered at the scene unfolding, earning a glare from the brunette before glaring back at Kyle. Wiping the blood from his nose, he growled, "You cur! You broke my fucking nose!" Kyle just watched, unfazed. This made the man angrier. "You bastard! You're going to pay!"

"I'd prefer not to do this, but you leave me no choice," said Kyle, dropping his bag next to his feet. The man charged at him, fist ready to strike. Kyle ducked and countered with an uppercut to the man's core, who doubled over from the impact. Before he could recover, Kyle kicked the man in the chest, sending him flying onto the pavement. He turned just in time to see the other man pull out a knife and swiped the blade at him. Kyle backed away, dodging the blade. The blade cut through the fabric of his shirt, barely missing his chest. The blonde man made a move to stab him, but Kyle sidestep and grabbed his forearm. Kyle kicked the back of the man's knee and followed with another kick to the core.

Coming up behind him was a different man with a beard, wrapping his arms around his torso and throwing him against the wall next to them. The wind was knocked out of him from the impact, not able to recover fast enough as the man gripped him by his collar and delivered more blows to his chest and abdomen. Before he knew it, he was thrown to the ground. Regaining a spurt of energy, Kyle rolled to his side and swipe kick the man's ankles, knocking the other down. He moved to push himself onto his feet when the blonde man approached him and kicked him square in the chest, thus knocking him over. He felt another kick, then another, and another. Before he could comprehend what was going on, the other two men joined in with the beating. Instinctively, Kyle curled himself up into a ball, bringing his arms to protect his face from the abuse.

Running down the street toward the group was Fiosan. He tackled one of the men attacking Kyle, throwing several punches to the blonde man beneath him. Seeing the other two men begin to advance on him, he rolled off the man and quickly got up to his feet. The bearded man threw a punch at him, which Fiosan parried and countered with a punch of his own. He grabbed his arm and threw him towards the man approaching them. "If you know what's good for you, I suggest you leave," ordered Fiosan.

"We don't take orders from a brat like you!" the brunette yelled. "Get him!"

The blonde man charged, knife in his hand and swung at Fiosan. His opponent rolled out of the way and retaliated with a punch to the abdomen. The brunette grabbed him from behind, as Fiosan struggled out of his grip. "Still think you're tough now, you bastard?" he asked, coming close to Fiosan's ear.

Fiosan moved back, slamming his attacker to the wall behind, then followed with a head bud. The man released his hold on him, just as the other man quickly approached him to deliver a punch to his face, and ducked out of the way as the blow was delivered to the brunette attacker. Fiosan rose, delivering an uppercut to the other man's jaw, sending him flying back.

"I'm not going to repeat myself," Fiosan warned, narrowing his green eyes at the brunette man sitting against the wall.

"Let's get out of here!" the brunette yelled, grabbing his companions and running down the street.

Upon hearing a cough, Fiosan turned to Kyle, who slowly and painfully brought himself up into a sitting position against the wall. He approached the redhead, who gripped his side in agony, breathing heavily to regain himself. Fiosan approached him and knelt down next to the redhead. "Are you all right, Kyle?"

With a cough, Kyle pushed against the wall, gradually hoisting himself up onto trembling legs. "Yeah…I'm good," he replied in between breaths. Placing his hands on his thighs, Kyle inhaled deeply. He looked up through his bangs at the mirror image of himself and stood up straight once regaining himself. "Thank you, Fiosan."

"Anytime, but man you sure have a knack for getting mixed up with trouble, don't you?" Fiosan said with a chuckle, picking up Kyle's bag. "Let's go by my home and get your wounds treated."

"No, it's okay. I don't want to be a bother."

"No, I insist. It looks like you need a place to stay for the night anyway."

Kyle hesitated, contemplating on his next plan of action before turning back to Fiosan, who smiled back. Finally giving in, Kyle nodded to the other man, stepping forward. He past by Fiosan, who looked around for anything off before walking beside Kyle.

The bartender ducked as a glass flew in his direction. Huddled behind the counter, arms shielding him from the falling shards of glass, the bartender yelled out in fear. He heard heavy footsteps approach the bar and hesitantly looked up to see Scott's beady eyes glaring down on him. His body began to tremble and couldn't move under the lieutenant's watchful gaze.

Growing more irritated with the bartender, Scott reached over the counter, clutching the bartender's shirt and pulled him up so that he was face to face with the frightened man. "I'm not going to put up with your bullshit," he said through clenched teeth. "I know he passed by here. Now, I'm not going to ask again. Have you seen an elf around here?"

His trembling growing more and more obvious, the bartender panicked, searching for his voice. With a gulp, he stammered, "Y-Yes. He spent the night in the inn."

"Did he say anything to you?" Scott demanded, coming deathly close to the shaking bartender. "Did he?!"

"H-He was asking a-about how to get to the nearest t-town or village."

"Did he say anything about where he is heading?"

"H-He…h-he traveled west, t-towards the d-docks."

"The docks?" Scott narrowed his eyes before releasing the bartender, who slammed his back against the shelf of alcohol, bottles rattling madly.

Scott ignored the injured bartender and turned to a couple men. "The elf is going to cross the lake. If not, he crossed to the other side to Qitiza. We need to send troops out to the city immediately! Move out!"

"Yes, sir!" the two men saluted and ran out of the bar.

"I will find you, elf," Scott muttered to himself. "You can't hide for long."

Fiosan sat down next to Kyle, a bowl of warm water in his hand and a washcloth in the other. "Let's get you patched up, then." Setting the bowl down, he turned his gaze to the other. "Take off your shirt." Kyle's head snapped up, eyes wide and jaw hanging. Fiosan just laughed. "Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything to you if that's what you're worried about. I'm just treating your wounds and then I'm going to let you use another shirt of mine, since yours is a bit torn."

Kyle didn't say anything and turned his head away, feeling his cheeks change to a bright red color, almost matching his fiery hair. Hesitantly, Kyle undid the strings to his shirt and pulled it over his head to reveal his lean figure, the bruises and shallow cuts visible on his light skin.

Fiosan noticed the medallion Kyle had around his neck. "What is that, if you don't mind me asking?" he asked, pointing to the object in question.

"I've had this since I was a child. I don't remember who exactly gave this to me, but this is very important to me." The topaz gem began to glow.

Fiosan observed the medallion before seven rays of light shot out, circling him and the room. The young man ducked and covered himself to shield himself from the incoming light circling wildly. "What the hell is going on?" Finally, the rays of light dispersed and seven tiny spirits appeared before him. "Wha-" Just what were these creatures? Where did they come from?

Kyle looked down at each one of them. "What are you guys doing out?" Kyle asked, his voice calm.

"You're hurt," Merina said. "Let Kiara heal you, Kyle."

"You know I still have not recovered yet. I don't know why, but my magic seems to be coming back slower than I anticipated. I know it's been almost a week since I escaped, but still…"

The spirits were silent. They too have been feeling the aftereffects of Trent's force on them. They all turned to the sound of Fiosan clearing his throat. "Um…what are you?"

"We are the seven elemental spirits of the medallion," said Kiara. "We are Kyle's power. You must be Fiosan."

"Yes. How did you know?"

"We are one with Kyle. Whatever he knows, we will know."

"I see. Nice to meet you all."

"Likewise."

Merina flew up to Fiosan, circling around him, studying him. She smiled then turned back to Kyle. "He does look like you, Kyle."

Kyle smirked. "The resemblance is uncanny, isn't it? Listen, guys. Whatever Trent did to me, it is making my magic recover slower than I would like. I think I should allow Fiosan to treat me this time. If my recovery keeps up at this pace, I would have to save as much of my magic as I can if I'm going to encounter him." The seven spirits nodded in understanding, as each one of them disappeared, returning to the medallion.

Kyle gripped the pendant in his hand before turning to the serious look on Fiosan. "Is something wrong?" he asked, growing concerned.

"You didn't come all this way to visit close friends, did you?"

"No, not visiting. But I am searching for my friends. We got separated when we were captured by Trent and his men. And apparently now, his men are after me."

"Trent is dangerous. We try and stay away from any conflict, but sometimes his men do bring trouble here. We stay neutral, since this is a merchant city and it cannot be helped," Fiosan said, soaking the washcloth into the warm, almost hot, water. "Sometimes, I wish this city could do something about Trent and his men. I hear there is a rebel force southeast from here and their forces are growing in number." Bringing the washcloth up, he squeezed the cloth of the water collected and closed in on Kyle, wiping the cuts and scrapes he had received during his encounter earlier with those men. Kyle cringed at the stinging feeling. "Sorry. I know it stings, but you'll just have to bear through it."

"I'll survive. I've been through worse."

Fiosan nodded. "But as for Trent's men. I've been seeing them around more frequently in town. You say they're looking for you, but don't worry, I've got your back."

Kyle sighed, relieved. He was afraid Fiosan was going to turn him in for fear of being hurt, but he was keeping silent. He was grateful for that. He small smile pulled his lips. "Thank you." A silence fell between the two men as Fiosan washed the wounds with the washcloth and then bandaging them. Several moments went by before Fiosan finished and tossed Kyle a pine green and white shirt he could use. "Thanks again for doing this. I owe you one."

"It's no problem, Kyle. I know we have just met, but I already consider you a friend." Kyle nodded, flattered at the comment. Fiosan continued. "So why is Trent after you?"

"That's something I'm trying to figure out myself. I don't know what he wants. But since I escaped, I have been searching for my friends."

"Who are your friends?"

"They're five fauns. I grew up with them in Talizaiya. I've been meaning to ask you, have you seen them?"

"Five fauns," he said, looking up in thought. Seconds passed before he shook his head. "I'm sorry. I don't recall encountering any fauns recently." Kyle sighed, hanging his head down. The brunette placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Hey, I'm sure you will find them. I'm sure someone has bumped into them at some point."

"Even so. I don't know where to begin."

"Well, like I said. You'll find them. Word travels fast. I'm sure you'll find a lead."

Kyle sighed. "I guess the only thing I could do for now is just continue searching while avoiding Trent's men at the same time."

Fiosan nodded, understanding. "If anything, you're always welcomed to stay. My sister won't mind, I'm sure."

"Thank you, but I will have to continue on my journey."

"I understand. I actually have to prepare for my own journey as well. There you go, all done." Fiosan stepped back and examined the bandages around Kyle's torso, making sure he didn't miss anything.

Kyle raised a brow. "Where are you heading?" Fiosan was silent, as if contemplating with himself. Kyle continued. "Listen, you don't have to tell me. You don't have to feel obligated to tell me anything. Everyone has a reason for their actions."

Fiosan sighed. "I have to find this plant, a rare herb actually, because my younger brother is deathly ill. The doctors say he does not have a fighting chance, but an old man told me about this herb that could get rid of his illness."

"What…what happened to him, if you don't mind me asking."

"He was attacked by a wild beast by the caves southwest from here. He was heading to the next village over to commerce with the locals there and a strange beast attacked him. Apparently, the creature would insert a toxin by biting the victim. He was lucky a local woman from the village found him and word got out to me and my sister. We went to the village and brought him back to town." His gaze traveled to the floor. "Right now, he is in the town's care center. I…just…I felt helpless, and there was nothing I could do. But this old man who was a traveler told me about a rare herb that could remove almost any toxin." He looked back up to Kyle, eyes flashing with determination. "That's why I have to go on this quest."

Kyle turned his gaze away, and said with a barely audible tone, "I-I'm sorry to hear about your brother."

Fiosan nodded. "I just hope I make it back on time."

The front door opened, and a young woman entered the premises, carrying two large bags. "Hey, Fiosan, do you think you…" she trailed off as her gaze fell upon the pair. "Um…bro, who is this?"

"Oh! I'm sorry, this is Kyle. He got injured, so I'm just treating his wounds. You don't mind if he stays the night, do you?"

"Uh…no." She set the bags down on the table as she came around to have a better look at the visitor. "He looks so much like you, brother. Oh yes! I don't mean to be rude. I'm Lilia, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too."

"Hey sis, would you mind if you could prepare the guest bedroom for Kyle?"

"Sure thing." Lilia traveled upstairs, leaving the two men alone once again.

Kyle threw the new shirt over his head, finding it slightly loose. "Thanks, but I have to get going though."

"At least stay for the night and then you can continue with your journey then. You've been through enough for the day already."

Kyle sighed. His doppelganger wasn't going to take no for an answer. "All right."

Fiosan grinned. "Good. Well, you should head to bed now. The guest bedroom should be ready by now."

Kyle nodded. Grabbing his belongings, he headed to the stairs, but not before saying, "Thanks again, Fiosan."

"Anytime."

Kyle reached the top of the staircase, where he found Lilia waiting. She smiled at Kyle. "Your room is here. Is there anything else you need?"

Kyle shook his head. "No. I will be fine. Thank you."

"All right. If you need anything, just let either one of us know."

"Will do. Have a good night."

Lilia nodded. "Good night."

Kyle closed the door behind him, exhaling deeply as he pressed his back against the door. He felt the ache in his body, along with the growing exhaustion he had been through for the past few days was finally catching up with him. Perhaps it was wise to rest for the time being. It would not do him any good if he couldn't fight against Trent's forces if the time came.

Making his way to the bed, Kyle slumped down on the mattress, staring up at the ceiling before him. He wondered where he could possibly go to find his friends, or even know how they were. He wanted to find them and to uncover the secrets of his past.

But Trent wasn't going to stop until he had him captured. There had to be a reason why he was intent on pursuing him. Rolling to his side, he yawned. He had to find the answers. Perhaps when he got to the root of everything, this whole mess would finally be over and he would be able to live his own life in peace with his friends. With this in mind, Kyle allowed himself to fall into the world of the subconscious.

The next morning, Kyle gathered his belongings together, preparing for the journey ahead of him. Before leaving the merchant city, he planned on gathering clues that could possibly lead him to his lost friends. Fiosan came down the stairs, a bag slung over his shoulder. "I take it you're going to be leaving soon?"

"Yeah. I have to keep moving. Trent and his men are still after me, and it's only a matter of time before they're on my tail again. I also have to continue my search for my friends. I'm hoping to find them soon."

Fiosan nodded. "I understand. I'm going to be leaving for my own quest as well. I have to head southwest, towards the ruins."

"Ruins?"

"Yeah, the ruins of the old elf city, Kistal. I heard from stories that the elves from that city now reside underwater after the war with the goblins ended 135 years ago, but I don't know if that's true. I haven't seen anyone who originated from there yet so I can't say."

For reasons unknown, Kyle felt a sense of nostalgia run through him. He felt a warmth against his chest and looked down at his amulet, which was glowing with that same radiance as last time when crossing the lake. He never knew of the ruined city before now, but yet, he felt as if there was a strange connection with him. Images flashed before his mind's eye, showing him the ruins of a fallen city and the debris resulting from war.

As sudden as the images came, they disappeared and brought him back to reality. It had happened again, just like before. He saw a hand wave in front of his face and Kyle broke out of his reverie. "Huh?"

"I was wondering if you were okay. You just kinda zoned out there and your amulet was glowing strangely."

"Y-Yeah. I'm okay."

Fiosan raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Really."

Fiosan sighed, deciding not to push it further. "Well, as I was saying. I'll be heading in that direction. The traveler I encountered told me to go see a mage who resides in a cave next to Kistal. From there, she'll show me the way to the herb and how to obtain it. From what the old man told me-as a result of the war-the indigenous plants around the area have become poisonous."

"Couldn't the mage do something about the plants?" Kyle asked.

Fiosan shrugged. "Who knows? But all I know is that I have to get this herb so I can help my brother."

Kyle nodded and extended his arm in front of him to shake Fiosan's hand. "I wish you the best on your journey."

"I could say the same for you. I hope you find your friends." Fiosan reached out, his hand finding Kyle's as they shook hands. "Don't get into too much trouble now. I know you have a knack for getting mixed up in things."

Kyle chuckled. "I'll try not to."