I watched my heavy trunk slowly float toward the glimmering rune chariot before me. "Is this all?" I heard Commander Lucien spoke, wearing a questionable look whilst crossing her arms on her chest. "Yes, ma'am." I answered back immediately, seeing her bored expression as the trunk made a loud thud unto the back on the chariot.
Though I had only one, puny trunk, it was still heavier than the rest of my comrades here in Acies. Or, at least, that's what I would like to think anyway. I haven't bothered to check whether or not my comrades had any trunks to begin with.
The commotion from earlier had already died out along with everyone's curiosity. I didn't exactly notice how word got out, but it did spread around quite fast. Not that it would matter at the slightest, since I'll be long gone for me to actually worry about it. Still, I couldn't help but wonder what sort of rumor they're going to come up with as soon as I'm going to leave for the Sun knows how long? More importantly, I don't even know what I'm leaving for.
Once again, I was left with an awfully heavy feeling, deep at the pit of my stomach; I didn't really know what to do now, or what to expect. When I felt like things were going smoothly for me, it had seemed fate has some other thing planned for me. Knowing myself and how things would go from here, there was always something in the way. Something bad, something that will leave an awful taste in my mouth.
From a twist of fate to another, I was slowly getting sick of it. I crave for the day I didn't have to worry about what fate will throw at me because I'll be strong enough to face it. I just hope it would be soon.
"Private, it's time to go." Colonel Levon spoke from inside the chariot. He opened one of its doors, inviting me inside. I merely nodded at him as he left the door ajar. I looked back at the commander, who was already impatiently tapping her foot on the soft soil. "Well? Shouldn't you be going now?" she asked in a completely sassy tone, one that I, and everyone else, was already used to hearing from time to time. I raised my eyebrow lightly; an idea presented itself in my mind.
I figured that since I'm going to a brand new post, I might as well have a bit of fun before leaving. Whether it would bring me pain or joy, I'd rather leave my post here in Acies with no form of regret left behind.
"What's this? You're already going to miss me, Commander Lucien?" I asked her as I felt a playful grin creep up on my cheeks. Not a moment had passed when her eyes went wide. I might have hit a spot where no one else could. I saw her giggle at herself before responding with a grin of her own. "Ho~? Of course~" she said, her demeanor making a complete 180, wiping off the worried look in her eyes. "I wouldn't dare forget my only hardworking man in my outpost~"
I never really thought about it, but there was truth in her words. I never once was the one to brag, though I'd admit I have the decency to acknowledge my own work. As much as I wanted everyone around me to give their all, it wasn't at all what I had wanted. I had the burden of sucking it up. Still, it was quite troubling when you're the only one working to make a difference.
Even when the difference was as little as a blade of grass in a barren moor.
I only let out a small laugh. I didn't want to look too overconfident with what I did here when I leave. "I'm sure you'll come back, Von Zayne. Sooner or later~" she said, giving off an air of unnatural confidence around her. "What makes you so sure about that, commander?" she merely giggled heartily at my question. "A woman's instinct is never wrong~"
"I'm just going to hope you're right..." I mumbled as Commander Lucien then walked back toward her office before giving me her signature wink and one flirty flying kiss. Somehow, I felt sad when she did that to me. I don't know what goes on in her head, but I couldn't shake the feeling of sadness all this time every time she tried to flirt with me. Or anybody, in that matter. I knew that, deep in my heart, I wanted to know. But, really, I never got the chance in the first place. Although it is my fault I decide to bury myself under work.
Though I wanted to think about it more and how much I yearned for some alone time to ponder over these things, I had more pressing matters to deal with. I turned around and faced the rune chariot before walking toward its open door. I dusted off my boots before climbing in.
The interior of the Augustinus chariot was nothing compared to this. The walls were a warm color of white lined with golden markings that would otherwise be a physical manifestation of sunshine. The doors and windows were also lined with these golden marks. The seats of the conductor and the passengers were velvet and their puffy appearance had already told me they were bound of be incredibly soft. The control panel was spotless to the point where all the features were basically shining all on their own, and the person manning it wore a velvet uniform that blended well with the color of the seats.
Colonel Levon was seated comfortably in one of the seats on the other side of the chariot. He then tapped the seat beside him twice. I quickly noticed his signal. I then closed the door behind me and proceeded to sit beside him. "Are you all set? Or should you rather eat dinner first?" he asked.
As if it was coincidence, my stomach rumbled uncomfortably. A part of me wanted to get off for now, screaming that I'd rather stay a little bit longer, but the rest of my body wanted to get this thing over with as soon as possible. Worry and hesitation then filled my mind, as well as my own groaning stomach. Sighing, I decided I'd rather make things quick as I remembered a certain place within the walls. "No..." I said. "There's a tavern I'd like to go to back at the Capitol. Dinner can wait."
The colonel could only nod in agreement. I'm glad there are people like him that are considerate of other people's thoughts. I haven't met many people like him. Then again, I haven't really met that many people in my life, yet. "We're going." he told the conductor at the helm. "Aye, sir!" the conductor saluted in response before the chariot roared to life. The crystalline that he was holding was now glowing a familiar flash of white. I felt the chariot turn in place before gracefully moving forward.
Compared to how I handled this vehicle a few months back, I'd say I did the best I could without killing both myself and Commander Lucien. This guy was effortlessly making the journey back to the Capitol a pleasant one. I felt the chariot make a swift but comfortable turn right before moving forwards at a very steady pace.
I really couldn't compare to this guy.
I looked out the window again to take my mind off of the conductor. I saw the Sun already disappearing on the horizon, its warm rays filled the entire interior of the rune chariot. I flinched at the sudden glare it gave off, making me reel my eyes back inside. I wanted to revel in the silence for a while, but I remembered why I was here in the first place. Or rather, I remembered the lack of a reason why I was here.
"I'm sure you're wondering why I made you transfer posts at such short notice..." I heard Commander Levon spoke after a while. "Yes, sir..." was the only thing I could say before he continued speaking. "It is an urgent matter, and I expect you to understand. You will have to guard a treasure vault tonight in the Solaris sector."
Despite his expectations, I didn't really understand him, though...
"Guard a vault? Guard?" I egged him on. I wanted to make sure my hearing was alright. That, or I wanted to know whether or not I was going insane from exhaustion. It sounded far too ridiculous for it to be even true. "Yes." the colonel said after slowly nodded to each word I had blurted out, effectively shutting me up.
I may have quit school when I was sixteen, but I can put one and one together. Something was not right. Rather, something was going on that he's not telling me. No matter, though, I still had the right to ask for details about this whole fiasco. "So then, why me? And why bring all my belongings with me?" The colonel merely scratched the back of his head in an awkward manner, refusing to look at me in my eyes.
Well, that's a first for me...
"You see, the person that was supposed to be guarding the vault was incompetent enough to let in a thief. The owner of said treasury was enraged and asked me to fetch him a new guard. He had little patience and was not keen on letting it happen again anytime soon. I had no other choice and settled on you, seeing as there was little time left..." he explained.
If this was a clever joke, I'd be laughing my ass off to this. However, I eyed the colonel one more time, and saw that he wasn't joking around. "Guard the vault after your dinner, private. This is an order." At this point, I could only comply to his words. "Yes, sir!" I spoke out before relaxing on the comfortable velvet seat.
Silence had taken the interior again, dragging the familiar feeling of embarrassment, fear, and uncertainty along with it. Although I had wanted some time alone, I slowly began to realize that I didn't need it. At least, I don't anytime soon. It was useless to needlessly think about these things, as with everything that is associated with overthinking.
Still though, it was still a pretty interesting thought. I, specifically handpicked by the Sun Army's Colonel, was transferred another post to guard a vault from a thieving scum because somehow I am expected to do a better job than the goon that was trained for it.
Yeah, I'm not that stupid. Something IS going on, and I have a feeling I'm about to find out sooner or later.
I begrudgingly looked out the window the hundredth time this afternoon, and finally saw the twilight sky vanish as the darkness of the night took refuge in the lightless sunset. I felt the chariot slow down as the conductor announced to the both of us. "We are arriving." The bright, warm light coming from all the rune lanterns were now illuminating the outside. The stone scenery of the Capitol was now sliding into view. Soon enough, we were surrounded by little more than wood and stone, along with towering houses and other commerce buildings. As the chariot slowly came to a halt, the conductor turned to me and Colonel Levon before giving us a sincere bow. "Thank you, Stephen." Colonel Levon returned the bow with a nod. He quickly jumped off, giving the entire chariot a little shake as he did. As I fumbled in my footsteps, I followed suit.
I was now back at the Aurorus sector of the Capitol, ever so near the training encampment. The rustling and bustling of the streets gave off a nostalgic vibe from Corona. It was the same energy that I felt the first time I wandered around in Corona at nighttime. The talking of many nobles and citizens along with the constant chattering of soldiers during their off duty, the bright rune lanterns that hung above the streets, illuminating every part of the sector, and the warm smiles plastered on every face was just few of the many things that made me feel at home in this place.
That, or maybe I was just a little bit homesick...
I looked back to where my trunk was, but Colonel Levon already had his hands on it. Helping him was none other than the conductor himself. I made my way to them, expecting myself to help in some sort of way since that's basically all my stuff. However, the look on their faces said otherwise. "On three..." the colonel said to Stephen, but the poor conductor could only do a quick nod before positioning himself on top of the chariot to lift it up.
"One..."
"Two..."
"THREE!"
My own trunk was flipped instantly, landing on the colonel's shoulders. I was about to be worried there and then, but Stephen looked unfazed by the fact that Colonel Levon was now carrying my trunk with one hand. "Don't worry, private, I'm still strong. I'll carry this to where you'll be sleeping." he said, slamming his fist unto his breastplate and smirking. He must've noticed my worried face for a moment. Though the worry was still there, the colonel wore a confident but fierce look that told me, 'Everything is going to be alright'. I realized that it was futile to even worry. I mean, he is a living legend, after all.
Figuring that there was no other way around it, I felt my shoulders relax as I nodded at him. "Good. You may go to the place you wanted to go to. Proceed to the church in the Solaris sector once you're done." I nodded, taking into heart the instructions as I left the heavy load that was my trunk to the colonel.
Running through the streets of the Aurorus sector, I disappeared into a moving crowd. The constant white noise coming from all the people around me made it easy for me to move about unnoticed as I followed my instincts, making my way to the ever so familiar street that lead me to the ol' Wineskin. Then, my nose had already caught the scent of the delicious aroma that had first drawn me to the tavern in the first place. I immediately picked up the pace, and as soon as I found the stairway leading toward the tavern, I wasted no time in descending it either. Before I even had the chance to reach for the door, the jolly cheers of many people were coming from inside.
Really? People were already getting drunk at this hour? It's just a while after sundown. I merely smiled wide and let out an amused chuckle as I opened the door to the ol' Wineskin.
The cheers became louder and, much to my delight, it didn't stop when I entered. Several soldiers were already prancing about, singing off to a tune I didn't know. I silently went over to the counter, expecting the rowdy waitress to come greet me any second now. Though, it didn't take much time before I heard her voice again. "Y'all better shuddap before I kick y'all outta here!" she yelled, but her voice was faint from the noise, but it did manage to somehow silence the singing soldiers for a while before they began singing merrily again. "Julia!" I called out to her as soon as I saw her ginger hair pop out from the crowd. Her head immediately turned toward me as soon as she heard her name, and she didn't exactly wasted time in getting to where I was either. When she had realized who she was looking at, and who called her, her eyes lit up and she wore a smile wider than a child going to the sweets shop.
"ROXAS!" she ran as she called my name, stopping behind the counter in front of me. "Well, it has been a while, hasn' it? Never recalled ya comin' here at night, eh?"
"Still enthusiastic as always, eh Julia?" I chuckled, tapping my fingers on the wooden counter top in rhythm as I placed both my forearms on top of it before leaning toward her.
"Hahaha! Always, never been one for drops and downs!" she said at the top of her lungs before turning her back toward me, facing the large cabinet in front of her. "What can I get ya?"
"A drink. The usual..." I said. "Got it!" Julia excitedly hurried off, bringing with her the ingredients that I found in my usual drink: a tall glass of lemon cocktail, shaken. She quickly, and clumsily, began to make my drink.
I had always come to the ol' Wineskin after a long training session just before dinner a few months back. I would always come here alone, seeing as Armando and Doran had other things in mind. Sharice was out of the question, though. I doubt she would prefer being cooped up here. My visits weren't very frequent, though, especially after the incident way back. The infirmary healers really wanted to keep an eye on me 24/7. Still, being back after a while demands a proper drink from Julia herself.
"But I prefer you not to put any alcohol in it, Julia. I'm going all night for tonight..." I calmly told her off because her hands were already reaching for that bottle of strong beer at the very top of the shelf.
Normally I would've taken it, for I knew that the strong flavor would compliment well with the lemon. But, seeing as I needed to be sober for a whole night, I decided to lay it off. I didn't want to seem as incompetent as the last guard; getting drunk when arriving at work.
"You're no fun, are ya Roxas? Fine..." she groaned, pulling back her hand from the bottle of beer. Instead, she slid over to the right side of the counter and began her final prep. Putting off her finishing touches, she slid the glass over to me. I caught it, like I always did. "Here ya go. Just how ya like it."
"Thanks a bunch..." I muttered softly as I took the first sip. The punch of the lemon was enough to kick my senses to the maximum, but what I really enjoyed was the delightful sweetness of the aftertaste. The right amount of honey she puts in here is phenomenal. "Yep, just how I like it."
Julia grabbed a chair for herself and sat in front of me from behind the counter. "So, where have ya been for, like, two months? Me and Danny thought you'd forgotten 'bout us for a moment" she nonchalantly said as she placed both her boots on top the counter. I could only furrow my brows at what she had said.
"I wouldn't say that. I've been off to another post. It was always work everyday." I explained as I held my lemon cocktail, observing its contents. "Tonight's really my only chance to visit."
Julia said nothing, but instead scoffed it off and continued talking."Have ya found any girl yet?" she asked shyly, placing her arms on the table as an elbow propped her head up to face me.
It took me no more than five seconds to actually come up with an answer because I haven't yet. I wasn't interested in anyone at the moment, and the constant shifts I had to take back at Acies made it near impossible to spend some quality time outside of work. Though, again, it was actually my fault I kept myself busy all this time, but whether I felt guilty or not was definitely up to me. "Actually no..." I answered truthfully as I brought the glass to my lips, taking another sip.
"No one, really...?" she asked again, raising her eyebrow with her along with a smirk. I could only hide my smile behind my free hand, realizing what she was doing. I laughed to myself before speaking again. "No thanks, Julia. You won't like me..."
Instead of taking my rejection seriously, she stood up and stretched her arms in relief. She then brought a hand under her chair and began walking away. "I suppose ya haven' ate yet? Want Danny to bring ya somethin'?" she asked, dragging the chair with her. I could only smile at her offer.
"I'd take one of his to go." I said, throwing my thumb behind my ears to emphasize my point. "And a glass of water, please."
Julie only raised her one of her thin eyebrows at me before walking back toward the kitchen. The remainder of my attention was now focused on the drink that was on my fingers. Swirling the contents of the drink a bit more, the light that came from the mark of the Eclipse on my hand glared at me as it was reflected by the liquid.
Despite all the things that I have anticipated in the coming of the void season, the pain that came from the curse wasn't at all present for most of the time. However, now that I was visibly worried, the pain was slowly coming back. It reared its ugly head around and though I could not feel it, it intends to stay, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off as well.
Pain always came to me every year. The Eclipse would hurt me every void season, and it would stay that way until it snows again. Plus, knowing that I had almost fallen into blood lust two months ago worries me to no end. However, the fact that the pain was off schedule was gnawing at the back of my head.
For now, though, the only thing I could do is keep all my worries in check. The more I doubt myself, the more control I would lose if ever the blood lust would return. And I do not intend to fall to it any time soon.
Julia came back with a bag of food wrapped in clean parchment and a glass of water as soon as I had taken the last sips of my lemon cocktail. I took out my curren pouch and handed her 115 curren, ten more than what I usually pay her. However, she merely shook her head when she saw the amount and gave back the extra 10 curren.
"No, no. I appreciate it, Roxas, but me and Danny don' accept extra. Suppose you don' like me explainin' to ya why, again?" she smirked, rattling my pay in her hands. With one last nod to her, she walked away, disappearing into the crowd of drunken workers.
I looked around, and the soldiers had already dropped dead from all the singing. They snored wildly as they slept on top of the tables, drooling all over the wood work. I heard Julia's anguished cries as she, too, noticed the saliva on her pristine tables.
I made my way outside, slowly and quietly, as I turned my back from all the shenanigans Julia and Danny had to deal with for the rest of the night. A cold breeze swept past me, making me face north, toward the shining Sun Castle. The night was still young, after all, realizing this would be the first batch of many drunken men coming into the tavern for their fill of alcohol.
I couldn't help but laugh at the thought as I walked toward east to the Solaris sector with steak sandwich in hand.
Σ-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
I remained steadfast in focusing all of my attention to the colonel's forehead, faking eye contact throughout his droning. I haven't really paid much attention to what he's saying, but I did all I could to remain awake. Naturally, the food that I ate would've been well and gone into my body now, and I was disappointed that the honey didn't help in keeping me from falling asleep.
Not much time had passed since I had left the ol' Wineskin. It had only taken me thirty minutes to walk to the Solaris sector and sit comfortably near one of the public benches outside the Solar Church. I could faintly hear the preaches of the priest inside, as the area around me was eerily quiet. I tried to look inside from afar, but it was no use. Though Aurorus was full of activity, Solaris were its exact opposite. The lack of people around and the dimly lit streets sent a chill up my spine that I didn't appreciate one bit. Solaris felt strangely empty, despite having so many people going around here by day.
I think it's due to the fact that the Solar Church houses its faithful every sunset of every day.
I have heard of the Shrine of the Snake God, and how it differs from the faith here in the Sun Capitol. I only know what I have taught, and that was the heroism of Vendacti taking down the dragon Sdorica. I haven't been able to read on things related to the Desert Kingdom, even though my father had been there many times in the distant past. I have heard of a rumor that the reason the Border Wars happened was because of the difference in faiths, but I doubt that that would be the case. I honestly have no idea why you want to destroy a country just because someone has other beliefs. "Believe what you want to believe..." was always the advice my mother gave me whenever I had doubts about things, and I just wish people wouldn't just take arms because of lowly reasons. However, whether it was true or not was up for debate, and I'm sure the truth is out there somewhere.
As these thoughts slowly enveloped me, I wondered how long has it been since I had arrived. My body began to melt into the bench as another cold breeze swept by me. I felt my eyelids begin to drop lazily over my eyes. I realized that the drowsiness had already started to kick in. A jolt of energy made my body flinch as I heard heavy metal footsteps slowly approach me from behind.
I looked back, and could only groan at the sight of a drowsy Colonel Levon. I stood up as diligently as I could before facing and saluting him. His eyes darted around, finally stopping once he saw me. I then dropped my salute after he had gestured to be at ease. He gave me a small smile while still retaining the stern look on his face.
Then came the instructions.
I don't know how detailed the colonel can get, but as I felt sleepy just listening to his voice, I could tell that it dragged on for a while. I kept my eyes on his forehead, feigning uninterrupted eye contact. I nodded at the end of every sentence just to make sure I don't get caught. In any case, I have already gotten the gist of it. I may have made the mistake of going over it again since I heard a detail I've already understood a while ago.
Tonight, I'm going to have to guard a treasure vault from one of the 12 nobles. The head of the house, whose name flew over my head from me not listening very well, was angry that a thief had stolen curren from the treasury. Though it was a tiny amount, he was angry still. Well maybe not angry, because furious was a better term. He had already fired the man who failed to both guard and catch the thief, and I was the replacement until I manage to catch the said thief.
All in all, these were things that I had already known, but the colonel felt the need to go over it multiple times. I think he was trying to emphasize the importance and significance of this job to me. In my honest thoughts, working under a noble seemed alright. I don't know much about privilege and all that junk, but I guess it was a big deal considering I was still fairly new to my military career.
I sometimes wonder if the fresh bloods of the military get the short end of the stick for jobs...
"I'm sure you're aching to get to your job, now. Come, we're setting off to the treasury immediately." I heard Colonel Levon speak as he turned his back on me and began walking away. Wriggling my body to get off the sleep, I quickly made sure to follow his pace. We walked north past the Solar Church and into a fairly lit street to the west, dodging the gate toward the Helios sector. The street we were walking on was one that lead straight to the Sun Castle, however we then turned a quick right and into another street. At the end of it, there was a marble building, almost like a monument of some kind, that was a stark contrast to the well designed houses made from stone and wood.
As we approached it, a man with striking snow white hair was standing in front of it, waiting for someone. "Ah, Dylan..." the white haired man spoke out when he heard the colonel approach.
"Duke Ace." was all the colonel could say before the both of the shook hands. Duke Ace had turned his head toward me, examining every bit of me as his eyes darted all around.
"So this is the replacement?" Duke Ace spoke, now turning his attention to Colonel Levon.
"Yes. I am confident he is worthy." the duke could only sigh in relief. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold watch, narrowing his eyes as he looked at the time.
"I best be going, colonel. I'm just shocked how Sione had fallen ill that badly, and at this time of the year as well..." he murmured, a tinge of sadness in his voice. "Let her rest, Ace. Roxas will take care of it from here when he proves himself."Duke Ace did nothing more than nod before leaving me and the colonel in front of the marble treasury.
I acted like I didn't eavesdrop on their exchange, but it seems like there would be no other way around this guard duty tonight. "Private Von Zayne." the colonel then spoke out. "Yes, sir?" "I'll have you climb on top of the treasury and stand guard there. There's a ladder at the alleyway at the back. Now go..." I nodded in response. I then gave him a salute before walking briskly toward the alleyway he pointed to.
It was a dark and damp alleyway. Not much can catch your eye here, except a wooden ladder that lead to the rooftop of the treasury. After giving myself a quick fix, I climbed it holding the sheathe of my sword in the process until I reached the landing. Looking around, there was indeed a hole at the upper right corner of the rooftop that lead downwards into the building when the colonel explained to me the possible route the thief would take.
I thought over the plan once again in my head, just to make sure I hadn't missed anything...
"The thief had already snuck past the guard thanks to a hole in the rooftop we had just discovered. He can't get inside through the wooden door, as it is protected by a rune that only allows a member of the Aldric house to enter. As such, you shall be guarding the hole. However, you must stay out of sight. Your duty is to ambush the thief and catch him once he is on the rooftop. Cover yourself with this dark colored cloth until then to blend in with the darkness."
I took out the dark cloth and wrapped it around me after sitting down on the opposite end of the building, facing the hole. I made sure to make myself as comfortable as I could, as I knew that this was a waiting game. All I needed to do was not fall asleep until the thief shows up. If anything, this was far easier than my night patrols back at the outpost. I was happy knowing I didn't have to deal with sore feet after several hours of walking and standing around.
I didn't feel the hours fly by, but the movement of the moon above me was all I had if I wanted to know how much had passed. Somehow, the drowsiness earlier had vanished completely, and I was staring intently at the dark hole in front of me. Though I did not want to sleep, I was slowly starting to get bored. After all, I had nothing to pass the time with, except maybe counting all the stars that surrounded the moon.
Without even realizing it, I began to count all the stars. I don't know how many times I got to restart because I kept losing count, but I had finally arrived at seventy two stars. I then noticed some had faded from the darkness of the night, and some new ones had appeared. I let out a groan in my mind as I counted again.
But before I could even start, I heard the faint sound of footsteps on the roof tiles of the houses behind me. I now had realized that the thief was near. The sounds of the footsteps slowly, but surely, began to become louder as it approached. I held my breath, doing all I can to not make a sound before the damn bastard reached the rooftop.
The footsteps had stopped for a few seconds, then I heard a grunt followed by a loud thud near my right side. I had frozen in place and only allowed my eyes to move, not even taking in the cold night air. The thief had landed on the roof without a sound. My eyes darted toward him. He wore a hood that covered most of his upper body, and he had loose pants that swayed with the wind. He was barefoot as well.
I slowly began to unravel the cloth around me as the thief slowly inched toward the hole. I didn't bother to reach for my sword, for it would've made a sound. I crawled a bit before sneaking behind him, but once he heard the clanging of my chainmail, he turned his head and faced me. Before I could even let him think, I tackled him to the ground. After a loud thud upon coming down unto the cold rooftop, he struggled to break free. I sat on his back as I grabbed one of his legs, threatening to break his shin. He's now desperately trying to break free. "You're under arrest for theft of curren within the Aldric Treasury." I told him in the coldest voice I could muster. "Anything to say?"
I turned to look at his face. He was now sweating profusely, panic visible on his face. His breathing was heavy but he was no longer struggling to break free. "Please, let me go! I won't do it again, I swear!" he pleaded.
But I was having none of that. I took his shin and gave it a little bit more pressure. His breath was cut short by his moan of agony. "Yeah, right. That's what you want me to think..." I coldly said as I added more pressure to his shin. He was now screaming. I decided to ease up on him a little bit, waiting for another answer before I decide to bind him with rope.
"Please, I just need a bit more money..." he said, his face was now drenched in sweat.
"For what?" I inquired. I suppose a part of me wanted to find out why. After all, I'm sure this guy had a reason for stealing from this noble family.
"I need a bit more money, please...! My younger sister... My younger sister! She's sick and I don't have any money!" he was now crying, his tears reflected in the moonlight. I closely looked at what he was wearing. His hood was worn, it had patches and several burn marks. The same could be said about his baggy pants that was covered in soot and dirt. Perhaps he's telling the truth?
"Please... I just want to see her smile..." the thief said in a lowly voice. He sounded sad, at the very least. A part of me wanted to get this guy done, the other wants to help him. I sighed irritably. I knew what kind of choice I was going to make, but the obligation I had regarding my work kept pestering my heart.
"Sis... I'm sorry..." he continued while I remained on top of him, my arms still grasping one of his legs.
"Your brother's an idiot..." he whimpered again. He tried muffling his cries, but all that's left was a gut-wrenching groans.
"I just don't know... I don't know what to do anymore, sis..."
"Sis..."
Still, I listened. I felt his body relax, prompting me to at least let go of his legs. What's more is that he didn't even bother to fight back while I continue to sit on his back.
"Irene... forgive me..." he whispered, finally breaking down into tears. It was at this moment that I finally gave in. I stood up, and walked on over to where I kept my inventory. I groaned, the irritation in my voice made clear to the 'thief' behind me.
What I would be doing will be considered an offense, and there's a guarantee that my career will end here, but my heart didn't really care anymore. A part of me began to dislike how I was raised, and that part wanted me to let go of the past that I was given. However, I could no longer sit here and play soldier without a heart.
I'd rather go down with a good deed than a stab to the heart filled with hate...
"Screw this..." I mumbled to myself as I fidgeted around my inventory, looking for my curren pouch. I heard the man behind me shift his body. I'm guessing he's sitting up right about now. "Are you going to take me away...?" he asked, his voice was overcome with sadness. I don't remember meeting a man with that much sadness voice, let alone his heart, but the feeling just rubbed off him.
If I could shed a tear, I would.
"No." I answered in a stern voice. "In fact, I'm going to do more than just let you go." I felt my fingers finally scratch the cloth of my curren pouch. Grasping it as tightly as I could, I stood up and faced the man on the rooftop floor. "How much did you steal from the Aldric family?"
"Fi...ty..." he mumbled, probably embarrassed at the moment. "What was that? I couldn't hear you..." I simply said. "Fifty... Only fifty. I just wanted to buy her medicine..." he explained. His gaze remained far away from me. He refused to look me in the eyes.
"Fifty huh?" I muttered to myself as I opened the curren pouch. Currently, I had a bit much on me since Commander Lucien was generous enough to give me a raise. I counted the money I had, and found that I held at least 700 on me. I took out two hundred and threw the entire pouch by his side. Back and forth, the man's gazes were thrown at the pouch and myself. He looked genuinely confused. "Wha...?"
"That should cover your expenses for a while..." I explained as I rubbed the back of my neck. "I'll give you that but under one condition: don't ever try to steal from the Aldric treasury, or anyone for that matter. You can pay me back as soon as you have the money. Or don't, whatever it is you see fit..."
"What...?" was the only word he could say. This time, his eyes were fixated on me. "Just take it. I'll just say you didn't show up tonight..." I said, giving the poor man one of my smiles.
"T-thank you...! Oh, thank you!" he cried as he took the purse and ran off to the edge of the rooftop. He thought about jumping to the next building, but he turned to me instead. "What's your name officer?" he asked.
This, in turn, had only caused me to smile. "Roxas. Roxas Von Zayne." I shrugged as I answered the man. "Now go before I change my mind..." I gestured him away. With a smile on his face, he jumped to the next roof, climbed down one of the houses, and disappeared into the streets below.
Instead of guilt panging at my heart, I could only feel traces of relief and happiness. Then, I remembered when mother used to tend to the poor and sickly. I felt the smile that was already present on my lips become wider as I fondly remembered my mother.
"Do I make you proud, mother...?" I asked to no one in particular.
"I am..." said a voice I did not want to hear.
I turned to where the voice was, and saw none other than Dylan Levon himself. He climbed out of the hole that was supposed to be the entrance of the thief. My heart sank deep and my palms began to sweat. I didn't know I had to face my consequences this soon...
"I saw the whole thing and I have to admit, I had already expected you would do that kind of thing..." he chuckled, but I didn't get the joke. I merely eyed him. I wasn't sure whether or not I should speak yet. Then he continued, "I'm glad I had chosen correctly." He then gave me a very warm smile, like a father would to his son.
Chosen? I had several questions, in mind. My lips parted for me to speak, but there was no voice to come out of there. I was confused at what was happening. Was I not going to be punished for my offense? Is this something to do with the guard duty? More importantly, where is my trunk!?
As these questions spiraled within the recesses of my mind, I felt a strong hand on my shoulder. I looked up, and my eyes met the colonel's. He smiled again. "I'm sure you're confused, given how you glared at the rooftop, but let me tell you the reason why you're here in the first place..."
I didn't answer, I only fixed my eyes on his face. I waited patiently for an answer that would soon come to me a few moments later...
Σ-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
I had expected to be exhausted this morning, but I felt more refreshed than anything.
I woke up to a ceiling I didn't recognize, though I did not sit up immediately. I just laid there for a good while. Even I don't the reason for it, I just felt like it was necessary. I continued to listen to the humming of my breathing and the chirping of the birds outside until I saw the first rays of sunrise. It was then that I truly got off the bed.
I did my best to remember the remainder of last night. However, my memory got incredibly hazy after letting the thief go. Realizing this, I searched myself for the two hundred curren I had left. My hands touched all of the pockets on my pants until my fingers felt the hardness of the coins in my back pocket.
I had just gave away most of my earnings this month.
What can I do now, though? I knew I wasn't going to be punished for some odd reason. Though the colonel had told me that he will tell me the reason I was here, I couldn't remember if he told me or not. I dug deep in my memories, but I sighed to no avail. I recalled no such thing ever occurred.
Maybe it was the guilt or fatigue, maybe even fear that made me forget? Honestly, I didn't exactly know anymore.
I groaned loudly, letting out a bit of the frustration I had as of the moment. I figured it was useless to think about it now, or to even resent my poor memory of last night. I was going to get my answer, one way or another.
I finally decided to look around the room I slept in. I had finally remembered the colonel made me sleep in a tavern. It was clean room, despite it being mostly made out of wood. There were no insects to worry about, every furniture was spotless, and the floorboards were shining. It was a well kept room, as expected of the places here in the Sun Capitol. It was far from what I was used to, but I welcomed the big change. Me and the colonel only decided to stay in for one night. I didn't catch the name of the tavern, but it was in the Solaris sector and it was the closest to the Sun Castle as well.
I went over to my trunk that was left in the middle of the room. I didn't truly settle in since we were just going to stay for one night, after all. I clawed my way into the depths of my trunk to find my clothing, which I threw on top of the bed shortly after I found it. I went to one of the tavern's bathrooms before changing.
The colonel did mention to at least bathe before changing.
After changing into my under garments after a quick bath, I slid on my chainmail and uniform before strapping on my sword unto my back and went outside, dragging my trunk along the squeaky wooden floor. Going down the stairs early in the morning came at a price for a loud thud every single step. I walked in into the actual tavern, and saw a few people vomiting all over the place, groaning loudly as each of them had their hands on their heads.
Though the Capitol was supposed to be a haven for the nobles, it didn't stop these soldiers that were off duty to make a mess at dawn. These were also probably people who had to report in at first light, and I couldn't help but feel somewhat bad for them. Pity wasn't the word, but still, I felt bad. Ignoring all of the moaning men on the floor, I dragged my trunk across to the exit after greeting the owner. I was careful to not get vomit on my trunk. I didn't want to purposefully clean today.
As I left the tavern, sunshine had already greeted the left side of my face. The glare was annoying, but I sucked it up regardless. I went to the nearest shade I could find and dropped my trunk there, sitting on it as I waited the colonel to arrive.
I didn't wait long, however, as the colonel had already left the tavern, walking to where I was. He was already clad in his usual heavy armor. I forced myself to stand up before giving him a salute to greet him this morning. "Good morning, Sir Dylan." I said, my face remaining stern. "Good morning as well, private." he nodded before gesturing me to be at ease before standing beside me. "Did you get enough sleep?"
I nodded at his question. "Yes, sir." I answered.
"A chariot should be here soon." he muttered, though unable to break the silence that passed between us. Several things came to mind, but I couldn't find the courage to muster all of them in time. I did not know why I was refusing myself to ask these important questions to the colonel.
Soon enough, the same rune chariot that transported me here had arrived. I immediately dragged my trunk and placed it on the back of the vehicle, much to the colonel's surprise. I then climbed inside without saying a word.
The moment the chariot moved toward the Sun Castle, it was also the moment I had realized what I should've asked a long time ago. "Colonel? Who exactly am I replacing?" I asked as I turned to look at him. However, Colonel Levon did not answer, nor did he even try to look at my direction. And so, my eyes returned to looking forward.
We were already south bound, the chariot was approaching the castle gate. As soon as we made it past the white arches and ascended the marble stairs did the colonel answer my question. "You will be substituting Sione Aldric, the Princess's personal bodyguard." he firmly said as he got off. He went to the back of the chariot and carried my trunk once more. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It's not supposed to be true, is it?
Me? Be a substitute to an important role? I did remember that the colonel said that he made the right decision in choosing me, but this was out of the question. I could only furrow my eyebrows as I tried my hardest to deny this position that I was given. Me? Work under the Princess herself?
I got off, and I couldn't exactly believe my eyes. I was now standing in front of the gate to the main hall of the Sun Castle. The majestic view and the surroundings were simply too much for me to handle. I never knew I would be able to set foot in this place, let alone approach it.
Was this really happening?
I looked back to the colonel. He started to walk to one of the pathways into the castle. I had no idea where to go, so I decided to follow him for now. My footsteps echoed around me, giving me a sense of grandness as I approached Colonel Levon. He opened one of the doors and let himself in as I continued to keep at his pace. We were in the Main Hall. The place was enormous, and it was carpeted through and through. The walls were shining, and it was lit brightly even though little light entered the place. I had expected it to have open windows, but the only window here was on the ceiling that allowed the light of the Sun to freely shine through in noon. There were two stairways that lead to a platform that was in the middle of the hall, supposedly where a royal figure would stand on to give announcements or whatnot. We entered what was supposedly the East Wing after ascending one set of stairs toward it on the right side of the main hall. It was a flourished hallway, filled with paintings and glimmering gems that lined the entire length of it. At the end of the hall was another set of stairs that lead to a smaller hallway to the left, while on the right was a polished wooden door. The colonel had opened this door and entered it.
It was a fairly big room, and it had all the fancy furniture I would've dreamed of having. It had its own kitchen and bathroom as well, along with a big bed near the window and a fireplace that was already burning brightly. "This will be your room as you stay here." he said as he placed my trunk in the middle of the room. Again. "Now come, let us meet Her Majesty..."
We left the room shortly after, not even giving me time to breathe in and take all of the things that were happening around me. We climbed the set of stairs that lead to the smaller hallway, although this one wasn't as large as the East Wing. At the end of the hallway was a pure white gilded door that contrasted the dark colors of the hallway and carpeting.
In addition to the plaguing thoughts that did all they could to deny this dream like situation, my heart was also pounding wildly at my chest. I stared at the floor as I furrowed my eyebrows. I was confused. I did not know why I felt like this, nor did I know why I should be feeling this way. But I did, and it felt unnatural. Horrible, even.
Our footsteps were the only sounds we heard as we approached the door. I was nervous, somehow. We had stopped right in front of it. The colonel took in a deep breath before knocking. A few seconds of silence had passed before a voice called out from behind it. "Who is it?" the voice said.
I did not know how, but hearing the voice had brought peace not only to my raging thoughts, but to my nerves. I felt a part of me that was ringing in happiness, and the other was utterly confused. Somewhere, I knew this voice, but I couldn't recognize it either. It was strange.
"Your Majesty, it is me, Dylan. May we come in?" the colonel said. His voice was submissive, and was humble through and through. I felt my eyes widen in complete surprise. "You may" the voice answered back.
I heard the door unlock, and the colonel was the one to open it. He entered slowly, and so I had no choice but to follow his lead.
Before I even got a second to look around, my eyes were fixated on the girl in front of me. She had luscious golden blonde hair, light emerald eyes, and a smile that suited her beautiful face to a tee. She was shorter than me and I knew she was a bit younger as well, but I had to guess she was around my age range. She wore a comfortable white dress that had the engravings of the Sun on it. Atop her beautiful patch of hair was a small crown.
"Good morning, Sir Dylan! It is nice to see you!" she excitedly yelped with a smile. The colonel bowed before answering her. "A pleasant morning to you too, Your Highness." they exchanged smiles before she turned to me.
My body acted on it's own and bowed, not a single thought has passed me to do this sort of thing. After bowing lightly, I slowly raised my head so that my eyes met hers again. All the anxiety and doubts I had were nowhere to be found.
"And may I ask who you are?" she asked in the most polite tone I had ever heard, still keeping the smile she was wearing all this time. But before I could answer myself, the colonel had answered in my stead. "This soldier will be Sione's substitute. Until she recovers from her illness, he will be the one to look after your safety." the colonel told her confidently, with a smile to boot.
Her eyes gleamed when she understood what he said. I felt a nudge from the colonel, urging me to introduce myself. And so I did. I took a deep breath in, straightened my body, and gave her a salute.
"Private Roxas Alderan Von Zayne at your service, Your Majesty."
"Nice to meet you, Roxas! I am Angelia Carlos."