Holmcross Project Deep
------by strange writer
It couldn't see. It couldn't speak. It couldn't even move or feel. But it could hear. As it laid there on the cold steel table, two men talked about what it could do and how it could function. With darkness completely enveloping it, it silently listened...
"...Is he functioning?" The voice was tense and hoarse, like an old man's.
"No, not yet. We need more Bio-Prism."
"What do you mean? Didn't we have enough to begin with?"
"I thought we had. Turns out it absorbed more then I thought."
"How much? Is he that powerful?"
"Seems so. It has advanced capabilities, far greater than any I've seen before."
"How is he that powerful? Explain!"
"I'm not sure. We have to give it time. He is a killing machine, as you know."
"Time? How much time? We need to finish him once and for all! Or else he~~"
"Quiet! I know! It's just that I need more Bio-Prism. We can't move forward without it!"
"...Do you know where we could find some more?"
"...I don't know...I heard there was some near the ice fields of Arctica..."
"That's too far! I mean near here! Is there any around this region?"
"..."
"Well?"
"...I'm not sure. It's either that or I have to return to my world to~~"
"No! Don't you dare bail out on me now!"
"Well, it's a failed experiment if we don't have more Bio-Prism. We should destroy it."
"W-What do you mean..."
"It's a failure. A shell of a superior fighting machine."
"It's my son, you goddamned fool! He is not a failure!"
"So you say. But can you make it work without me?"
"..."
"Ah, exactly as I thought. So, you will build it without Bio-Prism."
"...If I have to, yes."
"Really? You think you can do it?"
"Yes. I know I can find a way. Just give me assistance. Please."
"...No."
"What? You're giving up now?"
"...Yes and no. I'll support you from the other world, but you will continue without me."
"Fine. Go and hide, you coward! You're responsible for the rest of your life!"
"Okay. See ya."
The thin man with elongated, furry ears walked toward the door with a laugh. "You'll regret this. It will be incomplete. It won't have any emotion or feeling. It will be devoid of all feeling. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"..."
"Okay. It's your funeral....ha-ha-ha." He closed the door as he exited the room.
The wrinkled old man left behind stood over the table observing it in stasis. He then kneeled and prayed for it to survive and to be fully functional. "Please, God...let my son be human. Let him be free to do whatever he wants. That fool Vassim can't understand my love for my son. But he is my son. My loyal, perfect, blue-haired son...
~~~~~~~~~~
"Princess Cecilia? Princess Cecilia, are you in here?" The young soldier carefully peered into the room, trying his best not to embarrass himself or the princess. He partially saw a short-haired female wearing a green vest and gloves sitting in front of a mirror combing her hair. "Princess Cecilia.", he said as he walked up behind her. "You have a visitor. Do you wish to see him now?"
"My hair...I know I wanted to distance myself from the past, but..."
"...Princess Cecilia?"
"Oh, It's nothing." Cecilia shrugged it off and got up to face the guard. "Who is it?"
"A Jack Van Burace has come to see you."
"Yes, let him in. He gracefully opened the door for the waiting visitor, allowing him to step into her private chambers. In came Jack Van Burace, the mysterious treasure hunter who volunteered to assist the kingdom of Aldehyde by aiding the princess on her journey to meet the Guardians. With long, flowing brown and blonde hair, a dark brown trench coat and a courageous attitude about him, he seemed just the man to take on this important job. He walked over to her, sporting a cocky grin. "Well well, my Royal Highness! Don't you make quite the common-looking woman! If I'd never met you, I'd say you weren't regal at all!" He got on one knee, mockingly pretending to be one of her eager and willing subjects. "Oh, stop that, you!", Cecilia joked. She motioned for the waiting guard to leave so they could talk alone. Jack got up and questioned her about the upcoming journey. "Princess~~I mean, Cecilia...are you sure you want to do this? I mean, it could get dangerous for you."
"I am fine, Jack.", the girl kindly countered. "This is something I need to do. The women of the Aldehyde family must take on the important role of the Guardians' interpreter. As 'the Innocent One', I must complete my task at hand and listen to the will of the Guardians to protect this world from the evil forces that threaten us." She walked back over to the table and sat down, resuming combing her hair out. She didn't look at Jack as she kept on talking. "So, Mister Sensitivity! Why are you really helping me? You don't sound like someone who would be concerned about the affairs or the ordeals of royalty!"
"Well, I~~"
"Mmm-hmm. 'Well you' what?"
Jack walked up behind her. "I was going to say that I am generally concerned about you."
She looked up at him from below. "Oh really? A change of heart so suddenly...?"
"Something like that. Hey listen..." Jack was now making a concerted effort to change the topic of conversation. "Have you seen Hanpan anywhere around here? He escaped, and he may be having a field day in the castle." Cecilia smiled, knowing what he was doing. "Changing pace so soon?" Jack began to blush. "No, Jack...I haven't seen Hanpan anywhere in the castle. I'm sure he's just fine though. He's a grown-up wind mouse. He can take care of himself." Cecilia stood up again from her desk. "Speaking of mischievous blue companions, where is our quiet friend Rudy at?"
"He said he didn't want to come with me to see you...so I left him in town."
"What? How could you just leave him there? Don't you care about him?"
"Well, yes. But I think he just needs time alone. To think things over. You know."
"Do I?"
"You should."
"Well...maybe you're right." Cecilia started towards the door, then turned around again. "There's just one thing, though. Something that really bothers me. Jack, do you think you could tell me about your past? I mean, you're all secretive about where you come from and all. Is it that uninteresting or something?" Jack cocked an eyebrow at her question. "Uninteresting? It's not that, exactly. I just don't feel like talking about it. That's all." He went to exit the room. "Cecilia...someday, I'll tell you. But for now we should go see Minister Johan and plan our next move to contact the Guardians of Filgaia." With that, the man quickly left the room. Cecilia stood there for a moment, then left the room to see the late king's advisor. "Did I offend him...?", she pondered as she left.
The throne room of Aldehyde Castle was made up of brick and granite, with the walls adorned with golden candle holders and paintings of the late king and his family. Large, steel suits of plated armor decorated the floor, along with midnight-blue carpeting. Standing beside the empty throne was the elderly and wise Minister Johan, King Aldehyde's trusted friend and advisor. He waited patiently for the King's daughter to arrive so he could start the meeting telling her where to go first. A soldier in gold armor walked into the room. "Minister Johan, Her Majesty Princess Cecilia Aldehyde has arrived."
"Good. Let her in, please."
The soldier stepped aside and bowed, paying proper respect to the princess. She entered, with Jack following right behind her. "I have arrived, Johan.", she announced. "What information do you have to aid me in my quest?" The minister paced back and forth in front of her. "Princess, you know how I hate to see you go. Are you absolutely sure you want to leave? You could let Jack and Rudy take care of this."
"I must do this, Johan. I am not in any shape to run the kingdom right now."
"You could do it with my assistance, though."
"I know...but this is more important to me. I must see the Guardians for myself."
"Very well. So is your will, so it shall be." Johan backed away and began to explain the situation of the city. "When the sky crumbled into pieces, shattering Aldehyde's peace and solitude, it brought destruction and chaos to this land. Innocent men, women and children suffered and died at the peak of this unfathomable and horrific onslaught. Monsters invaded and desecrated the town. They also destroyed the sacred statue of our faith guardian, the guardian of stability, Zeldukes. It seems as Zeldukes' power faded as the statue was destroyed, the town and its citizens became even more susceptible to the monsters' attacks." Cecilia and Jack hung their heads as Johan kept on talking. "Right now the citizens desire the peace and prosperity that they formerly enjoyed before this whole ordeal even occurred. But that is not possible...at least not without the Tear Drop." Cecilia raised her head quickly at the mention of her mother's heirloom. "Cecilia, you must contact the ancient guardians of Filgaia, or all hope is lost for this world. Do not let them keep the Tear Drop..."
"Yes, Johan. For my mother and father, I will reclaim the Tear Drop."
"Very well." Johan motioned Jack to step forward. "Your name is...Jack Van Burace? Representing the inhabitants of Aldehyde, I sincerely appreciate what you have done for the princess. However, your work is not complete. If I may ask, would you kindly accompany Princess Cecilia to meet the Guardians? She may not admit it yet, but she cannot possibly hope to partake on this journey alone."
"Don't worry. I planned on helping her out all along."
"Thank you. Your deeds will not go unnoticed." Johan returned to the side of the throne, but not before asking another question. "Hold! Wasn't there someone else who aided the princess at the time of the attack? As I recall, he was with you, swordsman."
"Rudy? Well, he's not here right now. But he was going with us too."
"I see. Please inform him of how grateful I am to him as well."
"Certainly, minister."
"Johan cleared his throat and continued the meeting. "Well, let us continue. It seems the creature you fought at the time of the attack was the one who orchestrated the entire assault. He is the one who has the Tear Drop, I believe. If you find him, you can certainly get it back..." Jack corrected him. "Minister, I don't think he has the Tear Drop anymore. Yes, he was the one who led the monster forces into the city. But Cecilia and I have concluded that there is someone much more evil running the show behind the scenes. Pardon my dissent councilor, but that big green goblin looked too stupid to be the one to order the attack." Johan countered with interest. "Really? Are you absolutely sure that it wasn't the one who masterminded this attack? I'd be careful not to underestimate your enemies." Jack took that as a point well taken. "I suppose you're right...but I honestly think there's someone else behind all of this. Maybe on our journey we will meet this power."
"I can accept that.", the old man concluded. "...I suppose this ends the briefing on the situation here. Since you know your mission, I have no need to speak any further. Mayor Cuthburt has asked to see Her Majesty before she departed. Remember, head southwest towards the city of Milama. There you will find an ancient shrine rumored used in previous times to summon guardians." Cecilia and Jack showed proper respect before they left.
The two stood at the front entrance of Aldehyde Castle. Repairs to the castle itself were being done on the gargoyles and the statues in the front. As Jack was about to leave, Cecilia stopped him. "Jack, wait!" The blonde swordsman turned around. "Hmm? What is it?"
"Um...didn't you want to find Hanpan?"
"I think I already know who he's with."
"Oh, he stayed with Rudy?"
"I think."
"Well, that's great. Where are those two anyway?" Cecilia heard a chipping noise above her. She looked up to find a carpenter fixing one of the gargoyle heads. "Hello, Mister Carpenter! How are the repairs going?"
The carpenter was a balding man with a thick mustache and an overlapping belly. Despite his size, he was quite able to maneuver the walls of the castle with ease. "Oh, hello Princess! Just fixing some of the adornments of the castle. Things are fine!"
"How long will it be before it's all finished."
"Hard to say. Maybe 3 months before it looks like it did before. Maybe not that long."
"Oh..."
"Well, let me get back to work."
"Okay. Bye, Mister Carpenter!" Cecilia waved and left along with Jack to the town of Aldehyde.
~~~~~~~~~~
On the outskirts of the kingdom, a young man sat on the beach, watching the waves crash onto the jagged rocks. His short blue hair flying all around as the light wind of the ocean, he gazed on with his ocean-blue eyes at wave after endless wave of tossing and turning water. His thoughts raced and leaped as each passing crash of water rushed toward him. His thoughts were uncontrollable, as bits and pieces of his origins and his past came rushing back to him.
~~~~~~~~~~
An old man and a young child sit under a tree on the side of a pass. As they enjoy their lunch, the old man begins to ask the child questions.
"My son...my darling Rudy. You are perfect in every way." It was an old man's voice.
"Perfect?" The child could not understand.
"Yes...you are my child. No one will ever tell you otherwise."
"Okay."
"Rudy...do you know what you really are?"
"Perfect!"
"Ha-ha-ha! That's right! But I didn't mean that!"
"I'm human. You said so."
"Yes, you are human. You are my little human child."
"Okay."
"Rudy...do you have dreams at night?"
"I have dreams, father."
"Tell me what they are about."
"Well, they are hard to talk about. I can't remember."
"Can you try for me? Please?"
"Let me try to remember."
The small blue-haired child began to explain to the elderly man what his dreams were about. "Father, I can't see anything in my dreams. It's really dark and scary. But I can hear strange men talking about things.
"About what, my son?"
"About...things."
"Do you remember what things?"
"I think...they're talking about me."
"About you?"
"Yes. They say that I'm advanced."
"Advanced?"
"Yes."
"What else do they say?"
"...They tell me I'm advanced and that I will kill people."
"Kill? These people in your dreams say that?"
"Yes. Father, I don't want to kill people."
"You won't my son. I won't let anything happen to you."
"...Father?"
"Yes, my son?"
The child began to explain in detail more of his dreams that he unearthed from the bottom of his memory. "Father, I remember...seeing something. I saw three strange looking men." The old man looked at him with a curious face. "Rudy, what do you see in those dreams?" The boy continued. "Father, I see two men. They are standing over me in white coats. One has what looks like large, furry ears. They call me 'advanced'. They also call me a 'killing machine'."
"R-Really? You saw...this?" The old man was getting visibly nervous.
"Yes."
"..."
"Father...do you believe me?"
"..."
"Father? Is something the matter?"
"Yes. I believe you. I'm sorry, Rudy. Please continue."
"Okay. I also saw something else. A word on a large tube."
"A large tube? What does it look like?"
"It's long and made of glass. And it has a strange, blue liquid inside of it."
"Blue liquid?"
"Yes, father. And there's a word I don't understand on it."
"Can you pronounce the word?"
"No. I have tried numerous times, but I can't say it. But I can write it down."
The boy wrote down the foreign word on a napkin for his father. He then gave the napkin to him. What the man saw on it made him begin to cry. It had the word 'bio-prism' scribbled on it.
"Father? What is wrong?
"N...no...it can't be!"
"Father?"
"My son...are you positive you saw this in your dreams?"
"Yes, father. Is that a bad word?"
"...No. It's okay. I'm just...surprised."
"Okay."
The man sat there with his son for a minute in silence, then began to pack up the rest of their lunch. "Rudy, we should be getting home. It is getting quite late." The boy stood up with his father, helping him to carry the picnic basket. As they began to walk home, the boy asked his father a question.
"Father, is it okay for the other kids to tease me?"
The elderly man looked down at the boy. "Do the other kids tease you?"
"Yes. They tell me I'm not human."
"Do not listen to then. You are human."
"I don't know. Are you sure?"
"Yes, you are! Those kids are just jealous of you. They want to hurt your feelings."
"I lifted a big box today. The others tell me that I must be a monster."
"You are not a monster. You have feelings."
"...Feelings?"
"Yes." The old man took the picnic basket from the boy. "Rudy, you do have feelings, and you are human. And nothing will change that." The old man then stopped walking. "Rudy...promise me. Promise me that in the future, if you discover a part of yourself you do not understand, you will do what your feelings tell you is right. You must. All right?"
"Yes, father."
The old man and the young boy returned to their home at the base of the mountains, surrounded by forest.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Rudy! Rudy! Can you hear me, Rudy?" The young man snapped to attention and saw a small creature pulling on his vest. "Rudy, are you all right? It's getting dark. Shouldn't we be getting back to the others? They're probably worried about you!"
"Hanpan..."
"Come on! Let's go!" The small wind mouse scurried off the beach, northward toward Aldehyde. Rudy saw him off, then turned back toward the ocean.
"The sea...the deep blue sea. Father, I want to see you in the sea."
~~~~~~~~~~
About two hours later, Jack and Cecilia arrived at Mayor Cuthburt's house. He talked briefly to them about her mission and about the guardians, especially the kingdom's faith guardian of stability and strength, Zeldukes. "We no longer have the power of Zeldukes to protect us...", the old man woefully said. "And my citizens are devastated and horrified at the collapse of the sky and the emergence of such powerful monsters. Princess Cecilia, we desperately need your wisdom and charisma in dire times such as this. If you would stay in the kingdom, I along with the rest of the people would feel somewhat safe. However, if you wish to go, we will not hold it against you."
Cecilia stepped forward and took the Mayor's hand into hers. "Please, Mayor...I'm not doing this for my own gain or anything. This is something I must do for the world. To retrieve the Tear Drop would be to snatch the very plans of evil from the grip of the monsters. This peace will not last until I contact the Guardians and gain their powers." She stepped backward and turned around, her back to him. "As for Zeldukes...we can protect ourselves. The Guardians' purpose is not to protect us humans, but to protect Filgaia itself. If the world is in peril, then they will lend us their powers."
"I...I see. You have a point."
"I just don't want to use their powers frivolously."
"Forgive me, Princess. I never meant to say that you would abuse their powers for us."
"It's fine. There is no harm done."
After an awkward silence, the Mayor cleared his throat and continued his little meeting. "As I said, the people of this kingdom are stunned at the sheer power of the monsters. There is little we could do ourselves if we were attacked again, so that is why we understand if you wish to go." The mayor went to retrieve two stone slabs off of the shelf behind him. He walked over and gave them to Cecilia. "I know this is not much, but it is all I could come up with to aid you on your journey. Please, accept these Crest Graphs as a sign of good faith and luck from us to you." Cecilia accepted the sheets with a smile. "Thank you, sir. I will not disappoint you or the city." Cecilia and Jack waved, parting ways with the Mayor as they left his home.
Outside, they both started to talk to each other about what to do when they arrived at Milama when Hanpan came running up to them.
"Princess! Jack! I found Rudy!"
Jack extended his arm, letting the furry blue critter jump on. "Jack, I followed Rudy. He went to the beach south of here." The man and woman looked at each other, wondering why he would leave and not tell them.
"The beach? Why is he all the way out there?", Jack asked.
"I don't know. But he looks really depressed. I think there's something on his mind..."
Cecilia interrupted, getting into Hanpan's face. "Depressed?"
"Yeah. I think you should go and talk to him. He wont listen to me, that's for sure..."
Cecilia ran off toward the city gates, leaving Jack and his pint-sized companion behind. "Hey, wait! Princess!" He ran after her out of the city."
~~~~~~~~~~
Rudy stood ankle-deep in the shifting tide with his pant legs rolled up. The cool feeling as the sea water washed over his legs and feet sent tingly feelings all through his body. This also brought back more fragmented memories about his father...
"No! Father! Please don't die! I'll make you feel better!"
"I'm...sorry. There is no cure for my sickness. And I haven't long to live."
"I can find a cure! Please, just wait a little longer. I will make you survive!"
The old man could barely speak through the horrible coughing fits. "My son..."
The young Rudy held his dying father's head in his arms. "Don't die. I'll be so sad."
"Death is a part of life, my son." The old man coughed up some blood. "It's...natural."
Rudy wiped his mouth off with a rag that was sitting nearby. "But I don't want you to die. Because I know. I know what I really am."
"Rudy...you are wise. And old enough to know the truth."
"I already know, father. Please, save your strength and don't speak anymore."
"Rudy...how I wish I could have taken you to see the world."
"I'll see the world for you, father. If that is what you wish."
"I...I wish I could be with you forever. But I shall pass on very soon."
"Don't die. I won't let you."
"Let me impart...some of my knowledge onto you." The old man barely managed to turn his head. He was sweating profusely, growing paler by each passing second. "Remember...how I told you to follow your feelings? You must do this. If you lie to yourself, you will be miserable, like I was." Rudy cried as he looked down into his father's sickly face. "I know you lied to me. But I don't blame you. You were afraid of the truth, just like I am right now. That's why I need you now."
"You don't...need me. You're a man now. You're old enough to make your own choices."
"But what if I stumble?"
"That is also a part of life. Nothing is perfect, and life isn't foolproof."
"Then..."
"You just have to get right up, dust off your feet and jump back in. Into the sea."
"Into the sea..."
His father grew weaker with each passing moment. He knew his death was imminent, but he was not afraid. He actually began to smile. "You are my pride...and my joy." Rudy hugged him tight, wishing that he would never leave him. "My son...my prodigy Holmcross. Live for the day, always. Follow your heart and your feelings. And most importantly...do what you feel is right in your heart." The old man shed a tear, then went limp. He had finally died. Right in his son's arms.
"Nooooooooo! Father!" Rudy held his body tightly in his arms. "Dad...Zepet..."
~~~~~~~~~~
Nightfall had arrived when the two finally got to the beach. The moon loomed high in the star-checkered sky as Cecilia and Jack approached the end of the beach where Rudy was silently standing in the rising and ebbing tide. He had his portable cannon in his arm, silently stroking it. Jack moved forward, but she quietly motioned for him to wait there. She slowly walked up behind the solemn lad, trying not to shock him or let him know she was there. It seemed he was unaware that his allies were in his presence. The moon shone brightly on the relatively calm waters as she approached to speak to him.
"...Rudy?"
"I'm not human."
Cecilia looked strangely at him when he said this, because she did not know what he had meant. He hadn't turned around yet to look at her.
"What are you saying, Rudy?"
"I'm not human. I'm not like you."
"Not like me? Why?"
"I don't know. It's just a dream I had."
She stepped up and grabbed his shoulder, and he whipped around to face her. Tears were streaming down his face. It was then that she noticed his clothing was soaked.
"Were you in the water?"
"Yes. With my father."
"Your...father?"
"Yes. He is in the sea."
"..."
Rudy put his cannon down and embraced Cecilia. She didn't expect him to act this way all of a sudden, but she didn't resist either. She just let him release all of his feelings. It was a shock, especially since Rudy never really had any physical or emotional outburst with anyone.
"Rudy, I~~"
He interrupted by placing a finger to her lips. "Shh...you don't have to say anything."
Rudy motioned for Jack to come over. The three stood in a circle, looking at each other in silence. It was very strange for them, but Rudy took the initiative. "I'm sorry for worrying everyone. But I just needed time to think." Jack spoke up to answer him.
"It's all right, I guess. But if Hanpan hadn't come, we probably wouldn't have found you."
"I know. I'm sorry."
Cecilia joined in. "What were you saying about your father?"
"He is in the sea. He's dead, but I know he's there."
"Are you sure?" Cecilia wasn't sure if he quite believed him. It sounded like nonsense.
"Yes. You probably think I'm crazy, but it's true. He's there."
"Okay."
Rudy apologized again and asked the Princess how the meeting with Minister Johan went. "What did he say? Does he support you?"
"Yes."
"Well, when did you plan on leaving?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe in a couple of days. I still need time to get it together."
Jack burst in with words of his own. "Yeah, that's right. We got new information."
"Really? What is it about?", Rudy asked.
"We need to go to Milama first. There, we will head to the Guardian Shrine."
"I understand."
"Well...", Cecilia sighed. "Shall we go back to the castle. It's sort of cold out here."
"Yep. Let's go, Hanpan.", Jack replied.
The two began to walk back, but Rudy stayed put. They turned around, wondering why he didn't follow them. "Rudy?", the woman asked. "What's wrong? Are you okay?" He replied by saying, "Yes. But I cannot go with you."
"What?" Cecilia, Jack and Hanpan replied simultaneously, all shocked.
"I...I just can't You will have to do it by yourselves. I'm really sorry."
"But Rudy~~", Cecilia whined.
"Please. I cannot do this. I have to follow my heart."
"Your heart? What are you saying?"
"I must find my father. He is in the sea."
As Jack and Cecilia called out for him, Rudy started to walk toward the tide again. But this time, he didn't stop. With every step he took further in to the moonlit ocean, his convictions became that much more powerful and absolute. This was his dream and his purpose. To seek out what was so cruelly and fatefully ripped away from him during the tumultuous times of his youth. He could not stop, nor did he wish to stop. With the night gust picking up as more of his body became enveloped by the cool waters, he smiled at his destiny. He stopped and turned around, only to say one thing to his comrades.
"I'm going home. Goodbye Cecilia...Jack, and Hanpan. I'm finally happy. I no longer am required to be just another fighting machine..."
The two ran to the end of the beach, desperately hoping they could stop him before he went in too deep. But it was too late. Rudy Roughnight had already been engulfed by the sea. Cecilia dropped to her knees and started to sob, realizing that it was too late to catch him. Jack kneeled as well, consoling the distraught woman. Even Hanpan shed a tear at the loss of one of his friends. As a few moments passed, she noticed something shiny laying on the ground in the tide. She stood up and walked over to it. It was the cannon that Rudy left behind.
~~~~~~~~~~
Rudy's thoughts raced as he walked on the bottom of the seabed. Passing large sea creatures and fish, the lad had a conversation with his father. He truly was in the sea.
"Father, are you mad at me?"
"No, my son. You followed your heart, just like I told you to." A voice whispered.
"Am I dead?"
"Yes."
"Good, then. I won't have to fight any longer."
"You won't, my son. No one will ever try to use you as a killing machine ever again."
"But I do feel guilty for leaving my friends behind..."
"Like I said, like is not foolproof. You can't make everyone happy. Just please yourself."
"Thank you, father..."
Rudy smiled again, thinking of his father's kindly voice as he walked toward his place of birth...his home, the Epitaph Of The Sea.
------by strange writer
It couldn't see. It couldn't speak. It couldn't even move or feel. But it could hear. As it laid there on the cold steel table, two men talked about what it could do and how it could function. With darkness completely enveloping it, it silently listened...
"...Is he functioning?" The voice was tense and hoarse, like an old man's.
"No, not yet. We need more Bio-Prism."
"What do you mean? Didn't we have enough to begin with?"
"I thought we had. Turns out it absorbed more then I thought."
"How much? Is he that powerful?"
"Seems so. It has advanced capabilities, far greater than any I've seen before."
"How is he that powerful? Explain!"
"I'm not sure. We have to give it time. He is a killing machine, as you know."
"Time? How much time? We need to finish him once and for all! Or else he~~"
"Quiet! I know! It's just that I need more Bio-Prism. We can't move forward without it!"
"...Do you know where we could find some more?"
"...I don't know...I heard there was some near the ice fields of Arctica..."
"That's too far! I mean near here! Is there any around this region?"
"..."
"Well?"
"...I'm not sure. It's either that or I have to return to my world to~~"
"No! Don't you dare bail out on me now!"
"Well, it's a failed experiment if we don't have more Bio-Prism. We should destroy it."
"W-What do you mean..."
"It's a failure. A shell of a superior fighting machine."
"It's my son, you goddamned fool! He is not a failure!"
"So you say. But can you make it work without me?"
"..."
"Ah, exactly as I thought. So, you will build it without Bio-Prism."
"...If I have to, yes."
"Really? You think you can do it?"
"Yes. I know I can find a way. Just give me assistance. Please."
"...No."
"What? You're giving up now?"
"...Yes and no. I'll support you from the other world, but you will continue without me."
"Fine. Go and hide, you coward! You're responsible for the rest of your life!"
"Okay. See ya."
The thin man with elongated, furry ears walked toward the door with a laugh. "You'll regret this. It will be incomplete. It won't have any emotion or feeling. It will be devoid of all feeling. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"..."
"Okay. It's your funeral....ha-ha-ha." He closed the door as he exited the room.
The wrinkled old man left behind stood over the table observing it in stasis. He then kneeled and prayed for it to survive and to be fully functional. "Please, God...let my son be human. Let him be free to do whatever he wants. That fool Vassim can't understand my love for my son. But he is my son. My loyal, perfect, blue-haired son...
~~~~~~~~~~
"Princess Cecilia? Princess Cecilia, are you in here?" The young soldier carefully peered into the room, trying his best not to embarrass himself or the princess. He partially saw a short-haired female wearing a green vest and gloves sitting in front of a mirror combing her hair. "Princess Cecilia.", he said as he walked up behind her. "You have a visitor. Do you wish to see him now?"
"My hair...I know I wanted to distance myself from the past, but..."
"...Princess Cecilia?"
"Oh, It's nothing." Cecilia shrugged it off and got up to face the guard. "Who is it?"
"A Jack Van Burace has come to see you."
"Yes, let him in. He gracefully opened the door for the waiting visitor, allowing him to step into her private chambers. In came Jack Van Burace, the mysterious treasure hunter who volunteered to assist the kingdom of Aldehyde by aiding the princess on her journey to meet the Guardians. With long, flowing brown and blonde hair, a dark brown trench coat and a courageous attitude about him, he seemed just the man to take on this important job. He walked over to her, sporting a cocky grin. "Well well, my Royal Highness! Don't you make quite the common-looking woman! If I'd never met you, I'd say you weren't regal at all!" He got on one knee, mockingly pretending to be one of her eager and willing subjects. "Oh, stop that, you!", Cecilia joked. She motioned for the waiting guard to leave so they could talk alone. Jack got up and questioned her about the upcoming journey. "Princess~~I mean, Cecilia...are you sure you want to do this? I mean, it could get dangerous for you."
"I am fine, Jack.", the girl kindly countered. "This is something I need to do. The women of the Aldehyde family must take on the important role of the Guardians' interpreter. As 'the Innocent One', I must complete my task at hand and listen to the will of the Guardians to protect this world from the evil forces that threaten us." She walked back over to the table and sat down, resuming combing her hair out. She didn't look at Jack as she kept on talking. "So, Mister Sensitivity! Why are you really helping me? You don't sound like someone who would be concerned about the affairs or the ordeals of royalty!"
"Well, I~~"
"Mmm-hmm. 'Well you' what?"
Jack walked up behind her. "I was going to say that I am generally concerned about you."
She looked up at him from below. "Oh really? A change of heart so suddenly...?"
"Something like that. Hey listen..." Jack was now making a concerted effort to change the topic of conversation. "Have you seen Hanpan anywhere around here? He escaped, and he may be having a field day in the castle." Cecilia smiled, knowing what he was doing. "Changing pace so soon?" Jack began to blush. "No, Jack...I haven't seen Hanpan anywhere in the castle. I'm sure he's just fine though. He's a grown-up wind mouse. He can take care of himself." Cecilia stood up again from her desk. "Speaking of mischievous blue companions, where is our quiet friend Rudy at?"
"He said he didn't want to come with me to see you...so I left him in town."
"What? How could you just leave him there? Don't you care about him?"
"Well, yes. But I think he just needs time alone. To think things over. You know."
"Do I?"
"You should."
"Well...maybe you're right." Cecilia started towards the door, then turned around again. "There's just one thing, though. Something that really bothers me. Jack, do you think you could tell me about your past? I mean, you're all secretive about where you come from and all. Is it that uninteresting or something?" Jack cocked an eyebrow at her question. "Uninteresting? It's not that, exactly. I just don't feel like talking about it. That's all." He went to exit the room. "Cecilia...someday, I'll tell you. But for now we should go see Minister Johan and plan our next move to contact the Guardians of Filgaia." With that, the man quickly left the room. Cecilia stood there for a moment, then left the room to see the late king's advisor. "Did I offend him...?", she pondered as she left.
The throne room of Aldehyde Castle was made up of brick and granite, with the walls adorned with golden candle holders and paintings of the late king and his family. Large, steel suits of plated armor decorated the floor, along with midnight-blue carpeting. Standing beside the empty throne was the elderly and wise Minister Johan, King Aldehyde's trusted friend and advisor. He waited patiently for the King's daughter to arrive so he could start the meeting telling her where to go first. A soldier in gold armor walked into the room. "Minister Johan, Her Majesty Princess Cecilia Aldehyde has arrived."
"Good. Let her in, please."
The soldier stepped aside and bowed, paying proper respect to the princess. She entered, with Jack following right behind her. "I have arrived, Johan.", she announced. "What information do you have to aid me in my quest?" The minister paced back and forth in front of her. "Princess, you know how I hate to see you go. Are you absolutely sure you want to leave? You could let Jack and Rudy take care of this."
"I must do this, Johan. I am not in any shape to run the kingdom right now."
"You could do it with my assistance, though."
"I know...but this is more important to me. I must see the Guardians for myself."
"Very well. So is your will, so it shall be." Johan backed away and began to explain the situation of the city. "When the sky crumbled into pieces, shattering Aldehyde's peace and solitude, it brought destruction and chaos to this land. Innocent men, women and children suffered and died at the peak of this unfathomable and horrific onslaught. Monsters invaded and desecrated the town. They also destroyed the sacred statue of our faith guardian, the guardian of stability, Zeldukes. It seems as Zeldukes' power faded as the statue was destroyed, the town and its citizens became even more susceptible to the monsters' attacks." Cecilia and Jack hung their heads as Johan kept on talking. "Right now the citizens desire the peace and prosperity that they formerly enjoyed before this whole ordeal even occurred. But that is not possible...at least not without the Tear Drop." Cecilia raised her head quickly at the mention of her mother's heirloom. "Cecilia, you must contact the ancient guardians of Filgaia, or all hope is lost for this world. Do not let them keep the Tear Drop..."
"Yes, Johan. For my mother and father, I will reclaim the Tear Drop."
"Very well." Johan motioned Jack to step forward. "Your name is...Jack Van Burace? Representing the inhabitants of Aldehyde, I sincerely appreciate what you have done for the princess. However, your work is not complete. If I may ask, would you kindly accompany Princess Cecilia to meet the Guardians? She may not admit it yet, but she cannot possibly hope to partake on this journey alone."
"Don't worry. I planned on helping her out all along."
"Thank you. Your deeds will not go unnoticed." Johan returned to the side of the throne, but not before asking another question. "Hold! Wasn't there someone else who aided the princess at the time of the attack? As I recall, he was with you, swordsman."
"Rudy? Well, he's not here right now. But he was going with us too."
"I see. Please inform him of how grateful I am to him as well."
"Certainly, minister."
"Johan cleared his throat and continued the meeting. "Well, let us continue. It seems the creature you fought at the time of the attack was the one who orchestrated the entire assault. He is the one who has the Tear Drop, I believe. If you find him, you can certainly get it back..." Jack corrected him. "Minister, I don't think he has the Tear Drop anymore. Yes, he was the one who led the monster forces into the city. But Cecilia and I have concluded that there is someone much more evil running the show behind the scenes. Pardon my dissent councilor, but that big green goblin looked too stupid to be the one to order the attack." Johan countered with interest. "Really? Are you absolutely sure that it wasn't the one who masterminded this attack? I'd be careful not to underestimate your enemies." Jack took that as a point well taken. "I suppose you're right...but I honestly think there's someone else behind all of this. Maybe on our journey we will meet this power."
"I can accept that.", the old man concluded. "...I suppose this ends the briefing on the situation here. Since you know your mission, I have no need to speak any further. Mayor Cuthburt has asked to see Her Majesty before she departed. Remember, head southwest towards the city of Milama. There you will find an ancient shrine rumored used in previous times to summon guardians." Cecilia and Jack showed proper respect before they left.
The two stood at the front entrance of Aldehyde Castle. Repairs to the castle itself were being done on the gargoyles and the statues in the front. As Jack was about to leave, Cecilia stopped him. "Jack, wait!" The blonde swordsman turned around. "Hmm? What is it?"
"Um...didn't you want to find Hanpan?"
"I think I already know who he's with."
"Oh, he stayed with Rudy?"
"I think."
"Well, that's great. Where are those two anyway?" Cecilia heard a chipping noise above her. She looked up to find a carpenter fixing one of the gargoyle heads. "Hello, Mister Carpenter! How are the repairs going?"
The carpenter was a balding man with a thick mustache and an overlapping belly. Despite his size, he was quite able to maneuver the walls of the castle with ease. "Oh, hello Princess! Just fixing some of the adornments of the castle. Things are fine!"
"How long will it be before it's all finished."
"Hard to say. Maybe 3 months before it looks like it did before. Maybe not that long."
"Oh..."
"Well, let me get back to work."
"Okay. Bye, Mister Carpenter!" Cecilia waved and left along with Jack to the town of Aldehyde.
~~~~~~~~~~
On the outskirts of the kingdom, a young man sat on the beach, watching the waves crash onto the jagged rocks. His short blue hair flying all around as the light wind of the ocean, he gazed on with his ocean-blue eyes at wave after endless wave of tossing and turning water. His thoughts raced and leaped as each passing crash of water rushed toward him. His thoughts were uncontrollable, as bits and pieces of his origins and his past came rushing back to him.
~~~~~~~~~~
An old man and a young child sit under a tree on the side of a pass. As they enjoy their lunch, the old man begins to ask the child questions.
"My son...my darling Rudy. You are perfect in every way." It was an old man's voice.
"Perfect?" The child could not understand.
"Yes...you are my child. No one will ever tell you otherwise."
"Okay."
"Rudy...do you know what you really are?"
"Perfect!"
"Ha-ha-ha! That's right! But I didn't mean that!"
"I'm human. You said so."
"Yes, you are human. You are my little human child."
"Okay."
"Rudy...do you have dreams at night?"
"I have dreams, father."
"Tell me what they are about."
"Well, they are hard to talk about. I can't remember."
"Can you try for me? Please?"
"Let me try to remember."
The small blue-haired child began to explain to the elderly man what his dreams were about. "Father, I can't see anything in my dreams. It's really dark and scary. But I can hear strange men talking about things.
"About what, my son?"
"About...things."
"Do you remember what things?"
"I think...they're talking about me."
"About you?"
"Yes. They say that I'm advanced."
"Advanced?"
"Yes."
"What else do they say?"
"...They tell me I'm advanced and that I will kill people."
"Kill? These people in your dreams say that?"
"Yes. Father, I don't want to kill people."
"You won't my son. I won't let anything happen to you."
"...Father?"
"Yes, my son?"
The child began to explain in detail more of his dreams that he unearthed from the bottom of his memory. "Father, I remember...seeing something. I saw three strange looking men." The old man looked at him with a curious face. "Rudy, what do you see in those dreams?" The boy continued. "Father, I see two men. They are standing over me in white coats. One has what looks like large, furry ears. They call me 'advanced'. They also call me a 'killing machine'."
"R-Really? You saw...this?" The old man was getting visibly nervous.
"Yes."
"..."
"Father...do you believe me?"
"..."
"Father? Is something the matter?"
"Yes. I believe you. I'm sorry, Rudy. Please continue."
"Okay. I also saw something else. A word on a large tube."
"A large tube? What does it look like?"
"It's long and made of glass. And it has a strange, blue liquid inside of it."
"Blue liquid?"
"Yes, father. And there's a word I don't understand on it."
"Can you pronounce the word?"
"No. I have tried numerous times, but I can't say it. But I can write it down."
The boy wrote down the foreign word on a napkin for his father. He then gave the napkin to him. What the man saw on it made him begin to cry. It had the word 'bio-prism' scribbled on it.
"Father? What is wrong?
"N...no...it can't be!"
"Father?"
"My son...are you positive you saw this in your dreams?"
"Yes, father. Is that a bad word?"
"...No. It's okay. I'm just...surprised."
"Okay."
The man sat there with his son for a minute in silence, then began to pack up the rest of their lunch. "Rudy, we should be getting home. It is getting quite late." The boy stood up with his father, helping him to carry the picnic basket. As they began to walk home, the boy asked his father a question.
"Father, is it okay for the other kids to tease me?"
The elderly man looked down at the boy. "Do the other kids tease you?"
"Yes. They tell me I'm not human."
"Do not listen to then. You are human."
"I don't know. Are you sure?"
"Yes, you are! Those kids are just jealous of you. They want to hurt your feelings."
"I lifted a big box today. The others tell me that I must be a monster."
"You are not a monster. You have feelings."
"...Feelings?"
"Yes." The old man took the picnic basket from the boy. "Rudy, you do have feelings, and you are human. And nothing will change that." The old man then stopped walking. "Rudy...promise me. Promise me that in the future, if you discover a part of yourself you do not understand, you will do what your feelings tell you is right. You must. All right?"
"Yes, father."
The old man and the young boy returned to their home at the base of the mountains, surrounded by forest.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Rudy! Rudy! Can you hear me, Rudy?" The young man snapped to attention and saw a small creature pulling on his vest. "Rudy, are you all right? It's getting dark. Shouldn't we be getting back to the others? They're probably worried about you!"
"Hanpan..."
"Come on! Let's go!" The small wind mouse scurried off the beach, northward toward Aldehyde. Rudy saw him off, then turned back toward the ocean.
"The sea...the deep blue sea. Father, I want to see you in the sea."
~~~~~~~~~~
About two hours later, Jack and Cecilia arrived at Mayor Cuthburt's house. He talked briefly to them about her mission and about the guardians, especially the kingdom's faith guardian of stability and strength, Zeldukes. "We no longer have the power of Zeldukes to protect us...", the old man woefully said. "And my citizens are devastated and horrified at the collapse of the sky and the emergence of such powerful monsters. Princess Cecilia, we desperately need your wisdom and charisma in dire times such as this. If you would stay in the kingdom, I along with the rest of the people would feel somewhat safe. However, if you wish to go, we will not hold it against you."
Cecilia stepped forward and took the Mayor's hand into hers. "Please, Mayor...I'm not doing this for my own gain or anything. This is something I must do for the world. To retrieve the Tear Drop would be to snatch the very plans of evil from the grip of the monsters. This peace will not last until I contact the Guardians and gain their powers." She stepped backward and turned around, her back to him. "As for Zeldukes...we can protect ourselves. The Guardians' purpose is not to protect us humans, but to protect Filgaia itself. If the world is in peril, then they will lend us their powers."
"I...I see. You have a point."
"I just don't want to use their powers frivolously."
"Forgive me, Princess. I never meant to say that you would abuse their powers for us."
"It's fine. There is no harm done."
After an awkward silence, the Mayor cleared his throat and continued his little meeting. "As I said, the people of this kingdom are stunned at the sheer power of the monsters. There is little we could do ourselves if we were attacked again, so that is why we understand if you wish to go." The mayor went to retrieve two stone slabs off of the shelf behind him. He walked over and gave them to Cecilia. "I know this is not much, but it is all I could come up with to aid you on your journey. Please, accept these Crest Graphs as a sign of good faith and luck from us to you." Cecilia accepted the sheets with a smile. "Thank you, sir. I will not disappoint you or the city." Cecilia and Jack waved, parting ways with the Mayor as they left his home.
Outside, they both started to talk to each other about what to do when they arrived at Milama when Hanpan came running up to them.
"Princess! Jack! I found Rudy!"
Jack extended his arm, letting the furry blue critter jump on. "Jack, I followed Rudy. He went to the beach south of here." The man and woman looked at each other, wondering why he would leave and not tell them.
"The beach? Why is he all the way out there?", Jack asked.
"I don't know. But he looks really depressed. I think there's something on his mind..."
Cecilia interrupted, getting into Hanpan's face. "Depressed?"
"Yeah. I think you should go and talk to him. He wont listen to me, that's for sure..."
Cecilia ran off toward the city gates, leaving Jack and his pint-sized companion behind. "Hey, wait! Princess!" He ran after her out of the city."
~~~~~~~~~~
Rudy stood ankle-deep in the shifting tide with his pant legs rolled up. The cool feeling as the sea water washed over his legs and feet sent tingly feelings all through his body. This also brought back more fragmented memories about his father...
"No! Father! Please don't die! I'll make you feel better!"
"I'm...sorry. There is no cure for my sickness. And I haven't long to live."
"I can find a cure! Please, just wait a little longer. I will make you survive!"
The old man could barely speak through the horrible coughing fits. "My son..."
The young Rudy held his dying father's head in his arms. "Don't die. I'll be so sad."
"Death is a part of life, my son." The old man coughed up some blood. "It's...natural."
Rudy wiped his mouth off with a rag that was sitting nearby. "But I don't want you to die. Because I know. I know what I really am."
"Rudy...you are wise. And old enough to know the truth."
"I already know, father. Please, save your strength and don't speak anymore."
"Rudy...how I wish I could have taken you to see the world."
"I'll see the world for you, father. If that is what you wish."
"I...I wish I could be with you forever. But I shall pass on very soon."
"Don't die. I won't let you."
"Let me impart...some of my knowledge onto you." The old man barely managed to turn his head. He was sweating profusely, growing paler by each passing second. "Remember...how I told you to follow your feelings? You must do this. If you lie to yourself, you will be miserable, like I was." Rudy cried as he looked down into his father's sickly face. "I know you lied to me. But I don't blame you. You were afraid of the truth, just like I am right now. That's why I need you now."
"You don't...need me. You're a man now. You're old enough to make your own choices."
"But what if I stumble?"
"That is also a part of life. Nothing is perfect, and life isn't foolproof."
"Then..."
"You just have to get right up, dust off your feet and jump back in. Into the sea."
"Into the sea..."
His father grew weaker with each passing moment. He knew his death was imminent, but he was not afraid. He actually began to smile. "You are my pride...and my joy." Rudy hugged him tight, wishing that he would never leave him. "My son...my prodigy Holmcross. Live for the day, always. Follow your heart and your feelings. And most importantly...do what you feel is right in your heart." The old man shed a tear, then went limp. He had finally died. Right in his son's arms.
"Nooooooooo! Father!" Rudy held his body tightly in his arms. "Dad...Zepet..."
~~~~~~~~~~
Nightfall had arrived when the two finally got to the beach. The moon loomed high in the star-checkered sky as Cecilia and Jack approached the end of the beach where Rudy was silently standing in the rising and ebbing tide. He had his portable cannon in his arm, silently stroking it. Jack moved forward, but she quietly motioned for him to wait there. She slowly walked up behind the solemn lad, trying not to shock him or let him know she was there. It seemed he was unaware that his allies were in his presence. The moon shone brightly on the relatively calm waters as she approached to speak to him.
"...Rudy?"
"I'm not human."
Cecilia looked strangely at him when he said this, because she did not know what he had meant. He hadn't turned around yet to look at her.
"What are you saying, Rudy?"
"I'm not human. I'm not like you."
"Not like me? Why?"
"I don't know. It's just a dream I had."
She stepped up and grabbed his shoulder, and he whipped around to face her. Tears were streaming down his face. It was then that she noticed his clothing was soaked.
"Were you in the water?"
"Yes. With my father."
"Your...father?"
"Yes. He is in the sea."
"..."
Rudy put his cannon down and embraced Cecilia. She didn't expect him to act this way all of a sudden, but she didn't resist either. She just let him release all of his feelings. It was a shock, especially since Rudy never really had any physical or emotional outburst with anyone.
"Rudy, I~~"
He interrupted by placing a finger to her lips. "Shh...you don't have to say anything."
Rudy motioned for Jack to come over. The three stood in a circle, looking at each other in silence. It was very strange for them, but Rudy took the initiative. "I'm sorry for worrying everyone. But I just needed time to think." Jack spoke up to answer him.
"It's all right, I guess. But if Hanpan hadn't come, we probably wouldn't have found you."
"I know. I'm sorry."
Cecilia joined in. "What were you saying about your father?"
"He is in the sea. He's dead, but I know he's there."
"Are you sure?" Cecilia wasn't sure if he quite believed him. It sounded like nonsense.
"Yes. You probably think I'm crazy, but it's true. He's there."
"Okay."
Rudy apologized again and asked the Princess how the meeting with Minister Johan went. "What did he say? Does he support you?"
"Yes."
"Well, when did you plan on leaving?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe in a couple of days. I still need time to get it together."
Jack burst in with words of his own. "Yeah, that's right. We got new information."
"Really? What is it about?", Rudy asked.
"We need to go to Milama first. There, we will head to the Guardian Shrine."
"I understand."
"Well...", Cecilia sighed. "Shall we go back to the castle. It's sort of cold out here."
"Yep. Let's go, Hanpan.", Jack replied.
The two began to walk back, but Rudy stayed put. They turned around, wondering why he didn't follow them. "Rudy?", the woman asked. "What's wrong? Are you okay?" He replied by saying, "Yes. But I cannot go with you."
"What?" Cecilia, Jack and Hanpan replied simultaneously, all shocked.
"I...I just can't You will have to do it by yourselves. I'm really sorry."
"But Rudy~~", Cecilia whined.
"Please. I cannot do this. I have to follow my heart."
"Your heart? What are you saying?"
"I must find my father. He is in the sea."
As Jack and Cecilia called out for him, Rudy started to walk toward the tide again. But this time, he didn't stop. With every step he took further in to the moonlit ocean, his convictions became that much more powerful and absolute. This was his dream and his purpose. To seek out what was so cruelly and fatefully ripped away from him during the tumultuous times of his youth. He could not stop, nor did he wish to stop. With the night gust picking up as more of his body became enveloped by the cool waters, he smiled at his destiny. He stopped and turned around, only to say one thing to his comrades.
"I'm going home. Goodbye Cecilia...Jack, and Hanpan. I'm finally happy. I no longer am required to be just another fighting machine..."
The two ran to the end of the beach, desperately hoping they could stop him before he went in too deep. But it was too late. Rudy Roughnight had already been engulfed by the sea. Cecilia dropped to her knees and started to sob, realizing that it was too late to catch him. Jack kneeled as well, consoling the distraught woman. Even Hanpan shed a tear at the loss of one of his friends. As a few moments passed, she noticed something shiny laying on the ground in the tide. She stood up and walked over to it. It was the cannon that Rudy left behind.
~~~~~~~~~~
Rudy's thoughts raced as he walked on the bottom of the seabed. Passing large sea creatures and fish, the lad had a conversation with his father. He truly was in the sea.
"Father, are you mad at me?"
"No, my son. You followed your heart, just like I told you to." A voice whispered.
"Am I dead?"
"Yes."
"Good, then. I won't have to fight any longer."
"You won't, my son. No one will ever try to use you as a killing machine ever again."
"But I do feel guilty for leaving my friends behind..."
"Like I said, like is not foolproof. You can't make everyone happy. Just please yourself."
"Thank you, father..."
Rudy smiled again, thinking of his father's kindly voice as he walked toward his place of birth...his home, the Epitaph Of The Sea.