Disclaimer: I do not own Maplestory in anyway.
A/N: I'm extremely sorry for the delay, here is chapter 8. I had a lot of school work this past month. Therefore, I humbly apologize for neglecting my stories. Not much to say this time I suppose. I really hope that this chapter isn't horrible. I can't believe I managed to forget to do this for so long; I would like to thank Blaze of Oz, Dekutree39, EK12, Haunani, and TsukiNoRondo for the favorite. For all my readers, thank you for your continuing support and your valuable time.
MysticMoon/Blaze of Oz: Thanks for your continuing support. :D I hope I'm not overstepping my boundaries, but can I ask you a favor? If you see a mistake, could you point it out in a review since I have a difficult time seeing them. You, of course, don't have to. Thanks in advance!
Haunani: Thanks for the new review! I hope this chapter pleases you.
Absol Master: Thank you so much for your review! I'm glad you enjoyed the first chapter! Also no worries about being outdated with Maple for I'm quite outdated myself. :D
SwingOfIce26: Thanks for the review! It's greatly appreciated. I hope that you continue to write fanfictions as well as reading my own story.
Chapter Eight: Dream or Reality?
The world had been blanketed with pure white snow. The bright winter sun reflected off the pure white crystals and made the land sparkle. Within the El Nath, Eckhart sat next to the window looking to the world outside. Like Arec had told him, he was unable to find any information about the 'Child of the Darkness,' there just wasn't anything in the house or even in the books about it. There was a fragrant aroma floating around the house, it smelt like cinnamon. Eckhart looked up and saw Rene walking over to him.
"Robeira told me to come get you. That young child has finally woken up." Eckhart nodded before getting up from the window and heading toward the room. Inside of the small, but warm room; Eckhart saw Evahart staring blankly out the little window from where she sat on the bed. She had bandages wrapped around her head and her left arm was in a sling. Eckhart walked over and sat down in the chair next to the bed. Robeira was fixing some sort of potion in the corner. Rene walked downstairs to talk quietly with the others.
"How are you feeling Evahart?" Eckhart inquired as he studied her reaction. Evahart looked down at her right hand, before sighing softly to herself.
"I don't understand what happened to him. Why did he suddenly decide to destroy the village? I have so many questions that it makes my head hurt thinking about them. Eckhart what should I do now? I have nothing to live for." Evahart said with a quiet voice.
"I believe time will give you an answer. There's no need for you to rush your decision. Now is the time for you to take a deep breath, analyze your situation and focus on healing; both mentally and physically." Eckhart replied as Evahart nodded slowly. "Evahart, what is it that you yourself wish for? I cannot tell you what that is, for I don't know what that could be. However, I know that whatever choice you decide to make," Eckhart looked at her directly "you will be alright. Do you know why I can make that assumption?" Evahart shook her head. "I can tell by your personality and your ability to have the motivation to accomplish what you set your mind to."
"What will you do now, Eckhart?" Evahart asked with a pained smile. "You're not planning to stay here until I'm better are you?" Eckhart sighed softly and stood up.
"I will be here for a few weeks to complete my training; after that I must keep going. My time will not wait for me." Eckhart paused briefly after noticing her tired eyes. "We can talk more later, Evahart. You need your rest." Evahart nodded and closed her eyes. Eckhart walked to the door and froze when he touched the door. He looked around himself. The room was held in a sickly green tint. A cold breeze came through the room.
"Failure! Loser! Coward!" An airy voice whispered around the room. Eckhart turned around slowly and saw a ghostly figure hovering over Evahart. The figure was transparent yet dark and shadow-like. The figure looked at Eckhart and back at Evahart. Its shadowed mouth moved soundlessly. The next moment the room returned to normal. Eckhart blinked before opening the door and walking out. Arec looked up at him as he walked down the stairs.
"Did you feel it?" Arec whispered under his breath, only loud enough for Eckhart to hear. Eckhart nodded slowly. "We need to talk. There's something wrong with the air lately." Arec said expectantly.
"I agree, Master Arec. Something is definitely wrong. Can you tell me about the Child of the Darkness?" Arec sighed softly and motioned him to sit.
"I personally believe it's a bit too early for you to hear about this, but I can tell time isn't on your side. The Child of the Darkness is a race that could become phantoms to the time; shadows of the sort. They were a different type of human; special due to their ability to control the darkness within a human's soul. They were greatly sought after for their powers. They could be used for good and evil. If someone who managed to control their souls then they were forever trapped to that person's bidding." Arec explained softly. Eckhart looked at his hands.
"I don't understand. How would the Child of the Darkness be forever trapped? It's impossible for someone to fully control a person's soul." Arec looked at the quiet world outside the window.
"Mind control and/or brainwash. If those don't manage to control the soul, then they usually try to somehow mentally weaken your will to fight against it. It's also very easy to do it when their heavily injured." Arec closed his eyes somewhat painfully. Eckhart felt sadness radiating off of Arec. "I suppose that is enough for now. We must complete your training." Arec stood up, his eyes had a shimmer of sadness. "I'll tell you more when I believe it's time. Now you must train. Come and we'll begin." Eckhart followed Arec down the stairs to the bottom floor of the house and to one of the doors. He opened it and walked in. Eckhart stood in the middle of that room. There was grass under his feet and a gentle breeze blowing through the air. A forest surrounded what seemed to be like a meadow. The sound of rushing water could be heard in the distance.
"Where are we?" Eckhart asked with fasciation. Eckhart studied his new surroundings.
"We call this place Ender's Eden." Eckhart raised his eyebrow. Arec noticed the sudden weight shift in Eckhart's posture. "We call it Ender's Eden because what you see in front of you now isn't really there."
"Ender's Eden…somehow I feel like I've heard that before. It's awfully familiar." Eckhart mumbled softly under his breath. Arec looked around the area. "Master Arec, if what I see is not really there; how do I see what is really there?"
"It's really simple actually. You must never blind yourself from the truth. Always seek the truth and refuse to bring those things to your assumed conclusions. Otherwise you will always be easily swayed to choosing the wrong choice. It's simple but difficult to accomplish." Arec walked toward what was seen as a peddle stool. On top of the peddle stool was a box that pulsated with an unusual power. "This box hasn't been opened in centuries and therefore its content has been forgotten. I know you can feel the power that radiates from it. For now, you shall practice on being able to see the absolute truth. I'll be back when I know you can do it." Arec said before walking to a door and opening it. Eckhart watched as the door disappeared and sat down on the so-called grass. At a lost on what to do, Eckhart merely started to mediate in the quietness of the field.
Arec walked up to the main floor and came face to face with Rene and Robeira. They looked at him with worry etched onto their faces. Rene touched his left shoulder. Arec felt images appearing in front of his eyes.
"I see…. Rene, how is the little one?" Arec inquired. Rene sighed softly as Robeira looked toward the ground.
"She is in a daze. However, Eckhart has been able to get her to speak. She also asked if she could return to her village to look for things that survived." Rene answered. "I don't know, Arec. It seems a bit too risky at the moment."
"You might want to take a look Arec. There's something unusual in her eyes." Robeira voiced gently. Arec nodded slowly. "Pedro and Tylus told us that they're going out for a few hours, said something about supplies." Rene smiled before disappearing to another room. Robeira stayed and looked at her clipboard. "Arec, there was a moment before Eckhart came down from that the room that it felt chilly. Do you have any idea what it might be?" Arec shook his head.
"I'll go and take a look at the child. Robeira, Eckhart in that room right now." Arec flinched when Robeira suddenly jerked.
"You put him in Ender's Eden! Arec, don't you know how dangerous that place is? He could get killed in there." Robeira yelled out with worry. Arec merely closed his eyes.
"Robeira, he'll be fine. That place cannot kill him, nor can it save him. Ender's Eden is a place that only the Child of the Darkness can fully grasp. He won't end up like me. I wasn't able to keep an eye on the truth required to be able to survive in there for long. Eckhart has the ability and the will, not to mention there is a heavenly aura around him. Someone is constantly watching over him. There's no need to worry." Arec said before opening his pained eyes. He didn't allow Robeira to return a retort, as he was already up the first flight of stairs. Robeira sighed sadly to herself before going to meet up with Rene. Arec walked in front of the door leading to Evahart's room. He knocked on the door and walked inside. Evahart was awake and staring out the window. Her eyes were dull, yet full of emotions. Evahart slowly turned her attention toward Arec. "What is your name, child?"
"Evahart." Her voice was merely a whisper. Arec studied her eyes as she spoke.
"It's alright. You don't need to keep hiding what you're feeling deep down. We'll help you as much as we can." Evahart continued to stare at him.
"How do I find my path in life, when I have nothing else?" Evahart questioned quietly. Arec sat down in the chair that was next to the bed.
"It's simple, Evahart. Set a goal on what you want to become. It will give you a reason for the time being." Silence engulfed the room. "I heard you wanted to return to your village. I will allow you to go on one condition;" Evahart nodded him to continue, "that condition is that you only go there only five times while you're here. I'm afraid that it will become too dangerous for you if you go there to many times. Also, Robeira and the others don't agree with the thought of allowing you to return. I know what you're going through right now. I have to tell you though; moving on is the hardest part."
"Master Arec, when do you believe I'll be able to do some exercise?" Evahart asked. Arec smiled as he saw her eyes brighten.
"I'm sure you can do some light exercise around this time next week. However, I'd ask Robeira about it since she's the one taking care of you." Arec replied.
"Eckhart?" Arec nodded slowly.
"He's training right now. If he can overcome this obstacle than he'll be on his way to learning more about himself." Evahart smiled gently.
"I'm sure he'll be able to do it. Eckhart's presence is really convincing." Evahart looked out the window briefly, before looking at Arec. "Thank you, Master Arec. I appreciate what all of you tried to do for me." Arec merely brushed it off.
KairaKara101 here!
I so sorry, that I was a month late on posting this chapter. It's not even a big chapter to make up for it. T_T sorry. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint… I feel disappointed with myself…. Again sorry guys!