Chapter 8:

1 Year Later…

I sat on the roof, staring off into the distance, the sun slowly beginning to rise.

I'm so sorry,

None of us have talked to, heard of/from, or seen Ty in over a year. I'm beginning to believe… he might be dead.

I caused all this trouble, ruined things for everyone…

What's worse is the fact that I still love him. I've even tried moving on, but every time I was with her, I'd feel emotionless, I'd feel empty.

Maybe it's best if I just leave and never come back…

I've travelled around, tried to see if, maybe, he was camped in a different town or city. I'd never find him, or feel his aura at night. Either he's better at concealing it, or I'll never feel it again.

I'm sure none of you even care anymore…

A few days after the harvest festival, when we still hadn't realized Ty had left, we got a knock on the door. We'd all been eating dinner at the time, and I opened the door, being closest. A man had been there, skin pale as snow, long, shaggy, untended void black hair, and I couldn't even see his eyes no matter how hard I tried. He looked sick.

"Can we help you?" I'd asked, a confused look coming to my face. He simply smiled a wicked smile, leaned against the doorframe where everyone could see him.

"I ruined his life." This dark voice with so much power and energy only I could feel stated. "Are you satisfied?" And he was gone, and we never saw him again.

So I won't even bother with a goodbye…

Ty had told us about a man, ruining his life, constantly reminding him about it, so I rushed upstairs leaving the front door wide open, and when I tried Ty's doorknob, it turned. I threw the door opened and was greeted by nothing but a note.

-Ty

The sun now rising high into the sky, I slowly climbed off the roof, entering the dark, depressing house. I found Jerome still sitting at the kitchen table, where he'd been sitting for a day or so now, not moving, not giving any sign of caring about the world anymore. He was starting to scare Mitch. Jerome thinks it's his fault Ty left. I grabbed something to eat, placing two servings on the table. One for Jerome and one for me. I pushed it close to him, waving a hand in front of his face as his vision shifted downward. He sighed softly, eating the partially cold food, his eyes still glazed over.

"Stop blaming yourself Jerome, it isn't your fault." I softly asked, taking a bite of the food.

"I basically abandoned him on the side of the road." He responded. I blinked. Jerome can still talk? Jerome hasn't been talking to anyone, not even Mitch.

"Jerome, you tried your best to believe him, I mean… I was having trouble believing him too…" I sadly exclaimed. I hadn't told anyone about Ty and I, no one but Jerome. He would just sit there and listen, never interrupting, just staring off into space. I didn't think he was actually listening, I just needed someone to vent too.

"Right…" He whispered, continuing to eat. Neither of us said another word, a few minutes later Mitch coming down, rubbing his eye as he yawned.

"Good morning." It was directed at Jerome. No response. Mitch didn't care, he looked hurt Jerome still wasn't talking with him, but he didn't seem to care besides that small bit. Ian soon followed, giving me a small, reassuring smile, as he did every morning, afternoon, and night. Jerome sighed, standing, washing his plate, sitting down again.

"Nothing seems right anymore." Jerome announced. "We had Ty since he was little, we basically raised him for a few years, and then we just drove him away!" Jerome confirmed, throwing his arms in the air, then face planting against the hardwood table top.

"Jerome, it isn't your fault." Mitch assured.

"It's partially my fault!" Jerome insisted.

"Everyone is to blame. We all drove him off; none of us really believed him. You can't blame yourself for this." Ian declared, beginning to eat.

"Excuse me?!" I screamed, looking at him shocked. "Sure, I didn't completely believe him, but at least I was there to prove he was innocent! And he was and is, by the way!" I got up and left the room, going upstairs, but coming back down to answer the door. "What?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"God, such a warm welcome." Hazel responded. "Have you seen Blaze? He ran off again and I don't know where he went." She confirmed. I sighed.

"God damn it, why do you still have the dog if it keeps running off?"

"Because his owner doesn't want him!" Hazel reminded me. "What's got you all up tight today?" She calmly continued.

"What do you think?" I questioned. She sighed.

"Look, you tried, but why don't you realize something. If Ty's alive, he obviously doesn't want to see any of you ever again. If he's dead." She shrugged. "He dead." I slapped her hard. "OW!" She yelled back.

"Don't talk like that in front of my face. Ever." I warned, slamming the door in her face and storming upstairs.

"God damn it, he's taking this harder than I am." Jerome mumbled. I shut my door gently, sitting on the edge of the bed, holding the blanket close to my face, his scent still lingering within the fabrics, combined now with mine. God damn it Ty, where are you?

~Ty~

I pulled the bracer over my wrist, wiping the hair from my face, pulling the other onto my other wrist, hiding the bracelet. Slicking my hair back with my hand as I passed the pile of open letters sitting on my desk, I walked to the mirror, staring into the dull maroon eyes I've grown accustom too, my hand having no effect. Sighing, I grabbed my sheath, slipping it on; then grabbed my black helm and empty backpack, smudging charcoal onto my face to darken my complexion.

I heard Blaze yawn as I wrapped a black cloak around me, he'd come by once again for reasons I'm still unsure of. I looked to him as he stretched out over the couch, crossing his arms behind his head, his red brown hair shaggy like mine.

"I don't understand why you come here." I informed him once more. He shrugged.

"I don't know, I just feel more comfortable around you. Besides, I can tell you all my secrets." He answered. "I can't tell Hazel, she thinks I'm a little lost puppy without a home."

"Right. I'll be back, there's firewood piled up in the backyard if you decide you're cold." I confirmed. "And kill all the sheep and I'll kill you." I warned, leaving. Yeah, Blaze, as it turned out, is actually not a dog, but a shape shifter, one of the few left living and in hiding. He's a dog shifter, in case you didn't get the memo.

I entered the welcoming freeze of Kilmarths cold winds, shutting my door tightly before any snow could escape the weather. Kilmarth is a town placed on a rocky mountain top, so snow was the daily sunlight here. If we were lucky, we'd actually see the sun once or twice a month.

I owned a house and lived all on my own, almost in the heart of the city too. It helps when you show up with a bag full of cash. I passed by some of the other residents, most of them also wearing cloaks, there hoods up while mine was down and resting smoothly on my shoulders. I heard trotting from behind me, looking down behind me to see Blaze, his fur still red brown, his eyes blazing like a fire in the dark.

"Can't let me have the fun all by myself, can you?" I teased, reaching down and rubbing the top of his head. He nipped playfully at me, considering I know he doesn't mind someone petting him, unless the person knows he's human too. Then he kind of cares, just a little bit.

I passed by the forge, the blacksmith roughly beating the metal down. The people here are sturdy and tough; they don't let the cold get to them. Miner's sat by the entrance to the mountain mine, giving me a slight nod with smiles plastered on their faces. I nodded back. I was very much respected here, what? Being the youngest guy to ever afford a fancy, heart-founded house all by himself? Nothing much, really. Although, I must say, it get's lonely here sometimes. I miss Adam. I miss Jerome and Mitch and Ian. I miss Hazel and Miss. Israel, and even if I have friends here… they don't feel right.

I've been asked on countless dates, but I always denied, my heart still placed in the caring hands of the miner I knew as a brother. I bet he's moved on already. Reaching the gates, the guards gave me smiles, opening them up for me as I smiled back, waving and saying bye as I left with Blaze trailing behind me. Approaching the stables, I entered, the sudden warm air making me pause before continuing.

"Ah, Ty!" Damien called, coming over, his hair a complete mess as usual, his skin covered in dirt and grime, a pitchfork in hand. He owned the stable, and also happened to be one of my best friends. Actually, he's my only best friend here… "What brings you here on this lovely day?" I gave him a hug, Blaze sitting down as Damien rubbed his head, knowing him, as a dog, quite well.

"I'm heading out for Waterworks; I came to get Snow-Dust ready." I informed him, going into the tack room and grabbing Snow-Dust's tack. Snow-Dust is my horse, the finest colt in MineCraftia. Literally. I got my grooming kit, setting the tack down on a rack by Snow-Dust's stall, grabbing his halter as I approached, unlatching the door. Snow-Dust greeted me, nudging me gently as I held a gentle hand over his muzzle, pulling the black halter on over his head and getting him into crossties. I groomed him, brushed his mane and tail, picked his hooves; then got him saddled up and ready to go. Snow-Dust got his name because he's as white as snow, and hard to spot in blizzards, like how dust is all around us, but we barely notice it.

"Bye Damien." I called, leading Snow-Dust from the stable and into the cold winds. Hoisting myself up, I got a hold of Snow-Dust's reins, giving them a gentle, but firm tug back. He picked his front feet up, whinnying as he took off at a full gallop down the mountainside, Blaze right by his side. In a two-point position, I stayed perfectly balanced, my upper body never moving, my arms and legs doing all the work for me. My hands gripped at the full, flowing mane Snow-Dust possessed, my face set with a hard expression as all we were was a streak of black in the white powdered storm.

~Adam~

"What do you mean you couldn't find him?!" Hazel demanded.

"He always comes back, calm down." I argued, walking along with her in the plains, heading back home.

"He's been doing this too often lately, why does he do this to me?" She demanded, sighing.

"He was once a wolf Hazel, and he still is at heart, you can't change that. They need to be free sometimes, and besides, maybe it's mating season." I suggested, sitting down on the little cliff, about 20 feet higher than the normal ground level, part of a small hill. She didn't respond, staring off into the distance with a questioned look. I followed her gaze, spotting a horse, black as night, standing out with the iron armor it possessed.

"Who the hell is that?" Hazel started. I shrugged, standing.

"Stay here." I requested, taking off for the horse. "Hey!" I called as I got closer about 5 minutes later. The person stopped the horse, looking to me with eyes set, armor only worn by guards of the Central City.

"What is it citizen?" He demanded, seeming busy.

"What are you doing here?"

"We're looking for a proven warrior, going by the name of Deadlox; he continues to deny the requests from the general, to speak in person. Last we know of, he lived here. Can you direct me to him?" My heart stopped. What?

"I-… I'm sorry sir, your information is long outdated; he doesn't live here anymore." I answered.

"Then where may I find him?"

"I don't know, he disappeared… Wait, where were the letters being sent if he's getting them?" I questioned, giving him a suspicious look.

"They were being sent by the mage mailing system, the letters simply teleport to him, the answer being received the same way. The regular mail system is messed up these days." The man informed me. "May I ask who you are?"

"Adam, sir, Deadlox use to be my housemate."

"Ah, Sir Sky, it's wonderful to see a fellow guard, I've been split from my comrades since the crossroads. I am Sir Michael." He introduced, reaching down to shake my hand.

"Nice to meet you." I replied, smiling. No one calls me Sir Sky.

"Is there anywhere I could stay the day? Shade needs to rest after the long journey."

"We have a spare room, here; I'll take you to the house." I exclaimed. He dismounted Shade, walking alongside me, quiet until we arrived.

"You have a beautiful house Sky."

"Adam." I corrected.

"Of course, Adam. That's a nice name." Michael confirmed, smiling as he lead Shade around to the back of the house, following me. When we got back there, I waved to Jerome and Mitch, who were staring at Michael curiously. Michael tied Shade to the railing just long enough to take off the tack, then prying off the armor with a practiced ease, all while we watched. Letting Shade roam in the backyard, he looked to me. "Is there anywhere I could-"

"Here, we can put it in the armory." I insisted, taking the tack from him. He nodded.

"Ok, who the hell is this guy?" Ian finally questioned, having come out a while ago.

"I am Sir Michael of the Central City; I take you to be Sir Sundee, yes?" Michael introduced, shaking his hand.

"Ian." Ian corrected.

"Why are you here?" Mitch asked.

"You are such a beautiful horse…" Jerome mumbled from behind us, having gone to pet him. Her?

"Is Shade a-"

"Filly, she's a young, feisty war horse, bred pure and strong like her mother was." Michael explained. "You must be Sir Bajan, and I presume that one is Sir Jerome, nice to meet you." Michael concluded for himself, shaking Mitch's hand.

"Mitch." Mitch corrected. "Why is he here?"

"He needs a place to stay for the night, Shade needs to rest from the long journey." I explained as Shade rolled around in the grass, Jerome approaching us again, shaking Michael's hand.

"Oh, right, and we have a few spare bedrooms…" Ian mumbled. "Well, let's go get you settled in then." He confirmed, opening the door for everyone. I put Shade's tack away in the armory, her armor as well; then joined everyone in the living room.

"So what brings you to town?" Jerome began, cuddling up close with Mitch.

"Our general's request to meet in person with a proven, strong warrior keeps getting denied, so we're going to ask him in person." Michael shrugged. "From what I understand, his name is Deadlox-"

"Ty's alive?!" Jerome interrupted, basically lifting the man up by his shirt, suddenly standing, startling Michael. He quickly nodded. Jerome dropped him, sitting back down with a thud. "So he just doesn't like us anymore…" He sadly mumbled. Mitch hugged him, pecking his cheek. As everyone continued asking more and more questions, Michael gladly answered them all, willing to share his wisdom with us. By the time dinner had been consumed, we were all tired, so we went to bed. I mean, we only worked at night a few nights a week, so…

By morning, Michael insisted he should get going, already having Shade cleaned, saddled, and armored up by the time I woke up. I didn't argue, but watching him leave after a goodbye. He also told me that if they managed to find Deadlox, that he'd send him our way, so that we could see him again. I doubt they'll find him, hell, I couldn't find him… I went to town once everyone else began to wake up, going to Hazel's shop to see a dog with an orange collar sitting out front, patiently waiting for Hazel to open the store up.

"Blaze!" I called, rushing over and engulfing him with a hug. He licked my cheek as I picked him up, carrying him on and partially over my shoulder. "Alright buddy, now you listen to me, you're starting to give Hazel a heart attack with your little disappearing act, so you better start cleaning that act up." I warned, pulling out a spare key to Hazel's store from my pocket and unlocking the door.

"We're closed, hold- Blaze!" Hazel screamed, taking him from me.

"You welcome." I called as I left. I knew she was thankful, so I didn't mind she didn't say it. I started back towards home, when Miss. Israel caught up with me.

"So who was the man on the horse that came through earlier on his way to leave?" She began, tilting her head in confusion.

"That was Sir Michael, Central City guard… Guess who keeps denying their general's request to meet in person." She stopped, thinking. She shrugged. "Ty."

"He's alive?" She began. Everyone felt a bit bad for driving Ty off, especially Hazel and Miss. Israel. Everyone hoped he'd come back, they'd just been pissed at the time at what kept happening around Ty and needed someone to blame. Naturally, it went to Ty because he was 'causing' everything. I nodded. "That's great news... Oh, wait…"

"He obviously doesn't want to see us." I finished for her. "I got to go, bye!" I called.

"Bye, and tell Ian I said hi!"

Getting home, I found everyone eating a freshly made breakfast by Jerome, grabbing a serving and sitting with them. We were all silent, but the previous tension had long passed. Now that we knew Ty was safe, I personally felt at ease. I could tell Jerome did too.

"Oh, Miss. Israel says hi Ian." I informed him, getting up and washing my plate.

"She did?" He asked. I nodded.

"Duh." Jerome and Mitch snickered after Ian left. I shook my head. Ian never admits it, but he has a thing for Miss. Israel, what, with them both being the same age and both of them hard working. Ian doesn't realize it yet though, it's funny.

"What do you want to do today?" Mitch questioned, talking to Jerome.

"I want to spend time with you." He answered, getting close and giving him a passionate kiss.

"But what do you want to do?" Mitch asked.

"We can go out into the fields today… I want to see if any wild horses have stumbled into them, I want one." He insisted. Mitch laughed, nodding.

"Fine, Adam, you coming?" I shrugged.

"Sure, I guess." I had nothing better to do anyway, what's the point in sitting and doing nothing?