ã€ŠThe Neverprince - [An Epic Progression]ã€‹


 The Worlds Throne

    Reial stood on The World¡¯s Throne, a colossal Remnant that sat in the heart of Aunesfern. Built out of a rare shade of dawnstone, it appeared like a third moon, dwarfing the sprawling city that had once been considered Yushiloc¡¯s envy. He had always admired the building from afar, but to be here, to be finally standing on the same behemoth which countless monarchs had claimed as their own¡­

    <blockquote>

    Well, the feeling was indescribable.

    </blockquote>

    Reial tilted his head up, glimpsing the dark clouds distorting about the impossibly tall spire. They phased in and out of reality, like wisps of smoke, as they struggled to reestablish themselves.

    To most people, Reial would¡¯ve been looking sideways, but to a Veil Strider like him, angles were meaningless. Why wouldn¡¯t they be? The Firmament bent to his whims, not the other way around.

    Tyyon¡¯s piercing green light pierced the dark sea, scattering Aunesfern with its warmth. It bathed the nearby, looming terrace in its ethereal glow. Of the twin moons, Tyyon was always Reial¡¯s favorite. If not for its odd color, then for its stubborn nature. She did not recede as her brother did.

    The scenery was tranquility incarnate. A soothing reassurance to the fair-minded, but not to Reial. He had to leave. This place, his home, he didn¡¯t belong here.

    He had never belonged here.

    That suffocating lifestyle, his overbearing parents, all those tutors, and for what? To drive him away as they had done now. It wasn¡¯t fair. Hyvas, why couldn¡¯t it be fair?

    Crouching down, Reial stared at his reflection in the demi-glass. No one was inside the tunneling staircase, at least, no one he could see. Did Rei ever pass through these halls, thinking of what He could do to better the lives of His subjects? All while choosing to stay and fight instead of turning tail like some coward.

    He was a great man. Great at everything He did. Creating laws, understanding, uniting an old world, and fending off foreign invaders. It didn¡¯t matter what came, for His strength was the strength of the Ancients. A power that everyone but Reial seemed to possess.

    His only proof of his shared lineage with the man was his scarlet eyes. Of blood and red-hot pride.

    Reial stared at them, ignoring the ever-growing pit in his stomach as his mind urged him to look away. They shouldn¡¯t have belonged to him. Others were more deserving of His blood, Reial knew that. He just¡­wanted to believe that he could be worthy of such a treasure. Even for a moment.

    Reial forced on a small smile in an attempt to recreate the ancient king¡¯s kind visage. Wise, yet measured, just like his portraits. Someone who could listen to your troubles with an unclouded heart. Their grin like Solvaylius above. Then he heard it. Relamene¡¯s screams, the blood, Scorch¡¯s whimpers.

    Not again. Not now.

    The reflection¡¯s smile quickly faded.

    Reial had better things to do than to entertain such thoughts. He had the whole of Yushiloc to explore! A world filled with wonders; wonders which had tempted his childhood fantasies!

    Reial couldn¡¯t just let this opportunity pass him by. He had to take it. That¡¯s what he would¡¯ve wanted, right? The child that had once been.

    Reial¡¯s reflection grew longer as he stood at his full height.

    They deserved this much. Even if he wasn¡¯t as smart or dashing as an Aunesfernish man should have been, he was still worthy of this small happiness. Right?

    Reial suppressed the distant memories. No, he knew that he belonged in a university somewhere, learning with others, studying for a profession that he didn¡¯t care about. He needed to be better. For his tutors, and his family.

    If all Reial did was entertain his fantasies, then he would stagnate. Never achieving what should have been expected. Hyvas, why couldn¡¯t he just focus? He had responsibilities to attend to! Yet here he was, wasting his¡ª

    Reial? What¡¯s taking you so long? Charette¡¯s voice cracked through their Link. I thought you were going to be quick, not ignore me for the last half hour!

    Sorry¡­I was just thinking, Reial lied.

    Think later! We need to get going, and fast.

    I know, I know. I¡¯ll be down in a second.

    Good.

    Reial drank in the sights once more. This fortress, one of humanity¡¯s greatest bastions, would be nothing more than a distant memory in time. The bright lights dotting every street, the glowing Solvaylian Projections advertising food and commercial products, the pitiful, sloping skyscrapers that failed to reach even a tenth of the Remnant''s height. Desperate to mimic its greatness despite their dawnstone-make.

    They were the final reminders of a world that had once been. A people whose lifetime work had been shattered in the span of a decade, yet it remained proud all the same. Acting as a foundation for the greatness that would one day revitalize the world.

    A hope to cling to.

    Reial glanced at the nearby redwood forest. It had been his only refuge growing up. A location devoid of the hustle and bustle of city life despite the titanic trees rivaling the skyscrapers, and he would be leaving it all behind. As if they were nothing more than scattered leaves.

    Jadica, his mother and father, Eston, those warm summers shaded beneath the towering redwoods¡­ Hyvas, Reial could even hear the shrill ¡°songs¡± of a blinding redtail if he strained his listening. That¡¯s one thing no city could ever replicate: the tranquility which graced the countryside.

    It almost made him want to stay. The World¡¯s Throne might have been his ancestral home, but it could never compare to those memories that warmed his heart. It was a thought deserving of ridicule. No sentiment could surpass the awe-inspiring allure of a Remnant. They were perfect in every sense of the word, and yet¡ª

    BROTHER! Came Charette¡¯s ear-splitting message.

    Reial flinched. Right, his sister. The same one he had abandoned some several miles below. Probably not best to keep her waiting.

    Reial summoned a rift from beyond, tearing open the Firmament as a stream of ruby Essence wound about his legs. It filled him with the irresistible desire to move! He was a Veil Strider, after all. Choosing not to would be a waste of the Almagest¡¯s blessing.

    With a single breath, Reial burst forward, blazing down the sloping surface with a Stride. The dawnstone reformed beneath his every step, coaxing an explosion of ruby sparks with each click of his heels. Every inch of the god-sculpted mountain gave way beneath his will, reducing itself to a divine pathway.

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    Reial pushed each Stride harder than the last, painting the air with arcing ruby joy. Their very forms sinking into the Firmament. He wasn¡¯t a master of movement like those of the Vaesian persuasion, but he was confident enough in his technique to get around.

    Reial¡¯s Veil Sight clipped the blurring world together, enhancing every detail to such a vivid degree that Yushiloc resembled more a painting than reality.

    A blast of light flooded the world as he came within the range of the Skyscrapers. Their sloping architecture mirroring that of the Remnant. Made from equal parts steel and dawnstone, these aspiring wonders bore the proud colors of the state: Gold, black, and red.

    The marks of wealth, strength, and wisdom.

    Reial adjusted his footing as he broke into a slide, kicking up a wave of ruby energy as he snaked about the metal bulge of a Projector. Once he was cleared, he thrust himself forward again with all the strength he could muster, breaking past the shuddering veil of the Firmament.

    He could make out the vast courtyards below, decorated in an endless array of sculptures, paintings, and calligraphy that ranged from Old Almanesian to High Brulasce, though the latter was fewer in number. A veritable remnant from Mysvrel¡¯s rule, no doubt. The Restorer of the World.

    As Reial came within fifty feet of the Remnant¡¯s base, he leapt, using his accumulated speed to crash beside the unsuspecting figures of Scorch and Charette. Sparks splashed in real time as he relinquished his hold on his Veil Sight, and though they looked to the skies, it wasn¡¯t long before one of the dancing sparks caught Charette¡¯s attention. Sound followed suit as she yelped at his sudden appearance.

    The two shared many of the same features. Pale sandy brown hair (though he would argue hers was more of an acorn), nearly-glowing scarlet eyes, and a light Aunesfernish complexion, though hers was a shade or two darker. They sported tailbinds for winter and spring, but their approach to the conventional Aunesfernish garb couldn¡¯t be any more different.

    Reial¡¯s was traditional, patterned with an enhanced feather motif around the cuffs, hem, and collar. All of which were colored black. The main body of the jacket was red, while the lapels were embroidered with a golden, wing-like design.

    Charette opted for a more modern approach. Doing away with the prominent feather motif for a collection of ruffled fur. Just like a newly hatched chick. One half of the jacket was colored black, while the other was white, though an overarching design of golden-bordered brown shapes stretched from sleeve to waist.

    Aside from that, she wore dignified frilled shorts over black leggings and a pair of booties. Comfortable enough to wear, yet stylish enough to travel in. Reial took after her in that regard, wearing a pair of dark pants with fine boots from the same brand as her. He thought they were pretty sturdy and reliable. They were aesthetically pleasing, and that¡¯s all he cared about.

    Now all he needed to do was explain himself.

    ¡°Sorry about the wait,¡± Reial said, though he couldn¡¯t really muster the tone to prove it.

    Charette rolled her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t be dwelling stupid. You can¡¯t just Stride up a Remnant. Even if we do technically own it! What if a dragoon saw you?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen one fly that high before.¡±

    ¡°Well, you never know,¡± Charette muttered.

    Realizing that something was amiss, Reial scanned the area and found Scorch meticulously clawing at the impossibly winding walls of The World¡¯s Throne. Almost as if he were trying to climb it. The thought brought a smile to Reial¡¯s face.

    Scorch had red and orange scales, with golden fur that ran along his belly and head. Whereas one would imagine a stout hound, he was as sinuous as a serpent. The atypical build of a drog.

    Charette lifted a heavy-looking bag from the ground and pressed it against Reial¡¯s chest. It was filled with many of his personal possessions, as well as rations, a map in case they got lost, and money for the journey. Fortunately, Yusanian dollars weren¡¯t as cumbersome as the Khaantanese coin currency.

    Reial accepted his backpack with a small thanks and slipped the leathery straps over his shoulders. He was ready now, but even as he instructed his legs to move, his eyes couldn¡¯t help but wander. The city was enormous. Greater than any that had come before or even after it, and he would leave it without a proper goodbye. Never having explored it.

    It felt wrong. Reial should¡¯ve been browsing the shops, not leaving for good. That¡¯s what they had always dreamt of, was it not? Just a chance to go out and explore the world, starting with the mysterious city that should¡¯ve been home.

    Its vast monuments spanned for miles in either direction. A veritable treasure trove of the past stuck in the present. Reial would¡¯ve given anything just to wander these streets and lose himself for hours.

    If only she were here to enjoy this moment with him.

    If only he hadn¡¯t failed her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get going,¡± Charette said without further delay.

    Reial nodded, though he soon found himself staring at The World¡¯s Throne. The Remnant was ancient. Made in a time before the Invasion of the Nether Dwellers, and the founding of the first Aunesfernish Empire. No one knew why it was here, or why any of the Remnants existed for that matter. Not even Reiyrlet or Exania Mechora, two of the brightest minds to grace the human race.

    Was that what made them all the more awe-inspiring? Because they didn¡¯t know why they were here? Only that they believed them to be special because of their presence.

    Reial tore his gaze away from the Remnant, but instead of finding Charette further down the street, she was standing in front of him. Pouting.

    ¡°You were ignoring me again, weren¡¯t you?¡± She whispered to him.

    ¡°What? No! I was just¡­distracted,¡± Reial half-lied.

    Charette huffed, then made her way down the street. ¡°Let¡¯s get going then so you can get ¡®distracted¡¯ by other things.¡±

    Reial frowned as he quickly followed after her, feeling like a fool all the while. Not only had he forced her to lie in wait for half an hour, but he had also been too distracted by the dwelling Remnant to even respond to her. If only he could melt away into the background until he came up with a suitable apology.

    As they passed through the vacant streets of Aunesfern, Reial¡¯s attention was drawn to a flickering lamp outside a closed store. Is the route-work faulty here too? He wondered as they came upon it. Essence-based machinery¡ªas well as items powered by the property¡ªwere supposed to be efficient. It was a technology that was meant to last a lifetime. Then again, it was an intricate field that probably saw more than its fair share of errors. Not that he knew anything about it.

    Bright Solvaylian Projections painted the space above shops, promising discounts, and sales of brands he¡¯s never heard of. He even spotted several golden statuettes of the Empyreans sitting in grand display windows. Surrounded by treasures and technology that had once been common in their era.

    Reial wished that he were more familiar with these shops. Maybe then he might feel something instead of this distant yearning.

    ¡°So, where are we going?¡± Charette asked though he could still hear her previous hurt.

    ¡°I¡­don¡¯t know,¡± Reial mumbled.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± She gaped at him. ¡°You left home in the middle of the night, Strode up one of the tallest Remnants, and you don¡¯t know?¡±

    Blood rushed to Reial¡¯s cheeks. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t truly know, he just wasn¡¯t expecting her to follow him. The girl was sharp. Much more than he gave her credit for.

    ¡°Well, where would you like to go?¡± Reial asked.

    Charette hummed, her scarlet eyes focused on the sky. ¡°How about Th¨ªrion? I¡¯ve always wanted to see the glades there. Not to mention the Remnant residing in the kingdom¡¯s capital.¡±

    ¡°I believe you¡¯re forgetting the bit about the Solvaylian University,¡± Reial teased.

    ¡°Of course, I want to go there! I just didn¡¯t want to make it seem like that was the only reason.¡±

    Reial turned towards the east, though it was impossible to see anything but buildings clouding the horizon. There weren¡¯t that many ways to get to Th¨ªrion, at least on land. The only options were either the Yuson Steppe or somewhere around Geschen. And he¡¯d rather not freeze to death in an effort to get there. Then again, it was preferable to sticking around in Yusanik.

    A hired Courser wouldn¡¯t be able to reach them if they were to stray from the republic¡¯s borders.

    Reial clicked his tongue and nodded. ¡°To Th¨ªrion we go.¡±

    Scorch yipped happily, bouncing up and down with excitement as Charette smiled. Her revived grin was a pale reminder of the past.

 A Walk in the Wilds

    Blinding redtails chirped at their newfound visitors, much to Reial¡¯s annoyance. Why did anyone like their  ¡°songs?¡± It was more akin to having someone scream in your ears.

    And the worst part? They still had all of southern Aunesfern to go through.

    Aunesfern wasn¡¯t exactly the smallest state in the nation, by many, it was considered the second largest. With Uvandra¡ªits sister state¡ªbeating it out in size.

    That didn¡¯t make the walk any easy on them. Especially with Charette having declined his offer to Stride her across the state. For some reason, she was intent on walking there, saying that they should take in the sights while they could. It all sounded like an excuse to him.

    Scorch brushed against his leg, prancing around the walk-road and snapping playfully at the small forest animals and birds that strayed too close. Charette watched him, mindlessly bouncing an elastic ball made of Essence. Giving her something to keep her hands busy.

    ¡°May I see it?¡± Reial said, holding out his hand.

    Charette nodded, bouncing it into the palm of his hand masterfully. However, upon contact, the ball evaporated in a clear mist.

    ¡°Umm, Charette?¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°The ball.¡±

    ¡°I gave it to you.¡±

    ¡°Then where is it?¡± He asked.

    Charette tore her gaze away from the tall, redwood giants of the forest. ¡°It¡¯s-wait, where did it go?¡±

    She scanned the area, confused. Reial sighed. ¡°Never mind.¡±

    They continued in relative silence, with Scorch being Scorch. Having grown up in the rural outskirts of Aunesfern, he was well acquainted with the sights and sounds of the forest. The cinnamon scent produced by the towering redwoods, the crackling flaps of a hunting red wing, and the elusive flicker of a phantom wyrm in the depths. Watching, waiting.

    The sound of Charette¡¯s humming drew Reial¡¯s attention back to her. It felt surreal having her by his side. He had never planned to take her along. She was happy at home, yet she had chosen to follow him. Why was that?

    ¡°Reial,¡± Charette suddenly spoke up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, about yesterday.¡±

    Reial looked at her. Responding immediately would be wrong. He''d only prove himself to be foolish by speaking without talking. She didn''t deserve to hurt again. Not after everything.

    Charette, however, continued.

    ¡°I was just really stressed about you leaving. I thought that...maybe I did something wrong. I didn¡¯t want to leave on bad terms¡±

    ¡°On bad terms? You realize that I don¡¯t hate you, right?¡± He answered.

    "That didn¡¯t stop me from thinking you did...¡±

    Reial frowned. He knew what leaving would do to her. How her only friend and brother leaving her side would crush her. He was being selfish because he knew that her life would be better without him. Her frustration was justified, and that made it harder on his conscience. It was his job as her elder brother to comfort and reassure her, but he had never been particularly good at that.

    His answers were half-baked, never good enough, like his tutors had always complained. How could he be a reliable shoulder for her when he could barely stand on his own?

    ¡°So¡­any reason why you¡¯re so interested in the Solvaylian Arts?¡± Reial asked, hoping the change in subject would brighten her mood.

    Charette looked at him, her expression inscrutable. ¡°I thought learning more about them would make me¡­¡¯better.¡¯¡±

    Reial nodded. They¡¯ve had this conversation before plenty of times. To be Aunesfernish was to achieve greater and greater heights, just like Rei. Greatness was in their blood, yet they lacked the drive for learning and working. Not because they were lazy by nature, but because they never felt inspired or motivated. Outliers lost in a land of overachievers. They weren¡¯t strange, were they?

    Reial put on a smile for her. ¡°You don¡¯t need to know more about the Solvaylian Arts to be better, you¡¯re already a natural. If you were more skilled, you¡¯d be on the same level as La¡¯Vina.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just saying that to make me feel better.¡± She said, a small smile spreading across her lips. ¡°But thanks.¡±

    A short bark from Scorch caught their attention, leading them to discover the drog clawing his way up a tree. The red oak was some fifty feet, a young one judging from the length of its branches. In a burst of energy, Scorch tossed himself from the oak and began slithering across the sky, almost as if he were flying. It lasted for two seconds before he plummeted back to the earth. Crashing into a bush.

    The drog stuck his head out, looking at Reial and Charette eagerly before hopping out of the bush in a tangled mess. A fall like that wouldn¡¯t hurt a drog.

    ¡°Good boy!¡± Charette cheered. ¡°Just try not to do that in the city, please? We don¡¯t want to get into trouble.¡±

    As time dragged, Reial became a bit more talkative, tapping into the Sygnal and sharing what caught his interest through his link with Charette. That mainly being show performers. He couldn¡¯t decide what he loved more about them. Perhaps it was those large, willing smiles as they danced, performed complex Solvaylian tricks, or juggled various items. They were just happy to be there, and he wanted to know what that felt like.

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s true?¡± Charette said, interrupting the broadcast on Reial¡¯s end. ¡°You know, about the pneuma that¡¯s said to haunt the steppe.¡±

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    Reial thought about it for a good moment. That word, pneuma. Could it be¡­? ¡°No, but legends have a basis, don¡¯t they? There¡¯s probably some dangerous animal that lives up there. Probably an overgrown nezerine for all we know.

    Charette hummed. ¡°True.¡±

    Even then, an oversized beast would pose no trouble to Reial. It had more to do with the Yuson Steppes terrain. It was a barren wasteland with little to no outposts, which, coupled with its irregular weather patterns, made it a dangerous location to travel through. If the person in question wasn¡¯t a Strider, Glider, or Trancer that is.

    The safest way to Th¨ªrion, for that matter, was from Recunda¡¯s port city of Endona. Not only was there no need for identification but he¡¯s heard from many people on the Sygnal how swift the ferry was. It was the obvious choice to avoid their parent¡¯s detection.

    And yet there was still something that bothered him. Something that had continued to nag at his mind since the morning. There was still no word about their disappearance. It had been a full day and a half since they¡¯d left home, and their parents hadn¡¯t bothered to raise an alarm.

    Were they ashamed that their prized jewels had left them? That the children they had imprisoned in their own home escaped from their overbearing clutches? Did their father think that this would tarnish his reputation as governor of their state? No, that didn¡¯t make sense. He could care less for his reputation because of who he was.

    Reial could never wrap his mind around that. Their father never appeared or sounded like the kind of person who would willingly lock someone away. He was the type of person who gave you advice and a hug when you needed it. As to why he subjected them to this treatment, Reial didn¡¯t know.

    He had an easy life, or what many would call an easy life, but to him, it was anything but pleasant.

    Maybe they believe we¡¯ve locked ourselves away? He thought. That could be a plausibility. It has been only a day after all.

    ***

    Reial Strode into a clearing, his Veil Sight solidifying the twisting blurs of colors into a physical environment he could make sense of. Charette had her eyes shut tight, as the ¡°spontaneous¡± materialization in another space might throw her mind for a loop.

    Scorch followed her example, his body wrapped tightly around Reial¡¯s waist. They had to hold onto him, or else they would be broken and battered like ragdolls at the speed with which he traveled.

    Reial slowed to a natural speed, finally succumbing to the dissolution of his mind. He couldn¡¯t go on; or else he would forever lose himself. Stumbling forward, he spilled onto the ground. Crushing his sister beneath his weight as Scorch began to unfurl. It didn¡¯t hurt, because the sensation failed to register in his mind.

    During these moments, it felt as if he were watching himself. Lightheaded, lost. His eyes glazed over as he stared at nothing. It was the closest thing to death that any Essence-wielder could experience. But it didn¡¯t scare him, even if he was able to fully comprehend his own thoughts.

    Charette finally managed to push him over onto his back, freeing herself from his weight. Scorch nuzzled Reial¡¯s face, his soft fur reminding Reial in his haze of a warm blanket. Thinking on his part required a great effort. When Charette spoke, it was garbled nonsense. As if she was speaking another tongue. He felt something wet and warm against his cheek. Was Scorch licking him?

    He wanted to tell them that he was fine, that he was still ¡°all there¡± but he couldn¡¯t even feel his mouth move. Charette frowned at him, concern etched onto her face as she pulled him up and sat him against a nearby tree. He¡¯d have an earful from her whenever he managed to recover.

    Reial wanted to sigh. He knew that carrying someone while Striding was an extremely taxing effort, but he still did it. Even with four years of experience under his belt, he was still new to it. His father would¡¯ve been ashamed to see him making reckless use of his powers.

    Reial watched silently as Scorch walked in circles beside him before finally lying down. Unconditional love was a difficult thing to earn, but he never took it for granted. Like flashing lightning, guilt struck him. He wanted to leave this too, wanted to leave Scorch. Drogs weren¡¯t just animals, they were intelligent beings that could love and hate, and think for themselves as humans did.

    How would his disappearance affect Scorch? Would he howl his lament? Sniff at his old clothes to be reminded of his scent. Reial didn¡¯t know how he had come to earn the drog¡¯s affection, especially after failing to protect him too.

    Commanding his arm to move, he rubbed Scorch¡¯s folded ears. He couldn¡¯t feel any of it, not even his muscles move, but this was the most he could do to show his gratitude. Scorch nuzzled his hand before returning his head to rest.

    This, Reial thought, isn¡¯t a bad way to drift off to sleep. Just lying against a tree, staring out into the open, starry space of night. The realm of the Almagest. Their supposed Gods.

    He should¡¯ve enjoyed himself, felt at peace with where he was, yet he couldn¡¯t because he knew he didn¡¯t deserve it. That thought was enough to push him back into his state of melancholy.

    After Charette had finished making camp, she removed Reial¡¯s large bag from his shoulders and set it down by hers, his one-handed sword still strapped to it. It was his only remainder of his tutor, Eston.

    Eighteen years felt long, each year dragging out like a scuttling Treedint roach. He hadn¡¯t bothered to remove the sword from its scabbard, though Eston claimed it was ¡°special.¡± Not that it mattered, Reial wasn¡¯t much of a duelist. He could easily defend himself from most threats with his Striding alone.

    ¡°You¡­¡±

    Reial groaned inwardly. That voice. That dwelling voice. It did nothing but chastise him whenever it managed to bring itself together. Did it have nothing better to do than nag at him?

    ¡°Care to explain why you nearly killed yourself just to make some extra miles?¡± It asked with a strange, static-like quality.

    ¡°Why does it matter.¡± Reial simply replied.

    A groan. How could a voice in his head groan? ¡°By Vaes¡¯s hand, you¡¯re stubborn. You knew this would happen, but you still went through it. What if you died?¡± It asked.

    Reial didn¡¯t give a response. He didn¡¯t care enough. Not now. Perhaps if he remained silent, the voice would-

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t just leave you alone if you¡¯re quiet. I can hear what you¡¯re thinking.¡± The voice said. ¡°It¡¯s not that easy.¡±

    ¡°Why now?¡± Reial asked It.

    ¡°Because you need to take better care of yourself. With your attitude, you¡¯re no better than that legion of Veil Striders Vaes took on his Crusade.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m nothing like them.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. At least they cared enough to try.¡±

    A blend of Frustration and shame burned his cheeks. It was true¡ªHyvashyvek¡¯s name, it was true¡ªbut he hated it. They cared enough to try, try until they burned their minds out. He couldn¡¯t dream of dying for a greater cause when he was still struggling to care.

    ¡°Be more careful.¡± It advised him.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Say it like you mean it.¡±

    Reial glanced over at his sister. She was asleep, as well as Scorch. How much time had passed? ¡°You sound like a child.¡± Reial retorted.

    ¡°A child that doesn¡¯t want you to throw our lives away.¡± It countered.

    ¡°Our lives?¡± Reial said. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    ¡°Never mind that just give me an answer.¡±

    ¡®If I do, will you leave me alone?¡±

    There was nothing for a moment, then a glimmer of light appeared in his mindscape. He couldn¡¯t quite make out what it was. It was as if he were watching something from the corner of his eyes. Distinct, but fuzzy.

    ¡°I will, for now.¡± It answered.

    With a mental sigh, Reial relented. ¡°I promise to be more careful. There, is that better?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it is.¡± It gloated.

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Reial waited for a response, but it never came. The glimmer of light dimmed until it was snuffed out, and he was left alone. Alone like how he had wanted it. Without anyone to bother him or remind him of his failures.

    So why did he still feel hollow?

 Passage

    Reial cocked a brow at Charette as she collected starry-blue flowers from the roadside. He wasn¡¯t one to press for answers, especially when the issue didn¡¯t concern him. If anything, this was little more than a childish whim.

    When he grew bored of watching her, he skimmed through the Sygnal, trying to keep himself entertained. Unfortunately, there wasn¡¯t much that interested him, so he quickly tapped out. Scorch being Scorch, pranced around the road, enjoying his game of scare-the-animals-away.

    It had been a relatively calm day. They passed a few others taking the walk-road, and even hearing the distant rumble of Essence-based coaches rolling down the vehicular paths.

    Charette had utterly refused his offer of Striding across the land, as she had made a point to mention his state two days ago. Saying how it felt as if she was practically taking care of a corpse. He hadn¡¯t known it was that bad.

    Out of respect for her feelings, he didn¡¯t push the subject. Despite this, he had to convince her that they didn¡¯t have much time on their side and had to make a quick getaway. The further they were from Aunesfern, the better.

    In the mix of all of these thoughts, his mind returned to the voice. He hadn¡¯t heard from it since, yet what bothered him was deciding if it was real or not. Was he just losing it, was the voice nothing more than his reason? Like a living person in his mind? Nothing on the Sygnal suggested this had ever occurred before.

    What did he make of it then? Maybe it was his mind playing tricks on him. He¡¯s heard that when people suffer from mind dissolution, they begin to hear voices, but that voice had continued to pester him since his fourteenth year. He¡¯d long since discarded the possibility that it was the Almagest trying to communicate with him.

    Perhaps Charette could lend him some insight on his situation. She was familiar with the Solvaylian Arts, after all. It could be a Trick of sorts someone had erected around his Striding barrier. The problem lay with who cast it though. Animals, save for drogs, nezerines, and tetetomas from Khaantan, were almost entirely incapable of wielding Essence.

    He shifted his gaze to Scorch, watching as he scrambled through the forest brush, scaring away insects and small, furry animals. It was difficult to imagine innocent little Scorch doing something so evil. Even if unknowingly for so long. No, there had to be some underlying factor he couldn¡¯t see.

    Charette then approached him, a bundle of those starry-blue flowers in her hands. ¡°Are you finally going to tell me what those are for?¡± Reial inquired.

    Charette grinned.

    The flowers began to glow, mimicking the shine of the night sky. Thousands of glowing orbs rose from the petals, hovering above them and bathing the area in soft blue light. Then, they scattered. Exploding outward like a shower of shooting stars. The display left Reial dazzled.

    ¡°Did you like it?¡± She asked eagerly.

    ¡°I did, but what was that?¡±

    ¡°Oh, those were called bright flowers. I remember learning about them on the Sygnal and how they interact with Essence-based organisms. Using an infusion of said organisms Essence to pollinate.¡±

    Reial stared at her. ¡°You can remember that, but you can¡¯t remember the date of the Hazrekian Descent?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because history is boring! These aren¡¯t.¡± She said defensively.

    ¡°But they¡¯re just flowers.¡±

    Charette shot him a pouty look before smiling again. ¡°Perhaps, if I had your teachers, I would¡¯ve paid more attention.¡± She countered.

    Reial hesitated. While she was partially right, his teachers were an awfully strict bunch. Catering towards perfectionism, as many Aunesfernish should achieve. Charette had the luxury of avoiding being belittled by her foreign tutors. He was thankful that she was able to freely speak her mind without fear of harassment.

    ¡°What? You had some pretty fun teachers too! Remember Yi¡¯Len?¡± He reminded her.

    Charette scoffed. ¡°And her broken Aunesfernish? Do you remember how she used to pronounce mother¡¯s name?¡±

    Reial snorted.

    ¡°Ray-nay,¡± Charette said. ¡°It¡¯s Ray-nuh.¡±

    Reial rolled his eyes. Despite how she spoke of Yi¡¯Len, he knew that she was by far Charette¡¯s favorite tutor. Spending too much time recounting stories of her life rather than actually teaching her, which did make him question his parents¡¯ standards.

    Charette¡¯s smile widened. What was it this time? Was there something she wasn¡¯t telling him? Something he didn¡¯t quite catch. If it made her happy, then he didn¡¯t see anything wrong with it. If it was legal. Would it be rude of him to ask?

    Scorch came scrambling towards them, his mouth full of bright flowers. Reial arched a questioning brow, to which the drog jumped up excitedly in response. The flowers began to glow, sending forth a shower of gleaming pollen in his direction. He flinched as he was assaulted by the soft, puffy glowing orbs that stuck to him.

    Charette burst with laughter as Scorch yipped, hopping from one pair of legs to the other. To them, he must have looked like a pillow. Reial sighed as he rubbed the orbs from his body.

    ¡°Very funny, did you put Scorch up to this?¡± He asked.

    Scorch nodded an affirmative, making Charette blush. ¡°Sorry, I thought it would cheer you up.¡±

    ¡°Cheer me up?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you looked like you had a lot on your mind.¡±

    Well, she wasn¡¯t wrong there. ¡°I was just thinking of what we would do in Th¨ªrion.¡± He lied.

    Her eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes, really.¡± It hurt to lie to her, but she seemed so happy he would¡¯ve felt bad for admitting the truth. If this could last long enough, then maybe he could forget.

    ¡°Like what?¡±

    Hyvas, now he had to come up with something clever. ¡°The state-of-the-art Solis Realm near the palace, for one. Heard the Warp there is something else.¡±

    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    ¡°Yeah, they say that people can live different lives there! Isn¡¯t that cool?¡±

    Other lives, huh? ¡°Didn¡¯t La¡¯Vina make it herself?¡±

    ¡°Yes, she did! Isn¡¯t that amazing? She really is the best when it comes to the Solvaylian Arts. No one can compare, not even Exania Mechora.¡±

    ¡°Quite the bold statement you¡¯re making.¡±

    ¡°Not if it¡¯s true.¡±

    Reial grinned. ¡°I guess so.¡±

    Their conversation devolved from there, jumping from meaningless topics of what they¡¯ve seen on the Sygnal to Scorch, and of happier times. It was mostly to pass the time, but as long as Charette was enjoying herself, he didn¡¯t mind. She was much more talkative than usual anyhow, or was that just him? The thought, while simple, bothered him.

    The spring in her step suddenly slowed as she changed the subject. ¡°Do you think Jadica is doing fine?¡±

    Reial frowned. He tried not to think of her. Mostly to save his already guilty conscience. She was a sweet person, which made it harder to leave without saying goodbye. Jadica was like an aunt to them, having taken care of him and Charette since they were little. Sure, their parents were her employers, but they¡¯ve always shared a special connection with her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± He finally said.

    Charette nodded solemnly. ¡°I hope she isn¡¯t feeling too lonely. She doesn¡¯t even have Scorch there to bother her either.¡±

    The drog had taken slowly to their caretaker in his earlier years. Chewing on her shoes and clothes as she lived under their roof. They weren¡¯t certain of why he had these destructive tendences. Perhaps he was afraid she would take them away.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯s helping mother and father get through this,¡± Reial added.

    Charette¡¯s face hardened in thought. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s weird that there hasn¡¯t been any news of¡­you know, us? Four days and still nothing.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t deny that it is strange, but at least gives us some wiggle-room. Perhaps they think Jadica had something to do with it?¡±

    It was a horrifying thought to consider. Their parents would never turn on their caretaker, would they? She was far too clumsy to save herself in most cases, let alone plan an escape.

    ¡°I¡¯d sooner believe a Nether Dweller returned before considering the possibility that Jadica was able to orchestrate a midnight escape,¡± Charette admitted.

    She did make a good point, but wouldn¡¯t it be equally wise to suspect the most unsuspecting individual as well? Not that it mattered anyhow. If Jadica was fine, he didn¡¯t have to worry.

    The nearby roar of water caught Reial¡¯s attention as he peered over the road. The trees were far too tall to make out anything but a city. It was both a blessing and a curse to the people of Aunesfern.

    Eventually, they came upon a branch of the Vaesian river known as the Scabbard. The only reason he knew this was because of the sign posted at the foot of a modern Aunesfernish bridge. Sturdily built without appearing bulky, the bridge was sleek in design, the railings resembling that of the sloping roofs of Aunesfernish architecture.

    Scorch poked his head through open slot, trying to lap at the rapid stream as it continued downhill to the west. Resting his arms on the metal railing, Reial watched the water froth as it raced madly. It would¡¯ve been easy to stand on it, water was just another surface after all, but he didn¡¯t want his sister to worry. The other day he had casually run up a tree to see if there was a town nearby only to get a scolding from him. Right now, he wanted to do as little as possible to upset her.

    Charette joined him, pointing out a fish that jumped out of the water and over the bridge. Which, Reial had to admit, was an entertaining sight. The bridge itself didn¡¯t hold any true significance. It was just a wooden metal structure supported by Essence.

    To them, it was something more. A stop in their journey, a moment to ¡°breathe and take in the sights¡± as Charette put it. He was still trying to learn how to do that.

    The steady tapping of his finger was drowned out by the sounds of the rapids. It was deafening but unlike the aggravating songs of the birds, it didn¡¯t stop and start up again. He could handle that much.

    His thoughts, which were usually an unpleasant affair, quieted. Granting him a precious freedom he rarely enjoyed. A freedom he sorely missed when his worries were nothing more than a distant thought.

    He watched as several more fish hopped the entire width of the bridge, their tailfins glowing with a faint white light. Lightskippers, if he recalled correctly. Eston had spoken about them on more than one occasion. How could something so elegant live in this brutal part of the river?

    Then he felt a disturbance. His Essence whispered to him, guiding his head sharply to the left side. A lightskipper flew harmlessly by the side of his head before flopping onto the wood helplessly. It remained there, its gills opening and closing as if to secure more water.

    Scorch removed his head from the slot, and turned around, pawing at the still-living fish. He continued to push it to the edge of the bridge before it slipped and fell back into the rapids. That same lightskipper hopped several feet in the air and then left to rejoin the rest of its kind somewhere down the river.

    Reial returned his gaze back to the roaring rapids. This time, with a companion he hadn¡¯t noticed before. A treedint roach by his hand. It¡¯s black and white carapace, along with its twin longhorns, and six legs made it noticeably stand out in the red forest. To Reial, it was a peculiar choice for a Dull.

    To anything less than a human, Essence-related activities would be difficult to perform, as proved by the lightskipper. He shooed it away so that it wouldn¡¯t disturb any more of them. Thankfully, it flew back off into the wilds.

    ¡°Nice show!¡± Charette yelled.

    ¡°Agreed.¡± He yelled back.

    Crossing the rest of the bridge, they returned to the walk-road. The sounds of the rapids muffled by the thick redwood forest. Scorch nuzzled Reial¡¯s legs, mostly to dry his fur.

    ¡°Ugh, Scorch, really?¡± Reial asked.

    The drog yipped an affirmative before turning to Charette and doing the same. Reial snorted as she reacted in the same manner. Reaching down, he scratched the drog¡¯s ear, slipping his bag from his shoulder and taking out a stick of beef for him. He deserved one for his good deed earlier.

    Scorch munched on it with gusto, ripping and tearing into the dried, seasoned meat.

    ¡°Want to stop by the museum in Osafa?¡± Charette proposed.

    ¡°A bit sudden to be asking that. Aren¡¯t you afraid someone might notice us?¡±

    Charette shrugged. ¡°Kind of, but no one¡¯s bothered to report we¡¯re missing. Besides, it¡¯ll be quick.¡±

    Reial considered her suggestion. The whole point of him leaving was to see the world, wouldn¡¯t this be an excellent opportunity to do just that?

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡± He said hesitantly.

    ¡°Come on, it¡¯ll be fun. Remember how we always used to talk about going to the museum back home?¡±

    It was childish of them to want such a simple pleasure, but they had been deprived of it, as well as many other things when they were children.

    Reial hummed. ¡°One look wouldn¡¯t hurt.¡±

    Charette beamed with delight. ¡°Great! What do you want to go see first? I heard they have an exhibit showing Vaes¡¯s first Silk! Or maybe the artistic recreation of when Hyvas came and banished the Nether Dwellers? Oh, I read somewhere on the Sygnal that they have a candy shop that sells golden drops!¡±

    Her flurry of questions nearly overwhelmed Reial as he labored over the decision. It dawned on him just then how much he liked this side of her.

 Silent Frustrations

    Charette¡¯s boots squeaked against the polished museum floor as she rambled about the peculiar art, fossils, miscellaneous Essence-based technologies, and clothes of an earlier era. It was a time when they could forget about their worries and indulge in one of their long-awaited ventures. Simple as it was, Reial couldn¡¯t bring himself to enjoy it.

    He was far too preoccupied glancing around the corners, prepared to Stride at a moment¡¯s notice if a curator looked at them for too long. That wasn¡¯t suspicious, was it? People didn¡¯t like being stared at after all. And it wasn¡¯t like he was shy; he was just nervous their identities would be discovered.

    Perhaps if he were to appear calmer, then they wouldn¡¯t suspect a thing. No one knew their names after all, and people tended to share similar features. Except red eyes. He thought sourly. That was their one, unmistakable feature. Not a dirty dark shade that could be confused for brown, or a brighter, more vibrant hue like Khaantanese violet, but a true bloody red.

    All he had to do was avoid direct eye contact, and they wouldn¡¯t notice. But what if they recognized their clothing or even hair? Little features like that were distinguishable to those with an experienced eye. They couldn¡¯t escape detection forever, could they? At some point, they had to run into someone who recognized them. Then what? Continue traveling paranoid?

    No matter how he spun it, it only caused his anxiety to worsen. Why wasn¡¯t Charette bothered by this? She was in this together with him. Shouldn¡¯t she be keeping an eye out for others as well?

    Yet here she was, prattling about how dumb the nezerine skull they passed looked without its flesh and scales. If only he could share her carefree attitude, then maybe he¡¯d be able to enjoy himself.

    ¡°-right?¡± Charette said.

    Reial¡¯s muddled thoughts suddenly cleared as he found himself looking at his sister. She wore a quivering grin on her face, almost as if she was about to burst out laughing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what was it?¡± He asked.

    Her grin instantly dropped. ¡°I said ¡®That dress looks dumb, right?¡¯¡±

    Reial blinked, suddenly finding himself in a dimly lit exhibit featuring clothes of the past eras. Namely early and middle Aunesfernish style. With large, sweeping skirts that reached to the knees, and elbow-length sleeves. It reminded him of Neo-Carcettan fashion, so he shrugged. ¡°I guess.¡±

    Charette frowned, then continued down the exhibit. Reial followed her closely. Listening, waiting for the sounds of other visitors. If they were being watched, they would¡¯ve sensed it by now. It didn¡¯t hurt to be safe though.

    Charette started up another pointless conversation, which he forcibly drowned out through sheer will alone. His well-being was second only to her happiness. That¡¯s how he wanted it to be.

    He did find it odd how empty the place was. The Laconic Museum was considered by many to have the finest collection of historical relics around. The majority of which were donated by the places¡¯ namesake, Lacon. A man Reial knew from stories and accounts of the Unification War. His greatest though, was his defense of the city of Aunesfern.

    A historian first, then Veil Strider and a soldier second. Quirky, even amongst his own ilk. Perhaps that¡¯s why the air hummed with a certain energy. That, or it was the Essence-based generators powering the place.

    ¡°Must be a slow day,¡± Charette noted.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Her frown deepened. Did he say something wrong? All he did was agree with her. Perhaps there¡¯s something on her mind. He thought. Best if he let her sort it out on her own.

    If harm never befell her, then he was fulfilling his personal duty. Nothing would happen to her again, not like in the past. To her, or anyone he cared about. He was a Veil Strider, and he would do the only thing he was good at. That¡¯s what Hyvas believed, that¡¯s what he taught Vaes, and what Vaes taught every Veil Strider after.

    But he wasn¡¯t like them. Neither was the time period the same. The land wasn¡¯t lawless, cities weren¡¯t destroyed, and humanity wasn¡¯t on the brink of extinction. He was just a kid in a peaceful world, because of that, everything felt so disjointed to him. He¡¯d never asked for this, for any of it.

    Was it selfish of him to think so? Would Vaes think him an undeserving child? A child blessed by God who just didn¡¯t care. It made him feel wrong. Like looking at a painting with a white streak going down the middle.

    No one could give him the answers he sought. Not the Empyreans, not his parents, not even his sister What would they think of him if they were ever to discover his sacrilegious thoughts? Would that make him lesser than he already was in their eyes?

    A feeling of utter hopelessness sprouted from his heart like a cracked seed. One that had been growing there since childhood. Always reminding him of how ill-fit he was to live his own life. Of how unlucky his family was to have someone so helpless and miserable. That he was just there, existing.

    No, his life couldn¡¯t be meaningless. It served a purpose just like anyone else¡¯s, didn¡¯t it? Was wanting to belong too great of a request for the Almagest to grant?

    Charette pressed against his side, her windswept bangs obscuring her eyes. He looked to where she was staring and found a recreation of a hunting drog catching a juvenile crimsong midflight.

    ¡°I hope Scorch is doing well,¡± Reial said, noting the drog¡¯s luminous green and yellow scales.

    ¡°I do too. He doesn¡¯t like being left alone for too long.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure the toy will keep him busy.¡± Reial glanced at a nearby sign directing them to the next exhibit. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go have a look around.¡±

    Charette perked up and gave a small nod. Whatever it was that was upsetting her must¡¯ve left her mind.

    Upon entering the next exhibit, they were greeted by the radiance of five suns. Crafted by the hands of Exania Mechora¡ªwith the aid of the Almagests¡¯ equal, Solvaylius¡ªwere the Striders Silk. Old, but not ancient shells of pure energy reformed in the shape of a hooded jacket.

    The hoods rippled with the effect of a corona, flaring colors that were hot to the touch. The ends of the sleeves and hem mimicked this too, however, that was all the Silks shared in common. They were uniquely tailored for only the most talented of Striders. To say it was made of the finest silk was an understatement. For each ¡°thread¡± was worth ten times the most expensive jewel.

    Their swirling patterns varied from user to user, with overlapping flaring flaps, or tighter midsections to highlight the hips. Those, he assumed, most likely belonged to a woman. Relics made to rival the Remnants.

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    Their comforting radiance burned away at Reial¡¯s anxieties, reassuring him of his place in the universe. A piece of clothing, no matter how special, even armor, couldn¡¯t do that. These were beyond all forms of fashion or clothing. Even beyond their comprehension, yet they could make them.

    Was this due to Solvaylius¡¯s genius, or their own? A being of unbridled love and affection. One who sacrificed all but their form for a creation not their own. How could anyone consider these relics anything but divine? Reial and Charette were drawn to the secured display cases in a reverent trace.  He wasn¡¯t a believer in the Almagest, he wasn¡¯t certain that they even existed, but this, this was real. Vaes¡¯s own Silk. The first-ever designed by Mechora herself.

    It was a baggy, heavy-looking thing, unlike the more elegant modern designs. The ripples were a silvery-white color, with the main body being that of a deep black and light gold that swirled from the top right corner to the bottom left and presumably the back as well.

    Reial had only ever seen it in books and the Sygnal, but to see it in person was something else entirely. The Silk that had traveled the world. Fought countless battles and freed many people from the tyrannical clutches of Striders and Gliders alike. Scarred by Hazrek and repaired by Vaes¡¯s greatest disciple, Ovfrail. It was the ultimate testimony of the Empyrean¡¯s storied life.

    And yet its true brilliance was muted. Without the Essence from a Strider to power it, it would remain in this state. Imperfect, casual. Like a newborn star.

    Reial felt the volatile energy of his Essence dance at his fingertips, and reaching out his hand, allowed it to dance harmlessly to it. He wasn¡¯t even sure the barriers would stop it, but he wanted to know if this was the real deal.

    Then, the Silk dimmed. The silvery-white flares calming like a dying flame as they twisted and bent. Not entirely metal, but not entirely cloth either. The patterns on the Silk stretched outward, breaking beyond the surface of the jack and forming golden hoops across the front. They varied in size as the jacket took on a more angular form, resembling that of armor, but something more ethereal, something more perfect. The ripples along the sleeves and hem formed into jagged, upturned spikes that pointed backward, like a snarling beast. The hood had completely reshaped itself, resembling that of a closed helm. There were no slits or holes to see or breathe from, as it soon became encased in those same jagged spikes, forming the crude visage of what appeared to be a nezerine.

    Charette gasped. It was the perfected, brutal image of the Ecliptic Silk variant. Humming with an alien energy, its radiance more subtle, yet just as beautiful. Like gazing at a diminutive, dead star. And as soon as it changed, the Silk reverted to its original form in a bright flash.

    ¡°That was amazing!¡± Charette exclaimed. ¡°Can you do that again?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather not.¡± Reial said, glancing over his shoulder. ¡°I don¡¯t want people to think we¡¯re trying to steal it.¡±

    Charette gave him a flat stare. ¡°As if we could steal it even if we tried. Come on, just one more time!¡±

    ¡°Charette, please.¡±

    She groaned. ¡°You¡¯re no fun, even now you¡¯re too worried that someone¡¯s going to find out about us.¡±

    Reial winced.

    ¡°What? You think I haven¡¯t noticed you looking around the entire place like a paranoid idiot? That you¡¯ve only been nodding when I speak, how you freeze up every time you hear footsteps other than ours?¡± Her frustration escalated. ¡°Why can¡¯t you just relax and enjoy our time together?¡±

    ¡°Charette, you know as well as I do why I can¡¯t.¡±

    She scoffed. ¡°Whatever.¡±

    The reassurance and warmth the Silks had provided him cooled, making him feel empty. No, not empty, but forlorn at how he had handled the situation. He could¡¯ve said something better, something more comforting, instead, he had ignored her feelings for their safety.

    They moved through the rest of the exhibit in an awkward silence, Charette¡¯s usual chattiness gone. Reial risked a glance at her, but instead of finding her features twisted with anger, her eyes were brooding. When they stopped to examine a Silk, she didn¡¯t look up. Staring at the floor intently before moving on again. Like nothing interested her anymore.

    When they finished looking at the exhibit, Charette went off without him. Heading for where the entrance to the museum was. Reial wanted to call out to her, but couldn¡¯t find his voice. It was his fault she was like this, why should he try to make things worse? Sighing, he followed her out. They passed plenty of faces, old and young, men and women, though that didn¡¯t bother him. He wasn¡¯t afraid if they recognized him anymore.

    Pushing past the heavy glass doors, they were greeted by the sights and scents of Osafa. Solvaylian Projections were sparingly spaced around dragoon spires in the city. The buildings and homes here were a lot like the one¡¯s back in Aunesfern. White and black checkered walls that bent outwards with sloping roofs of red or gold tiles that curled upwards at the corners.

    The people here weren¡¯t dressed as elaborately as the one¡¯s back in Aunesfern, choosing to wear something casual instead of the sleek clothes of their trending fashion. It made him and Charette stick out like Veil Seers in the dark.

    He followed Charette down the steps, his heart heavy. They were leaving all because he didn¡¯t care. Not about this dumb city or its museum.

    That wasn¡¯t the truth though, he did care. Everything he said and did was for her, so why was she still angry? Was it because of his methods? No, you¡¯ve never done anything for her. He thought. It was a clever enough lie. To convince himself that what he did was for her. Would the voice chastise him again because of this?

    He waited for what felt like an eternity for it to make its presence known, but it didn¡¯t come. It never did when he wanted it too.

    Finally, they stumbled into the plaza, a public lounge built in the heart of a city. At least in Yusanik. They weren¡¯t anything special, save for the mini Solvaylian Projections and sound-controlled boxes around the comfortable seats lining it. The area was shaded with a tall roof to protect the people underneath it from rain, hail, and snow. You could always find someone here, either lazing about, talking with friends, or waiting for a coach to pick them up.

    Charette sat down at one of the cushioned seats, her gaze piercing the Projection that appeared in front of her. Reial chose his seat beside her, and almost immediately a Projection came to life in front of him. Most likely powered by his own Essence. It was of a woman recounting the events of the last Solis Game. Specifically, the Striders bout.

    Her words came through one ear and out the other in a garbled mess. Being in a plaza reminded him of home. The shade, the Projection, the comfort of a cushioned seat he could recline in. He could almost forget about the people around him. Almost.

    This wasn¡¯t where they were supposed to go. Scorch was waiting on the other side of the city, leashed on a tree for the other animals¡¯ protection.

    Neither spoke a word, their eyes forced onto their Projections. Reial could¡¯ve turned his off if he wanted to, but then what? Sit in a deathly silence next to his sister? Eventually, Charette turned hers off and just sat there. Staring at the roof with those brooding eyes as people chattered among them.

    ¡°Did you ever think you would turn out like this? Being a Strider, I mean.¡± She asked him.

    Reial tapped a finger against his armrest. ¡°Not really, but like any kid I always imagined what it would be like. Moving faster than light, faster than what my mind could hope to comprehend. Having the strength to break mountains and cities. To turn invisible at will. To never trip or make a fool of myself. It all sounded impossible for someone like me.¡± Someone like me.

    ¡°Were you happy when you found out you could Stride?¡±

    Happy?

    ¡°Children always dream of being as powerful as kings or Gods,¡±

    I didn¡¯t want that.

    ¡°So they can control their lives, you know.¡±

    Then why can¡¯t I do that?

    Charette shook her head. ¡°Sorry, it probably sounds silly coming from someone like me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Reial said. ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Charette¡¯s gaze shifted from the roof to her boots. ¡°If you can do all of these amazing things,¡± She said. ¡°Then why are you so afraid of being seen?¡±

    Reial went silent.

    ¡°If someone finds us you can just carry me and Scorch away. We¡¯ll run to the next town, city, whatever. You¡¯re a Veil Strider, no one can match you.¡±

    ¡°Charette¡­you know I¡¯m still new to this.¡±

    ¡°You have four year¡¯s worth of experience! Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±

    Reial frowned. ¡°No. What if our parents send a Courser after us? What then? I can¡¯t defeat someone with decades, maybe even centuries of experience.¡±

    ¡°You never know until you try.¡± Charette sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s just¡­I wanted to reconnect.¡±

    Reial cocked his head. ¡°I¡¯m not a broadcast, Charette.¡±

    ¡°Then why do you act like I¡¯m not even there sometimes?¡±

    He winced. ¡°I¡¯m not trying to ignore you.¡±

    Her scarlet eyes met his for one long moment, almost as if she was trying to read his thoughts. Does she think I¡¯m lying? Perhaps it was all the stress of running away that had finally gotten to her.

    Charette stood up, and without telling him where she was going, made way for the southern portion of the city. Reial followed her in a haste. Wishing to know what he had done wrong.

 Subjective

    Reial shivered as a chilling spring breeze rustled the frost from the red leaves. It appears remnants of winter would persist until late summer again. Just what they needed. If there was one drawback about living in the north, it was being so dwelling close to Geschen. Empyreans know how cold it could get there.

    Although they were accustomed to the climate, that didn¡¯t mean they were immune to it. One could only withstand the weather for so long until they too felt a chill in their bones. Charette folded her arms, shivering as she tried to keep warm.

    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want me to Stride us to the next town?¡± Reial asked.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure,¡± Came Charette¡¯s muffled response.

    Reial frowned. The weather had cooled only recently, leading to light flurries of snow that melted away as soon as it made landfall. It would be mad to continue subjecting their bodies to this kind of torture. Even Scorch, warm as he appeared, was shaking. Rubbing up against their legs for warmth.

    Reial fared a bit better, having brought gloves to keep his hands warm and a scarf their mother had woven for him. He had given the latter to his sister, who had wrapped it tightly around her neck and mouth. The fabric bore the same colors as Scorch¡¯s fur and scales.

    Suppressing a sigh, Reial continued down the road. He wished he could understand his sister, or that she would at least tell him what was bothering her. Mostly because he lacked the courage to ask her himself. That would be too insensitive.

    Perhaps she would come to conqueror the fear plaguing her mind. Time could heal all wounds. In most cases that is. Sometimes they left nasty scars he¡¯d rather not glance at.

    Shaking his mind free of those thoughts, he investigated the depths of the forest for a brief distraction. The mahogany leaves of the redwoods were muted with frost like a frozen flame. Stout, frost-bitten clumps of wood sprouted from the ground, skeletal reminders of the shrubs that once filled the forest. None of that could compare to the eerie silence hanging in the air. On days like these, blinding red wings chose to burrow themselves in their hollows.

    Rei¡¯s Peace, that¡¯s what they called this mini winter. Reial didn¡¯t understand why it was called that, some said it was because he would use moments like these to retreat into The World¡¯s Throne. Others said it was because he reflected on his past actions and accomplishments. To Reial, he saw it as little more than an opportunity to laze about.

    Being subjected to workload after workload, even when he was being schooled, had never sat right with him. If people only focused on work, did that mean they were afraid of being seen as lazy? Or did they work to grow an appreciation of what they had? ¡°Know that every answer, save for those of mathematics, is all a matter of perspective.¡± Eston had said. ¡°History, philosophy, literature, and to an extent, economics. People want to do accomplish what they see as opportunistic, just, or scandalous.

    Reial smiled. The kindly old scholar was his favorite of a long line of teachers. He was Uvandran, so of course he took a lax approach to education. Where other upstanding Aunesfernish educators would label him as lazy, Reial saw him as efficient. Voicing his opinions, and even asking for Reial¡¯s own on subjects deemed sensitive. Saying that one shouldn¡¯t be afraid to speak their mind, but neither should they neglect the facts and impact the events in question had on the world and its people. Eston was intelligent, an engaging storyteller, and above all else, open-minded.

    Reial was grateful that his education had ended with him. If he had more teachers like Eston, would he have turned out differently? Perhaps he would¡¯ve stayed home, preparing to leave for some grand university his parents had picked out for him.

    No, nothing would¡¯ve changed. Even if he had better teachers, it still would¡¯ve happened regardless. Jadica, Charette, Scorch. It was his fault they were hurt. He was a coward. Not like Scorch, not like Charette or Jadica who had fought back while he watched. Being a Veil Strider wasn¡¯t enough, it would never be enough.

    Reial pressed a gloved hand against his numb cheek, rubbing it for warmth. How long had they been walking for again? Time seemed to blur whenever he was caught in his own thoughts. Would the voice chastise him for overthinking? It could listen to his every thought, even if they weren¡¯t directed at It. Would It find them annoying?

    Reial grimaced. What conjured it into being? Perhaps it only appeared when his consciousness was near evaporation. What did that make it then? A figment of his imagination, or his inner voice of reason? Maybe something in between? He thought curiously.

    What if the answer didn¡¯t matter? It could be something as simple as a broadcast he subconsciously clung to. There were stories of people doing that in their sleep and having them replace their dreams. Still, the voice¡¯s uncanny ability to respond to his questions at a moment¡¯s notice was perplexing. Too real.

    Eventually, his thoughts faded to a whisper with each crackling footstep. It quickly began to wear on him. Each rhythmic step followed by a short burst of silence and breathing. First for an hour, then two. His legs stung as the cold seeped through his pants, and he was sure it was the same for Charette. Probably worse because of her leggings. Why was she so resolute on him not using his abilities? She would usually complain about the cold weather, yet she remained silent for not one, but two hours. Huffing into his scarf as if she had run a mile.

    Scorch began whipping their legs with his tail, generating a weak wave of heat. They had never particularly trained him to use the Solvaylian Arts, they weren¡¯t even sure how you taught a drog to do it. Luckily for them, drogs were one of the few species that were naturally gifted with the ability to use the Solvaylian Arts. Reial attributed the feat due to their intelligence.

    The heat generated by his tail wasn¡¯t enough sadly, and they continued to shiver. With a groan, Reial snatched the drog up from his spot, allowing it to coil around his upper body, then he grabbed his sister and Strode forward in an explosive leap of ruby sparks.

    What would¡¯ve taken them hours to travel was accomplished in a matter of seconds. Speeding past rigid animals, bouncing coaches, fallen logs, ponds, and rushing rivers. It still amazed him that he was capable of performing these actions. They shouldn¡¯t have been possible, but much like the Solvaylian Arts, they defied physics.

    ¡°Steady¡­¡± The voice advised him.

    Reial nearly jumped in surprise, but that would¡¯ve propelled him to the tops of the trees. He had to watch his strength. ¡°What¡¯re now?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t overexert yourself. You have others to case for.¡± It explained.

    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°You say that, but you don¡¯t mean it.¡±

    ¡°I do.¡±

    It hummed condescendingly. ¡°Then stop after you crest that hill over there.¡±

    Reial peered over with his Veil Sight. Making out the thinnest blades of grass and the treedint roaches that scuttled on fallen logs. Cresting the hillside road, he came to a complete halt. There, in the center of a massive clearing, sat the city of Macoula.

    His Veil Seeing eyes flickered from corner to corner, making out the details of buildings and faces as if he were standing right in front of them, and not dozens of miles away. Although his body had stopped moving, his vision continued to register the world as frozen. It still boggled his mind that Veil Sight had been created for the purpose of birdwatching.

    Glancing at his sister, he found her glaring at him, furious. Though her mouth didn¡¯t move, he could already hear what she was going to say. He reluctantly relinquished his hold over the power, returning the world to motion.

    ¡°I told you that I didn¡¯t need your help!¡± Charette shouted. ¡°And let me down!¡±

    Reial stood her on her feet and felt Scorch uncoil from his waist, alleviating the pressure immediately. ¡°You were cold.¡±

    ¡°So?¡±

    Reial narrowed his eyes at her. Why was she being so stubborn? ¡°Charette, I couldn¡¯t just let us freeze to death.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want you hurting yourself again because of me, all right?¡± She said, her anger slightly diminishing.

    ¡°Hurting myself¡­? Is this because of what happened last week? Charette, I was going to survive regardless.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say it so casually like that! Putting yourself in danger for my sake, it just feels wrong. Like you don¡¯t care about what happens anymore.¡±

    ¡°Charette¡­¡± What could he say? Reial cared about his condition, at least, that¡¯s what he told himself.

    Scorch came in between them, his head cocked as if in question. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Scorch. We¡¯re just talking.¡± Charette explained to the drog.

    Scorch nodded, nuzzling her hand before prancing down the hill to the city. The weather was more bearable here, but not by much.

    ¡°Charette, you know that I¡¯m just doing what¡¯s best for us, right?¡± Reial said.

    His sister regarded him hesitantly. Could she see past his lies? ¡°Sometimes.¡±

    Without another word, she left. It would take a few minutes to reach the city, but at least it would be warm once they passed the stasis dome. Sighing, Reial followed after her. His answers had never been enough. Half-baked explanations that his teachers scoffed at, all except Eston. They had good reason to doubt his judgment.

    It dawned on him how little his powers aided him in his life. If they were to disappear the next day, nothing would change. He would continue to be just as miserable and lost as he had been for the last six years. If the Almagest was real, then why would They waste it on someone like him?

    Falling back to his sister¡¯s side, he studied the city¡¯s architecture. Tall buildings, well made in the modern Aunesfernish style. Not a surprise, this city was nowhere near as ancient as Aunesfern itself. Dating back to the height of Vaes¡¯s Crusade, the city was founded some six-hundred years ago as a military outpost.

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Spires partially made of cosmocury drilled into the sky, shining like obsidian obelisks. A short wall was erected around the city to keep out wildlife, however, what caught his attention was the massive building sprouting from the center of it all. Its surface was pocketed with windows in the Mirsian fashion as arches supported its weight. Then there was that curiously swirling rooftop. It was as if the sky were trying to rip it from the earth. Of course, Charette couldn¡¯t see the finer details without Veil Sight.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the Empyreans Haven?¡± She asked, squinting to get a better look at it.

    ¡°I believe so,¡± Reial answered.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe we¡¯re already halfway to Recunda.¡±

    ¡°The Veil Striding probably helped.¡±

    Charette huffed, though he knew it would¡¯ve gotten a rise out of her. ¡°The murals were painted by Layrlet, right?¡±

    Reial blinked. ¡°How did you know that?¡±

    Charette gave him a flat look. ¡°Because I learned it from Yi¡¯Len.¡±

    ¡°You did?¡±

    ¡°Will you stop acting surprised every time I remember something from my tutoring!¡± She pouted. ¡°I¡¯m not dumb. Mostly.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, it¡¯s just that¡­never mind.¡±

    The air around them warmed as they passed through the stasis dome. An artificial barrier that averaged the temperature in a city. Even on the hottest day of the summer, one could expect fresh spring weather. Since his family lived outside the city, they owned a small generator of it.

    Macoula was different from Osafa and Aunesfern in that it was quiet despite the people roaming the streets. It was almost humbling. Reial knew that the place was recognized as the center of religious worship in the state. From Mechora¡¯s Followers to the Almagestian church. Although the former would never admit to being religious at all.

    It felt as if speaking above a whisper would cause a Nether Dweller to stir from its slumber. People weren¡¯t outfitted in robes or holy clothes, though they did wear jewelry and wooden necklaces displaying the symbols of their past asylums. Yuson¡ªthe world¡¯s founder¡ªhad described the heavens differently in his accounts. Reial didn¡¯t understand why though.

    The rumble of a nearby coach drew his attention as he watched it roll down the street. Disturbing the peace that had draped over his mind.

    Considering the weather, it was best that they stayed the night in an inn. Preferably a cheap one too. Besides, news of their disappearance has yet to hit the Sygnal. Reial suspected his parents¡¯ pride had a factor to play in that equation. However, the part that worried him the most was the thought of them hiring a Courser. They had the money for it.

    Perhaps that¡¯s why his fears had altogether disappeared. Why should he be afraid of something his parents wouldn¡¯t openly announce? No one was actively searching for them. Even if they were found out, they could Stride away. He only needed her approval now.

    Luckily, he knew how to broach the subject. ¡°Charette?¡± He called.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°About my Striding- ¡°

    ¡°No.¡± She said firmly.

    ¡°Charette.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want you doing that to yourself again.¡±

    ¡°Will you at least hear me out first?¡±

    Charette¡¯s lips thinned. ¡°Fine.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. For your sake, I won¡¯t Stride us across the countryside haphazardly. Instead, we¡¯ll map out the towns closest to us, and use those as checkpoints for me to Stride to. If the distance is too great, we can simply walk there. How does that sound?¡±

    ¡°And we¡¯ll only Stride to the locations closest to us?¡± She repeated.

    ¡°Yes.¡± He reaffirmed.

    Sighing, she nodded. ¡°Okay, but you better make sure you won¡¯t try anything dumb.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t be a greater fool than he already was. ¡°I promise.¡±

    As they traversed the city, they happened upon what appeared to be the market district. Here, there was more noise. Like a coach, the air rumbled with voices. Soft and steady, as if they were afraid of breaking the sanctity of the city. People still laughed, and babies cried, but it was never too much for him.

    Reaching a food vendor, they found Scorch standing at his full height, staring down at the food arrayed on the warm, steaming metal. Give him a long coat, pants, and a hat, and he could probably pass for a person. The thought made Reial¡¯s lips squirm with a smile.

    ¡°Umm, sir? Ma¡¯am?¡± The vendor called. She looked to be in her early thirties. ¡°Is this your drog?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, sorry about that. He was just hungry.¡± Reial explained.

    ¡°I can see that.¡±

    Charette and Reial read the small Solvaylian Projection hovering to the side of the cart. A menu. ¡°What¡¯s a ural¨¦?¡± Charette asked.

    ¡°Meat stuffed with vegetables and cheese. It¡¯s a Mirsian dish.¡± She pointed to the various items on the grill. ¡°Five dollars for a basket of three.¡±

    Reial examined a ural¨¦. The meat appeared juicy and tender. ¡°I can go for one,¡± Reial said. ¡°What about you, Charette?¡±

    Charette hummed, then looked at Scorch who was nodding, his tongue rolling out. ¡°Sure.¡±

    Reial dug into his bag for his wallet, taking out fifteen Yusanian dollars and handing them to the vendor. She handed him and Charette a basket each, then they walked off, leaving her confused. Scorch took their spot next, his jaw open and ready to accept the treat. The vendor awkwardly took a basket and dumped the ural¨¦¡¯s inside of his mouth. He fell back on all fours, chewing and savoring the stuffed meat.

    Reial chuckled and bit into a ural¨¦, pleasantly surprised by the mix of flavors. It had chewy potato bits in there too. His favorite. Finishing their snack, they continued forward.

    The stores here weren¡¯t as grand or familiar as the ones back in Aunesfern, save for the general store and a few restaurants. Scorch was often tempted to wander into one of them in search of food, but they specifically told him not to do that. Like any good drog, he followed their orders, albeit reluctantly.

    Most of the windows presented nothing they haven¡¯t already seen before. Kitchen appliances, the latest books, dresses and suits, furniture, pet toys, and costumes for some reason. Charette pointed out a silly drog outfit that she wanted to try on, and after much debate, they quickly went and threw the thing on. She looked ridiculous, especially with the cartoony hood of a smiling blue and black drog.

    ¡°I think it looks great.¡± She proudly proclaimed.

    Reial failed to suppress his laughter all the while, which led to him wearing it too. After a bit of ¡°gentle persuasion¡± on Charette¡¯s behalf. Scorch bounced with excitement. Thankfully, the costume shop allowed for pets to enter. It still didn¡¯t replace his embarrassment at wearing the thing.

    ¡°Can we leave now?¡± He asked, eyes to the ceiling as he refused to meet the gazes of the other shoppers.

    ¡°Just one more minute!¡± She begged.

    Reial groaned. That minute turned into an hour of trying on different costumes. From Nether Dwellers to kingly robes, they must have gone through at least half of the store¡¯s catalog. A part of him hated embarrassing himself so willingly, yet another adored it. The laughter, the rush to find the most ridiculous or stylish costume, the people who complimented them on their red eyes.

    Pleasant, that was the word he was searching for. It was pleasant. His worries and guilt, those didn¡¯t matter right now. There was only him, Charette, Scorch, and their laughter. What more could he possibly ask for?

    He left the costume store feeling more pleased with himself. More alive. Like he belonged. Was it all right for him to feel that way?

    ¡°What was your favorite costume?¡± Charette asked him.

    ¡°The spiral ham was pretty good.¡± Reial grinned.

    ¡°What? That one was boring!¡±

    ¡°Scorch really liked it, right Scorch?¡± The drog yipped an affirmative. ¡°See?¡±

    Charette rolled her eyes.

    ¡°What about you? What was your favorite?¡±

    ¡°It still has to be the drog one. I really want to buy it.¡±

    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you?¡± If his memory served right, it was fifty dollars. Pretty cheap for something of that quality.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think my bag is large enough to carry it.¡± She explained.

    The hours blended into an incoherent mess as they explored the market. Finding incredible, albeit niche items in more odd establishments. A tablet that could project images, like a Solvaylian Projection, a cup that condensed the moisture in the air to fill itself with water, and a dispenser that rolled out hard candies after a set amount of Essence was instilled.

    His elation ebbed as they finally reached the foot of the grand church. The Empyreans Haven, a sculpted beauty, though it couldn¡¯t match the grandeur of the Remnants. Nothing save Silk could. Here, his horrors crept back into his heart. His dread, his failings, his guilt.

    Presented to their so-called God. The same one which had never revealed Itself to humanity. Not even to Hyvas. How could something they worship care so little about them? How could something they praise, and love turn a blind eye when they suffered? It, like the voice, confused and frustrated him to no end.

    They walked up the flight of stairs. There must have been close to one-hundred steps by the looks of it. Building something on this scale was the best they could do to honor an Empyrean.

    ¡°Why are there so many stairs?¡± Charette whined as they were already three-fourths of the way up. She wasn¡¯t breaking a sweat, but even she wasn¡¯t as tireless as a Strider.

    ¡°Probably because it was built on the original hill Vaes found the settlement on,¡± Reial explained.

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t he have picked a flatter area?¡±

    ¡°Feels perfectly flat to me.¡±

    His response only served to provoke her. Upon making it to the top, they were faced with a pair of solid gold doors parted open. Thousands of pristine wooden benches lined the main hall, covered with red and golden embroidered cushioning. There was a severe lack of large windows in the room, but that didn¡¯t make the place dim nor stuffy. In fact, each breath he took felt as natural as breathing in the forest air.  The walls were kept alight by chandeliers and Solvaylian Guides that bobbed around the many pillars inside. Then he gasped.

    Despite the many breaks and spaces between the pillars, the murals of the Empyreans were painted seamlessly. Exania Mechora took up the entirety of the left side, surrounded in a lab by radiant ores of cosmocury. Striders Silk was arrayed behind her, each underneath an asylum. Her expression was one of gentle intrigue, like a mother finding a baby at her doorstep. She handled the pieces in her hands so tenderly it was as if she was caring for one. The stories surrounding here always made certain to stress this borderline obsessive thirst for knowledge.

    Her skin was flawless, though from the looks of her burning orange eyes he discerned she was of Th¨ªrian descent. A master of both the Solvaylian Arts and engineering, she was a trusted friend and confidant of Vaes in his later years.

    His eyes swept to the right wall, where Rei, his great ancestor, sat on the ancient Aunesfernish throne. An ornate seat of gold and jewel-encrusted beauty that did not sacrifice comfort with its efficient shape and cushioning. Despite his comfortable posture, his scarlet eyes were ever brooding. Thinking, devising a way to once again unite their world.

    Save for the neatly trimmed beard, Reial could see himself and his sister in him. His features were gentle while simultaneously appearing firm. Rei was a king, a statesman, not a warrior. Yet despite being a king and surrounded by shadows, he came off as a solitary figure.

    In the center wall at the far end of the building was Vaes. Resplendent in his black, silver, and gold Silk, standing above a barren battlefield. One cracked, pocketed with craters, newly formed split valleys, and ridges. Above him gleamed a star. Its white light pouring down around him in the darkened land. A lengthy staff with a cosmocury spearhead in one hand and a hammer the size of a man in the other. His Weapons of Fervor. Judgment made manifest.

    Charette wandered ahead of him, almost as if in a trance. Admiring the striking, lifelike detail that went into the murals. Even Scorch stared at the mural of Exania Mechora, his orange eyes thoughtful. As if trying to comprehend if it was real or not.

    A flash of colors from the ceiling drew Reial¡¯s attention towards it. There he was. Hyvas, the First Veil Strider, sole savior, chosen of the Almagest, Nether Dwellers Bane. The piece was painted in a bottom-up perspective as if he were watching the events unfold from a hill below. He Strode across ruined earth towards a collection of horribly twisted abominations. Far too many limbs, far too many eyes, far too human. Why were they like that? Hyvas¡¯s weapons were shattered, some mere fragments, others to the point of breaking. No Strider could use ordinary weapons without risk of breaking them upon first strike.

    Despite Hyvas being one of the most revered figures in their known history, no one knew what he looked like. Sometimes he was depicted as a shadowy, armored figure. Other times a humble priestly man. Then there were the odd depictions, like the one with him wearing an outlandish, sleek helm that didn¡¯t quite resemble a Silk hood. This was one of those times.

    ¡°Empyreans¡­it¡¯s beautiful,¡± Reial awed.

    ¡°Layrlet certainly was passionate about the project,¡± Charette whispered back.

    There were only a handful of people in the church, some at prayer, others regarding the murals with awe. Were they travelers just like them?

    The building hummed with a holy aura. That was the only word Reial could think of to describe it. Speaking above a whisper wouldn¡¯t have felt wrong, it would¡¯ve been wrong. Is it special simply because we believe it¡¯s special? He pondered.

    What made something significant? Was it the history behind it? The context? Or the general impact it left on its populace? If he had never entered the church, he would¡¯ve thought the building like any other. This day, if he hadn¡¯t taken the chance and carried Charette to Macoula, would¡¯ve been like any other. Miserable as he sought purpose and excuse.

    Instead, he had laughed, eaten, and explored. The day was special not because he wanted it to be, but because he thought it was. Because he made it special.

    ¡°Perhaps belief serves more than a spiritual purpose.¡± The voice hummed.

    Reial smiled. ¡°Perhaps.¡±

 Unknown

    Reial peered at the glittering shapes streaking through the skies. ¡°Another patrol?¡± He muttered.

    Charette managed to catch a glimpse of the dragoons before they were out line of sight. They were probably nothing more than a bronze and white twinkle to her. ¡°Kind of rare to see two in one day.¡±

    He nodded. ¡°Where do you think they¡¯re heading?¡±

    ¡°Probably some city.¡±

    Informative. Reial watched the gleaming shapes disappear behind a wall of gray clouds in the distance. Was it going to snow again? It had just gotten warm! Why couldn''t the weather in Aunesfern make up its mind? Better enjoy it while it lasts. He thought bitterly.

    Thanks to the implementation of his plan, the cold weather didn¡¯t matter as much. Progress was smoother, and there were fewer bumps on the road. The warm shift also helped in making their walks bearable. It felt more like late autumn than a true winter. Cold enough to see your breath, but not yet ready to snow. He preferred it that way.

    ¡°Are you good?¡± He asked her.

    ¡°Yeah. Can I see your scarf?¡±

    Digging into his bag blindly, he felt around for the fabric. Handing it over to her, Charette quickly wrapped it around her neck and mouth. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Scorch yipped at the sight of the scarf. He must have found it amusing to find something that matched his colors. Like a child who finds their name written in a textbook. Reial couldn¡¯t exactly relate to that, their names were more sacred and personal. One-offs, in a sense. Though that didn¡¯t stop him from hearing of such things on the Sygnal.

    Then the silence returned. That new, haunting silence that hung over Reial like a storm cloud. One of inadequacy. He had never considered himself much of a conversationalist. Sure, he could hold a discussion for a minute or two, though that was usually with the help and tutors he was forced to interact with daily.

    Reial knew they only listened to him because their parents were paying them. He wasn¡¯t as charismatic as his mother or father, nor was he as engaging as them whenever they floated around topics. They were fun to speak to, and they could make people happy just with words alone.

    He wanted to know what that felt like. To know that everything you said wasn¡¯t just an excuse to distract yourself from your own thoughts. Was he deserving of such a simple pleasure?

    That day in Macoula weighed heavily on his mind. Not because he didn¡¯t enjoy it, but because he loved it. It had temporarily freed him from his oppressive thoughts, brought his sister happiness, and purpose to his day. Why wasn¡¯t he allowed to know what that felt like every day instead of this? No, he knew the reason why. He was just too afraid to admit it.

    Did Charette enjoy the silence, or was she busy reminiscing about their day in Macoula? Wishing that she could experience that same, intoxicating joy that he so desperately missed. Perhaps she was angry he couldn¡¯t be as chatty and carefree as he had been then, but that wasn¡¯t who he was. That¡¯s who he dreamed he could be every day.

    ¡°Sorry for being boring.¡± Reial apologized

    Charette regarded him with a curious glance. ¡°You aren¡¯t boring.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am.  I don¡¯t have anything to talk about.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make you boring. If anything, it shows that you put more thought into what you¡¯re about to say.¡±

    Wasn¡¯t that the truth.

    ¡°Besides,¡± She continued. ¡°we won¡¯t always have something to talk about.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that bother you?¡±

    Charette folded her arms. ¡°Sometimes, but if you think about something for too long, you¡¯ll only make it worse. I say it¡¯s better to enjoy these moments of silence. Forcing yourself to talk can lead to making silence preferable. At least, that¡¯s what Yi¡¯Len used to say.¡±

    ¡°Her wisdom astonishes me sometimes.¡±

    Charette grinned. ¡°I know right?¡±

    Whether it was her words that helped alleviate his anxiety or her grin, he didn¡¯t know. However, he wasn¡¯t sure if he could grow accustomed to the silence. It would continue to make him feel self-conscious. Until¡­ Until what?

    This time around, the silence was more bearable, with small conversations peppered throughout their walk. They usually revolved around the odd broadcast they found and shared with one another, or a city Charette thought looked pretty at night. She talked about those more excitedly, saying how she wanted to go and visit them someday. Someday was right, the challenge was if he was in the right headspace by then.

    The town they stopped at next was small, unnoteworthy place all things considered. Save for a rusted statue of a four-limbed creature that faintly resembled a nezerine. They exited the town as soon as they entered it, as it lacked a plaza to rest at.

    Reial carried Charette and Scorch three-fourths of the way to the final stop after much insistence. He was concerned that it would start snowing again. It never did, and the clouds passed harmlessly overhead. Thankfully, the air warmed too. Leading back to the dreamy, spring weather people often fantasized about. And unfortunately for him, the birds¡¯ singing.

    He gazed up at the imposing redwoods, searching for the culprits. His Veil Sight flickering from branch to branch, finding Nether Dwellers in the guise of feathered creatures crying their little hearts out. Empyreans, they¡¯re annoying.

    It made him miss the solemn air of Macoula. At least there the dwelling things knew to keep quiet. He¡¯d rather listen to that voice badger him about his idiocy than give them another minute of his time.

    ¡°Can I just Stride us the rest of the way there?¡± He suggested.

    Charette frowned. ¡°You said you¡¯d only take us this far.¡±

    ¡°I know, it¡¯s just that¡­¡±

    She arched a questioning brow.

    ¡°The birds.¡±

    ¡°The birds¡­?¡±

    He nodded. ¡°They¡¯re being loud.¡±

    Charette stared at him for a long moment, then snorted. ¡°That¡¯s why you always looked so grumpy?¡±

    Grumpy? ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    She shook her head in disbelief. ¡°I thought you were angry about something I did. Not because of some dumb birds.¡±

    About something she did? Why would she think that? ¡°Sorry, I just don¡¯t like their ¡®singing¡¯.¡± He explained.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s grating. I¡¯d rather have Scorch bark in my ears than listen to them scream.¡±

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    An explosion of noise hit Reial as he was immediately assaulted by Scorch¡¯s shrill barks. He stumbled to the side with fright, his heart racing as he looked onto the drog that was now standing at his full height. ¡°Scorch! What was that for?¡± He yelled, his ears ringing.

    The drog lifted his paw, jabbing it at him then at Charette as if trying to explain something.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it literally!¡± Reial sighed. ¡°Please, don¡¯t do that again.¡±

    Scorch nodded then got back onto all fours. Charette pet him with an almost evil looking grin, congratulating him on how serious he had taken his request. Reial had to be more careful with what he said. Eight years and the drog was still full of surprises.

    The ringing in his ear did partially block out the singing, so he was at least thankful for that much. Charette said something he couldn¡¯t quite catch. Something about a dragoon maybe? Whatever it was, she went on about it for a while.

    Then the bushes began to rustle. He would¡¯ve paid it no mind if it weren¡¯t for how vigorous they shook. As if something was trying to uproot them. Reial watched as the rustling grew closer and closer to them, following their every footstep. Almost methodically.

    In an instant, they stopped and started up on the other side. The birds¡¯ singing was enough to muffle the sound of them, which would explain why Scorch and Charette didn¡¯t notice it.

    Reial scanned the area, peering past the thick foliage and finding¡­gold? Why would there be gold in a forest? Not just gold, he could make out the glimmer of polished metal too, and was that a sash? As soon as he made out those details, they were gone, and the rustling began again on the far side of the forest. Could it be a phantom wyrm?

    He whirled around, sparks flying everywhere as he felt the volatile energy surge around him. Whatever it was, he was ready for its attack.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Charette asked, suddenly alarmed.

    Reial caught another glimpse of the entity. It moved fast, faster than he could keep track, even with his Veil Sight. Nothing could be this elusive, save for¡­

    As soon as the rustling had started, it ceased. Did their voices scare it off? He kept an eye out for any further disturbances, his grasp on Veil Seeing never slipping for a moment. Being able to control his perception of time did come in handy, though even that had limited applications.

    An hour crawled by, drawing out more and more Essence like a trickle of water. He often wondered how long he could keep seeing with these eyes. An entire day, a week maybe?

    ¡°Something¡¯s up,¡± Charette realized.

    ¡°Why do you say that?¡±

    ¡°Because your eyes have been glowing for over an hour now!¡± She yelled, pointing at them. ¡°I¡¯m not blind, you know. Can¡¯t you tell me what you¡¯re so afraid of?¡±

    ¡°Something¡¯s following us.¡±

    Charette stiffened. ¡°Is it a person?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean you¡¯re ¡®not sure¡¯? You¡¯re a Veil Seer!¡±

    ¡°A Veil Seer who couldn¡¯t get a good look at what was hiding behind some bushes,¡± Reial explained. ¡°Whatever it was, it¡¯s gone.¡±

    Charette cast a nervous glance over her shoulder at some shrubs. ¡°Can you at least describe what you saw?¡±

    ¡°I saw some iron and gold.¡±

    ¡°Iron and gold? Sounds like a hatchling.¡±

    ¡°Probably.¡±

    The tension in her posture eased ever so slightly. ¡°It¡¯s a bit early for their parents to be teaching them how to fly, isn¡¯t it?

    ¡°Perhaps they don¡¯t know any better?¡±

    After a lull in their exchange, Charette spoke. ¡°Where do you want to go after Th¨ªrion?¡± She inquired.

    ¡°Anywhere sounds good.¡±

    ¡°Anywhere specific?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Really? No place at all?¡±

    He shrugged. ¡°Maybe the Remnants.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t sound very excited about it.¡±

    He just wanted things to be right in life. ¡°Because I¡¯m still deciding on which one to see first.¡±

    She nodded thoughtfully.

    ¡°What about you? Where do you want to go after Th¨ªrion?¡± He asked.

    ¡°How about Khaantan?¡±

    ¡°How about a place that speaks Aunesfernish.¡±

    She frowned. ¡°They speak Aunesfernish.¡±

    ¡°A dialect of it. Besides, we¡¯ll just stand out there.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that?¡±

    What was wrong with that? Was it little more than an excuse to stay, or was there some other reason that eluded him? Hyvas, why couldn¡¯t he better understand himself?

    ¡°Not a thing. Khaantan it is.¡±

    Charette, again, regarded him with that curious expression of hers. Strange, it seemed more¡­sad. No, that¡¯s what it always looked like, right?  ¡°We don¡¯t have to go if you don¡¯t want to. I don¡¯t want you to feel forced.¡±

    Forced? ¡°No, it¡¯s all right with me," he lied.

    <hr>

    Reial chased his sister through their mother¡¯s garden, weaving around flower bushes and white-leaved shrubs. They passed Jadica, who was tending to the plants while keeping a watchful hazel eye on them. Hailing from Yusandross, she was unnaturally tall, even for a girl in her late teens. Her dark brown hair was tied back in a low ponytail that brushed against the small of her back. It still came as a surprise to him that someone could grow their hair so long.

    Unlike the rest of the help, Jadica was more welcoming. She wasn¡¯t as formal as the other servants, she was what Reial imagined it was like to have an aunt. They¡¯d never grown up with more family than their parents, so having someone who treated them sweetly yet at the same time friendly was refreshing.

    ¡°Charette, make sure you aren¡¯t too rough on your brother!¡± She called after them.

    Despite Reial being on the chase, Charette had a tendency of pulling mean pranks. They zipped around the garden like aspiring Striders, leaping over slow-growing ferns and exotic plants that could open and close their mouths at will. Reial and Charette had taken to calling them Nether Dwellers on account of their dark pigmentation and red mouths.

    Jadica shrieked as they failed yet another one of their jumps, stomping down on a vibrant white and blue-rimmed flower in the process. ¡°Be careful!¡±

    A man appeared out of thin air, ruby sparks trailing behind him as their laughter ceased. Reial and Charette cheered, throwing themselves against his white shirt. Their small hands clinging to the golden hem. Reial chanted the man¡¯s name repeatedly, however all he could hear was the deafening rush of water.

    ¡°Where were you?¡± Reial heard himself ask.

    The man smirked as he reached behind his back and pulled out two small bags of golden drops. ¡°One of my friends back in Khaantan whipped up a new batch of drops. Says it¡¯s a new recipe.¡±

    Reial and Charette eagerly accepted a small plastic bag each and unfurled the soft metallic wire keeping them fresh. He quickly popped one into his mouth and smiled. His tastebuds responded positively to the new flavors that melted on his tongue. Honey-milk instead of the usual butterscotch rolled more smoothly over his tongue like a wave of sugar. The gummy texture was superior to that of the hard-candy variant, which tended to suppress the flavor in its hard shell. All in all, he loved it.

    Jadica got up from her spot excitedly, regarding the man with a tender smile. ¡°You¡¯re late.¡±

    ¡°I got a bit caught up along the way.¡± He said nonchalantly, passing a hand through his short blonde hair. Khaantanese?

    ¡°You¡¯re a Strider, what could¡¯ve possibly kept you up?

    His lips tightened. ¡°I was¡­visiting a friend.¡±

    ¡°Was it Jezbrahn?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Sorry¡±

    She pinched the bridge of her nose. ¡°What¡¯s his obsession with you? Doesn¡¯t he know you have a job?¡±

    ¡°Of course, he does! Doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t enjoy a good fight or two with a friend!¡±

    Jadica said something in perfect Khaantanese. Wait, she knew how to speak Khaantanese? It almost sounded Aunesfernish.

    The man grinned sheepishly. ¡°Or fifty, I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Reial and Charette stood watching, chewing on the newly concocted golden drops. ¡°Tell your friend to make more. They¡¯re really good!¡± Charette praised.

    ¡°They¡¯re much better than the ones you usually buy us.¡± Reial agreed.

    The man turned to face them. His face was¡­distorted. No matter how Reial looked at him, he couldn¡¯t make out his features clearly. He assumed he was handsome though, considering he spoke perfect Aunesfernish and was well-groomed. So why those verdant green eyes? That hair, that fair skin. Those were the marks of a pure-blooded Khaantanese. He should¡¯ve remembered him, but he didn¡¯t.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to tell her that. It might finally convince her to start selling.¡±

    Jadica opened her mouth and the sound of rushing water assaulted Reial again. ¡°¡ªLyle has been looking for you.¡±

    ¡°What does he need this time?¡±

    ¡°He said he wanted to speak to you in private.¡±

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, he wouldn¡¯t say.¡±

    Groaning, he rubbed a hand across his face. ¡°I just got back from Khaantan, and he already wants to see me?¡±

    Jadica frowned and said something. More water. ¡°¡ªyou know how he hates overworking you. Please, don¡¯t act like this in front of the children.¡±

    He sighed. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ve just been stressed. First, Renuw, then Geschen. He doesn¡¯t tell me what I should be looking for, just to keep an eye out. I wish he could be transparent.¡±

    Jadica put a hand on his. Such a tender, loving touch. Did she know him intimately? ¡°If it bothers you that much, we can talk about it.¡±

    He considered it for a moment, his eyes hesitant. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Jad.¡±

    Something wet dripped against Reial¡¯s nose. He looked up, but the sky was perfectly clear. A beautiful summer day.

    Jadica pulled her hand back from his, embarrassed. ¡°All right, but if you ever feel like talking about it, I¡¯m here.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Reial felt around the empty bag, disappointed. He¡¯d run out of drops. Charette tossed the plastic bag on the ground, making Jadica yelp as she came to pick it up.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just throw your trash on the ground, Charette! You insult the Almagests by treating their world so poorly.¡±

    Charette wilted at her outburst. ¡°Sorry, I won¡¯t do it again.¡±

    The man laughed, but for some reason, it reminded Reial of the crack of thunder. ¡°She¡¯s just a child, Jad. You shouldn¡¯t reprimand her so harshly.¡±

    ¡°Teaching them manners is my job.¡±

    A wave of exhaustion hit Reial, making him nearly tumble to the ground. He held himself up but felt another drop of water hit his face. Then another and another, before he finally opened his eyes and found himself lying on the floor of the Aunesfernish forest. Rain poured down in great sheets, drenching his sleeping bag and belongings as thunder crashed in the distance. Great.

 Meaningless

    Reial felt like an idiot Striding through the rain. That wasn¡¯t to say he never considered himself intelligent in the first place, but he should¡¯ve at least expected the weather to take a turn for the worse. It was spring.

    Droplets of water parted around him as if he were a stasis dome, not once touching his skin or clothes. Though he still felt the chill of the air. Veil Striding was good for something after all.

    He glanced down at his arms to find Charette with her eyes shut tight, her clothes waterlogged. Scorch¡¯s head rested on her shoulder, the fur along his neck flattened and wet. How long would it be until the clothes dried themselves out? And what about their map? Had it survived the initial downpour?

    Reial narrowed his eyes, peering past glowing red droplets of rain that ventured too close to his face. He wasn¡¯t sure where he was, he wasn¡¯t even sure if he was traveling on the correct road. That is until he skidded past a coach, generating a wave of water and ruby sparks that crashed into it. The vehicle swerved off the road and managed to stop itself before it crashed into a tree. Hope he¡¯s not a Veil Seer.

    Reial tightened his grip around Charette as he leapt off the road, hopping from tree side to tree side in order to avoid the oncoming clog of traffic. His boots struck trunk after trunk, forming an artificial pathway with his pull. If he closed his eyes, he could imagine that he was back home, racing through his mother¡¯s garden. Hyvas, that dream. He still couldn¡¯t get it out of his mind. It was a memory, a memory he¡¯d forgotten.

    A happy one. Even more so than the times before the accidents. Why was that? Was it because of that green-eyed man? What was special about him, and why couldn¡¯t he shake him from his mind? The way water rushed in his ears whenever he spoke his name. It was peculiar to say the least.

    Rain thundered past coaches and trees as the sky cracked with lightning, deepening the highlighted shadows that already glowed before Reial. He felt energized, like his entire body was made of the volatile energy. It was an alien sensation. One that came not from him, but from the voice.

    He punched through a pocket of air and slammed his heels into the ground, breaking into a slide. Waves of ruby sparks danced through the open air, announcing his arrival as he came to a slow stop. The place appeared to be a sort of midway stop for travelers. Coaches were parked in an orderly fashion while marble pavilions stood erect around a large field of wet grass and paved stone. Behind that, there was a sizable wooden structure.

    Reial breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe someone in the area had information about where they were. In this type of weather, even a Veil Strider would be pressed for directions. Striding to the nearest marble pavilion, he set Scorch and Charette down before collapsing onto a metal bench. The Essence had taken a toll on his mind.

    Charette wobbled, her vision probably swimming still. If she had Veil Sight, she could¡¯ve more than easily cured her motion sickness with a flick of that power. Finally, she fell in with him, taking a seat on the bench and putting a hand over her eyes.

    ¡°Where¡­?¡± She managed to squeeze out through a moan.

    ¡°At a midway stop.¡± He answered.

    Charette nodded slowly, as if afraid of aggravating her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to have a look around. Watch over her in the meantime, Scorch.¡±

    The drog yipped, almost respectfully as if he were a soldier obeying his commander. He took his spot at Charette¡¯s feet, sitting down solemnly. Reial smiled at the scene and left with a brief Stride, cutting through the rain and pushing past some glass doors that shattered upon impact.

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    ¡°Careful.¡±

    ¡°What is it now?¡± Reial asked it.

    ¡°Quit making trouble for yourself. I¡¯m trying to rest.¡±

    Reial ignored it, gently closing the door behind him so the remnants didn¡¯t fall off their hinges. The building was pleasant, most likely due to a secondary stasis dome that kept the place smelling fresh. Around him were signs that pointed to restrooms and EBM machines. At the center of it all was a posterboard with a large map of the state of Aunesfern, and its surrounding borders. Apparently, he was near some city called La¡¯Shenta. He¡¯s never heard of it before, then again, he wasn¡¯t familiar with every town and city in Aunesfern.

    ¡°Wonder when the rain will stop.¡± He said to himself. No response came from the voice. Good.

    Wandering around the room, he pulled at his already drying clothes. It didn¡¯t wrinkle like ordinary cloth thanks to the cosmocury fibers sewn into it; repairing the fabric on a microscopic level. After a few minutes, his jacket, shirt, pants, and even boots were returned to their ordinary pristine state.

    Reial looked around the building and despite the number of coaches parked outside, the place felt barren. Like no one cared enough to come inside. More time to himself then.

    Approaching the EBM machine, he searched for water and something tasty. Casseroles and seafood like crabs were a good go-to. Tasty, simple and filling. If anyone knew how to cook, it was his father. The few times he was around to whip up a dish were some of Reial¡¯s happiest memories. Father¡­ His guilt crept up on him, threatening to swallow him whole. Best not let it get in the way. He had to be strong now, he had to be that person Charette wanted to be around. At least for a short time. Then he can leave. She and Scorch would be better off without him, so why not give her a reason to be happy?

    It made picking the EBM¡¯s that much harder to do. Bringing up those happier times helped dull his guilt. Then again, he could only suppress his feelings for so long. Purchasing the items, he stuffed them into his bag. That¡¯s when he read the little ¡°water-proof tag¡± that hung underneath the flap. At least their stuff was protected.

    Reial Strode back to the pavilion and found that Charette¡¯s clothes had dried too, although judging from the distant look in her eyes, she was thinking. He took the EBM packets out of his bag and handed them to her.

    ¡°I brought us food.¡± He spoke.

    Charette blinked, then looked to him with a smile. ¡°Great, which one would you like?¡±

    ¡°You decide. I¡¯m fine with whichever.¡±

    Charette glanced down at the crab EBM, then back at him. ¡°You always liked father¡¯s cooking more, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    She held the crab package out to him. ¡°Then take it, I¡¯ll have the casserole instead.¡±

    Thanking her, Reial put his packet on the table and watched. Charette read the instructions on the back, ripping off a small silver sticker that contained the ingredients of the food. Reial watched closely how the almost invisible raw Essence twisted and turned around the sticker. Causing it to pop out like an exploding kernel.

    It grew larger and flatter until it took the shape of a silver plate. At its center was a mass of dried powdered flecked with various colors. It grew moist with water, then clumped together, heating and expanding, becoming sharper with detail until it took the shape and color of the very same casserole dish as displayed on the packet.

    She did the same thing with the water, though it was simpler in display. Ripping the utensils from the front of the casserole packet, she took her first bite. Whether she approved of the taste, she didn¡¯t say.

    ¡°Mind helping me with mine?¡± He asked, waving his packet in her face.

    Charette set aside her dish and took Reial¡¯s EBM from him. He couldn¡¯t do it himself, not anymore at least. Something about acquiring the power of a Veil Strider made it near impossible to twist and bend Essence at will. No one cared to explain why, then again, he didn¡¯t ask in the first place.

    Once it was finished, Reial offered her his thanks and took an experimental bite. It was bland. The texture was familiar, but the taste was absent. Should it have been that way? He cracked leg, then threw it at Scorch who gobbled it down faster than a Stride. No, perhaps the issue lay with him.

    Suppressing a sigh, he watched Charette and tried to enjoy himself as he did back in Macoula. He wanted to feel that same joy, that same sense of purpose that had filled him when they carelessly threw on costumes and explored the city. He wanted to live in the moment, appreciate what he had, and not what was taken from him.

    But he couldn¡¯t.

    He was incapable of it, so he sat there. Wearing a fake smile and nodding to Charette¡¯s silly comments as he forced himself to eat.

    The midway stop was devoid of activity because of the pouring rain. Devoid of life, devoid of happiness. Devoid of meaning.

 Pieces of the Past

    Chunks of glittering dawnstone protruded from the earth as Reial crested lake Yalon. A small body of water located on the southern outskirts of La¡¯Shenta. Fishermen on small boats floated out onto the center of the lake, casting their lines with ease. What kind of fish lived in these parts?

    Charette knelt by the shore, scooping up glimmering fragments in the water. Despite their shattered state, they thrummed with energy. Like Essence, but different. Alive, yet dull. What had they been used for in the past aside from making the Remnants? And why did they choose to build Remnants with that alone?

    Charette¡¯s scarlet eyes scrutinized the relics as she rolled them around in palm of her hand. Though they were fragmented, dawnstone didn¡¯t erode. It remained whole in that sense. No dust, no finer grain.

    Reial reached down and scooped up a handful himself. There weren¡¯t many in the area, save for the shore they stood on. What were they when they were whole?

    The dawnstone tingled like electricity in his hands. Tame, unlike the volatile Essence that belonged to a Strider. It shifted from side to side, pulling towards Charette¡¯s own handful, but unable to fully bring itself to might. Exhausted, that¡¯s what it was. But how can something inanimate be exhausted?

    ¡°You¡¯re too curious sometimes.¡± The voice mumbled sleepily in his mind.

    Great, even in its slumber It still had time to ridicule him. It wasn¡¯t like he could just stop being so curious. Eston had taught him the values of questioning. Wanting to know why something worked the way it did, why people thought how they did, why events passed as they did. The world was filled with just as many answers as questions, the difficult part was assigning which to which. It also gave him something to distract his mind.

    Picking a fragment of dawnstone with her freehand, Charette winded her arm back and tossed it. Skipping the dawnstone pebble across the lake¡¯s surface.

    ¡°Nice throw,¡± Reial complimented.

    Charette grinned. ¡°Thanks, it¡¯s all that experience from skipping pebbles at the pond.¡±

    Rubble and debris. That¡¯s all these fragments were now. Did that lessen their historical authenticity, or was it only natural for them to discard its forgotten significance?

    Picking a smooth fragment from his palm, he cocked his arm back and whirled it across the lake with a charge of his Essence. Waves generated by the skips of the stone sloshed together as it traveled the entire length of water before crashing into a tree on the opposite side. It was of the shorter, white-leafed variety. Star-milks. Mundane in just about every corner of the globe.

    The star-milk leaned back, bending and snapping before it collapsed on its neighbors, causing a chain-reaction that knocked down an entire line of trees. Birds fluttered to the safety of the skies, displaced from their homes by his unintentionally destructive toss.

    Reial and Charette watched as several of the broken trees rolled down the shore and submerged themselves in the lake¡¯s depths. Sharing a look of dread, they dropped their dawnstone chunks and silently left.

    Scorch joined them as they returned to the road, his mouth full of glittering rocks. Wait¡­

    ¡°Scorch, why do you have dawnstone in your mouth?¡± Reial asked.

    The drog bounced up and down, tossing his head back then throwing it forward, flinging a single pebble from his mouth.

    Reial sighed. ¡°I¡¯m not going to do that again.¡±

    Scorch whimpered and shot him a look that said ¡°why.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather avoid deforestation going on my criminal record.¡±

    Scorch¡¯s eyes narrowed as he shook his head and made a low guttural sound.

    ¡°The birds aren¡¯t going to be happy if I keep displacing them, Scorch.¡±

    Scorch blinked slowly.

    ¡°No means no, now drop the dawnstone before you accidentally swallow it.¡±

    With a gruff, Scorch released the many dawnstone chunks in his mouth. The saliva covered sunrise creamy stone gathering into a pile. Reial watched curiously, wondering if they would come together.

    But nothing happened.

    Putting that behind them, they continued down the road. Unlike northern Aunesfern, the southern half was less forested. Opening to wide-open fields, hills, lakes, and the occasional ruins. Those were usually built out of ordinary stone.

    Reial had thought that ruins would be more prevalent in the northern reaches of the state. After all, that¡¯s where Rei had grown and spread his influence. Then again, the Unification Wars, Nether Dweller Invasion, and the Hazrakian Descent must¡¯ve had a part to play in their absence. Even Aunesfern¡¯s many riches and detailed histories weren¡¯t enough for it to survive unscathed.

    Peering up at the partially cloudy sky, he caught a glimpse of the sun hiding in the midst. It was a good idea to have spent the night in La¡¯Shenta, mostly because it had saved him from Charette¡¯s bad hair moodiness due to a recent windstorm.

    ¡°Do you think the ancients liked shiny things?¡± Charette asked unexpectedly.

    Reial arched a questioning brow.

    ¡°You know, because of dawnstone.¡±

    ¡°Probably?¡±

    ¡°It seems odd that they built entire things out of it. Look at the Remnants! They¡¯re all made of dawnstone. Wouldn¡¯t it have been easier to make them out of stone instead? Or steel?¡±

    Reial frowned. The Remnants were the last surviving pieces of their past, monolithic works of art whose histories had been lost to time. They weren¡¯t sure why anyone bothered to build on that scale. It seemed a pointless waste of resources.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m qualified to answer that question.¡± He admitted.

    Charette rolled her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t need hard answers, I just want to know what you think.¡±

    ¡°I think the ancients had too much free time on their hands.¡± He answered reluctantly. ¡°As for a proper response, I really don¡¯t know. I¡¯m no architect, I¡¯m a Veil Strider. I¡¯d probably break the dawnstone if I tried fitting it into place.¡±

    ¡°Sometimes I forget that.¡±

    ¡°You forget your own brother is a Strider?¡±

    She nodded. ¡°You¡¯re more than that to me.¡±

    ¡°Then what do you see me as?¡±

    She looked at him with that same curious expression he had grown accustomed to. ¡°Never mind.¡±

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    Before he could question her on the matter, Charette ran off ahead, motioning for Scorch to hurry to her side. Reial sighed and followed her, and although she wasn¡¯t a Strider, she didn¡¯t tire easily.

    That could mostly be attributed to the exercise they got around the forest. Playing games of chase with Scorch and helping around the manor as was Aunesfernish tradition. No matter how high in society you ranked, you were expected to help your parents and the household. Rei was said to have done this to his children to instill a sense of unity and humility.

    Thunder rumbled in the distance as encroaching storm clouds crossed into Aunesfernish territory. They ran down the hill, hoping that they could get to some shelter before the rain come. Then, a shiver ran down his spine. It was there again. He couldn¡¯t see it, nor hear it like last time, but he could sense it.

    The thing was following them again.

    He acted oblivious to it, calling after Charette to slow down so he could catch up. Whatever it was, it probably didn¡¯t know he was a Strider.

    How could something that eluded his eyes chase them all that distance? If there was one thing Reial was certain of, it was that this wasn¡¯t an ordinary creature. Animals themselves were incapable of producing the same effects of Striding, Gliding, and even Shifting. That left him to consider his final option. That it was a Courser tailing them.

    Coursers were famed for performing their jobs quickly and with exact precision. And though they weren¡¯t all inherently Striders¡ªreportedly, some were said to be ordinary Solvaylian Students¡ªthey were trained and equipped with the best gear to capture and detain such individuals. So why was it that they had done nothing but stalk them for nigh on three weeks?

    Surely, there were times when they could¡¯ve more than easily captured and returned him and his sister to their parents. That way, the government could keep things under wrap. Such was the nature of the secretive Coursers.

    After half an hour of running, they found themselves again in the thick of the Aunesfernish forest. No matter how far you ran from them, the trees always caught up. Charette leaned forward, wiping the thin beads of sweat that had gathered at her forehead.

    ¡°Hyvas, don¡¯t these trees ever go away?¡± Charette muttered.

    ¡°Perhaps they like us.¡± Reial teased.

    ¡°I¡¯d prefer if they kept a minimal distance from me.¡±

    He grinned. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll escape them soon enough. Recunda¡¯s what? A few days travel from here?¡±

    ¡°Something like that.¡±

    Reial ignored the hidden gaze that was burning into his back. Who was watching them? An ordinary man or woman? Or of the more deadly variety, like the Striders, Gliders, and Shifters. He never understood how you could convince a Shifter to do anything safely. You were always more afraid that they would completely obliterate their target. Unlike a Strider, they lacked control.

    Luckily, he had the element of surprise with him. He hadn¡¯t shown his true capabilities back when he had first sensed the Courser. At best, the person thought they were a Veil Seer and nothing more.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ever use the sword Eston gave you?¡± Charette asked.

    Reial blinked. ¡°It¡¯s for self-defense, Charette. I¡¯m not going to flail it around looking for a fight.¡±

    ¡°Seems like a waste to have it strapped to your bag. Why not wear it instead? I bet it would look good on you. Just look at that white and gold! Stylish.¡±

    Reial twisted his head around to see the pommel at face level with him. It wasn¡¯t traditional metal, but a twisted version of cosmocury. ¡°It does look good, but I don¡¯t want to go and break it. At least not without looking at it first.¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t even looked at it?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t bother to. I¡¯m a Strider.¡±

    She pouted. ¡°But didn¡¯t Eston gift it to you?¡±

    Reial¡¯s lips thinned into a line. The real reason he didn¡¯t want to look at it was so he wouldn¡¯t be reminded of the man. That, and he was afraid of how much money he had spent on the sword. He told him cryptically that it was ¡°one of a kind.¡±

    Slipping his bag from his shoulders, he fiddled around with the straps until the scabbard and belt slipped off. Hyvas, even the belt looked nice. The dark leather was interspersed with silvery rivets of an Empyrean¡¯s respective symbol, with the buckle taking the uniform shape of the Empyreans Crown. His gaze shifted from the belt to the scabbard, which matched his jacket perfectly. Stark white with golden bits along the tip, midsection, and top. However, there was one thing he didn¡¯t recognize. Three dots flanked by concave curves. Was that a symbol?

    Reial stared at, hoping it would rekindle some lost memory. Nothing. Disgruntled, he wrapped the belt around his waist and buckled it. When he was satisfied with the pressure, he took a moment to admire it. It did look rather nice. If there was one thing Reial appreciated, it was matching items.

    ¡°It looks amazing!¡± Charette exclaimed. ¡°I suppose Eston does have a sense of fashion after all.¡±

    Reial smiled shyly. Eston had a penchant for teaching class in nothing more than a plain shirt, pants, and mismatched slippers. Then again, he was Uvandran. They didn¡¯t care much about style. Save for Lacon. Tracing the silver swept hilt with a finger, his gaze gravitated to the odd pommel. It was shaped after a gem, which gem, he didn¡¯t know.

    The road continued to stretch ever forward, giving no indication of ever ending. Much like the constant burn of those eyes boring into him. What could he do? Attacking a Courser was illegal, after all, they were government agents. Non-violent means were the way to go, but what could they do? There wasn¡¯t a place for them to run or hide.

    He¡¯s here, isn¡¯t he? Came Charette¡¯s message.

    Unfortunately. He¡¯s been following us for a while now.

    What do we do?

    Reial hesitated. Remain calm. That¡¯s all we can do.

    Charette shoved her hands into the pockets of her jacket. She scanned the area ahead of them and frowned. Can¡¯t we run?

    I don¡¯t think I¡¯d be fast enough to outrun him for long. Especially with you two.

    Hyvas!

    Reial caught a glimmer of green light in his peripheral. There weren¡¯t many options available to him. He couldn¡¯t fight a Courser, considering they were government agents. Then there was a high chance they were significantly more experienced in combat than he was.

    That¡¯s when he saw it. A lone, decrepit stone shed in a clearing beyond. He sent a mental image of it through his link with Charette, and immediately began down the waning path.

    Heaps of rubble were strewn across the area like jagged hills. The ground was scarred with scores of deep gashes, the air shimmered, and beyond all of that, there was a distant, pained howling of a distorted voice echoing from the shed¡¯s dark interior. It was so faint that Reial could¡¯ve mistaken it for the wind.

    He hesitated as he stood at the foot of the entrance. This place was wrong. The cobbled steps led down into a bottomless inky black abyss. Even with his Sight, he couldn¡¯t make out more than three steps before everything was shrouded in a deep nothingness. Whatever this place was, it overshadowed his fears of being captured by the Courser.

    Charette looked at him with uncertainty, concerned about what could be wallowing in that abyss. If they did go down, however, that would leave little space for the Courser to hide. Then what? He thought. Get into a skirmish on the stairs?

    The longer they stayed staring down the stairwell, the more Reial realized how limited his options were. Better this than continue traveling on the road.

    A chill ran down his spine as he stepped into the shadows. That howling, that dwelling howling. It was louder now that he was inside. He looked back at Charette, motioning for her to enter. She did so and stiffened. Did she hear it too? Scorch slipped in underneath them, growling at the suffocating shadows.

    ¡°What now?¡± She whispered, her eyes darting down to where Scorch was.

    A distraction. Something to occupy the Courser¡¯s attention, but what? Causing a commotion would only garner more of their interest. Reial glanced at his faint shadow as beams of light filtered past them. Even in this darkness they flickered and distorted.

    That¡¯s it! ¡°Charette, do you happen to know the chemical composition of humans and drogs?¡± He asked.

    Charette gave him an odd look. ¡°Kind of.¡±

    ¡°See if you can fact-check it on the Sygnal.¡±

    ¡°Why¡ªOh.¡± She finally seemed to realize what he was suggesting.

    Charette settled further down on the staircase, as did he. For several minutes Reial watched as her face scrunched up as she memorized passages of scientific studies and evidence. If she were to do this, she had to know exactly how they functioned, else she would expend too much energy in casting this Trick.

    Then, she breathed. Envisioning, imagining. Shaping nothing into something as she wielded the power of creation itself. The space in front of them shimmered and hummed, coalescing into a distinct shape of colors and features. Say what you will about her, there was no denying she was a quick learner.

    Three figures popped into reality, one of Charette, Scorch, and himself. The copy of Charette stared at him, her features twitching as if she were trying to learn how to express herself. She looked at the copy of him and managed a smile. It looked sad to him. Scorch¡¯s duplicate tossed his head from side to side, snarling at something behind them. Reial soon found himself face to face with his copy as it knelt to stare at him. Had Charette not given them commands yet?

    ¡°Where should I send them?¡± She asked him.

    Apparently not. ¡°How about back up the road to La¡¯Shenta?¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t they be suspicious if we returned the way we came?¡± She reasoned.

    ¡°Then what about sending them on our path? We could take a detour to Ereles and go from there.¡± Ereles was the name of a town in the southwestern edge of Aunesfern.

    She nodded. ¡°That can work.¡±

    Turning to the copies, she reiterated his idea. Whether she gave them the ability to communicate or not, he didn¡¯t know. They wordlessly hiked up the stairs without complaint. Scorch¡ªthat is the real one¡ªlooked at the facsimiles and then back to them in confusion.

    ¡°They¡¯re just illusions,¡± Charette explained to him.

    Seeming to understand, Scorch lay close to them as they waited; glaring down at the bottomless pit that threatened to devour them.

 Fervor and Dwellers (Part 1)

    Close.

    That word echoed in Reial¡¯s mind with each slow step. The voice groaned in distress, tossing and turning in his mind as if it were experiencing a nightmare. Was it the darkness¡¯s doing, or was it something greater?

    He didn¡¯t blame it. The place was practically suffocating. If the voice was capable of experiencing his senses, then could it feel that oppressing wrongness that permeated the air?

    Reial¡¯s eyes darted to the scuttling objects at the edge of his vision. Treedint roaches. Dwelling things didn¡¯t know when to stay out of a building, even one as wrong as this. Then again, they were Dulls. They didn¡¯t have the intelligence to think for themselves.

    For a second, he thought he saw them glowing faintly. That wasn¡¯t right. Dulls only siphoned the Essence conjured from a nearby being as a defensive mechanism when threatened. However, neither he, Scorch, nor Charette were actively absorbing Essence. Even if Reial was, a Dull could never absorb a Striders Essence.

    ¡°Close.¡± The voice came again as they passed a slit in the wall.

    He craned his head back to see if he could still make out the entrance. Nothing, only complete darkness. Well, they knew how to get out, so it wasn¡¯t all hopeless.

    Taking a deep breath of the stale air, he grimaced. Why did anyone bother to dig this deep? They¡¯d been walking down the stairs for fifteen minutes now and they still hadn¡¯t reached the bottom.

    ¡°What do you think¡¯s down here?¡± Charette asked in a hushed whisper.

    ¡°Treasure, maybe?¡± He suggested.

    ¡°Why would someone dig down so deep just to hide a few hundred dollars worth of treasure?¡±

    Reial didn¡¯t know, just like he didn¡¯t know why someone had built a lone shed out in such a massive clearing. Why were there heaps of rubble everywhere? Why did the air constantly shimmer as if someone were producing a Trick? Why were there so many treedint roaches? None of it made any sense.

    ¡°We should head back,¡± Reial said. ¡°the Courser¡¯s probably already gone.¡±

    Charette continued going down the stairs, unperturbed. Did she not feel how wrong this place was? ¡°No, I want to see what¡¯s down there first.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°My sense of adventure.¡± She turned to look at him. ¡°You look scared, is something the matter?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just worried. About the Courser.¡± He lied.

    ¡°Perhaps exploring these ruins will help take your mind off it. Don¡¯t worry, those facsimiles are meant to last a week.¡±

    Nine days. Hyvas. The darkness receded at the touch of his Veil Sight, but not by much. Faint wisps of colorless Essence radiated off the walls and even the steps of the stairwell as they continued down their path. Why hadn¡¯t he noticed those before?

    Pressing a hand against the wall, he felt something disturbingly familiar about the stone bricks. They tickled. He pulled his hand away, expecting to find a treedint roach on the spot. There was nothing.

    Frowning, he pressed his hand against the wall again and felt it hum. Like the steady beat of a drum. Repeatedly, over and over as if someone were beating the very earth around them. How deep were they now?

    Close.

    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Reial tore his gaze away from the wall and stared warily down the inky black abyss. The glow of his scarlet eyes painting the room in a faint red light. Several treedint roaches gathered around him, trying and failing to siphon his Essence. He shooed them away with a wave of his hand.

    Then they hit the bottom. The narrow stairway had given no indication that they had reached the cavernous room they now found themselves in. It was as if the entire place had appeared out of thin air. How could he have possibly missed this place with his Veil Sight?

    Fortunately, the floor underneath him bent and accommodated to his gait, preventing him from stumbling forward. Charette, not so much.

    His arm shot out as he caught her by her bag, preventing her from falling flat on her face. She blinked in surprise, staring down at the floor as he steadily pulled her back onto her feet.

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Reial nodded as he then proceeded to scan the area for signs of life. An alien dread dredged its way through his subconscious, ripping free from the mental clasps of his mind as he stared at the murky darkness in the center of the room. The way it twisted and writhed, blending in almost seamlessly but wrong. Yes, it was unfamiliar with him, but not the others.

    Right. The word clicked with him, then a faint, blurry memory played in his mind. Not his, a shard, a fragment of the past. One of a Veil Strider before him. Ancient, unknown. The first.

    He saw fires, mounds of limp figures, twisted creatures with odd gaits strolling through dilapidated cities, a world¡¯s golden age brought to its end, and into an infamous dark age. The Invasion of the Nether Dwellers. Why show it to him now?

    Save for the odd vase and small chests scattered about, the room was barren. Like a forgotten storage.

    Reial kept a secure grip on the hilt of his blade as he drifted from one corner of the room to the next. He wasn¡¯t certain if he was searching for the source of the darkness, or the voice for that matter. What he did know, however, was that he would be prepared for what the void had to throw at him.

    The clicking of Scorch¡¯s claws caught Reial¡¯s attention as the drog slipped around his legs. He trembled something fierce as he stared at the center mass in the room. Was he aware of what it was?

    ¡°Is that where it¡¯s coming from?¡± Reial asked.

    Scorch didn¡¯t look away from the spot, instead, he shied closer to Reial; wrapping his body protectively around his legs. That made it difficult to move.

    No matter how hard Reial tried to pull free, the drog¡¯s hold on him wouldn¡¯t budge, so he opted for an awkward shuffle around the room. He didn¡¯t mind that, the closer he was to the stairwell the better.

    Veil Sight¡¯s ability to see in the dark was limited, meaning he couldn¡¯t see more than twenty feet in front of him without it going dark again. Charette was nearing that edge.

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t go too far!¡± Reial called after her. ¡°Else you¡¯ll get lost.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± She shouted back.

    Reial and Scorch whirled around as the terrible wind howled about them. Wind wasn¡¯t natural this far below, was it?

    Charette began to stray further from him, causing him to reluctantly abandon his proximity to the stairwell. What was she so interested in anyways?

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± He called after her

    She pointed out to the darkness. ¡°There¡¯s something glittering over there!¡±

    Reial stared hard into the void, finding nothing. ¡°Where?¡±

    ¡°There!¡± She pointed more urgently to the center.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably nothing.¡±

    ¡°Or it can be cosmocury!¡±

    Now that was being hopeful. ¡°Come on, Charette. We¡¯ve already spent enough time exploring. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Five more minutes, please! Then we can leave!¡±

    Biting back his irritation, Reial groaned. ¡°Fine.¡±

    Charette cheered, her scarlet eyes practically lighting up the place. That look alone drove off the dread that threatened to crush him. Sparks of white and silver popped off around her, though they immediately stopped as soon as they manifested. Could it be¡­? Reial shook his head. It was probably his mind playing tricks on him again.

    Maybe he was just overreacting. There was nothing special about this place. For all he knew, it could¡¯ve been used as a storage unit of sorts in the past. That would explain the rather mundane items out on display.

    The pressure around his legs disappeared as Scorch went scampering off to Charette¡¯s side. They gravitated to the center before finally disappearing behind that void. Her excited tone and Scorch¡¯s yips carried over the distance, giving him some peace of mind. He took the time to inspect the jutting pieces of stone placed around.

    Funny. He could almost make out the pattern they were arrayed in. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    Scribbled atop the stone were words in modern-early Aunesfernish. They were mouthfuls to enunciate, even by their languages¡¯ standards. Fortunately for him, he had the capacity to understand them.

    ¡°Rel Trun-syvek¡¯s Helashi.¡± Great hall of the dead, or Great hall of the glorious dead.

    Reial¡¯s blood ran cold as a scream ripped through the air like a thunderclap. He whirled around to face the darkness at what should¡¯ve been the holy center. ¡°Charette?¡± He called.

    Close.

 Fervor and Dwellers (Part 2)

    Reial¡¯s blood ran cold as a scream ripped through the air like a thunderclap. He whirled around to face the darkness at what should¡¯ve been the holy center. ¡°Charette?¡± He called.

    Close.

    A low, threatening growl rumbled from the void before it devolved into a ferocious series of barks that would¡¯ve intimidated even nezerine. Drogs may appear friendly, but they could rip out the throat of a man as easily as any other wild beast.

    That bark, he hadn¡¯t heard it since¡­ Memories of men lying in puddles of their own blood flashed in his mind. Charette limp on the floor. No, he wasn¡¯t that helpless kid from before. He knew he was strong enough to handle whatever was thrown at him. The Empyreans and Almagest have given him that much, right? They cared.

    His knees buckled with every step as he moved closer to the source. Scorch¡¯s barks were reduced to muffled whimpers as Charette grunted and groaned, trying to escape from whatever had captured her.

    Reial¡¯s heart pounded in his chest. He knew he could do this, whatever was there, he knew he could make it bend to his will. All he had to do was be brave. Wasn¡¯t that why God had blessed them with this strength? So why couldn¡¯t he do it?

    The floor beneath him continued to bend and bend and bend until his feet lost purchase and he began to sink into the stones. They bubbled like tar, holding him in place until he felt something slip around his waist and pull him free.

    Then he came face to face with it.

    Too close.

    The voice buzzed in his mind like a discordant choir of women, men and children.

    Too close. I told you not to come too close.

    Reial¡¯s being fizzled like a dying firework as the thing latched onto a distant shard of him. It pulled, and pulled, and pulled, trying to rip him from this reality as his own memories and voice became distant matters of the past.

    Stop struggling.

    The entity peeled away at the defenses around Reial¡¯s being, exposing it the intolerant air of which it should¡¯ve never known. Stability, meaningless laws of nature and physics, chemical compounds, language, and even thoughts were nothing more than a desperate attempt to string together his plane of existence. It was too much, he wanted to cease¡­cease existing? Believing?

    Good. We like it when you listen. I like it when you listen. Why couldn¡¯t you listen back then too?

    With a shaky head, Reial turned to find Charette struggling and kicking against¡­what was this thing? The area around it was covered in a cloudy dark haze, obscuring its features, save for its arms.

    Charette growled with frustration, swallowing a breath of stale air before something sparked at her lips. An explosion of white-hot fire set the room alight, melting the dark clouds around it. Behind its veil, they were met with a charred yet somehow bubbling mass of dark skin. A long pair of gray lips ran from one end of its body to another, like some sort of children¡¯s nightmare. It was formless, though not because it lacked distinguishing features, but because it continued to shift from one form to another.

    Humans, horses, insects, reptiles, it was all of them yet none of them as the bubbles writhed around its body.

    Charette continued to assault the creature with her blast of fire. Flames streamed around it, curling into wisps of smoke as they were almost immediately extinguished. The thing watched in amusement, or at least what Reial read to be amusement.

    Resist? Not effective. Yet can¡¯t affect her either. Not like one or two, possibly three? Or a strong sense of self?

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    When the flames went out after a few seconds, he found Charette staring at the thing in horrific repulsion. Yes, this was it, was it not? The ones that had nearly destroyed their world a thousand years ago.

    A Nether Dweller.

    But why was it here? Why did no one know about it?

    Listen well. It comes. A second time. Not as grand, yet as deadly. Tried once, didn¡¯t work, like this. Not once, but twice. You, you¡¯re like him. Yes, two and three are good too. New, newer than Solis Vaylius would¡¯ve wanted. Can¡¯t stop it from coming, too late. I warned them, they didn¡¯t listen either.

    A bolt of thunder roared into being as a charged current streamed about the Nether Dweller, erupting into a blindingly hot flash of blue light. The force alone cracked Reial¡¯s barrier. Unfortunately, it had done little to silence the Things mad ramblings.

    Strange, when I give warnings, They don¡¯t tell you about the danger. Tell the others of this.

    A chilly gust of wind froze the arms holding them, allowing him and Charette to slip out and sink back into the immovable tar. Another pair of arms arose from the pit, grabbing them tightly, almost crushing them.

    Charette gasped. ¡°Rail!¡±

    Reial struggled weakly against its grip. Veil Striders had an uncanny ability to sense danger and attacks, so why wasn¡¯t he warned about this?

    Listen. Closely.

    ¡°Rail!¡± Charette cried desperately.

    Could it have something to do with those whispers? Why would a Nether Dweller warn them to begin with? He thought they were nothing more than forces of destruction like the legends said.

    Something pulled on Reial¡¯s pants legs. When he looked down, he found Scorch clinging to him for dear life. He was already neck-deep in the tar.

    This Thing didn¡¯t care if Scorch lived or died. It was just an animal to Them. Then again, Nether Dwellers didn¡¯t care about people either. They had decimated their world for the simple joy of it.

    Beings of immense powers that far outshone even theirs. These were the twisted abominations parents used to prevent their children from sneaking out at night. They had brought the world to its knees, but not Veil Striders. Nether Dwellers bent before them.

    Rifts tore through the darkness, leaking twin-streams of ruby sparks that congregated around Reial. Their once human thoughts granting him an unparalleled burst of strength. The tar beneath him distorted to show a plain stone floor, granting Scorch the opportunity to claw his way up and wrap himself around Reial.

    Ruby sparks danced along the Nether Dwellers¡¯ trunk-like arm as Reial slammed his hands down on it. Pushing and pushing and pushing against the abominations failing strength until he heard something snap. The pressure around his waist disappeared as the arm fell limply to the side, hanging by a thread of black flesh.

    A shrill, earsplitting screech erupted from the entity, causing a minor crack in Reial¡¯s barrier. He spun on his feet as he drew the blade from its scabbard; revealing glittering golden plasma that shone like the corona of a sun.

    With an arcing sweep of his blade, he cut cleanly through the arm clutching Charette. Severing its connection from the tar as the room was suddenly engulfed in the light of day. Reial darted to her hanging figure, scooping her out of the air. Heart pounding in his chest and with blade in hand, he made his way for the stairwell. He expected the sword to shatter upon impact with the wall, but instead, it glided through it like a hot knife through butter, erasing every stone that resisted its touch.

    As soon as he took his second Stride, he was out. It was such an abrupt and jarring change that¡ªif it weren¡¯t for his powers¡ªhe would¡¯ve stumbled and fell. Skidding across the heaps of rubble in a shower of sparks, he twisted around to face the shed.

    He calmed his racing heart as he stared down the inky abyss, gripping the sword tightly in his hand; waiting for the moment when the Nether Dweller would come crawling out of its den to attack them. Instead, he was subjected to more of its mad howling. It melded with the rustling of the leaves So easy to ignore, so easy to pass by. This place was forgotten for a good reason. To keep it sealed down there.

    The blade¡¯s plasma lapped at the air, consuming its own rays of light that were glinting off the silvery hilt. It didn¡¯t feel real, even the heat it produced was a sign of that. Not fire, but pure, raw, energy. Almost Essence-like. Passionate.

    This was what he meant by one-of-a-kind. Reial noted. How Eston acquired a Weapon of Fervor at a fair price was beyond him. They were treasures unto themselves. Second only to Silk in worth.

    Charette squirmed out of his grip, her chest heaving as if she were trying to calm herself.

    ¡°Charette¡­¡± He began.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°You know what that was, right?¡±

    She didn¡¯t look at him. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Scorch trembled, staring down the shed. What could he say at a moment like this? When they rediscovered an ancient, trapped evil? Still, the way it acted, how it spoke and rambled on. That was nothing like the ancient tales spoke of. Why did it care to warn them in the first place?

    ¡°Listen well. It comes. A second time. Not as grand, yet as deadly.¡± Was a second invasion going to happen? No, it said that it had tried to warn them before. This was different. Different how? He asked himself. There was no definitive answer, only a vague idea that stemmed from the far corner of his mind, like a misty thought. Was that the voice¡¯s doing? Hyvas, this was all too much.

 Realization

    Reial watched as the EBM packet jammed on the dispensing coil. He pounded on the glass window, hoping that the blows would knock the packet out of the coil''s grip. Nothing. No, he would not be having another dwelling fruit bar today.

    Ruby sparks danced from his fingertips as he ripped the machine from the floor, shaking it vigorously until the EBM came undone. Once it slipped past the door, he dropped the machine on to its feet, causing it to land with a mighty crash. The system was left in a daze as the letters were now replaced by numbers.

    He returned to the sofa where Charette and Scorch were resting, ignoring the pointed looks of confusion from the others in the plaza. Plopping down next to her, he removed the silver sticker from the back of the packet and held it out to her. She was in the middle of eating her own meal, a hearty beef stew with golden biscuits they had bought at a bakery. Finishing her bite of food, she placed her silvery bowl at her feet and rested the biscuits off to the side.

    There was a spark followed by the scent of smoke as the sticker took the shape of a bowl. Mushroom-like shapes formed at the center of the bowl, expanding and liquefying into a light-yellow broth. Cut nezerine horns and noodles surfaced from the depths of the soup, followed by some vegetables. Uvan¡¯s stew. Now, this was real food.

    Reial thanked Charette and ate it with gusto; relishing the chicken-like texture of the gelatinous horn as he chewed. With a mental click, a Solvaylian Projection flickered to life, canceling out the words of the noisy preacher standing at the corner of the room. He was draped in red robes and followed by two attendants with their heads bowed. He never expected to find members of the Red Star¡¯s Dawn in a small town like this.

    The Solvaylian Projection played a live interview featuring La¡¯Sandra. Violet ribbons streamed behind her Silk¡¯s armored form as she moved around her shop with a grace like that of a Gale Glider, no doubt unveiling a new line of clothing. She always enjoyed wearing her Silk to special occasions, and for good reason.

    That starburst pattern of strawberry and white that melded perfectly with translucent streams of gold. The ribbons that always seemed to sway as if caught in an eternal breeze. Then came her imposing figure. At six-foot two, she was an avid fan of exercise. She was broader than most women Reial knew, but still retained many of the curves that highlighted her figure. Did her fans admire her muscular build as well?

    ¡°Find anything exciting to watch?¡± Reial asked Charette as he scooped up another horn.

    ¡°The only interesting thing around here is them.¡± She pointed to the preacher.

    Reial turned down the volume of his projection and listened closely to their speech.

    ¡°-And we must abandon our reliance on Essence, lest it destroys us!¡± The preacher said¡ªa man who appeared to be in his second century¡ªlifting his hands up as if to embrace them. ¡°He has warned us as he had done so in the past! We were not but petulant children back then. Covering our ears to blot out a horrible truth that we didn¡¯t want to consider. That the Almagest and even the great Solis Vaylius were powerless to stop the End.¡±

    A small crowd had gathered around them. Ten or so people from the looks of it. Were they only interested in the spectacle, or did they truly believe what he was saying? Reial wondered. It almost reminded him of-

    ¡°Join us, so that we may prevent this Final End. To prevent our minds from ripping each other apart. Join us, men, women, and children, so that we may unify against our greatest threat! Join us, so that we may live to prosper as greatly as Them.¡±

    There was a subdued response to the crowd as half of them left. As if they too were contemplating the preacher¡¯s words. The other half pressed closer, asking the man faint questions that Reial couldn¡¯t make out. Reial frowned, looking down at his half-empty bowl. He didn¡¯t feel hungry anymore. Placing the bowl in front of Scorch, he watched as the drog devoured the rest of his meal.

    ¡°He¡¯s probably just saying that stuff so they could get more followers,¡± Charette said.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Still, he wondered.

    The Projection continued to buzz with activity. When he turned back to view it, he found La¡¯Sandra surrounded by fans that had flocked to her main store. Many of them begged for a simple shake of the hand, others for an autograph, and some even asked if they could wear her Silk. He raised the volume, listening in on the many requests.

    ¡°Are you going to attend this year¡¯s Solis Games?¡± The Interviewer asked.

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    La¡¯Sandra¡¯s Silk hood turned to face him. Its basic shape was like that of a closed helm, with a large ¡°V¡± running over the face before it tapered off to the sides in a stream of rippling wings.

    ¡°No,¡± She answered. Her tone was controlled and mature, like someone from Yusandross. ¡°I think I¡¯ve had my fair share of glory. For now.¡±

    Cries of confusion exploded from her fans.

    ¡°Does that mean you¡¯re retiring?¡± The Interviewer pressed.

    ¡°Vaes¡¯s hand, no! I just need a break. I have a fashion line to run, food to eat, places to visit. I need my own time too, you know?¡±

    A new flurry of questions assaulted her. Had they done something wrong? Were they too abrasive? Had she tired of losing to Ishrelai?

    ¡°It¡¯s not anyone¡¯s fault,¡± She reassured them. ¡°I just want to give other burgeoning Striders a chance to show what they¡¯re made of. Besides, I want to see how far my prot¨¦g¨¦ has come.¡±

    Prot¨¦g¨¦? Since when had she taken someone under her wing? Reial hadn¡¯t heard talk of that. It certainly would make for a welcoming change, not that things had grown horribly stale. Just predictable.

    ¡°I wonder who it is.¡± Charette murmured, watching his screen.

    ¡°Probably someone as obsessed with fashion as she is,¡± Reial said.

    A smile cracked upon Charette¡¯s lips as she handed her leftovers to Scorch. Leaning back against the sofa, she let out a content sigh. Reial did the same, allowing the calm stillness of the town to settle over him. It reminded him faintly of Macoula. He could allow himself to just be for this moment. That would be enough.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe they sent a Courser after us,¡± Charette said, breaking the silence.

    ¡°What else were they supposed to do?¡± Reial asked. ¡°Let us be off on our own?¡±

    ¡°Parents are supposed to be supportive of what their children want, right? Shouldn¡¯t they support us wanting to travel the world?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± He answered truthfully. ¡°maybe they think we¡¯re too young.¡±

    ¡°Just because we¡¯re young doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re naive.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s more than that, Charette.¡±

    ¡°And how do you know?¡±

    He didn¡¯t, but he had to pretend. How could he ever believe he was in the right when his past teachers had always doubted his intelligence? ¡°I just do, okay? If we stayed¡ª¡±

    ¡°If we stayed, you would¡¯ve hated me even more.¡±

    Reial stared at her, aghast. Where had this come from? ¡°Charette, I don¡¯t hate you.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to lie to me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not!¡±

    Scorch whimpered, causing Reial to turn to him. The drog was staring at them with his large orange eyes, his muzzle dirtied by the stew¡¯s broth.

    ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong, Scorch. We¡¯re just talking.¡±

    ¡°Of course, nothing¡¯s wrong. Nothing¡¯s ever wrong with you.¡± Charette sneered.

    ¡°Will you please tell me what I did?¡±

    She didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°Charette.¡±

    Nothing.

    ¡°Reine.¡±

    Charette glared at him. ¡°Don¡¯t call me that!¡±

    ¡°Why not? It is your name.¡±

    ¡°Just don¡¯t, okay?¡±

    Reial winced. He didn¡¯t understand why she preferred her middle name over her first. That name was a sign of their great lineage. Why was she so ashamed of it

    Scorch crawled into the space between them during the awkward silence. Hoping to mend the rift that had come between them. If only it were that easy.

    He could pretend that they were normal siblings, that they got along well enough and had their ups and downs, but why bother? They spoke not because they wanted to, but because they had an obligation to. Not by some greater force, but by unspoken consent. It was the final bit of normalcy they could allow themselves. Else he would begin to consider the truth.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Charette whispered.

    Reial shrugged as nonchalantly as he could. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    More silence. Hyvas, the silence, that was even worse than the arguing sometimes. All he could do was sit there and think of how poorly he had handled the situation. Then it hit him, nothing had changed. He had hoped that with Charette tagging along they would mend this wound of theirs. Possibly even start all over. But he was wrong. They were still very much the same as they had been years ago.

    What could he ever do that was good enough? Maybe his teachers would¡¯ve known. They had always known better than him.

    After some time had passed, Reial spoke up. ¡°Want to take a look around the shops?¡±

    Charette dipped her head. ¡°Sure.¡±

    Putting on a smile, he threw on his bag and made a start for the stores. The shopping district was located nearby the plaza, which was a bit unusual. Thankfully, it was relatively quiet given the size of the town.

    Most of the shops here were either clothing or jewelry stores, with the occasional food vendor to keep shoppers fed. The clothes belonged to smaller, lesser known brands, and some Reial didn¡¯t recognize at all. Their clothes weren¡¯t horrible to look at, but he wanted something refined and sleek. Simple, but with enough flair to stand out. That¡¯s what he loved about La¡¯Sandra¡¯s clothing line anyways.

    Charette didn¡¯t care much for the grand displays people set up at the windows. She didn¡¯t even bother to give them more than a single glance. Choosing to stare at her own two feet rather than what she would¡¯ve begged their parents to see when she was younger. Where had her excitement gone?

    Reial tried to play her part, chatting about this shirt or that pants, about how expensive it was and if he should buy it. When she was bubbly like that, he found himself enjoying his time rather than loathing it.

    It was exhausting, but being strong meant being fake, didn¡¯t it? At least that¡¯s the impression he got. People pretended that they weren¡¯t scared when they were brave, or that they weren¡¯t angry when they were punishing others. He just had to be fake for Charette¡¯s sake, so why couldn¡¯t he continue being fake and choose to stay with her? Because it¡¯s for her own good.

    As he was in the middle of ranting about a certain color combination, he froze. Charette was looking at him with that same curious expression he had grown so accustomed to. Except he had been reading it wrong all this time. She didn¡¯t appear curious, she appeared concerned. For him.

 New Land, Old World

    Reial pouted as he studied the formula scrawled on the board.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s simple,¡± Eston said. ¡°You divide the number by a multiple of itself to get your answer.¡±

    ¡°I thought you were a historian!¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t be good at math.¡± The Uvandran man grabbed a piece of chalk from his desk. ¡°Want me to explain how it¡¯s done?¡±

    Reial nodded. His past teachers had always scolded him for never learning fast enough. There wasn¡¯t anything he could do about that; he was just stupid.

    ¡°You see, 8 is a multiple of 64, so you add it 8, 8 times. Understand?"

    "Is this really required teaching?" Reial asked curiously.

    "Your parents are paying me a pretty hefty sum, so...I''d like to think so. Else that university will be pretty mad at the degree I stole."

    Reial laughed.

    "Well, want to give it a try then?"  Eston smiled.

    "I don''t know. It still looks weird to me."

    "Ah, that''s just nerves talking. The numbers won''t bite. Not unless it''s that terrible joke..."

    Reial cocked his head. "What joke?"

    ¡°Never mind that. Let''s count how many times the number can go into the bigger one. You remember how addition works, right?" Eston inquired.

    Reial nodded.

    "It''s almost the same thing, but combined with subtraction. You try to make the number match this one." Eston tapped the 64. "But sometimes, the number will be so odd you''ll probably go over it. Never go over it. Always stay under or exactly. Now tell me, how many times does 8 go into 64?"

    Reial glanced at the board hesitantly.

    "C''mon. If you got a number, say it."

    Reial shifted in his seat. It was so obvious, but...it wouldn''t be good enough. He''d still be stuck here when he gave him more problems.

    "The sooner you finish, the sooner you get to play with her," Eston informed him in a sing-song voice.

    Right. It was only a little past noon! They had the rest of the long day to look forward to. If he finished now, they could play in the gardens, then take a brief nap.

    Gathering his courage, Reial uttered the answer. "8 times."

    ¡°Yup!¡¯ Eston chirped. ¡°You got it.¡±

    Reial let out a soft sigh.

    ¡°You know, things always seem more troubling than they appear to be."

    Reial frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Life, school, history, science, math. People exaggerate what¡¯s impossible and what they don¡¯t want to do,¡± Eston said in his typical carefree manner. Other Aunesfernish would¡¯ve called him lax for taking that tone with Reial. Maybe they were right, or maybe not. ¡°Tell me, my dim Exania: Do you truly think the formula impossible, or do you not want to put the effort into answering it?¡±

    Drawn on the board were two sets of numbers, both surrounded by a strange mark on the left side. Something that looked like the symbol for subtraction. In between them was the symbol of division, just like before, but how was he supposed to solve four numbers when they were written like that?

    Reial stared at the numbers. ¡°Can I turn in for the day?"

    "No, not when you''re this close to finishing."

    "But I can''t do it."

    ¡°Can¡¯t, or aren¡¯t willing to?¡± Eston asked. ¡°You¡¯ve already learned one of the steps to solving it. What says you can¡¯t learn the rest in one day?¡±

    ¡°My brain says.¡±

    Eston laughed. ¡°Yes, our capacity to learn may be limited, but never nowhere near as limited as you believe. Take Rei, for example. They said he had a weak constitution for mathematics, yet he managed an entire realm in his long rule. How do you think he did that?¡±

    ¡°By having others do the work for him?¡± Reial surmised.

    ¡°Well, yes. He had assistants, a council of pneumas to be exact, but most of the work was done by him. Why? Because he persevered no matter how overwhelming it all seemed.¡±

    Reial frowned. Wasn¡¯t there a point when it wasn¡¯t worth it anymore? That it was better to give up than struggle fruitlessly? ¡°But what if you really can¡¯t do it?¡± He asked. ¡°What if it¡¯s all pointless?¡±

    ¡°You try anyway,¡± Eston smiled, writing a more simplified version of the fraction on the board, where the mark encompassed both numbers at the same time. What did that mark mean anyways? ¡°Know that you really can¡¯t do it. Know that it isn¡¯t just your mind trying to fool you into believing that you aren¡¯t capable of something. And when you fail¡­¡±

    Reial leaned in eagerly to listen.

    ¡°When you fail,¡± Eston continued. ¡°You analyze what you¡¯ve done wrong to better understand the situation.¡±

    Reial shifted in his seat. ¡°Failure¡± wasn¡¯t a word most Aunesfernish liked to hear. In their society, you had to strive higher and higher. Reaching for greatness like Rei himself. Failing meant you had done nothing to grow. That¡¯s what his teachers had told him at least.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it bad to fail?¡± He asked meekly.

    Eston shook his head. ¡°Failure is a mark of growth. It means you¡¯re becoming a better you, even if you feel ashamed or embarrassed by it.¡±

    A better him. Then maybe he could pretend that all his past teachers were wrong. That they weren¡¯t patient or willing enough to let him learn at his own pace. Perhaps he could believe that.

    ¡°Now, do you want to give this equation a try?¡± Eston asked.

    Reial nodded. ¡°Yes please.¡±

    <hr>

    Blades of grass stirred Reial from his slumber as he came too. As usual, he dreamt of memories rather than a random string of events. He didn¡¯t know why, just that it had always been like this for years now.

    Pushing himself up, he got a good look at the plains of Recunda. An endless sea of rolling green hills that stretched for hundreds of miles in either direction. It was difficult to believe that this place and Aunesfern shared a border.

    Charette was still asleep, no surprise there. She always did enjoy sleeping in, even if it was noon. A flicker of acknowledgment sparked from his Essence, nudging him to look out over the plains. Remembering what exactly, he didn¡¯t know. Perhaps a battle? A stroll through the countryside, a first love. He¡¯d always wondered if they were prisoners unfortunate enough to be stuck with him.

    Mighty heroes and soldiers across the ages, now trapped in his subconscious, barely existing. What did it feel like? Would that happen to him once he was dead too? Or did Vaes and Hyvas truly guide the beings of Veil Striders back to the heavens from whence they originated?

    Perhaps this is only temporary. Reial thought. Yes, temporary. Temporary pain, grief, sadness, and anger. If only he could feel that last one flare inside of him so he could scold himself. To make him feel alive and know what it was that he strived for, but he didn¡¯t. He was a failure. A failure as an Aunesfernish man, brother, and son. Would Rei hate him for this?

    Reial pushed away from the darkness that threatened to devour him. No, he had to be someone strong right now. Even if he didn¡¯t live up to the example of an Aunesfernish citizen, he had to continue to strive for something greater than himself. Something that would give him some pride or feeling of accomplishment.

    ¡°Failure is a mark of growth. It means you¡¯re becoming a better you, even if you feel ashamed or embarrassed by it.¡± Eston¡¯s words echoed in his mind. Were words capable of holding any true power?

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    The distant rumble of a coach was enough to shake him from his thoughts. A distraction was good, it saved him from his thoughts. Even if it wasn¡¯t meant to last, he could allow his mind to wander.

    Unlike Aunesfern, Recunda was in a permanent state of calm. The aggravating chirping of birds was instead replaced by the soft buzzing of insects. A change he very much welcomed. Waves of grass rippled across the field as the wind gently brushed the lands. Monuments of stone and iron protruded from the ground, dotting the otherwise barren landscape that could¡¯ve been used for farms.

    It was hard to believe the area once hosted one of the bloodiest battles in the Unification Wars. Over a million dead, with a small portion of that being Veil Striders themselves. People on the Sygnal often spoke of how the world used to be populated with Striders. Nowadays, you rarely find one outside of a Remnant. He wondered what those times used to be like.

    Charette stirred in her sleeping bag, muttering something about Aunesfern. Their home. Guilt seeped into his heart as he was reminded of his plans. He was being selfless, wasn¡¯t he? She deserved to live a better life, with or without him.

    No, thinking about that now would only make it harder on him when it happened. He didn¡¯t want to know what she would think of him, of how distraught she would look when he was gone. Of the potential tears that would spill from those scarlet eyes of hers. Wondering why now of all times, he had chosen to abandon her.

    Reial plucked his sword from the spot next to him, admiring the fine white leather of the scabbard. Perfectly crafted, unlike him. Why would Eston give him something he was so undeserving of?

    He ran a hand up the smooth white leather, feeling a familiar tingle dance across the palm of his hand. It reminded him of dawn stone, but¡­different somehow. As if someone were trying to relay a message across the Sygnal.

    His hand reached the hilt of the blade, a silvery piece of metal that was protected by a swept guard. He carefully drew the sword from its sheath, unleashing a rippling, formless blade that lapped at the air. Once it was fully exposed, he carefully examined it.

    Yes, this was a Weapon of Fervor. A righteous tool in the hands of Striders and heroes alike, which made it even more confusing as to why Eston had given him it. There were no wars, no danger of Reial being drafted into a conflict. Any regular old sword would¡¯ve done him good, albeit with the high risk of it shattering. Something this expensive was baffling.

    Reial turned the blade in his hand, watching the blinding, hypnotic edge shift with every passing second. Cosmocury. How was it capable of creating armors and weapons this ethereal?

    Did Vaes wonder the same thing centuries ago? Was he equally as impressed when Exania had presented him his weapons? Reial often wondered what they did with the weapons of nameless ancient Striders. They didn¡¯t have them displayed at museums, and for good reason. Unlike Striders Silk, they didn¡¯t need a Strider¡¯s Essence to charge the weapon. Strange that.

    An urge struck Reial to march over the hills to the west. He wasn¡¯t sure why, but he presumed it was due to the shards of his Essence. Those Veil Striders were as much a part of him as he was them. The idea of ignoring their suggestions just felt wrong to him.

    Reial stood up and Strode to the area, sheathing the blade midstride and buckling the sword belt simultaneously. Being fast did have its benefits. He stopped as soon as he reached the top of a tall hill that overlooked a pocketed landscape. Massive craters stretched across the area for miles on end, some as long as a man was tall, others the size of a small house.

    A shard of Essence rejoiced upon the sight. What was there to be happy about? Nothing but destruction lay in his wake. Unless they were happy to have defended what they loved? They were happy that, even if they had died in the battle, they had done what was right. Shouldn¡¯t they have been saddened to revisit this place?

    Tufts of grass crowded around the craters as if the land was in the process of healing. It gave life to the otherwise barren soil. Recunda was a land rich with green, which made it even more jarring that entire plots of it were gone.

    Strider¡¯s scar. That¡¯s what they called this place, wasn¡¯t it? Reial¡¯s gaze flickered from one crater to the next. Some were connected due to their close proximity. What was it like to see that spectacle in person? The earth tearing from its place with the simple kick of a Strider, sending ordinary men and women flying to their deaths as a battle among gods commenced.

    That¡¯s how people in the past had often viewed them anyways. He didn¡¯t understand why though, they could die like any other person. Just not through mundane means.

    The truth was, they were still human. They hurt, they cried, they laughed. Striders were as susceptible to emotions as any person, which meant they were equally as skilled at hiding them. Maybe that¡¯s why Charette was frustrated with him. She probably thought he was hiding something from her. Well, she was right, but why bother her with something trifle?

    The spark of Essence translated a feeling of acceptance. Reial turned away from the crater pocketed plain and walked back down the hill. It had failed to live a full life yet at the same time, it was grateful for having defended what they cared about. He knew that war wasn¡¯t pretty, that it was destructive, dehumanizing, and miserable, but people still fought. Soldiers on all sides of the conflict should always be remembered for their brave sacrifices.

    Sacrifice. The word didn¡¯t sit well with Reial. What cause could he be so passionate about that he would willingly give his life for? He couldn¡¯t even be bothered to save himself from his own thoughts.

    He wanted her to live a better life, sure, but that started with him not being around. The same went for Scorch. Wasting these abilities on someone like him was an oversight of the Almagest and the Empyreans.

    Reial made his way back to camp, finding his sister still fast asleep. He wished he could be as carefree as her sometimes.

    Charette yawned as she roused from her slumber, turning over in her sleeping bag to face him with fresh eyes. ¡°Morning.¡± She greeted.

    Reial arched a brow. ¡°It¡¯s one in the afternoon.¡±

    She shrugged, albeit awkwardly as she was still lying down. ¡°It¡¯s always morning until you have breakfast.¡±

    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°You know I am.¡± She sat up, looking around. ¡°Where¡¯s Scorch?¡±

    Reial twisted and turned around, finding no traces of the drog. Where was he? ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    Charette scrambled to her feet, peering off into the distant forest, then to the plains that stretched southward. ¡°Scorch?¡± She called.

    The whistling of the wind was her only response. Reial was unnerved by how still the area was. It was like¡­like what again? He shook his head of those thoughts, and cupped a hand around his mouth.

    ¡°Scorch?¡± Reial called.

    Charette ran up the hill they rested on to get a better vantage of the area, but without his Veil Sight, she wouldn¡¯t be able to see all that far. He followed her up, scanning the area. Waves of grass rolled across the land, covering up potential paw marks that could¡¯ve aided them. Scorch was an intelligent animal, but straying this far? It wasn¡¯t like him. Could something have happened to him?

    ¡°Scorch!¡± Charette cried, running across the field. ¡°Scorch, where are you?

    Reial Strode back to the tall hill that overlooked Strider¡¯s scar. Could he have gone to play here? Drogs were strange in that manner, that being when they came upon a peculiar location their first instinct was to frolic about in it. These craters would have made for great makeshift slides.

    Countless pockets spanned the breadth of miles, causing his eyes to ache as he continued to strain them further and further. Making out every little detail along the way, even ones he didn¡¯t want to see. That was what cursed these eyes. Being able to see everything in front of you at once instead of focusing on one item.

    Reial turned away from the scar, Striding back to where Charette was. If Scorch had gone in that direction, he would¡¯ve seen him already. Especially considering how long it would¡¯ve taken to scale those craters.

    As he reached the top of the hill that they camped on, he pressed his boots firmly against the earth and launched into the sky with a mighty jump. He couldn¡¯t keep himself in the air for long, not like a Gale Glider could, nor was he equally as fast as them when they did something similar, but it did grant him an unmatched view of the entire vicinity.

    With a quick twist of his body, his gaze drifted from the most distant corner of the Aunesfernish forest to a sparkling lake surrounded by a field of white-star lilies. He quickly began his descent as gravity took hold of him. That was the one force that didn¡¯t bend to a Striders will.

    Instead of crashing into the prairie grounds like a Glider would, he instead bounced upon contact, his feet growing extraordinarily slippery as the earth hastily adjusted and bent to become a perfect foothold for him. Ruby sparks exploded like firecrackers as he slid across the icy fields, trying to keep himself balanced so he wouldn¡¯t go stumbling and crashing dozens of feet away.

    Charette ran up to him, her expression etched with concern. ¡°Did you find him yet?¡± She inquired.

    He shook his head.

    Charette glanced over her shoulder, almost as if she hoped doing so would suddenly make Scorch appear out of thin air. ¡°What should we do?¡±

    Reial scratched his head. ¡°We can wait for him to return?¡± He suggested.

    Charette wrinkled her nose. ¡°Okay.¡±

    They reluctantly hiked back to their camping spot. Scorch would return eventually; he always did whether you wanted him to or not. That made him a good drog, and Reial didn¡¯t want to lose him. Not yet.

    Is this what mother and father felt like? He thought. Helpless and desperate to get us back? It was a disturbing thought; one he didn¡¯t want to ponder. Else the guilt would become even greater than it already was. That didn¡¯t make him a bad person, did it? He was always thinking of others.

    Blades of grass fluttered by in loops as the wind finally coerced them from the earth, sending them off to who knows where. It was all so reluctant. Like him.

    Could he really appreciate what he had after all he had been through? Could he not just sit down and be satisfied with where he was? The people who loved him and his faithful companion? Or was he like a blade of grass, going wherever the wind took him?

    Charette sighed as she gazed out into the prairie. Her eyes unfocused.

    Reial then felt something wet his hand. That was strange. The skies were clear, so how could it possibly be sprinkling? Another drop followed, then a third, and a fourth. Slowly, Reial turned his head to face whatever it was that was causing the wetness. Scorch greeted him with a suppressed yip, his scales glistening with water as he held three fish in his mouth.

    ¡°Scorch!¡± Charette cried, crawling over to him. ¡°Where¡¯ve you been?¡±

    The drog nudged Reial¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Do I have to?¡± Reial asked uneasily.

    Scorch nodded.

    ¡°No! That¡¯s completely disgusting! I am not going to touch those dead things!¡±

    Scorch stared at him with those large, orange eyes of his, whimpering softly.

    Reial groaned and pulled his hand into his jacket sleeve. Using the sleeve as a makeshift glove, he grabbed ahold of the fishes in Scorch¡¯s mouth and held them. The drog yipped, then nudged at Reial¡¯s bag.

    ¡°What now?¡± He asked.

    Scorch lied down and made an odd gesture. The only way he could describe it was as if Scorch was trying to clap his paws together and pull something into him. He added sharp clicking sounds with his teeth, and when he finished, he snapped his fangs together as if he were eating. Wait a minute¡­

    ¡°You want us to cook the fish you caught?¡± Reial asked incredulously.

    Scorch nodded.

    Reial groaned again. At least the smell wouldn¡¯t stick to his jacket. Thank the Empyreans for those cosmocury fibers. Charette started pulling items out of his bag, including some spices he had brought along in case he had to live off the land.

    Why had Scorch gone out of his way to catch fish for them? Sure, Reial did tire of eating those dry fruit bars, but it was enough to get him by. Perhaps it was something different, something he didn¡¯t quite catch. Still, Scorch did go out of his way to catch them dinner, so he should at least show him some appreciation.

    Reial smiled, feeling the darkness recede. What a silly drog.

 Recunda

    The steady pitter-patter of rain against Reial¡¯s barrier drilled into his mind for the third time that day. Great, instead of it being the birds¡¯ singing, it was the scattered showers of the states¡¯ dwelling moody skies that drove him mad. Why would anyone want to live in a place where it rained so much?

    Charette hummed as she walked beside him. Aunesfern¡¯s Embrace from the sound of it. A relatively upbeat song that contrasted the weather.

    Although they had barely crossed into Recunda, the land had welcomed them with showers and strong gusts of wind that rivaled Aunesfern¡¯s own. As with every political entity, Recunda¡ªat one point in time¡ªhad been a part of the Aunesfernish Empire. Their independence a result of a successful revolutionary war with Uvandra¡¯s and Carcetta¡¯s backing. Despite the riches they had acquired from the war, the people turned to a simple life of farming. A fact which still confused Reial to this day. Could a person¡¯s reasoning truly be that simple?

    Fields of wheat had replaced the tall grass, though in this light they appeared more golden than brown. Reial had expected to catch a glimpse or two of farmers inspecting their crops but found that the fields were constantly desolate. Almost as if no one bothered to come and check on them.

    Then again, there were so many to check on that it was probably more mentally exhausting than physically. People sure did purchase plenty of farmland. Probably a lot more than they needed. Those weren¡¯t the kind of investments one made lightly.

    Scorch splashed around in the shallow puddles, dirtying Charette¡¯s leggings in the process. How do people keep themselves shaded from the elements? Reial wondered. That was the one upside about the massive trees in Aunesfern. They protected them from the turbulent climate. Because of that, their skin was light and refined. Unblemished, unlike the fairer Khaantanese, Th¨ªrian, and even dark Uvandran. How could a state so close to Aunesfern, not be like it? Rather, was there even a redwood forest here to begin with?

    ¡°What an odd thought, to be focused on such a thing as skin tone.¡± The voice noted.

    Reial jumped. He hadn¡¯t expected to hear back from it so soon. How long had it been now? ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be asleep?¡±

    ¡°Mm, yes, but I wanted to briefly check on things. You never know when you¡¯re needed.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not even sure what you can do.¡±

    The voice chortled, though it sounded more like two blocks of stone grinding against one another. ¡°That¡¯s the greatest mystery of all.¡±

    ¡°What, you?¡±

    ¡°No, understanding how you can help someone.¡±

    Reial wrapped his mind around what It said. It wasn¡¯t technically wrong, though he had expected it to say something clever.

    ¡°I am not demeaning. To most, anyways. Rarely will one find my scorn, especially one such as yourself.¡±

    ¡°Thank you?¡±

    It grunted. ¡°I¡¯m glad we cleared up that misunderstanding then. Now, off to sleep with me.¡±

    Reial blinked as his mind become absent of its brilliant presence. Just when he was going to begin questioning it too¡­ Well, whatever. There would be time for that later. Dwelling voice.

    ¡°Do you miss home?¡± Charette inquired abruptly.

    Reial was immediately taken off guard. He thought this a sensitive subject, but it would be equally rude to ignore it, wouldn¡¯t it? ¡°I guess I do.¡±

    ¡°What do you miss most about it?¡±

    ¡°Watching Jadica stumble about the place when she was given a task.¡± He grinned.

    Charette grinned back. ¡°I miss Jadica too. I hope she isn¡¯t too lonely.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she has¡ª¡± Reial paused, his mind suddenly blank as he desperately grasped for¡­a name? A place?  ¡°She has¡­¡±

    Charette arched a curious brow. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Reial shook his head. ¡°Nothing. How about you? Do you miss anything in particular?¡±

    She hummed.  ¡°Playing together. Our instruments, I mean.¡±

    The memories came flooding back to him. When they had first struggled to play a string of notes. How talented she had been at playing the piano and him with wind instruments. A match Rei himself would¡¯ve approved of dearly.

    It was a time when he could simply be. Carelessly playing tunes for hours on end with Charette, sharing what they had learned about their respective instruments. Combining the melodies of their respective pieces. It was all so simple back then. How he yearned for those days.

    ¡°Maybe we can play together again, one day.¡± She continued.

    Reial nodded. ¡°Hopefully.¡±

    Charette smiled at him, then returned to her rhythmic humming. By now he noticed that their pace was in tempo with the beat of the music. They had practiced this song thousands of times in their youth, it was bound to have an effect on them, and though he couldn¡¯t play, he could hear it now. Perfectly crisp clarinet notes joined by the resoundingly deep yet optimistic steady piano keys. Yes, Aunesfern¡¯s Embrace wasn¡¯t technically classified as a waltz, but it was still a pretty popular pick at such events.

    They could make a living off of performing music. What a life that would be. Traveling from town to town, blaring music for gathering crowds, perhaps even concerts¡­ His skill with instruments surpassed that of his Striding capabilities. At least his mother had claimed so. Then again, she hated watching him in action. She never explained why, so he chalked it up to the motherly fear of children hurting themselves.

    Maybe in another life, that would¡¯ve been a possibility. In a kinder, more understanding world. Hyvas, why couldn¡¯t this be that world?

    Reial glanced up at the dreary sky. No, it wasn¡¯t his turn to be miserable. The world made that evident enough. He could be happy right now, or at least something akin to that. After all, the Almagest had given them this world for a reason.

    His thoughts drifted towards the Almagest. They were a touchy subject for him to ponder about. Not because he hated Them, but because he found it troubling to believe in Them. They were often referred to and praised for all They had, save for what the Empyreans had granted them. The Almagest had given them this world, but they didn¡¯t govern whether the sun rose or fell, neither the crops that grew or the thoughts that belonged to them. Those were all independent of them.

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    How could people claim that They loved them? The Almagest had never directly contacted any of the Empyreans, though there were several accounts of the Empyreans having communications with Solvaylius. That strange being that was beyond yet equal to their Gods. What would that make Yuson then? God, Empyrean, or man?

    He turned to find Charette rolling a ball of light in her free hand, then bouncing it on the paved road. Solvaylius had granted them this gift, hadn¡¯t It? The Empyreans had claimed as much anyway. So then why was their God afraid to commune with them?

    ¡°Charette,¡± Reial said. ¡°what is it the Almagest do?¡±

    She ceased her rhythmic humming. ¡°They watch over us, of course.¡±

    ¡°But isn¡¯t that all they do?¡±

    She frowned in confusion. ¡°Is there something wrong with that? They¡¯ve given us all we ever needed, including Solvaylius.¡±

    ¡°Then what of aiding the sick and weak? Giving us everlasting peace?¡± Reial shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s what Rei would¡¯ve wanted.¡±

    Charette¡¯s lips tugged further down. ¡°Perhaps They want to see if we can overcome our challenges alone.¡±

    There was that word again. Alone. Would you really become stronger if you went at it all by your lonesome? To struggle and suffer without a person to lighten the load for you? But why share your grief with another? Why pull them down with you and make them suffer as well for your inadequacies? That wouldn¡¯t be fair to them, right? Were the Almagest being just in this cruel direction?

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand how you can have infinite power but not use it for anything useful.¡± He muttered bitterly.

    She shrugged. ¡°Perhaps They just don¡¯t want to help anymore.¡±

    That bit unsettled him. They¡¯d be no better than a man turning a blind eye to a gang of thugs. Perhaps They just don¡¯t care. Reial thought. Like me. With his abilities, he could enter into a workforce very little people had the opportunity to join. Great pay, great benefits, but why bother? It was all predetermined from the moment he became a Veil Strider unwillingly. None of that interested him, it never had. He wanted to be something, but he didn¡¯t know what.

    Was that all because the Almagest wanted him to take this path? Shouldn¡¯t they as humans live the lives they want?  Not bend to the whim of an invisible being that supposedly loved them. How could a God ever claim to understand them?

    Droplets of rain pelted his barrier as a powerful gust of wind blew in from the southwest. He groaned. ¡°I wonder what the Almagest were thinking when they created Recunda.¡±

    ¡°¡®More rain.¡¯¡± Charette said.

    Reial chuckled. ¡°How can anything grow here when it rains so much?¡±

    ¡°The Solvaylian Arts.¡±

    ¡°True. I sometimes forget how applicable it can be.¡±

    ¡°Applicable, but fickle.¡±

    Reial cocked a brow. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    The ball of light in her hand fizzled out like static. ¡°The Solvaylian Arts are fickle because they¡¯re unreliable. Unreliable in the sense that it¡¯s impossible to sustain one activity for more than a few seconds.¡±

    ¡°What about the fire you made yesterday when we were cooking??¡±

    ¡°I just lit the tinder; the wood did all the rest. There are ways of getting around this weakness, but I don¡¯t really know most of them.¡± Charette shook her head. ¡°Not that it matters. Tricks are meant to be used in short bursts.¡±

    Reial tilted his head back. Veil Striders could use their abilities for prolonged periods, granted they aren¡¯t carrying living beings. Fighting was a different matter altogether, but not as costly as one would think. After all, it was Their strength aiding him. What an unfair advantage.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure La¡¯Vina would be more than happy to teach you how to offset this weakness.¡± He spoke.

    Charette perked up, not that she appeared upset by their previous conversations. ¡°You think so?¡±

    ¡°I know so.¡±

    She beamed at him, and for a brief moment, he could almost see the space distort around her.

    ¡°By the way, where do you even find most of your sources?¡± He asked.

    ¡°A good portion of them are from Exania herself.¡±

    ¡°And they aren¡¯t dated?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t even think she can be wrong.¡±

    The downpour returned to a steady drizzle as if to punctuate her statement. Dwelling rain didn¡¯t know when to make up its mind.

    ¡°What do people even do here to pass the time?¡± Charette asked, looking around the endless fields of wheat.

    Reial shrugged. ¡°Probably just read and sift through the Sygnal?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s kind of boring.¡±

    ¡°Charette, we did the same thing back home.¡±

    ¡°Exactly, which is why it¡¯s so boring.¡±

    He wrinkled his nose. ¡°Well, you aren¡¯t wrong. Who knows, maybe the people here will ¡®regale us with stories of their past¡¯.¡±

    Charette snorted. ¡°You make the entire state population sound like a bunch of old men.¡±

    ¡°With all of the farms here they might as well be.¡±

    Now that wasn¡¯t something Eston would¡¯ve approved of. The man detested stereotypes and had taught Reial to be more open-minded when regarding other cultures, but that was difficult to do sometimes. Stereotypes existed because they were mostly true, didn¡¯t they? That¡¯s what his Aunesfernish teachers had taught him, and they had turned out to be accurate the few times he traveled into the city. Thrasmanish travelers were friendly and helpful, Uvandran¡¯s were easy-going yet intelligent like the Aunesfernish, yet less refined, and the Recundian¡¯s that lived in the city were often simple folk. So strange to think that at one point they had been a singular people. Singular yet so different.

    ¡°How much longer until we arrive in Ildona?¡± Charette inquired.

    ¡°Another hour or two.¡± He answered.

    ¡°Are we going to stop there for the night?¡±

    Reial hesitated. They¡¯d passed a handful of communities, though he wouldn¡¯t call them towns. More like strips of houses occupying one long street. He didn¡¯t understand why people would settle down in such isolated areas.

    ¡°We can if you¡¯d like to.¡±

    She shook her head. ¡°No, let¡¯s keep going.¡±

    He nodded. Recunda was a little less than half the size of Aunesfern, though still larger than most of the shattered states. It wouldn¡¯t take them all that long to reach Endona. That was the one upside about it.

    Maybe there were exciting things to do here, but they just weren¡¯t looking hard enough. Then again, who would prepare anything exciting when it pours this much? Hyvas, it was unnaturally wet here. How bad was it in the summer then? Reial shuddered to think of the unholy humidity that would seep through his clothes. Couldn¡¯t the Almagest have done anything about that before they gave them this world?

    ¡°Oh!¡± Charette cried. ¡°I heard they have really large fairs here! Even bigger than the ones back in Aunesfern!¡±

    ¡°Huh, I guess that makes sense. They have all of this open space after all.¡± Strange that there weren¡¯t any trees in sight, save for sparse clumps of white and green star-streak oaks.

    ¡°Can we go if we happen by one?¡± She asked.

    Reial folded his arms. ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­¡±

    ¡°Please!¡± She begged.

    It wouldn¡¯t hurt to take some time out of their day to go to one, would it? Detours were common on journeys. Besides, they weren¡¯t in a rush. Th¨ªrion could wait a day or two, but what if the Courser became suspicious of their facsimiles?

    He was tempted by her offer though. Fairs were something he was equally as deprived of as she was. The laughter, the screaming of adults and children as they buckled on rides, the games, the smells. Why couldn¡¯t they live ordinary lives like the others? Was it really that important being the children of the governor of Aunesfern? It was just an elected position.

    But now, he finally had an opportunity to experience that joy for himself. To treat himself to the same greasy and delicious foods, rides, sights, and shows others spoke so highly of on the Sygnal. Why would he say no?

    ¡°All right, we can go to one, but only if we come across it.¡±

    Charette grinned, pumping a fist against the rain. ¡°All right! I¡¯ll be on the lookout then!¡±

    A pair of silver and white sparks danced off of her and struck him, though they melted off harmlessly against the invisible shards of Essence surrounding him. She didn¡¯t notice this, and he didn¡¯t care to point it out. He hadn¡¯t seen anything like this before, perhaps she was just manifesting her Essence?

    The rain stopped at last, and the clouds parted, revealing a massive rainbow that stretched across the sky. A welcoming sight after all of the gloomy darkness.

    ¡°So that¡¯s what they look like.¡± Charette awed.

    Red, green, yellow, blue, and other strange vibrating colors that didn¡¯t have a label attached to them. He didn¡¯t need his Veil Sight to see them, the Almagest had gifted them all with this ability.

    ¡°What do you think is on the other side?¡± She asked.

    ¡°Which side?¡±

    ¡°The really far one!¡±

    It was a silly question to ask. There was probably nothing there in all likelihood, but why not entertain her idea? ¡°Cosmocury, most likely.¡± He answered.

    ¡°Imagine being the lucky person who found that. You¡¯d be rich in an instant.¡±

    Scorch yipped in agreement. Perhaps Recunda had its ups and downs, but what state didn¡¯t?

 A New Stop, A Little Memory

    Reial stared absentmindedly at the sky, listening to the distant cheers of a crowd gathered to spectate a game of Nolmeraian Hrystai. A popular sport whose roots can be traced before the Nether Dwellers¡¯ Invasion. The aim of the game was to shoot a conical shaped object through an open hoop on either end of the field. Players couldn¡¯t throw or kick the object through the hoop, they had to keep it afloat with bumps of their elbows and open-handed slaps.

    He didn¡¯t care much about the sport itself. They were entertaining enough with how fast-paced the matches were, and he appreciated the fact that it was used as a way to honor the Striders of old, but he just couldn¡¯t shake a dream from his mind. That face, that dwelling face that always eluded him. Every time he was close to grasping their identity, it would slip from his clutches like some greased up sausage.

    Green eyes, blonde hair, he was Khaantanese, that was evident enough, but how could he be so tall? They were generally short, weren¡¯t they? No, you couldn¡¯t generalize everyone. There were always exceptions.

    Reial tapped a finger against the pommel of his blade. He knew that voice. So uncannily familiar, like the bright colorful programs he had watched on the Sygnal as a child, yet different. Yes, he had heard it from there before, but where? Was his mind fabricating characters and events from what he had listened to so long ago?

    ¡°Rail,¡±

    Charette was the only one who called him that. A nickname she had given him around the time he turned ten. He didn¡¯t know why, but the name stuck with him. It was pleasant and simple, though unrefined. However, it did carry with it a certain nostalgic factor that he couldn¡¯t quite explain.

    He sighed, bringing his head to his raised knees. What was taking her so long? Charette had gone to bring them a snack, but that had been more than twenty minutes ago. That girl.

    At least the building he was propped up against offered him shade from the sun. Away from all of the people who were enjoying their lives.

    Histories that relate to Vaes document him claiming that he fought for the people, that what he wanted out of life was for everyone to live their best life without tyrants subjecting them to cruel regimes. Tyrants who, at the time, had been other Striders too.

    Well, he had fought for that world, and much of it had changed again after his time. If Reial were to live his best life, he wanted to know what he would live for. Where was his passion? Where was his unbreakable will that the tales surrounding Veil Striders spoke so highly of? Were they only romantic lies?

    Reial tossed around the possibility. Stories were meant to exaggerate, to add a certain flair to an otherwise mundane situation. Making it appear grander than it should be. Eston, however, believed otherwise. He claimed that they inspired courage, bravery, and love when all seemed hopeless. That no matter how dire the situation is, you could overcome it. To cling to hope as if it were your dying breath.

    Eston was always optimistic like that. He was the kind of person to never take ¡°no¡± as an answer when it came to bettering yourself. Can¡¯t answer an equation? He¡¯d teach you the steps to solve it. Couldn¡¯t wrap your mind around a historical footnote? He would come up with a clever rhyme to remember it by. How could a person be like that? What kind of life of luxury did one have to live to be so happy and carefree? It boggled his mind sometimes.

    ¡°Sorry for the wait,¡± Charette announced as she shied towards him. What had she done this time?

    ¡°What took you so long?¡± He asked, watching as Scorch followed her, staring at whatever she was holding behind her back.

    ¡°Well,¡± She started. ¡°When I went to go get a snack, I saw a couple of tents set outback.¡±

    ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°Apparently one of them belonged to an artist who was taking live commissions.¡±

    Reial arched a brow. ¡°How much money did you spend?¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter! Just look!¡±

    She whipped out a large piece of paper with a charcoal drawing of him, Charette, and Scorch on it. It may have been nothing more than a sketch, but it had heart. The piece depicted a moment from their youth, specifically the day they had adopted Scorch. Their father had stumbled across a traveling salesman on his way back from work. He never explained why he had stopped at all, or what his reasons were for talking to the salesman, but it resulted in the traveler gifting him the pup.

    Reial smiled. He remembered that cool autumn night all too fondly. The game of chase they had played with Jadica around the manor, the warm meal with an extra serving by the tableside. Their father had a bad habit of arriving late for dinner, so they usually had everything prepared before he burst through the front doors.

    Upon his return, Reial and Charette were surprised to find him carrying a shivering little drog with him. He was shy at first but took a quick liking to them after they had offered him a bowl.

    Reial took the sketch from Charette¡¯s offering hand. From the bits and pieces of Uvan¡¯s stew to the striped shirts they were wearing. How he and his sister held out the bowl with one hand on each side as the drog cocked his head at them. The moment was captured perfectly in this piece.

    Reial could hear his younger self and Charette cry out in amusement as Scorch scarfed down the meal. That time was long behind them, and yet he felt his throat tighten with emotion. What an incredible day that¡¯d been. When they had added another member to the family. Their small family. It had never been the same after he left. He? Reial thought curiously. The thought had come to him so suddenly that it disturbed him

    He recalled an air of pensive melancholy that pervaded those days. Yes, that was right, someone had left without saying goodbye. Someone Reial and Charette loved, but who? Every time he thought up a name, the answer further eluded him.

    Reial stared hard at the drawing. Something was missing. It was a perfect recreation of the scene, he admitted that much, but there was something absent from it. What was that?

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    The more he thought about it, the further frustrated he became with his apparent lack of answers. Dwelling memories. Handing the drawing back to Charette for safekeeping, he nodded.

    ¡°Well worth every dollar.¡±

    Reial got back onto his feet, though it felt more like a thousand hands were doing the work for him.  ¡°Do you like it too?¡± He asked the drog.

    Scorch jumped and gave a yip of confirmation.

    Charette giggled. ¡°Good.¡±

    She grabbed her bag from the spot next to him, digging around until she procured a folder. Judging by the various utensils in her bag, it appeared as if she was more prepared to study than to explore. Charette then slipped the drawing into one of its pouches and slid the folder back in neatly to avoid wrinkles. It was a rather nice drawing, though how much did she spend on it exactly? Reial shook his head. He¡¯d have time to worry about that later.

    ¡°Should we get going?¡± She asked him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s.¡±

    Fortunately for them, the field was by the edge of town. There were a handful of coaches parked in a dusty, makeshift parking lot, but most had come here on foot. I suppose that¡¯s one of the advantages of living in such a small place. He thought.

    They passed clusters of men and women, some watching the game, others just casually chatting. He listened to their conversations, catching snippets of current events like the preparation of Firven Stadium for the Solis Games. No matter where one went, they would eventually hear about the Solis Games. Why wouldn¡¯t they? The very name of the event derived from the title they had given to the strange god-like being, Solvaylius. The title itself predated even Rei¡¯s time. Supposedly, it translated to ¡°star-bringer.¡±

    Five months remained before the games started in earnest. It was nearing the end of Envaeser after all. His birth month. Two more months then it was Charette¡¯s own birth month of Yusalana. How heartless of him to leave her before then. No, he was doing this for her sake. That enough helped ease the pain.

    ¡°Hyvas, that Khaantanese jogh knows how to play.¡± Said a sweaty Hrystai player.

    ¡°Yeah. Wouldn¡¯t even let me get past the halfway line.¡± Said a second Hrystai player, this one a female.

    It was one of the few sports that allowed mixed-sex participation, though did they account for the Khaantanese? They weren¡¯t exactly ¡°like¡± them. Save for the adults.

    ¡°From the way he plays, I¡¯d bet he¡¯s a Strider. Just our luck.¡± Said the first player.

    Curious, Reial scanned the field for signs of that Khaantanese player. They weren¡¯t exactly all that rare in Yusanik, if anything, they were much more common than the Th¨ªrians, and they lived a continent over.

    There was a gathering of players near a hanging goal post, the conical object trapped in the net. At the center of the gathering, he spotted a mop of messy blonde hair. Not the golden blonde that people often described the Khaantanese with, but a dirty yellow.

    ¡°Hey, you know what¡¯d be fun?¡± Charette asked him.

    Reial tore his gaze away from the crowd and looked at her. ¡°Not being constantly surrounded by farmland?¡±

    ¡°Well, that, and going to see the Solis Games. Want to go watch them in person after we¡¯re through with Th¨ªrion?¡±

    ¡°Charette, you do know how far away Carcetta is, right?¡±

    She nodded.

    ¡°And that if we go to Th¨ªrion, we¡¯ll be even further away from it.¡±

    Charette cocked her head at him. ¡°I fail to see how that¡¯s a problem.¡±

    Reial groaned inwardly. Of course, she didn¡¯t see anything wrong with it, she wasn¡¯t the Strider here! These powers were meant to protect others from harm, not to help ferry people around. He wasn¡¯t some dunemarcher.

    He sighed. ¡°You¡¯re asking a lot from me.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯re a Veil Strider, a lot is what you already do.¡±

    He sighed again. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about that later.¡±

    ¡°Or we can talk about it right now, we¡¯re together regardless.¡±

    ¡°Could you at least give me some time to think about it?¡±

    She frowned but nodded anyway. He was glad she didn¡¯t push the subject, giving her too many things to look forward too would only crush him. Was he kind because of that, or a coward?

    The buzz of conversation disappeared as they left the field behind. Pleasant state, if rather rural. No matter how ¡°civilized¡± the towns appeared, they were often overgrown with wildflowers. It was oddly charming. Nature had reclaimed the land around their houses and buildings, but those structures still shone with the glimmer of polished steel and cleanly wiped glass.

    Appearances mattered to the Recundian¡¯s, that much was evident. Though their clothing was dull, their shirts were never stained nor ripped. And their shoes only marred by faint green marks of grass that came from living in the plains all their lives.

    What was life like for them behind closed doors? Did they enjoy what they had? Thank the Almagest for all they had given them? Love their family and friends and speak openly about their feelings?

    Being Aunesfernish practically demanded the opposite of that. He had to strive for greatness, all while listening to the unfiltered criticisms of his teachers and servants. Nothing was ever good enough, all because of Rei. People wanted to be as great as him, but Reial knew that just wasn¡¯t possible. All they were doing was setting themselves up for disappointment.

    But he sat there and took it. Absorbing each word like a dry towel. They said it was to better himself, to be more stoic and rational, but all it did was make him detest how his people acted. A people he didn¡¯t belong to.

    Greatness, that was all they ever demanded of him, but did they even know what it meant to be ¡®great¡¯? Slaving away at a desk for hours, listening to endless lectures, filling pages with notes until your hand cramped. Others had driven him to be great, except for himself. He had never cared, but he was always afraid of telling his parents that. If there was one thing the Aunesfernish hated more than a lack of results, it was wasted effort. Why couldn¡¯t they just relax every once in a while like a Uvandran?

    Reial breathed in the fresh Recundian air to clear his thoughts. He was his own person now, not what others made him out to be. So what if he didn¡¯t act properly Aunesfernish, so what if the blood that flowed through his veins was richer than the most? It didn¡¯t matter to him. Or at least that¡¯s what he told himself.

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s normal to miss someone you¡¯ve never met?¡± Charette asked, almost whispering the question to him.

    Reial¡¯s lips thinned to a line. ¡°I¡¯m not quite sure I understand your question.¡±

    Charette¡¯s eyes became distant as she stared down the road, almost as if she was remembering something. ¡°Sometimes, I get the feeling that I¡¯ve lost something precious to me, but I can¡¯t remember what it was exactly.¡±

    ¡°Then how do you know it was a person?¡±

    ¡°I just do.¡±

    Reial went quiet. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t a wise idea to tell her about his sleepy imaginings. They were, after all, fabricated dreams of his past. He could¡¯ve added a detail or two to make it seem as if another person was there when in reality, there never was.

    ¡°Perhaps you can help me solve this mystery,¡± Charette offered.

    Reial blinked. ¡°Me?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Remember how you always used to help me with my schoolwork?¡±

    ¡°Schoolwork¡¯s a little different than solving a mystery, Charette.¡±

    She shrugged. ¡°Everything¡¯s a mystery until you have an explanation for it.¡±

    ¡°Charette.¡±

    ¡°Come on, it¡¯ll be fun! Please, Rail!¡±

    Reial hesitated. It would be a good way to distract himself on those darker days, as well as pass the time until they got to Endona. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll help.¡±

    ¡°No, don¡¯t say it like that.¡±

    ¡°Say it like what?¡±

    ¡°When you say you¡¯ll help, you do it with a smile, not a frown.¡±

    ¡°Why does that matter?¡±

    ¡°Because it shows that you care.¡± She emphasized.

    Showed that he cared? Wasn¡¯t him agreeing to that already proof enough that he cared, or maybe he was just telling himself that so he would believe it? Whatever point it served, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to try. Putting on his best smile, he nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ll put every detective and Courser to shame by helping you solve this mystery! I promise.¡±

    Where could he find power in words? Was it in his own passions, or was there something greater he was missing? Something he had neglected to consider.

 Linithesis

    Charette bounced down the roadway nearing the distant city of Mashalum. Apparently, there was a fair being held there all week, or so she said. The town itself was located in what the Recundian¡¯s referred to as ¡°the Midwest¡± though considering the state was located to the easternmost edge of Yusanik, Reial didn¡¯t quite understand how the name made any sense.

    Much like the northern reaches of the state, there were countless solemn monuments erected in the countryside. These in particular, however, appeared to predate the Unification Wars. Their craftsmanship spoke for themselves. Grander than polished walls of stone, these were cobbled pieces of dawn stone that were fashioned tall to form Vaes¡¯s uniform symbol. An incomplete pentagon with two lines parallel of its top, reaching for a hanging diamond. Yes, these were the remnants of Vaes¡¯s Crusades.

    Reial vaguely recalled Eston explaining the significance of its shape. The incomplete pentagon represented cooperation and unity, as they boosted the parallel lines to an otherwise unreachable goal. Vaes¡¯s uniform symbol lacked complexity, but Reial had always thought it more visually pleasing than his personal one.

    The monuments hummed with Essence, spewing clouds of rainbow miasma that twisted and coiled around the shapes as if to desperately prevent the energy from escaping. A common occurrence associated with makeshift dawn stone structures. To him, it was like watching a colorful heatwave.

    ¡°Wonder what¡¯ll happen if we touch those?¡± Charette inquired.

    ¡°Probably nothing if its anything like ordinary dawn stone,¡± Reial said.

    Charette looked down at Scorch, who was practically bouncing around. Was he excited to visit the fair too? ¡°What do you think Scorch?¡± She asked.

    The drog stopped, getting onto his hindlegs, and rivaling Reial¡¯s height. He peered at the monuments, then said something in his garbled drog speech before shaking his head.

    ¡°Nothing too, huh?¡± She sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t understand why we have all of these amazing things that we don¡¯t even know what to do with most of the time. You¡¯d think the ancients would leave a guidebook or something.¡±

    Reial arched a questioning brow. ¡°You¡¯re asking for a lot from a long-dead people.¡±

    ¡°Come on, you can¡¯t tell me that you¡¯re not curious either!¡±

    ¡°I am.¡±

    ¡°Then shouldn¡¯t you be a little vexed that we don¡¯t have the answers?¡±

    ¡°No, I think the mystery is sometimes more intriguing than the answers you might find along the way.¡±

    Charette groaned. ¡°Mysteries, mysteries, mysteries. That¡¯s all we have these days.¡±

    Reial grinned. It was a partial truth. After all, who didn¡¯t enjoy a bit of wonder every now and again? The times a mystery deeply troubled him was when he didn¡¯t know what to make of his life. What path would lead him where, would he be the same tortured being as he always was, or would he change? Now those were questions he wanted answers to, and desperately so.

    Charette perked right back up, and¡ªalmost as if forgetting¡ªtapped two fingers against her forehead in respect to the fallen Striders, as well as Vaes. He had once walked these fields before, after all. Were they not holy grounds?

    Reial listened to the whistling wind as it grazed the fields, a sound he was becoming more and more fond of the longer he stayed in Recunda. It was significantly more soothing than the rustling and scrapes of branches, more tranquil. The rain had stopped pouring as well, giving way to open blue skies that were impossible to truly appreciate back in Aunesfern. It was a simple beauty, but beautiful, nonetheless.

    The radiance burning in the sky pulsed with jubilation, infecting Reial with its mood. Today was a day to rejoice and take in the splendors of the land, not to mop. Strange that a thing like the weather could have such an impact on one¡¯s mood. Even the ancients believed that, and they were wise beyond them.

    His negative thoughts shied away from the light as if they would instantly melt upon contact, retreating to the recesses of his mind. In fact, he¡¯s never been in a better mood since Macoula. That same, intoxicating joy pervaded his mind, filling his thoughts with warm, loving memories and ideas. It was so subtle that he could¡¯ve sworn something alien was forcing them upon him.

    Today was a day where the light touched and nurtured all, like the ancient fables of Solvaylius. Whose golden light is like the finest silk upon one¡¯s skin. Reial smiled in surprise. It¡¯s been years since he last read Yushiloc¡¯s Trine, and he still remembered the final passage vividly.

    The story claimed that the radiance in the sky was the physical manifestation of Solvaylius. A being capable of soothing the moods of the destressed, no matter how overwhelming. A power that¡ªto Reial¡ªappeared more godlike than what he himself could do. It was easy to break and move things, even without the power to do so, but to change how one felt and thought no matter what mood they were in? That was truly unique.

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    Still, he wondered if there was a glimmer of truth to that story. After all, the radiance pulsating in the sky was able to ward off his foul thoughts. Could it perhaps be Solvaylius that was the cause of this? Did It care enough to try and quell his worries?

    Theirs was not the only planet in the universe. Veil Seers with greater capacities were able to see hundreds of worlds and stars beyond theirs. Despite there never being activity or civilizations present. Did Solvaylius only care to grant them It¡¯s radiance? And what of the Almagest? Why couldn¡¯t they see Them?

    Reial had always thought of Veil Sight as an incredibly versatile, albeit ordinary ability. From bird watching to being able to inspect buildings and their faults, he acknowledged it more as a tool for a hobbyist or even construction worker. He always wondered why they weren¡¯t able to see the one they claimed be their God.

    Priests and preachers spoke of the Almagest as one being inhabiting different aspects, which only made Reial question if it truly was one entity when They could change who they are at will. They also added to this by saying the reason they couldn¡¯t see Them with Veil Sight was that They appeared as everything yet nothing at the same time. Being beyond and limited in scope.

    Those all felt like excuses to him at the end of the day, but he tried not dwelling on them. His thoughts were better spent elsewhere. Not on metaphysical nonsense.

    ¡°On the contrary, I do believe you enjoy pondering about subjects that make you uncomfortable.¡± The voice chimed. ¡°Or am I wrong?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Reial said, trying to avoid the matter.

    ¡°The more you understand something, the more familiar you become with it. That¡¯s what you¡¯re trying to do, right? So that it doesn¡¯t hurt anymore.¡±

    He stilled. It wasn¡¯t trying to mock him, that much was evident by its tone. Instead, it sounded concerned. Like it was afraid something would happen to him.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t the answer, Reial. I know what you want to do. What you¡¯ve wanted to do for years now. Don¡¯t do it. It¡¯ll only serve to hurt you and those you care about beyond recognition.¡±

    An ember of annoyance stirred in Reial¡¯s heart. ¡°Why should I listen to you? I don¡¯t even know who or what you are. For all I know, you could be a Nether Dweller.¡±

    The brilliant presence in his mind didn¡¯t recoil at his words, if anything, it dimmed as if disappointed. ¡°I am not one of those tortured vessels of madness. I only want the best for you. The best They would give you.¡±

    ¡°Why should I care about what you want?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the issue. You don¡¯t care, and if you don¡¯t care about yourself, then you might as well care about what I want.¡±

    ¡°And what would that be?¡± Reial asked hesitantly.

    ¡°Wanting the best for you.¡± It repeated.

    The request stunned him into silence. Why would It care if he was doing well or not? They didn¡¯t even know each other personally, if anything the voice was more of a stalker reading into his thoughts and memories without his permission. Reial didn¡¯t even know its name if it had one! He groaned inwardly. Empyreans, why me.

    What could he do? Ask it to leave him alone? Would it even comply then? It seemed content to bother him. ¡°What do you want from me?¡± He finally asked it.

    The voice breathed a sigh, or at least something akin to that. ¡°I know you don¡¯t believe me but trust me when I say that this is for the better. Both for you and me.¡±

    ¡°Why does it need to be better for you?¡±

    Now it was the voice¡¯s turn to fall silent. There was some ulterior motive here, something Reial didn¡¯t know. This thing wasn¡¯t just being nice out of the kindness of its heart. It wanted something from him.

    ¡°I could never be like Them,¡± It said softly. ¡°My entire purpose, the reason I was created was so I could become that beacon of radiance. To comfort your kind as they had years ago. I have done nothing but fail at my duty, but here I can try to right my wrongs. I can finally be who I was meant to be.¡±

    Reial knit his brow. Was it being honest, or was it lying? Why should he give it a chance. And just who were ¡¯they¡¯? The Almagest? Reial could sense the discontent emanating from the voice, almost as if it was nervous he would reject its aid.

    No, he shouldn¡¯t be moved by what could possibly be a lie. He was here to give his sister and Scorch better lives. Not to bend to the whims of some voice that had only come to him recently. For all he knew it could be a Nether Dweller trying to trick him into performing some heinous crime.

    ¡°No,¡± Reial said firmly. ¡°I don¡¯t need your help.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you do.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to trust some Nether Dwellers spawn. I may not be able to be rid of you, but I can still ignore your temptations.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to tempt you!¡± It exclaimed.

    ¡°And I have no reason to believe you¡¯re being truthful.¡±

    The voice groaned in frustration. ¡°What will it take for you to trust me?¡±

    Reial shut his eyes and tried to imagine its voice on a body. It didn¡¯t sound deep, if anything it sounded somewhat childish, though it did betray a hint of wisdom. Not entirely human, more like something artificially replicated to sound human. What was It?

    Was it being honest? What if this was his only opportunity to extinguish the doubt from his mind and heart? To be rid of the thoughts that plagued his mind like a lethal poison.

    Reial shook his head. No, he couldn¡¯t trust it. If he did, it would take the reins from his life and drive him to the goal It wanted to pursue, not his. Just like what his parents and teachers had done. This was his life; he should be allowed to live it as he pleased.

    So, he chose not to respond to it. He had no obligation to engage in conversation with it, so why bother? That would be wasted energy on his part. All that mattered was the fair and Charette¡¯s and Scorch¡¯s wellbeing.

    ¡°Fine,¡± It said, sounding defeated. ¡°Be that way. I won¡¯t hold a grudge against you, not after the life you¡¯ve lived. But know this: we are inexorably linked, and I would have you refer to me by name. I am not something to be handled. I am as much a free-thinking being as you are.¡±

    Reial half-heartedly listened as he watched Charette feed Scorch a snack from her bag. They were all he had left in the world. He didn¡¯t care about anything else, so why let this thing prevent him from giving them what they deserved?

    ¡°My name is Linithesis, last of the pure born pneumas. Counselor of the Thirteenth.¡± It proclaimed. ¡°I bore witness to the Almanesian Diaspora.¡±

 Glimpse into the Past

    People. Reial had never seen so many people gathered in one place. Sure, he had come from one of the most heavily populated states and cities in the world, but everyone was usually spread out. Not condensed like this. The bright colorful signs hanging on stalls, the laughter that filled his ears, the distant, shrill cries of people whirling around on massive Essence-powered constructs. It was all starting to give him a headache.

    Not that it would be the first one he¡¯s had all day. Ever since his proper introduction with Linithesis, he¡¯s been trying to figure out how a dwelling Pneuma of all things managed to get itself trapped in his mind. Well, ¡®trapped¡¯ was a subjective term, the Pneuma itself had claimed that it had chosen him. As to why, he didn¡¯t explain. More questions, and more reasons to question his own sanity. Just what he needed.

    Reial sighed. ¡°I need a drink.¡±

    ¡°I can go for something refreshing, myself. How about you, Scorch?¡± Charette asked

    Her response; an enthusiastic yip curtsy of Scorch.

    After sifting through the crowd for a time, Reial was struck by a wave of sweet, oily scents. Almost as if someone had dumped entire bowls of pastries and sugars into an oil vat. It wasn¡¯t disgusting, if anything it made him feel nostalgic. Although he couldn¡¯t recall why.

    To him, it was one of the least Aunesfernish scents he¡¯s ever smelled. It wasn¡¯t tame and subtly rich like the heavily spiced dishes he was accustomed to. Perhaps that¡¯s why he liked it? Because it was different. I wonder what¡¯s causing it.

    Reial and Charette wandered through a market of stalls, passing several vendors that sold refreshing drinks made from fruits like grapes, lemons, and controlled quantities of strawberries. Those didn¡¯t interest him all that much, he wanted to find the source of that smell, and he assumed Charette did as well. Temporarily forgetting their thirst.

    Scorch pawed at Reial¡¯s legs for attention, flicking his head back to the drink stands. ¡°Not now boy.¡± He mumbled.

    Scorch cocked his head as if in question, though he didn¡¯t receive a response.

    There was a variety of food that Reial hadn¡¯t suspected. From fried legs of poultry and sliced potatoes to caramelized fruits and bags of golden drops shipped from Khaantan. He would have been tempted to buy one were it not for the collection of his own he had brought along. That, and the fact that it cost fifty Yusanian dollars.

    Reial noted how the Recundian¡¯s had a strange pension for dipping foods in batter and then frying them, including¡ªReial gaped. Is that¡­fried chocolate? He thought, staring at a dark lump of dough topped off with whip cream and a sliced strawberry.

    It was so wrong, weird, and foreign. Yet at the same time, he couldn¡¯t help but be caught by its strange attraction. He broke off from Charette, dragging Scorch with him to the stand. A middle-aged Recundian man occupying the stall greeted him with a kindly smile.

    ¡°Welcome! What can I treat you to today, son?¡± He inquired.

    Reial pointed to the fried chocolate clump of dough. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°That? I call it rasdham. Vaes himself was said to have snacked on something similar during the crusades. Food befitting of an Empyrean.¡±

    Reial stared at the platters of rasdham arrayed on the counter. ¡°He certainly had¡­good taste.¡±

    ¡°No, he did not,¡± Linithesis commented.

    ¡°Would you care for a sample?¡± The man proposed.

    ¡°Ah, no, I¡¯m fine.¡±

    The man skewered the treat with a toothpick, then offered it to him. ¡°C¡¯mon, give it a try. Doesn¡¯t taste as bad as it looks.¡±

    Reial eyed the rasdham cautiously. ¡°The fact that you had to say that frightens me a little.¡±

    The man gave a hearty chuckle. ¡°First time in Recunda?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Reial arched a brow. ¡°How did you know?¡±

    ¡°Cuz that¡¯s the face most outta staters make when they pass through here. Something about the food, maybe.¡±

    ¡°I can see that.¡±

    The man dropped the treat into a white paper bag and then handed it to Reial. ¡°In case you still want to try it, I¡¯ll give you this.¡±

    Reial accepted the bag with an awkward thanks. He was thinking of giving it to Scorch, after all, that drog ate just about anything up.

    ¡°You¡¯re a long way from Aunesfern.¡± The man said abruptly, causing Reial to freeze. ¡°Are you visiting family?¡±

    ¡°How-¡±

    ¡°Your accent. You¡¯re Aunesfernish, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Reial blushed. ¡°Yes, I am.¡±

    The man spread his arms out in a welcoming gesture. ¡°I might not be the first to say this, but welcome to Recunda. Landa rolling green hills and crop fields. Pretty to look at but dwelling boring to be in if you don¡¯t know where the fun places are.¡±

    ¡°And where would those be?¡± Charette asked, joining them.

    ¡°Here, and in Endona. Got a dwelling pretty Remnant there. Half sunk in the gulf, and it¡¯s still taller than all the buildings there! We call her out little Cerauhlaan.¡±

    She smiled. ¡°Great! We were just heading there too.¡±

    ¡°You are? Then I¡¯d stop by the plaza on third and fifth, heard they¡¯re having some sort of giveaway.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯re they giving away?¡± Reial questioned.

    The man shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t know. Some say it''s a coach, others say it''s something boring like money. Should be happening sometime by the end of this week.¡±

    Reial nodded. ¡°Thanks. We¡¯ll be sure to keep that in mind.¡±

    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t mention it. Speaking¡¯s what I like to do.¡± He turned to Charette. ¡°Speaking of which, would you care for a sample?¡±

    Charette eyed the rasdham warily. ¡°Uh, sure?¡±

    Reial watched as Charette picked a piece from the tray. She examined the treat thoroughly as if she expected a bug to crawl out. He didn¡¯t blame her, the thing looked like something you dropped on the floor and forgot.

    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s more appetizing than it appears,¡± Linithesis said, trying to sound optimistic.

    Charette nibbled on the rasdham timidly, causing the chocolatey center to ooze out. She chewed on the dark fried dough for several seconds as if to gauge the flavor. Then her eyes widened, and she took another bite, this time consuming the entire thing. Strawberry, whip cream, and all.

    ¡°What is this?¡±

    ¡°Rasdham.¡± The man answered. ¡°A snack befitting an Empyrean.¡±

    ¡°How much are you charging per dozen?¡±

    ¡°Ten dollars.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take two!¡±

    Reial stared as the man neatly laid out two dozen rasdham in a medium-sized food box. Was she really going to eat all of that by herself? This doesn¡¯t bode well for her stomach. He thought anxiously. It couldn¡¯t be that good, right?

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    The man went on about tourist sites in Recunda and beyond as he topped off the rasdhams. From the Titan of the Shifting Sands to Cerauhlaan in Uvandra. Carcetta was a beautiful beach state, that is if you didn¡¯t mind the smell of the salty sea and the humidity. There was Mirsey, Vaes¡¯s home state that had once been a part of the shattered states long ago.

    He was clearly an experienced traveler, which made Reial all the more curious as to why he gave up that lifestyle for this. Recundian¡¯s certainly were strange.

    Charette munched on a rasdham as he went on, telling them about the time he once heard an otherworldly roar when he was crossing the Yuson steppe.

    ¡°Do you really think a Pneuma lives there?¡± She inquired.

    ¡°Think?¡± He laughed. ¡°I know so! Want to know why? Cuz it spoke to me.¡±

    Reial listened intently. ¡°What did it say?¡±

    ¡°It told me to stop my travels and settle down before the End came.¡±

    Charette cocked her head. ¡°The End?¡±

    The man nodded. ¡°Yup. The End. Wouldn¡¯t tell me what it was, but it said that I would be a lot safer if I was with others.¡±

    ¡°That sounds more like practical advice than anything else,¡± Reial criticized.

    The man wagged a finger. ¡°Ah, but Pneumas are wise creatures. They always know what¡¯s best, even if they don¡¯t fully understand why.¡±

    A ripple of discomfort spread throughout Reial¡¯s being like a tidal wave. ¡°Do you believe that to be true, Reial?¡± Linithesis asked him.

    ¡°Sort of? I¡¯m not completely certain, the books I use to read about Pneumas always talked about how strong and wise they are.¡±

    Linithesis grumbled something inaudible. Reial wasn¡¯t completely sure how that was possible to do in his own mind, but he didn¡¯t ask those questions anymore.

    ¡°Would you think it wrong to be regarded in a positive light after all of your failings?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Doesn¡¯t that mean you still tried your very best despite all that happened?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps, but to be seen as something so great¡­Would They have wanted the same?¡±

    Reial frowned. Before the Invasion, tales often spoke of Pneumas as being advisors, counselors, and the very first guardians of man before Striders took their place. They were of Solvaylius¡¯s blood, how were they not great? How were they not something divine?

    Then it struck him. The way he viewed it was like how others viewed Striders. As beings deserving of praise when they had never worked for it to begin with. And through his link with Linithesis, he could sense that it shared a similar sentiment. Not furious, but ashamed. Ashamed that it could never live up to the expectations his people had placed on them.

    Words floated around him, some from the concession stand owner, others from Charette, and the people around him. They melded together in a cacophony of incoherent noise. To Reial, it sounded as if he were hearing a muffled conversation outside his bedroom door. The only thing that mattered was their conversation. Whether that was his or Linithesis¡¯s doing, he didn¡¯t know.

    He looked to Charette, who was still snacking on the rasdham. A third of the box was empty now. How long had they been standing there listening to this man ramble on?

    Talking helped people forget about things, didn¡¯t it? Perhaps he could help Linithesis, even if for a moment. He knew he didn¡¯t owe the Pneuma a thing, but it being down just made him want to act.

    ¡°So, would you be considered a male or female among your kind?¡± Reial inquired.

    Linithesis hummed. ¡°I would be considered a male, though many of us would be considered both or neither due to Solvaylius¡¯s intervention during our creation.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean that Solvaylius is¡­?¡±

    ¡°Solis Vaylius is...difficult to attach labels to.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that? Did you know Them personally?¡±

    ¡°You can say They were a teacher of mine.¡± Linithesis explained. ¡°I¡ªwell, my kind was created for a particular purpose: becoming the beacon that Solis Vaylius was. Or still is.¡±

    Reial nodded, trying to absorb all of the information at once. Truth was, he didn¡¯t believe a single word Linithesis was saying. He was only listening so he wouldn¡¯t be down on himself. If Solvaylius was real, he¡¯d rather hear the truth come from it and not the voice in his head.

    What a day that would be. For one of their so-called Gods to confirm its existence to him. Perhaps then he would receive the answers to his questions. Still, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to be curious, would it?

    ¡°What was Solvaylius like?¡± Reial asked him.

    Linithesis made a sharp, clicking sound. Like teeth chattering. ¡°Sensible and understanding. Although that mostly came from its past experience nurturing life on another world.¡±

    So, there is more out there. ¡°That sounds a bit vague if I¡¯m to be completely honest.¡±

    ¡°No, you have every right to be confused. Solis Vaylius has always been a rather¡­abstract being. They often spent more time spouting riddles and remarks rather than answering questions.¡±

    ¡°Why? Was it trying to be funny?¡±

    ¡°Probably?¡± Linithesis guessed. ¡°I really don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°I thought that Solvaylius was supposed to be an all-powerful and wise God.¡±

    ¡°Oh, It is. Or something akin to that. That didn¡¯t stop it from teasing us though.¡±

    Reial grimaced. Linithesis was speaking of It so casually almost as if it was telling the truth. Then again, he was a pneuma. An immortal being with an intelligence to match man¡¯s brightest minds. It wasn¡¯t a stretch to imagine it could¡¯ve come up with all of that on the spot.

    Besides, Reial didn¡¯t even know what kind of pneuma Linithesis was. Could he be the fortunate Vronfor? Or perhaps the insightful Talamana? Well, there was one thought that trumped the rest.

    ¡°Where is Solvaylius?¡± Reial asked.

    The loud rumble of thunder caused him to jump. He looked around and found that the sky was clear and sunny. Not a cloud in sight. No, the noise was coming from within. A brooding storm formed in his mind¡¯s eye. Not a thunderstorm, but a heavy shower of rain. Like the one¡¯s he was constantly subjected to in Recunda. It felt...sad. Betrayed. Angry. Forlorn.

    All noise ceased to be, save for the ear-splitting rumbling of the storm. It was as if all of Yushiloc¡¯s anguish was given form inside of his heart. He hated it, he hated everything. But why? Why did he feel this way?

    How could anyone function with that weighing them down? He needed help; he didn¡¯t want to feel like this. Charette was standing right beside him, he only need call her. But when he turned to face her, he froze. She was there, but none of her colors were. Not only her but the surrounding area too. Everyone and everything was nothing more than a dark outline on a blank canvas.

    She stood tall and proud, a small smile on her face as she listened to the colorless man drone on about whatever adventure he had gone on in his youth. But there was a blemish on her figure, one he hadn¡¯t noticed before. An inky smudge on her chest and forehead. She wasn¡¯t the only one that bore those marks. Passersby and even the man she was talking to had similar markings, although his appeared more faintly as if something had tried to erase it. The only ones who didn¡¯t bear them were children.

    He stared at the blemishes, trying to gauge what they were. Then he got a faint recollection. Reial saw himself as a young boy, helplessly watching another child scream and cry

    Reial chanced a glance at the blemish on her forehead and felt an ocean of thoughts wash over him. Millions of words and emotions drowned out his own, causing him to become her. Reial knew what she feared, what she hated, what she loved, her hopes, and her dreams. They were alike in hundreds of ways, ways he had never considered before, but different in thousands more. When a thought or idea strayed too far from him, he instantly forgot about it. They didn¡¯t belong to him; he was nothing more than a visitor in this place.

    As he felt himself slipping, he withdrew once more and shut his eyes closed. He didn¡¯t want to share in their pain. He never asked for it, he just wanted to be left alone. Why couldn¡¯t the Almagest grant him that much?

    A chorus of voices arose all around him. They cried¡ªpleaded for him to erase their blemishes. To return them to perfection.

    The voices continued to beg, trying to coax him with sobs and stories of their pitiful lives. How they were abused, taken advantage of, ridiculed and mocked, isolated, rejected, scorned. Each tearing at his being like a Talamana¡¯s talons.

    Then a voice broke through. ¡°Rail? Rail what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    The world exploded with color as he finally came back to his senses. He was staring at Charette, trembling. Why was he trembling so much?

    ¡°Hyvas, you¡¯re crying.¡± She took him by the hand and guided him away from the stalls and into a more private spot. Or as private as you can get at a fair.

    His chest tightened further as a stream of tears poured down his cheeks. It wasn¡¯t him. This part wasn¡¯t him, so why did it hurt so much?

    Charette squeezed his hand comfortingly. ¡°Would you like to talk about it?¡±

    Reial refused to look at her. He was afraid that those terrible, heart-wrenching thoughts would invade his mind again.

    ¡°Is this about home?¡± She whispered.

    It wasn¡¯t, but he couldn¡¯t find his voice to tell her that. Did it belong to him, or did it belong to them now?

    ¡°I miss them too, Rail. But you aren¡¯t alone, I¡¯m here for you.¡±

    That was the issue. He wanted to be away from all of this. Nothing to remind him of the life he had failed to live. A life his parents and teachers had tried making for him. One that had never suited him.

    ¡°Rail?¡±

    Emotions swirled inside of him to the bursting point. He wanted to be...to be angry? Sad? Happy that he was finally free?

    ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    A Veil Strider¡¯s purpose was to act, to keep moving. That¡¯s what he was, right? That was the one thing he knew he was, even if he didn¡¯t want it.

    With a shaky breath, he stood up. Before she could ask him what he was going to do, he Strode away. Ruby sparks erupting from underneath his boots with each step. The familiar power was of comfort to him. It was the one thing he could control.

    Reial pushed every Stride harder than the last, propelling himself forward at greater speeds to flee the fairgrounds. Where could he run that was safe for both his mind and heart? A place where he wouldn¡¯t see that face. He leapt over a fence and broke for the hills.

    The setting sun greeted him with its orange-red radiance. Solvaylius, smiling upon Yushiloc. A caring, generous god of wisdom and power that enjoyed nothing more than watching them suffer.

    Ruby sparks exploded from underneath his heel as he came to a screeching halt. There they were again. The fields pocketed with craters, walls standing without a roof or a door, and the remnants of a tall proud tower settled on a distant hill. A carnage that could only be wrought by clashing Striders. It was as if the land itself was trying to cover up the scars of its past.

    At the center of the destruction stood a makeshift dawn stone monument. Vaes¡¯s uniform symbol. Glorious, unbreakable, and strong. Something inside of Reial snapped, causing fresh tears to roll down his cheeks as he slumped to his knees and sobbed.

    He wept for the uncaring Gods that brought about suffering, wept for the life he had failed to live, and most importantly, wept for how he had failed those he loved.

 Setting Lie

    Reial ignored the bleak landscape as they passed through Recundian countryside. He couldn¡¯t quite control¡­whatever this was, but he could at least look at something that didn¡¯t remind him of someone¡¯s pain. It was all he could do to keep himself together.

    Charette remained silent as she followed him. She hadn¡¯t made mention of the incident at the fair yesterday, nor had she pushed him for answers. He appreciated that she was giving him some personal space. Regardless of how physically close they were.

    The plume of Scorch¡¯s tail brushed against his pants leg as he walked just ahead of him. Reial glanced at the drog, seeing that there was a tiny blemish at where his heart would be, though it was located somewhere in the pit of his stomach. He averted his eyes from it immediately. No, no more.

    A blessing, or a curse? Reial had no idea what to make of it, however, what he did know was that it was a cruel gift bestowed to him by some higher being.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening to me?¡± He asked the Linithesis.

    There was a disturbance in his mind, like the sun rising over the peaks of a mountain. Slow, steady, and inevitable. The Pneuma didn¡¯t respond immediately, instead, he was hesitant. As if he was too afraid to answer.

    ¡°It is, you may say, a boon of sorts.¡± He said with uncertainty.

    ¡°A boon? Are you calling what I have a boon?¡±

    Linithesis¡¯s presence shrank. ¡°In a manner of speaking. Call it what you want, it was only a matter of time before you received this ability.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want it!¡± Reial boomed in his mind. ¡°Take it back.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Linithesis sighed. ¡°What is mine, has always been ours. I can no further restrain you from accessing them than I can myself.¡±

    ¡°Then teach me how to avoid using them!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s not possible. A Pneuma¡¯s ability is ingrained into their very being. The inner recesses of one¡¯s conscience. It¡¯s as much an automatic instinct as it is an evolutionary trait.¡±

    Reial¡¯s anger began to boil over. ¡°Get to the point.¡±

    ¡°Controlling our abilities is as intrinsic as it is superficial. Mental barriers, restraint, they hold no logic or sway over the anomalies we are. Be it man, Pneuma, or Almagest. How we come to tame them varies. A postulated theory¡ªand one I believe in¡ªstates that a rite of passage is required.¡±

    ¡°And does it work?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean ¡®perhaps?¡¯ I need a real answer.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s as real as it¡¯s ever going to get. Mind you that this was during Solis Vaylius¡¯s. Even the brightest minds in the universe can¡¯t account for everything.¡±

    Reial groaned. ¡°Vaes¡¯s hand, just tell me what I need to do then.¡±

    ¡°Go on a journey of self-discovery. It¡¯s as simple as that.¡±

    Reial was at a loss for words. Linithesis¡¯s answers sounded like nothing more than the ramblings of a philosophical major. Vague outlines with nothing but disconnected factoids to hold the thin threads. Hyvas, can¡¯t you be any easier to understand?

    ¡°I heard that.¡±

    Reial rolled his eyes. ¡°Look, if you really are from Solvaylius¡¯s time, then how come you don¡¯t have an exercise or answer to combat these abilities?¡±

    Linithesis grumbled. ¡°Fine. Quit seeking what you desire.¡±

    ¡°That sounds incredibly vague.¡±

    ¡°Just do it.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you be more specific?¡± He asked.

    Linithesis hummed. ¡°I¡¯m not sure how I can be. I gave you the best answer I have.¡±

    ¡°And it was just as helpful as the last thing you said¡±

    ¡°Answers lead to more questions. That¡¯s the beauty of curiosity.¡±

    Reial heaved a sigh. Great, his answer might as well have been a riddle for all he cared. ¡°Stop looking for what you desire.¡± What did that even mean? He had everything he could ever want. The freedom of choice. That was good enough for him.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be afraid to admit what you truly desire. Then you could shut it off.¡± Linithesis advised.

    Reial lifted his gaze and looked at the rolling hills that dotted the landscape. No scars this time, just unblemished land. It was beautiful in a mundane sense, save for when fields of flowers covered the hilltops.

    What he wanted more than his freedom of choice was to be by his lonesome, but even then that was within reach. No other desire came to mind.

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    ¡°It¡¯s okay to be afraid. People often are when they seek out others, but you aren¡¯t weak because of that.¡±

    Weak? He knew how to talk to others. Why would he be terrified to approach strangers?

    ¡°Distracting yourself with lies isn¡¯t going to help you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you want then! So quit acting like you know what my problem is.¡±

    Linithesis made a sound similar to when Scorch snapped his jaw closed. ¡°I suppose a different approach is needed. Focus on what you desire most then.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes. With all of your heart.¡±

    Reial frowned and focused on what he wanted most. To be alone and have no one dictate his choices in life. To be free of everything, and everyone he had disappointed. Color washed over the land once again, and the blemishes were hidden from his sight.

    It was surprisingly easy, although it left him feeling hollow. Like finishing a lengthy assignment. Sure, he finished it, but that just meant there were others like it in store. Was there something more to it, something he was afraid of acknowledging? Reial shook his head. Maybe I¡¯m reading too deep into this.

    Linithesis grunted. ¡°Well done.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Reial said. ¡°Now how do I stop it from happening again?¡±

    ¡°Same as before. Focus on what you think you desire most.¡±

    ¡°Right.¡±

    Feeling like there was nothing more to say, Reial went quiet. Sometimes silence was the best remedy for a situation. That, and he still didn¡¯t know how to properly communicate with a Pneuma.

    Most priests of the Almagestian church claimed that they deserved as much respect and reverence as the Veil Striders of old. He didn¡¯t know why. Sure, tales surrounding them usually spoke of how wise and powerful they were, but they never did much. Usually lounging around some desolate location until a hero came to commune with them. I wonder if any of those stories are true.

    Reial stopped atop a small bridge overlooking a slow-moving river. Charette and Scorch joined him, with the drog slipping his head past the slots of the wooden structure. The bridge bore a distinctive Aunesfernish finish, that being the sloping redwood rails. A piece of home amid these woodless lands.

    ¡°Look,¡± Charette called, pointing to several bright speckles of water.

    Upon closer inspection with his Veil Sight, Reial realized that they weren¡¯t fish, but rather bugs floating atop of the river. Each with two large eyes and horn-like protrusions on their heads. Four fin-like limbs hung out to the side and what appeared to be a tail was dipped into the water, acting as a steering device to avoid obstacles in their path.

    Some were primarily yellow, others violet, a few green and blue, and some couldn¡¯t decide what they wanted to be. Their bodies flickering like a faulty lightbulb. It was captivating.

    ¡°What do you think they¡¯re called?¡± She asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, bright bugs?¡± Reial guessed.

    Charette snorted. ¡°A bit literal.¡±

    He continued watching them as they floated east. So carefree, so at peace. Then again, they were insects. They probably didn¡¯t have a care in the world. Although, he did have to admit that they were beautiful, if not cute.

    The Almagest must have gifted them with the capacity to wield Essence, though he wasn¡¯t quite sure how ¡®aware¡¯ an insect could be. Pneumas, drogs, and even dragons were one thing, but bugs? He¡¯d sooner believe a nezerine was as intelligent as a person.

    Scorch snapped at the passing bright bugs, sending them skittering across the water on their spiny flippers.

    ¡°Scorch!¡± Charette cried. ¡°Bad drog! Don¡¯t do that! You don¡¯t know if they¡¯re poisonous.¡±

    Reial took the image of the bugs and skimmed the Sygnal, where he soon found his answer, and their name. Lure bugs. ¡°They¡¯re not,¡± He said.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Reial nodded. ¡°Yeah, the color is nothing more than the Essence they continuously recycle in their body. I¡¯d go as far as to say that they are edible seeing as how they¡¯re a popular choice of bait here.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still wrong. Something that cute shouldn¡¯t be eaten.¡± Charette muttered.

    ¡°Fish have to eat something.¡±

    As if on cue, a pair of slender fish broke through the water¡¯s surface and skewered several lure bugs on horn-like protrusions. He and Charette watched in stunned silence as they splashed back into the river, swimming away swiftly from any that threatened to steal their catch.

    ¡°Like that,¡± Reial said.

    Charette remained silent and turned her gaze back to the land, where the river perfectly divided the grasslands. Tall hills surrounded them like mountains of green. He¡¯d never seen real mountains before in person, but he always imagined they looked something like this, just rockier.

    The river carved a long winding valley through the countryside, where flowers and trees alike flourished. He even spotted a lone wooden shack down by the riverside, though it didn¡¯t appear to be occupied. Reial stared down at his reflection in the water and blinked. So unsuspecting. For a moment, he could fool himself and believe that there was nothing wrong.

    His gaze shifted to the reflections of the white fluffy clouds passing through the sky. Drifting without a care in the world. He envied them. What was it like to be free as a bird, to be free as a Glider? Cousins not through blood, but divine will.

    The same divine will that shackled him to a life and future he had never wanted. He wasn¡¯t allowed to roam freely like the Striders of old. That was long before his time.

    Perhaps he was nothing more than a well-off brat nearing the end of his second decade, but could he truly say that he had lived his life? What good were material possessions and money when they didn¡¯t bring him happiness? What good was the help when he had to fold and do his laundry, help around the house, and study just like any other child? What was the purpose of any of it?

    Every thought bore more questions, and with each one he grew more and more frustrated. No answer was good enough. They all failed to sate him.

    ¡°Peace,¡± Linithesis whispered, his presence glowing like a dying ember.

    Peace? How could there be peace in his mind? It tormented him daily, giving him more and more reasons why he had failed to be. As a person, and as a brother.

    ¡°There are more important matters at hand.¡±

    Important how? He couldn¡¯t focus on a topic for more than a few moments until the darkness threatened to pull him back. It always did, no matter how often he tried to ignore it.

    ¡°Quell your thoughts with a dose of reality. Know that what they say is a lie, and what you hear and see is the truth. You need not listen to your mind; you¡¯ve done so for long enough. Listen to your heart. As They had done before. As He had done before.¡± Linithesis paused and made a clicking sound. ¡°It¡¯s okay to be afraid. That just means you have to be brave.¡±

    ¡°But I can¡¯t pretend I¡¯m not afraid,¡± Reial argued.

    ¡°Being brave isn¡¯t about pretending. Being brave is knowing that you¡¯re scared yet you still choose to confront said fear.¡±

    ¡°Words are easy to say.¡±

    ¡°If they¡¯re so easy to say, then why haven¡¯t you told your sister of your plans?¡±

    Reial froze. How far could the Pneuma read into his thoughts and heart? Was he capable of delving into the pit that Reial could only ever glance at, or was he only aware of its surface? His distractions, the turmoil in his heart, his lies, were they clearly visible to this great being?

    ¡°Recunda¡¯s nice, isn¡¯t it?¡± Charette commented.

    Reial broke free from his self-inflicted torment. A brief respite from the poison that thrived in his mind. One he would soon have to return to, whether he wanted to, or not. After all, it was all he knew.

    ¡°Yes, it is.¡± He muttered, staring down at his reflection.

 Nearing

    Reial watched as a pair of dragons streamed through the skies. Their ruby red and sapphire blue scales glittering in the sunlight. They whirled around one another, with the blue one even snapping at the red one¡¯s wings from time to time. He wondered what it was that caused it to do so.

    Without warning, the ruby dragon blasted ahead of the sapphire one, streaking through the skies as nothing but a blur. Is that¡­? Reial shook his head. Dragons couldn¡¯t Gale Glide, could they?

    The power belonged to man, much like Veil Striding and Trance Shifting. Yet strangely enough, the spearheaded salamander that rode upon Scorch¡¯s back challenged that belief. Veil Striders had a rather handy, if albeit niche, ability. Despite moving at speeds that the human eye couldn¡¯t keep track of; they could turn completely invisible. Something about their Essence completely dissolving their physical form temporarily.

    When his father had first explained it to him, he was scared that he¡¯d never be able to feel again. That wasn¡¯t the case. He could still interact with the world and wield his weapon. In fact, he experienced little to no change at all. Much like ordinary Striding, only Veil Seers or those with the ability were able to track them.

    This salamander, however, was able to imitate their cloaking ability; covering its body in a thin layer of Essence that shimmered like slime. Its skin had twisted and distorted with color until it seamlessly resembled a collection of scales on Scorch¡¯s back. Save for its eyes, which stared ever upwards for signs of predators.

    ¡°Why exactly are we taking this thing with us again?¡± Reial asked Charette.

    ¡°That thing has a name,¡± Charette said, folding her arms.

    Reial sighed. ¡°Fine, why are we taking Yusjek with us?¡±

    ¡°Because I thought Scorch needed a friend to keep him company.¡±

    ¡°But he already has us.¡±

    Charette grinned. ¡°You can never have enough friends. Plus look at him, he likes them!¡±

    The drog bounced around energetically, though not enough to send the salamander flying. It was technically referred to as a veilback, an appropriate name if Reial had to say so himself. As for the name Charette had given it, he couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for the thing. Yusjek roughly translated to ¡°First-reptile¡± ¡°Yus¡± being associated with the number one, while ¡°Jek¡± stemmed from the Th¨ªrian word for reptile.

    It was like calling a brown drog ¡°dirt¡± or a blinding redtail ¡°flash¡±.

    ¡°Or a red and orange drog ¡®Scorch¡¯,¡± Linithesis interjected.

    Reial grimaced. ¡°Did you really have to go there?¡±

    ¡°Only when it¡¯s harmless

    ¡°That¡¯s fair, I guess.¡±

    He watched as Scorch brushed his plumy tail against the things back. How exactly his sister had managed to convince this skittish creature to join them was beyond him.

    ¡°What exactly do we feed it?¡± Reial asked her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, bugs? Maybe they eat human food like Scorch.¡±

    ¡°They better, I¡¯m not cooking up bugs for it.¡±

    Charette¡¯s lips thinned to a line as she examined the creature closely. It didn¡¯t shy off or retreat to Scorch¡¯s head, instead, it stared back at her. It¡¯s amber-colored eye slits glowing with a knowing look.

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s a boy or a girl?¡±

    ¡°Does it matter?¡± Reial said.

    ¡°Of course, it does! I don¡¯t want to mistake it for one or the other. That might hurt their feelings.¡±

    ¡°She has a point,¡± Linithesis added.

    ¡°It¡¯s an animal!¡± Reial shouted.

    Scorch twisted his head around and shot him a hurt look.

    ¡°No! Not like you Scorch! You¡¯re not an animal.¡±

    ¡°Technically, he is, but you could¡¯ve worded it a bit better.¡±

    Reial groaned inwardly. ¡°I meant the Salamander. Does it even understand what we¡¯re saying? Who cares if it¡¯s a boy or a girl.¡±

    The salamander twisted its head around just like Scorch, giving him what appeared to be a stern look. Could they understand him? He remembered reading something on the Sygnal theorizing how animals that can wield Essence being descended from Pneumas. There wasn¡¯t much evidence to back up that argument now that he recalled it. The most they offered were flimsy accounts of people interacting with Pneumas in ages past, long before the Invasion.

    But for the ancients to be so unwise and reckless? Especially during the golden age of the Aunesfernish Empire? It just didn¡¯t make sense. They sounded more like fairy tales to him.

    Reial groaned. ¡°All right, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll refer to you by name.¡±

    The salamander bobbed its head and returned to staring up at the sky. He felt ridiculous for apologizing to a wild animal such as it, but he couldn¡¯t just take back his word, could he? That would be rude.

    Linithesis hummed pleasantly. ¡°Being respectful is easy, we just make it harder on ourselves by being stubborn.¡±

    Reial stuffed his hands in his pockets and shook his head. ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re still being stubborn.¡±

    ¡°Do you have a response for everything?¡±

    Linithesis¡¯s presence glowed like a dying ember. ¡°If I did, wouldn¡¯t that make me something akin to God itself?¡±

    The very thought of having God trapped in his mind, watching, waiting, listening for him to fail made him shudder. Never offering aid but expecting praise and love in return for doing nothing. To exist was to suffer, so wasn¡¯t God the embodiment of that suffering?

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    A beacon of light drove away those dark clouds, allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief. He had only felt that sensation a handful of times, most of those were during solar strolls.

    ¡°Why love a God that you hate?¡±

    ¡°Because everyone says you have to,¡± Reial answered.

    ¡°Does that make them correct?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re justified in hating a person, can you hate God too?¡±

    Reial¡¯s throat grew tight with anxiety.

    ¡°Can you hate God for doing nothing? Can you hate God for blessing you with gifts that have only cursed you?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Does God truly know everything?¡±

    ¡°People say They do.¡±

    ¡°How are you certain they know?¡±

    ¡°Because¡­¡± Reial paused. ¡°Because the Rei Cherlanna says so.¡±

    ¡°What if it was all a lie? What if there is no God?¡±

    No Almagest? That meant that Striders and their siblings didn¡¯t draw their power from a divine right. That they won the war against the Nether Dwellers by mere luck. That what they loved was nothing more than a puff of smoke. It was a terrifying thought. To acknowledge what he considered to be as true.

    ¡°Is the knowledge of no afterlife truly that terrifying?¡± Linithesis asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then what are you afraid of?¡±

    Reial squeezed the pommel of his sword tightly. ¡°I¡¯m afraid of not living my life to the fullest.¡±

    Linithesis¡¯s presence dimmed. ¡°But how can you fulfill your life when you take no pleasure in it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know when we get to Endona.¡±

    ¡°Reial, abandoning them is not the answer.¡±

    ¡°Then what is? Do you want me to just stand here and smile like nothing¡¯s wrong? To continue pretending for everyone else¡¯s sake?¡±

    ¡°No one ever asked you to do that.¡±

    Reial suppressed a frustrated groan. ¡°Just leave me alone, Linithesis.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Then be quiet!¡±

    ¡°Silence is a very subjective thing.¡± The Pneuma trilled.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not. You¡¯re just acting smart.¡±

    Linithesis chortled. ¡°Perhaps. You need to learn to relax. If you¡¯re always so straight-faced and grim people won¡¯t like being around you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need people around me; I want to be alone.¡±

    ¡°Oh yes, that¡¯s what we all say at first,¡± Linithesis said. ¡°But when we¡¯re finally alone, we long for those we love and care about. Yes...love and care...¡±

    Through a bank of foggy memories, Reial made out a family and friends he¡¯d once had. In a life that never belonged to him. Ethereal animal-like beings. So perfect, so intelligent. It was just like...just like? Just like us? He thought curiously. How could animals look so human? That knowing spark in their eye, the way they carried themselves. Were these things Pneumas?

    The more he pondered it, the more he longed to be with them again. Again? When had he been with them before?

    Reial pulled himself free from the memories and sighed. Was he getting worse?

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Charrette asked. ¡°We can take a break if you¡¯re tired.¡±

    He smiled. She knew that Veil Striders couldn¡¯t tire from a simple walk, but he was still thankful for her offer. ¡°No, I¡¯m fine. I just have a lot on my mind.¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡±

    He shrugged. ¡°Just silly stuff.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d still like to hear it.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    She nodded.

    ¡°Promise you won¡¯t make fun of me for it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a pretty big promise to make.¡±

    Reial frowned at her.

    ¡°Hyvas, I¡¯m just teasing!¡± She grinned. ¡°Now go on, tell me what¡¯s on your mind.¡±

    ¡°Are you fine with this?¡± Linithesis questioned him.

    ¡°I am, why? You don¡¯t want her to know?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d appreciate it if you didn¡¯t turn into an object of worship. It¡¯s bad enough that you¡¯re a Veil Strider but imagine what would happen if people knew you had a Pneuma with you.¡±

    Reial scoffed. ¡°It¡¯s not like I go around telling everyone I¡¯m a Veil Strider. Besides we¡¯re not in Khaantan, so you¡¯re fine.¡±

    Linithesis grumbled. ¡°All right, but promise me that if we go to Khaantan, we avoid Rei¡¯Xchal Yamin.¡±

    ¡°Um, sure?¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Reial was tempted to question the Pneuma on its odd behavior, but he decided against it. He didn¡¯t want to keep his sister waiting for a response. ¡°Hypothetically, let¡¯s say that there was a Pneuma inside my head trying to give me advice on what to do. Would you believe me?¡±

    Charette stared at him, her expression slowly shifting to one of bemusement as the chirping in the fields gradually fell silent. Was what he said so outlandish that even the insects were reassessing his intelligence?

    ¡°Wait, you have that problem too?¡±

    Now it was his turn to be confused. Well, more confused than he already was. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I mean I have a voice in my head too.¡± She paused. ¡°Or several.¡±

    Several? That can¡¯t be good. ¡°Do they talk directly to you?¡±

    ¡°Yes. They¡¯ve been doing that for a while now.¡±

    ¡°Linithesis, would you happen to know anything about that?¡±

    The Pneuma hummed and answered cryptically. ¡°What are questions really?¡±

    Reial groaned. ¡°I should¡¯ve known you would¡¯ve had a hand to play in this.¡±

    ¡°Not entirely.¡±

    ¡°Explain.¡±

    Linithesis, despite not having a throat, made a noise like he was clearing his. Twenty times, in fact.

    ¡°Are you done now?¡± Reial asked.

    ¡°I am,¡± Linithesis said. ¡°But to answer your question, I do know who¡¯s linked to your sister. They¡¯re just¡­how do I put this? Not the kind I prefer to be around.¡±

    ¡°Then how did you convince them to go through this little plan of yours?¡±

    ¡°What plan?¡±

    ¡°You know! The one where you invade our personal privacy.¡±

    ¡°Well for the starters, that would be more their plan than mine.¡± Linithesis began. ¡°And secondly, I didn¡¯t know they would choose your sister of all people. It just happened.¡±

    ¡°How exactly does any of¡­this happen?¡± Reial pressed.

    ¡°How should I know? I¡¯m not the Almagest.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you give me a better answer than that?¡±

    The sound of rattling pots filled his mind. ¡°Do you know of the ¡®Random Number Generator¡¯ algorithm?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡±

    Reial brought his hands to his face and groaned. Every time he was on the cusp of learning something from the Pneuma, he was sent askew. Charette eyed him curiously, though he just tapped his head in response, and she nodded as if she completely understood his issue.

    ¡°Are you going to dodge my questions forever?¡± Reial inquired of him.

    ¡°Dodge? No. Circle and toy with them? Perhaps. Though I wouldn¡¯t say that I¡¯m doing that, as I¡¯ve partially answered you already.¡±

    Reial blinked. ¡°Then I¡¯ve learned nothing.¡±

    ¡°Be more attentive then. If you keep searching for your answer on a surface level, you won¡¯t understand the deeper meaning of it.¡±

    ¡°Just tell me what the answer is, Linithesis.¡±

    ¡°I already have.¡±

    Reial huffed and slammed his foot against the earth, sending forth a shower of sparks and chunks of debris. He dispatched them with a speed that would¡¯ve made even lightning jealous, delivering deft kicks and solid punches that turned the rubble into dust. Once he was finished, he disabled his Veil Seeing with a blink of his eyes and found Charette, Scorch, and Yusjek all staring at him. They weren¡¯t hurt, he wasn¡¯t dumb enough to upheave the entire road.

    ¡°Throwing a fit won¡¯t solve your problems.¡± Linithesis chided him.

    ¡°It does when the person you want to grab and shake doesn¡¯t exist physically,¡± Reial retorted.

    Amusement emanated from the Pneuma¡¯s presence. ¡°Ceramana nel, ceramana nel.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°It means ¡®good point¡¯ in Almanesian.¡±

    ¡°Umm, you need a moment, Rail?¡± Charette asked. ¡°We can hold off on talking about it. You seem busy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d appreciate it.¡±

    Charette nodded and went over to check on Yusjek. She allowed it to climb onto her hand. It was small, being as long as her hand was. Reial was lucky to have someone as understanding and strange as her.

    ¡°You need to listen and look properly.¡± Linithesis continued. ¡°Turn outward, tell them. Ask them. Don¡¯t be afraid to say your piece.¡±

    Afraid to say his piece? Why share something that¡¯s wrong? It would only embarrass him.

    ¡°Even being wrong offers unique insight into a situation.¡±

    ¡°And if it doesn¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better to have said it than nothing at all.¡±

    Reial¡¯s anger slipped away as he pondered Linithesis¡¯s words. They were close to Endona. Another day at this pace? He couldn¡¯t bring himself to Stride there. He just wanted to enjoy this for a bit longer. Even if he was prolonging the pain, it was the closest he¡¯s ever come to being truly happy.

 Endona

    ¡°Raise your hand higher!¡± Charette instructed.

    Reial frowned and did as she commanded. Wasn¡¯t it enough that he was already standing on the water¡¯s surface?

    ¡°And take that frown off your face! You¡¯ll ruin the image!¡±

    He thinned his lips to a line and suppressed a heavy sigh as Yusjek scrambled around on the palm of his hand. Its three-toed, slimy feet made him shiver. ¡°Better?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Now put your other hand in front of your face and do Relrel¡¯s pose!¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You know!¡± Charette struck a vaguely familiar pose. Just where had he seen it before? ¡°Something like that, but make sure you¡¯re holding Yusjek to the sun! And Yusjek, copy the pose Scorch is doing!¡±

    Reial glanced at the salamander, then at Scorch. The drog lifted his right paw and head up high, all whilst his plume tail stuck out straight. It reminded him of similar art pieces depicting hunting drogs in earlier times.

    Somehow, Yusjek was able to comprehend her order and imitated Scorch¡¯s pose. Its tail curling slightly upward instead of straight out like the drog¡¯s. Let¡¯s just get this over with. Reial thought tiredly. He took in a deep breath, and swallowing his pride, struck then pose. His knees bent and arm held upwards towards the sun, so it appeared like the salamander was Solvaylius itself.

    ¡°Excellent! Now hold still.¡± Charette cheered.

    ¡°For what?¡±

    The water behind him began to rumble, pushing and pulling against the space he was manipulating. Pillars of water erupted all around him like ancient Aunesfernish architecture, bending and twisting until they formed one whole. He stood before a miniature replica of the World¡¯s Throne, and although it wasn¡¯t a perfect recreation, it was a close third. Wait a minute¡­ He had seen this before! It was from an odd comic that was popular in Th¨ªrion called Relrel¡¯s Quaint Sojourn. The characters on the front were usually glamourous and striking unnaturally flexible poses.

    ¡°Perfect! You can come over now.¡± She called.

    At that, the recreation melted back into the water. Reial sighed and made his walk back. He wasn¡¯t wet, at least not completely. Things tended to avoid him altogether when he summoned his barrier. The weather, harm, gravity in most cases.

    ¡°How¡¯d it come out?¡± He asked her.

    ¡°Pretty good, see for yourself.¡±

    An image popped into his mind, one from her perspective of the situation. The sun shone on Yusjek¡¯s slimy skin, revealing it to be a dark green and red mix. A rather strange mix. He nodded, mostly because he didn¡¯t want to see himself striking that dumb pose. It was embarrassing enough to do it, but to actually see it. He¡¯d rather fight a Nether Dweller.

    ¡°Thanks for being cooperative, Yusjek.¡± Charette smiled, stroking the salamanders back with a finger.

    Yusjek closed its eyes and whipped its tail from side to side. Was it truly capable of comprehending speech, or was there something else Reial didn¡¯t account for?

    ¡°Why does it matter?¡± Linithesis inquired. ¡°It¡¯s just an animal.¡±

    ¡°I know, but don¡¯t you think it¡¯s strange?¡±

    Linithesis hummed. ¡°No. Your Almagest granted those that can wield Essence a higher capacity of being, as well as intelligence. If anything, it¡¯s normal.¡±

    ¡°How do you know this?¡±

    ¡°I was born before the Almanesian Diaspora, Reial.¡±

    Reial blushed, suddenly feeling stupid. ¡°Oh, right.¡±

    ¡°Although I wasn¡¯t privy to all of their secrets, Solvaylius had informed me beforehand that the nature of Essence, and by extension, the Solvaylian Arts, was a poorly understood subject. Even to the Almagest.¡±

    ¡°What? That doesn¡¯t make sense. How could they gift us with the ability to wield Essence when They didn¡¯t fully comprehend it to begin with?¡±

    ¡°You have to keep in mind that Essence is still an abstract concept. What you think you see when you use the Solvaylian Arts isn¡¯t truly the form or shape of what that energy looks like. It¡¯s what our minds have been ingrained to see in order to comprehend our reality. You cannot give shape or form to that which has never had one. Neither can a non-entity create if it has no concept of thought or itself.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m confused.¡±

    ¡°So am I. And I¡¯m two million and a half years old.¡± Linithesis confided.

    ¡°Two million years?¡± He said aloud.

    Charette looked at him strangely.

    ¡°Sorry, talking to the voice.¡±

    She smiled and went back to petting the salamander. But two million years to ponder the same unknowable question? Reial would be driven mad after just a month.

    ¡°While I share that same sentiment,¡± Linithesis continued. ¡°There is a solution to the question. Something that Solvaylius had told me Itself.¡±

    This piqued Reial¡¯s interest. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Simple: You cannot know what is unknowable. It is unknowable because it exists outside of our comprehension. Much like how a person who¡¯s been blind all their life can¡¯t comprehend color, so too can¡¯t we understand why this force that exists outside of our universe seemingly cooperates with us to create and destroy.

    You cannot reason with what doesn¡¯t think. You cannot bend or break which has no shape. Instead, you must create a temporary facet for it. That is how the Almagest managed to ingrain the ability in us.¡±

    ¡°Linithesis.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°I understand almost nothing you said.¡±

    The Pneuma roared with laughter, rattling his mind like an infant¡¯s plaything. ¡°I would¡¯ve been terrified if you had.¡±

    Reial gave the Pneuma a moment to recover from his fit. He wasn¡¯t angry or bitter about being unable to comprehend the full scale of the matter. It was unknowable because that was the only way it could exist. Probably.

    He¡¯d never thought of Essence so extensively before. Mostly because he couldn¡¯t use it himself effectively, but what was it really? He knew now where it came from, vaguely at best, though vaguely was probably the most accurate the answer would ever come to.

    But how exactly did someone¡¯s intelligence factor into being able to produce anomalous effects? There were no rules set in place, at least none he¡¯s ever heard or read before. Did it just work because they thought it would?

    ¡°Rail?¡± Charette called, pulling him out of his thoughts.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Can we take Yusjek with us to Th¨ªrion?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because I don¡¯t want them to be lonely.¡±

    Reial stared at her in disbelief. ¡°You want us to take Yusjek hundreds of miles away from its home, across a salty gulf just because you don¡¯t want them feeling lonely?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s as good a reason as I¡¯ve ever heard,¡± Linithesis interjected.

    ¡°Now¡¯s not the time for your sarcasm, Linithesis,¡± Reial shot back.

    With a sigh, he peered over the hills and up to the obelisk towering in the sky. Its height was thrice that of the World¡¯s Throne, though its beauty was lacking. Gaiceranes was what the Recundian¡¯s referred to it as, though he didn¡¯t know if this was a nickname or an official one. That was mostly due to the lack of news that came out of Recunda. It might as well have been another world.

    ¡°You can always check the Sygnal if you want to know,¡± Linithesis suggested.

    ¡°No thanks, I don¡¯t want to.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious though?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care enough honestly.¡±

    Linithesis uttered something so quiet that Reial wasn¡¯t able to catch what he was saying, which frustrated him because it was his mind.

    ¡°Wow, you still haven¡¯t gotten over that?¡± Linithesis inquired.

    ¡°You know, Linithesis, something¡¯s are harder to look past than others.¡±

    The Pneuma chuckled but said little else. He had been rather pleasant recently. Being quick to make jokes or point out odd things. What a stark contrast to the day before. The city wasn¡¯t in sight, but the Pneuma¡¯s presence was enough of a painful reminder of what was to come.

    He thought back to Charette¡¯s request and hesitated. If he were to give into it, wouldn¡¯t that just be another burden she would have to care for? A drog and a pet salamander to feed? Traveling all by her lonesome across a foreign continent. One dotted by islands. Would it be too hot, or humid? What of the storms that frequent the land? What of dangerous creatures that inhabited the many glades around the place? Would she stick to the land, or venture there?

    He was doing this because he cared about her, but wouldn¡¯t it make more sense to be with her and try to resolve these issues? To want to confess how terrible of a person he was for being the root cause of all the bad that¡¯s ever occurred in their life? It was because of her that he was the way he is.

    Upon thinking that thought, he became terrified and immediately tried to forget it. He didn¡¯t want to blame her for what was his fault. She hadn¡¯t done anything wrong. It was all because of him. Like his teachers had always said. To be Aunesfernish was to acknowledge everything wrong in your life as your fault. He had to accept that responsibility, he had to overcome it by himself. That¡¯s what it meant to be Aunesfernish. To be strong and independent, like Rei himself.

    ¡°But you can¡¯t be like him,¡± Linithesis whispered. ¡°He had the technology, and a society willing to listen to him. You¡¯re just one child, don¡¯t try to act like it doesn¡¯t hurt.¡±

    Reial swallowed the hard lump in his throat and tried to speak in an even voice. ¡°Fine, Yusjek can come along. Just make sure they don¡¯t leave a ¡®mess¡¯ wherever we go.¡±

    Charette beamed and held up a little white paper bag that he had used for his rasdham. ¡°Already on it.¡±

    ¡°Gross.¡±

    ¡°How was it by the way?¡±

    Reial arched a brow. ¡°How was what?¡±

    ¡°The rasdham when you tasted it. You never told me if you liked it or not.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right. I liked it. Definitely a lot more filling than I thought it would be. Makes me wonder how you managed to scarf down half that box in one day.¡±

    ¡°Because they were tasty.¡±

    ¡°They are rather tasty.¡± He muttered underneath his breath, suddenly feeling regretful for not purchasing more. ¡°Do you happen to know if they sell them in Endona?¡±

    ¡°I hope so, I can go for another two dozen right now.¡±

    Scorch yipped, causing Yusjek to flinch and disappear entirely from sight.

    ¡°And we¡¯ll make sure to save some for you too, Scorch.¡± She added. ¡°But you shouldn¡¯t have too many or else you¡¯ll get sick.¡±

    ¡°Says the person who ate an entire dozen in a single day,¡±

    ¡°They were tasty!¡± She said defensively.

    Reial rolled his eyes. He knew better than to argue about food with her. Besides, it was a beautiful day, he didn¡¯t want to waste his breath by talking about her voracious appetite.

    A wet sticky limb pressed against his hand, and upon closer inspection with his Veil Sight, he found that it was Yusjek. The salamander had somehow managed to scale up his body without him realizing it. That, or he leapt from Charette¡¯s hand and onto his, which was equally as impressive. It was no Veil Strider, but it was as brave as they come. I wonder, did you learn that by watching us?

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    Yusjek eyed him suspiciously before turning its attention to the river. Nature¡¯s road. Where did its many streams and brooks lead to? Perhaps somewhere fantastical like an ancient city hidden in the shadows of tall hills, or hidden treasure buried in the wilds. Or maybe even a floating city, like Amadanazeflious! He thought excitedly.

    A relic said to not only rival but surpass the World¡¯s Throne in beauty and size. Making it one of the most, if not the largest Remnants crafted by the ancients. The Elusive Remnant. Its name alone made him shiver. No artistic depiction could do the legendary city justice, and although many believed it to be a mere children¡¯s tale, he knew it was real.

    Linithesis hummed. ¡°Amadanazeflious¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes? What about it?¡±

    ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s just a fun word to say.¡±

    Ever-drifter. Reial wondered if he would ever have the luck to glimpse that magnificent ancient city one day. Perhaps he would find it in Th¨ªrion.

    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯ve decided to go with them then?¡± Linithesis inquired.

    Reial hesitated. ¡°Amadanazeflious is a tempting sight. I suppose I can stay with them a bit longer.¡±

    ¡°You know, I¡¯ve heard that sightings of said flying city are more common in the everglades to the east.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    A sensation like someone nodding their head registered in his mind. ¡°Saw it there once myself. Long before this whole Nether Dweller business.¡±

    ¡°What did it look like?¡±

    ¡°Pioneering silver, with plenty of Remnant-like structures built atop of it.¡±

    ¡°So, it¡¯s real?¡± Reial asked excitedly.

    ¡°As real as you and I.¡±

    ¡°Can you show me it then?¡±

    The Pneuma made a resounding clicking noise. ¡°I¡¯d rather not.¡±

    ¡°What? Why?¡±

    ¡°I have my reasons.¡±

    ¡°Your reasons are vague at best, Linithesis.¡±

    ¡°Yet they are reasons all the same.¡±

    With a sigh, Reial withdrew from the conversation and found himself still staring at the river. Yusjek crawled all around his arm, trying to get a better vantage point of the place before climbing off of him. Charette had a glazed look in her eyes as she stared at nothing. Was she too communicating with the voice in her head? And for that matter, did it claim to be a Pneuma as well?

    Reial went over and tapped her on the shoulder, bringing her out of her trance. She blinked, appearing surprised. ¡°Oh, sorry, was I gone for long?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡± He admitted. ¡°How¡¯re they?¡±

    Charette¡¯s expression became exasperated as she tapped a finger against her thigh. ¡°They¡¯re certainly a handful. Spending most of the time fighting amongst each other more than anything else. I never knew that voices could be so annoying.¡±

    Reial grinned. ¡°Tell me about it.¡±

    She returned the smile and searched the ground. He was about to ask her what she was looking for before he saw her pick up Yusjek and settle them down on Scorch¡¯s back. ¡°Let¡¯s get going. We have a Remnant and rasdham waiting for us.¡±

    ¡°I feel as if you¡¯re more excited about the food than the ancient manmade wonder.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯d be too if they knew how delicious it was.¡±

    While it may have been an exaggeration, the thought of having more of that fried food made Reial¡¯s mouth water. ¡°I wonder if they have a white chocolate variant.¡± He mumbled. ¡°I love white chocolate.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit! Now, Stride us away!¡± She ordered, making a scooping motion with her arms.

    ¡°Do I have to?¡±

    Charette nodded. ¡°Of course! That¡¯s how we¡¯ll get there faster.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a cabbing service, Charette.¡±

    ¡°Come on, if I were a Veil Strider, I¡¯d carry you without complaint.¡±

    Reial arched a brow at her. He was very particular about the way he wielded his powers. He didn¡¯t exactly know why, though he assumed it had to do with how he viewed the Veil Striders of old and Vaes. Nowadays, most Veil Striders use their power for sports or simple transportation-based jobs.

    Would those same old Striders be proud of what they had managed to accomplish if they saw them as they were now? Maybe there didn¡¯t always need to be a reason for this power to exist. A power meant to embody God and utterly destroy their enemies.

    ¡°Fine.¡± He relented. ¡°I¡¯ll take us there, but no more Striding once we¡¯re inside.¡±

    Charette jumped at him, catching him by surprise as he instinctively caught her in his arms. Scorch followed suit, coiling his body around Reial and tucking the salamander beneath his chin. Once they were all settled, they smiled at him.

    ¡°I see everyone¡¯s comfortable except for me,¡± Reial noted.

    Scorch responded by licking his face.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I love you too buddy.

    And with that he Strode forward, crossing miles of hills, rivers, and creeks in the blink of an eye. Coaches stood motionless on the opposite road as they approached the massive city in the distance, their hulking frames casting failing shadows. Fields of crops surrounded them on both sides as he continued down the slim path, passing people walking their drogs or tending to the fields. Some looked like foreign workers, which made him wonder just how much they were being paid for toiling in the sun. He could never see himself doing that type of work. Not because he was lazy, but because he was disinterested in farming as a whole. There was nothing wrong with that, was there?

    Although he tried distracting himself with the sights of the land, he could not deny the attention-grabbing effect of Gaiceranes. The Remnant is said to have shielded the city from an army of Strider¡¯s one-hundred strong. Something which hadn¡¯t been seen since the late days of Vaes¡¯s Crusade.

    Their attempts to enter the city resulted in some manner of temporal anomaly, causing every Strider to temporarily lose the use of their powers. No one was really sure why, but the Striders who had survived claimed they were taken to a time where the floor beneath them didn¡¯t exist, despite still being physically present in the city itself.

    As a result, the Remnant was viewed as a bad omen by many Veil Striders. Reial wasn¡¯t one of them. He didn¡¯t know how people could be superstitious about a structure created by the ancients. After all, it was built by one of the most advanced societies that ever existed. They could¡¯ve had the foresight to create something that prevented people like Striders from running amok. Though how they ever predicated them coming into being was another question entirely.

    There was a certain weathered quality to Gaiceranes¡¯s appearance. A bent here, a scratch there. Reial knew that to be Vaes¡¯s doing. The entire gulf for that matter was his handiwork.

    It was still strange to see a Remnant look so battered and old though. Then again, the fact that it was able to survive an attack so strong that it managed to wipe an entire mountain range from existence was equally as impressive. The same could be said for Th¨ªrion.

    Linithesis remained silent during the duration. Never uttering a single word or response to Reial¡¯s thoughts, which did make him feel a bit lonely. The world was deathly quiet. It would¡¯ve been nice to hear a familiar voice to break the silence.

    With each step, he exploded with power, pushing harder and harder to the city¡¯s entrance. Ruby sparks trickled across the ground before they evaporated, returning from whence they came from. Reial wondered where that place was exactly.

    He checked up on Charette and frowned. There was something missing, something he hadn¡¯t thought of before. He searched for the answer in his memories, but they always seemed to elude him. Every time he was close to finding that answer, it would slip from his mental grasp. It¡¯s just like¡­ Just like what?

    Again, the thought slipped his mind, and he was left with a blank slate. Nothing. It was as if some outside force was suppressing his thoughts. Was that Gaiceranes¡¯s doing?

    ¡°Perhaps.¡± Linithesis said. ¡°Remnants are no ordinary tools.¡±

    Tools? They weren¡¯t tools, they were works of art built by the ancients. ¡°Oh, so you can hear me when I Stride?¡± Reial asked. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say anything earlier?¡±

    ¡°I thought you preferred this time alone to think.¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah, but I do get lonely.¡±

    Linithesis hummed. ¡°So that¡¯s what it is.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you be for now. I need to go and meditate.¡±

    ¡°Meditate? For what?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s better left for me to know. If you have need of me, just call my name.¡±

    The Pneuma¡¯s presence flickered before shutting off, making Reial¡¯s head feel fuzzy. He wasn¡¯t sure why Linithesis was doing any of this, but he shrugged it off. Maybe the Pneuma wanted some time to think to himself too. That, or there was something urgent that required his attention. What that ¡°urgent¡± thing was, he didn¡¯t know.

    Ruby sparks erupted from Reial¡¯s heels as he came to a sliding stop. Dozens of people returned to motion, passing underneath a white stone arch with the city¡¯s name engraved upon it. A simple, yet attractive traveler¡¯s entrance.

    Then the muttering began. The incessant, dwelling muttering. Scorch unfurled from him, allowing him to comfortably put Charette down. Afterward, they hastily made their way down the street. Those that managed to catch a glimpse of him Striding into the city tapped two fingers against their forehead reverently, uttering a solemn thanks to the Almagest and Solvaylius.

    It made Reial¡¯s skin crawl. People believed that¡ªfor whatever reason¡ªspotting a Veil Strider was a sign of good fortune. That their mere presence was enough to disrupt the wrongness in a person''s life. He knew that was anything but true.

    The temptation to Stride away was too great, but he realized he would just end up causing another scene if someone caught sight of him. Unwarranted attention is so bothersome.

    He wondered what it must have been like for the very first Striders. Were they seen as something divine, like the Empyreans, or were they seen in a negative light, like the Nether Dwellers, bringing about destruction wherever they went? Reial imagined it being more accidental than purposeful, though he couldn¡¯t say that about every first Veil Strider. Most of them turned out to be tyrants in the end.

    Recundian banners fluttered against the sea¡¯s breeze, a blue diamond surrounded by an ocean of white at the top and green at the bottom. He didn¡¯t remember what the symbol stood for, although he vaguely recalled Eston mentioning something about virtue. How you found simple colors virtuous was beyond him.

    Charette twisted and turned her head as she watched the long strips of cloth join the clouds, obscuring the greater heights of the city from her view. Despite Striding them to the city, Reial didn¡¯t catch a good view of it on his way there. He blamed Gaiceranes for that. Remnants, even one as weathered and dull as it, always demanded his attention.

    Many of the buildings were constructed from the same stone-white material as the archway entrance. He didn¡¯t know where or how they managed to acquire so much of that matter considering there was nothing resembling that rock outside the city limits. For all he knew, they could¡¯ve just created it from pure Essence. Things like that weren¡¯t unheard of, just rare.

    Even with their powers, people still loved to build with their own two hands. He sometimes wished he could do the same, but his unruly Essence didn¡¯t allow him to. That was the cost of being a Strider.

    They came upon a towering stone-arch way, one decorated with a variety of fluttering banners. Recundian, Aunesfernish, Uvandran, Yusanese, and one he didn¡¯t recognize. A once whole nation standing united again.

    Reial passed through the archway and gaped. Few things could rival the beauty of the World¡¯s Throne. Cerauhlaan, Rei¡¯Xchal Yamin, and Firven Stadium, but this? Endona won the right to be compared to one of the most beautiful Remnants in the world.

    Five massive ringed complexes were built at the center of the city, taking up a majority of the landmass. Three of what he would call ¡°lesser¡± rings made up a majority of that space, while the two ¡°greater¡± ones circled the peak of the city.

    Towers and skyscrapers were built atop those two stark white rings, with a palace residing at the very center. Its walls bulged outwards while the golden metal roof rose upwards, piercing the sky with a sharp, knife-like point. Large, shell-like constructs shielded the rings from all but one direction. Their golden knife-like points curling inward on themselves.

    Behind the palace stood Gaiceranes. Its weathered geometries crowing the sacred building with pride. Although the time of monarchs had passed, the palace still reigned over one of the oldest and longest-lived cities in all of Yushiloc.

    All roads led to the rings, including the sloping one they stood on. Endona was the treasure of Recunda first, and a port city second. Reial felt nothing but shame that other Striders before him had once tried to destroy this wonder. Wasn¡¯t it enough that the Nether Dwellers had obliterated the world before this one?

    ¡°Wow,¡± Charette breathed. ¡°Why aren¡¯t more places in Recunda like this?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps we just haven¡¯t been to them yet,¡± Reial answered.

    Figures darted from one corner of the sky to the other, leaping off of the dragon spires that dotted the cityscape. Gale Gliders. A rarity in the west. They didn¡¯t move quite as fast as a Veil Strider, but their movements were graceful and free flowing, even when they lazily drifted about.

    There were enough of them to count on one hand, but this was the most he¡¯s ever seen in his life! The way they twirled about, shooting up through the clouds, diving down and through the spires in playful loops. He could almost hear them whooping and hollering in complete bliss.

    Charette wasn¡¯t able to view them as clearly as he was, but she still smiled nonetheless as she watched them. What was the root of their intoxicating joy?

    Then an image popped into Reial¡¯s mind. It was of them standing underneath the stone-white arch, but as if viewed from a rooftop. Specifically, a roof top from the northeastern-most direction where a stark white and red banner fluttered. A precognitive warning from the Striders of old that silently inhabited his mental scape.

    He whirled around, ruby sparks exploding out from underneath him as he faced the tall building with the familiar banner. Nothing. Reial scanned the area with his Veil Sight, searching the alleyways and rooftops for signs of a supposed stalker. Perhaps it was just another Strider passing by, but he wasn¡¯t so sure about that. The images hardly gave concrete ideas.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Charette asked.

    Reial frowned, looking around once more before shaking his head. ¡°Nothing.¡± He didn¡¯t want to worry her when they were just about to leave.

    ¡°Well, you turned around awfully fast for it to be nothing.¡±

    ¡°I thought someone was trying to sneak up on us. You know, rob us.¡±

    Charette arched an inquisitive brow. ¡°In the middle of the day?¡±

    ¡°You never know.¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± A third voice boomed.

    Reial jumped backwards in surprise, finding a woman in a blue and golden trimmed cloak standing beside him. She hadn¡¯t been there a moment ago. Was she the Veil Strider he had sensed? No, something was off about her.

    Her visage was partially hidden behind a long hood, obscuring the upper half of her face. The sleeves of the cloak hid her hands and feet from view, like a child wearing their parents¡¯ clothes. She grinned at him playfully, her head bobbing from side to side as if she were listening to music. There¡¯s definitely something wrong about her. He thought warily.

    Several lines ran down from the top of her hood to where he suspected her ankles to be. He didn¡¯t immediately recognize the pattern they shaped, but there was something vaguely familiar about it. Like he had seen it in passing before, or at a church.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re madermaline and resshon must¡¯ve raised you right to be so wisely cautious!¡± She added.

    Reial blinked. That accent, the way she emphasized her S¡¯s and H¡¯s. She was Th¨ªrian. ¡°Um, hello there. Who might you be?¡± Reial asked politely.

    Her mouth opened in surprise and then she smiled again. ¡°Sorry, I have a bad habit of turning up uninvited. My name¡¯s Zariya.¡±

    ¡°Zariya? That¡¯s an interesting name.¡± Charette commented.

    Zariya nodded. ¡°May not be as fancy sounding as most, but it''s a name all the same!¡±

    Reial found the saying to be somewhat peculiar, but aside from that, she was pleasant. ¡°Say, did you need something, Zariya? We aren¡¯t trying to be rude, but is there any particular reason you approached us?¡±

    Zariya shook her head. ¡°Nope, I just heard you say something I agree with and wanted to tell you I approved of it.¡±

    ¡°Oh, thanks?¡±

    She smiled again. He could almost catch a glint of her burning orange eyes. ¡°You¡¯re welcome! By the way, would you two happen to be new in the city?¡±

    ¡°Yes, how did you know?¡± Charette asked.

    ¡°Because I saw you staring at the city rings as if they were Mechora herself.¡± Zariya said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they tend to have that effect on newcomers.¡±

    Reial blushed. ¡°Well, do you mind if we ask you what you¡¯re doing in the city?¡±

    ¡°Not at all! I¡¯m just passing through on my way to another Convention.¡±

    ¡°Convention? What¡¯s that?¡± Charette asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s where Followers of Exania Mechora gather to discuss advancements in technology both scientific and Solvaylian based.¡±

    Reial frowned. ¡°Sounds exciting?¡±

    ¡°It is! Most of my time in Yusanik is spent participating in said gatherings. You guys really know how to celebrate. Much more than the Khaantanese. Formal bunch, the lot of them. Almost fell asleep once on a presentation turned lecture.¡±

    ¡°That sounds terrifying¡­¡± Charette mumbled.

    ¡°It was. That¡¯s the last time I ever go to Khaantan.¡± She shifted to the side. ¡°Where¡¯re you two heading?¡±

    Reial and Charette exchanged a brief look. ¡°To the port, but we don¡¯t know where that is.¡± Charette answered.

    He nodded. ¡°Yeah, the city¡¯s so dwelling big.¡±

    Zariya perked up. ¡°Care if I show you the way then? I¡¯d like to play a tour guide! Though I don¡¯t know much about the city itself if I¡¯m to be honest.¡±

    ¡°Just getting us there is good enough.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s a deal!¡± She pulled on the sleeve of her right arm, revealing a translucent golden hand.

    Reial stared at it. ¡°Uhm?¡±

    ¡°Shake it! In Th¨ªrion, it means we¡¯ve agreed upon the terms of deal.¡±

    He threw a backwards glance at Charette, who just shrugged. A rather foreign display he wasn¡¯t all too comfortable with. To the Aunesfernish, laying your hand upon someone who wasn¡¯t a friend or family member was the ultimate sign of disrespect.

    With much reluctance, he reached out and took her hand in his. In response, her entire arm came off. Reial looked down at her disconnected limb and blinked. His mind empty of all rational thoughts. Finally, a piercing scream tore through his and Charette¡¯s throats as Zariya cackled menacingly.

 Raffles and Darkness

    Reial and Charette glanced warily at Zariya as she pulled on Yusjek¡¯s tail. It wouldn¡¯t have bothered them so much if she wasn¡¯t doing it with that odd glowing hand, though the salamander didn¡¯t seem to mind.

    ¡°Curious. Curious indeed.¡± Linithesis noted.

    ¡°What? Do you know what she is?¡± Reial asked him.

    ¡°Hmm? No. I¡¯m just surprised that thing isn¡¯t making a fuss. Pulling on a tail hurt¡¯s, you know.¡±

    Reial groaned inwardly. He should¡¯ve known better than to expect a genuine answer out of the Pneuma.

    ¡°How did you manage to tame a veilback?¡± Zariya inquired as she inspected the creature more closely.

    ¡°A little coercion,¡± Charette answered.

    Zariya looked to Reial for an explanation. Truth was, he wasn¡¯t so sure himself how his sister had persuaded it to join them. She didn¡¯t offer it any food or luxuries it already had access to, she just scooped it up, smiled, and said it would make a great addition to their team. Whatever that meant. Perhaps she just has a way with animals. He wondered.

    ¡°Really?¡± Zariya said. ¡°That¡¯s impressive. I¡¯ve heard stories of some animals being intelligent enough to understand human speech, but never anything this small.¡±

    She poked at its back with her translucent, glowing hand, causing small puffs of light to stream off of its slimy skin. Reial didn¡¯t understand animal psychology¡ªhe didn¡¯t really know much about human psychology either¡ªthough judging by the look in its eyes, he could tell Yusjek was growing tired of being examined.

    Zariya continued guiding them through the city, resting the salamander flat on the palm of her hand. Streets rose and fell with irregularity, some rising high up into the sky like mountains, and others falling into deep depressions. A handful of times Scorch managed to slip and roll down these hills, though every time Reial rescued him, he appeared unharmed.

    Stores both familiar and foreign to him were located at the edges of each street, some in Aunesfernish, others in the talon scratch writing of Th¨ªrian. A handful of times he read a store name that he could almost make out, though the pronunciation became a bit more muddled to his tongue. Khaantanese.

    Although buildings and streets eventually disappeared from their sight, Gaiceranes remained. Ever present and watching. It must¡¯ve been a comforting sight to the Recundians.

    ¡°Zariya,¡± Charette called. ¡°I¡¯m not trying to be rude or anything, but is there a faster way of getting around the city?¡±

    ¡°Unless you¡¯re a Veil Strider, I suggest taking a cab. Gets you around the city fast. Until you¡¯re stuck in a traffic jam that is. But that ruins the fun of walking around and seeing the city for yourself!¡±

    ¡°Not in Aunesfern. Thousands of transmitters can take you wherever you want, and I¡¯d argue the experience of traveling through one is more exciting than walking.¡± Charette commented.

    ¡°Oh! A transmitter! You¡¯re Aunesfernish then, yes?¡±

    Charette winced. There had been little to no news on the Sygnal about their disappearance, but they could never be too safe. Just knowing they were Aunesfernish would be enough of a lead for any law enforcement or Courser to capture them.  Or perhaps Reial was being far too paranoid.

    Reial shook his head and tried to change the subject. ¡°Zariya, may I ask you a question?¡±

    Her face was still partially hidden behind her hood. Was her hair just like her hand? ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about your robe. I don¡¯t know why, but I feel like I¡¯ve seen that symbol before.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because you have! It¡¯s the uniform symbol of Exania Mechora.¡±

    ¡°So, she¡¯s your patron Empyrean?¡±

    Zariya tensed. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m not of the religious type.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Why the symbol then?¡±

    ¡°While I don¡¯t believe in the Empyreans and the Almagest as religious entities, I do acknowledge the beings they once were. Barring Solvaylius that is. Rather than worshipping them, the organization I¡¯m a part of takes a more literal approach into their philosophies and experiences.¡±

    ¡°So¡­a religion?¡± Charette guessed.

    ¡°No. We learn and develop from their foundations to create a better world. Think of us as a group of scholars and professors. The sect I¡¯m a part of is the Followers of Ex-Mechora. It¡¯s partially the reason why I move all around for conventions.¡±

    Reial blinked. ¡°Wait, does that mean you¡¯re a member of The Four-Ways?¡±

    ¡°For the last seven years.¡±

    ¡°That just leaves one last question,¡± Charette said. ¡°What¡¯s with the weird hand?¡±

    Zariya pulled her hood back, revealing a pair of burning orange eyes and medium-length black hair. ¡°It¡¯s¡­an archaic thing really. Like giving yourself unto Essence.¡±

    ¡°What exactly does that mean?¡±

    Zariya tapped a golden finger against Yusjek¡¯s back. ¡°I¡¯m still not entirely certain. It¡¯s an augmentation most members go through. Doesn¡¯t hurt really, but even now it still tingles. Kinda like when you put your hand against a frosty window.¡±

    ¡°Can you still feel?¡±

    ¡°Yup, everything¡¯s still the same. This little fellas skin is as slimy as any other salamander I¡¯ve ever held.¡±

    ¡°You can tell he¡¯s a guy?¡±

    Zariya nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve owned four veilbacks before.¡±

    ¡°What happened to them?¡±

    ¡°They all escaped whenever I tried to feed them.¡±

    Reial and Linithesis snorted. They imagined the salamanders frightened at the very sight of her unnatural hand, scrambling around and turning invisible the moment she opened their habitat. The shared thought was jarring, almost as if he were watching someone else paint the picture for him.

    ¡°Would you be interested in seeing the convention with me? It might open up your world beyond the dim lighting of the Almagestian church.¡± Zariya offered.

    Charette hesitated. ¡°No thanks. I like the curse words that go along with it.¡±

    ¡°You can still say them.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but it wouldn¡¯t feel as effective if I didn¡¯t believe in them.¡±

    Zariya smirked. ¡°Well, a good enough reason as any, I suppose. I¡¯m not going to enforce my beliefs on you.¡±

    Reial smiled. The church didn¡¯t discriminate, it was an extremely open-minded religious entity that accepted many different customs. Even atheistic groups like the Four-Ways weren¡¯t discriminated against for their lack of beliefs, and it could almost be said to be true of the opposite. It made it all the harder on him.

    A religion as open and understanding as the Almagestian church was too good to be true. He didn¡¯t hate it because he found their beliefs irritating or prying. Neither did he hate it for allowing the people to worship their God and Empyreans in any shape or form they wanted, he just hated knowing that their creator God did nothing to ease their suffering. Did the Four-Ways acknowledge that? Or did they just choose not to believe out of spite for the church¡¯s extreme open-mindedness?

    ¡°Do you truly care about God so much?¡± Linithesis asked him.

    Reial shook his head.

    ¡°Then what bothers you so?¡±

    ¡°What bothers me is that God could¡¯ve prevented all of this suffering.¡±

    Linithesis hummed. ¡°Have you settled on your decision yet?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you I have.¡±

    ¡°Yes, but I wish to know why you want to go.¡±

    ¡°Because¡­¡± Because? Why? He was doing this partially for Amadanazeflious. At least he thought he was doing it because of that. The reason why, much like the murky memories of his past, eluded him.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a Th¨ªrian up close before.¡± He heard Charette say as she walked beside Zariya. ¡°Your eyes really do burn!¡±

    Zariya giggled. ¡°Thanks. Though I think that¡¯s just a trick of the light.¡±

    ¡°What part of Th¨ªrion are you from?¡±

    ¡°Chanazarek, the middle glades. Not much happens over there.¡±

    Reial felt something brush against his leg and found Scorch looking up at him sadly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry boy, she¡¯s not going to steal us away from you.¡±

    Scorch whimpered softly and licked his hand.

    ¡°We can¡¯t be rude to our guide. I¡¯m sure she appreciates the company.¡±

    Despite the bustling activity around them, he thought back to what Charette said. Transmitters were a very convenient form of travel, one that would¡¯ve greatly aided the people in a city as big as this one. Initially, he had thought that every place would¡¯ve had them. As proved apparent in their journey, it was only Aunesfern.

    ¡°How hard was it to learn Aunesfernish?¡± He heard Charette ask.

    ¡°So, so. It¡¯s mainly about speaking softer.¡±

    Charette cocked her head. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Just how you pronounce things. You guys never emphasize anything you say. It¡¯s almost like you have no hearts. No offense.¡±

    ¡°None taken?¡± Charette said.

    Reial was more than a little surprised to hear that. His teachers had often praised every aspect of Aunesfernish society. From literature to the musical arts, even their affluent manner of speaking. It wasn¡¯t boring, was it?

    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s due to the language¡¯s smooth pronunciation that allows you to pick up other languages easier.¡±

    ¡°I guess so?¡± Charette shook her head. ¡°I really don¡¯t know how to respond to that, Zariya.¡±

    ¡°Does sound a bit mean, really,¡± Reial added.

    Zariya smiled sheepishly. ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t have anything against your people. Maybe it¡¯s just because I miss speaking in my native tongue.¡±

    ¡°Would it help if we listened to you say something?¡± Charette suggested.

    She shook her head. ¡°No, but thanks for the offer.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of offer, might I be able to interest you three in my very own offer?¡± Said a voice beside Reial.

    He jumped, finding a man with no discernable features besides a classic three-pronged Aunesfernish hat.

    ¡°What d''ya say? Care to enter the raffle?¡±

    Reial arched a brow at him. ¡°Raffle?¡±

    ¡°The Annual Revitalization raffle, of course!¡±

    Zariya perked up, her orange eyes practically glowing with excitement. ¡°That¡¯s today? I thought it wouldn¡¯t be until next week!¡±

    ¡°It would have, were it not for the discovery of a certain prize. My gracious benefactor, Elese, head of the Yusanian branch of Revitalization, urged me to unveil her new project.¡±

    ¡°And what would that be?¡± Charette asked.

    The man wagged a finger. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you. That would ruin the surprise.¡±

    Reial cocked his head. He knew little of the branch of Revitalization. Save that they were a group of scientists who reverse-engineered the technology of the ancients. When he was younger, he thought that they were a rag-tag bunch of adventurers who explored deadly ruins and fought off Nether Dwellers.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    The truth was nowhere near as exciting as that. Although he did wonder what it was that was so exciting that they had to shift the date of an annual event for it. Revitalization had a somewhat terrible reputation for rediscovering incredibly niche items. Like a self-propelled sphere used for massaging and scratching one''s back. The price tag on it still amazed him to this day.

    However, he couldn¡¯t say they were completely useless as scientists. Not when they were the ones that rediscovered EBM¡¯s and the generators that produced the dome¡¯s effects. They were capable, just nowhere near as capable as their founder. Exania Mechora.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take your answer as a yes then!¡± The man smiled. ¡°This way, if you please.¡±

    He started down the road pointing them to fourth street. It finally hit Reial that this was the lottery the man back in the fair had mentioned. Even though he didn¡¯t care much for that branch of science, he was still curious about what they had found.

    A short walk later they melted into a large crowd that spoke in hushed whispers. Some of the people were dressed like Zariya, others in a familiar crimson robe with a yellow star painted on. The Red Star¡¯s Dawn. What were they doing in a place like this?

    ¡°You¡¯re being awfully suspicious,¡± Linithesis said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not! I find it curious is all.¡±

    ¡°Care to explain why?¡±

    ¡°You know, because of all the religious things they constantly spout.¡±

    ¡°How does religion relate to them not being interested in technology?¡±

    Reial blushed. ¡°I don¡¯t know! It¡¯s just¡­there¡¯s something off about them. I can¡¯t explain why.¡±

    Linithesis hummed. ¡°I¡¯ll keep a closer eye on them than. For now, enjoy yourself here. I don¡¯t get the sense that something bad is going to happen. Not yet.¡±

    They were led through the crowd to a wooden stage lifted high into the air. Below it was a box, slips of paper, and a writing utensil.

    ¡°Write your names down and wait with the others in the meanwhile. We¡¯re about to announce the lucky winner in a few minutes.¡± The man said.

    Reial walked up to the slips of paper and grabbed the pen. He stared at the blank slip for several seconds, contemplating whether to put his real name or not before deciding on a course of action. Once he was finished, he slotted the paper through the box and handed the pen to Charette. Zariya eagerly awaited behind her, practically bouncing in place.

    ¡°You¡¯re rather excited,¡± Reial noted.

    Zariya beamed. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be? Ex-Mechora spent all her life inventing and rediscovering long lost technologies for the betterment of mankind. This is yet another step towards the world she imagined.¡±

    ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t religious.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± She reaffirmed. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t respect and honor the wishes of those who came before us. Even those we deem divine. For what is the purpose of our existence if we can¡¯t appreciate the foundation which it was built upon?¡±

    ¡°But¡­aren¡¯t you bothered that people worship and idolize the same person you believe isn¡¯t holy?¡±

    ¡°Somewhat, but that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m going to yell at them for believing in something different than I do. That¡¯s why we need to learn how to respect each other¡¯s differences rather than being afraid of them. Something the Khaantanese still fail to grasp after all these years.¡±

    ¡°So you aren¡¯t afraid of there being no God?¡±

    Zariya lifted her pale golden hand to her face. ¡°Afraid of what? Afraid of there being nothing after I¡¯m gone? Afraid that I didn¡¯t spend enough of my life worshipping a figment of someone¡¯s imagination? Afraid that I lived the life I wanted to instead of how the Almagest saw fit?¡±

    She lowered her hand and turned to face him with a small smile. ¡°The only thing I¡¯m afraid of is wasting my life trying to satisfy others.¡±

    The Empyreans weren¡¯t inherently better than everyone else because God made them better, but because they worked for the knowledge and strength in their lives. He, his sister, Zariya, even Scorch could become as great as an Empyrean. They weren¡¯t cursed or blessed, everything that happened was due to causality.

    But could he truly convince himself of the same? If he did, that opened up one horrible, terrible, festering truth. One that he immediately shoved into the back of his mind. No, he couldn¡¯t do that. Not now. Else he wouldn¡¯t know what to do with himself.

    Linithesis shifted around in his mind, wrapping and coiling around a part of himself he didn¡¯t know existed. The Pneuma¡¯s presence dimmed, then glowed like a fire in the dark. For whatever reason, it made Reial feel happy and loved. Like when his mother and father had comforted him after a night terror.

    Zariya bowed her head apologetically as he and Charette stared at her wordlessly. ¡°Forgive my unbridled passion for explaining. It¡¯s a force of habit at this point.¡±

    Reial waved dismissively. ¡°You¡¯re fine. Besides, what you said helped me quite a bit.¡±

    ¡°Really? How?¡±

    He hesitated. If only there were more people just like her out in the world. People who were willing to explain their thoughts and actions and not leave him wanting for more. Unlike a certain dwelling Pneuma.

    ¡°By opening up my mind to new possibilities.¡±

    Zariya grinned at him, then nodded. ¡°I¡¯m glad I could help then.¡±

    Once Charette and Zariya finished writing their names down, they went to go wait with the rest of the crowd. Reial wasn¡¯t keen on waiting, but the man had said the winner would be announced soon. So, he decided to pass the time by listening in on the various conversations that were being held all around him.

    There was talk about a stadium being rebuilt in the western ring of Endona after the last one was destroyed by a coach hurtling through it. Then there were the rumors about Ishrelai not attending this year¡¯s Solis Games, which came as a great shock to him. A Solis Game without Ishrelai was no Solis Game at all.

    Others chatted about what the mysterious prize could be, convinced that it was nothing less than the greatest relic of the ancients. What this relic was he was unsure of. Though he¡¯s read many theories on the Sygnal regarding the subject. From a gateway that could peer into the past and future to a living, breathing star that could fit inside the palm of your hand and grant wishes. Some claimed it was Solvaylius itself, but that begged the question of why the ancients would go so far as to capture a God.

    Whatever it was, the crowds¡¯ excitement was palpable. It didn¡¯t matter whether he was a Veil Strider or not. He had to compete fairly with others in a game of chance. No favoritism or special treatment just because he was supposedly blessed by God itself. Instead, it all depended on the random aspect of infuriating, terrible luck. He didn¡¯t know if he preferred it that way now that he thought about it.

    ¡°-What do you think, Rail?¡± Charette asked him.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°We wanted to know where you thought Essence came from.¡±

    ¡°Solvaylius, probably.¡±

    ¡°Pretend It didn¡¯t exist then,¡± Zariya suggested. ¡°Where would the source of our power originate from?¡±

    Reial groaned inwardly. He didn¡¯t want to give them his half-baked version of Linithesis¡¯s explanation. Even if the Pneuma was technically correct about the origin of Essence, hearing it come from him would make him sound insane. How could he explain nothing and still make it sensible?

    ¡°You¡¯re going about this too literally. That¡¯s your first problem.¡± Linithesis pointed out.

    ¡°But explaining a concept is about being literal.¡± Reial countered.

    ¡°Concepts by their very definition are abstract ideas. How can you explain something that¡¯s never existed before?¡±

    ¡°By comparing it.¡±

    Linithesis¡¯s presence rippled with amusement. ¡°Ah, yes, but what if there is nothing you can compare it to? References are finite. One must transcend mundane understanding to draw from theoretics. After all, amplifying one¡¯s mental potential is little more than a paradigm shift upon a sea of resonance.¡±

    Reial pinched the bridge of his nose and suppressed an exasperated sigh. Once again, the Pneuma wasn¡¯t making this any easier on him. He looked at Charette, then at Zariya, trying to rearrange his thoughts and debating whether or not he should come up with something on the spot. Finally, he settled on an answer.

    ¡°Perhaps Essence exists outside of our universe. You know, kind of like when you see a puddle outside of your bedroom window. When it¡¯s night, you can¡¯t see it, but if you stumble around you¡¯re bound to step into it.¡± He paused, wondering how to continue his terrible analogy. ¡°Our minds are much the same. Reaching and grasping for something we can¡¯t see until we inevitably make contact.¡±

    Charette and Zariya stared at him, their expressions etched with confusion as Scorch padded around their feet. The drog looked back up at Reial, then at the women.

    ¡°That¡¯s certainly an interesting theory,¡± Zariya mumbled. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever heard anything of the like.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Charette agreed. ¡°Although it¡¯s nowhere near as silly as those who believe we have a pool of energy inside of us.¡±

    Zariya snorted. ¡°Right? I¡¯d sooner believe Solvaylius was the one that granted us its powers.¡±

    Linithesis hummed. ¡°I wonder, does she think that because of the complete absence of spirituality on this planet?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡±

    Reial frowned. ¡°Linithesis.¡±

    ¡°Your concept of being is correct, theirs isn¡¯t. It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Linithesis stated.

    ¡°Theirs?¡±

    ¡°A people you¡¯ll never meet or know.¡±

    ¡°Are they on Yushiloc?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Reial searched his mind for stray thoughts and feelings emanating from the Pneuma. What he found instead was a general understanding of acceptance. That whatever may come, will come, for him, or someone else. It didn¡¯t matter to him, because that¡¯s what it meant to be.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were religious,¡± Reial commented.

    ¡°I¡¯m not, though your ¡®religion¡¯ does happen to share a few of my beliefs.¡± Linithesis corrected him. ¡°Don¡¯t confuse similarities with association.¡±

    That made sense to him. Not every Veil Strider was like the Veil Striders of old. Like him, for example. You couldn¡¯t define someone for sharing similar qualities to other living beings or ideals.

    At that moment, a sharp, zipping sound raced through the air. The unmistakable amplification of sound through Essence. ¡°Welcome, one and all, to the Annual Revitalization raffle!¡±

    Reial turned his attention to the stage, finding the hatted man standing next to a tall, smartly dressed woman with dark hair. Physically, she appeared to be in her third decade, yet her silver eyes betrayed a depth that rivaled that of the ocean. Ancient, wise, forlorn, and optimistic. She appeared¡­familiar. Had he seen her before?

    Linithesis hummed curiously. ¡°It¡¯s as if my mind is being dragged in by the tide each time I grasp the surface.¡±

    Reial knew all too well what that felt like. It was equal parts frustrating and perplexing. Almost as if his mind was conspiring against him.

    ¡°I hope that you¡¯re excited as I am. For what we have today is a relic beyond comprehension! One so ancient, one so powerful, that I daresay our minds have found a match for their intelligence!¡± She announced

    The hatted man walked off stage and retrieved a glass case with a cloth draped over it. ¡°A discovery unlike any we¡¯ve made! Far outshining the utilitarian resourcefulness of the hunger ending Essence-based meals and humidity defying weathering domes!¡±

    The crowd erupted into a chorus of excited whispers as they eyed the glass case hungrily. Reial didn¡¯t understand the obsession with new technology. He liked it, but he didn¡¯t see himself going crazy over it. They already had the Sygnal and Solvaylian Arts anyway.

    ¡°Behold!¡± She cast off the drape with a dramatic flourish, revealing a shining, silvery pair of serpent-like shapes lying atop a cushion. ¡°The Arcaneum Librotecha! Or ALT for short. The latest in reverse-engineering! A replica that not only rivals but surpasses that of even the Ancients¡¯ design!¡±

    A short round of applause was given for the enthroned tech. Zariya and Charette joined them, but Reial did not. He was too busy wondering if what she said was true. The ancients were master craftsmen. Both technologically and artistically. How else could they explain the Remnants and Amadanazeflious? Their greatest work now lost and endlessly soaring through the skies. How could anyone save the Empyrean¡¯s claim to create something of greater value?

    ¡°Be it guidance, historical accounts, animal encyclopedias, recipe books, or time-waster, the ALT has it all!¡±

    The hatted man lifted the small glass off of the cushion and bowed his head. The serpent-pairs extended on their own, producing a thin, inky surfacy that exploded with light, projecting greetings in sharp Aunesfernish, Khaantanese, and Th¨ªrian. A thundering applause exploded from the crowd around Reial. Was it always like this during the Revitalization raffles?

    Charette glanced at him, confused. He was glad that he wasn¡¯t the only one put off by the event. Did that make them the odd ones out for not being as excited as the rest?

    ¡°But I¡¯m not here to drone on, nor hold you away from your prize. To do so would be unjust in the eyes of the Almagest and the Empyreans.¡± The tall woman smiled.

    So warm, so loving, so caring. Almost as if she were¡ªthe thought slipped away from his grasp before he could even fully comprehend it. Hyvas, it was like when he thought of that strange green-eyed man and his past. Who could it be that was so important that even the Almagest didn¡¯t want him learning of?

    ¡°Now, shall I draw up our winner?¡± She asked.

    Cheers of approval rang throughout the street. Hyvas, they made the birds in Aunesfern sound pleasant. A cart holding a box rolled out onto the stage, the same box Reial and his sister put their names in for the raffle draw. The tall woman lifted the lid off of the box and dipped her hand inside, sifting through the slips of papers as if she were trying to search for the right one.

    Finally, she selected her prize and brought a thin strip to her face. She eyed it curiously, like a drog seeing their own shadow for the first time. That, or she didn¡¯t know how to pronounce it.

    ¡°Yusolomon!¡± She cried. ¡°Come and claim your prize!¡±

    Reial froze. Out of all the things he¡¯d expected to hear, his middle name was not one of them. He was urged on by his sister and Zariya on unmoving feet. Though he didn¡¯t move, the ground turned to ice, and he was simply pushed along with ruby sparks trailing behind him. The crowd congratulated him as he passed, telling him to put the device to good use.

    He stood nervously at the edge of the stage, glancing at the hundreds of people watching him. Had there been so many before?

    ¡°Just go to her and get your prize,¡± Linithesis advised.

    Reial nodded reluctantly. He didn¡¯t want to argue with the Pneuma now, not when all eyes were on him. Watching his every moment like a pack of predators.

    As he approached the tall woman, he glanced at her black buttoned jacket and made out a name sewn onto the cloth. Manylara.

    She scrutinized him as he stopped shortly before her. Her inquisitive eyes jumping from the sword at his hip to his eyes. ¡°Really?¡± She said, more to herself than him. ¡°I never imagined I¡¯d have the honor of meeting you here.¡±

    Reial smiled hesitantly. ¡°Thanks?¡±

    ¡°Well, more like his descendants. Tell me, is she here too? Don¡¯t worry, I promise I won¡¯t tell them.¡±

    Her? Was she referring to his sister? ¡°How do you know who I am?¡± He asked.

    She grinned. ¡°I know because I am. You are you, and I¡¯ve seen you. I¡¯ve seen her too. In His eyes. Strong and resilient, but fragile all the same.¡±

    ¡°Uhhh¡­¡± Reial mentally turned to Linithesis. ¡°Who is she?¡±

    Linithesis¡¯s presence radiated an aura of pure befuddlement. ¡°I truly do not know. I¡¯m well acquainted with people speaking in riddles, that¡¯s a tongue I understand. What she speaks isn¡¯t riddles. It¡¯s a twisted, ultimate truth.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°Enlightenment.¡±

    Her silver eyes lit up as if she could hear the Pneuma¡¯s voice. ¡°I see you¡¯ve found a faithful companion to take you on the same road. What a wondrous occasion. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°For what?¡±

    She smiled as she gingerly handed him the ALT. ¡°For granting me a greater prize than this.¡±

    Reial curiously accepted the tablet from her, looking it all over for a hidden message. There was none. Before he could question her, she turned to the crowd and bowed.

    ¡°Till next time, children of logic and development.¡±

    The crowd bowed their heads in return, some even tapped their fingers against their forehead in prayer. Manylara smiled one last time at him before bowing her head and disappearing behind the curtains of the stage. The hatted man lingered for a moment, nodding respectfully toward Reial and someone behind him.

    Reial sighed. He needed to come to terms that no one would ever fully answer his questions. Not with all the dwelling mysterious people floating about.

    Well, at least he had the ALT to take his mind off of things. Zariya¡¯s going to love this. He thought as he walked down the stairs of the stage. Unfortunately for them, they didn¡¯t really know how to operate the tablet.

    A good hour was spent organizing the various icons on the screen as they wandered the city aimlessly. Another two were consumed by opening the various applications and testing their functionality. Manylara hadn¡¯t been exaggerating about its guidance feature, and although it explained everything in painstaking detail, they couldn¡¯t understand a single word of its gibberish. Mostly because the words that it used didn¡¯t exist in their language. Reial wondered if this was perhaps a fragmented memory of the ancients¡¯ language.

    Their wandering eventually led them into the shadow of a minor ring. Many of the residents in this area lived in large complexes that took up the entire length of a street. Some windows were lit, many were not. What was it like to live in the great shadow of this Remnant-like structure?

    Corner shops flooded the dark streets with pinpricks of light, amassing large groups of playful children. They were mainly dressed in dark clothes like they wanted to blend into the darkness and scare others.

    He wished that he could¡¯ve enjoyed himself more. That he could lose himself in this sea of darkness, but Scorch¡¯s sharp cry pulled him out of his trance. At first, he thought that it was one of the children accidentally stepping on his paw, but when he saw that it was a tall, darkly dressed man holding the struggling drog against his chest, his heart stopped. All he could see of his face were the glowing green eyes of a Seer staring back at him across the darkness.

 Of Striders

    The dark figure circled them like a nezerine eyeing its prey. ¡°Drogs are amazing creatures, aren¡¯t they? So loyal and intelligent. They¡¯ll even remember their rescuer no matter how much time has passed.¡±

    ¡°Great, now give us back our drog,¡± Charette demanded.

    ¡°Did you know that drog¡¯s have five stomachs?¡± The figure continued. ¡°With the fifth one being the most volatile of them all.¡±

    Reial glared at him. Why was he wasting his time with idle conversation?

    ¡°My favorite story growing up was about Tsaralafon. You know, the scrappy drog who saved her owner during a battle in the Unification Wars?¡± The figure paused thoughtfully. ¡°Funny. They called it the Unification Wars, though people didn¡¯t fight for Unification, they were brought to it by others who wanted to take from them.¡±

    Despite the figure¡¯s relatively relaxed demeanor, his grip on Scorch tightened. As was apparent by the drog¡¯s whimpers and cries for help that tore at Reial¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Ah, but you¡¯re too young to recall the Unification Wars, aren¡¯t you? You don¡¯t look a day over third. Tell me, what¡¯s your opinion of the conflict?¡±

    Reial huffed. ¡°We aren¡¯t here to talk. Give us back our drog.¡±

    ¡°But talking¡¯s more fun than wandering around all the time, don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Reial could almost see the smile behind those words. Not in a condescending or taunting manner, but almost¡­proud? ¡°Are you the one following us?¡±

    The figure shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m only doing as your father commanded. Nothing more, nothing less.¡±

    So, he did send a Courser after them. As he studied the man¡¯s features, their eyes met. The more he stared at them, the more he forgot. Like a part of his mind was being erased.

    ¡°She¡­yes, I know.¡± He heard Linithesis mutter tiredly.

    There was something heavy pressing against his being. An invisible force that suffocated his mind mercilessly. Who, or what, was it?

    ¡°I don¡¯t care if our father sent you,¡± Charette spat. ¡°Return Scorch to us, or else.¡±

    The glowing green orbs blinked in surprise. ¡°Oh, I shouldn¡¯t have expected any less from you! You were always a troublemaker.¡±

    A stray bolt of blue electricity zipped through the air and crashed next to him with a muted, thundering echo. Debris sprayed around his ankles, bending and twisting against the reality-altering effects of a Veil Striders barrier.

    ¡°A warning shot, I presume?¡±

    Translucent whisps of Essence swam about Charette¡¯s waist. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°How terrifying.¡±

    A flurry of ruby sparks erupted from his heels as he disappeared with his next step. Reial whirled around in a panic, the area suddenly flooding with light as he activated his Veil Sight. He couldn¡¯t falter, not now. All he could hope to do was match him.

    ¡°I¡¯m still here,¡± The figure called.

    Reial turned his attention to the spot where the Courser once stood, or rather, never moved from, to begin with.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve never seen that old trick?¡±

    He had, multiple times in fact. It was a fake-out tactic that competing Veil Striders in the Solis Games often deployed. Although it proved more effective against newcomers than professionals, its potency wasn¡¯t to be underestimated.

    ¡°Well then, shall I return you lost children to your parents? They¡¯re worried about you, you know.¡±

    ¡°No, now give us back our drog.¡± Charette ordered defiantly.

    The Courser responded with a smile.

    Reial watched as he casually sat down at the edge of the sidewalk, right in front of the crater Charette had created with her Trick. If there was one word he would use to describe this man, it would be confident. He wasn¡¯t in a rush to explain himself; he had only briefly mentioned that it was their father¡¯s idea to stalk them, but nothing else.

    ¡°Continue doing nothing, and I¡¯ll make you wish you faced a dweller instead.¡± Charette threatened coldly.

    Whoever he was, it was clear to Reial that there was more lying underneath the surface.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make this harder on yourself.¡± Reial added.

    ¡°And miss out on what could be? Where¡¯s the call to adventure in that? Aren¡¯t you-¡±

    Charette groaned. ¡°Hyvas, just give us back our dwelling drog you sorry excuse for a Strider.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°What!¡± She screeched.

    ¡°It¡¯s for the best.¡±

    A rumbling wave of pavement rolled up beside him and flung him straight at a wall, but with a kick of his heel and a flip of dizzying ruby sparks, he landed safely back on the sidewalk. Reial was struck with awe at the flawless maneuver. If that were him, he would¡¯ve taken the brunt of the impact with his feet.

    ¡°I know it may be hard to understand, but this is for your own good.¡±

    Chunks of pavement exploded all around him and hurled themselves at his spot. An effective strategy against most, except a Veil Strider. He simply stepped out of the way faster than her eyes or mind could comprehend.

    Reial was urged on to observe. There was a depressing quality to his movements. Gracious, but reluctant. Almost as if he didn¡¯t want to be doing this.

    Charette growled in frustration, summoning a well of gravity in the sky that not only pulled at the Courser but on him and Zariya as well. The pavement rattled like a tray of jostled dishes before it was ripped from the earth with an audible crack. A large cloud of dust and debris formed in the sky, gathering the pavement into its swirling, thunderous mass. This was unlike anything he¡¯d ever seen before. Perfect, destructive, and powerful.

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    A shrill scream tore him from his reverence as he searched for the source of the sound. It was Zariya. She had been torn from the ground and was hurtling through the sky to the murderous mass, grasping and clawing at anything in a vain attempt to halt her ascension. Reial couldn¡¯t grab her, she was far out of his reach. But if he were to blindly jump and rescue her, then he¡¯d be pulled into the cloud too, with nothing anchoring him to the earth.

    What then? Maybe his teachers would¡¯ve known what to do. They were skilled Solvaylian Students, surely they would¡¯ve found a solution to the problem. Perhaps even his father. No, now was not the time to belittle himself. He had to act.

    Reial launched himself into the air, a shower of ruby sparks trailing behind him as he zipped past Zariya. The world was still, yet the hammering of his heart was deafening. He pulled his body into a tight flip and crashed against the underside of a slab feet first. Ruby sparks erupted from the cracked stone in a sign of protest, willing the slab to keep its shape for the time being. Then, he plunged back into the earth.

    There was no whistling wind to accompany him, nor air to tousle his hair. Only complete and utter stillness. Reial caught Zariya by the waist as he passed and tried to right himself up. That proved to be a bit more difficult than he had first anticipated. The well of gravity kept pulling at his feet, and though his descent didn¡¯t slow, he was stuck in his current position.

    He began to panic, fearing that he would slam headfirst into the earth. If he were wearing Striders Silk a fall like this wouldn¡¯t scare him, Hyvas, even landing on his feet from a great height wouldn¡¯t scare him.

    Again, he tried righting himself, and again, the well kept pulling at his feet. He was drawing closer and closer to his imminent demise, and he was powerless to stop it. Even if he survived he wasn¡¯t confident he would come out unscathed.

    Reial pulled on Zariya tightly, hoping the shift in weight would put him in a better position. It was a slow, agonizing process, as he refrained from applying too much pressure on her form. Fearing that he may break her. He may not have been anchored to the ground, but his speed and strength were forever a part of him.

    The well¡¯s grip was like an iron clamp, preventing him from making any noteworthy progress in his struggles. He knew what he had to do, but it wouldn¡¯t be pleasant. Reial blinked away his Veil Sight, bracing himself as the world returned to full motion.

    He slammed against an invisible force that twisted and contorted underneath him, roiling like a mass of bubbles threatening to pop. The space beneath him shrieked as it continued to bend and strain against the impact of his fall. Space snapped, sending them blazing across the street at the pace of a Stride. The world became a blur of senseless darkness.

    And then it flashed red before his very own eyes. A bright hot red, like the swelling of a bruise behind his head. It hurt to think, it wasn¡¯t right to think. The world had stopped moving but everything was still spinning. Colors didn¡¯t make sense, there was more to the darkness than just the void. Subtle browns, whites, yellows, and greens.

    The pain and nausea receded immediately, leaving him whole and well again. Better than well, but somewhat exhausted. Almost as if someone had sapped him of his vigor.

    Reial sat up slowly and examined himself. Aside from a few tears in his jacket that were beginning to stitch themselves back together, he was fine. He couldn¡¯t say the same thing for Zariya, who was currently lying on her side. She was clutching her stomach and groaning, muttering a single word in what he presumed to be Th¨ªrian. With a shaky hand, he gently turned her over to examine her wound. There was nothing. Vaes¡¯s hand, there was nothing. She was just suffering from a bout of major motion sickness.

    It was at that moment that he realized how quiet the place had gone. The thundering rumble of the debris in the sky, the pull of the well, the tearing from the earth. All of it had been silenced.

    Reial peered through the darkness without the aid of his Veil Sight, trying to locate his sister. She was still standing there, or at least a silhouette of a figure. He blinked, flooding the area with light and color, only to find the Courser standing behind her. She didn¡¯t appear frightened or hurt. More surprised than anything else. It was like someone had tried to scare her but she had only been slightly startled.

    She stood at the center of what Reial could only call a Recundians worst name. Great mounds of rubble were strewn about the place, with the once-proud polish of glass and streetlamps lying shattered at their zenith. Eyes, both wary and furious, gazed at them from behind closed doors.

    Reial berated himself for taking his eyes off of the Courser and quickly turned back to face him. He still stood behind his sister, but now, the drog bore the same wide-eyed expression too. What did he do to them?

    The Courser Strode around the heaps of rubble, kicking up dust with each Stride he made. Finally, he came to a stop right before Reial. He said nothing for a moment, then clicked his tongue.

    ¡°That took you too long enough.¡±

    Reial glared at him. ¡°If you¡¯re going to take us back to our father then you might as well say you are.¡±

    The Courser cocked his head. He couldn¡¯t make out any notable feature besides his glowing green eyes still. ¡°Why would I lie to you?¡±

    ¡°Because it¡¯s better than keeping us in the dark.¡±

    ¡°I disagree with you on that, Rail. The truth is well worth waiting for, and though it may be frustrating, it¡¯s usually for the best.¡±

    Reial lunged at him but found nothing. The Courser had simply Strode out of the way. ¡°I¡¯m not a fan of wrestling.¡±

    Reial pinpointed the source of his voice and struck out with his fist.

    Nothing.

    ¡°Please, stop.¡±

    ¡°What? You want me to do nothing then?¡± Reial punched again, but only felt something brush against his fist. ¡°Do you want me to just watch helplessly? So that it ruins us again?¡±

    ¡°No, but it¡¯d be pointless to try and convince you otherwise.¡±

    ¡°Then don¡¯t take away my drog!¡±

    Reial slammed his foot down with all the strength he could muster. Splinters of earth shot out from the newly formed crater, embedding themselves into the walls of buildings. None of which managed to find their mark

    ¡°Give him back!¡± Reial growled, drawing his weapon.

    Golden plasma poured from the rippling blade, casting flickering shadows across the street. Energy made manifest, the perfect weapon, or at least, one of the many few out there. He sped towards the Courser, weapon held low, one hand resting on the flat of the blade. Precision, control, and power, the pure essence of Ovfrailian Style.

    Reial swept his blade in a short clean arc, only managing to graze the Courser as he managed to dodge out of the way in time. He swiped again in a series of rapid strikes, narrowing the cone of his attacks for greater speed. Ovfrailian wasn¡¯t as powerful or versatile as Hyvan or Vaesian, but the speed it lent was unmatched.

    His relentless onslaught kept the Courser on his toes, and though he didn¡¯t retaliate there was a certain fire in his eyes that yearned for combat. For the stakes of a duel, and the glory of victory. A fire that Reial found burning within himself now.

    The Courser went through his motions like a dance, dodging each attack as if he had seen the same old display of basics thousands of times before. When one of Reial¡¯s strikes came close to cutting him, his blade was batted aside by a Th¨ªrian curved sword that hadn¡¯t been on the man¡¯s person mere moments ago.

    A brief glance at his waist exposed four scabbards, with the third hilt being of highly ornate quality. It bore a striking resemblance to-

    ¡°Focus!¡± Linithesis barked.

    Reial narrowly managed a sloppy riposte before a blur of motion caught him on the side, knocking him to the ground. He lay there, dazed, the world flooding with darkness as his Veil Sight left him. Defenseless, like a child once again. No, he still had his Striding and- His sword, where was his sword?

    Reial¡¯s eyes were drawn to a glowing patch of earth no more than a yard away from the Courser. He panicked, scrambling to his feet as the man knelt down and drew the blade from the soil. For a moment, he said nothing as he turned it over in his hand, examining it carefully.

    ¡°Simple and effective, though not something I¡¯d personally use.¡± He commented.

    Reial eyed the Th¨ªrian curved swords on his waist warily. They were specifically created for the purpose of catching Veil Striders as they passed. Their hooked shapes, while not completely ignoring the effects of spatial distortion, resisted them to a certain degree.

    The Courser gingerly rested the weapon on the ground, his glowing green eyes appearing almost thoughtful. It didn¡¯t matter to him how vulnerable he appeared, or if his opponent retrieved their weapon. This fight was no more than a game to him. A relaxing break from his usual mundane activities.

    Reial was completely and utterly powerless against such a foe. One who could so easily dodge his attacks and knock him down like a misbehaving pup?

    It would happen again. He was going to ruin the lives of those he loved by simply being unable to do anything. All because he still lacked the bravery and strength he had dreamed for ever since he was a child.

    So, he shut his eyes and prayed. To what exactly, he didn¡¯t know. Solvaylius? The Almagest? Something that was beyond those two? What did he ask for? To be freed from this nightmare. For a living Empyrean to save them from this man. Or perhaps, to be absolved of this festering guilt in his heart that threatened to drive him mad?

 Beginnings

    Reial¡¯s world began anew. The gaping emptiness in his heart a hollow reminder of who he had been. Of whom he¡¯d desperately tried to be. None of that mattered anymore, he was gone. Scorch was gone.

    That thought stabbed his heart relentlessly, screaming and crying at him for being a liar. He wasn¡¯t a great Strider like Hyvas or Vaes, nor was he an intellectual as a proper Aunesfernish man should be. He was just a scared child lost in the dark.

    There was no one to comfort him, no one to guide him back into the light. No one to learn of his suffering. Only his accursed thoughts to echo them.

    Why couldn¡¯t they just hate him? He failed them again and again, yet they still loved him, knowing that he could never produce successful results. Did they think this would make him feel better about himself? That it would grant him the strength to stand back up?

    ¡°Reial¡­¡± Linithesis said.

    Reial covered his ears in a futile attempt to block out his voice. ¡°Stop, please. I don¡¯t¡­I can¡¯t right now.¡±

    The Pneuma¡¯s presence dimmed like a dying candle. He didn¡¯t utter a response, but kept him company, much to Reial¡¯s displeasure. Why was he bothering him at a time like this?

    ¡°Just leave me alone,¡± He muttered.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Silence. Terrible, horrible silence ensued. The same one that haunted him day in and day out, waiting for the moment he was left to his own devices. When he was most vulnerable. Their whispers, memories.

    ¡°Open your eyes, Reial.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t bring himself to do that. The darkness, the silence. It would always be there. No matter where he went, no matter how far he traveled, they would always lurk in the back of his mind. Watching. Waiting.

    Why not allow it to consume him? He had nothing left to gain. The happiness that had once been his, the lofty dreams he cherished as a child, those were all consumed by the abyss. So why was he still so afraid of it?

    Gusts of wind tousled his hair as whips cracked in the distance, growing louder and louder until he feared they might crack at his feet. The air grew chill with frost, nipping at his cheeks like the final days of autumn. A chorus of muted murmurs arose from the shadows, some ranting about the property damage, others almost complimenting the destruction that had razed the land.

    It didn¡¯t matter to Reial whether these people lost their homes or not. Why should it? They could rebuild them with their very Essence if they knew of the materials All it would cost them was a fraction of their being.

    But that wasn¡¯t good enough for them, and so they continued to whine. Their incessant muttering clawing at his ears like a greedy nezerine. Hyvas, can¡¯t they just shut up? What right did they have to complain? What did they lose that couldn¡¯t possibly be replaced?

    ¡°Stars, countless stars.¡± Linithesis murmured. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen so few in the sky before. I remember what it was like when we weren¡¯t a part of this world. Can you?¡±

    Reial remained silent. Why bother with answering pointless questions? It didn¡¯t matter. Regardless of what he said, nothing would change.

    ¡°Overly fond of the past, aren¡¯t you? You were always a nostalgic one.¡±

    A past partially remembered. A non-being who never was.

    ¡°We like to pretend that the past was easier than it is now. It¡¯s a fine enough lie, though one I can¡¯t live with anymore. Perhaps it¡¯s because of my age, but I have come to accept where I am now.¡±

    Accept? What was he supposed to accept? Was he supposed to be thankful to the Almagest for tearing away everything he loved? To not be bitter for the life he led.

    ¡°Who do we have to blame? Would it make you feel better if you could blame a God? Which one? Or would you rather blame me? Perhaps the others? Why haven¡¯t we ascended yet? Were we not as coordinated as we could be?¡±

    Linithesis paused. No, the voice had never belonged to him. It was much too masculine. Wise. Why couldn¡¯t that dwelling voice leave him alone then? He didn¡¯t want to talk about what was right or wrong, or something more philosophical. He just wanted to be by himself.

    If only there were a transmitter that could steal him away from all this noise. Somewhere isolated, like the peak of the World¡¯s Throne. Where there was no one to bother him.

    ¡°Open your eyes.¡± Linithesis finally said.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t hide from it forever.¡±

    Reial never could. He would try and ignore it, but it would continuously whisper in his ears like the mad rambling of a Nether Dweller.

    ¡°Hey,¡±

    Why couldn¡¯t they just hate him and leave him alone?

    ¡°Hey, ye all reit?¡±

    Reial flinched as the voice rested something gently on his shoulder. It felt warm and comforting, a stark contrast to the chilly air. Like a blanket made just for him.

    He didn¡¯t deserve that comfort, so why did they continue to bother him? Didn¡¯t they know that he could ruin them? That he would fail to meet their expectations. That nothing he did was ever good enough, so why try and prevent the inevitable?

    Faded colors and dim lights greeted him as he pried his eyes open. Squat shadows gaped at him, some uttering curses, others examining the craters pocketing the street. In front of him stood a towering man with shaggy brown hair and soothing blue eyes. Of Thrasmanish descent no doubt.

    ¡°Urr ye hurt?¡±

    Reial blinked. Those words didn¡¯t fill him with the hope that he had dreamt of. Nor the joy that would make his heart flutter for release. He was tired. Tired and cold.

    His strength, the one thing the world valued above all, had been drained from him. What was he without it? A husk of a husk? A being devoid of purpose?

    The man frowned at his unresponsiveness then began to slowly guide him out of the crater. ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s get ye oot of thare.¡±

    Reial stumbled along, his legs stiff against the unyielding earth. Had he finally been relinquished of his blessing? Did the Almagest see fit to grant it to someone who was more deserving of it? To someone who would finally put it to good use.

    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    He didn¡¯t recall the flight to the spire or the icy blue dragon that took him there. Nor the twisting architecture of the halls as he was led to an isolated white room.

    The door closed with an audible click as he stood staring at the Solvaylian Projection on the wall. Were they afraid that he would try to escape? Didn¡¯t they know that he could break down the very walls of the structure with a flick of his fingers? Or maybe they just didn¡¯t care.

    ¡°Nothing¡¯s changed,¡± Linithesis whispered. ¡°Even after all these millennia, it looked as it did then. Endona. The timeless city.¡±

    The projection certainly was a magnificent display of the city¡¯s grandeur. If he were still himself, perhaps he would even be impressed. The way the rings glowed like pillars of diamonds, the weathered Remnant standing vigilant in the gulf¡¯s depths, and the palace stationed at the peak of the city.

    What reasons did the ancients have for creating these marvels? Were they afraid of being forgotten, or did they want to build something to be aid generations to come? To be immortalized in their second lives as wanderers. As creators. As gods of craftsmanship.

    Perhaps that¡¯s why Recundians went to great lengths keeping their cities and towns spotless. Not because they were compelled to out of necessity, but because they wanted to honor the ancients for the gifts they¡¯ve bestowed them.

    Reial found the thought somewhat comforting. Even though they were long dead, even though their beings were wandering the stars, people still treasured their memory. Would he be granted that same luxury when he passed?

    The doorknob rattled then clicked as the man from before entered the room. He was closely followed by a Khaantanese woman half his height. She bounced with every step, and despite her sharp critical eyes that were proof of her heritage, wore a smile easily. However, what really caught his attention was the flowing jacket resembling folded wings.

    ¡°Sorry, Ah hope we didn¡¯t keep ye-¡± He stopped. ¡°Have ye bin standin'' thaur th¡¯ whole time?¡±

    Reial nodded.

    ¡°Ye do know thir¡¯s a chair, reit?¡±

    He nodded again.

    ¡°Well, caur tae have a seat ''en? Ah don¡¯t want ye feelin'' uncomfortable.¡±

    The woman scoffed. ¡°Uncomfortable? Kaval, he¡¯s a dwelling Veil Strider, they can practically sleep standing up.¡± She looked at Reial for confirmation. ¡°You can do that, right?¡±

    Kaval sighed. ¡°Marish, now''s not th'' time.¡±

    ¡°I mean, we did come all the way down here to interrogate him. It sorta is the time for this. Besides,¡± She glided through the air effortlessly, bands of churning ruby-sapphire energy twisting around her body as she came face to face with Reial. ¡°I like learning new things about people.¡±

    A Gale Glider? He hadn¡¯t been expecting that. Then again, he couldn¡¯t say he was surprised either. They probably considered him a great threat simply for being a Strider.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about mah partner,¡± Kaval apologized. ¡°She was th'' only one available for yoor¡­case.¡±

    The air shifted, becoming more oppressing as it bound him to his spot. Ruby sparks erupted from his boots, showering the room in brilliant red hues as he felt his hold on the ground slip. A reverberating snap echoed across the chamber as he was carefully lifted into the air. The walls, the chairs, the table, even the ceiling, and floor were all out of his reach. There was nothing he could use to support himself or wiggle out of its hold.

    ¡°Marish! What¡¯d ye do that for? He wasn¡¯t misbehavin''.¡± Kaval chastised her.

    Marish forced a brief, distant chuckle. The glazed look in her eyes evidence of the abundance of Essence she had used to pry Reial from the ground. ¡°I¡­just made your job easier.¡±

    Kaval frowned but offered a nod of thanks before turning to look up at him. ¡°Now then, may Ah have yer name?¡±

    ¡°Rail.¡±

    ¡°Your full name?¡±

    Reial remained silent. He didn¡¯t want to give away that much information, not yet anyway. Maybe he could still catch up to the Courser and then¡­ And then what? Be defeated yet again? He knew he wasn¡¯t a match for someone like him. Someone who¡¯s probably lived through the last decades of the Unification Wars and fought in almost every battle. What hope did he have of besting him when one dwelling strike was all it took to knock him down?

    ¡°Whaur are ye from?¡±

    ¡°Yusanik.¡±

    Kaval¡¯s lips thinned to a line. ¡°Ye aren¡¯t bein'' very cooperatife.¡±

    Reial frowned. ¡°I¡¯m answering your questions. What else do you want from me?¡±

    ¡°Easy, we jist want tae know what happened at th'' scene.¡±

    ¡°Fine. There was a complication. Someone tried stealing my drog and got away with it.¡±

    ¡°Can ye tell us more?¡±

    Reial froze. He didn¡¯t want to relive that moment again. Of the desperate drog¡¯s whimpers as he struggled to escape, and of the heart-wrenching guilt that threatened to overwhelm him. Please. Please just let me be. Why couldn¡¯t they ever grant him that luxury?

    ¡°Rail? Are ye okay?¡± Kaval asked.

    The tone of his voice was pleasantly friendly. Almost as if he truly cared about what happened to him. That he wasn¡¯t putting on this act only to lull him into a false sense of security.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Can ye tell us what happened next?¡±

    Could he? He was a Veil Strider after all. Aiding others was the sole reason he had these powers. Powers that he had never asked for. Powers that continued to curse him instead of bless him. Was he not allowed to do as he wished? Think as he wanted to. Do what he pleased?

    The world had been saved on countless occasions by his kind. Fought bloody battles and wars the likes which can¡¯t be seen, and their only reward for their suffering was this. A hopeless wish for isolation and rest.

    ¡°Are ye well?¡±

    Reial blinked. He hadn¡¯t the energy to cry nor laugh at the question.

    ¡°Ye seem out of it. How much Essence did you use?¡±

    The world revolved around that one word. It¡¯s what drove the Empyreans and the rest of mankind to strive for a better future, to push for greater heights, but not him. His sister and Scorch were what kept him going. Now they were gone, and it was all because he was still too powerless to do anything.

    ¡°Ye don¡¯t have tae talk about it if it¡¯s too painful.¡±

    Marish sighed. ¡°Kaval¡­you never were one for this type of work.¡±

    A sharp knock at the door cut his retort short. He opened the door and stepped outside, leaving Reial alone with Marish. Her green eyes appearing more focused as she examined him, nodding at something he couldn¡¯t quite catch.

    ¡°Do you like being up there?¡±

    ¡°Does it matter?¡± He asked listlessly

    Marish shrugged. ¡°No, but it would¡¯ve been nice to know.¡±

    Reial closed his eyes and listened to the faint humming coming from his mind. No, it wasn¡¯t humming, but Linithesis speaking. The Pneuma was reciting a line from Elegy of the Ancients.

    ¡°Were we always so fragile? Powerful, knowing, and yet so easily forgotten. Like glass idols offered at an altar. Weren¡¯t those that came before us equally terrified? Were they not whole of body and sound of mind? Did they, too, fear their inevitable deterioration?¡±

    ¡°You know, you and that girl remind me of someone,¡± Marish said aloud.

    Girl? Could she possibly be referring to Zariya?

    ¡°The delicate color of your hair, the way you both scowl. You could almost pass for the Aunesfernish governor¡¯s children. Perhaps her more so. She did cause something of a ruckus when we went and interrogated her a while back.¡±

    Reial perked up. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, she kept going on about some weirdo and her drog. Don¡¯t know how that has anything to do with tearing an entire street from its foundation, but whatever.¡±

    Relief washed over him. Charette was still here. She hadn¡¯t been taken away like Scorch had, but why? Was their father¡¯s request so important that the Courser chose to ignore that they were runaways? Perhaps he didn¡¯t even know at all.

    It left Reial with more questions than answers. Who was this man? What was his reason for honoring their father¡¯s request? Were they old friends? Business associates even? Coursers were known for doing their jobs quickly and precisely, not hanging around and chatting with their targets. Could it be that he was no Courser at all? Reial wondered.

    A knock at the door stole Reial¡¯s attention as he turned to see who it was. With a click, Kaval entered the room again, this time holding a stack of papers. All of which were stamped with a red print reading ¡°permitted¡±.

    ¡°Yoo¡¯re free tae go.¡± He announced.

    Marish cocked her head. ¡°Already? It hasn¡¯t even been more than five hours.¡±

    ¡°If ye want tae complain, ¡®en go complain tae th¡¯ governur.¡±

    Kaval dug inside his pockets and revealed a pair of ornate silver bracelets with the symbol of the Empyreans carved onto it. ¡°She wanted tae give ye these as thanks.¡±

    ¡°Thanks?¡± Reial said. ¡°For what?¡±

    ¡°Apparently, th'' city block ye destroyed was scheduled for demolition sometime later thes week. So yoo¡¯ve done ''er a service by doin¡¯ th'' work yerself.¡±

    Reial blinked. ¡°I, umm¡­you¡¯re welcome?¡±

    A stream of ruby sparks dripped from his heels as his feet made contact with the ground. The slow descent making his stomach rise. He unsteadily approached Kaval, eyeing the bracelets in his hand.

    ¡°What¡¯re those?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re Absent Integrators. Governur didn¡¯t want ye leavin'' without bein'' properly rewarded first.¡±

    Reial arched a brow. ¡°Absent Integrators?¡±

    Kaval nodded.

    ¡°And she¡¯s just giving them to us?¡±

    ¡°She thooght yoo¡¯d put them tae better use with yer level of skill. ''At, an'' they waur gatherin'' up dust in ''er closet.¡±

    Reial stared at the devices for a moment longer before he hesitantly accepted them. They were cool to the touch, though they didn¡¯t disrupt his Essence as he thought they would. There was no underlying anomalous effect, no greater power stored inside the precious metal. Nothing. They were completely ordinary, like a rock he might find along the road. Perhaps that was their mythic charm.

    ¡°Even if our world¡¯s end, is it not our lingering will that allows us to begin anew?¡± The voice rang in his mind. ¡°Is it not the burning stardust within our hearts that lights our dreary minds?¡±

 The Company of Stars

    Reial started as he came out of a deep slumber. His legs no longer ached, and he felt better. Not himself, but better. He didn¡¯t recall how he came to be in this stark white room, nor what happened after he comforted his sister upon their reunion. Time blurred like a Strider without their Sight, blending his dreams and reality of that green-eyed man.

    Perhaps he was being too hopeful believing it to be all a nightmare. That when he woke, he would find his sister and drog sleeping beside him in Recunda¡¯s endless fields. With the pink star rising in the sky.

    Instead, he found only Charette snuggling up to him. His wet shirt a reminder of the tears they had shed. How long had she cried for? Were her gasps and whimpers so meaningless to him that he had already forgotten what they had sounded like?

    Reial pushed those thoughts out of his mind and prayed that sleep would take him again. To that land devoid of sadness and misery, of pain and Coursers, and of uncaring instructors and unhappy childhoods. Where Scorch could prance around happily again, with Yusjek on his back. A time when they can all be together again.

    Reial wanted Charette to hate him, to blame him for allowing the Courser to take Scorch. To yell at him for being unable to improve himself, yet all she did was cry and cling to him as if he were all she had. A broken husk desperately trying to repair itself.

    Nothing made sense anymore, so why bother? There was no need to get out of bed, no need to put on a smile and act like everything was fine. There was no need to be.

    His struggles, his successes, his life, they were all pointless when they¡¯ve never brought him true joy. It was only due to his sister and drog that those emotions could be brought to light. Now one of them was gone, leaving only a hollow heart.

    ¡°Not all is lost, Reial,¡± Linithesis whispered. ¡°For you still have him, and his memory.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s gone, Linithesis. I¡¯ll never get him back.¡±

    ¡°Why do you say that?¡±

    ¡°Because the Courser¡¯s a better Strider than I¡¯ll ever be.¡±

    ¡°Even with enough practice and hard work?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, nothing I do is ever good enough.¡±

    He was destined to fail at everything he did, so why not embrace it? That way he wouldn¡¯t disappoint himself with what happened next.

    ¡°Reial.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t live a life expecting tragedies and short-comings.¡±

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°Because your disillusionment is ultimately false. Our minds work in a way to try and convince us that everything that happens is either predominantly good or bad. That isn¡¯t the case. There¡¯s growth, learning, discovery, stagnation, and change, all of which can never be truly tethered to the ideals of good and bad. They have, and always will be, outliers.

    Is joy bad if a twisted individual partakes in another¡¯s suffering? Is sadness good if it can give you the strength to stand back up again? Even if we often view it as a negative emotion. Is it not the individual that decides what is, and what isn¡¯t? We choose to believe that something is inherently good or bad based on a collective perception, but not our own. Aren¡¯t our thoughts greater than those that once were?¡±

    Greater than the Empyreans? Greater than even the Almagest and Solvaylius? Reial had difficulties believing that. Their knowledge was timeless, was it not? To keep pushing forward, to strive for greater heights, to simply be a better person that you could be happy being. Perhaps those ideas weren¡¯t strictly good or bad like Linithesis had stated.

    Did that not mean that there weren¡¯t inherently bad things either? What of the home invasion that broke him? Could he not rightfully classify those are terrible?

    ¡°Justification is a fickle thing,¡± Linithesis explained. ¡°It would sate some, infuriate others, but most wouldn¡¯t care at all. Isn¡¯t that common nature though? To accept, refuse, or pass on what has been given to you?¡±

    Reial¡¯s depression was ignited by his fury. ¡°How can you begin to justify what they¡¯ve done to us? We were children.¡±

    ¡°I was but a child when Our great society collapsed. Do you truly believe that a googolplex of beings cared for its justification?¡± Linithesis countered. ¡°No, they too suffered, some more than others. They didn¡¯t care, they only wanted to survive. The stars do not wait for us, Reial. That is why we must come to them.¡±

    ¡°So, then what? Do you want me to discard my feelings on the matter? To forget about what happened to me like it never happened. Just so I can be happy for your sake?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not asking you to forget. I¡¯m asking you to accept what¡¯s happened and move on with your life. Clinging to the past will only break you further.¡±

    Tears welled in Reial¡¯s eyes. ¡°Shut up.¡±

    ¡°I understand that they aren¡¯t a pleasant thought, but you need not let it consume you. Instead, try and take away what you can from the experience. Learn from it, heal, acknowledge that it alone wasn¡¯t the sole cause for who you became. And if you can¡¯t, then take your time to come and accept it.. It¡¯s okay to be mad, and it¡¯s okay to cry for the person you once were. Do not mourn what was lost, because together, we will forge a Remnant from the tattered remains. We will blink like the night sky, and burn like the sun for all to bask in. For we are, and always will be glorious stardust.¡±

    Linithesis¡¯s presence burst alight, enveloping his mind¡¯s eye in an ever-burning glow of warmth. Reial remembered, he remembered the loving words of people and Pneuma¡¯s long past. Of a sheltered upbringing in a strange, space-locked environment, and of the stars that spoke to him in odd, quivering voices. Of stories and lessons, of losses and separations. It all made sense to him now. He had never been staring at a light, he had been gazing into Linithesis¡¯s very own being. His remnant of stardust. Pure, radiant, and incomprehensible.

    An all-consuming, natural force of undying love and affection, for everything that has ever been, and will one day be. Nothing was spared from his adoration, and yet, Reial sensed a deep underlying sorrow hidden beneath its exterior. One that reared its elegant head out from the bright shadows of his being.

    Reial¡¯s mind trembled as he felt tears streak down his face. He wasn¡¯t crying for himself, nor was he crying for Linithesis. He cried because he pitied the splendor which Linithesis¡¯s being shone with. The splendor of an infinite light torn and twisted with immeasurable wounds.

 Echoes of a Fallen Star

    Linithesis¡¯s humming mimicked the soothing pattering of rain as he rattled around Reial¡¯s mind for answers. Thoughts contorted, ideas took on vague forms he could physically perceive, and emotions choked at his throat like the squirming remains of a live animal. It was an uncomfortable procedure, but it was all for the sake of the truth. A truth that eluded both him and the Pneuma.

    Fragments of Reial¡¯s dreams flashed before him, replacing everyone and everything present in the spire. They were either transformed into the servants of Reial¡¯s household, Jadica, or that green-eyed man. Charette, however, was still Charette, and though she sat beside him in the present, clinging to his hand, he saw her standing at the far end of the room with another version of himself.

    They smiled and played in the gardens, then in the manor, before taking a moment to spar in the training room their father had built himself. A melancholic air pervaded these dreams. Was it because of Scorch¡¯s absence from them as well?

    No matter where they went, two people followed in their footsteps, watching over them with faint smiles. Jadica and the green-eyed youth. Reial wondered if the green-eyed man could be the Courser, but then immediately discarded the idea when he heard his refined Aunesfernish accent.

    As they watched his and Charette¡¯s past selves play, Reial caught snippets of their conversations.

    ¡°I never want this to end.¡±

    ¡°Me neither.¡±

    ¡°Stay, please.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Even if you hate me.¡±

    ¡°Even though I love you.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re their family too.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t bear the thought of being apart from them and you.¡±

    ¡°Why are you doing this to us?¡±

    ¡°He watches, I listen.¡±

    ¡°But what if he¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°He rarely is.¡±

    They argued back and forth, pleading with one another that their way was right. That they should listen before the decision was made. Reial hated it. He wanted to yell at them to stop fighting, to cherish what little time they had together with the children, and to find another solution to the problem. But who was he to demand that of them? He didn¡¯t know them, not this incarnation anyways. Who they were, why they loved one another, why they smiled so warmly at Reial and his sister.

    What he did know was how attentive they were. How they gladly offered up praise to them whenever he or Charette discovered something new, or when the children offered them flowers from the garden. Reial even strangely recalled Charette offering the man a beetle she had found underneath a rock, which was entertaining to watch as he recoiled in horror. Jadica, on the other hand, complimented the insect on its vivid carapace before taking it into her palms.

    It was all a dream, yet Reial felt so nostalgic for those times. He never wanted them to end. Perhaps that¡¯s why he dreamt them to begin with. So, he could relive them as many times as he wanted to.

    ¡°Odd,¡± Linithesis commented.

    ¡°What is?¡± Reial asked.

    ¡°Your memories. I¡¯m having trouble discerning them from your dreams.¡±

    ¡°Has this ever happened before?¡±

    ¡°No. Perhaps I¡¯m doing something wrong¡­?¡±

    A hint of uncertainty rang in the Pneuma¡¯s words as Reial got a distinct impression of a set of rules he had been given by something. What these rules were, he didn¡¯t know.

    ¡°Do you have any idea who this man might be?¡± Linithesis inquired, halting his ministrations.

    Reial shook his head. ¡°No. I¡¯ve only ever seen him in my dreams.¡±

    ¡°Are they recent?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not. His addition, however, is.¡±

    Linithesis grunted. ¡°Perhaps they¡¯re a surrogate figure for something you¡¯ve lacked in your life.¡±

    Reial nodded. It was a plausible answer, but how did that explain the connection he felt when he stared into those green eyes? The way their challenging grin spread across their lips whenever he or Charette asked to play a simple grin? How he smiled forlornly when he informed them that he had to depart for a quick trip. Of the holidays they had spent gathered together, talking, eating, and playing.

    ¡°Linithesis?¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s bad forgetting about someone?¡±

    A clicking sound reverberated in his mind. ¡°That depends.¡±

    ¡°Do you not long for the past?¡±

    ¡°I do. Forever and always, but what use is there in being melancholic? They¡¯re gone, and though I will never have them back, I¡¯m happy for the time I spent with them. Besides,¡± He continued. ¡°I have you now.¡±

    Reial frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m good at making others happy.¡±

    ¡°No one is, that¡¯s why we must learn to understand one another. To be ourselves and be happy with who we¡¯ve become.¡±

    ¡°And if we aren¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°Then ask for guidance. Even if the person you hate the most is yourself, that doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re undeserving of your own love. We must learn how to properly love ourselves before we know how to love one another.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°For what?¡±

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°For always bothering me when I needed it.¡±

    Linithesis huffed. ¡°I suppose it was a fun way to pass the time.¡±

    Reial smiled. Why did he ever consider him to be a Nether Dweller? Those abominations could never be so kind and well-meaning. Cryptic, perhaps, but not understanding.

    A being that could read his thoughts and not judge them unfairly. Someone who cared to ask why and wanted to help. Even if his mind and heart stubbornly refused to break down before their generosity. Linithesis was much like Eston in that aspect.

    ¡°Ah, here¡¯s one!¡±

    Before Reial could ask him what exactly he was referring to, the world darkened. Faint moonlight streamed through the curtains of his bedroom window, casting a soft white glow in his room. Nothing appeared to be out of the ordinary, save for the shadow on the opposite side of the window. A shadow he knew all too well.

    Then the all too familiar tapping. One that harassed him every night of this day. His birthday. He watched as his younger self opened the window and found a bag of golden drops sitting outside, with a note addressed to him. It didn¡¯t say much but attached to the note was a medallion engraved with the Symbol of the Empyreans.

    ¡°Though they don¡¯t watch over us, their power lingers, and their will guides us,¡± Reial recited as he recalled the inscription on the back. ¡°Perseverance, innovation, wisdom, and unflinching determination. Is that what it takes to be an Empyrean, or is that what it means to be human?¡±

    He slipped a hand into his jacket¡¯s pocket and felt around for the silver piece. Despite all that had happened, it was still on his person. A piece of home, a reminder of his old life. Nostalgia brimmed from its warm surface, suffusing his being with a pensive melancholy.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to feel sad, Reial,¡± Linithesis said.

    Reial sighed. ¡°I know, it¡¯s just¡­It feels like I lost something. Or rather, have only started to notice that I had.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s best that you don¡¯t think about it then. Not until we resolve this issue of yours.¡±

    ¡°Right, sorry.¡±

    ¡°No need to be, our minds tend to wander when we¡¯re distracted.¡±

    The dreamworld crumbled around him, returning him to the mundane stone-gray waiting room. Linithesis¡¯s ministrations had stopped, for the time being. Perhaps he wanted to give him some time to relax, or it just meant he was done for the day. Whatever his reasoning, Reial decided to check up on Charette.

    Her gaze was distant as she stared at the colorful mural on the wall. One of a hoard of red, blue, green, yellow, white, and black dragons circling Gaiceranes. Reial gave her hand a comforting squeeze to draw her attention.

    ¡°Do you want anything to drink?¡± He asked her.

    She shook her head.

    ¡°Are you sure? I can go and get you-¡±

    Her hand tightened against his. ¡°Don¡¯t leave.¡±

    The ticking of the clock was all that kept them company as he sat silently with her. They didn¡¯t need to wait for Zariya, but he thought that it would do them some good because of the state they were in. He finally had the strength to stand on his own two feet because of Linithesis, couldn¡¯t he grant that support to another when they desperately needed it too? Even if he wasn¡¯t whole, even if his heart had been torn out from his chest, he could still help. He owed her that much.

    The problem was how he could help her. If he tried reiterating Linithesis¡¯s wisdom, it would come out a jumbled mess. What of his own insights? Could they be of value to her? Could they grant her the same level of comfort as Linithesis¡¯s wisdom? Would they be able to bandage the bleeding gash cut across their beings?

    What if he said the wrong thing? Would she finally hate him? Be motivated enough to leave him and grant his one wish? A wish that now terrified him more than anything else.

    How could he convince his sister that they would succeed in their endeavor? Scorch had been lost because he was too weak to save him, what good would chasing after the Courser do? He would swat them like the insects they were.

    Nothing he ever said was good enough for himself, what made him think that it would suffice for Charette? He was hopeless. Not even his actions were good enough.

    ¡°Linithesis, I can¡¯t do this. I can¡¯t lie to her. I want to help but I don¡¯t know how. What should I do?¡±

    The Pneuma clicked. ¡°A being¡¯s drive is usually enough to make them soar to new heights. However, this is not always the case. Some are completely incapable of completing certain tasks. Maybe because they aren¡¯t biologically designed for it, or don¡¯t have the necessary knowledge or strength. In many cases, it may seem a dead end.

    Yet I argue that this is not the case. Just because you fail to achieve a goal from obvious angles doesn¡¯t mean it''s impossible. You need to approach the subject matter with a different mindset. Perhaps companions as well. People who know how to get around problems. If you cannot soar, then create a device that allows you to. If you cannot make one, find someone who can fly themselves, like a Gale Glider. If you cannot find a Gale Glider, find a way to manipulate air currents and gravity. You don¡¯t need to defeat the Courser, Reial, you need only to retrieve your drog.¡±

    ¡°But what if he chases us?¡±

    ¡°Then run harder and faster. Go somewhere you know you¡¯ll be safe.¡±

    Reial frowned. ¡°Like where?¡±

    ¡°The answer will come to you when you least expect it.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you tell me what it is?¡±

    ¡°Reial, I do not know every answer. All my life I¡¯ve acted like I have; I won¡¯t make that mistake again.¡±

    The finality with which he spoke those words deterred Reial¡¯s frustration. How could he be angry at someone who only wanted to help him? Linithesis wasn¡¯t being vague out of spite, he was giving him what answers he could without granting him false hope. It was a strength beyond comparison.

    How could Reial ever hope to attain that same level of wisdom? He was crumbling apart as it is, it was only due to Linithesis¡¯s intervention that he could hold himself together. But the warm hand in his, the being that cried out for comfort. The shrieking, the sobbing. How it glowed ever so faintly as if he could physically see it.

    Dim rusted red light poured into every corner of the room, rippling like the surface of a lake. Tears scored the breadth of the nascent glow, conveying stories and thoughts too personal to call his own. The damage was irreparable, and while he couldn¡¯t make it whole he could still give it a reason to shine brighter. One to overpower the darkness settling in.

    If he could grant others that same measure of happiness and comfort, was it not his obligation to do so? To help them back on their feet as Linithesis had. No one was all-powerful, perhaps not even God. Is that why Solvaylius was often spoken of with great reverence like a god? Because it kept the Almagest company and imparted Its wisdom with Them? Maybe God didn¡¯t want to be lonely either.

    Charette rested her head gently on his shoulder. ¡°I miss him.¡± She croaked.

    ¡°I do too.¡±

    The rusted red light shimmered as the wounds expanded, some even connecting with others. ¡°Why couldn¡¯t he stay like the Astropod?¡±

    Reial remained silent. Were his words truly good enough? Was his voice worth hearing? Maybe they weren¡¯t to him, but to Charette, they could mean the world.

    ¡°Scorch wouldn¡¯t like this,¡± He finally said.

    She sniffed. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You, crying.¡±

    ¡°Scorch isn¡¯t here.¡±

    ¡°He is. He¡¯s always here, in our hearts. It doesn¡¯t mean he¡¯s gone. He may not physically be here, but we still have his memories.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want memories, I want him.¡±

    ¡°I know, that¡¯s why we¡¯re going to get him back.¡±

    ¡°But how? What makes you think chasing after the Courser will do us any good?¡±

    ¡°Because¡± together, we will forge a Remnant from the tattered remains. We will blink like the night sky, and burn like the sun for all to bask in. ¡°We¡¯ll find a way. Our powers aren¡¯t meant purely for destruction, Charette. We¡¯re creators, devising new ways to make the world bend to our whims. Do you know why Solvaylius blessed us with such a gift?¡±

    Charette shook her head. ¡°No.¡±

    A fire swelled inside of his chest. Not one of challenge or hope, but of a pure instinctual knowing. The inky black tears glowed with a dim white light, a color he hadn¡¯t seen come from Linithesis or Charette before. Despite its weak glow, it wanted to be seen. And it would be seen.

    ¡°Because It knew we deserved to be happy, and so gave us the means to achieve that happiness.¡±

    Brilliant red light surged from the gashes of Charette¡¯s being, burning with a white-hot intensity that could not be matched by any star. The vibrant colors embraced them in its loving warmth, devouring the room alongside it. His heart flared with a desire to mend her being, to cherish and nurture it so it could become stronger. It was deserving of his passion; it was deserving of his mercy.

    Reial could make out Charette¡¯s features even through the blinding light. She was smiling. Her lips were quivering as tears cascaded down her face, but she was still smiling. A world ended, a new one, begun.

    ¡°To swirl in a sea of memories and dreams, to drown in a life of misery and torment. What does it mean to be, if not for the support of others?¡± A detached voice reminisced. ¡°He makes for a brilliant teacher, does he not, Reialurelan?¡±

 A Trusted Second

    Reial blinked as he awoke on the comfy waiting room sofa. He didn¡¯t recall when he fell asleep, just that their waiting was beginning to drag on. What was taking her so long?

    ¡°Perhaps she went to go pay the Convention a quick visit?¡± Linithesis suggested.

    ¡°And leave us like this?¡± Reial questioned back.

    Linithesis hummed. ¡°I¡¯m sure she has her reasons.¡±

    That¡¯s what made Reial worry. She was personable, and although they had only met her two days ago, he had enjoyed what little time they had spent together. Was it not the same for her? Were they not pleasant to be around? He hadn¡¯t said anything wrong, had he?

    ¡°Relax, Reial. You worry too much.¡±

    ¡°But what if-¡±

    ¡°She hasn¡¯t.¡±

    Reial squirmed in his seat. How was the Pneuma so certain all the time? It was as if he did know everything, despite claiming he didn¡¯t. For all he knew, Linithesis could be Solvaylius. He could possibly even see into the future.

    ¡°I am not Solvaylius, and I cannot see into the future. You have the wrong Pneuma for that,¡± Linithesis interjected.

    ¡°Wrong Pneuma?¡± Reial said. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes, it¡¯s been a while now, hasn¡¯t it?¡±

    Reial frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t be vague with me, Linithesis.¡±

    ¡°Me? Vague? I¡¯m flattered. If you must know, man, like us, was created for the sole purpose of self-discovery and growth. Perfection, to put it simply. However, we were not all created equally, for we would be nothing but clones. We were to seek ourselves in different forms, and although your kind was built somewhat similarly, our abilities were more limited, yet far more enhanced. Think it of like Veil Striding, except every Pneuma is a specialist in their own right.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s still rather vague.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you happy with any answer I can give you?¡±

    ¡°Kinda. When it helps anyway.¡±

    Linithesis made a clicking sound. ¡°If only there was a way to quell your overactive thoughts.¡±

    The sound of a groaning door interrupted Reial¡¯s thoughts. He turned to find Zariya stepping into the room, holding a small yet well-furnished enclosure with running water. Inside, he spotted Yusjek roaming around, dipping into the shallow stream before he climbed on top of a small mossy rock. Beneath the enclosure was a small cube with a distinctive four curved angle. An Essence-based battery.

    ¡°Yusjek!¡± Charette cried, shooting up from her seat.

    Reial¡¯s heart warmed as she approached Zariya with a wide, excited smile. He couldn¡¯t think of a better expression that fit her.

    Charette examined the enclosure, which was roughly the size of a briefcase. ¡°Where did you get this?¡±

    ¡°At a veterinarian. After all that happened, I took the liberty of having him checked out. And aside from some nausea, he¡¯s doing fine.¡± Zariya lifted the enclosure up to her head and smiled. ¡°To be honest, I was somewhat surprised that he didn¡¯t try and run away from me. Most of my pets do that after seeing, you know.¡±

    Reial watched as Yusjek climbed down from his mossy rock to face her. He tapped one of his forelegs against the sturdy glass window, leaving a slimy imprint. What was he trying to convey? An emotion? A thought? Perhaps he couldn¡¯t speak, but weren¡¯t all beings capable of thought? Be it rational or not.

    Something sparked inside of Reial¡¯s mind as Yusjek stared at Zariya. A raw, unquestionable voice. Home. Light sparked from the salamander, dim as it may be, Reial still saw it.

    Was he the only one capable of hearing those voices? Of seeing that light. No one seemed to be bothered by them, so why only him?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that,¡± Charette said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be. I also made a quick stop at the convention to see if they had a spare battery lying around.¡±

    ¡°What for?¡±

    ¡°To filter the water without direct means. I wasn¡¯t certain if you knew how, so I went and acquired a pre-programmed battery that does the work for you. Just give it some Essence and there!¡±

    Charette beamed. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do this.¡±

    ¡°I had a hard time telling myself that. I know it won¡¯t make up for losing your drog, but I wanted to give you something that could bring you a bit of happiness.¡± Zariya turned to Reial with a sad smile. ¡°I know how it feels to lose a precious companion.¡±

    Reial winced. Yet another person to feel sorry for him.

    ¡°What time is it?¡± Charette asked.

    ¡°Around two in the afternoon.¡±

    Reial¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Wait, you mean to tell me that we¡¯ve been in this room for six hours?¡±

    ¡°More like asleep for four out of those six.¡± Charette corrected.

    A speck of concern emanated from Zariya¡¯s being like the dying flicker of a bulb. What was on her mind? The answer soon became apparent to them. ¡°So¡­what¡¯re your plans now?¡± She inquired.

    ¡°Going after the Courser.¡± Charette answered

    ¡°We¡¯re going to get our drog back. Strider or not.¡± Reial finished.

    Zariya gaped at them. After all, what hope did they have of besting someone who was easily able to defeat them? Her concern was well warranted, but weren¡¯t expectations meant to be defied? The world, Pneumas, Striders, they were all proof of this. It was the one absolute truth Reial believed.

    Zariya managed to shake herself out of her stupor as she began stuttering. ¡°B-But, you¡¯re only children! What if you¡¯re hurt? Who¡¯ll be there for you? Shouldn¡¯t you be telling your parents about what happened?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine, Zariya,¡± Charette reassured.

    ¡°I can¡¯t condone you two going out on your own without adult supervision¡± She argued.

    ¡°Zariya, you¡¯re not my mother.¡±

    ¡°Someone has to be! I don¡¯t want you or your brother getting in trouble again because you thought it would be a good idea to tear a street off its foundation.¡±

    Reial blinked. There were many situations that could never be accounted for, this was one of them. He didn¡¯t know whether he should be worried, or completely terrified.

    ¡°I can¡¯t promise that it won¡¯t happen again.¡± Charette continued. ¡°We are fighting a Veil Strider.¡±

    ¡°What if he decides to wipe the town you¡¯re in then?¡±

    Charette blinked. ¡°I¡¯m certain he won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°You never know that!¡±

    Reial suppressed a giggle. ¡°Zariya, I think you might be overreacting.¡±

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°And I think you aren¡¯t thinking at all! Do you even know what you¡¯re going up against?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± They said simultaneously.

    ¡°And you¡¯re completely okay with that?¡±

    They nodded.

    Zariya pinched the bridge of her nose with her odd hand and let out an exasperated sigh. While her frustration saddened Reial, he was equally happy knowing she cared enough to get mad at them. She wasn¡¯t pretending to be nice to them because her parents employed her. The connection they shared was all a matter of chance. Perhaps that¡¯s why he cherished what little they had because it was what he managed to accomplish by himself.

    Reial felt a twinge at the back of his head as a mental image of someone standing at the doorway popped into his mind. It was Kaval. He turned to greet him, which must have surprised the man as he jumped partway through his greeting.

    Kaval grinned sheepishly. ¡°Right, forgot ye wur a Strider. Probably shouldn¡¯t have bin eavesdropping on your chat then.¡±

    Reial shrugged it off. ¡°Did you need something?¡±

    ¡°Aye, it was aboot yet situation.¡±

    Kaval stepped inside the room, however this time, he wasn¡¯t followed by Marish. His hair nearly scraped the ceiling as he steadily approached them. Reial knew that the Thrasmanish were tall, but he had never seen one up close before. Hyvas, he¡¯s a giant!

    ¡°What about it?¡± Charette asked him.

    ¡°It¡¯s never a pretty thing losing someone ye love. A lot o'' fowk tend tae fall intae despair. Y¡¯know, hoping that things''ll eventually git better. But sittin` aroond never accomplishes much.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better than chasing after a drognapping thief that can hurt them.¡± Zariya argued.

    ¡°What¡¯s th'' difference between bein'' hurt now, ''n'' choosing not tae be later? Ah know things might not be pleasant but daein'' nothing dae mair harm than good. Can ye really live wi'' that regret?¡±

    Zariya frowned. ¡°Kaval, you aren¡¯t being very helpful right now.¡±

    ¡°A¡¯m trying tae be.¡±

    She sighed. ¡°I know, I know.¡±

    Reial shared a look with Charette. Whatever it was that Kaval wanted, Zariya didn¡¯t seem to approve of it. It made him wonder what it was that he was going to suggest.

    He didn¡¯t want to be rude and leave them to their own devices, but the Courser wasn¡¯t going to wait for them. Would it not be wiser to scoop Charette up and Stride after him? Then what? Where would they go? Who would they even ask for information? They didn¡¯t know anyone here.

    That left them in an awkward position. If they mindlessly wandered Yusanik, they would waste more time than if they had searched for clues. Being an experienced Strider also meant that the Courser could potentially move around state to state in a matter of minutes. No, they needed some sort of clue to help them in their quest. The more Reial thought about it, the more he became convinced that returning to the scene of the crime would unveil hidden answers.

    As Kaval and Zariya continued their exchange, Reial examined the Absent Integrator on his wrist. There was an air of age about the device, and though the silver didn¡¯t appear tarnished, he knew that appearances could be deceiving. His medallion was similar in that regard. Eight years later and the gold and silver medallion hadn¡¯t faded with color or chipped.

    What secrets did they hide? Were their stories happy, or sad? Was their creation spontaneous, or were they handcrafted with love and affection? Were they insignificant, or valuable?

    ¡°You¡¯re thinking an awful lot about a bracelet, you know that, right?¡± Linithesis said.

    Reial blushed. ¡°Sorry, it just makes me wonder.¡±

    ¡°About where it came from?¡±

    He nodded. ¡°I try not to think about it much, or really anything I own. It would make me sound like some spoiled brat, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to lecture me about forgoing my material possessions like some old-blooded Th¨ªrian, are you?¡±

    Linithesis snorted. ¡°Why would I? Enjoy what you have in this life. It doesn¡¯t make your being anymore ¡®cleaner¡¯ or ¡®wiser¡¯, it¡¯s a lifestyle choice. Not a sentence. Who you are isn¡¯t defined by what you own.¡±

    The Pneuma¡¯s words simmered in Reial¡¯s mind like a whistling tea kettle. Linithesis always knew what to say, but was that because of his past experiences, or his particular abilities? Abilities that operated beyond Reial¡¯s comprehension.

    That being, that remnant of stardust. It was something grand, a burning reminder of what existed inside everyone, or rather, what everyone was.

    ¡°The way that I see,¡± Reial began. ¡°Is it because of you?¡±

    The Pneuma made a clicking sound. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°What does it mean?¡±

    ¡°Why give you an answer you already know?¡±

    ¡°I just want to be sure.¡±

    Linithesis hummed hesitantly. ¡°If I must. Our beings, everything that has made us the way we are, every single event and experience, is bare before your eyes. Pain, suffering, joy, grief, exhilaration, ecstasy. None of it can be masked, as it is beyond a realm that only we can reach.¡±

    ¡°But what does it do?¡±

    ¡°It grants us the power to utterly destroy someone from the inside-out or heal them.¡±

    Reial wrinkled his nose. He didn¡¯t understand how that could be. Linithesis¡¯s being felt so warm and harmless, like the most devastating effect it could cause was temporarily blinding him with its light.

    ¡°Be wise with it. A star can encourage growth, yet it can also destroy. They are a force of nature. In that sense, so are we.¡±

    Reial shivered. A force of nature was unpredictable, it didn¡¯t have control over its actions. That wasn¡¯t the same case for him, was it?

    He withdrew from the conversation with a new weight on his shoulders. Maybe Linithesis was just trying to scare him from using those powers so he wouldn¡¯t use too much of his Essence. That is, if they even required Essence.

    When he once again became fully conscious of where he was, he found Zariya and Kaval silently looking to Charette for answers. She glanced thoughtfully at her feet before nodding, causing Zariya to sigh and Kaval to smile. Then, the dragoon turned to look at him.

    ¡°What aboot ye, Rail? Would ye mynd if Ah helped?¡± Kaval asked.

    ¡°Umm, sure? For what?¡±

    ¡°Getting your drog back.¡±

    Reial blinked. ¡°You want to help us get our drog back? But we just met yesterday. Not even that, you also interrogated us-¡±

    Charette elbowed him sharply in the ribs, prompting him to yelp.

    Kaval frowned. ¡°Mandatory procedure. A lot o¡¯ jobs have ¡®em. Helping is also a'' a part o'' th'' job, but A¡¯m not daein'' it cuz I have tae, but because I want tae, Rail. Yer drog means a lot tae ye, doesn¡¯t he?¡±

    Reial reluctantly nodded. ¡°Yes, he does.¡±

    ¡°Then let me help ye. If not as a bein'' o'' th'' social law, then as a person.¡±

    There it was again, that caring act of his. The smile, the words he used, it almost tricked Reial into believing that someone this kind could exist. However, he knew that Kaval had something to gain from doing his job. Not that it mattered to him. If he had someone who could aid them on this occasion, then he would be an idiot for rejecting his help.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Reial relented. ¡°We¡¯ll accept your help.¡±

    Kaval beamed at him. The way he smiled reminded him of Charette. Bright, jovial, and good-natured. How did one learn to smile like that? ¡°Great! Let¡¯s heid up on tae th'' branch sae we kin fly out o'' ''ere!¡±

    His thickly accented words slammed into Reial like a falling building. He could decipher about half of them before they slurred together in his mind. Is this how they all talk? He wondered. Linithesis chuckled at the thought, his piping laughter like the pleasant notes of a flute.

    ***

    The thundering of wings echoed throughout the flight deck as Reial watched dozens of dragons lift off. He had passed through it the other day, but because of his mood, he had failed to notice just how spacious it was for an enclosed room. Mounds of hay and mossy vegetation lay atop the cool stone floor, providing a soft padding for both dragoons and mounts. Stables of varying sizes were kept to the edges of the room, away from the entrance and doorways that led down to the tower.

    It was comfy, unlike that of the white barren rooms. Reial wondered why they hadn¡¯t put in as much effort when designing the interior of the spire as they did with this.

    A wet, slimy pressure clambered up his right arm, stealing his attention from the silvery dragon he was admiring. It was Yusjek. The salamander stared at him with its intelligent dark eyes. Almost seemingly past him.

    ¡°He missed you.¡± Charette chirped.

    ¡°How do you know?¡±

    She shrugged. ¡°Just a feeling.¡±

    He watched as the salamander turned its head then climbed down to his open palm. ¡°I wonder if he misses Scorch too.¡±

    Charette smiled sadly. ¡°I bet he does.¡±

    Yusjek dipped its head, as to what, Reial didn¡¯t know. He knew traveling with the salamander would be difficult, especially with the new enclosure Zariya bought. It was convenient, but not optimal if they were to chase after a Strider. They couldn¡¯t carry that briefcase-sized box everywhere. Then there was his fear of the enclosure being blown away by a windstorm. He didn¡¯t want Charette feeling upset at another loss.

    What else could he do though? He couldn¡¯t just tell her to leave Yusjek behind, that would be heartless of him. If him being around made her happy, wasn¡¯t that enough for him?

    Reial handed Yusjek back to Charette, who in turn handed him to Zariya. She rested the salamander in his enclosure, watching as he submerged himself in the shallow stream. It wasn¡¯t Scorch, but that didn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t be as important as Scorch to someone else.

    ¡°Zariya?¡± Charette called.

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°You like Yusjek, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I would say so. Veilbacks are some of my favorite critters.¡±

    ¡°Well, would you mind keeping after him?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I might be asking too much of you, but I don¡¯t want to put Yusjek in any danger. Not like Scorch. Please, you¡¯re the only person I trust enough to care after him.¡±

    Zariya blinked. ¡°Are-Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am.¡±

    A heavy silence blanketed them as Zariya contemplated her request. Reial was stunned. Charette shared the same sentiments as him. He was afraid that bringing it up would make him sound thoughtless, but even she knew that lugging the salamander around wasn¡¯t the best idea.

    ¡°I¡­yes, then. I¡¯ll take care of him. I don¡¯t think I get in nearly enough trouble like you two, but I¡¯ll be sure to provide for him.¡± Zariya scratched her cheek nervously with her odd hand. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if Yusjek will like me, so I hope he isn¡¯t too bitter about this.¡±

    Charette smiled ruefully. ¡°Thank you, Zariya.¡± She knelt down and gently pet Yusjek with a finger. ¡°We won¡¯t keep you waiting for long, okay?¡±

    Yusjek whipped his knife-like tail out of the water and patted her finger in return.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get Scorch back, I promise.¡±

    Reial turned away from the scene and gazed at the endless expanse of clouds in the sky. He may not have had much time to bond with Yusjek but hearing the way Charette¡¯s voice cracked when she wished him farewell made his heartache. Perhaps in another time, they could¡¯ve grown closer to him. Maybe then it could make him happy. What a time that would be. The wistful thought echoed.

 First Promise

    Storm clouds gathered around Gaiceranes¡¯s weathered mass, swirling and rumbling like the tormented beings of those devoured by the Nether Dwellers. Its haunting beauty reminded Reial of the World¡¯s Throne during the stillness of winter. Perhaps it was because of their near-divine origin that reminded them of a better world that once existed. Of a time when Nether Dwellers didn¡¯t exist, and people didn¡¯t war for lost ideals.

    Wave¡¯s wings cracked as they lurched up, raising up on a draft of air that brought them closer to the Remnants peak. The icy-blue dragon¡¯s scales were cool to the touch, radiating an aura that was like that of the first winds of winter. Aunesfern, his home. A place where his heart had never settled. What makes them happy here? Reial wondered as he glanced at the distant dim palace and the surrounding rings. What makes them belong?

    Was it wrong of him to want what they had? To unfairly ask them to share their secret. Would it make any difference in his life?

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve had the pleasure of such a view,¡± Linithesis commented.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been this high-up before?¡± Reial asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°So¡­you could fly?¡±

    Linithesis chortled. ¡°Something like that.¡±

    ¡°What were you in your first life?¡±

    The Pneuma¡¯s voice thrummed harmoniously with the rumbling of the clouds. ¡°An animal akin to Yusjek. A salamander, if you would.¡±

    ¡°And you had wings?¡± Reial had trouble imagining slick slimy feathered appendages sprouting from Yusjek¡¯s back.

    ¡°No, nothing crude like that.¡±

    ¡°But you said that you could fly.¡±

    ¡°Not entirely.¡±

    ¡°Then what?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, Reial. Enjoy the scenery while you can. It¡¯s a pleasantry few can afford.¡±

    Reial reluctantly withdrew from the Pneuma¡¯s presence. He knew better than to argue or go against his wishes, but he hated being left unsatisfied. Were his questions not good enough for him? He immediately shook the thought from his mind. Linithesis wouldn¡¯t be so heartless. Not after his kind speech and viewing the iridescent white light that was his being. How could something so bare, so pure, so loving veil such insidious intent?

    He ran his hand along the smooth railing of the saddle as he stared at his reflection in Gaiceranes. Despite its state of disrepair, the Remnant¡¯s glassy surface perfectly reflected the brooding sky. Was it perfect because it could still hold its image, or because others believed it was still admirable in spite of its condition?

    The world came to a grinding halt as he summoned his Veil Sight. His reflection stared back at him with those same red-eyes, unsure of what to say or think. Could it hate him? Could it love him?

    Perhaps it pitied him instead. Why did he deserve either or after bearing witness to his past actions? He wasn¡¯t intelligent enough to avoid or solve them. He was only him, so he smiled.

    It was good enough for Linithesis and Charette, but what about him? Could he convince himself that it was genuine?

    Without warning, the world was drained of its color. The shock caused him to lose his hold on his powers, returning Yushiloc to motion. No, not again. He didn¡¯t want to hear those cries. Those desperate screams, their heart-shattering pleads for help. Why did they call for him? Didn¡¯t they know he couldn¡¯t help?

    However, no cries came, only a soft whimper. He glanced at Charette and Kaval, finding them unaffected by the alien situation. Their bright clothing and hair standing out among the black and white. Then he saw it. A terrifying golden light that twisted and bent around the weathered Remnant.

    Blood-red light poured from its gashes, creating the image of an infinite spiraling glare. A third light surrounded it, suppressing the burning presence that threatened to burst and incinerate everything in its path. Golden hands tore desperately at the white light, screeching for absolution as their claws wounded the light further.

    Reial tore his gaze away from the terrible light and stared at his ever-trailing reflection. The dull figure a stark contrast to the icy-blue dragon it rode. It watched him intently, never begging, never crying, but only asking one question: Why?

    Plastic memories burned in his mind¡¯s eye, reminding him of who he had been. Of whom he had tried to revive; a recollection that could never be. His aspirations were nothing more than a creeping dread that harassed him every waking moment.

    An invisible weight pressed against his chest, driving a wire-thin burst of sensations through him. Warmth, complacence, and belonging. Something inside of him pushed back, grasping the god-blade with all of its strength as it struggled to draw it from its being. A dagger of unparalleled light with no edge or handle.

    The god-blade surged with strength, slicing through the incomprehensible fingers as if they were air. Reial gasped. His reflection, the void of color that had haunted him shone with an intensity greater than the sun. Iridescent whites, vivid reds, glimmering golds, and lustrous blacks muted the world, revealing what yet could be.

    His dread evaporated, leaving him yearning for that divine light. One that only he was capable of creating.

    The radiance drained from his reflection, returning it to its dull state. Not one void of color but muted like the rest of the world. What did he have to do to see that light again?

    Reial shifted his gaze to the brewing storm as they reached Gaiceranes¡¯s peak. There wasn¡¯t much at the top as he suspected, save for an arrow-shaped antenna that whipped against the silver-plating. How had it not been torn away from past storms?

    Wave hovered over the top, his wings cracking with each thunderous rumble. ¡°Excellent timing for a flight, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± The dragon asked.

    Kaval nodded. ¡°Ah hope th'' st''rm winds give us a guid boost. Don¡¯t want ye bein'' held down by us.¡±

    ¡°My abilities aren¡¯t limited by how many people I can carry.¡±

    ¡°They kinda ur.¡±

    Charette snorted. Perhaps Reial couldn¡¯t make her happy, but he was glad there were others who could, even if only temporary. Did he deserve being around people who were better off without him?

    Kaval whistled. ¡°Skylord, Ah never get tired of thes view, especially before a st''rm. What about ye two? D¡¯you like it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s pretty, but I don¡¯t think my stomach agrees with me.¡± Charette answered.

    Kaval chuckled. ¡°Yeah, takes some time tae get used tae. Unless yoo¡¯re from Thrasmang.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it rain there all the time?¡±

    ¡°Not in the spring,¡± Wave interjected. ¡°Far too dry for that kind of weather.¡±

    Reial cocked a curious brow at his sister, who just shrugged. Storms were a regular occurrence in Recunda, though from what he learned during his tutoring, the Thrasmanish state was equally prone to rainfall.

    ¡°Sorry if ye didn¡¯t enjoy th'' ride. A¡¯m sure Rail coold¡¯ve made it tae th'' top th'' second we started.¡± Kaval paused, then looked at him for confirmation. ¡°Ye can Stride up buildings, reit?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Reial looked at him. ¡°You¡¯ve never met a Strider before, have you?¡±

    ¡°Afraid not. Mah job never has me hangin¡¯ aroond one place too long.¡±

    ¡°Do you like it?¡±

    ¡°Like what? Mah job?¡±

    ¡°No, always moving around.¡±

    Kaval tapped a finger against his thigh thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯d say so. Meetin'' new fowk, gettin'' tae see new places. It¡¯s like a dream come true.¡±

    Reial fell silent. Yes, that had been a dream of his at one point, but that wasn¡¯t because he wanted to explore the lands out of innate curiosity. That was only a lie he had told himself to justify his guilty conscious. A habit he had become unknowingly addicted to.

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    ¡°Don¡¯t you get lonely sometimes?¡± Charette inquired.

    Kaval smiled softly. ¡°Ah have Wave tae keep me company. E''en if he¡¯s a wee shy aroond others, he can ramble oan like th'' best of us.¡±

    ¡°I am not shy!¡± Wave snapped.

    ¡°But sometimes, it does get a wee lonely. Imagine meetin'' someain easy tae talk tae. Ye can joke all ye want an'' forgit about yer worries, but deep down inside, ye know yoo¡¯ll eventually have tae leave them. That yoo¡¯re never gonnae truly know them for who they ur coz of yer duties. Sometimes¡­it¡¯s almost not worth it. Almost.¡±

    A gust of wind tousled their hair, breaking the thin silence that had draped over them. Perhaps even the world knew this state of being for the dragoon was wrong.

    ¡°Sorry, didn¡¯t mean tae brin¡¯ ye guys down.¡±

    ¡°No, no, it¡¯s fine. Do you need a moment?¡± Charette asked.

    ¡°Nah, A¡¯m guid. Mah job is tae protect th'' fowk, an'' if ''at means Ah can¡¯t get tae know them personally, ''en that¡¯s th'' price I¡¯m willin'' tae pay.¡±

    ¡°What if you can¡¯t protect the people? What then?¡± Reial asked abruptly.

    ¡°Easy. Ah do whatever Ah can tae help them.¡±

    ¡°And if you can¡¯t?¡¯

    ¡°Then Ah remin'' myself ''at uir powers ur limited, even ''at of Striders, Gliders, an'' Trancers. We can¡¯t blame oorselves for lackin'' th'' ability tae solve every solution. All we can do is come tae accept it.¡±

    Come to accept what is? How could Reial do that? If he knew that he could Veil Stride, then maybe all of this could¡¯ve been avoided. Maybe he would¡¯ve known how to live a pleasant life.

    Reial winced as another gust of wind slammed into him, blowing out his and his sister¡¯s jackets. That wouldn¡¯t have bothered him if their garments weren¡¯t modeled after traditional Aunesfernish tailbinds. Whereas ordinary jackets would stop at the hip, these tended to reach the back of the wearer¡¯s thighs. Stylish as they were, they were somewhat detrimental due to the regular occurrence of windstorms in Aunesfern. That didn¡¯t stop him from wearing them though.

    ¡°Almost time!¡± Kaval announced. ¡°Th'' first winds ur always th'' strongest in wee storms like these.¡±

    ¡°Small?¡± Reial asked. ¡°I can¡¯t even see the sun from all the way up here!¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s not as dark either!¡±

    Charette stared at him. ¡°How strong are the storms in Thrasmang, exactly?¡±

    ¡°Weel, ye know what species of dragon Wave belongs tae?¡±

    Reial and Charette shook their heads.

    ¡°He¡¯s a maelstrom, a type of dragon that¡¯s native tae Thrasmang. They¡¯re bred tae skim the storms wi'' their slender builds an'' powerful wings.¡±

    Bursts of air assaulted Reial and his sister as the storm loomed, threatening to shake them loose from their spot. However, Wave remained unperturbed, hovering over the antenna as if the weather was still calm.

    ¡°Thrasmanish storms, ¡®at is.¡±

    Reial could almost hear the grin in Kaval¡¯s voice as he clung to Charette. Hyvas, this was insane. Who wanted to be in the sky during a storm? This was the realm of the Gale Gliders. One which could not be conquered by Striders or Trancers.

    Charette screamed as an explosion of sound left their ears ringing. ¡°Kaval! This isn¡¯t funny!¡±

    ¡°Stop what? Th'' storm? It¡¯s jist nature''s way of washin'' up. Plus, I¡¯m not ''at guid at th'' Solvaylian Arts.¡±

    ¡°Can we at least land somewhere safe please!¡± Reial yelled.

    ¡°Jist a few mair seconds¡­¡±

    Wave jerked back, slamming them against the saddle¡¯s rails.

    ¡°Now!¡±

    The dragon sliced through the air with a single beat of his wings, ascending to the very edge of the storm. Reial¡¯s screams mixed with that of his sisters as the raging tempest began to coax them from their seats. The world was supposed to bend to his whims, yet here it roared in defiance.

    Wave¡¯s wings folded over them, shielding them from the rain and wind as he began his swift descent. Darkness shrouded them, save for the single source of light created by the gap in the tent. Reial peered through it, watching as the world blurred in a mesh of silvery blacks and starling whites.

    His initial fear quickly evaporated. He wasn¡¯t in danger of being thrown off or falling anymore, but his raising stomach did make him feel somewhat uneased. Charette groaned, leaning back against him for support despite the tents restraining size.

    ¡°Stop¡­¡± She moaned.

    ¡°But thes is th¡¯ fun part!¡± Kaval cried.

    ¡°Not for me.¡±

    Reial wondered what the sensation was like, until he suddenly felt his stomach rise to his throat. Hyvas, kill me. How did Gliders deal with that sensation? If he were one he would¡¯ve been retching on the floor after a simple dive. Thankfully, this wasn¡¯t one.

    ¡°Might need tae grow a stronger stomach for thes. Sorry about ''at.¡±

    Reial could only muster a groan as his response as he held onto his sister. Vaes¡¯s hand, he was thankful for not eating anything that morning. Else he would¡¯ve lost both his breakfast and lunch.

    If Kaval thought the storms here were small, then what were they like in Thrasmang? The very thought made Reial shudder. He didn¡¯t want to find out, he¡¯d rather steer clear of that state entirely. For all he knew, the very earth could be scraped clean during their storms.

    ¡°How¡¯s your first flight going?¡± Linithesis asked.

    ¡°Terrible. Please end it. Do something.¡±

    ¡°Just bear with it a little longer, you¡¯ll get used to it.¡±

    Reial groaned again. ¡°I really don¡¯t think I will.¡±

    An impression of doubt pressed against his mind. ¡°You¡¯re just overreacting. Although I will admit that this isn¡¯t probably the best way to be introduced to it.¡±

    ¡°You think?¡±

    He felt Wave shoot up and twirl, causing his stomach to twist in odd ways he didn¡¯t think were possible. Then, light flooded the world as Wave unfurled his wings. The clear blue sky spanned from horizon to horizon, a veritable sea of air that only the twin moons accompanied.

    ¡°Huh, th¡¯ storm¡¯s headin¡¯ west.¡± Kaval noted.

    Wave grunted. ¡°Looks that way.¡±

    ¡°Ah coold¡¯ve sworn th'' forecast said it was movin'' south.¡±

    ¡°Be wary of people who claim to see into the future. They aren¡¯t a reliable sort.¡±

    Reial listened half-heartedly as he helped Charette settle back on her seat. She wasn¡¯t heavy, but it felt like she had put on some weight as she resisted his efforts to sit upright. Perhaps it was because he was a Veil Strider that he was able to endure more abuse. That would explain why he was still able to function, at least better than her that is.

    ¡°Can we go down now?¡± Charette groaned. ¡°I¡¯m tired.¡±

    ¡°But what about th'' view? Ye haven¡¯t even looked!¡± Kaval said.

    ¡°I¡¯m tired of viewing. Please go down.¡±

    Reial nodded in agreement. ¡°I think a small rest is in order. Besides, we haven¡¯t even eaten yet.¡±

    ¡°Ye haven¡¯t? It¡¯s already past noon!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve had a busy day, Kaval.¡±

    Without another word, Kaval silently instructed Wave to land. The dragon started a steady descent, allowing their stomachs to become accustomed to the peculiar lifting sensation. If this was how they were introduced to it, then Reial wouldn¡¯t have minded the flight. Is everyone from Thrasmang this thoughtless?

    Reial gasped. The distant towering Remnant trapped in the storm, glowing with electrifying energy, green fields interspersed with clusters of stark white trees, deltas running along Recunda¡¯s sandy coast, and the brilliant blue waters of the Vaesian gulf. It was as if the Almagest had sculpted and molded every tree, hill, and river with its bare hands.

    ¡°To think the mountains had once hindered this land¡¯s beauty.¡± Linithesis reflected. ¡°Destruction leaves naught but creation in its wake, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    A small smile tugged at Reial¡¯s lips. No one could recall the name of the mountain range that spanned from this part of Recunda to the southern tip of Mirsey. Only that Vaes himself had destroyed it to quite literally bring down the barrier between the lands of Yusanik and Th¨ªrion six-hundred years ago. Were there still people around from that time?

    ¡°Reial?¡± Linithesis called.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°What do you intend to do for the rest of your life?¡±

    Reial frowned. ¡°I still have plenty of time to figure that out, Linithesis.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Hundreds of years is truly a blessing.¡± Linithesis paused. ¡°What if you could live forever? What would you do then?¡±

    ¡°Find a way to silence my thoughts.¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    ¡°What? Would you like something more noble?¡±

    ¡°No, I only want what would make others happy.¡±

    Reial watched as Charette turned her gaze to the brilliant waters of the Vaesian gulf. She was still trying to hide it. That grief of losing another being in her life. Without them, she shone dimly. It pained him, but what more could he do than offer her reassuring words?

    Perhaps if he was able to treasure those moments too, then he would be able to share her grief. She deserved a better life, not one wrought with his failures to grant one. But that¡¯s all he had ever been. A failure in the eyes of his teacher and country. He wasn¡¯t exceptionally smart or witty like an Aunesfernish man should be, he wasn¡¯t tall or dashing. Hyvas, even his mother and father still called him cute. Everything he ever did was never good enough.

    ¡°Good enough for who? Them, or yourself?¡± Linithesis abruptly inquired

    Reial ignored him and tried shutting out his thoughts.

    ¡°Don¡¯t repress it.¡±

    ¡°Shut up.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay to be scared, just be brave.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°You have to be. No one else will be brave for you.¡±

    He squirmed.

    ¡°Tell me why you¡¯re afraid.¡±

    Reial¡¯s mind blanked. Why was he? He lived an ordinary life, didn¡¯t he? His parents had hired the best teachers, yet they had never been satisfied with his results. Did that make him a poor learner? Were his efforts unworthy because of who he was?

    ¡°Reial.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, okay!¡± He exploded. ¡°I don¡¯t know who I am anymore. I used to think that my thoughts were my own, but they aren¡¯t. They belong to them. My expectations, my beliefs, they¡¯re theirs. Even how I judge myself. How can I ever be good enough for myself when I¡¯m not me!¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re thoughts need not rule over yours.¡± Linithesis cooed.

    ¡°They¡¯re all I have left. I can¡¯t flick them off like a switch. They¡¯re my waking nightmare. Always there to remind me of what I am. A good for nothing who¡¯s only redeeming quality is being a Veil Strider. A dwelling Veil Strider. How can I be proud of that when those powers have brought nothing but grief to me and those I love?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to take pride in what you own.¡± Linithesis explained. ¡°You should be proud of who you are. Despite all your turmoil and mixed emotions, you are worthy of admiration. Even if every fiber of your being tells you otherwise. Do you know why we continue to trudge on to the next dawn?¡±

    A spark of interest emanated from Linithesis as he read his mind.

    ¡°Ah, so you do know why.¡±

    Reial nodded.

    ¡°You¡¯re tired, aren¡¯t you? Or rather, you¡¯ve always been tired. Why not take a rest?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can.¡±

    ¡°Well, whenever you decide to, I¡¯ll be there. Come now, the world waits for no one. Not even your thoughts.¡±

    Sound flooded Reial¡¯s ears as he returned to the world. He could still sense the Pneuma¡¯s presence in his mind, he hadn¡¯t withdrawn. Instead, he could sense that he was replacing his intrusive thoughts, just like that peculiar light imprisoning it.

    If the world waited for no one, then what did it wait for? The Empyreans? The Almagest? Or perhaps truly nothing. All that mattered was where one ended up. Their destination.

    What would they become by the end of their journey? Someone they had been hoping to love, or loathe to hate? Would they journey again until they became that something to love even if it wasn¡¯t worthwhile?

    ¡°Linithesis,¡± Reial began. ¡°Do you believe you¡¯re good enough?¡±

    A nostalgic grin bore itself into his mind. ¡°Perhaps at one point, I did. Will you help me find that answer again?¡±

    Could he? He wasn¡¯t anywhere near as intelligent or wise as the Pneuma. What insight could he possibly offer to aid him in his endeavor? Would it even matter? But what if it did? If he could help only a little, then it was worth trying. It was the least he could do, not as a Veil Strider, Aunesfernish citizen, or direct descendent of Rei, but as a person. As himself.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can, but I¡¯ll try.¡± He promised.

    The Pneuma¡¯s presence beamed with delight. ¡°With all that I am, I thank you, Reial. For all of our shared eternity.¡±

 First Steps

    ¡°This one?¡± Reial asked.

    ¡°No, th¡¯ one oan th¡¯ right!¡± Kaval stressed.

    ¡°They look the same though.¡±

    ¡°Trust me!¡±

    Reial frowned and took another step up the tree. The branches were odd, in that they were only at the very top of the tree and not spaced out across the trunk like a redwood. Bulbous starry-blue fruits hung from the innermost sections of the branches, swaying in the light breeze. He grabbed a hold of one and pulled it free with a snap.

    ¡°How many of these do you need again?¡±

    Kaval hummed loudly. ¡°Two will dae.¡±

    Reial nodded and round the length of the trunk. To him, it felt as if he were still walking on solid ground. He inspected the starry-blue fruits and then glanced at the one in his hand. What made it more special than the rest? Was it because Kaval thought they were better or was there an actual science behind his reasoning? Reial discarded the thought as he snatched another fruit from the tree.

    He hopped off the trunk, performing a lazy flip that would have certainly ended up with him slamming face-first into the ground if it wasn¡¯t for him being a Veil Strider. Space bent, continuously pushing him up as if he were falling into the sky. When he felt the familiar pull of the earth, his boots touched the ground, firmly rooting themselves in the one place he could call home. Yushiloc.

    Kaval grinned at him. ¡°Oh! That¡¯s so strange, innit?¡±

    ¡°What is?¡±

    ¡°Ye know, what ye did. Looked lik'' ye wur falling up, kinda lik'' a glider when they lift aff!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Have ye never seen one before?¡±

    Reial shook his head. ¡°Can¡¯t say that I have.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have tae treat ye tae a show then. Watchin¡¯ them fly is dwelling therapeutic.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t say.¡±

    Kaval¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Ah do! C¡¯mon then, let¡¯s git goin¡¯. There¡¯s no better time tae make dew puddin than efter picking ¡®em!¡±

    With that, Kaval took the lead. Reial followed, peering down the endless flat plain with his Veil Sight. He found Charette lazing on the saddle as she stared at the small fire, which Wave prodded at with the end of his tail. Seeing her like this drained him of any hope. She just looked so¡­empty. Like nothing even mattered anymore.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s th'' weather lik'' whaur you¡¯re from?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s cool all year long. Except for the summer, though I guess that can be said for pretty much any northern state.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯re yer thoughts oan storms?¡±

    Reial wrinkled his nose. ¡°Too loud and wet.¡±

    ¡°They are, aren¡¯t they? Big, rumbling, brooding blobs. They¡¯re kinda lik'' ye when ye stare aff intae space.¡±

    Reial¡¯s cheeks flushed with warmth. ¡°Really now?¡±

    Kaval chuckled. ¡°Ye can say that a storm is a lot lik'' a person. It''s hard tae chaynge thair minds and predict thair patterns. Maybe they might listen tae ye if you¡¯re a Glider, but that¡¯s not always th¡¯ case, is it? Sometimes all ye can do is juist sit thare ''n'' git drenched, praying ye don¡¯t get sick. Other times, ye can learn to understand a storm. Not juist its winds, rain, or size, but th'' rumble. It''s bein''.¡±

    The distant crash of thunder broke Reial from his reverence. Were the Thrasmanish always this capable of profound thought, or rather, was it his teachers¡¯ generalization of them that had led him to believe that they weren¡¯t?

    ¡°I, umm¡­what¡¯s the weather like where you¡¯re from?¡± Reial asked politely.

    ¡°A lot lik'' Recunda¡¯s. Maybe that¡¯s why Ah lik'' passing thro'' so much. Because it reminds me o'' mah home. Sure, th'' air might be fuller, but no matter whaur ye go, th'' storm¡¯s scent always lingers. Sweet lik'' sugar beans, ''n'' earthy lik'' th'' dark-green grass o'' th'' highlands.¡±

    ¡°You make it sound like paradise.¡±

    ¡°Yer home doesn¡¯t need tae be paradise for ye tae appreciate it.¡±

    A home that was never his. How could Reial come to appreciate it? The help, his teachers, his family. They constantly reminded him of his wasted potential, of who he had failed to become.

    Yet here stood a man who didn¡¯t care about any of that. What Reial was capable of, how smart he was, his height, his status, none of that mattered to Kaval. Not when his smile rose like the morning sun, or when he spoke freely to him like an old friend. It was all so enchanting. How could Reial ever hope to match a smile as genuine as that?

    What was his secret? Did he live a good life? Was it his laughter? Perhaps the companionship a dragon brought? Or was it the simple pleasure of aiding those in need. What if¡­ Reial glanced warily at Kaval. Could he bring himself to pry into his being? Experience all of his hurts? His dreams. His failures. No, that was too personal. Even doing that to his sister was going too far.

    Linithesis hummed approvingly. ¡°Wise choice. It¡¯s best to learn naturally than to try and take everything in, lest it destroys you.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re back,¡± Kaval announced as he entered the camp.

    Charette lifted her head and put on a small smile. ¡°Great, I was starting to get hungry. What¡¯re you making again?¡±

    ¡°Ah told ye what ten minutes ago.¡±

    ¡°Ten minutes is a long time!¡±

    Kaval shrugged. ¡°All right, today we¡¯ll be having dew stew. Rhymey wee treat that can git anybody thro'' th'' day. Oan accoont o'' all o'' its sugar. A guid first meal, aye?¡±

    Reial and Charette perked up simultaneously. ¡°You¡¯re going to make candy?¡±

    Kaval smiled. ¡°Something lik'' that! Ye should already be familiar wi'' it, it''s a common dessert if you¡¯re from th'' mainland. Don¡¯t know what they ca'' it whaur you¡¯re from, but it¡¯s a warm saucy puddin wi'' cinnamon dew slices.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you mean Uvan¡¯s delicacy?¡± Charette clarified.

    ¡°Yup! That one.¡±

    ¡°Huh, Reiyrlet¡¯s brother must have had a fondness for that ¡®stew¡¯,¡± Linithesis noted.

    Reial sat down by Wave¡¯s flank as he watched Kaval gather several pots and ingredients from the dragon¡¯s larger saddlebags. The campfire sat in the center of a mechanical construct, running on either fossil fuels or Essence from the looks of it. Two claws on either side of the device clutched the pots he placed over them, holding them in place as the fire slowly cooked the ingredients.

    EBMs were convenient, but there was just something more authentic about watching his food being made. Whether the resulting dish tasted better or worse was something else entirely. Not that he was a picky eater, but if a tangy dish tasted sourer than it was supposed to, it¡¯d immediately go to Scorch.

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    That reminded him.

    ¡°Kaval?¡± Reial called.

    The dragoon looked up from the pot he was stirring. ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°How exactly do you know where to go?¡±

    Charette shifted in her spot audibly. ¡°Yeah, how do you know where we¡¯re supposed to go? On top of that, where are we even going?¡±

    ¡°Right? The Courser didn¡¯t leave any clues lying around, he just left. Unless we¡¯re taking an educational guess, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea to wander around until we find him. He¡¯s a Veil Strider after all.¡±

    Kaval scratched the back of his head. ¡°Och, aye, aboot that. Ye know how th'' spires ur usually bustling wi'' dragons?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Well, we hire a select few Seers tae keep an eye oan th'' streets. They report back any suspicious individual¡¯s ''n'' Striders. For public safety, o'' coorse.¡±

    Reial frowned. ¡°Not all Striders are dangerous.¡±

    ¡°Ah know they aren¡¯t, neither ur Gliders outside our organization or Trancers, but it''s guid tae be safe. Reign in possible suspects, ye know?¡±

    ¡°So, you have these in every one of your spires?¡± Charette inquired.

    ¡°Yup. They¡¯re not much o'' a secret, but most fowk tend tae forgot they even exist sometimes. Maybe it''s juist because they¡¯re Seers.¡±

    The thought tickled Reial. He didn¡¯t understand why Veil Seers were such an underappreciated minority. Sure, they lacked the vastly superior capabilities of their distant cousins, but their unparalleled sight was useful for warning others of danger. Whether it be from animals, nature, or people. Any Strider, Glider, and Trancer can lay claim to the power as well, but they were nowhere near as practiced as a full-on Veil Seer. He only knew that because of¡­because of¡­

    It was a starry night, one where the constellations were visible to the naked eye. Jadica and the green-eyed youth sat on either side of him, pointing at the endless pinpricks of lights in the sky as a distant massive cloud loomed over. He had never seen anything of its like before. The singular solid shape, the silvery outline of its surface. Could it be¡­? The man exclaimed as he spotted a major constellation, only to be corrected by Jadica, who¡¯s amber eyes glowed with a distinctive energy. She explained that he had spotted the minor constellation, not its larger sibling. How either of them could make out anything in that clustered void was beyond him.

    ¡°So where was he last seen then?¡± Charette inquired.

    ¡°Heading south from th'' looks o'' it. Seers don¡¯t usually travel outside o'' city limits, so we keep a netwurk o'' informants active at all times. Y¡¯know, other towns ''n'' such.¡±

    Reial pressed the back of his head against Wave¡¯s cool scales. ¡°I wonder how far he¡¯s planning on traveling.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Because I don¡¯t want to keep you from doing your job.¡±

    ¡°Rail, helping others is ma jab. Ah don¡¯t care if he goes all th'' wey tae Mirsey ''n'' back, I¡¯m going tae keep mah word ''n'' get yer drog back.¡±

    Reial anxiously plucked a blade of grass from his side. ¡°Mirsey and back is a long way.¡±

    Kaval smiled. ¡°Maybe it is, but it doesn¡¯t matter how long it takes us tae get thare, juist as long as we do.¡±

    That smile, that dwelling smile. It was just like hers, just like Jadica¡¯s. Warm, soft, yet somewhat brighter, like whatever hurt him hurt Kaval as well. He didn¡¯t want to see it; he didn¡¯t want to be reminded of what he had left. Reial tore the blade of grass in two and picked another one, before releasing it to the wind¡¯s grasp.

    ¡°That sounds a lot like something Vaes himself would say,¡± Charette noted as she hung her front half off of Wave¡¯s flank.

    ¡°Really? Ah never knew he was such a well-spoken man.¡±

    Charette cocked her head. ¡°I can¡¯t tell if you¡¯re complimenting him, or yourself.¡±

    ¡°Why not both? Always gotta give credit whaur it''s due.¡±

    Reial and Charette let out a breathy laugh. It wasn¡¯t wrong to compare oneself to an Empyrean, everyone was born with the capacity to be just as great as them. The problem stemmed from just how many failed to reach that peak. In that sense, divinity wasn¡¯t based on the Almagest¡¯s or Solvaylius¡¯s favor, but rather one¡¯s personal attributes and strengths.

    Linithesis¡¯s presence burned in his mind as Kaval began drowning the slices in the sugary sauce. ¡°Would you mind if I stole your senses for a moment?¡± He asked hungrily.

    ¡°That sounds horribly insidious, Linithesis.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not, I¡¯m simply starving for a taste.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t even have a body!¡±

    ¡°Correction, I do. Yours.¡±

    ¡°Why do you need my permission then? I thought we shared thoughts and experiences.¡±

    ¡°We do but prying into your senses without your expressed permission would make me no better than a beast.¡±

    Reial¡¯s thoughts came to a grinding halt. ¡°How self-aware are you again?¡±

    It baffled him that a Pneuma, a divine creature often preached about in the Imminent¡¯s Travel, one who¡¯s abilities knew no bounds, could be so-

    ¡°I¡¯d stop there if I were you,¡± Linithesis warned.

    Reial froze. ¡°Why? What¡¯re you going to do?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. I just told you to stop and you did.¡±

    A twinge of disappointment tugged at Reial¡¯s heart. He should¡¯ve known better than to expect something from someone as elusive as Linithesis. For all he knew, the Pneuma probably enjoyed getting a rise out of him with how often he baited his thoughts. Hyvas, I wish he would stop doing that.

    Charette crawled down Wave¡¯s flank and rolled into a sitting position beside Reial, a skill she had honed to perfection after all their years spent in the Aunesfernish wilderness. The towering redwoods made for great sport on long boring autumn afternoons, or really whenever they wanted to avoid doing their homework. Jadica didn¡¯t approve of the latter, but she was the one who technically taught them how to properly scale up a tree. He often wondered where she learned that skill. She was a proper maid, after all, or at least as proper of a maid as someone like her can be.

    Mirsey, Uvandra, how far would they need to travel to corner that man? Would they even be successful once they managed to track him down? He had promised Charette that they would get their beloved companion back, but could he really keep his word when he doubted his own abilities. No, He thought. There¡¯s another way around this. A test of arms isn¡¯t the only solution. However, it was the only that came to mind. What more could he do?

    Reial glanced down at the Absent Integrators locked around his and Charette¡¯s wrists. Were the stories about them true? Did they truly harness Essence like a living being? It was a preposterous thought; one many would cast aside. It was due to Solvaylius¡¯s will and the Almagest¡¯s blessing that most living beings were capable of wielding that foreign power. The planet and all its inanimate objects were simply byproducts of creation. The fundamental force behind the Solvaylian Arts.

    Why were the Absent Integrators limited in their function? Was it because of how they were designed or was it an overlooked flaw that the engineers didn¡¯t concern themselves with? He shook his head and sighed. Whatever the answer was, it was beyond his capacity. It was a miracle in itself that devices could run on Essence at all. They had Exania to thank for that, and though he rarely thought of her, he couldn¡¯t imagine a world without the technology she had birthed.

    A tall shadow crossed his sight, prompting him to look up and find Kaval offering him a curious smile. It was almost as if he were aware of all the thoughts coursing through his mind.

    ¡°Distracted?¡± He asked, holding out a bowl of Uvan¡¯s delicacy.

    Reial accepted the bowl with a nod. ¡°A little.¡±

    ¡°Then ye''v got th'' perfect solution right thare! Nothing clears yer mynd better than a hot dessert.¡±

    Reial gazed down at the thick warm paste the slices had been submerged in. He scooped up a spoonful of caramel, then sliced a bit off of the fruit before stopping. What a small kindness. They had only caused Kaval trouble since arriving in Endona. Even if it was a part of his job, then why did Reial feel so guilty about dragging him down with them?

    Though his stomach rumbled to take a bite, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do it. What of Scorch? Was he being fed? Or was the Courser starving him? Why should he be allowed to enjoy himself while those he loved were suffering? It wasn¡¯t right.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Ye don¡¯t lik¡¯ it?¡± Kaval asked. ¡°Ah could whip ye up somethin¡¯ else if you¡¯d like.¡±

    ¡°N-No! I do! I just¡­didn¡¯t want to burn my tongue¡±

    ¡°All right, was only makin'' sure. Ah don¡¯t want tae force ye tae try somethin¡¯ ye don¡¯t lik¡¯.¡±

    Reial offered him a small smile as thanks. He appreciated his kindness, even if his mind was whispering to him that it was all an act. That it was just a part of his job. Stop.

    They were only strangers to him, children not worth remembering or befriending. Only items that would make him rise in station.

    Hyvas, please.

    Trophies to admire.

    No, he couldn¡¯t break, not right now. Not in front of them. He needed to function, he needed to be brave. The passing thought caused Linithesis¡¯s presence to dim like a sorrowful ember.

    ¡°Oh, Reialurelan¡­¡±

    Reial¡¯s heart fluttered at the mention of his full name. He should¡¯ve been angry at Linithesis for daring to utter his Asrafonian name, instead, he felt lost. Asrafon, Rei¡¯s great last name, and the one given to the state and Empire he had once ruled. A name of power, of authority, one equivalent to that of the Empyreans, uttered by a being whose very Essence was divine.

    It made him want for something greater. Whether it was a greater world, a greater self, or a greater purpose, he didn¡¯t know.

    ¡°Eat, journeying on an empty stomach is a fool¡¯s choice,¡± Linithesis advised.

    ¡°But-¡±

    ¡°Eat.¡±

    Reial relented and shoved the spoon into his mouth. The smooth caramel blend paved the way to a distinct savory-cinnamon flavor brought by the dew fruit, drowning his taste buds in sugar thieves'' fantasy. He was taken aback by Kaval¡¯s culinary ability to thread a cohesive explosion of flavor without overpowering one aspect of the dish. Granted it was a simple one, but if his experience with wind instruments had taught him anything, it was that it came down to pure skill to make something simple, amazing. Were a person¡¯s attributes similar in that regard then?

    ¡°Kaval?¡± Reial said.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a wonderful cook. I just wanted you to know that.¡±

    Kaval grinned. ¡°Nah, I¡¯m not a guid cook. If there''s one thin'' Ah know, it''s ''at eatin'' wi'' others always makes th'' food taste better.¡±

    ¡°Can I have seconds then?¡± Charette inquired, waving her empty bowl.

    Kaval chuckled. ¡°Have as much as ye want.¡±

 Cliff

    Colors, faces, and locations came bursting to life in Reial¡¯s mind as he swept through the Sygnal¡¯s mainline. Tenjecters gushed about the latest fashion trends and tourist sites, making bold claims that the Empyreans themselves had worn this or that, and that they had built a home here and there. None of it was true, obviously. Although he did find it entertaining when people believed their lies.

    Mentions of the Courser were nonexistent in his search. He wasn¡¯t bothered by that, if anything, he had expected it. Whoever he was, he was unlike any Strider he had ever seen before. Especially his lax approach to combat. Familiar, but distinctively different. Almost like-

    Something twisted painlessly in his head, blending and erasing the words and memories that had come rushing to his aid. Why was it familiar? Was it his stance, or rather, the way he held himself? Confident, but not arrogant. Like the Striders of old.

    ¡°Perhaps he¡¯s a veteran of sorts?¡± Linithesis assumed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. His voice was¡­¡±

    ¡°Was what?¡±

    Reial frowned. ¡°Forget it.¡±

    ¡°What? Why?¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m confusing him for someone else.¡±

    The Pneuma hummed. ¡°Does it have something to do with your dreams?¡±

    Reial shook his head. ¡°No.¡±

    Linithesis grunted. He didn¡¯t push for answers or try to trick Reial into giving one, he simply burned pleasantly in his mind. Besides, the notion of who the Courser could be was ridiculous.

    He turned his gaze to the land below, a mingling sea of blue, green, and white. Stark pale cliffs rose up to catch them, guarding Recunda against the gulf¡¯s crashing currents. He knew at once that these weren¡¯t ordinary cliffs, but rather the vestigial remnants of the mountain range Vaes had decimated centuries ago.

    Towns and smaller settlements skirted the edges of the cliff, defying the plummet that threatened to divide the lands. To him, it was more a tempting prospect than terrifying.  I wonder how long it would take me to get from Th¨ªrion and back. The gulf was only four-hundred miles wide at its maximum, the trip wouldn¡¯t cost him more than a bout of lightheadedness if he went by himself. Much like the earth, the open sea spurred him to move, to race atop the water¡¯s surface like a hurricane.

    But he couldn¡¯t. He had his sister and Scorch to think of. He had to reunite them.

    ¡°Ye guys wanna tak¡¯ a quick detour tae Tenner¡¯s Vigil?¡± Kaval asked over the wind. ¡°Sight there¡¯s a real beaut.¡±

    Charette shrugged. ¡°Sure. It¡¯ll give me a chance to stretch my legs anyhow.¡±

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Reial said. ¡°Flying feels very¡­limiting.¡±

    Wave scoffed. ¡°To a Sure Footer who can¡¯t catch the wind, it might.¡±

    ¡°Aw, juist ignore him. He gets a wee grumpy when ye don¡¯t enjoy th'' ride. He did th'' same tae -¡±

    Wave jerked forward, shoving Reial into Charette¡¯s back, and so on. He was afraid that his sword might launch out of his sheathe and strike some innocent bystander, but it had become quickly apparent to him that weapons of fervor failed to react to outside forces. At least when they were in their scabbards. Even then they only responded to their wielders¡¯ grip. That didn¡¯t surprise him. A treasure so ethereal couldn¡¯t exist in their world, it needed something real to anchor itself to their reality.

    ¡°Anyways,¡± Kaval continued. ¡°It¡¯s fine if ye don¡¯t like flying. We¡¯d be no different from dragons or birds if we all did.¡±

    Wave snaked his head around and glared at him.

    ¡°Not that there¡¯s anythin¡¯ wrong wi¡¯ that.¡± Kaval finished.

    Reial exchanged a brief look with Charette and then shrugged. He didn¡¯t much care for Wave¡¯s weak insults, mainly because they were true. How could he be angry about something he couldn¡¯t change? That was like trying to domestic a Nezerine by chopping off its horn. Now that he thought about it, he couldn¡¯t recall a time when he had been truly angry at someone.

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    As they began their steady descent, Reial¡¯s attention was drawn to a pristine lighthouse that stood watch by the cliffside. Its bulging curves stemmed out from the ground like a budding rose, basking in the gentle sea breeze that failed to scratch off its gold and red paint. At the top stood a diamond glass structure large enough to house a person, one table, and a couch. It was empty now, but he¡¯d wager that anyone inside would catch a nice view of the gulf.

    Next to the lighthouse sat a craggy outline of sharp white marble. It appeared as if someone had tried chiseling it away but had given up two-thirds of the way. If he had more control over the Solvaylian Arts, he would¡¯ve blasted the mound to smithereens instead of patiently tapping away it at. But he wasn¡¯t a Solvaylian Student, he was a Strider. Limited, yet greater, or at least that¡¯s what he had been taught to believe.

    Inherent greatness, could such a thing exist? Being related to someone who was great didn¡¯t mean history would remember you, nor did it guarantee they would live a life full of luxury and pleasure. All he had was a name and a shattered being. There was nothing to be proud of, nothing to be happy about. He wasn¡¯t greater than anyone because of his abilities. Millions of Striders had existed and died before him, and many of their names had never been remembered. What made him any different?

    ¡°Here we are, Tenner¡¯s Vigil!¡± Kaval announced as he hopped off.

    Reial watched as Charette followed suit, stretching her arms and legs as she let out a loud yawn. He wanted to join them, but his body refused to move.

    The world was reduced to a muffled echo as everything continued to move.

    This wasn''t right. He was a Strider. A being blessed by God.

    Reial shifted slightly on the saddle and threw his legs over the side.

    Linithesis¡¯s presence dimmed as a cracked lid was placed over his thought. ¡°Troubled?¡±

    Reial stared down at his feet. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Reial.¡±

    ¡°I told you I¡¯m fine. My thoughts just got the better of me.¡±

    ¡°That they did.¡±

    They sat in silence as the wind tousled Reial¡¯s hair. It cared not for his thoughts or feelings, only that it breathed new life into the land. Would he find his purpose along the same winds one day?

    ¡°Och! That¡¯s so streenge, innit?¡±

    Reial looked up from his spot and found Charette and Kaval focusing intently on the ALT¡¯s screen. She swept the tablet around the area, catching a perfect recreation on the tablet¡¯s surface. Hadn¡¯t it been destroyed during the confrontation with the Courser? Then again, he wasn¡¯t the one holding on to it at the time.

    ¡°It¡¯s kinda like looking through the mainline on the Sygnal,¡± Charette commented.

    ¡°Aye, juist hazier.¡±

    Reial dismounted Wave as the familiar pull of the earth became far too irresistible. The same soil the ancients had walked thousands of years ago. Although they weren¡¯t capable of interacting with the Sygnal, they had instead built devices that connected through a broadband connection linked across the world. At least, that¡¯s what Eston had theorized during his Ancient History course. The ALT was one such device that helped support his theory. Why scientists had bothered to recreate them in this day and age was beyond him. They were¡ªfor all intents and purposes¡ªobsolete.

    ¡°What¡¯re you doing?¡± Reial asked as he joined them.

    ¡°We wur juist waiting for ye so we could look at th'' statue together,¡± Kaval said.

    ¡°Statue?¡±

    ¡°Aye, th¡¯ one over thare.¡±

    Reial cast his gaze to where Kaval was motioning to. What he had initially suspected to be nothing more than a mound of marble rock, turned out to be a masterfully chiseled statue more than twice the lighthouse¡¯s mass.

    A lone figure sat reclined against a collection of mountains, some tall enough to shield his head from the sun¡¯s glare, others short enough for him to rest his arm on. Layers of darkening strata kissed the mountains, creating eroding peaks and plateaus that complimented the figure¡¯s darkly dressed state. The figure''s sapphire eyes beckoned him, forcing him into a nostalgic march.

    Reial stopped at the foot of the great statue and tapped two fingers against his forehead. Infinite blue eyes as bottomless as the ocean. A bored expression, yet somehow simultaneously worried and restless. The tense posture, the hammers, and spears thrust into the mountainside. Vaes, The One of Many. Empyrean of Freedom and Unity.

    A being divine by right of greatness. Founded by logical fact, and not holy intervention. Open-minded, accepting, troubled, and strong. Gentle like the color of his cool blue eyes.

    ¡°Tenner, huh? Isn¡¯t he the same artist that painted the mural in Macioula?¡±

    ¡°Yup, th¡¯ very same one,¡± Kaval confirmed. ¡°Did ye know that he was once one of Vaes¡¯s students?¡±

    Charette looked at Kaval in disbelief. ¡°Him?¡±

    ¡°Aye, juist cuz he was a Strider doesn¡¯t mean he didn¡¯t have other hobbies.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how well Striding translates into painting, Kaval,¡± Reial added.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t have tae if he had th¡¯ passion for it.¡±

    ¡°Why anyone would quit being a Veil Strider is beyond me. I mean, you can walk up walls and on water, why would you want to sit down and bang on a rock?¡± Charette criticized.

    ¡°He probably thought it was relaxing,¡± Kaval explained.

    ¡°Disappointing is more like it. I can¡¯t believe he was one of Vaes¡¯s students.¡±

    ¡°Just cuz he wasn¡¯t as talented as Ovfrail or as smart as Bermese doesn¡¯t make him less of a Strider. You can choose to remember him how you like. A sculptor, a painter, a fighter, or a builder.¡±

    Reial pondered Kaval¡¯s words. If art had made Tenner happy, then what reason did they have to judge him by? Sure, he wasn¡¯t as impressive as his fellow classmates, but it was what he did with his life that made a lasting impression. Being a Strider wasn¡¯t who he was, rather, it was a part of what made him, him.

 Brief

    Reial arched a questioning brow at the preacher in the distance. He had thought that superstition had long since died out during Exania¡¯s time. After all, it was she who had returned them to the bright path of logic and reason. The same one Rei and the ancients had traversed. Faith and the supernatural served as nothing more than a distraction to prevent progress.

    Still, their zealous speech did garner his interest. It would make for a fine children¡¯s tale, that much was for sure. Perhaps the hero would turn out to be a new Empyrean.

    ¡°Keep your ears open,¡± Charette advised.

    ¡°I would if he wasn¡¯t shouting in them.¡±

    ¡°We can always move if you want.¡±

    Reial waved dismissively. ¡°No, here¡¯s good. I just wish he would shut up.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps he wants to sound more convincing?¡±

    ¡°About a children¡¯s nightmare? He might as well rave about Nether Dwellers crawling out of your closet.¡±

    Charette snorted. ¡°No one would believe that.¡±

    ¡°Case and point.¡±

    Reial dug his hands into his pockets and leaned back in his chair. The pommel of his sword dug uncomfortably into his wrist, but he didn¡¯t much care for that. There were more important matters to attend to, or rather, wait for.

    People bustled in and out of the plaza, chatting about the most recent sports, novels, and news. There was an odd snippet of the Red Stars Dawn here and there mixed with the Almagestian Church¡¯s dispute over a relic, but that wasn¡¯t new. Despite being an offshoot of the Almagestian family, the Red Stars Dawn clung to whatever they owned.

    Music hummed from the Solvaylian Projection hanging in the air, some Recundian tune that sounded more like wind chimes banging against drums than anything else. It was relaxing, yet at the same time energetic. Like a horse galloping across a field.

    Reial shifted his gaze to the western end of the plaza, which gave way to the main street of the city. It wasn¡¯t particularly big in Aunesfernish standards, but it was certainly more well-kept. Not as beautiful, but noticeably cleaner. I wish they decorated a bit more.

    His eyes flickered from one person to the next, his Veil Sight burning their appearance into his mind. The town was primarily inhabited by Recundian¡¯s, with the odd Uvandran here and there. Their dark skin helped differentiate them in a crowd, making his job easier.

    ¡°Has Kaval said anything?¡± He asked.

    ¡°No. He¡¯s been quiet for a while now.¡±

    Reial nodded. The vantage point from the city¡¯s spire was uncontested, although sadly he and Charette weren¡¯t allowed inside unless they were involved in official business. How them chasing after a man who stole their drog didn¡¯t count as official business, he still didn¡¯t know. It was frustrating, but there wasn¡¯t much he could say to convince them otherwise.

    ¡°Do you think now would be a bad time to get something to eat?¡± She inquired of him.

    Reial sighed. ¡°Charette.¡±

    ¡°What? I didn¡¯t get to eat this morning!¡±

    ¡°Because you slept in.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have if you¡¯d bothered to wake me up.¡±

    ¡°I did try waking you up. Twice.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Well, then, you should¡¯ve shaken me really fast with your Veil Striding.¡±

    Reial shot her a flat state. ¡°You want me to use the same powers that Vaes and Hyvas used to defend the world from abominations and blood-thirsty warlords, just so you could wake up?¡±

    Charette smiled. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Mechora¡¯s brilliance, I think I just felt Solvaylius shudder.¡±

    ¡°What? It¡¯s not like applying your powers to anything other than fighting is bad.¡±

    ¡°It isn¡¯t, it¡¯s just that¡­¡± Reial groaned. ¡°I don¡¯t even think Veil Striding would wake you up.¡±

    Charette sat silently for a brief moment before casting a quick glance at an EBM machine. ¡°So, is that a yes, or a no?¡±

    Reial heaved a heavy sigh and reclined into his chair. ¡°Be quick about it.¡±

    She gave his hand a light squeeze, then jumped out of her seat and headed to the western end of the plaza. The silence that followed only added to Reial¡¯s annoyance. He already knew she had a bad habit of shirking her duties, classes and chores were evidence enough. However, now wasn¡¯t the time for her to fall back on bad habits. They needed to focus, and even if she was hungry, she should¡¯ve waited. Yet here he was, too weak to say no. He didn¡¯t want to upset her. Not any more than he already has. If eating made her even the slightest bit happy, then was it wrong of him to want to keep her seated?

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    Linithesis¡¯s presence brimmed with light before collapsing in on itself. ¡°How entertaining.¡±

    ¡°Not you too.¡±

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not going to nag you about it. Rather, I¡¯m here to compliment you.¡±

    Reial perked up. ¡°On what?¡±

    ¡°Your sister. She¡¯s as lively as dusk.¡±

    ¡°Comparing her to a time of day is kinda strange.¡±

    Linithesis chortled. ¡°Isn¡¯t her Asrafonian name just that? ¡®Great northern dusk¡¯? A fitting description, I would say.¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you ever heard of personal space before?¡±

    ¡°I have, but there¡¯s no shame in a name. Only great meaning. Wouldn¡¯t you agree, ¡®Great northern dawn¡¯?¡±

    Reial blushed.

    ¡°Besides,¡± Linithesis continued. ¡°I believe you handled that situation well. Just be more careful in the future. You need to know when it is and isn¡¯t a good time to fall back on past habits.¡±

    ¡°Noted.¡±

    Charette returned a short while later with a bowl of yellowish-red chicken bits and various cut vegetables. Curry. A bit plain, but the mild Th¨ªrian kick made it bearable.

    She sat down and began to eat, her eyes flickering to the roadside for any hints of a disturbance. Reial wanted nothing more than to climb onto the roof of the plaza to get a good vantage point, but apparently, Striding was prohibited in most major cities and towns in Recunda. A fact he would¡¯ve gone unaware of if Kaval hadn¡¯t casually brought it up the other day.

    It wasn¡¯t that he had a bad habit of scaling up structures, there just wasn¡¯t any point in doing so unless he was in the mood for it. Unless he was near a Remnant, such as the World¡¯s Throne.

    For him, the applications of Veil Striding were quite limited. He¡¯d rather create light or fire in the palm of his hands, gusts of wind, gems, duplicates of himself, or create explosions. Explosions sounded like fun. He wasn¡¯t certain whether you could compare a devastating, mountain-shattering kick to a field explosion, but perhaps that¡¯s because he wanted to try something new.

    Then a thought slowly crept into his mind. A dreadful, terrifying, nostalgic one. Like staring down a Nether Dweller. They were more than halfway through the state, and yet¡­there was something he was forgetting. He couldn¡¯t recall what exactly, but he knew it didn¡¯t concern the Courser. A place? There was nothing that came to mind, save Endona and its Remnant. They were creeping closer to the governor¡¯s city, but there was nothing of importance there. Perhaps a person? He didn¡¯t know anyone from Recunda, at least, not personally.

    Linithesis¡¯s being squirmed as the distressing thought gnawed at him. A second later, it was gone. His being brimmed with its usual light, the thought erased from both his and Reial¡¯s memory. Or perhaps, it never existed to begin with. Had his mind been playing tricks on him?

    The preacher¡¯s words grew louder with every minute, adding to Reial¡¯s restlessness. They already spent the majority of their time sitting, why waste it by listening to that dried husk go on about monsters? It was infuriating. He was a Strider! He should¡¯ve been with Kaval and the other acting dragoons, watching and waiting to capture the Courser. Instead, he and Charette had been told to stay put like good little children while they did all the work.

    Charette tapped her spoon against the edge of the empty bowl as she finished. ¡°Rail, what do you suppose the world would be like without us?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°You know, if I weren¡¯t born. Do you think life would be easier for others?¡±

    ¡°It probably wouldn¡¯t be as fun without you.¡± He admitted. ¡°I¡¯m not good at getting things going or dedicating myself to one course of action. I just do what I need to do.¡±

    Charette thumbed at her silk leggings as she listened intently.

    ¡°When I see you doing new things, I get the sudden urge to try them too, you know? If you weren¡¯t around, I doubt I¡¯d enjoy my time. It¡¯s always me and my thoughts.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes, really. I guess it sort of makes me boring then, huh? Doing whatever my little sister does because I don¡¯t know how to have fun by myself.¡±

    ¡°You aren¡¯t boring.¡± She defended. ¡°You¡¯re cool and reserved. Sure, you might look serious but whenever we do something dumb, you always know how to laugh and joke around. Like when we were little.¡±

    Gateways of rusty red specks shimmered in her scarlet eyes as he leveled his gaze with hers. The immense well of light that bespoke of her entire being. Of her struggles, thoughts, hopes, memories, dreams, nightmares, despair, and grief. Reial masked his terror with a small, comforting smile.

    ¡°You¡¯ve really grown since then, haven¡¯t you, Charette.¡±

    Her expression melted into one of defeat as she looked away. ¡°But how much of that has been for the better?¡±

    Reial was at a loss for words. Perhaps if he was a proper Strider, then maybe they wouldn¡¯t be like this, maybe they could be happy. But that was never meant to be.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± He admitted.

    She sighed. ¡°Of course, you don¡¯t know. You never know but you keep acting like you always do. Almost as if you¡¯re trying to prove something.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not!¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    Reial hesitated.

    ¡°I thought so.¡±

    ¡°Charette, I¡¯m not trying to prove anything.¡±

    ¡°Then why are you doing all of this?¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m doing it for you!¡± He fumed.

    Her eyes fell to the floor ¡°Are you doing it because you want to, or because you owe it to me?¡±

    Reial was struck into silence. Everything he had ever done was for her sake, wasn¡¯t it? Even when he hated every passing moment, he only wanted the best for her. But was that because she deserved it, or because it was the only way to atone for his failures all those years ago?

    Then a flash of motion caught his eyes. Ruby sparks exploded from the gaps in traffic, hastily maneuvering around cabs in a mad dash. Reial twisted around in his chair as he continued to track them. Their movements were erratic, jumping from the road to the sides of buildings.

    He conjured his Veil Sight, making out the forms of two young women and a man chasing down a youth his age. The adolescent clutched a cloth close to his chest as he occasionally glanced back, presumably gauging the distance between him and his pursuers. Their frenzied eyes like those of wild animals.

    Reial¡¯s heart began to race as one of the women managed to catch the collar of his shirt, only for the youth to rip out of her grip. They didn¡¯t appear armed, but the bulging shape hidden beneath their shirts was a clear enough indicator of their intentions.

    Reial looked to Charette, then to the spires. Would their response be delayed because of their watch? What if they didn¡¯t notice him? Was that why they were chasing him through the streets? Because they knew they wouldn¡¯t be caught?

    No one around him seemed to notice the youth¡¯s plight. Could they see him at all, or did they just not care? All life was valuable, that¡¯s what the Empyreans teachings had taught them. Hyvas, who defended any and every person, not because of their association, but because they were humans. He did it because he knew it was right, so shouldn¡¯t he do the same?

    He tapped on his armrest. Empyreans, why wasn¡¯t anyone helping? Perhaps if he would give it a moment, a city officer would notice.

    Reial craned his neck as he finally lost sight of them behind a wall of brick buildings. He knew he could help, so why wasn¡¯t he moving? The youth¡¯s life was probably in danger. No, he could get into trouble for disobeying the law. His only hope was for someone to report them.

    Then the chair shattered as he bolted forward. Ruby sparks showering the highway as he sped after them.

 No better reason

    Residual sparks trickled through the air like raindrops, spraying the ground in a sizzling display of Essence. He was falling behind.

    Their elusive trail snaked around buildings and looped underneath cabs, dodging the once-roaring traffic. Now everything was deathly quiet save for the frantic pounding of Reial¡¯s heart.

    Hyvas, what was he even doing? He didn¡¯t know him; so why was he going this far? Reial could just pretend that he had never seen him. That the image had just been his imagination filling the dead space of the wait.

    But someone had to care. He didn''t need to be a hero or great Strider to care. Jadica wasn''t, yet she had spoiled him rotten with it.

    White-stone buildings gave way to towering glass skyscrapers as the chase led him into the heart of the city. Here, the clustered nature of the fragile monoliths prevented them from being alleyways. There was only up and down.

    The youth made a sharp turn on the upcoming street, forcing his pursuers to cut the corner and unceremoniously stumble. A novice mistake. Ruby sparks erupted from the bottom of Reial¡¯s boots as he came to a screeching slide around the corner. Then he burst forward in an explosion of motion, his Essence thundering like the crack of a whip. Tight form, long Strides.

    He swung his arms close to his side, using the boost of speed to continuously propel himself further. Each Stride, two, each breath, one. His vision narrowed, forming a dark tunnel that was impossible to peer past even with Veil Sight. Pure perfect focus.

    They threaded through the crowded streets, ruby sparks flying off of glass and steel alike. He quickly gained on them, their explosive steps muffling his own. Short, fast Strides over the more powerful long ones. The way they struggled to turn the corner and decelerate. It was plain as day that these so-called ¡®Striders¡¯ had never been properly trained before.

    The toes of his boots pressed into the reconstructed surface with every thrust forward, accelerating to speeds he didn¡¯t imagine himself capable of. Once he was within arm¡¯s reach of the pursuers, one of them¡ªa young woman with medium-length dark hair¡ªwhirled around and swept her foot at him.

    Reial caught her blow with the back of his arm, the impact sending a shiver down his spine as sparks washed over him. A blur of motion flared to life as he instinctively thrust his free hand out, catching the woman¡¯s fist inches away from his face. He swept his foot underneath her remaining leg, knocking her clean off her feet as a wave of ruby energy followed. Her barrier shattered upon contact with the ground.

    Linithesis¡¯s being flickered then blazed alight with amusement, the ancient thrill of combat coursing through Reial¡¯s veins. Two more.

    Reial darted through the gap in between the last two pursuers and grabbed the youth by his arm. Words didn¡¯t carry over when Striding, they were lost in the normal flow of time. He wanted to pull the youth into a safe corner, a building, anywhere to get him away from his rabid stalkers. Instead, he fought and pulled back, striking his arms with a cloaked object. Causing cracks to appear across Reial¡¯s barrier.. Hyvas, what could be so important yet sturdy that he was willing to strike him with it?

    Their game of tug-a-war ended abruptly as their legs crashed into one another, bending the space in imperceptible angles that the human mind was never meant to know. They fell, sprawling across the sidewalk in a heap of tangled limbs. Reial groaned as his barrier shattered, leaving him with a throbbing pain in his forehead. Hyvas¡­that wasn¡¯t a good idea.

    An image of a hand reaching for him formed in Reial¡¯s mind before he was abruptly tossed to the side. A sphere of ever rotating ruby energy surrounded him, cushioning the impact. Space continued to bend all around him, slowing his descent until he finally plopped down onto the ground.

    ¡°You think you can just take whatever you want from us, don¡¯t you?¡± The woman asked, her voice somewhat nasally. Was she Mirsian?

    ¡°I¡¯m taking back what¡¯s mine. Not that you would know what that feels like considering all you do is steal.¡±

    Reial rubbed his head and looked up to find the woman keeping the youth pinned to the wall of a building. The sparks having long since carved out an impression of him.

    ¡°Keep givin¡¯ lip and I¡¯ll tear it off.¡± She glared.

    ¡°Better to be smart than a brute like you.¡±

    She huffed, pulling him closer to her before slamming him against the wall. The screech of sparks carved a deeper hole into the wall as time resumed its normal flow. Being in the heart of the city, little to no one appeared to notice them as traffic violated their view.

    ¡°Cera, just take the thing. I don¡¯t want dragoons noticing us.¡± The man said.

    Cera shrugged him off. ¡°Relax, Qres. If they wanted to do something about us, then they would have already done so.¡±

    Qres glanced at the skies wearily.

    ¡°Besides, this runt been glancing at me for too long. What¡¯s your name again? Tray? Fray?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Eerays,¡± Eeray spat.

    ¡°Yeah, the kid Turan picked up from the streets. Thought you were something special, then again, he says that about everyone.¡± She laughed, then looked to Reial. ¡°Thanks for the help, pretty boy.¡±

    Reial froze. He ordered his body to move, but that look... Why was it so dwelling familiar?

    ¡°Oh, the silent treatment? Well, I do like a good mystery. Although you dress a bit too fancy for my taste. Like those airheaded Aunesfernish. Now then,¡± She pulled Eerays close to her. ¡°Hand it over.¡±

    Eerays returned her glare. ¡°No.¡¯

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t asking.¡±

    Qres shifted nervously in his spot as he watched.

    ¡°Solis Vaylius take you and you¡¯re dwelling ugly face, you heartless crone.¡±

    A malicious smile crept onto Cera¡¯s lips as her sea-green gaze held his. Then, she drove him into the ground, where a wall of sparks prevented him from contacting the solid surface. She used this opportunity to drive her knee into his ribs, breaking past his feeble barrier. The familiar crunch of bones echoed in Reial¡¯s ears, followed by the desperate, wheezing gasp for air. No.

    ¡°Say, did you do something about my friend there, red?¡± Cera asked as she released Eerays from her grasp.

    Reial hesitated.

    Before Eerays had a moment to escape, Cera brought her foot down onto his leg, forcing it to bend as if he were sitting cross-legged. A shrill scream tore through Eerays¡¯s throat, but it was muffled by the booming roar of traffic. Reial felt like a prisoner in his own body as he watched. Charette had been in Eerays¡¯s spot before. The men, the way they pulled on her arms as she struggled to get free, the ransom. The flash of blood and severed limbs. Stop.

    ¡°Already giving me the cold shoulder. That¡¯s no way to treat a woman. You should be proper. I promise I don¡¯t bite,¡± she said, bringing her boot down onto Eerays¡¯s right arm.

    A soundless scream sat upon his lips as she ground his bones into dust, the stone beneath him a churning gray mush. ¡°Not usually, anyways.¡±

    Darkness surrounded Reial as the world ceased to be. The noise, the suffering, everything was gone. Everything but the fresh blood dripping down the rich dark walls of his family¡¯s manor. Blood that should¡¯ve belonged to him. Why? Why had she saved him?

    The scuffle of tired footsteps tempted him to look up. No, he couldn¡¯t do that. He had to stay strong. Strong like her. His mother and father would come eventually. They had to. The Almagest, Solvaylius, the help, someone had to come and save them.

    Reial clutched the medallion close to his chest as he struggled to right his breathing. Brave, he had to be brave. If she could summon the strength to free him from that evil man¡¯s claws, then he could do the same for her.

    His false courage devolved into pure terror as the invader¡¯s grimy shoes finally came into view. Then the body. Reial couldn¡¯t tear his gaze away from it as he reluctantly faced her limp form. The mop of sandy brown hair, the trail of blood, her mangled arm. Hyvas, her arm. Would she ever be able to use it again?

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    ¡°Relamene,¡± He croaked as tears spilled down his cheeks.

    What had they ever done to deserve this? They did their schoolwork, helped around the manor, and listened to their parents when they were being reprimanded. Everything they¡¯ve ever done they did to the best of their abilities, so why was this happening to them? Why did they deserve this?

    A wave of nausea engulfed Reial as the memory melted away, returning him to the bustling cityscape. Eerays writhed where Relamene had lain, his arm like that of a flesh-colored crumpled leaf. The sight alone made Reial retch.

    ¡°Aww, you¡¯re new to this, aren¡¯t you?¡± Cera asked Reial. ¡°This is how the Striders of Old used to fight, y¡¯know? Sure, they had swords and spears and axes, but when they came in close,¡± She Strode forward, a trail of sparks flashing behind her. ¡°They didn¡¯t have to play by the rules anymore.¡±

    Reial trembled at her touch, his lungs panting for air as he began to hyperventilate.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t hurt you.¡± She smiled, stroking his hair. ¡°I don¡¯t like breaking other peoples¡¯ toys.¡±

    Cera released him from her grasp and Strode back to Eerays. She knelt down beside him and held out her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll be taking back what¡¯s rightfully ours now.¡±

    Eerays moaned. ¡°I-It¡­ never belonged to you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, it belonged to your family until we managed to secure it.¡±

    ¡°Y-You¡­Stole it!¡±

    ¡°Stole it? They paid us to keep it safe. And here you are trying to steal it from us,¡± She clicked her tongue. ¡°What a shame. You don¡¯t often hear about a Strider turning cripple.¡±

    ¡°Cera!¡± Qres cried.

    Cera whipped her head around and glared at him. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°N-Nothing. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Reial fumbled around his pockets for the medallion. Faces, why were there so many people watching and doing nothing? Why couldn¡¯t they jump in and rescue them? Why? Why? Why couldn¡¯t he do anything?

    ¡°Still your breathing,¡± Linithesis advised.

    He didn¡¯t want to be here. He didn¡¯t want to hear those screams and cries again. He didn¡¯t want to be left responsible for something he could¡¯ve prevented, yet all he could do was sit and watch.

    Cera gestured to him. ¡°Qres, put the child to sleep.¡±

    ¡°B-But I thought you liked-¡±

    ¡°I do, so be gentle with him.¡±

    Qres nodded nervously. His approach was slow and deliberate, almost reluctant as if he didn¡¯t want to hurt Reial. A stark contrast to the invader¡¯s labored shuffle. Reial wanted nothing more than the darkness to take him. To whisk him away from the horrible world he inhabited. He knew that he wasn¡¯t capable of great change like the Empyreans, that everything he did only amounted to failure. Despite this, his heart stubbornly clung to the notion that he could still do good.

    The lies that threatened to grant him the strength to stand back up, the fire that roared to aid those in need, his humanity, Reial suppressed them all. Why did he continue to curse himself with false hope? Eerays would be a cripple for the rest of his life, and it would all be because of him.

    ¡°Stop brooding and get back up! You¡¯re a Veil Strider, start acting like one," Linithesis ordered.

    Reial just stared.

    ¡°Please. You¡¯re all he has. Don¡¯t sit around and learn to regret it later. He may not be whole but there¡¯s something you can still do about it! Listen to ME, listen to REASON!¡±

    Reial froze as Qres¡¯s brown suede shoes came into view. That night, that body. Tears spilled down his cheeks as a hiccupped sob forced its way passed his throat. Linithesis, I can¡¯t. I can¡¯t.

    ¡°Sorry about this, kid. I promise we¡¯ll find a comfy place to leave you.¡± Qres apologized.

    ¡°REIAL!"

    A turbulent warmth spread throughout his chest like the violent windstorms of Aunesfern. One he recognized as belonging to the Pneuma. He wanted to comfort him, to show that he loved and cared about his well-being. He wanted him to know that everything would be fine. But it wouldn¡¯t be. None of it would be fine.

    He waited and waited for the numbing blow to come and send him to the pleasant void of the unconscious. His one and only escape, yet his torturer did not grant him that much. Qres¡¯s shoes were there one moment, and then disappeared the next. Like he had feigned interest in him.

    A shower of sparks washed over him, followed by the dull thud of a limb breaking past the shielding Essence. Weak stumbling sprays of ruby energy splashed across Reial¡¯s cheeks, filling him with the desire to act, to move, to fight. Empyric whispers chirped like the morning calls of blinding redtails, indistinct, unintelligible, but comprehensible all the same. To be brave, to acknowledge the fear that had crept into his heart, but not allow it to rule him. They knew of his suffering, after all, it was They who had shouldered the burden of rebuilding their world. Maybe standing back up wouldn¡¯t change anything, but it was better than staying down.

    Reial stumbled to his feet and gaped at what he saw. It was the Courser, hailing a flurry of kicks and punches upon Qres as the man staggered back. They were anything but deliberate or precise, almost as if he was taking out his anger on him. There was no grace or skill to them, only a man enthralled by complete fury.

    Qres shielded his face as the Courser feinted a jab, then buckled as a knee was driven into the side of his thigh. Before Qres had a moment to react, the Courser smashed his elbow into the side of his head. He caught Qres as he went limp, ignoring the blood on his sleeve as he drove him face-first into the ground. Splinters of concrete shot out, punching holes through nearby cabs and shattering the glass of buildings. Against a Strider, the debris did nothing more than disintegrate upon contact with their shield.

    Reial tensed as the Courser stood back at his full height, radiating a cool, controlled rage as he stared down Cera. An electrifying pulse burst from the earth, temporarily distorting Reial¡¯s vision. He felt¡­heavier. Almost as if the weight of the world had been placed on his shoulders. No, rather, his weight had been returned to him.

    Through his wavering Sight, he managed to keep an eye on the Courser. It felt as if even stepping forward would send him toppling over. Hyvas, what does he want with us? The pool of energy from beyond sputtered as it failed to empower him.

    Reial¡¯s being coiled and stretched as it frantically struggled to stabilize itself. The blare of traffic howled in his ears one moment, then fell eerily silent the next. Cars swirled behind the Courser in a hazy mix, jerking to a stop upon an imaginary conveyor constructed by the world he was thrust into.

    Electricity raced through him as a floodgate of Essence poured into his being. He felt renewed, like taking a cold shower on a hot summer day. His weightlessness, his steady Sight, his firm footing, it all returned to him without warning.

    Then, the Courser disappeared in a flash of sparks. There was no hint of movement, no blur that would aid Reial in tracking his movements, not even the continuous wakes of ruby energy that would explode with every step. He didn¡¯t move like a Strider, he moved like them, the Empyreans of legend. Transcendent, glorious, and perfect.

    Reial twisted his head in Cera¡¯s direction to find the Courser batting aside a sluggish blow with the back of his hand. She followed it up with a swing of her leg, which he easily evaded by whirling around her. Then, he swept her off of her feet. The luxury of being bound to the earth was one she didn¡¯t deserve.

    A piercing screech of shattering Essence clawed at Reial¡¯s ears as the Courser spun low and drove his boot into her twisting form. Ruby sparks erupted from Cera¡¯s side as she was launched into the sky like a burning meteorite. The Courser Strode after her, blazing up the towering skyscrapers as he caught up to her in a quarter of a heartbeat.

    He leapt off the building in a tight roll, and extending one leg out, slammed the heel of his boot into the center of her torso. A weak spray of sparks splashed against him as he sent her hurtling towards the earth at a breakneck pace. There was nothing Reial could to do save her. He was frozen with awe. That move, just where had he seen it before?

    Cera, Eerays, Qres, they all ceased to matter as the Courser softly landed on his feet. It wasn¡¯t a slow descent, but a Strider¡¯s Essence protected them from all manner of heights. That is if they were in complete control of their descent. Cera didn¡¯t have that privilege as she crashed in the distance, disrupting traffic. The explosion of sparks meant she was alive, but probably in no condition to move around after what the Courser had done to her.

    Reial stared at the man as he slowly approached him, then stopped as he glanced at Eerays. He hesitated, then went over to shake the youth on his good arm.

    Eerays only moaned.

    The Courser glanced up at the sky. ¡°The dragoons should be with you shortly. They might be able to save your leg still. As for your arm¡­¡± He shook his head.

    Shame welled in Reial¡¯s heart as he avoided looking at Eerays¡¯s arm. He could¡¯ve saved him, he could¡¯ve done something to lessen his pain, yet all he could do was- No, now¡¯s not the time to feel sorry for yourself.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your time trying to track me.¡± The Courser said.

    Reial narrowed his eyes. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Just a fair warning is all. If you want to know where I¡¯m going, I¡¯ll gladly tell you.¡±

    ¡°And why should I trust you?¡±

    The Courser shrugged. ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t you?¡±

    Reial frowned.

    ¡°He makes a good point.¡± Linithesis said.

    ¡°Quiet, you.¡±

    ¡°How about we call it for now?¡± The Courser asked. ¡°The city¡¯s too lively for my taste.¡±

    Reial drew his sword. ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere until you return Scorch."

    The Courser turned away from him and started down the street.

    ¡°Hey, where do you think you¡¯re going!¡±

    ¡°Where else? I¡¯ve already told you.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t just leave!¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    Reial¡¯s anger began to boil. ¡°Because I want my drog back!¡±

    ¡°Then come get him at dodgemans gorge. Oh, and I¡¯d also leave the scene if I were you. I¡¯d rather you didn¡¯t get mixed up in the law.¡±

    Reial quelled his anger with a sigh. Hyvas, I hate that man.

    Linithesis hummed. ¡°Is that so¡­¡±

    The Courser waved lazily as he disappeared again in a flash of sparks. Reial examined the barely conscious youth on the ground and hesitated. If he left him now, he would be forever tortured by his fate, but if he tried to help him, then he would be questioned by the dragoons again and waste even more time locked in a spire. What do I do¡­? There wasn¡¯t a right or wrong answer. How did the Courser just expect him to abandon his humanity after what he saw?

    ¡°Reial?¡± Linithesis called.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Do me a favor and gaze into his being. Imagine what he looked like when he was whole. Focus especially on his arm and leg.¡±

    Reial complied without hesitation. He searched for that distinct light that was hidden behind every person¡¯s visage. The one that bespoke of suffering, of joy and grief, of loss and sorrow. Eerays¡¯s was tinted a bluish-purple, and shone twice as bright as Charette¡¯s, although it was one-hundred times smaller than hers. The light was gouged with rippling currents, unlike that of the long scars that tainted his sister¡¯s.

    Reial imagined him during the chase. Sweaty and weary, yet whole. Then how he was hurt. How it was Reial¡¯s fault for getting in the way. How he should¡¯ve done something to save him from Cera¡¯s clutches but couldn¡¯t. The memory brought bile to his throat, however he managed to stomach his disgust.

    For a brief moment, Eerays ceased to exist. Then he popped back into existence, shivering in a cold sweat as his arms desperately grasped at his shirt. Reial blinked. Where had he gone?

    ¡°Umm, are you all right?¡± Reial asked.

    Before Reial could get an answer out of him, dozens of reptilian shadows crossed overhead, followed by the thunderous cracking of wings. The next moment, he was gone, bolting back towards the plaza where he had left his sister.