《Rebirth》


 Chapter One: Alive

    ¡°So¡­you¡¯re No. 1?¡±


    The hollow voice echoed ominously as it reached for the far ends of the ocean; however, it was a futile message to the boy standing yards away with his eyes shut. The ocean was endlessly in length and swayed gently as the kicking caps were enlightened by the sun¡ªbecoming shimmering mountains of deceptive gold. The air swirled around the dormant boy¡¯s olive skin as if caressing his body and it played with his unruly chocolate hair like a child. Still, the wind battled with the low clouds that wanted to kiss the ocean¡ªtempted by the deceptive gold, and standing at the horizon was yet another boy. He was bare, just like the sleeping boy, but he stood on the ocean mysteriously. He was deathly pale with a sculptured body, a conflicting comparison, but it suited him wholly, for he lacked a living soul and somehow remained in control over his body.


    He took a step forward, and in response, the sleeping boy¡¯s eyes slowly opened. His eyes adjusted to the unique setting; from the low clouds, to the endless ocean, and finally to the boy that started walking towards him. It all confused him at once, and he questioned why he was bare and why he stood on top of the ocean. He looked to the boy for the answers running around in his mind and wanted to speak, but speech was stripped from him when he opened his mouth. With complete ease, the boy walking towards him raised his hand and gently stroked the air, and strangely enough, it relieved him. All the tension was released from every muscle inside him.


    ¡°This is the only time we can speak like this,¡± the walking boy said to him. ¡°I cannot tell you everything, but I will tell you what you need to know. We¡¯ve been charged with something that isn¡¯t true, and you need to believe me on this if you want to break the cycle.¡±


    The walking boy stopped suddenly, as if time had abruptly stationed him. He smiled faintly, ¡°They¡¯ve even paralyzed my body. I¡¯m glad I¡¯m doing something that they aren¡¯t wishing for. It¡¯s time you awakened, No. 1. We need you to guide us.¡±


    Oddly, the other boy felt a sensation flutter in his chest, and by following it, he stepped towards the paralyzed boy. Almost immediately, his body locked up and his movement froze. His eyes grew large as he started sinking into the ocean. The sudden drop into the ocean took him by surprise, and helplessly he sunk further and further down into the deep sea¡ªthe rays of the sun fading like his vision. Before the darkness could swallow him, the voice of the boy reached his ears and vibrated as he lost consciousness.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave it up to you¡­Cyril.¡±


    <hr>


    Awaken¡­


    Cyril¡¯s eyes shot open as he drifted carelessly below the water¡¯s surface, and instantly, his lungs rapidly filled with water and bubbles creeped out of his mouth. He swiftly lunged his right arm forward and broke the surface, gasping for air when he was able. He floated at the surface to make sure he wasn¡¯t pulled down like before, but everything looked different now. The setting was vastly different, and more realistic. He found himself in a lake bed that surrounded a stone monument on a patch of land in the center of the enclosed room of ancient blocks with murals stretching all over them. He noticed the low glow of the water as it reflected off the ancient walls, which made it seem as if the whole room was a water prison.


    ¡°Where¡­am I?¡± He said, and consciously he covered his lips--surprised he had spoken.


    There was no answer in return, and he couldn¡¯t see the other boy or feel his presence anymore. A moment passed as he got his bearings, but before he could think further, the monument hummed to life as it gave off a pale jade color. He felt himself being pulled towards the monument without his consent, and eventually he was next to it with his bare feet firmly into the rocky land beneath it. He reached out his arm and touched it, relaxed, and felt his body absorb the light around it. It was sucked dry within moments and as the glow entered his body, a single message crossed his mind.


    Defend this world from Corruption¡­


    Cyril looked at his right palm that touched the monument, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Just as Goddess Loraine said¡­right in the flesh¡ªliterally.¡±


    Before Cyril could face the unknown voice, it came quickly and shouted, ¡°Stay where you are! By the Goddess, you¡¯re fully bare! You¡¯d be happy to know Goddess Loraine made clothes just for you. I shall toss them over.¡±


    In the short time the voice spoke, Cyril could tell that the individual was a female. Her voice was smooth, yet commanding and barely young. As she had said, she tossed his clothes next to the monument, and judging from the direction, she was directly behind him. He looked down at the pile silently.


    ¡°Come now, hop to it. Once you¡¯re dressed, we can talk normally. I¡¯m sure¡­this is all confusing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯d be putting it lightly,¡± Cyril responded while crouching down to grab the pile of clothes.


    She turned away and allowed him privacy as he began to put the clothes on, and within a minute or so, he was in his clothes. Cyril turned to the girl while fixing the pale muffler around his neck and adjusting his ash black, buttoned wooly coat that fell past his hips and touched his dark pants. She nodded in approval, and the first thing he noticed about her was her crystal white head that resembled powdered snowflakes. There was a kind pink smile plastered on her peachy face when she walked towards him, but he raised his hand to stop her and said, ¡°Tell me¡­what the hell¡¯s going on here?¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    She kept the smile as her cherry blossom eyes examined him from his unruly hair to his black boots, ¡°Well, you sure do clean up nicely. I wanted to take the friendly approach since we¡¯re basically strangers, but I guess that¡¯s out the window¡­huh?¡±


    Cyril remained silent, holding a stern expression with vexed eyebrows. She sighed, ¡°Right...I should start explaining. I¡¯m here on the behalf of Goddess Loraine. I¡¯m like a messenger and a bodyguard for Her. She sent me here with a mission, and that mission is to guard you with my life and make sure that Corruption doesn¡¯t have their way with the world. You were chosen to lead Her destined champions.¡±


    ¡°Corruption¡­I¡¯ve heard it before when I touched this monument, but¡­why am I doing this for this Goddess of yours?¡± Cyril questioned blankly.


    ¡°She created you from this Lake of Wishes and concealed a portion of the powers of the Old Hero within that monument. I know this is all foreign to you, but I¡¯ll explain it over and over as many times as you¡¯d like, um¡­I guess you don¡¯t have a name, right?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Cyril,¡± he announced.


    ¡°The name of the Old Hero¡­¡± she stared in speculation, matching her gaze with his lunar blue eyes that gleamed lowly like the lakebed. ¡°I believe¡­it¡¯s quite fitting, Cyril.¡±


    ¡°Someone called me by that name earlier,¡± he explained. ¡°I had no idea where I was, who he was, and I had no knowledge about myself.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­news to me. I¡¯ve been the only one here for days now. I came right away as the Goddess ordered me to protect you, and since then, you floated below the surface in a deep sleep. I didn¡¯t ask the specifics of how long you¡¯ve been floating down there, but I assumed ever since she created you. So, I believe the only way someone could have communicated with you was through your dreams, if you dreamed in the first place, I guess.¡±


    ¡°A dream, but¡­it was very real at the same time?¡± Cyril whispered to himself while combing his hand through his hair.


    ¡°Oh, I guess I should introduce myself as well since we¡¯ll be working together from now on. My name is Neclaytia,¡± she smiled brightly while stuffing her slim hands into her caramel buttoned coat that was identical to Cyril¡¯s.


    ¡°How do we get out of here?¡±


    Neclaytia sighed again and placed her hand on her hip, ¡°Not too friendly, I see. I can warp us outside. This place is protected by Goddess Loraine¡¯s blessing, and only certain people can get in and out. Give me your hand.¡±


    He hesitated at first, but gave in and reached out his hand to her solemnly. She smiled faintly and approached him, grabbing his hand gently. The warmth of her hand calmed him, and soon her voice did as well, ¡°Now close your eyes, Cyril.¡±


    He followed her order and was suddenly engulfed in a tempest of crystallized powder that would have knocked him down if she didn¡¯t hold his hand. In time, he opened his eyes and witnessed that his surroundings changed once again. Neclaytia waved her hand to the horizon, ¡°We¡¯re outside now.¡±


    As he gazed at the world before him, he was taken away by the beautiful marigold sunset that took shelter at the horizon¡ªsinking ever so slowly and shining its'' little warmth on the snowy land. Streaks of purple, azure blue, and marigold danced in the sky with far and wide strokes in length. The mountain side they stood on allowed them to gaze out at the snowcapped forest below them and how vastly it reached to the retreating sun. Cyril was speechless as he stared, and Neclaytia was amazed at his behavior, but she simply assumed it was a natural reaction. She released his hand and stepped a little towards the cliff edge in front of them, her furred, leather boots crunching into the snow, ¡°This is the world we will be protecting. The responsibility has been thrown on you and I cannot let you fail because our enemies would wish you do.¡±


    ¡°Corruption is the enemy?¡± Cyril asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she nodded at the horizon.


    She turned on her heels to face him, ¡°Corruption is an organization that opposes Goddess Loraine and Her sisters. They are supernatural beings from the unknown who have come to terrorize our world. However, this war between our Goddess and them has went on for a thousand years. The Old Hero protected us from them, but his power scattered and his life was lost by the hands of the enemy. Now, our Goddess has spent decades putting together the pieces while our enemies are recovering from the wound the Old Hero dealt to them, and here you are. The one who will recover the Old Hero¡¯s power and command new champions by his side like before.¡±


    We¡¯ve been charged with something that isn¡¯t true¡­


    Cyril furrowed his brows, questioning the situation and the meaning behind the boy¡¯s words. How could he believe a stranger that he was supposed to be the replacement for this "Old Hero", and why would he fight for a "Goddess" he didn¡¯t know or the world that doesn¡¯t know him? His thoughts conflicted to the point that he had a mild headache, and Neclaytia grew worried as she watched him struggle with his emotions. The only solution he could grasp for himself was to find his own answers while playing the role of Savior.


    ¡°Can I trust you?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°Of course,¡± she nodded. ¡°I¡¯m a stranger, I know, but I don¡¯t want to deceive you.¡±


    ¡°Then that will do for now. I want answers, so I believe doing this will open my eyes,¡± he said while tucking his chin in the warmth of his muffler. ¡°What will we do now?¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± she smiled. ¡°We¡¯ll make way for Floris. It¡¯s a small town not too far from here. We should arrive right after sunset. We should move before the daemons arrive.¡±


    ¡°Daemons?¡±


    ¡°Creatures of the darkness that feed off the negative energies within people¡¯s hearts. They exist because humans exist, and only those blessed by the Goddess can deal with them. They arrive at nightfall, so it¡¯s best to find a place with a celestial barrier before relaxing and planning our offical move,¡± she explained briefly.


    ¡°Lead the way,¡± he motioned with his hand.


    It was only until she started walking towards the snowy mountain path nearby did he notice the katana resting at her side. It was strange he didn¡¯t notice it before, but the metallic, jet black sheathe of the katana had foreign lime green symbols engraved into its¡¯ side. She touched the thin wrapped hilt of black rope and said, ¡°Stay close. Daemons may not be a problem now, but there are other threats to look out for, Cyril.¡±


    ¡°Noted.¡±

 Chapter Two: Accused

    Every direction seemed like an endless path of crystallized snow as the remnants of the sunset¡¯s rays slipped through the openings between the pine wood trees. Cyril walked patiently behind Neclaytia who was silent ever since they left the mountain side and entered the forest. He was still cautious, of course, but as much as he rejected the idea of being a pawn of someone, he had to follow her lead for the time being. It¡¯s clear she means no harm, but instinctively, he believed there was a deeper connection between himself and her.


    But what is it¡­?


    The thought wavered in his mind as his boots crunched against the ground. Everything was a mystery, and even his own identity was just as mysterious. He sighed as silent as a whisper and stared at his right palm that he held in front of him as he walked. When he did so, there was a vague ripple in his vision, bending from reality into another. It shocked him as he saw his wrist in rusted chains and visualized crimson blood practically caked on his palm. As if that separate reality was a day dream, he blinked and it was gone forever¡ªlost beyond his reach.


    Suddenly, Neclaytia stopped moving forward and surveyed the area coolly, and in response, Cyril abruptly stopped to her unexpected action. Questioning, he mimicked her, but saw nothing out of the ordinary but snow, trees, the receding sunset, and hints of habitation from local animals in sight.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± he asked.


    His words broke her out of her odd trance, ¡°It¡¯s¡­nothing.¡±


    She brushed off the situation quickly and continued walking. Cyril scratched the back of his head and simply piled up more of his confusion more than he should have about her, but in just a split second he heard a distant sound. He stopped and surveyed the land again, but there was nothing; however, that same sound was there in the distance. He closed his eyes and listened closely as he tried to break down the true meaning behind the sound, and suddenly, it became part of reality as it pierced his ears.


    A scream?!


    Without sorting his emotions or even understanding them, his body jolted off down a separate path. It was then that Neclaytia fully turned around and managed to see a sliver of Cyril he dashed down an opposite path, ¡°Cyril?! Where are you going?!¡±


    ¡°Someone¡¯s in danger!¡± he shouted back before sliding underneath an elevated log between two boulders.


    As he spoke the words, he gained control of his body and embraced the adrenaline coursing through him. It was all strange to him; from his movements to the furious burn in his lungs along with the unexcused puff clouds coming out his mouth with each breath, and how his skin accepted the icy air. It was as if he was living inside a shell that wasn¡¯t his own, but his speculation of himself ended when the scream suddenly disappeared. He stopped, panted, and then started up again. He was about to jog over to a tree to his right, but before he could, a shadow jumped on him after shouting, ¡°Get down!¡±


    Cyril watched as the tree next to him was torn away from its initial position, flying above and past his head and the person who saved his life. A rumbling thump came soon after, indicating the tree had found a new position among the many destroyed ones due to its toppling force. The individual on top of him eased up on his body, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Cyril stared up at a boy¡¯s face, jumping his eyes from his sharp chin, shaggy blonde hair, and coolly aquamarine eyes. Despite his pale skin, his grip on Cyril¡¯s wrist was unexpectedly warm and guarding. Cyril furrowed his brows, ¡°What¡ª¡±


    ¡°Cyril!¡±


    The boy and Cyril turned their heads towards Neclaytia charging towards them with her right hand firmly wrapped around her katana¡¯s grip. Before she could come closer, the ground shook underneath them and the two parties were separated by a living beast. Neclaytia slid to a stop, glaring up at the tall, menacing, and odorous figure that held an enormous spiked mace in one of its crimson hands.


    ¡°Wait, Bullock!¡± the boy pleaded, releasing his grip on Cyril to stand and face it.


    The beast stood on its bare feet with charcoal nails that varied in length, and its ripped body pulsating with veins flexed as its horned nostrils flared at the boy that called it by name. It had a human-like face, but it was distorted hideously and the ears of the beast pointed, but chips of its skin were gone from the tips. It was thoroughly disgusted when Cyril noticed its sapphire eyes squint at the boy and suddenly enrage¡ªchaining into a bloody red. Wildly, it screeched and its scream shook the entire forest, making it known that the beast deemed as Bullock was its reigning King. In response, miniature versions of Bullock appeared from behind snow piles along the outside of the pathway and from behind wide trees. Cyril, Neclaytia, and the boy were surrounded within moments by enemies holding spiked maces, clubs, and even bow guns from afar.


    The boy backed down slightly from the odds pressed against them, but he gritted his teeth and said, ¡°I come bearing a question! I don¡¯t wish to fight!¡±


    Bullock looked over his shoulder at the boy and ignored his words, ¡°Human! This is not your forest! Leave or be struck down!¡±


    ¡°Please, answer!¡± the boy urged.


    In a single movement, Bullock clutched his right hand stringently around his spiked mace¡¯s grip and swung behind him, hoping to knock the soul and life out of the boy who stood up to him. However, just as Bullock swung, the boy raised his right hand and intercepted the spiked mace. A maddening gust was created from the swift collision that slightly pushed away everyone in the area except for the two conducting the action.


    Cyril watched in awe as a small light barrier was erected between the boy¡¯s hand and the spiked mace. Bullock¡¯s eyes treaded lightly across the boy as he remained still, pressing his solemn gaze onto the towering beast.


    ¡°Child of Singing Lady¡ªspeak your question and leave us be.¡±


    ¡°What happened to Floris? As ruler of the forest, you would be the most knowledgeable about what happened to the people from the outside.¡± the boy asked.


    ¡°Invasion by one. One that took the lives of soldiers, but left without any reward. Foreign power¡ªbeyond that which Singing Lady could ever bestow upon her human children,¡± the brute answered. ¡°This has been my territory for centuries. That foreign power¡­it could only be identical to those the Singing Lady goes to battle against, and you should know what I speak of, child of Singing Lady.¡±


    ¡°Could it be¡­a Number?¡± the boy said in thought.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Bullock withdrew his weapon from the boy¡¯s space and returned it closely to his side. Neclaytia found this moment to maneuver around the beast and rush to Cyril. Cyril stood up and brushed himself off, and right after, Bullock stared down at them and said in a booming voice, ¡°Now, leave us, children of Singing Lady.¡±


    Upon his words, the miniature versions of Bullock retreated into the unknown, and Bullock himself slowly disappeared into the darkening shades of the forest that was lost to the rays of the dying sunset. Once all was still, Neclaytia grabbed Cyril¡¯s arm, ¡°What were you thinking?! You could have been killed!¡±


    Cyril was absorbed by her strict gaze, and as much as he¡¯d like to give a rebuttable answer, nothing came to mind. He acted on emotion, which was alien to him, but natural to his body. He could only nod in agreement, and she sighed irritatingly at his blank expression and said, ¡°Don¡¯t run off like that. You nearly gave me a heart attack.¡±


    ¡°I feel like I may have had a hand in it. He may have heard the commotion from afar and came to my aid.¡±


    Neclaytia and Cyril faced the shaggy haired boy, wondering about his unknown identity. It was Neclaytia who continued the conversation, ¡°You¡¯ve been blessed by Goddess Loraine. That was a protection art you used earlier against that beast. A very potent one I must say, no matter how small it was. Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Oh, where are my manners,¡± the boy bowed respectfully. ¡°My name is Aldrin. You can call me ¡®Al¡¯ for short. You are right about me being blessed by our Goddess Loraine. I am a Celestial.¡±


    ¡°Celestial?¡± Cyril stared.


    ¡°They are the people who oversee maintaining celestial barriers around towns, cities, and checkpoints when nightfall comes. A very important job,¡± Neclaytia briefly explained. ¡°Judging from what I saw, there is still negotiation between Gromwells on this side of the world. I thought they¡¯d be more aggressive to our kind.¡±


    Aldrin laughed at her remark about their aggression, ¡°Well, it¡¯s still true more or less, but there¡¯s an understanding between us and them here. They may be of a different race and culture, but we respect our territories and understand our limits. I believe that¡¯s what keeps the peace.¡±


    ¡°Then what was that all about? You mentioned Floris¡ª¡± Neclaytia wondered.


    ¡°As much as I¡¯d like to discuss the situation, I don¡¯t believe it would be wise to release information to strangers. You must understand,¡± Aldrin announced, and with his announcement, he grew suspicious of the two. ¡°Tell me, what are you two doing so far into Gromwell territory?¡±


    Neclaytia responded swiftly, ¡°We¡¯re foreign travelers. We come from a distant continent to the east of Lariat.¡±


    ¡°Foreigners, huh?¡± Aldrin speculated, darting between their eyes. ¡°You certainly don¡¯t have the eyes of Lariat¡¯s people. That much I can fully trust.¡±


    Neclaytia was silent, but Cyril asked, ¡°Can you take us to Floris?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can take you,¡± Aldrin nodded. ¡°However, I¡¯d only stay for the night. It isn¡¯t as safe as it used to be now.¡±


    ¡°Of course. We will be on our way once we¡¯ve rested from our travels for a spell. Thanks,¡± Cyril continued, reassuring Neclaytia that he will continue with the lie, but it also made him wonder why she would even hide their true goal and who they really were.


    ¡°Excellent,¡± Aldrin smiled faintly. ¡°Then follow me.¡±


    When he turned away from the couple, Neclaytia yanked Cyril¡¯s coat sleeve and pressed herself against him¡ªclose enough to whisper in his ear, ¡°I will explain everything later. Trust me.¡±


    They both held eye-contact for a while, but she soon pulled away and walked after Aldrin. Cyril leaned his head at Neclaytia¡¯s figure in question, but decided to let go of the heavy thinking and just follow orders. After all, she was planning to protect him back when Bullock was on a rampage, so he felt like he could trust her more.


    Alright, I¡¯ll trust you.


    <hr>


    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived,¡± Aldrin announced to Cyril and Neclaytia. ¡°Just in time too. The sunset has nearly disappeared.¡±


    Cyril walked to the side of Aldrin to get a better look of the wide and towering wooden gate that was the entrance to the town called Floris. Beside the gate and stretching into the darkness of the forest was a fortified wall of stone. There wasn¡¯t much to see, of course, but Cyril was still intrigued¡ªnot by the entrance, but by the utter silence despite there being a town in front of him. He looked over at Aldrin, who had a startled expression on his face. He was going to question it, but Neclaytia grabbed his shoulder while saying, ¡°We¡¯re not alone.¡±


    ¡°Surround them!¡±


    The party watched as men clad in silver armor and armed with sharpened longswords appeared from the darkness of the forest outside the path, and quickly they filled the path and blocked every direction¡ªleaving their backs to the gate. Cyril looked at Aldrin for assistance with the situation, but the boy was utterly shocked. Neclaytia drew her katana in a swift manner, letting her silver blade gleam momentarily before attending a proper stance with her right foot forward and her left foot slightly behind¡ªpositioning her blade strongly in front with focused eyes.


    The soldiers around them rustled in their armor, adjusting every now and then with their stances, but the battle that would have took place was stopped due to the voice of a man coming down the path, ¡°Hold!¡±


    Aldrin immediately realized who the voice belonged to, ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this, Dogma?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve found you, Aldrin,¡± the man said while coming into the small opening in front of the gate that showered a dying light above them. ¡°You saved me the trouble of hunting you down. Although, it¡¯s pretty idiotic to come back to the same place you committed a crime.¡±


    ¡°What crime do you speak of? I¡¯ve done nothing!¡± Aldrin denied.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to fool me, Celestial! I saw you that night. You let down the barrier and allowed not only a wild killer inside the town, but also remnants of daemons my men had to take care of. You were the cause of the incident and have been deemed as an accomplice of the intruder who murdered the soldiers of this town in cold blood.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡ª¡± Aldrin stepped forward.


    ¡°Stay where you are,¡± Neclaytia swung her blade at his neck and slyly she stopped the long blade before his neck. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this? Don¡¯t get us roped into your problems.¡±


    Aldrin¡¯s heart dropped as he looked at her fierce eyes, and for a moment, a glimpse of sympathy crossed his eyes. She considered his sudden expression and was about to pull away her katana, but Dogma, the burly umber man who commanded the band of soldiers in a full suit of armor spoke out, ¡°You two will be pulled in for questioning. I expect clear answers or you shall receive punishment just like this murderer. Resist, and you will be killed here and now.¡±


    Cyril grabbed Neclaytia¡¯s sword arm to get her attention, and when she looked up at him, he shook his head to warn her of the consequences. She furrowed her brows at him and clicked her teeth before dropping her katana on the ground. Aldrin looked at Cyril to gaze at his expressionless face and wondered what was going through his mind.


    Dogma pointed at them, ¡°Tie them up and throw them in separate cells, men.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the soldiers responded.


    Aldrin looked at the ground, ¡°I apologize. It seems I¡¯ve gotten you into something I can¡¯t control.¡±


    Neclaytia refused to speak. She turned her head away as a nearby soldier roughly grabbed her arm, ¡°C¡¯mon! Move it!¡±


    He pushed her forward and she stumbled a little, but maintain her composure as she made way for the gate. Cyril and Aldrin got the same treatment. As they stood before the gate separately, Cyril could see the fear that took over Aldrin¡¯s face, and as time passed, it got worse. The soldier standing behind him held him firmly by the back of his black furred coat that covered his body and fell to the forest floor. The boy who had seemed so calm earlier was struck with fear and it changed Cyril in a way¡ªemotionally.


    Cyril smiled instinctively and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know you didn¡¯t do it.¡±


    Aldrin stared at Cyril in surprise, and as much as Neclaytia wanted to, she couldn¡¯t in her current position, but his words ringed in her ears. The soldier behind Cyril barked, ¡°Keep your mouth shut!¡±


    Cyril looked over his shoulder, but suddenly everything faded for him. The soldier had hit him with the butt of his longsword in the face, and the boy immediately fell to the ground. Neclaytia¡¯s body tensed up as she dared herself to look back and go to his rescue, but the soldier behind her restrained her carefully and tested her stupidity by holding his longsword at her throat. She swallowed hard and gritted her teeth, glaring in irritation at the gate. Cyril rubbed his left cheek and jawline before spitting out blood.


    Dogma approached him while he was kneeled down, ¡°Disobedient? I can fix that.¡±


    Cyril looked up at the man, his vision shifting from reality to a much foggier one, and in a single movement, Dogma raised his booted foot and slammed it into Cyril¡¯s face. The force of the kick knocked him up against the stone wall of the town and almost instantly, he blacked out. Dogma scoffed, ¡°Weak.¡±


    He then faced the gate and yelled, ¡°Open the gate!¡±


    Aldrin bit his lip, running around in his thoughts to escape his predicament, and to escape the sacrifice Cyril made to reassure him.


    This is all my fault¡­

 Chapter Three: Outside

    ¡°Puzzles again?¡±


    The low humming of the room filled with unnatural tubes that oozed chilling cuffs of air was occupied by two individuals. One of them, a man in a thick burgundy coat, khaki pants, and leather snow boots ignored the question thrown at him and continued to sit with scattered puzzle pieces on the desk in front of him. He was diligent when it came to puzzles because he just had a knack for fixing problems that seemed unsolvable, but it merely only needed time, effort, and patience. He made himself focus and block out any external disturbances¡ªmoving one of the blank pieces close to the other to test the theory of them being connectable mates, but the other person within the room placed her hand over his to stop him. He couldn¡¯t avoid her this time, so he looked up at the woman and peered into her abysmal black eyes, feeling himself being pulled deeper into the unknown bowels of her personality.


    ¡°Even though we¡¯ve known each other for years, nothing has changed with you. It seems as if everything stopped in time¡­ever since we left that place,¡± she said cautiously.


    ¡°What about yourself?¡± he pinned the question on her with a glare. ¡°You haven¡¯t changed either.¡±


    They both remained silent for a while, but eventually, the woman broke the silence and said, ¡°I have changed. I¡¯m not the same person you met within the Bridge. I have a feeling you aren¡¯t pleased with that either.¡±


    He scoffed, and pulled his hand away from hers in disgust, ¡°Don¡¯t even bring it up. What do you want, Yana?¡±


    Her eyes remained as an abysmal hole when he conducted his action. Still, her body was tense, but soon she relaxed herself with a cool sigh and pulled her straightened, dark hair behind her pierced right ear with a dangling golden hoop, ¡°He has shown signs of waking up.¡±


    The man shot up in shock, nearly stumbling towards the door due to her words. Yana was about to inform him further, but she held back her words and followed the man out of the room quietly. She walked lightly despite the snapping claps of her silhouette boots hitting the glassy hallway floor outside the room. As she walked, she trailed her hand through the glass on her left side while staring through it at the many prison cell styled rooms housing many unnatural, mechanical tubes. There were multiple floors leading up despite what was in front of her and it reached as high as thirty floors¡ªmore than enough to benefit a good-sized town or city. It was a foreign place because of the advanced technology that surrounded them everywhere they went, but it was also familiar because in her gut, this place was of significance to her and the man.


    She noticed the man had entered the King Chamber¡ªthe room at the bottom floor that was the largest in comparison to the others on the other floors, and within was a budded contraption that resembled a dormant flower. She was on the second floor, so without any disruptions, she made her way down the nearby staircase and arrived at the automatic moving doors of the King Chamber. Inside, the man was at the front of the budded machine at the center of the naked white room. The machine hung down from the ceiling with myriad wires of varying sizes crawling into it.


    Yana moved closer to him, ¡°Now that you¡¯re here. Let me discuss the other part.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m listening. What¡¯s his condition? You know I don¡¯t know how to work this stuff,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Very well,¡± she nodded to his back and hurried over to his side¡ªtouching the surface of the budded flower imitation, and in response a hologram of information popped up in front of them.


    While she analyzed the information, the man pulled out a silver liquor canister from within his coat and said to the machine, ¡°How long has it been? Five years? Hell, if we even got the time and date right to begin with. Still, if it¡¯s right, then what he said was all planned from the beginning.¡±


    ¡°Still, it doesn¡¯t change the fact that we¡¯ve been alone here for quite some time,¡± Yana mentioned. ¡°It¡¯s a shame we were the only ones to awake that day.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± he nodded slowly, unscrewing the lid of his canister and raising it up proudly. ¡°Well, a toast to some damn progress for once. If we can wake up someone else, we may be able to do the same for the others and find a way about of here.¡±


    He heaved down some of the liquor in a single gulp, but it had a bitter aftertaste and effect on him once he stopped himself. He smiled whimsically, ¡°Have you ever thought about why we don¡¯t get hungry, tired, or any other of that human bullshit? I think whoever put us in these things did something to us and locked us away. There¡¯s something big going on, Yana, and you know it!¡±


    She faced him with a solemn expression, ¡°We¡¯ve been over this. Speculations isn¡¯t good enough for our situation. We need concrete proof and a solution. If we don¡¯t know, someone else will.¡±


    Swiftly, he reached out and grabbed her arm roughly, ¡°What if that person doesn¡¯t have the answer either, huh?!¡±


    After all the years, the man saw something in Yana¡¯s eyes that resembled who she was before when he shouted at her¡ªsomeone he trusted and knew like he knew the boy within the budded machine; however, what he saw wasn¡¯t just what he sought inside her, but it was something he never wanted to see again. Fear sat still within her bottomless eyes and the arm he clenched frantically throbbed. He released her, but it was too late to stop what was pouring out of her. Streams of tears rolled down her high cheeks from her bronze irises as she replied to him, ¡°You got a better damn idea?! I¡­I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m doing, or even why I¡¯m here! Yana isn¡¯t even my real name!¡±If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    She held herself, clutching the arms of her white furred jacket, ¡°No one is going to help us. We must do something ourselves, and this is the only step we can take. You can wallow in despair if you want, but I¡¯m not laying down and writing off my future because the answers are out of reach!¡±


    The man dropped his shoulders and stared at her, releasing his guard and losing the attitude he had about Yana, ¡°I apologize. I¡­There¡¯s been a lot on my mind ever since we woke up.¡±


    She wiped away her tears, trying to put herself back together. In time, she did, and when she was ready to speak, she looked over at the hologram information, ¡°When I told you that he was waking up, I didn¡¯t mean it as in now. Something has triggered within his brain, which is the connection with Bridge. I don¡¯t know what it is, but it almost seemed¡­planned. As you know, there¡¯s an inevitable loop within Bridge¡ªthe virtual dreamland created by all the brains of those sleeping in these cocoons. The world is similar, but the people take a different path in life, almost like a reincarnation at the end of it all. A never-ending scenario¡­one we personally attended until that boy broke us out.¡±


    ¡°That boy¡­his name¡ª¡±


    ¡°Reno?¡± she looked at him. ¡°Do you remember the name he gave us?¡±


    ¡°No, but his face was so familiar,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Like an old friend¡¯s.¡±


    Yana looked at the machine in front of them and touched it, feeling the cold metal press against her palm, ¡°I hope we can remember you.¡±


    <hr>


    Cyril found himself within a jail cell when he finally awoke. The constant patting of droplets from above slapped his face, which was the cause of him coming back to the land of the living. He combed through his messy hair, and by doing so, he noticed he was chained up at his wrists and had shackles around his ankles. He was perplexed, but all the memories came crashing back into his mind when a little time passed. He had a mild headache as well, but it didn¡¯t stop him from standing up and making his way over to the enclosing bars. He grabbed the rusty metal bars and tried to peer around the area, but everywhere was pitch black or dimly lit to even make out anything. Luckily, the moonlight came in from the barred window in the corner of his cell room, so he wouldn¡¯t have to sit in absolute darkness.


    ¡°Some Hero I¡¯m supposed to be,¡± he said to himself.


    It was only when he spoke that he felt parts of his face throb¡ªlike his jaw, cheek, and forehead. For the first time, he scoffed at the wounds inflicted on him and imagined himself getting revenge in some way, but honestly, he had no idea how. Even if he wanted to, he didn¡¯t have the power to stand up to them. As he thought more about it, it made him wonder why he is even a Hero in the first place, and why was he powerless. Why should he hide his identity and why are people against him if he¡¯s here for the greater good? Questions of similar basis swarmed his mind, but his thought process was broken when a voice called out to him in the darkness.


    ¡°Are you awake now, Cyril?¡±


    He immediately knew the voice, ¡°Neclaytia? Are you okay?¡±


    He heard from the cell across from him, but there was no light within the room to see her, but he could hear her breathing deeply and strangely enough, he could sense her presence as she sat on the ground. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she replied. ¡°How are you holding up?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll live,¡± he said slowly. ¡°Neclaytia, I¡¯m confused¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s natural to be. Even I am confused on some things. Believe it or not, this is my first time in Lariat¡ªthis continent that is in peril and is being secretly abused by Corruption, but my only proof of that are the words of Goddess Loraine. I have devoted myself to her for countless years as a simple human that was honed and tempered by the willpower of supernatural lords that rule above with an iron fist. I only knew about them the first time I drew breath and nothing about a normal human life or how they interacted.¡±


    Cyril listened intently, soon sitting back down on the ground to relax his tensions and be lured by the voice in the darkness. He felt her move again, this time a little closer to the bars that blocked her escape, ¡°As I watched over you, I wondered if I could learn any answers about my point in life, and if I even had the right of having one. This world that has people who forsaken Goddess Loraine and build animosity is in danger because of that negative emotion. The powers from above cannot conduct emotions they are foreign to, for they are holy beings who only embrace positivity. They will expel all evil to purify their world, even if you and I are contaminated by such emotions. If it cannot change, then a Rebirth will occur.¡±


    ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Because this world is beyond saving. So, as the acclaimed Hero, you would need to know what your fate is unless you plan to change that. Just like the role was thrown onto you, the same has happened to me. I believe we are more alike than you think.¡±


    ¡°I have no power. I can¡¯t defend myself like you,¡± he said bluntly. ¡°I am no Hero.¡±


    ¡°You do have power and I couldn¡¯t really defend myself. I refuse to let you die on me,¡± she confirmed. ¡°People with strange gifts like you are capable of many things. You only need to embrace it and open your mind. Don¡¯t feed on the power, but let it guide you. I have no such gifts even when I¡¯ve served our Goddess. I¡¯m only human, so that¡¯s the only advice I can offer you, Cyril. Don¡¯t focus on being a Hero. Just do what you feel is right.¡±


    He watched the darkness in front of him, and in return, she watched him as the moonlight cascaded over his body, ¡°You know, you may actually have dreams after all.¡±


    ¡°Dreams? Why do you say that?¡±


    ¡°You spoke when you were sleeping,¡± she informed.


    Cyril was generally surprised, ¡°I was¡­talking?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she nodded, continuing with a worried tone. ¡°You said, ¡®I promise to remember all of you.¡¯ Do you have idea what you were talking about?¡±


    Clueless, he shook his head, but deep down, something tugged at his heart and he had trouble breathing. The pounding of his heart thumped against his chest and the blood pumping in his body bubbled fervently. It was as if his body knew, but he himself wasn¡¯t aware at all. It bothered him irritatingly by how strange everything was to him¡ªfrom his emotions to the reactions of his body, but his mind couldn¡¯t keep up with the natural actions, or it simply wished to bury it.


    Cyril was going to respond, but his lips trembled terribly when he tried to open his mouth and his body shivered as a drift somehow licked his neck. It was only until he looked through the barred window and at the moon surrounded by clouds did the tears coming from his eyes became acknowledged by him. Slowly, he lost control of himself again, and they continued to pour out, but he didn¡¯t stop them. There was something he was missing or broken, and he could only assume that it was his own soul.