When we emerged from the forest, a town laid in front of us. It was fairly modern; houses were made of brick and the shops looked fairly elaborate. Elysia and I headed into the centre of the town. A fountain stood proudly in the middle as it oversaw the bustling business happening below it. The centre of the town was packed and almost overwhelmed me since it had been so long since I'd been surrounded by so many people.
Elysia looked unfazed and tugged at my shirt to indicate us walking towards a slightly more remote atmosphere. To my dismay, after we'd turned the corner, Mya was stood with her arms folded and looked irritated.
"What the hell took you so long!?" Mya angrily shouted.
"There was an incident which required us to stop for a few minutes." Elysia vaguely explained.
"Whatever! You two follow me!" Mya ordered, turned, and marched off in the direction of a glamorous looking shop. It was decorated in gold, and so were the customers actually. It's strange for such a shop to exist in a town for us commoners. Elysia and I followed suit. Just as Mya was about to enter, she stopped and stared daggers at me.
"My dear Elysia, make sure slave Zeke goes nowhere and wait for me here." Mya continued glaring at me.
"Y-Yes Mistress Mya." Elysia replied.
Mya sauntered inside.
"How long does she take?" I asked.
"Usually an hour or so."
"Cool! I'm heading off for a little while to go investigate."
"You can't do that! Mistress Mya will get angry."
"I won't be that long. Feel free to join me if you want."
"For once, I'll stay since I'm in hot water at the moment. Please don't take long."
"I promise Elysia." I rushed off into a random direction.
There were a few things I wanted to do whilst in town. First I wanted to find a magician and see if he could do a couple of things. Examples being releasing my other entity as a familiar and see if he could break curses. Then I wanted to see if anyone recognised me considering it was about 6 years ago that I suspect I lived here. Finally, I want to find clues on my past and discover who my mother was.
After speaking to a few people, it became apparent that magicians weren't as common as I'd originally anticipated. Either that or I'm in the kingdom that focusses on technology rather than mana. Come to think of it, which kingdom am I in? I never asked. When in the military I was in the royal family's kingdom of Astromeno but after that I have no idea.
It was clear I wasn't finding a magician anytime soon, and so I decided to ask around and see if anyone knew who I was. The first person I approached was a slightly wrinkled old lady selling some apples.
"Hello Miss. I was wondering if you knew a boy called Zandaka a few years ago." I tried asking as politely as possible."
"What's your relation to him?" The old lady's face darkened.
"Well you see I am him."
"N-No t-that c-can't be! Guards! Guards!"
"W-Why are you calling the guards!? What did I do?"
"You know what you did monster! Killing Arlene, your own mother, as well as the noble Thomson for no other reason than pleasure."
"H-Hang on! You've got it all wrong!"
"What's the problem Mrs Fumiki?" A huge hand was placed on my shoulder.
Turning my head, I bore witness to an absolute tank of a man. Clad in heavy armour and a military flail strapped to his back, he was truly terrifying for an enemy without a weapon. Unfortunately, I didn't have a weapon, so I was kinda quaking in my boots. His military flail glinted dangerously, the spiked ball on the end of the chain truly was intimidating. However, a weapon like that is impractical.
"Garren, why do you always rush ahead?" A small scrawny man panted, falling to his knees.
"Kidan stop being such a whiner. Someone called for us so we rush. It's not a hard concept." Garren replied.
"Soldiers, this boy has stated that he is Zandaka the 'Merciless Murderer'. Please arrest him." The old lady glared menacingly at me.
"He needs a little ruffing up in my opinion." Garren tossed me, leading me to smash into a pile of bricks.
Damn that hurt! I don't think I've broken anything thankfully but that doesn't solve my problem of having no weapon and no ability to manipulate mana.
"You're helpless before a servant of the Goddess of strength, Chikara. Her beauty and strength is what keeps me so motivated every day to take down scum like you." Garren growled.
"Brother must you always be so heavy-handed?" Kidan sighed, unsheathing his sword shakily; he was clearly new to the guard business.
Slowly, I got back up and assessed the situation. If I could somehow position myself between the two brothers then I could use that huge man's, Garren, weapon to hit into his brother Kidan. Then I steal Kidan's sword and defend myself. However, I won't kill them unless I'm forced to, considering they're just doing their jobs despite being a little bloodthirsty.
Garren started swinging his flail, the spiked ball gaining incredible speed and flung it towards my direction. Narrowly dodging, I rushed towards the middle of the guard brothers. Garren dragged his flail back and started swinging again. Kidan immediately saw what I was attempting and started charging at me.
However, this played perfectly for me. Just as he went to swing his sword, I rolled out the way, and, to Garren's horror, the spiked ball he'd just flung once again embedded itself into his brother's chest. Before Garren could start getting in a rage, I swiped the sword from Kidan, who was dealing with shock and coughing up blood.
Without thinking, Garren ripped his flail out of his brother and started aimlessly swinging with ape-like fury. I couldn't keep evading forever. When Garren looked somewhat out of stamina, I made my move and started charging. The spiked ball did graze my shoulder, but not deeply. I stood within arm's reach and hesitated.
Should I stab him and hope to miss a vital organ? Should I slam the hilt into his stomach and hope it winds him? This hesitation earned me a spiked ball to my shoulder, dislocating it. Luckily it wasn't my sword arm but it hurt so much. It caused me to gasp for air and Garren grabbed me by the throat.
"You made me hurt my brother! If he dies, it will be entirely your fault!" Garren yelled.
"You... shouldn't... use... such an... impractical... weapon." I gasped, smirking accidentally.
Garren started to swing his flail once again. The sword was still in my hand. I could do one of two things now: Stab his chest or cut his arm off and hope he retreats. With all the force I could muster, I sliced upwards, severing his arm. Screaming in excruciating pain and dropping his flail, tears escaped from his eyes.
Gathering my breath, I checked to see who had witnessed anything. The street had become oddly quiet except for Garren's whimpering and the old lady was nowhere to be seen. She was probably getting reinforcements.
"I'm sorry but you attacked me. Your brother will live if you take him to a doctor straight away and you will too as long as you apply pressure to the wound."
"Save your pity! I'll never forgive you for what you've done!" Garren spat at me.
"Like I said I'm sorry." I apologised again and started sprinting off.
I found a cloak in some alleyway and put it on to conceal my identity. I kept the sword as protection. How long do I have? If I were to guess probably half an hour or so. Best to keep on moving.
"Well that was well played Zandaka." A dark figure said suddenly appearing behind me.
"Who are you?" I asked, slightly concerned.
"Meet me in the abandoned district south from here. You'll find some answers and even more questions." With this the figure disappeared as quickly as they appeared. Something about him was familiar.
Since, I had no other leads, I had no choice but to go to abandoned district. Before I did that though, I slammed my shoulder back into place with extreme pain. After about ten minutes, I arrived at the district. It was just rubble left untouched by anyone. It was too quiet. The wind felt stale and not a single resident of the town was nearby.
"Took you long enough. I didn't think I taught a slow poke."
The figure appeared again. They took off their hood and to my surprise Mikel was stood before me.
"M-Mikel!? How the hell did you find me? Also is Mira doing alright? What about Kassandra and Ronan?"
"Slow down there. They're doing fine, including Ronan. However, Ronan seems different to his usual self."
"Do you know what's been going on with me or do you want me to explain?"
"Nah, I'm not here for that. Although, I can guess what's gone on. There's something you need to know. Ronan's story says you betrayed us and sold Kubo. Now before you protest, I know he's talking absolute crap but Mira's slowly believing it which is worrying."
"What reason would there be to lie about me?" I asked confused.
"I have no idea but you can't trust Ronan anymore. I won't tell Mira I've found you since she won't take you getting close with another girl well. Especially her childhood friend."
"Hey! You know it's not like that! Wait how do you know what's been going on?"
"I have my methods. Anyway, any answers relating to your past are other there in the pile of rubble that I'm pointing at."
"That can wait. How do you know what's been going on?"
"Does it matter?"
"It does."
"Let's just say I know most things."
"That's not an answer! Let me guess, you know my past as well?" I snapped sarcastically.
"Yes actually."
"You've known this entire time and didn't tell me!"
"You're not ready for the full truth. Your past expands further than Mira and that other girl."
"Screw you! What could possibly be that shocking!? I know I killed someone already."
"You'll see soon. Anything else you wanted to ask before I disappear again?" Mikel yawned.
"Yes. I need you to do that ritual that summoned Kubo again."
"Interesting. But no. This is only a projection, so I can't do it on you but one of the slaves you know can do it. Anyway, see you later." He paused, "Also try not to die. Awfully hard to regenerate yourself when you're dead."
Before I could protest, he disappeared once more. Something must've happened to Ronan to cause such a misunderstanding. I need to hurry up what I'm doing here and clear up any misunderstandings. There's that and the fact Mikel is hiding details from me. I sighed. Let's just search through that rubble.
For a few minutes, I dug into the rubble with my hands. My shoulder was killing me but I endured the pain in hope of enlightening some of my past. Finally, I found a small chest containing a photograph and a diary. Examining the photo, I saw what I assumed to be me, Mira and my mother. We all looked so happy in that photo. The scar on my lip wasn't visible in the photo so it must've been inflicted later on from the photo.
I opened the diary, but to my dismay, only one page seemed undisturbed and legible. I started reading it:
'Augustus 11th XXX,
Dear Diary,
Today was fun like usual. I went to visit M and E who were working like usual. They had more bruises inflicted on them by that evil owner of theirs. They definitely seemed happy seeing me. I'm glad I can provide some light in some people's darkness. When they had their break, we decided to head to our fort in the forest and played until sundown.
Before they left, I told another one of the fairy tales from a book my mother gave me. They seem to enjoy the stories a lot, especially E. They seemed sad to leave and M actually stayed behind with me for a little while. She told me that she was scared of going back, but she wouldn't tell me what exactly was bothering her.
Before she left, she kissed me on the cheek. I wasn't shocked in the slightest because I am going to be a handsome warrior like in the stories I read so of course girls would like me. Ok maybe I was little embarrassed. M, after all, is so pretty and smart. So is E but something about M makes my heart hurt.
I went home and mother scolded me about being late. She made rabbit stew and it was delicious like usual. Mother is the best cook and the most hard-working. I hope to be like her someday as well as be a strong warrior to protect her. A strange man came by again but mother said he was a customer. Maybe she does fortune telling or something but I won't intrude.
I can't wait to see M and E again tomorrow. They are my very best friends. Maybe I'll show them my mana tricks tomorrow. Anyway goodnight diary.
Augustus 13th XXX,
Dear Diary,
Something bad happened. Really bad. I'm so scared. M was about to be...'
Damn it! The rest was blurred out! I'm so close to the truth of that night! Why is everything preventing me from knowing? Curse this... well curse. I folded the photo and placed it into my pocket. Realising I had spent quite a bit of time reading a page of the diary, I started rushing back to where Elysia and Mya were.
Forcing myself to the shadows to reduce risk of being spotted by the town guard who seemed to be swarming all over the town, I eventually returned. Elysia breathed a sigh of relief.
"You're lucky she's taking longer than usual. What's with the sword and cloak?"
"Stuff happened, I'll explain later."
"Did you find out anything about your past?"
"Not really. I found a photo and a page of a diary but that's it unfortunately."
"I'm sure you'll find out soon."
"Say, do you know any magic? Like how to use it and such?"
"No-one else knows but yes I do."
"Do you know the ritual for activating your faith for a God?"
"Yes, why?"
"When we're in private, I need you to do the ritual on me. I don't know how to actually do it but last time someone did it to me I summoned Kubo. Hopefully the other entity forms from it."
"Other what now? I'll do it as long as you do something for me."
"Yeah sure. What do you want me to do?"
"You'll find out soon."
With this Mya came out from the shop, carrying two bags. She looked at me and noticed my sword and cloak.
"Where did you go whilst I was in there?" She sneered.
"I-I found these in a pile of rubbish whilst going a number one."
Damn that was bad. She's not going to believe that at all."
"Fine. I believe you. Elysia dear, can you take these bags with you and go back home? I wish to speak with Zeke."
"Hang on! I want to ask something." I exclaimed.
"What is it now?"
"Could you give Elysia some new clothes?"
"Why should I?"
"Her dress is full of holes and clearly too small for her. Surely, you can afford to at least get her clothes that fit?"
"Alright. If you bow down to me, I will consider it."
There were so many people around. Bowing indicates being below her. Screw my pride! I've already been branded a slave so technically I am beneath her and Elysia has served them for so many years. She deserves something. I bowed.
"I humbly ask that you get Elysia some new clothes. It's the least she deserves." I gritted my teeth.
"Wow! You actually did it. I wasn't expecting that. Fine! Elysia, take this pouch and get yourself a couple of sets of clothes. Take my bags as well. Once you finished shopping, head back home. Zeke with me."
Elysia looked shocked and mouthed, "Thank you!" Her face brightened and she was genuinely grateful. I, to my dismay, followed Mya back to her carriage. I was ordered to leave the sword on the ground and the driver was ordered to pick up some ingredients so Mya could speak with me. The inside of the carriage was pretty large and once I'd entered with Mya, she locked the doors.
"So Zeke, what is your relationship with my dear Elysia?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about. We just met yesterday. Our conversation this morning was merely to mess with you since we knew you hadn't left." I lied.
"Ok but what about you bowing down for her. You one of those people that bends the knee whenever they see a pretty lady?"
"No. I could tell she's been through tough times and deserves more plus I've been branded a slave, so I have no pride. If it was you though, I wouldn't even have the thought of helping you because you're an evil witch. I'd let you die in a ditch."
"Now that's just not nice Zeke." She pouted, then started inching closer towards me.
"You ever heard of personal space?" I retorted.
"Slaves don't have anything Zeke. You are my personal plaything and you'll do what I ask."
"Like hell I will."
"If you don't then I'll report Elysia for hitting me to my husband, and she'll be subjected to some horrible punishments." She grinned wickedly.
"You have no proof. There's no bruise on you."
"I can fix that. Now I want you to please me Zeke. My husband refuses to do it with me recently due to his prioritisation on his stupid experiments. So now I've decided to make you a plaything."
"Yeah right! Get away from me!"
"It seems like your body isn't listening to your mind."
"That's just a natural reaction. I don't control it. I said no. No means no."
"You don't get a choice in this little Zeke." She whispered.
I didn't want to do this but I guess I'll have to. I punched her square in the face. Blood started to drip out of her nose. Fiddling with the locks, I tried opening them. Mya tried pulling me back, so I elbowed her, causing her to drop to the floor of the carriage. This bloody door isn't opening. Only thing left is to kick it down. I mustered all the strength I could and smashed the door open.
Sprinting into the forest, I realised what I'd just done. Elysia would be in danger when she gets back if Mya gets back first. I'd given Mya the bruise she needed to frame Elysia. Damn it! That sly hag! Maybe it would've been better to submit. No! What am I thinking!? I shouldn't feel guilty for punching her. She deserved it but the consequences are what I'm worried about.
Whilst deep in thought I smashed straight into someone.
"Ow! I'm sorry. Are you alright?" I asked dusting myself off and lending a hand.
"Yeah I'm fine. It was my fault for not paying attention." They replied.
"You finished shopping already Elysia!?" I asked, surprised to see her.
"Zandaka? Why were you running?"
I explained what had happened and Elysia's face darkened. This was my first time seeing her angry.
"How dare she!?" Her slave symbol started sparking. "That little bi-"
"It's fine! I got out before anything happened." I tried calming her.
"Follow me. I want to show you something." Elysia grabbed my hand and started dragging me away, leaving Mya's bags behind but keeping her own bag.