Today I woke up rather late, all to my father annoyance and disappointment. Before I ever had the chance to a proper breakfast he came and told me.
"Aexial, you know you should wake up before the sun is out on the open field"
And like usual he'd be by the door, all worked up and covered in dirt with a sickle in hand and sweat from his forehead dripping all over his face. He was looking at me with squinted brows that looked like someone drew two tick marks on his forehead. Panting because he ran over to our home leaving work behind, all of it just to tell me, that I woke up late.
"I know, I know, wake up before the siren rings, I just didn't get much sleep last night" I told him, trying to find the right excuse for my lazy demeanor. I ended up biting my tongue when I realize that I shouldn't have said that I couldn't sleep much.
He crossed his hands and looked at me with one of his brows raised. I knew right then I was caught.
How stupid of myself! Oh well, I guess I just better get ready for his long lecture again.
"That's because you were in that old man's Grison residence again weren't you" As much as I hate to admit it, my father was 100% correct. I was up all night listening to Old Man's Grison stories again.
"I don't get it with you and that old man with his made-up fairy tales."
"They're interesting stories" I murmured under my breath softly as I took a spoon out of the bland white rice I was having for breakfast.
"As interesting as they are to you, they won't get you anywhere, but fill your head with unnecessary ideas. You need to focus on how to be a proper farmer instead" he berated at me.
I slowly put the spoon back in the clay put, already full even though I had only 3 spoons of it. I was just not in the mood anymore.
"Farming this, farming that, that's all you ever talk about"
"How else would you put food on the table if it's not for that?"
I stared at the rice on the table for a while and I ended up thinking out loud.
"It's not that good anyway"
He came towards the table and slammed his palm on the table almost dropping the bowl. I raised my hand intending to catch it if it falls, but only for it to spill all over the table.
"Well, you deal with it, it's the best we can do. It's still food isn't it." He said and I could feel the anger in his voice. I turned up to see him staring down at me with fuming eyes. "You are not to go listen to that old man anymore, am I clear? "he said.
I gulp in silence as I tighten my hand into a fist. Was he really being serious with me? If so then I wasn't going to give in to his demands. Quite frankly even if I did, I wouldn't keep them, I would make no promises. Even though he was my old man, I just wouldn't give up that easily.
But luckily for me before I could object against him, a hand came unto his shoulder, along with it an ominous presence from behind him. We both knew exactly what it was but we dared not speak its name. just like me my father was sweating heavily, his eyes full of fear and terror.
"For someone who preaches about making good food, you sure do like to waste it don't you?" After she said that my father's eyes immediately darted towards the table which had spilled rice on it. Right then he realized his foolish mistake.
"D-dear?" He said while slowly turning back only to face my mom who was smiling at him. But that smile had no good feelings behind it nor was it friendly and we both sensed that.
"Don't dear, dear me. Clean that up!"
"U-uh I-...."
"NOW!"
"Yes ma'am!" before my father could say anything further my mom had already told him to clean up his mess and she expected him to do his best with out any objection, as with objection came the worst. My father understood that so he immediately straightens up and went to fetch a cloth to clean it up along with the bowl of rice in hand.
Even though my mom saved my ass from dad's annoying lecture I didn't felt like I won, because she was still here smiling ominously. I slowly got up, or you could say I was trying to get up because my legs were weak from the shear terror of facing the wrath of my mom.
"I heard you two" she said softly. Surprised I turned towards her and saw that she was looking at me with worried eyes.
She walked towards me and used her hands to pick up some rice that had got onto to my clothes. I only stood there silently, not wanting to move since I didn't want to upset her. After she was done, she held my cheeks softly and smiled wryly at me.
"You know how he is! He can say mean things sometimes, but I assure you Aexial he only means good for you"
"I-I know that" I said bitterly. "I just want him to understand me for once, that's all. Afterall Old Man's Grison stories are the only interesting entertaining thing that I can ever get in this town"
"Only thing? What about running around in the field? You used to do that all day when you were but a small lad"
I turned away shyly, hesitant to look her in the eye from the embarrassment of her reminding me of when I used to run around the open field, not caring for the crops, my friends in towed, angry farmers behind us. Those were fun days, although I still do spend some time in the field doing other things other than farming. I wasn't that same little kid who'd cause unnecessary problems to other farmers including my old man.
"I only did that when I was small, I'm 15 now I've understood that running around like that only meant trouble for others"
She let out a small giggle and then said to me
"Even so, if you don't do those anymore, you're still the same little wild kid that I've always known you were." She then placed both her hands on my face and slowly turned my head towards her. Her eyes full of worry and care I just couldn't help but smile back at her.
After all it was a son's duty to show their mom our vulnerable side sometimes, since they were probably the first ones who saw it before anyone could. So right then I decided to let my guard down with her.
"You really like those stories, don't you?" I nodded slowly while still having that smile on my face.
"They're wonderful" I confessed to her.
"Hehe, are they now? Well, I am glad to hear that. I can see that they make you happy and you look forward to hearing them every time." I could only nod at her. Mother's do really see through everything when it comes to their kids don't, they?
"Not many people have that pleasure these days, to look forward to something. I am happy to say that my son is not like that. I'm sure your father feels the same but it's harder for him to say it. You're like him that way, both so stubborn to express yourself, that is why I'm here to tell you, that it's ok."
I reached for her hand and held it softly. My mother, to my eyes she hadn't grown that older like my father. She looked much younger and was beautiful as always. People often thought of her as my older sister, I mean who wouldn't? My father would often raise his chest pompously when people tell him how beautiful his wife was only for his confidence to get shattered rather spectacularly when they follow up by saying how did she end up with him the first place. It was in a way intriguing and hilarious.
My parents whose personality were so different from each other, my mother the kind and caring soft spoken one and my father the iron willed strict one. Yet still they found each other and brought me into this world. Love finds its way I guess, doesn't it?
My mother told me that my father was like me when he was young, wild and carefree. That was what caught her eye. But when his father died and he ended up taking responsibility over the farm land he ended up changing.
After I was born, he ended up changing his philosophy all the way. To work hard and diligently for his family is what he would preach. My mother told me once that she had non quarrels with that because it meant being able to put food on the table and because it was for the betterment of his family. Even so, she'd tell me how she misses that younger wild and carefree husband of hers.
"You may not realize this, but the both of you have so much in common, although you have more of what he had. That is a goal to be more than what you already are, as your mother, I only want you two to be who you are" Is what she'd tell me.
All in all, even though my father could be stubbornly strict sometimes, I was grateful. Grateful to have such a kind caring mother, a father who took on his philosophy and did what he believed to be right thing for the best of his family and to work tirelessly to achieve that. I was grateful for both of them.
"I should go now." I told my mom as I walked towards the door with my tools in hand and my handy satchel wrapped around my waist with a belt. I turned towards her and tried my best to give her the best smile I could ever give her. "Thanks mom!"
"Go on now" She said and so I did.
"...."
"You shouldn't pamper him so much you know" Samuel said to his wife as he stood her emerging from the front door after his son left. He heard the two and listened quietly behind the door. Though he hated to admit it, a pinch of guilt had emerged inside him because of what he told Aexial earlier.
"That's why you're here. As his father, your duty is to balanced me out isn't it?" His wife, Miria said as she took the wet cloth handed by her husband and used it to clean the table.
"I won't be here forever, neither will you. So that's why I want him to learn as fast as possible how to be able to live by himself." He said with a gloomy expression.
"Haven't you noticed it? Aexial is already an excellent farmer. He knows his way around everything, and we all agree the rice he harvested last season was way better than yours"
"Oi Oi! I've never heard of that! And what do you mean better than mine, mind you, I make some plenty good crops!"
"No, you don't. Also, you've never heard of it because...." Miria went towards the dishwasher and soaked the cloth in a bucket to clean out the rise. After she was done, she gave it back to her husband and he took it in his hand waiting for her to finish her sentence. "Because you didn't listen. So, for once dear, listen to your son ok? And you'll learn so much about him when you do."
He knew his wife was right like usual. He thought about his son working in the field. He knew the correct method to do everything. Which crops were good to harvest and which were not. When the time was right and in what way to correctly harvest them. He excelled in it; he knew that. He just hadn't said it. Maybe he should.
After all, saying a job well done to your son wouldn't harm would it?
Was he really too hard on him? No! even if he was it was for the best, even his father was the same and just like Samuel, his son would eventually come to the same conclusion like he did.
This world they were living was hard on the ones who did not give much, harder on those who just sat by idly. But easier and fruitful to those who worked hard to earn it. He knew the routine was tiring, to do the same exact thing every day, to not expect much, to only work so much and received only so little. He knew that there were more cons than pros and that is exactly why one must try harder. It is the only way to survive in such a world.
But his wife as always thought differently and she saw right through his thoughts and to prove that she spoke her mind.
"He's just like you. Doesn't matter if I'm talking about the past you, or the you of now. Both of you are stubborn. You barely listen to each other. Yet when you two find an idea, you're hook to it."
He could only chuckle in defeat. His wife, who's so different from him, had seen through everything. And she was right, Aexial was so much like him.
His actions now reminded him of the kid he used to be. So carefree, so wild and a troublemaker. Yet he knew that he was being stubborn too. He thought about it for a while now. Maybe if the two can come to an agreement of equal ground of sorts maybe the problem can be solved.
But what was the problem though? He couldn't say it was his son now was it. He knew how different his son was.
Aexial was smart and a hard worker when it comes to it. He was also quite strong for a kid his age even with his little body with not enough muscles required for the job. Because of that he was worried that maybe farming would be too much for his body, but Aexial quickly throw away his doubts.
He was different too, from all the other kids in town, more different than all the other kids. The town people often spoke of it. They often warned him too, that Aexial curiosity would result in bad things. It was after all one of the elders preaches, to not be curious about what makes the world the way it is but instead be grateful for what already is. He was even more different than he was during his younger days, the flame that Aexial had inside him, was raging more than the one that was snuffed out a long time ago inside him.
Was it the towns people warnings? Was it his father? No! He knew that the reason for him being so hard on his son, was only himself. There was no one else to blame. He was being too protective in his own fatherly way. But Aexial was growing up, he was going to be an adult soon. And maybe that scared Samuel.
The boy once a little lad, who sat on his shoulders as he took him across the field, he's all grown up now and he was scared of it. Yet, he had no other choice to accept it.
"He's a kind child and he got that from you. He looks after his friends and us in his own way. It's something that I'm very proud of. I do not want him to lose that innocence."
Miria took his hand and held it up against her chest. A smile came to her as she looked at him.
"It seems to me like you know what to do now." He nodded at her with a smile and to up his sickle as he walked towards the door. He waved at her before closing the door and spoke "We'll be back before dinner"
As the door closed Miria thought to herself.
"Such troublesome boys" The smile she wore never left her face.
"......"
As usual, the tunnels were crowded. Walking through it without falling or getting scraped against the wall was such a pain in the ass. I could smell the sweat reeking out from the people and it was not amusing.
The temperature wasn't helping either. It was humid and warm and easily made me sweat from my neck down to my waist. It was so unpleasant, yet I was used to it. I walked as fast as I could eager to reach the farm faster and take it that fresh air and basked in that warm yet not to hot sunlight and breathe in that cool wind.
So, I increased my paced and easily manoeuvred between the open gaps in the crowd. The field was still 20 minutes away and it was almost past 7. Knowing that if I don't get there soon, I'd get an earful from father so I became motivated to further increased my pace.
These tunnels were spread all over the city, and certain points there were small open circular spaces where houses were on the walls. The same went for my house and it was like this for all the others except for the elders who had more spaces and bigger rooms. One could think it was unfair but the elders were given these houses from the previous generation saying that it was gift given to them by the gods.
Such bullshit I thought. However, if I said that out loud it would mean I would be sent to the correction zone which certainly sounded unpleasant to me. The correction zone I was told was a horrible place where undiscipline individuals who broke the rules or spoke against the elders were sent.
I was told that people who were sent were subjugated to terrible punishments which often resulted in life threatening wounds and a messed-up figure. Those who committed even more severe crimes were taken away, never to be seen again and their fates were left to one's own speculation.
There was also the fact that you would be marked once you're released with a serial number, which would cause you to be look down upon and often outcast resulting in the individual to repeat certain crimes.
As I was deep in my thoughts, I bumped into something. I hit it rather hard which caused me to stumble on my butt. The hard floor was unforgiving and it sent a shock of pain up through my body.
I turn up to check what I hit and to my horror that something was a someone and that someone was a guard. He was dressed in a white drape with a thin sheet of Armor on it along with a pointed metallic helmet with the symbol of Subterria on it. Subterria's symbol was two black lines drawn in parallel with three ten white lines intersecting them. It was a rough map of Subterria since our city was a labyrinth with 10 levels on it although there was an interesting rumour that there were 11 but that could leave for later since I was currently facing a crisis.
On the shoulder of the guard there were two pigeon feather symbols, this meant that this was no ordinary guard. Since a normal guard would have no feathers, a lieutenant had one so that means he's....
"CAPTAIN" a guard shouted as he rushed to him, suddenly just like that were the centre of attention. I'd often complain that Harvio had little to no entertainment at all to keep one occupied but it seems that saying had come around and bit me in the butt since I was a source of entertainment for the town's people at the moment.
The man rubbed his bruised legs and winced in pain, then he turned towards me with angry eyes and he stood up while picking his sword that had fallen down.
"Oi brat, that hurt!" he said with words that felt like he was spiting poison. "If you don't watch where you're going, you'll hurt someone, now pay up" The angry man said, his eyes were dyed in red and his lips curled into a wicked smile.
I knew it was my fault. He was right I should've watch where I was going and maybe if I did, I wouldn't have ended up in this sad situation that I was in.
However, there was one thing that caught my thought process. So, I spoke to him as I bowed graciously, one could say it was the best bowed anyone has seen in their entire life.
"I apologize sir. I should've paid more attention to where I was walking, but I see no reason to pay to you." Yes there was no reason to do that. These guards were corrupt and vicious and they preyed on the gullible and weak. Everyone knew that, even me so I wasn't going to fall for their sly schemes. There was also the fact that I was broke as hell right now. I only had two silver coins given to me by my father last week and they weren't enough to buy the goods that I wanted so I gladly refused to give in to them.
Was I stingy? Hell yes! Was I gullible? Hell no!
The moment I said that the town's people started talking among themselves.
"Did you hear that?"
"He has guts eh? Not bad kid."
"But that'll be his undoing, see the captain is pissed"
And he was right, the captain in question was pissed as heck. Had I made a mistake in provoking him? Should I have just given in to his absurd demands?
The answer was no. one could clearly see that the only damage was the small bruise he got. A bruise that was a common occurrence if you were living in such a tight space.
"Did I hear that correctly?" One of his henchmen said as he snickered at me. "You do as Captain Jake tells you to and pay up. You hurt him and now you must hold responsibility"
Captain Jake was it? He looked to older than dad, yet unlike dad he wasn't as tall but he did have muscles that were quite intimidating to a scrawny kid like me. He was a brunette, and had a small goatee along with sharp eyes along with a sharp jaw. But he wasn't the best looking, instead he looked more like a thug than a captain.
Also, Captain Jack are you a baby? Did that small bruise really convinced you to bully a small kid?
He slowly came towards me and when he was inches away, he gave me the most intense glare I had ever gotten. But I stood my ground and stared him in the eye.
It was probably the worst idea because I could see a literal vein pop out in his head as he held that intense scowl he wore. He was pissed beyond reason. Without warning he grab a handful of my dark blonde hair and pull it up lifting me from the group.
I was in a world of pain, I felt like the skin on my head would literally come out of my skull causing an unpleasant scenario where they'd have to clean up a bloody mess. Yet I couldn't do anything but bear the pain and scream internally as I tried to grab the big man's arms and make him let go of me. Yet the more I moved the more it hurt so I was conflicted. It now made me regret, because had told me to cut it, I even told her I would, yet just couldn't seem to find the time to. Thinking about it maybe I should've really done something about it. But was there really any point in regretting now.
"How. Dare. You?" he said. He was so close to me that I could even smell what he had this morning.
"Potato" I whispered.
"Huh? What was that punk?"
"You had potato. And it's not the pleasant kind" He understood what I meant and right then he threw a knuckle punch towards my stomach causing a world of pain. It was so bad that I spit out a drop of blood. Was this really all over someone wanting my dad's well-earned money?
Was I really being that stubborn? No, I was right, no one should ever submit to these assholes. It would only inflate their big ego and make them feel more superior and cause more trouble to the others. Someone had to say it right?
I just wish it wasn't me that's all.
He then swung me towards the ground and it felt like I may have broken a rib or two. As I laid there, all bloody and more bruised than he was (obviously), I still thought of myself in the right.
I was stubborn that way, after all, you can blame my dad's genetics that I got from him.
So, I stood back up slowly and gave a rather smug look with a smile. "You still think bullying a scrawny kid over a bruised in front of all these people would put you in the right" the vein he had looked like it was going to come out, but I only smiled more. Two men suddenly appeared in front of me and they stopped the big man from coming any nearer.
We're these the Guardian angels mom often spoke about? Ah no, they weren't. Either way a sense of calm came to me when I realized who they were from the shapes of their backs.
These were men my dad knew; they probably saw commotion I caused and came to check for themselves. Seeing me all mess up they probably couldn't just stand by and watch.
"Mr Reyes, Mr Inuzami" I said, but when I spoke the pain in my stomach intensified which only made me cough up more blood.
"Seems like you got yourself in trouble again didn't you Aexial?" Mr Inuzami, a man who wore a black robe told me. His eyes were different than the rest of us and they were smaller, his hair short and black. He was around my dad's age but he wasn't a farmer he was a trader who was fond of my dad. "As usual" Mr Reyes added, a redhead with brown eyes and an under belly. He was a farmer, like my dad he wore a white piece of cloth as his shirt and a pair of short trousers with a rope used as belt.
"Who the hell do you think you ar-"
"That's enough, I don't know what happened here, but a grown-up man picking on a small boy. Elder Kito will surely love to hear this." The Captain looked a bit shocked when the name Kito was said by Mr Inuzami, but he didn't faze easily. He grinded his words and continued shouting at us.
"So what? This is none of your business!" wow, his ego must truly be bigger than the size of his body. He truly surprised me, even after hearing the name of an elder, he still spoke back. To say his guts were bigger than mine would be an understatement.
"What business Captain Jacob?" A voiced boomed behind him. A man dressed in a white robe made of the finest silk in town with gold rings on his fingers walked towards the captain. He was old yet his white hair was neatly comb to the side, his beard neatly groomed unlike most of the men I saw. His eyes were sharp and they stayed on the captain. It was intimidating to say the least. He exudes an aura of authority and authority he was. The man who approached us was Elder Kito the one Mr Inuzami spoke of. Behind him two men followed. They were dressed and covered in a fine armour with swords dangling from their waist. They were his guards and their equipment's seemed to be ten times better than the average one. This was all a show of status, to show the people of the ones who stood above them and that was Elder Kito himself.
Immediately the captain and the two other guards got down on their knees and bowed before Kito. Elder Kito on the other was only eyeing the captain without a hint of any emotion in his face.
"Lord Kito, what brings you here?" The captain asked nervously.
"Hm, well, I wanted to see what all this commotion was about. Seems like you're causing trouble again."
"N-no it was just a misunderstanding my lord!"
Kito turned towards me with saying anything, his hands behind his back then after a minute he turned back towards the captain and spoke in a rather uncaring tone.
"A misunderstanding is it? Did that misunderstanding of yours cause all those injuries on that boy?"
"N-no sir, he attacked me without warning so I only retaliated."......what now?
Man, the guts of this guy! First, he beats the shit out of me, then goes on to lie about everything. But that didn't matter, I know he'd be caught red handed so I only smirked instead of saying anything in my defence. After all I have witnesses here and there were a bunch of them
"Did you hear that? He said the boy attacked him" Mhm yes go on, go on. Also, can you all speak louder so Elder Kito here can hear you?
"Clearly that wasn't what happened. Wasn't he the one who attacked the boy for not giving him money?"
"Yes, poor boy; look at him he's in bad shape" well thank you for your concern.
Even though the guards were facing away from me I could tell they were sweating a bucket full. Hah, what now Captain Jacob? Are you going to make more lies? Or will you tell the elder the truth. I doubt he'd really confessed but hey, one wouldn't know if they tried right?
For as long as I've known, from the rumours and the way people talked about Elder Kito. I came to learn about how he'd always take the side of his people yet would tolerate misconduct from them or even from the guards.
Elder Kito, the man in charge of Harvio was a strange man. He'd often keep to himself and rarely came out of his chamber, yet would show his presence during trials and was a wise man when it came to solving some of the town's problems. He was respected by the guards and the people. I think this also came from the fact that the previous was an incompetent one according who was greedy and selfish and made a mess of Harvio during his reign.
When elder Kito came to power he ended cleaning his predecessors mess and made different measures that would benefit the town greatly like the reform on crop plantation and harvest.
During the previous Elder's rule, most of the crop and the profit made from it would go to the council of elders. But that was only a front since most of it went to the elder. There was no benefit to the farmers because of this and also if payment was due then the elders would confiscate all of the profit gain from the harvest and the farmer would end up with only an amount enough for the year for his own family. Even so it was not enough. There was no guarantee of a good harvest or that the quality of the crops would be good. So, most of the time the farmer would end up with lesser yield than the one plan beforehand. Take this all with distributing the food among his family members one would definitely end with a shortage of food.
Also, because no profits were gain that means the farmer would be short on money, meaning that essential items like clothes or water was hard to get since these two commodities came in a hefty pricing back then. So, in the words of my father, "He was surely a pig, that bastard wanted to suck us dry."
I could understand my father's hatred towards the man. It was because of the harsh conditions they were placed in that his father ended up working tirelessly and died due to exhaustion. He told me that one day he saw his father standing on the field not moving an inch. When he went to him, he noticed how still he was and was unresponsive to his calls. He had died on the spot.
Mother told me how he changed since then. How much he hated the authorities for it. How much distrust he had for them?
When the elder was removed by the council and Kito replaced him, all the policies were removed and new ones were introduced.
These days a farmer should only give 15% of the food and there was no deadline. The rest 75% he was allowed to do what ever he wanted with it, but he must sell it in the market. The amount wasn't specified. There were also harsh punishments if one was late in paying the council with the yield of crops he harvested. Instead, if one was late, then one must give an extra 0.25% in the next three days, the amount would increase after every three days by 0.25% until it was paid.
The lives of the farmers became better because of this and the town was coming to an age of piece again where security for health and wealth was guaranteed if one worked for it.
My father however, didn't think like the others. Even after the change in government he was hesitant to trust Elder Kito. He believed that there was a greater motive behind the reforms so he would not fall prey to it by working hard and produce a greater and better amount of agricultural yield without any setbacks during the winter season when the sun would not come out for three months.
If you asked me, I wouldn't say that Elder was distrustful, but it didn't mean I trusted him either. Elder Kito was cunning man who should not be underestimated. He only does things in a way that gain the favour of the town folks. There was no one allowed to disobey his orders and he would do anything to achieve his end goals. There were rumours about people being sent away for speaking against him although there was no clear evidence for this it was speculated that he used unjust means to silence others.
Although who was I to speculate? After all I'm only the son of a farmer.
Back to the topic at hand, I didn't expect much from him, but I knew if he was lenient on the captain and decided that he was right then it would only cause unrest among the people. That is why I decided to stay silent and let the people speak for me.
"Master Kito, this boy here is the son of a friend and I know him quite well. He's a good boy and I see no reason for him to attack the captain." Mr Inuzami said.
"Oh, is that so Haruo?" Harou? That was Mr Inuzaki's first name. Was he possibly an acquaintance of Elder Kito. If that is so then Mr Inuzaki seemed like a cool dude who knew a lot of people. I don't think there's many that the Elder would call by their first name. If that was the case then the situation seemed to be more in my favour.
"I TOLD YOU THIS IS NO-" The captain got out and started screaming at Mr Inuzaki only for him to be stopped halfway by Elder Kito who put his hand on his shoulder. Surprised by this he turned around slowly to face a man with an uncaring expression. Knowing his mistake, the captain got back to kneeling and started apologizing. Elder Kito was unfazed and only looked down at the captain like he was a thorn that needed immediate disposal. The air only got heavier as more time went by with the Elder not uttering a word and the Captain who kept on apologizing. The Elder turned around and started walking.
"Captain Jacob, for your misconduct, I hereby relieve you of your rank and now you shall be but a normal guard with the rank of that below a lieutenant" He spoke softly. And just like that Captain Jacob wasn't a Captain anymore.
I thought it was a bit unfair for him, but he brought it unto himself. Karma works in the strangest way doesn't it?
But this all thought me one thing. To be wary of Elder Kito. The way he dismissed the captain so uncaringly only showed me that this man was unforgiving. As expected, the people approved of his decision yet some were saying that it was a bit too much.
Just like that, by displaying a bit of his power he had gain the people's favour and also created a fear inside their hearts that warned them that this is a man whom one should never cross paths with.
I was just grateful that it was over.
Mr Inuzaki reached out to me and help me get back up on my feet.
"Are you ok?" he asked worryingly.
"F-fine"
"Hm, quite a mess here huh Aexial." Mr Reyes said with a laugh. I only stayed silent trying to wipe off the blood on my face.
"You're heading to the farm, aren't you? " I nodded at Mr Reyes question while I eyed around the area. The Guard and his goons seemed to have already left and people got on with their lives since the entertainment was over.
"C'mon I'm heading there too." Mr Reyes offered
"I'll tag along if you don't mind" Mr Inuzaki added. They were worried about my safety, but I wasn't really worried. If Jacob was to do anything more to me, he'd only gain more discontent from the Elder and quite possibly lose his job so I knew he wouldn't do anything that foolish but still I decided to be more wary and watch out for him.
As I walked with the two one thing was stuck on my mind.
Elder Kito, was he really trying to help me? Or did he saw an opportunity to show his authority to the people. I was conflicted, the man was uncaring after all. He didn't hesitate punishing the captain in front of everyone. He shows, no emotions nor was he amused by the situation. In my eyes he was a shrewed and cunning man who was putting up a front but dare I tell this to anyone?
That wasn't the best idea. Yet I knew the kind of man he was .
He simply came, gave his judgement and walked away like it was nothing. There was something more about him something eerie that I just couldn't put my finger on what it really was.
What a dangerous man – I thought.
After walking for a bit while talking about the events that just transpired, we finally reached the farm. Mr Inuzaki went back to attend some business and Mr Reyes went towards his farm.
The open field, was filled with sunlight. Rows of crops were planted all over the fields with fences dividing them equally. It was more like a dome, a big one at that but this is main source of food for everyone in not just the town, but the city. The farmers had domesticated animals like pig, goat, cow and chicken to tend too. But there wasn't a lot to go around so the prices of such were high which was 4 silver coins for a pound of beef, 3 for pork and 10 silver for a whole chicken. So, meat was scares and one could acquire them if they saved enough money. Also, there were special restrictions on them. Only farmers who worked for the council was allowed to raised and take care of said animals since the distribution was fully handled by the council.
There were different crops grown here which included rice, wheat and maize and other food crops. Horticulture crops like fruits and vegetables were grown too. More importance was given to the plantation of rice and wheat during the start of summer when the sun would come out again. Since they needed a temperate temperature and a good amount of water after the seeds have been planted a good amount of water would be distributed by the council and the sun would be hotter around this period. We were allowed to plant any crop we wished as long we included rice and wheat. It was the same for our farm, although we did plant other crops, we gave more care and focus to food crops.
The ceiling was high and on it was filled with a bright white light that spread out like a sheet to the ends of the open field walls. They call this the sun. It would come out for 12 hours and the other 12 hours it would go away leaving behind a smooth black surface. Unlike the ground and the walls, the ceiling wasn't made of earth but instead of another material called "sun shield" or just a shield for short. Upon closer inspection, the ceiling looked like a type of glass but it was black in colour so by common sense, if the sun really was behind it then it be impossible for its light to pass through it right?
It was confusing and hard to tell since it was so far high up, I couldn't tell what it really was. There was also the rain which came down from it.
I knew that water just didn't have the ability to come out of thin air so the concept of rain was mind boggling to me. The more I thought about it the more it didn't make sense.
Yet if one would ask the inspectors of the farm about it, they'd only tell you" It's a gift from the gods. We do not question how they use their omnipotent power and give these gifts to us" So in hindsight it wasn't really recommended to ask such questions since you'd be immediately shut down.
The gods huh?
If they really were the ones who gave these to us and I wish I had the chance to meet them one day so I'd get to question them on their mysterious ways. Also, to ask them on what we as humans really were to them.
I remember Old Man Grison telling me that the true sun was round and it could move across the world. He also told me how the rain came from these white cotton shape like substances called the clouds.
However, there were no clouds here, nor was there any round sun.
Was the old man just full of shit or was he really telling the truth? Honestly the idea of a moving sun and clouds were quite fascinating to me, but they were not as much as intriguing as the idea of bright mall lights called the stars. I'm sure if such things were to exist then they must be a sight to behold.
A cool breeze came passing by refreshing my mind and sent a sense of calm over me. I took in a deep breath and close me eyes as my mind made the picture of a beautiful place filled with stars and just like always, I was lost in it.
An arm came over my shoulder waking me up from my trance instantly which made me almost lose my footing. I turn to my side and saw a kid, with ginger curly hair and freckles all over his face along with a smug grin.
"F-Francis, you scared the shit out of me!"
"Hah! Lost in your day dreams again?" he asked me. He let go of me and crossed his arms while looking at me with one of his brows raise. He stared at me for a while and then gave out a sigh.
"I heard what happened earlier."
"Ah, yes, that, earlier mhm."
Then someone came and gave me a light slap on my head and the person revealed herself in front me. Her hair was short and black yet clean and well kept and she wore a pair of trousers and a white shirt. Her eyes were brown and her lips pink. Though she tended to dress like a boy she was still pretty and lady like. This was Armie and she was showing me a look of disappointment.
She placed her hands on her hips and glared at me. I knew I was in trouble right then.
She simply raised her finger and pointed at the blood on my shirt. I simply gave her a sheepish smile as I tried to laugh it off.
"You got into a fight huh?"
"I wouldn't call it a fight, more like a one-sided beat down." She was silent. After a moment like Francis she gave out a sigh and came to me. Then with out a working she poked my waist which made my body shake in the sudden pain that ran through my body.
"You're in a bad shape." She spoke.
"I-I'm fine."
"Why'd you pick a fight with a captain in the first place?" Francis asked.
"I didn't. I just bumped into him because I wasn't looking."
"He was probably lost in his dream land filled with stars again." Another voice came. A boy dressed in the same farmer's attire who carried a sickle and a small sling bag emerged. His hair was blonde like mine but his was lighter. He had a sharp nose along with blue eyes but his well-structured jawline was more of a compliment to his other facial features and it made him look quite handsome.
George, a boy around my age, who was popular with the ladies was standing with the others. He among the other's were my closest friends.
"Haha, did I? well I don't remember." The three of them eyed me suspiciously and shook their heads in disappointment.
"Well, whatever" Armie said "But you're clearly in no condition to work so sit down somewhere, we'll take care of your chores today."
"No, I-..."
"No buts" Francis interrupted me.
"She's right" George added "Although I expect you to pay me back in a way after this. For now, go clean yourself up and rest"
He came towards me and gave a whole hearted smile. "After, what are friends for right?"
Before I had the chance to say anything the three had already made up and went on their way towards my farm. Admitting defeat, I smiled and watched their backs and they walked. They were talking among themselves and laughing and I'm sure I was the topic of their ever so interesting subject. I didn't give it much thought anymore and instead thanked them silently as I turned around.
"......."
Samuel was in the market, before he left for the farm, he decided to buy some new farming equipment for his son since the ones he had were already starting to show their age.
The market as usual was crowded hot and humid. But he didn't give it much thought even as he continuously tried to wipe the sweat from his fore head.
It was a hassle walking around the crowd towards the black smiths shop yet he pushed on and when he finally reached there, he stops and panted heavily trying to control his breathing from the tiredness.
"Ah, Samuel. What brings you here?" A man spoke. From the shop he emerged covered in greased and wearing a torn apron along with dark goggles.
"Turio, I came to get some new equipment for my son." Samuel answered while trying to regain his composure.
Turio was around his 40s yet he looked more older like he was beyond his 50s. This was because of the wrinkles he had around his face. He also had a small curly moustache. The only thing that was different about Turio were his bulging muscles that. His arms were the size of his legs and look like they could crush a human skull easily like cracking an egg. He had a bunch of scars too and was covered in sweat. This all had to do with the job he had which was smithing.
He was famous to the point were people call him the best smith in Harvio and they were not wrong. The items made by him were always top notched and better than what the other smiths produced. Even with the quality made products that he produced he didn't sell them at a high rate which was the best-selling point about Turio's workshop.
For the same price from another smith, one could come to Turio and buy the same item with better quality including sharpness, hardness and longevity. So, the put it in simple terms Turio's business was booming.
Samuel who knew all of this had became a regular costumer of Turio's like many others. Yet for some strange reason Turio was quite fond of Samuel and the feeling was mutual. After work hours they would meet up for a drink which was behind Miria's back of course because if she knew then the hammer of justice would come down on Samuel and just the thought of it was scary to him.
Turio knew Samuel quite well and was aware of his problems too, since once Samuel was drunk, he'd complain continuously about how his son behaved and how he wanted him to be a good farmer.
Today though they were meeting not as friends but as business partners.
"Hm, true, that would make sense since it's been a while that I gave him those farming tools."
"Yeah, I thought it was about time I got him a new one."
"come in I'll go grab some that I just finished working on." And so, they did. Samuel followed Turio inside the shop and took a seat on the folded chair Turio have him.
"You two got into a fight again didn't you"
"More or less." Samuel said with a gloomy expression. Turio simply nodded indicating that he had understood the whole scenario. Then he went on and took out a bunch of sickle and knives and carried them to Samuel.
"Although not as thick headed as you were when young, he's got a keen for being different don't you think?"
"hehe, you sound like my wife now" Samuel said with a wry smile. "Also, I wasn't that much of an idiot if that is what you're implying."
"Haha who knows?"
So then they continued talking about their lives as they went through the tools searching for the perfect one they could give Aexial. Right when Samuel was about to pick the one that caught his eyes someone came running and called out to them
"TURIO, HAVE YOU SEEN SA-....THERE YOU ARE!" shouted the kid, one of Turio's worker and he was older than Aexial.
"Gren, what is it?" Turio asked. "Did you need something from Samuel."
As Gren tried to catch his breath he turned towards Samuel and gave him a look that told Samuel that something was definitely wrong. Samuel was right.
As he listened more and more of Gren's explanation, the more his fatherly instincts were telling him to get up and search for his son.
/*******/
Hey guys, hooligan here.
There you have it, finally chapter one. I just want to say that it'll take a while for a next chapter to come after this one since i want to give more attention to my other story first but rest assured a new chapter will come. also to answer some of your questions, 'Aexial' is pronounced as 'Aa-tial'. :P
until the next one
ciao
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