In a perpetual expanse of rolling hills, Alessia and Aatazaz were readying for the journey to come by reattaching saddles to Snowball and Thornpest. Aatazaz's lip barely curled upwards into a grin as he watched Alessia struggle in vain to attach a saddle to Snowball. She couldn't seem to get it right no matter how hard she tried. When she got close to attaching one part of the saddle, the opposite part would suddenly snap out of place, like trying to fit a small bedsheet onto a large mattress. Snowball watched her, occasionally trying to nuzzle her for pets, but Alessia was far too focused to notice.
"How do you . . . maybe it should . . .?" muttered Alessia as she grappled with the saddle. After five minutes of getting nowhere, Alessia threw her hands up, finally exasperated with her incompetence. "Why is this so complicated? Whoever made this is a sadist!"
Unable to hold his mirth any longer, Aatazaz chuckled before walking over to help her. As he began to fiddle with the saddle, he motioned her away.
"I'll saddle Snowball. Go wake the boy."
Aatazaz didn't have to tell her twice. She speedily walked around the blackened pit of ash which used to be their fire and crouched down next to the boy. He was lying on his side with his eyes closed, his arms hugged close to his chest underneath the bedroll he slept in. His dark brown hair was in complete disorder. 'Bedhead' would be an understatement. His nose was still bent at an odd angle, his face was still covered in mud, and his complexion was still scarred up. Alessia frowned slightly, almost unable to take her eyes of his scars. The only visible improvement was that his skin had gone from vampire-pale to only slightly pale, a good sign his health was improving. Taking a deep breath to clear her mind, Alessia spoke in the cheeriest voice she could manage.
"Rise and shine!"
He stirred for a moment but didn't wake, his eyes still shut. He quietly groaned and moaned, looking and sounding like he was in pain. He was definitely asleep, but he wasn't sleeping peacefully.
She gently shook him. "Wakey! Wakey!"
The boy jerked in surprise at being shaken and yelped like a wounded dog. His eyes snapped open wide as he desperately kicked himself out of his bedroll and away from Alessia. He stared at her like a wild animal, shaking slightly. Alessia put her hands up in a surrendering motion to try to calm him down and made no sudden movements.
"Hey, its me, relax! I'm Alessia, remember? I'm sorry for shaking you, please don't freak out again."
The boy breathed heavily, his eyes darting around, scanning the surroundings as if he couldn't remember how he had gotten here. Alessia slowly inched forwards, taking baby steps as she extended her hands towards him. The boy flinched, recoiling away from her and falling onto his bottom.
"It's okay," said Alessia soothingly. "You remember us, don't you? We saved you. You're safe now. You don't have to be afraid."
The boy looked back at Alessia, his face twitching nervously. He didn't take her hand, turning away from her and hugging his knees to his chest as he sat on the ground. Alessia took her hand back awkwardly and fiddled with her thumbs for a few seconds, unsure of what to do.
"I'm sorry I had to wake you, but we're leaving in a few minutes."
Without turning to her, the boy mumbled a meek response.
"Okay."
"Alright . . . Don't hesitate to talk to us if you need anything, okay?"
The boy gave the slightest of nods. He still wasn't looking at her, almost as if trying to push her away with his back. Alessia frowned slightly. She reached out her hand, but then stopped. For a few moments, she stared at the boys back with her hand extended. She clenched her hand into a fist before giving up and walking back over to Aatazaz and Snowball.
"How is he?" asked Aatazaz quietly.
Alessia sighed "He acted like I was going to kill him."
"His wounds are fresh and deep. He needs time to heal." Aatazaz murmured with a solemn tone.
"Is there nothing we can do for him?"
"If you want to help him, just be present. His mind is stuck in a storm and he needs a lighthouse to guide him back home. However, only he can choose to follow the light. You can't force him. He'll talk when he is ready." Aatazaz replied calmly.
Alessia sighed again with a disappointed expression, but said nothing to refute him. After a few minutes of silence, Snowball's saddle was put into place and tightened correctly. Alessia and Aatazaz leapt on top of their respective mounts. From on top of Thornpest, Aatazaz called out to the boy.
"We're leaving. Are you ready, boy?"
The boy said nothing, slowly rising to his feet and trudging over to them in silence. He stopped a few feet away from them as his eyes darted between Snowball, who was looking eagerly at the boy, and Thornpest, who looked uninterested. For a few moments, the boy wouldn't take another step towards them, his hands clenched tightly and his face scrunched up in fear.
"Come now, they won't bite."
"Then what are those teeth for?"
"Enemies. You are a friend."
"How do they know the difference?"
"They are more intelligent than you think, boy."
"I just . . . I don't think-, umm . . ."
The boy stuttered and stammered his way through his words, unable to find the right ones in the right order. Aatazaz hopped down from Thornpest and walked over to the boy, who winced at his sudden approach. Aatazaz held out his hand, beckoning the boy forwards. With a hesitant look, the boy tentatively took his hand. Aatazaz patted his shoulder reassuringly. Then, with the boy in hand, he led him slowly over to Snowball. The huge hulking beast loomed over him, looking at the boy with curious eyes. Its muscles almost burst out of its white hide; it had definition that body builders could only dream of. Two pearly white long fangs protruded from its mouth, each one almost as long as the boy was tall. The beast was about eight feet tall, had a thick neck and muscular legs, and looked like every hunter's worst nightmare. Its short, stubby tail whipped excitedly behind it. Snowball began to purr as the boy approached, lowering its head down to the boy's level.
"I know how scary they look, but they are noble beasts. These fangs, claws, and muscles are to protect you." Aatazaz spoke calmly, slowly taking the boy's head towards Snowball's snout. The boy was visibly shaking, completely and utterly terrified. His eyes were tightly shut, and his teeth could be heard clattering. Without Aatazaz, he would have bolted away immediately.
As the boy felt his hand touch Snowball's snout, he was blown away by how soft it felt. It was like the finest silk one could buy, or the smoothest velvet. The sensation was only enhanced by the slight vibrations from Snowball's purr. After a moment, the boy opened his eyes again, finding that Aatazaz had stepped away. The only thing separating this beast and him was a few inches of air.
Snowball's bright yellow eyes stared unflinching at him, but the boy couldn't feel any malice. His instincts were screaming at him to back up, to run, to flee, to do anything but stand there. But he didn't move an inch. Instead, he slowly lifted his other hand and placed his hands on Snowball's muzzle. His fingers brushed against the warm fur and he could hear the beast purring louder. Snowball leaned into his hands, guiding them to where it felt the best. He continued to pet Snowball, and before long, his hands had stopped shaking. After a while, Aatazaz spoke.
"Do you see now, boy? These creatures are noble and loyal. You can trust them with your life."
"I understand."
Aatazaz nodded. "Good. You may ride with Snowball if you feel more comfortable with him."
The boy nodded, walking around to Alessia who held her hand out towards him. He reached out and hesitantly took her hand. With surprisingly little effort, Alessia yanked him upwards, causing him to go airborne for a quick second. Her arms were slender and undefined, but the moment she put strength into them, the boy could see the muscles and veins underneath pop into existence. The boy seated himself half a foot behind Alessia, grabbing onto the sides of the saddle.
Snowball started off with a brisk walk, following Thornpest and Aatazaz. The sudden jolt forwards almost caused the boy to fall off, but he steadied himself. Alessia giggled as she looked back at him; The boy smiled nervously.
"What's so funny?"
"Oh nothing, just hold on tight."
"What? What are you talking about?"
"Just trust me."
Alessia hollered at Aatazaz. "Snowball is warmed up, let's get going."
Aatazaz nodded, speaking something to Thornpest which neither of them could hear. In a moment, Thornpest picked up speed with surprising swiftness considering its size and weight. Not a moment later and Snowball followed suit. The boy was thrown backwards due to his own inertia, his feet barely in the saddle as his body began to rise into the air. He would have gone flying off, but Alessia grabbed his tunic and pulled him back down. She couldn't help but burst into laughter, but the boy wasn't the least bit amused. His eyes were wide as he hugged Snowball, desperate not to fall off.
Soon enough, they were galloping across the plains, the wind whipping through their hair, the sun shining brightly upon them. Snowball and Thornpest raced across the open land like black and white comets, cutting a path for themselves as they went. Alessia was smiling, both at the scenery and the boy clinging to Snowball like some sort of child's toy. For a while, there was nothing but the sound of the wind howling past and Snowball pounding over the grassy plain.\
***
After two hours full gallop, Thornpest and Snowball finally began to slow down. Snowball was panting heavily, obviously exhausted from the run. Thornpest, on the other hand, was completely unphased. From the front, Aatazaz called out to Alessia.
"That's enough for today, Snowball's spirit reserves seem to be running low."
"Okay, let's stop here."
The boy pushed himself up from his prone position of Snowball, his face full of relief. He was looking green for most of the two hour journey
The group slowed to a halt and dismounted their horses. Alessia and Aatazaz easily hopped to the ground, but the boy looked slightly queasy and nervous. He tried to get off slowly, but his legs felt like jelly from the long and speedy ride. His right knee buckled, sending him falling forwards. Luckily, Alessia was there to catch him before he hit the ground.
"Are you alright?"
Alessia looked over at the boy with concern, setting him down on the ground. The boy nodded his head, stumbling a bit as he walked forwards.
"Sorry, my legs feel a bit weak." He said in a soft voice.
Alessia nodded. "Don't worry, that's normal. When I first started training with Snowball, I was so sore I almost couldn't walk. It only gets easier, I swear."
The boy fell to his back, closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. He murmured under his breath and rubbed his hands in the dirt.
"Solid ground . . ."
***
Half an hour later, Aatazaz and Alessia had set up a small fire and three gray tents. A small metal pot filled with some kind of liquid was held over the flames by three sticks. The boy, who was still resting on his back a few feet away, couldn't help but catch a whiff of the contents of the pot.
It was absolutely heavenly.
It smelled like meat broth, but with just a hint of sweetness. There was no particular taste or smell that stood out, but rather it blended together in perfect harmony to create an ambiance of deliciousness. Unconsciously, the boy inhaled deeply. He could feel his stomach growl in response. He raised his head from his resting place, gazing over at the fire. Aatazaz had a small smile while Alessia grinned widely, both had seemingly heard his stomach's protest.
"You're starving, aren't you? Come eat!" Alessia implored.
The boy's eyes, overflowing with doubt, flicked between her and the pot. He spoke hesitantly, almost as if he was confused. ". . . Yeah."
He slowly moved over to them, taking a seat in-between Alessia and Aatazaz. Alessia carefully took the pot from the flames, removed the lid and gave it a stir. The powerful aroma of the broth filled the air and the boy's hunger rose to new heights. His mouth began to water, his stomach cried out, and his hands shook slightly. At the base of his abdomen, he felt as if someone was squeezing it tightly and twisting it in opposite directions. The hunger pangs were horrible to say the least.
Alessia poured the contents of the pot into three separate bowls, passing one to Aatazaz and The boy. The steam rising from the soup caused the boy's eyes to water as they were suddenly hit with the heat of the liquid. As soon as he had taken the bowl in hand, the heat from the stew was already spreading through his hands.
The stew itself had numerous ingredients, but the main ones the boy recognized were beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions. There were most definitely more than that, but he couldn't identify them. All of these ingredients seemed to have been cut up and tossed into the stew, allowing it to cook for a few minutes before serving. It was simple, but without a doubt, delicious. Unable to control himself any longer, the boy brought the bowl to his lips and took a hearty slurp. Alessia was saying something, but he didn't understand her words in time.
As the stew slipped into his mouth, the boy could feel his tongue recoil from the heat instinctually. It burned, but not enough to calm his ravenous hunger. The boy gulped down the rest of the soup with vigor. He felt his throat burn as he continued to swallow, causing him slow down. However, as soon as he slowed his eating down, his stomach would rumble in protest. Fighting through the pain, the boy quickened his pace and his stomach rejoiced as the food began to fill it with warmth.
It was a battle between his hunger and his pain.
Before long , the boy had an empty bowl in his hands, still warm from the stew that had inhabited it. Looking up, the boy came to realize that Alessia and Aatazaz were staring at him. Aatazaz had a raised eyebrow while Alessia looked completely flabbergasted. Sensing he had done something wrong, the boy dropped his gaze to the ground and apologized.
"Sorry, I'm sorry . . ."
"No need to apologize, you've done nothing wrong." Aatazaz said, raising his hand. The boy looked back up at the two of them. Aatazaz continued speaking, his eyebrow still raised. "Boy, that broth was nearly boiling."
The boy could see that they both hadn't even touched their bowl yet.
Alessia still looked mystified. "Doesn't it hurt?"
The boy nodded his head. "It hurt, but not as much as- "
The boy suddenly halted his speech, bringing a hand to his temple as painful memories flashed through his mind like lightning. Instantly, the little sanity he had was incinerated, reduced to ash. Sessair's face appeared in his minds eye, his laughter echoing through the boy's ears like thunder.
The pain of eating hot stew was absolutely nothing compared to these memories. A mountain to a grain of sand. A ocean to a drop of water. A planet to a tennis ball. He had been through hell and back. Nothing, mental or physical, could hurt as bad as what he had gone through.
"Tace et in pace."
Just as the boy was about to scream, he felt a soothing warmth flow through his body, starting at his shoulders and spreading throughout his body. The memories slowly retreated back into his subconscious, alleviating him from their presence. He felt his heart begin to slow, his breathing become regular, and his thoughts became clear once again.
Now aware of his surroundings once more, the boy could see Aatazaz in front of him, grasping both of his shoulders. Alessia was not far behind him, looking worried. As Aatazaz released him, the boy covered his face with his hands and mumbled an apology.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have . . ."
Aatazaz waved his hand, dismissing the boys apologies. "Enough apologies. You needn't be sorry for something out of your control."
Alessia stepped out from behind Aataza, drawing closer to the boy. With a cheerful smile, she tried to encourage the boy. "You don't have to worry, we're here for you."
The boy sat in silence for a few seconds. His expression looked so utterly broken and distraught that Alessia worried if she had said something wrong again. When he spoke again, his voice broke as if he was about to cry
"I don't understand."
Alessia's face fell. "What?"
The boy uncovered his face, revealing the rushing stream of tears rolling down his cheeks.
"Why did you save me? Why are you helping me, taking the time to make extra food for me, casting spells on me, and acting all nice. What did I do to deserve this?"
Alessia stood in silence, dumfounded. The boy continued his rant.
"I'm not smart, strong, or fast. If you think I have some kind of hidden potential, you're wrong. I have no talents, no secret abilities, nothing. I'm a slave. I'm an idiotic, mud-blooded vermin. A burden on everyone I encounter, even you. So why? Why are you helping someone like me?"
Alessia looked horrified, saddened, and shocked all at the same time. Aatazaz remained silent, his arms crossed over his chest and his stoic gaze unchanged. Alessia took a slow step forwards, extending her hand as she spoke.
"I don't care if you're useless, a slave, or anything else. We helped you because it's the right thing to do."
The boy looked confused, but that expression quickly disappeared, replaced by indignation. He stepped backwards, rejecting her hand. His voice grew louder.
"The right thing to do? That's your reason? Bull shit! In this world, it's kill or be killed. Eat or be eaten. Serve or be served! You're lying, aren't you? All those smiles, kind words, and even that stew were all to lull me into a false sense of security. You're just like him!"
Alessia hesitated.
'You know nothing of what it means to struggle'
'Kill or be killed'
'You have no idea what we, the common folk, have to do just to survive!'
'Eat or be eaten'
She looked down at her feet, shaking her head in an attempt to throw away her doubt. "No, we—"
The boy's rage burned in his eyes. "Shut up! Stop talking! You're just like him! You're going to use me for something, just like him! You going to sell me off once we reach a town, or use me as monster bait to catch some creature. You're being all nice so you don't have to chase me down!"
"That's not true! I know you've been through a lot, but the world isn't filled with just monsters and evil people. Not everything is hopeless and dark. Please, let me help you." Alessia pleaded, taking another step forwards.
"Leave me alone!" The boy took another step backwards.
"I won't. It's too dangerous out here for you. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I knowingly let you be eaten by wolves."
"I don't care if I die, at least I wouldn't have to deal with this world anymore!"
Silence. Alessia stared at the boy, unable to find the words to comfort him. Never before had she met anyone who actively wished to die. She extended her hand towards him, but he took another hasty step backwards, like a mouse being cornered by a cat. Suddenly, Aatazaz spoke.
"Do you truly mean that?"
He took his azure axe off his back, staring at the boy with murderous intent. The boy didn't even hesitate.
"If it means I can be free of this world and the endless pain it brings."
"So be it. I'll free you from your suffering." Aatazaz raised his axe to the sky, its azure edge glinting in the midday sun. The boy did not run away from him, closing his eyes and looking at the ground.
"Aatazaz, no!"
"The boy has it worse that I've ever seen, and his soul is broken. I don't understand how, but he is living in none stop pain. This is mercy."
"Wait!"
Aatazaz didn't wait and brought the axe down, intent on beheading the boy, but stopped.
Alessia had bolted in front of the boy at a speed Aatazaz had never seen her exhibit before. She didn't have her sword drawn, that would have taken too long. If Aatazaz had hesitated for a millisecond, he would have divided her in half.
"The world isn't so dark and hopeless as he thinks, once we get to Krin, he'll see!"
"You would have him suffer like this?"
"At least he's here to suffer! Anything is better than nothing at all."
"Alessia…"
Aatazaz was taken aback by her response. Her eyes were filled with the same determination they had when they had felt Sessair's Corruption. She wouldn't back down, even if it meant fighting against Aatazaz.
With a heavy sigh, he put his ax back onto his back. The boy raised his head in utter bewilderment.
"What are you doing? Just let me die!"
Alessia shook her head. "I refuse. I'll show you that life is worth living."
"Why? What could you possibly gain from that?"
"I don't need to gain anything. It's the right thing to do."
The boy opened his mouth, about to call her a liar again, but stopped. She had stood in front of that ax. She had stood in front of death if it meant saving him. The boy's eyes widened.
"Your not lying. You truly only want to help me . . . because its the right thing to do." The boy looked shocked, almost not believing what he was saying.
"Exactly." Alessia smiled, glad that he finally had seen the truth.
"You're an idiot."
"Maybe. But I'd rather be an idealistic idiot than a pessimistic genius." Alessia extended her hand for the thousandth time. The boy stared at her for a while. Her radiant smile made him feel something. Something different than his endless pain. His heart began to beat faster, but not out of terror for once.
When the boy looked at that smile of hers, all of his pain and suffering almost seemed to fade slightly, if only for a moment.
The boy took her extended hand.
***
In a room full of darkness, only voices could be heard.
"I have a report, General Qher'ud."
"Speak."
"Commander Za'kris has gone silent. His last report was three days ago while in the northern hills of Asteron. I sent a few scouts to find him, and they returned with his corpse and a badly beaten human. We interrogated him. Two Zaohin warriors engaged Sessair in an attempt to save his prey. Sessair ultimately lost against one of the Zaohin warriors, a Crimson Lion."
"If Za'kris spoke before his death, or had his mind read, our plans to destabilize Asteron might be compromised. The Zaohin's and the boy must be eliminated. They must not be allowed to reach any nearby settlement and spread word of our plans."
"The closest settlements to them are Krin and Ameidhire. It is also possible that they are heading for the northern border between the Zaohin Clans and Asteron."
"How many agents do we have who can respond quick enough?"
"One commander, one officer, and twelve soldiers are stationed in Krin. Five officers, and twelve soldiers are stationed in Ameidhire. We have no one currently at the border, but we do have a commander in the Felidae jungle near the border."
"Send word to guard the border and alert those in Krin and Ameidhire of the situation. I will take two officers with me where Sessair fell and hunt their trail."
"You would go yourself, General? Surely a squad of commanders would be enough to kill one measly Crimson Lion."
"If the destabilization plan of Asteron is discovered, Baron Scaiq'aids will have me executed. My decision is final. Go and inform the others of my plan."
"Understood, General Qher'ud."