Year 2030
Everyone is preoccupied with their own affairs. They are all engrossed with their various tasks. An enormous tower, similar to a skyscraper, can be seen from here, but not from afar.
That's what you call S.C. tower implies a 'step closer'. This tower has the view of the entire land and the most mystical place in our land of Stteiparia.
Stteiparia, pronounced steparya, is a land where the non - living creatures or magical one rather live in harmony. Everyone gathers every now and then as if there is no tomorrow. Technically, there is no tomorrow in our land. There is no such thing as night, moon, or stars here. We only have one day in this place.
In contrast to the human world, which is Earth, they have day and night. What matters to us in Stteiparia is that we exist. We don't keep track of days. We're just trying to make the most of the time we have.
If you're wondering, Stteiparia is a different dimension. A different world. Things that are yet unseen do exist in our realm. fairies, giants, elves, deities and most importantly cupids.
Humans may have heard of us from the textbooks, stories, and other legends they have passed for ages and yet they thought it were just out of imagination but it is actually true.
After all, long ago, all worlds were collided as one. There were no barriers and no limitations at all. Everyone was living their life the way they wished too. Not until one day.
That day where freedom had turn into a catastrophe. Those who possessed the power of darkness were created to balance and given the role of giving a purpose to a life but instead had gathered to defeat those who are weaker than them and soon, this had turned into a war. The war of the worlds.
The deity of darkness, Erebus, who was leading the war, had become greedier and desired to possessed the power of passing through the past, present and the future so he did what he did and fought against the deities protecting the World of Time.
However, the fight did not quite end well. Those who were protecting the World of Time were not powerful enough to defend themselves. And even if they saw such occurrences coming, still, it was beyond their control for they were outnumbered. A heavy decision was made by the deity of time and space, King Chronos. He decided to destroy the world himself because he believed that it was the best option he could do to save the other worlds. And later on, had caused that world to relinquish, forever.
Because of that war, the strongest of them all, the Almighty who have created the different worlds have decided to separate it from one another. It was the only way He could think of, to put an end to that never - ending war.
World of Death, and those who were a part of that war since then, had been punished and were living on the underworld. The last thing I have heard from them is that, they never stop to find a way to once again overcome the worlds. And since then, most of everyone had described them as greedy and vicious terrifying monsters.
I closed the book I was reading about the legend of the different worlds and shoved it inside my bag. I stared at my reflection in the window of the train.
My ginger wavy hair that is neck length is swirling around my face. Some of it flew in my mouth which was quite disgusting and not pleasing.
I took out an hair band from the pocket of my bag to fix it and tie the half - part of my hair leaving only my bangs in the front.
Being presentable in your first day of work is a must after all. As I was fixing my hair, the train horn produced a very loud sound meaning that we were about to reach our destination.
After a moments later, the train stopped. I was to enthusiast that I hurriedly stood up from where I was sitting and bumping to strangers.
"Oopsie-daisy!"The words came out from my mouth in it's own.
"Careful young lady."The fellow citizen warned in a delightful way.
I bowed my head and smiled. "My apologies monsieur."
He just simply nodded in return. Acknowledging my apology.
I turned my back and head towards the door of the train. And the moment I stepped out of it, the excitement I am feeling was too overflowing that I couldn't help but screamed on top of my lungs as well as raise my hands in the air.
It took me a moment before I realized and noticed the stares the people had given me. The excitement I was feeling then suddenly changed into an embarrassment.
I'm now close to the S.C. tower. I look up to have a better look at the scenery. I had no idea it would be this huge. I never expected this place to be so lovely. I only see it from afar, and I can't believe I'm almost standing right in front of it.
Just as I was drawn in my own mind, my thoughts were cut off when someone bumped into me. It had too much impact that I ended up landing on the floor.
I raised my head to glance at the person who bump into me but the one who is at fault was gone within just a second I guess?
Strange isn't it?
I manage to stand up and shake of the dirt on my clothes. Just right then, a loud sound caught my attention. It was coming from the S.C. tower. It only means one thing, the work hour is about to start and literally I'm gonna be late.
I tried to glance at the direction where the person may have gone too, trying to look for some traces for one last time but there was none. It was like, whatever or whoever it was, it disappeared in an instant and turn into an air.
I rushed towards the main door of this tower. I let out a brief sigh before finally stepping a foot inside. I can't believe I am finally here! My dreams are finally coming true.
I travelled my eyes everywhere as I entered inside. Many of workers here are busy. Some of them are running around in a rush. As you can see, each one of us is wearing a specific color. To be more exact we have this color coding thing and it's one of the rules when you are living in Stteiparia. It's like a level for us Stteiparians.(Stteiparian is what you call the people living in Stteiparia.)
Elders are usually wearing a shade of white clothes. The elders are the most well-experienced. White for them symbolizes purity and knowledge.
Second is red. Any Stteiparian that you see wearing red is from high ranking. This means being tough and fierce. There are actually in the second level and they are the most busy ones. They are the ones who does the hard stuffs and works.
At last, my level. The last level or should I say, the starting level, which is pink. We are the ones who will be running errands. Our work is not that hard nor easy and I still have no idea what exactly I'm gonna do in my level.
"Hylia..."Someone called out my name.
You heard it right. My name is Hylia. My name which is pronounce as Hay-liya was founded from my father's name Harus and my mother's name Thalia. I'm 13 years old in our world. Two young for work isn't it? But since time runs differently here compared to the world, I'd say that I am way more older than you see.
To be more exact, my age would be around 18 if I was in the human world.
I searched and looked for the person who was calling me and there I saw a mid-30's guy. He is quite tall maybe around 5'11. His eyes that is of hazel color is standing out for it matches well with his blonde undercut hairstyle.
He is wearing a red long sleeves matching with a darker shade red pants. That only meant he is from the second level.
I bowed my head to greet the person in front of me with a respect.
"It is you right?"The guy asked.
"Yes, my name is Hylia."I answered in a polite way.
"Okay. Come with me. We are about to begin the introductions."
"Yes sir."
The person in charge look at me in a way that is very calculating. He cringed as his lips form into a pout.
"Uh-ah don't call me sir. I'd rather be referred as Franklin and I might be ahead of your level but please feel free to address me that way and treat me like a friend instead of your superior."He suggested with a full smile on his face.
I was just stunned with what he said. I thought he would be someone who is more of authoritative type of guy but I guess he's friendly. Looking way too friendly to be exact which could actually be a gain for my part.
"Yes sir-"I paused. "Sorry, I meant Frankie."
He chuckled softly that somehow made me confuse.
Did I said something wrong?
"You sure are an obedient one. Frankie it is, then. With that said, please allow me to call you Lia."
That's when it only sink into me. His name was Franklin. I misheard it and had called him Frankie. And now he is calling me Lia? But I guess nothing is wrong with being a little bit friendly.
"Judging by your expression it seems like you already have realized your mistake. Nonetheless, I do not mind being called Frankie, do you Lia?"
I shook my head and even used my hands to formed an 'x' sign. "No. Of course. I do not mind."
"Then this ends our introduction to one another. Now you shall follow me as I lead you to our destination."
I nodded.
I followed him as we entered a large room that is probably half size of a dome. colored in pink with pink ornaments scattered everywhere. Frankie went in the center part of the room while me I found myself a seat not so far from the glass door.
Frankie threw me a glance and smiled a bit then changed his mood into a serious one.
Frankie cleared his throat before he began his speech, "I am Frankie and as you can see I am from the second level. I was assign to assist each one of you as well as to tour you around the tower for you to not get lost in your way around here. To remind everyone, I want you all to be attentive and cooperative because you're lack of focus is something that I would not simply tolerate. Without any further ado, we will now begin with your training grounds and if you pass this part you'll be recognized as a cupid and be able to work here. But those who did not, you know what will happened. So if were you, you will not try to miss this chance." He said with a very much serious tone which I find quite strange once again.
He doesn't seem the person I just talked too a minute ago. Was he just being nice only to me?
It's just a thought. But I'm probably just having the wrong assumptions.
***
We are now walking in an endless hallway. There are about 100 of us following Frankie. We stopped for a moment when we pass through a large transparent glass room.
"This is the first section called as First Love. This is where they find two certain persons from the human world and study them accordingly with their characters. In here, the cupids do not simply choose two individual with the same hobbies and interest but how these two individuals will suffice each other shortcomings. This is more likely where the love begins therefore the cupids working here are called the 'Beginners' of First Love."Frankie informed us.
Not that I didn't know what he said. In fact, I may have read such facts already from a book that my father once gave me including the stories my mother have told me who once work here.
"This is the second section called Fake Love."
I didn't notice that we have already reached the second destination for I was too engross and drawn into my thoughts, the always I am.
"But we are matchmakers why do we have to work for such thing? Does that mean that love could sometimes be not real?"Someone asked out of the blue and everyone glance to the guy as if they were also about to say and ask the same question.
"We all might be wondering why is there such a place in our world if we are a matchmakers? Cupids to be more precise. The thing is, no one knows how love comes for it appears in the most unexpected situations which is we somehow have control of and match whose to fall in love to the other. But lately, Cupids may have been suffering from such issues and it's being hard for them to calculate the emotions of what each individual has. Nowadays human's actions doesn't match with what they truly feel and some use love or physical affection to deceive another. That's when our highness ratify to create this quarter. I assume that it was really a great of help and reduce a problem between the connection of our world and the Earth."I reeled off.
The place was filled with silence. They stared at me with agape mouth and some of them have their jaws almost drop. Frankie on the other hand was blinking simultaneously as if he was amazed with what I just said.
"I apologize. I did not mean to intrude with the conversation."I slightly bend my head down after realizing what I did.
"There is no need for an apology. It is quite fascinating actually, that such a newbie like you has a bounty knowledge."Frankie said in his accent.
I raised my head and intentionally cleared my throat before uttering a word to change the subject. "Thank you. But I guess we need to proceed to the next section?"
"We must."Frankie said in unison.
We proceeded to the next section. Like the first two sections, it is made and surrounded of glass walls. This section if mostly referred to as 'The Romantic Flow' In here, Cupids are more likely called as the writers and directors of the relationship going on between two lovers.
What they do in here is to make the romance more thrilling and exciting. Just like how it goes in the movies as if they are the special effects. Actually, there are some instances where there's intentionally summon a rain even if it was too sunny and seemingly cliche.
If I was asked where I want to start working as a trainee, I prefer to be in this section because it seems so fun and interesting. However, to be in here takes a lot of effort to do so because often times the Cupids who work here are from the second levels. Most probably, it would take me years to finally be in here.
When Frankie was already finished with his speeches we decided to proceed to the last section, 'The Love Match'. Unlike the other section. This section is build in translucent glass. They can see us from inside but we can't see them from outside. This section is more secrete than any other usual section. It was said that, 'Love Match' is the ending of everything. Of course, it is given that if there is a beginning there should be an end. Inside 'Love Match' is where all the love is restored. Memories or files of lovers it may be and as well as where the source of the tower's power is in.
We didn't stay in that place for a long time because we were somehow a disturbance, so we immediately proceed to the room we first went to. Frankie walk towards in the middle as he gave a loud bang in the table to get all of our attentions.
"Before I fully put an end in this apprenticing, I would like to give a final test to each and everyone, giving you the opportunity to prove your capability and whether you are really worthy of the title, Cupid. With that said, if I call your name please enter the room in the corner of the room."He authoritatively informed us.
After that he vanished in an instant and head towards the room in the corner calling a person along with him.
An hour have passed, and my turn had finally come.
"Hylia."He called out for my name.
As to what he said, I entered the room with full confidence. It was already going well except for the disturbing creaking sound of the door, turning my confidence into anxiety.
The room made it my anxiety even more worse for it was painted in white. There is no window nor decorations. Just a table and two chairs.
I took a seat right in front of Frankie. He followed my movements with his eyes but this time he stared at me boldly.
"I will be asking you a few queries in the hopes that you would answer it wholeheartedly and truthfully. You may answer such queries in a way where you can moreover express yourself."Frankie said intimidatingly.
I guess I was wrong about the fact that he was treating me nicely than the others a while ago. And yet, I do appreciate it more that he is a person who has the quality of fairness.
"I understand." Is all I answered. I even tried my best to reduce the cracking of my voice due to nervousness. Hoping that he would hardly notice it.
"For you have understand, please begin with telling about yourself."He commanded.
"I am Hylia, born and raised in Shalenya, Stteiparia. Since I was young, I always dream of becoming a cupid and be someone who can serve a purpose to the humans just like what Princess Amara did."I answered politely.
"Now tell me what position do you exactly want?"
"About that, I really wish to be a part of Romantic Flow but I am well aware of the customs that we have and it requires experiences to be a part of that section. Nevertheless, I am fine with anything. Since I'm still a starter, I would gladly accept whatever work you gave me."
Frankie nodded as if he was convinced with what I said."Do you perhaps know a lot of things about humans?"
"Well yeah. Honestly, we may live in a different world, too far from humans but there is something about there place that never miss to awaken my curiosity allowing me the desire to better know them. Therefore, I have read hundreds of books and histories about humans more specifically about their lifestyles. By doing this, I somehow have adapted some of their way of living, the language they used and even some of their culture. My parents have even told me that I am more of human than a Stteiparian. Anyways, what took my interest the most about them is that, they have the capability to love for fleeting moment but last for an eternity."
"Hmm…interesting."He paused as he brushed the tip of his brows. "For the last question, why do you think Cupids are important?"
I sat straight up on my chair and took a deep breath before speaking.
"As we all know, Cupids play a definite role in each individual human being. Some may regard as a matchmaker but I see Cupids as the protector of humanity. The protector of Earth. It is a given that love is important for without it, darkness will only there be, which makes a Cupid essential. We support their love that makes a human stronger. We serve as hope. And as a Cupid to be, we offer them love, something that is overpowering that not everyone can give."
A minute of silence. His reaction was unreadable with mouth agape.
"You have a good way of expressing your words, Lia."He paused."This only leaves me to tell you how it is nice to start working with you."
I was a little bit of confuse as to what he just said. "Did I passed?"
He nodded.
I couldn't help but cover my mouth to suppressed my screams of joy.
Frankie stared at me with an amused face. His face lighten this time.
"That's it? Are you sure I passed?"Still unsure if he is telling the truth.
"Do I look like I'm lying?"He said dropping the honorifics.
I shrugged as an answer.
"Lia, the words I told you and what I may tell you in the future will never be a lie." He said meaningfully. A part of me think that there was deeper meaning behind his words. But since my mind was preoccupied with the fact that I did passed, I did not bother to think nor ask him. And I just believed what he said.
When I went out, I was lost in my thoughts before I finally regain my trance and did some strange dancing here and there.
"I passed! I passed! Oh yes I passed!"I chanted as I dance and even circled my hands up in the air.
And this is exactly the trait I gained after reading too much of human books.