Sharim stared intently at the blank pages of an old book- long.
"...."
He gripped the pen firmly in his hand. The ink blots on the blank surface began to spread as he just pressed the tip of the pen, motionless. There wasn't a single scribble on the white sheet.
BHAM!
Sharim slammed against the desk. The collision causes a vibration on his drink's surface.
『 "This dimension and world timelines couldn't be saved anymore and already lost all meanings but… " 』
Hibion's voice rang once again.
『 "But, not in another world." 』
Sharim looked up. Window Status is no stranger to Sharim, hovering in the air— semi-legitimate.
+
Name: Sharim Ishraq
Titles:-
Occupation: Hunter
Apotalesma: Calen
Stigmas: [Taurus' Wrath] [Status Window] [Main Character]
Surmise: The genuine disappointment stats. ε=o('ﾛ｀||)
+
Hibion's [Regress] Stigma has vanished—in fact, such a Stigma has swapped position with a gibberish Stigma like— [Main Character]?
Who would want such a Stigma?
Because he; Sharim wasn't interested in such a stigma the least!
Now— Sharim needed the [Regress] Stigma—Hibion Izan's Stigma—not some ludicrous Stigma such as [Main Character].
"I'm sure—the Stigma was there before!"
He repeatedly browsed through his [Status Window]. He even attempted to shake the transparent screen— sweeping it left, right, up, and down. He is absolutely in dire need of Hibion Stigma if he wants to persuade 'them' because—
『 "Save Izaeris Faaz." 』
"I must save them but—"
『 "I will put my hope on you, Sharim." 』
『 "I trust you" 』
"— how am I going to save them if I don't even know the reason behind all these problems?!"
Sharim Ihsraq— a young Hunter from this decade— a prominent generation— unable to recall any significant memories linked to his previous timeline or perhaps- regarding the 'future'.
He was suffering from temporary (or maybe permanent) amnesia.
Moreover.
Their arch nemesis or the mastermind accountable for all future misfortunes—both have vanished from his recollection. Their appearance and identity— grew vague and dim.
He could only recollect the last discussion he had with Hibion from the previous timelines, but his memories up to that point became hazy and disconnected from the chronology.
『 "Temenos can be rebuilt again if it falls, but the dead won't ever return… I'm glad you're a least safe and sound." 』
"... When will I be able to return to Temenos?"
Sharim slumped to his desk.
Yesterday was the day he was allowed to be discharged from the hospital but... with all the 'things' happening...
"Haaa."
Sharim peered out the wardroom's high window. The clean air hasn't been polluted by the war— blew the transparent pastel curtains around. The cold wind of the air and the blue lilac of the sky—the clouds marching like cotton fluff still haven't been contaminated with smoke nor war.
He misses this tranquil atmosphere.
Sharim constantly hears about the ongoing conflict in Palestine—about how Muslims in Palestine and Yemen are starving and oppressed—about how Muslims were murdered every single day—about how Muslim women in India and Uyghurs were raped—about how they are oppressed day after day yet—they just keep their mouths, ears, and eyes shut—
— Due to the government— due to their weakness— due to-
No.
When the blue world is soaked with red- all such thoughts are rendered useless. The city becomes the battleground. From a rice field to a war trench. People drank from the sea of blood, and monsters—monsters were everywhere hunting them.
Once the war began— there was no returning.
"... Is this the burden teach has been carrying all this time?"
Izaeris Faaz is an enigma. Even his students do find him quite ambiguous.
But—
Izaeris Faaz never fails to smile. He never gets furious, snaps at anyone, or raises his voice. Of course, 'they' were regularly battered as a result of his intense training—but all that sweat and blood was to keep them alive because—they were Hunters.
'… He never grumbled or grew irritated with us.'
As a result, Sharim Ishraq finds it difficult to be terrified of their teacher since everything about him is empty... flat and devoid of feeling?
Everything about their teacher was mysterious, hidden behind those jeweled amber eyes.
No.
'... I was wrong.'
The reason was clear as a bell.
He just didn't notice.
Izaeris Faaz—
—without God to weep for, without religion to lean on, without no one to understand.
While dealing with the 'world' on one's own—
—he was alone and felt secluded from the rest of the world.
Sharim felt disappointed in himself.
Everything concerning their teacher was obvious from the start.
'... He was desperate.'
Sharim is simply too late.
『 "Sharim…" 』
『 "—can you give- uh- can I read this Al-Quran?" 』
Izaeris Faaz is their father figure. He's given up 'everything' for them.
"... Teach has given up so much and has sacrificed everything about himself for us."
His hopes, his future, and even... his love for Temenos.
Everything was given up to benefit them.
Sharim's grasp on his pen became tighter.
「 Yo! Yo! What's with the long face? You look much more hideous than usual! 」
Sharim jumped. The pen slipped out of his hand.
"C-Calen?"
A mocking and irritated voice echoed through his mind.
「 Ya. Ya. It's regretful that I had to return from the court trial sooner than expected but the job is still a job haaaa. 」
'... He pouting.'
Only Sharim's Apotalesma could sound so thrilled in receiving a disciplinary trial from the court— and, like humans, Apotalesma also owns a detention system— extremely intriguing in Sharim's opinion— so does Calen too.
Like it master, and like his Apotalesma.
「Anyway, tell me— what's been going on since I left? Elaborate to me. Naturally, I'd be able to tell if you were lying. 」
Sharim held off on responding.
He wanted to be honest with "them" because— wait! Why should he be hesitant? He had nothing to lose by telling Calen first or not. After all, Calen is someone— no, Apotalesma has the most right to know about such things since, in the first timeline, Calen self-destructs himself to save Sharim.
"I..."
Sharim struggled to find a clear articulation before declaring his thoughts to the most snarky Apotalesma and apathetic with self-esteem as invincible as Temenos' shield. He then groaned and crossed his legs, exhibiting the most serious face he could muster—
"— from the future."
Silence.
「 Sharim…. 」
A sympathetic tone.
「 Do you perhaps- still sick? 」
"...."
Sharim had predicted this outcome furthermore—he was talking to Calen—the most haughty Apotalesma he'd ever encountered, as well as the most indecisive even to serious matters.
Sharim rubbed his shin a few times subconsciously.
"Let me explain—"
He then went on to explain that everything had happened in the previous timeline—in the future—even though it was difficult for him to recollect the bitter and horrible memories, he continued, ensuring that nothing was left out of their conversation.
He told Calen all he knew, even if it wasn't always in the correct sequence.
"— How?"
「....」
Sharim waited with anticipation. He began to sweat profusely from nervousness.
「 I do not want to believe you— 」
'As expected...'
Sharim expected this but-
'... He really talks without a filter.'
He could at least express some sympathy for Sharim. After all, Sharim has been through a lot— whether he believes him or not.
Before Sharim could convey his irritability-
「 This doesn't make sense… 」
'Huh?'
Calen paused and appeared perplexed.
'Wait... that doesn't sound right.'
「 You stated that you traveled back in time using… uh… What's the kid's name again? Ahg! Nevermind. That albino's boy [Regress] Stigma— but he doesn't even have it- 」
"-yet."
「 In any case- 」
「 My system data indicated that you didn't lie… ? 」
"When did I lie? Wait-! You used a polygraph on me-?"
Sharim was taken aback, dumbfounded.
「 I belive… you're still in your lucid condition and now… even I was also effected. 」
"I'm healed and sane!" Sharim was pissed. Here, he heightened his expectations—nearly believing Calen would trust him in the last minutes.
"ARGH! I've had enough of talking to you. I'd be better off writing in my journal instead—"
Before Sharim could finish his grumbling—
"Into each life, some rain must fall."
"AAAAAAAH!"
Sharim almost fell out of his chair, but someone's strong arm prevented him.
The sun is still high in the sky, casting the afternoon light, and Sharim is certain that night has not yet fallen. So, why is the moon beaming on him on such a brilliant day? However, it was not the moonlight that was looking at him this time, instead—
+
Name: Baqir Az-Zubair
Titles:
*[War's Caliph]
*[Safaraz's Consultant]
Occupation: Hunter
Apotalesma: Din
Stigmas: [Necrosis] [Quake] [Supersonic]...?? (too much information)
Surmise: Warning! (ll๐ ₃ ๐) The red flag had arrived! ⚆_⚆
+
— it was a pair of silvery eyes clear as citrine staring back at him.
"Ba-Ba-Baqir?"
"One good turn deserves another. Assalamualaikum wbt to you."
A tall and handsome young man in all-black Malay attire— wearing a black and gold woven sampin songket and rolled sleeves to the elbows—smiled so pleasantly that his dimples emerged on his both cheeks.
"Wa-Waalaikumsalam," Sharim stammered, almost speechless. "Since when have you been there?"
"Since moons ago— I have been greeting for a long time," Sharim's eyes just glanced at the wheat-blonde-haired man, he then set the bowl with floral patterns on the dining table while still smiling. "But you didn't answer, I'm afraid."
"Err... How much have you heard?"
'This worthless Apotalesma! How come he didn't inform me that Baqir was around!'
「 Weellll… I'm sorry to have a master who is too weak for me to NOTICE HIS PRESENCE! (╬ Ò‸Ó) 」
Sharim starts to sweat. Baqir silver eyes were now fixed on him. He took an anxious gulp.
"I won't wash your dirty laundry in public—"
Baqir, who is wearing a tengkolok on his head with a matching theme to the sampin around his waist, responds with a smile. Sharim's features grew paler.
"— Sharim's secret will be safe with me."
He sat nonchalantly on Sharim's bed, raising his index finger to his lips. Sharim wanted to pass out, but Baqir's tranquil demeanor prevented him.
"I-This isn't... Th,There is nothing to hide."
Sharim hesitated to glance up but then looked down again due to nervousness. Wait-? Why could he feel anxious? After all, he has sought to be open and honest with them. Furthermore, he is stating the truth! If he continues to speak in this manner, they will become more skeptical of him rather than trusting him!
Sharim stroked his shins instinctively, unaware that Baqir was observing him in curiosity.
"That's good to hear."
Baqir nodded.
"If there is nothing to hide... Good words in agreement, bad words outside of agreement— I'm ready to lend my ear whenever you're ready."
(T/N: 'Good words in agreement, bad words outside of agreement'— referring to 'you want to do anything, you should first negotiate.'
It is a Malay proverb. I couldn't think of a decent English idiom to go with that, so- yeah. )
"...Huh?"
Sharim was stunned. He raised his head unconsciously.
"The wind turns, the waves continue. I'm willing to hear what's upsetting you. I have no intention of judging you, therefore it's alright to not trust me," Baqir said, crossing his legs while one palm resting on his knee. "I will listen to all your problems even to blather like bubbly-jock."
(T/N: 'The wind turns, the waves continue'—There are two meanings for this phrase, depending on whether it refers to a difficult situation or something that must be kept secret. I intended to use "lips are sealed" or "take to the grave," but I prefer the Malay poetic proverb more lol.)
"That easy."
'bubbly-jock...?'
Sharim almost chuckles at Baqir's unusual remark, but he restrains himself since a set of achromatic silvery eyes are patiently awaiting his response.
"...."
Baqir Az-Zubair is his senior, mentor, and manager all at once. In whatever circumstance— whether in a prior timeline or this one— he is Sharim's emotional and physical support. If anybody is entitled to their story in the future, it is Baqir.
"...."
For a moment— Sharim is considering Baqir's offer.
'This is his chance! If Calen won't believe— at least— Baqir will—!'
Sharim was about to open his mouth—
『 "IT'S BECAUSE OF YOUR MOUTH! HANAN BECOMES THE VICTIM! I SHOULD JUST MURDER YOU!" 』
— someone's crushed his intention immediately.
『 "Wo wo wo! Yo! Bro! Hibion! What's going on? You're strangling Sharim! Enough is enough! Release him now!" 』
『 "WHAT DID YOU TELL HANAN?!" 』
『 "H-He just w-wanted to know his brother condition." 』
Hanan Rifqy. He is one of Temenos' Hunters and Sharim's juniors. A pleasant and cheery child.
『 "I have a little brother, senior!" 』
The jovial kid loves to show off his little brother; Daud to Sharim but He doesn't mind because Sharim understands him well. The child— He lost his cherished family in a fire. Only he and Daud escaped the incident. Sharim understands since he has also lost family members in the past.
But—
『 "We need to make this public—" 』
A new plague has spread in the sixth scenario war, harming both animals and humans. At the time, no remedy had been developed.
However—
『 "AND YOU BELIEVE HIM?" 』
『 "DO YOU NOT KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE DONE? YOU SENT YOUR FRIEND TO DIE! HIS BROTHER WAS INFECTED!" 』
『 "….." 』
Hibion snarled. Crimson eyes blazed ferociously. Sharim, on the other hand, couldn't help but see the tears welling up beneath his wrath.
Although, the plague did not bring harm to animals—
『 "IT'S BECAUSE OF YOUR MOUTH! HANAN BECOMES THE VICTIM! I SHOULD JUST MURDER YOU!" 』
— it was to human.
『 "A barking dog never bites." 』
Baqir came separating them both similar to a calm pillar.
『 "We have manners, keep yours, Hibion." 』
『 "HAA?" 』
『 "Catch your bear before you sell its skin. Do you expect me to keep silent as Sharim's manager while he gets mistreated?" 』
『 "It's none of your concern! Move aside!" 』
『 "A word spoken is past recalling. It's better to stop before you regret it, Hibion." 』
Hibion and Baqir's dispute gets worse because of Sharim.
The bond between Baqir and the other Hunters also started to deteriorate. He must handle the criticism he receives from numerous factions. Baqir's reputation also suffered from backlash. The man's honorific title of [Safaraz Consultant] was likewise gone.
Still—
『 "Such epithet means nothing to me. I simply do not want the matter to become the elephant in the room." 』
Baqir just smiled reassuringly.
『 "Don't be to hard on yourself, brother. Every cloud has a silver lining." 』
'But... You worked hard to acquire that reputation.'
『 "Beside, I don't intend to get that epithet now that I'm your manager. It is more blessed to give than to receive." 』
At that point, Sharim realized—
'... I am the one who ruined their future.'
He has taken many people's aspirations, hopes, and happiness. He shouldn't have been kept alive. He should face the consequences. Scum like him—
— must be put to death.
『 "I believe in God, you and I worship. I pray for your dua be answered by Him, the Almighty." 』
Yet.
... Hibion still places all his hopes and confidence in someone like Sharim.
"— Sharim?"
Sharim awoke from his trance of thoughts.
"Brother, are you alright?"
"No."
"Huh?"
"It's not the right time yet."
Sharim was determined. He needed to be certain of something first. He won't falter. he will hold onto his knowledge of the future for the time being. It's alright. There's still time.
「 ….. 」
Weird. The Apotalesma almost look apparent to speak but just closed the status panel back.
"Haha."
Baqir's amused giggle draws his attention back.
"Alright," Baqir said as he rose from Sharim's bed. He had a wide grin on his face. "I cooked Nasi Lemak for you brother," he said, motioning to the floral bowl on the table. "Bon Appétit."
"NASI LEMAK?!"
Sharim screamed from his seat. If a star falls to Earth, Baqir is certain that Sharim's eyes will twinkle with such stars.
"YOU COOKED?"
He sprang to his feet and raced across to the table, grabbing for the bowl container. Sharim loves Nasi Lemak, but Baqir food is different and mouth-watering.
"Oh! Before I forget," exclaimed Baqir at the door, "we will return to Pulau Tiong tomorrow."
He shuffled back towards Sharim, holding out the cutlery from the kitchen cupboard drawer.
Sharim's hand in the bowl slumped, halted.
"Pulau Tiong...? Why do we have to-!"
Sharim's imaginary bulbs tingle.
'Temenos!'
Sabah's Pulau Tiong was formerly a popular tourist destination, but as Hawiah sightings multiplied there, so did the number of monster species that inhabited the area. Any tourist destination along the littorals was always closed; as a result, Temenos was established there.
Sharim blinked several times.
He... is going back to... Temenos?
He had mixed feelings about his strange situation. Feels like- the nightmares that haunted him all year, suddenly halted and dragged him back to the realization that— he was safe. He will remain safe as long as they are here.
He will save them.
Sharim once again swore.
"Sharim? Are you alright?"
"Huh?"
Sharim awoke from his trance.
"Oh! Yes! I'm always good! Er... Hurry up! What are you waiting for? Quickly check me out of here!"
"Haha."
He then urged Baqir, who laughed heartily, toward the door.
"Oh! Yes, Teacher Izaeris is outstation and will thus be unable to come alongside us. The same to Sir Izaeris Faliq.
"Erk... so busy," Sharim mumbled, slightly disheartened. He has wished to see his teacher, Izaeris Faaz, as soon as possible.
Baqir's smile bloomed.
"Izaeris Faaz is like when it rains, a shelter; hot, a shelter."
He then ruffled Sharim's mystical purple hair until it was disheveled.
(T/N: "When it rains, a shelter; hot, a shelter"— referring to someone who loves and always helps people in need.)
"— your hair looks like grapes."
"???"
.
.
.
.
.
Zwaaak-
The automata's sliding door once again slid open.
"Did you leave something, Baqir—!"
The words escaped Sharim's mouth.
"Baqir? Ah. That explains the reason 'he' using the another corridor."
Ruby-red eyes gleamed and shone.
+
Name: Hibion Izan
Titles:
*[Synodic]
*[Synodic Incarnation]
Occupation: Hunter
Apotalesma: Yugen
Stigmas: [Heal] [Healing Circle] [Reverse] [Nullification]
Surmise: Huh. Not bad. Did he get a level up? Heh. You should feel inferior while in his presence with your pathetic stats A-MA-TUER.╭( ･ㅂ･)و ̑̑
+
Hibion, in his all-white uniform and hair of the same color— stood stiffly while holding a bouquet of colorful begonias in his arms.
"...."
He pointed awkwardly at the banquet.
"Teacher Izaeris wanted me to give this to you yesterday— but you were still unconscious— so I kept this flower in my refrigerator first— to keep it fresh?"
"...."
Sharim had a lot to comment on Hibion's statement.
First.
'... What kind of sane person keeps flowers in the fridge?!'
But.
He just kept his mouth shut, bewildered. The second time.
"... How about you take a seat first?"
"!!"
Is his vision playing a trick on him?
He just witnessed an illusion of a rabbit's ear grow on Hibion's head and waved excitedly for a millisecond.
... He needs to wash his eyes more frequently.
"I'll put flowers here."
"... Ok?"
Weird. How bizarre. This Hibion is incredibly courteous and picks his words with great care. He was extremely meticulous when it came to arranging Sharim's 'get well soon' flowers on the table too.
If how he remembers Hibion is...
『 "You and a duck are the same. How much longer do you expect your crew to wait around like a fool?" 』
『 "If you're the reason our mission failed again this time— I'll make sure Master's alibi wasn't enough to defend you!" 』
... Wow. Reminiscing. In his remembrance, Hibion sincerely despises him.
"So... why did you... come here?"
"I..."
Hibion started to fidget while seated in the chair.
Weird. Hibion agitated? Such an image does not fit him.
Looking more resolved, Hibion then gazed upward.
"I'd like to speak with you about our previous mission."
'Astaghfirullah...'
Thats it.
Sharim begins to profusely sweating.
'Which mission?!'
This is a subject he sought to avoid discussing since his temporal amnesia, prevented him from remembering the previous timelines— no current timelines— but what had caused him to end up at the hospital anyway?
Sharim chants Istighfar while sweating profusely.
Should he pretend to be stricken with a severe headache right now? He prefers to avoid discussing such subjects!
'Think Sharim! Think!'
'Now is September 23, 20XX!'
He extracted every memory from the "future." However, because the gap between their timelines is so distinct—all episodes and events that occurred previously begin to mix and come apart in Sharim's mind.
'... In other words, the Hawiah event in Bukit Jelutong has occurred.'
This was the time Sharim lost all of Hibion's faith and respect, as he became disappointed with him.
'... Ah.'
During such an occurrence, Sharim had acted rashly, and Hibion protected him from being crushed by the Earth Gargantua.
However, Hibion suffered serious injuries as a result of his actions and he was brought to the emergency room, while Sharim only lost consciousness.
Their relationship has shifted 180 degrees since then.
Sharim lost his color.
Wait.
Does this mean he already... lost...?
No... Again this time... He was too late.
He'd already lost Hibion's faith before he could even attempt anything?
He...
"I wish to express my gratitude for saving me that day."
Failed— huh?
"At Bukit Jelutong... I was overconfident and impatient... I'm sorry... You suffered injuries because you protected me from the Gargantua—"
'Huh? Huh? HUUUUUH?'
'Wait, wait, wait!'
They're still talking about the same incident, right?
Sharim begins to feel unsettled.
'There is something isn't quite right going on here!'
He doesn't believe they're on the same page anymore.
"Just a moment... WAIT Hibion!"
"???"
Sharim unconsciously raises his voice halting the baffled Hibion within his explanations. He starts to feel anxious.
"You think... I," Sharim pointed towards himself, "save you," he then pointed to Hibion who raised an eyebrow, "from being crushed by Gargantua?"
"Yes."
Hibion nodded in sincerity- almost similar to a small child admitting he had done nothing wrong to his mother.
"Wait— wait— weren't you the one who saved me from being crushed by Gargantua instead?"
Hibion tilted his head. He looked similar to a white innocent rabbit.
"I saved you? Your memory seems messed up— you want me to call a doctor?"
"Huh, no, never?"
His thoughts were jumbled at this point.
There seems to be a problem. Sharim's entire face had turned pale from dread.
"It's true, though, that you saved me. You had to be transported to the emergency room, whereas I just suffered minor injuries."
'Allahu Akbar!'
Sharim feels like he going to lose his mind.
"...Are you all right?"
Hibion's call jolted him awake from his trance of thoughts. The teen's worried voice was too melodic for him to accept as reality.
"... It's just... I need water."
.
.
.
.
Pour.
The sound of water being poured into a glass fills the silence.
'Does this imply...?'
The prior events and incidents from the previous timeline—all of them—were not aligned with reality in this timeline?!
Sharim became concerned.
「 I believe… You're still in your lucid condition and now… it feels like- even I was also affected. 」
Calen's exclamation reverberated in his ears again.
'... Was it all just really a delusion?'
"Well."
Sharim lifted his head.
Hibion extended a glass of mineral water.
"Oh, I appreciate it."
He responded and accepted the offer while suppressing his heart's turmoil.
"...."
Hibion leaned his back against the chair across from Sharim. Only the gulping of water fills the room.
"... What was bothering you?"
"!!!"
Sharim nearly choked on his drink.
"Huh? W-What on earth are you talking about? Haha."
He wiped the drips of water from his lips in discomfort. Sharim had forgotten, albeit Hibion appeared more forgiving this time around—he was still meticulous and sharp.
"I don't know," Hibion hesitated, "there was once a time when I could read you like an open book—"
Sharim felt as though Hibion's fiery eyes were ready to penetrate him.
"Why do I have the impression that there is a wall between you and me right now?" There's something odd..."
"A wall? There is no wall!"
"... it is a figurative way to speak. Well- it does not matter anymore."
Hibion rose from the chair and turned his back toward the exit.
"I already got what I want. Dasvidaniya."
Hibion then headed straight for the door— zwaak— the door opened— he left without waving some goodbye— leaving Sharim in a dazed state with the empty glass in hand.
'Huh?'
Just like that?