Perfection and happiness merely exists to be replaced
Life can change in moments.
That's what the old philosophers used to say.
That everything in existence moves inside a wheel -
something passes so something else may take its place.
A death is born into a life elsewhere.
A choice becomes a consequence in another corner of the world.
A smile today becomes a memory tomorrow.
Everything is a cycle, waiting for its turn to end.
And that day…
my moment of perfection with Grandpa
Had come to its passing.
After the heavy feast, we drifted lazily through the market, letting time pass as we picked out groceries. Fortiche was a rare visit during my training months -
which meant I had to milk every drop of freedom before we headed back.
Though the thought of going back and continuing the harsh torture and bullying termed as "training" was draining my spirit.
"Grandpa… can I skip training tomorrow?"
I asked hesitantly, fully prepared for the rejection.
"You know it's been a great day, and I already achieved my summer goal, sooo —"
I thrust my fist triumphantly into the sky as if protesting.
"I DESERVE a week's break!"
Grandpa chuckled softly.
"You know what? Sure," he said, ruffling my hair.
"You've worked hard enough."
My happiness couldn't be contained.
Evening soon draped itself across Fortiche, the sky dimming into a soft amber glow as the sun slowly covered itself up for a good night's rest.
"Alright boys, time to head back," Grandpa said, lifting the bags with a grunt.
I waved goodbye to Giyu, grinning.
"I'll try to visit tomorrow, if the old man doesn't put me in chains again. Do tell Zerro that I said hi, that sneaky brat"
"Sure, you forest monkey," Giyu laughed.
"And I'll come see you this week. Enjoy your freedom while it lasts!"
We split paths -
Giyu swallowed by the town's noise,
and Grandpa and I swallowed by the silent forest.
—
"Grandpa, you sure you don't want me to carry those bags?" I asked, nudging a pebble down the trail.
"Your bones might give out, old timer."
He side-eyed me.
"You worry about your own bones, young man. I'll live longer than you." Grandpa taunts as he starts picking up the pace.
He sure was lively
The journey was long, weaving through the dense forest where moonlight barely reached. But Grandpa walked with familiarity. He knew every stone, every turn,
as if he'd carved the path himself.
As we reached the base of the cliff, the steep slope to our home came into view. Our house sat atop the mountain, overlooking the heart of the United Nexus,
peaceful, isolated, ours.
But as we climbed, I noticed Grandpa's pace faltering.
Distraught was visible on his old wrinkly face
His thoughts were loud -
louder than the forest.
He said he'd wait a day…
Will he come tomorrow?
Will he strike earlier?
Will he stay true to his words?
Can I really fight him in my condition?"
I tugged lightly on his robe.
He turned.
I smiled.
Just a simple smile. That's all he needed at that moment.
Though I didn't even know what his worries were, nor how severe they were
It's not about whether I can… It's a must.
I have to keep this boy's smile alive.. My son.,
That was the thought behind the old eyes.
When we finally reached our home, Grandpa exhaled shakily.
"Freshen up and brush your teeth before bed," he said, unloading the groceries.
"No staying up."
"Okay, gramps!!" I yelled, sprinting inside.
Night fell.
And peace lasted only a moment.
—
Grandpa couldn't sleep. Anxiety gnawed at him like a curse.
And I –
I fell into a dream that didn't belong to me.
Darkness swallowed my senses whole.
Heavy. Suffocating.
As if death had wrapped its hand around my throat
Vulcor.
The night sky split open to welcome his presence, revealing him.
Clouds bent into a cloak around his form.
The moon bled crimson as Vulcor descended,
living flame whipping around him like a cape of judgment.
Death's descent.
Was that a dream?...
No.
I jolted awake, drenched in cold sweat.
"Grandpa?"
I whispered into the empty room.
No answer.
I stumbled outside -
And then I saw him.
Vulcor stood before our home, a divine calamity wrapped in fire and shadow.
And Grandpa stood opposite him.
The silence between them was suffocating -
a silence that did not belong to nature.
And then Vulcor spoke.
"O Forgotten One," Vulcor boomed.
"The judgment has come to pass.
Tonight… you shall be freed from your sins."
The sky roared and echoed with his voice.
Even the clouds trembled.
My chest tightened -
an invisible weight crushing my lungs.
Endless dread flowed through every word that was spoken.
I forced myself forward.
"Grandpa…"
I croaked, clutching my chest.
Each breath burned.
Each step felt like defying death itself.
"Rai??" Grandpa shouted, panic bursting through his voice.
"Get inside! NOW!"
Vulcor's gaze slid toward me -
Slow.. cold.. merciless.
"So that is the youngling I sensed earlier," he said, disdain dripping from each syllable.
"Vermin."
My vision shook.
His mere stare nearly knocked me unconscious.
"Who… is he, Grandpa?" I gasped, trembling. "What… is he?"
Coughs
"Rai, back inside right now", Grandpa ordered as he extended his arm protectively.
"Please… grandpa"
Hesistant
"He is an Archon," Grandpa whispered with dread.
"A Dark Horse.
A being that is not bound by order -
one who rules chaos itself."
"He is danger, son.. Go back inside."
Crackle ~
Sizzle ~
We turned.
Our house was burning.
Vulcor hadn't moved a single inch.
Just his gaze.
"Death has come for you both," Vulcor declared.
"There is no escape."
He raised his arm -
and the sky bled amber, glowing with flames brighter than the sun.
I froze.
Maybe death did arrive.
Maybe this is the end
Maybe -
"Grandpa…?"