The Journey Beyond The Absolute
Can I Ever Be Myself Just Like Them
In a casual tone, Kael Ryn greets me, "Hey, how's it been?"
I respond with a heavy heart, my eyes widening in shock. There's a palpable weight in the air, an unspoken tension that seems to hang between us.
With a playful grin, Lucien Morvane chimes in, "What happened to you?" His joviality feels almost jarring in this moment.
Lyra Vael, standing nearby, offers a gentle smile that doesnt quite reach her eyes. "Big bro, what's going on? You look like you've lost your smile." There's concern behind her words, a kindness that makes my chest ache.
"My smile faded away the moment you left my life," I murmur, my voice thick with the weight of memories. "The more I tried to push you from my thoughts, the more I found myself drawn back to you like a moth to a flame."
Just then, a loud voice cuts through my reverie, calling for me to awaken. When I finally open my eyes, I find myself in a soft, inviting bedblissfully comfortable, yet uncomfortably unfamiliar.
"Are you awake? Good," a calm voice asks, breaking the silence.
I sigh heavily, realizing it was all a dream after all.
"What dream?" the voice asks, curiosity dancing in their tone.
"Nothing worth mentioning," I respond, my tone laced with darkness and reluctance.
"You seem like someone who carries a lot of secrets, someone who has endured more than their fair share of suffering. We all have our battles with life, dont we? We all need something to hold onto that keeps us moving forward. What's your driving force? You can be honest with me I promise not to judge." The sincerity in their voice pulls at something deep within me.
"How do I know I can trust you?" I retort, skepticism clouding my thoughts.
With a gentle smile, they reply, "You don't. You just have to listen to your heart."
"My heart? What is that?" I retort darkly, befuddled by the notion that has eluded me for so long.
Pointing at their own heart and then at mine, they say with a small smile, "It's what's inside you."
I let out a despondent sigh. "It's been so long I've forgotten how to feel my heart. I feel like I'm forever stuck in the past, with no way out."
"If thats the case," they respond softly, "the answer is within you."
"What do you mean?" I ask, my curiosity piqued yet still shrouded in darkness.
With nothing but a warm smile, they simply say, "One day, you'll understand when the time comes."
"I see now… Why is it that I feel oddly comfortable with you?" I admit, a sense of familiarity forming in the air between us.
They chuckle softly, "The truth is, you've longed for a sense of belonging again. Maybe this is one of those placeswho knows, only time will tell."
"Well, I look forward to finding out," I assure them, a hint of hope breaking through my dark facade.
"Tell me about yourself, then," they say casually, as if fishing for a deeper connection. "I have to call you something after all. What's your name?"
I freeze, caught off guard. "How do you know my name?"
With a knowing smile, they respond, "There isn't a single person in this country who hasn't heard of you, Ather Vael. You've become quite famous ever since you defeated Azrael Thorne, a king among kings."
"I see," I reply, feeling a strange mix of pride and burden wash over me.
"I truly envy your strength," they add, soft admiration evident in their tone.
My expression goes blank strength isn't something to envy. Not in my case.
"Why not?" they inquire, curiosity spilling over.
I let out a heavy sigh, wavering between the comfort of sharing and the fear of vulnerability.
With an encouraging smile, they remind me, "You can trust me with anything, you know."
At that moment, tears begin to stream down my cheeks, carrying years of pain. "This power of mine... it killed everyone I held dear. This strength is a curse, not a gift!" My voice trembles with each word, the weight of my past pressing down like a leaden cloak.
In a tender gesture, they grab my hand, offering warmth. "I may not fully understand your journey, but I'm grateful you chose to share this with me."
A dark thought creases my brow. "Is that so? I've always envied people like you who have the courage to be true to themselves. Will there ever come a day when I can simply be myself?"
With a gentle smile, they say, "It's clear you've been through hell, and I can see the burden you carry. Deep down, you've longed for someone to confide in. That's why you shared this with me. But do you feel better now?"
I exhale a sigh of relief, wiping away the remnants of my tears. "Better than I thought. I never knew sharing my burdens could make me feel so much lighter... and I'm not old! I'm only 15."
"I was merely teasing," they respond, ever lighthearted. "But more importantly, you never really had a chance to let go, did you?"
"You're right," I concede. "Well, I suppose I'll be on my way now. See you later."
With a concerned expression, they ask, "Wait! Can I come with you? I've always wanted to accompany the famous Ather Vael on an adventure. What do you say?"
I hesitate but find my defenses crumbling. "Well, I have no real reason to say no... oh, well then."
"Absolutely!" ??? exclaimed, their voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I can hardly contain my excitement!"
I replied in a somber tone, "Then follow me." With that, I stepped out of the room, my footsteps echoing purposefully in the corridor.
Turning back, ??? managed a small smile. "This is just so thrilling! I never imagined that the day would actually come when I would join Ather Vael on an adventure! But first, I need to gather more information. I know exactly where to go." With determination in their stride, I walked alongside them, leading the way to a grand, imposing castle that loomed ahead, its spires reaching hungrily into the sky.
"I find your eagerness quite unusual," I quipped, eyeing my companion with mild curiosity.
"Can you blame me?" ??? replied cheerfully, their eyes sparkling with excitement. "I can hardly believe I'm going on an adventure with you!" As we traversed the stone path toward the castle, I could hear the sound of their footsteps resonating against the cobblestone, creating a rhythmic soundtrack to our journey.
"This is the place," I stated, my tone dark and authoritative as I opened the heavy door. Just inside, a familiar figure cloaked in shadows awaited me. Recognition washed over me like a wave, and I couldn't help but utter, "I thought you would be here."
???'s eyes widened in astonishment. "Wait, isn't this where the"
"Correct," I interjected, my expression grim. "This is indeed the place."
"My, my, it has been quite some time, hasn't it, Ather Vael?" The woman stepped forward from the depths of the darkness, revealing a face both striking and enigmatic. "But you may know me as... Aeona Axiom."
"I had a strong suspicion you'd be here," I replied, acknowledging her presence with a nod.
???'s expression shifted to one of realization. "Wait a minuteyoure going to ask the goddess of absolutes a question, aren't you?"
"Correct," I affirmed once more, the gravity of the moment sinking in.
Aeona Axiom looked from me to my companion with keen interest. "And who is this friend of yours?" she inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.
Liora Veylin, my companion, crossed her arms defiantly. "Hey! I have a name, you know. You can call me Liora Veylin!" Her tone was playful yet infused with an air of bravado.
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Liora Veylin," Aeona replied casually, her eyes glinting with wisdom. "I can sense that you two will become very good friends."
In response, Liora stuck her tongue out in a teasing manner. "Whatever, Ather. Just get the information you need so we can get out of here. I'm not very fond of her."
I sighed, sensing her discomfort but also understanding her perspective. "I suppose so," I said, redirecting my focus back to Aeona Axiom.
With an aura of ancient knowledge surrounding her, Aeona inquired, "What would you like to know?"
I leaned in slightly, the weight of my inquiry palpable. "I need information regarding the Absolute Ten."
Aeona Axiom's expression shifted as her eyes widened. "And which Absolute Ten are you referring to?"
"The ninth member," I clarified, the urgency of my quest pressing upon me.
Her voice took on a deeper, more reverent tone as she spoke. "The ninth member possesses the ability for some form of manipulation, but the specifics of his power remain a mystery. You will have to inquire directly with him, as no one truly knows yet. He goes by the name of the Void Destroyer."
Is that so?" I mused, a sense of satisfaction settling within me. "Well, I've gathered what I needed for now. Knowing that his ability involves manipulation will help me narrow down my search."
Liora Veylin's annoyance was now impossible to ignore. "Can we just leave this place already?" she pleaded, her patience waning.
"Very well then," I agreed, taking a step back toward the door. "I've completed my business here. Until next time." I waved goodbye and took my leave.
"See you," Aeona Axiom called after me, her voice echoing softly in the dimly lit hall.
As I stepped outside, I turned to Liora. "Care to elaborate on why you can't stand her?"
Liora hesitated, her expression shifting as she thought about how to articulate her feelings. "Well, the truth is-"
To be continued...