-1 months prior to our meetings
Anis ... is a weird fellow indeed. I'm not sure if people from his time are like that. There's something at this atmosphere of his where it gives off... radiance? despite being amidst to hell and his colorless life. He always found himself curious to every corner of the corridor. He gets excited whenever the endless corridors leads us to interesting places where it seems indefinite also. But I always see him being cautious at least.
I wonder what goes through his thick head of his...
Now, he asked nervously, if I could train him. With his caliber, I doubt he could endure it. So, I refused.
-3 months
Since then, we have crossed paths with but four beasts. Anis is quite the lively spirit and a chatter. He would still ask me to train him, but I always refuse. Still, he knows his bounds. He would often ask me if he goes too far or he would suddenly shut himself.
He had shared much of his world with me — a realm of ease and comfort, so unlike the life I have known. It is... strange, as to when he speaks, I know not what I feel. There is within me a warmth I scarce can name. As we walk, and his voice rings beside our steps, I find myself listening more to him than to the road before us.
I have no intention to tell stories. There would be times where he is saddened as it seems like I'm ignoring him. I've been listening but what merit is there to respond? I said that straight to his face. He then had a sullen look. Then everything felt... tense? I am not familiar with I'm feeling. It's uncomfortable. "Does it bore you? My talking?" He lamented. "..Nay. I apologize. I just do not know what to say. ". "It's alright, I'll try to talk less.". The way he said that.., I don't like this. and I grabbed him by his arms. "Nay. Anis. Speak more. Continue." I said as I was desperate to recover the atmosphere he had in him. "What do you mean?".
"Your stories, tell me more. I'm sorry if I was not responsive, but you're tales? I am enthralled hearing them from you. So, I beg you.". His face then became,.. red? Then he spoke
"Does it not.. really annoy you? Don't worry, I understand how normal it could be for people to be annoyed at-".
"Nay, they just do not wish to see you, as their hearts are turned away. But I would be compelled to. Pray, accept my humble apologies then again for I am unskilled at conversations, the word which you call upon 'suck'. I suck at conversations."
"...Haha, yeah you suck at it aren't ya... Don't worry. I suck at it too. So, I accept your 'humble' apologies my sire." he playfully said as relief ran down my spine as the radiance in his countenance once again shone.
After that Anis requested "Do you wish to be more responsive? Although it is not in your nature haha.".
I did wished it so, I don't want to see his sullen look ever. This a feeling I do not welcome.. that tells me the desire to banish his sorrow. I learned more how to talk back, although he proved himself right where it was not in my nature to talk back as I still remain quiet and awkward at some times, but I was able to speak more than usual. And... I do believe it is enough.. As I never see his sullen look anymore.
-6 months
I've been telling mine own tales now. He was so fascinated, excited, baffled.. hearing it. I never thought I'd get to see him like that.
"Our kingdom. It's great indeed. It possesses more power than others. But I don't get why, we must still carry on our wars."
"Is it perhaps because of personal stuff.. like your king hates the others?"
"Nay, far from hate. If I had to guess it was for pleasure." I growled.
"You know, the kingdom we attacked. I didn't know. It was a peaceful kingdom. I heard that.. because of their incompetence of losing the war countless times... they executed both their Queen and King. How savage."
"It would be nice, if you can live in my world. I bet you can handle everything there."
"Not quite sure.."
"I'm sure of it." He muttered as a gentle smile graced his lips, yet his eyes bore the weight of many days.
Ever since then, I'm feeling something again. But this time it's not uncomfortable. It's more so the opposite. I wonder how... Yet this pleases me more than I thought. The moments of silence and the moments of chatters.
He asked me again, if I could train him. There's no helping him isn't it. With a sigh I agreed on training him. His heart did leap with joy.
First I sought to train him physically. Of course before we get down to all swordsmanship. I need him to train his body first. After some time, we luckily found another magnificent landscape. Utilizing the resources there. There I made him carry stones and logs. He introduced to me to this workout 'push-ups', and I do see its relevance. After a goodnight rest, I had him run. After that I had him do more physical training. By midday I train his foot work. Then by evening I have him train his mind. We always have this silent session. Whether we pray or meditate. What matters is I build him patience and focus. I find it surprising though. Most will question why one needs it but he already knew its significance... So, for our last session, is a reflection. I need him to be aware of everything from what he had learned. His mistakes. His strengths also. And so we continue this routine. I never trained anyone even once. But Anis needs a careful balance in his progress. So, even though I'm not that fond of this meditation, but I know it would help Anis on his journey.
From this routine, I had found Anis' lack of discipline indeed. But he had already turned his anger upon himself, before I even stepped up so. I suppose that's that. And upon checking him. Apart from his really weak body and immune system. He is quick to learning. So it was only a matter of his strength. He could accomplish unusual amounts of work smoothly than any normal knights have. I praised him, and in return, a tender smile did grace his fair visage.
9 Months had passed since we met. Anis began to take shape. So from here on now. I began sword training him. Upon hearing the news his heart was set aflame with excitement. I really appreciated him. He was able to be more patient for it. Usually, they would be mad to train by sword but Anis did had patience in him. I see a massive potential within him.... So, this training regime went on and went on.
In rest days. There's been times where Anis tells his struggles. His mundane life. The way he said that the only thing he lived for, is the beauty that lies ahead. He want to feel that. "But it's just hard when you've got stressors all over the place. It's painful. I can't look at my surroundings. Feel the cold floors of my empty apartment. Hear the echoes of the chirpings of birds. I just can't." he quoted exhaustedly. "You see how weak I am right? I did not battle, nor kill many. Yet a mundane life is enough to push me to a thought of what it feels like to be at rest forever as I hold a knife at the palm of my hands and look at the reflection of my weary eyes, my regrets, and my hopeless dreams. How can I even experience the beauty of living if this is how life repays us for living honestly.... But ever since I came here.. no.. ever since I met you. Everything feels.. like.. I finally felt what it means to live. But I still had doubts.. by the time I came back to my life.. to work again. Will.. the void in my life be back again... But. I'm fine now. So, don't worry.". What he said stirred up my thoughts. I felt him. But-
"But you did still fought in a battle... A battle which you haven't lost yet." I said as I cast my gazed upon him and continued.
"Prithee don't you agree?".
I was... glad. I was able to put a smile in him, by mine own words. I just took a glance in him before I found myself feeling.. I don't know this feeling. Peace?.... Yeah I suppose so.. or maybe more accurately, I felt again this...
-Warmth?-
-12 months had passed
My hair had been too long now it became a hindrance. Good thing Anis here happens to conveniently know how to cut hairs. He mentioned how he doesn't like going to people who cuts hair for a living. I don't understand what style is for, just as long as my hair could be cut. But I don't understand how he knows how to cut hairs but still has a messy hair.
He said I should close my eyes, and so I did with a little trace of doubt. And he began cutting my hair now. With my eyes closed, I could only hear the snip of the scissors and his touch. "Don't move too much nor flinch okay?" He reassured me.
"So, we don't exactly have a mirror but.. What do you feel now?".
"It felt as if my head is now freed."
"Glad to know!"
"You did wounded me more than once, though I don't mind.". He then got embarrassed.
"I thank you." I spoke
He smirked "Anytime".
Then out of nowhere I saw him in pain "Are you okay?".
"Oh yeah, it just a headache. Must be from lack of rest? I believe."
"Let's take a rest then."
Days later, we found ourselves amidst a fair and tranquil landscape once more. I stood before a silent, gentle river and beheld my reflection therein. I… I had not looked upon mine own visage in many years. The last time, I remember, was at Lake Constance. Then, I gazed upon myself as though I saw naught but death clinging to my shadow. My eyes were dull as glass, my hair near veiling all sight, and in the waters beside my image drifted the bodies of the fallen — the silence wrought by the Reaper himself.
Yet now… compared to then, the man within the water seemed changed. 'Twas a different soul I beheld. I have changed, have I not? I raised a hand to my face, tracing what time had spared, then turned my gaze to Anis, who played with the water at his fingertips.
"Wanna take a bath my sire? Before I continue again in my training haha." he asked lightly.
"Well then… with pleasure, my good fellow," I replied, my face still void of mirth, as I cast one final glance upon the new man reflected in the river's quiet grace.
-15 months
It had been a month since a lot of beasts had showed. Some where easy to slay but some prove to be hard to fought. Anis suspected their might be someone behind all this. Because of the fantasy motif of the beasts that showed. They all seem to be some kind of something who had gone from a medieval fantasy book. Elves, dwarves, even giant spiders showed up. Anis was verily afraid by the spiders. But when we encountered the black and white knight it was hard to defeat them. They were agile and more tenacious. After defeating them, we encountered a large door, and then the atmosphere changed. Upon opening the door, we expected to be in a room, but it seems this would be an open field battle, with the stage ahead with stone paves and the forest and mists surrounds us. Then we were met with a... Child King. Sitting in its throne, it held up an eerie smile. His all shadow and no visible feature except with his cape, crown, and his staff. It then stood and raised its hand with its staff.. We were confused but a loud roar can be heard and above appeared did a dragon. And black and white knights began marching out of nowhere, they are about 20. Anis can't fought but I sword-trained him for self-defense. I sighed and said to myself "Hope that would be all worth it, Anis. I see potential but this is not practice.".
With a borrowed sword Anis got ready at my back. I saw his hand shaking. But.. something tells me it is not from fear... Then I looked ahead, as the battle starts, the dragon dove in first. It then breathed fire. I was at a disadvantage here as I have no shield. The knights hindering makes it harder. The dragon stood its position as it deals with range while the knights dive in with melee. This is hard.... I'm not sure if I can do this.. Then suddenly, this verily, stupid fellow went in also. "Anis!!?". He didn't gave a response but instead went on fighting. His stance, the way he avoid the knights. He took a side step to avoid the black knights thrust, and he manage to stab it through its hole in its helmet. I didn't expect it. He backs up when he knows he can't take it. I see him as just like an assassin with a sword and with no armor,... how could he withstand this? So I continued. This time I was giving it all my best efforts. I was in the zone. He's an idiot truly, now I need to ensure his safety while fighting. But he's still standing and fighting. He only comes in if he sees an opportunity. Our fight continued, seven knights are down. Then cavalries armed with archers suddenly appeared out of nowhere also. My armor deflected the arrow, I then took the opportunity to take the arrow and threw it at one of the cavalry. Anis then shouted, "We need to kill the king!". I agreed as this might be an endless battle, I make my way in him but the dragon blocked the path, it breathed fire. I ran at the sides, and as soon as it stopped with the knight behind my back, no one to protect it, I went in swiftly and pierced its head with my sword. As I was about to attack the Child King, the queen arrive, and it deflected my sword. The Child laughed and swings his staff. The queen was very agile with its rapier. It keeps slashing in between my armor. But I manage to grab its rapier with my hands and broke it and I stabbed the queen through its stomach. I stared at the Child murderously. As I raised my sword against the King. I.. I.... wait...
What I saw was, the child before... why... It then frowned at me... Then it smiled. And just like before, the child had a flower, then she raised out her hand.. Then she smiled. Unbeknownst to the knight about to stab me at my back.. Then suddenly... Anis stabbed the girl.. And it.. it was the king again. Was I under an illusion? Then all the summoned troops disappeared. I heard the King said something. I.... Anis grabbed me "Klein! You okay??". I was unfazed. "I'm fine.... I saw.."...
"What is it?". I then looked at Anis.. "Never mind. I was under the illusion of the King that's why I stopped.".
"Oh I see. At least everything is over now-". I nodded, still blank.... Then Anis fell down. "Anis!" I yelled, as I looked at his wound. He had been stabbed in his.. lower stomach but its not that deep... SHIT. But it still bleeding. No no no no. "It's going to be okay." I... said? I don't know why. As I drop to my knees and caress his face with my shaken hands. Why did I tell him that? Shit. I can hardly breathe. I can't bare looking at the sight of this. I took off his clothes and ripped it apart to imitate a bandage and wrapped it around his stomach. I wonder what my eyes look like right now. I don't know what to do. I don't... "Lie still and don't you move or you'll bleed.". I held his hand. Will... Will this do enough? Anis.
-a warrior who can kill a dozen men, but can't stop one wound-
..
....
...
Everything is soaked in red. The atmosphere smells metallic. And I can't still calm the living shit out of me.
I wonder why this feeling is unusual to me.
We endured this painful days. Redone the bandage thrice now. We only have two day supplies of food. Shit. After that. I lie on the ground still holding tight to his hand. I gave all the rations to him. It has been day four now. I never let go. I was able to ease up by that time. Anis also was able too. I'm glad. I'm tired. I feel like eating myself. Weird. I could usually go on for a week without any food. It's a miracle random rations are out here everywhere. A day had passed since then. We need to find food. I can't just leave him here for many reasons. A beast might show up or I might end up lost, not because of me but because of the changing properties of this labyrinth. Shit. I darted my eyes at the trees. Anis, wounded and lying on the stone pavement. Shit. this would be hard, I never built anything but let's try.
Two sturdy branches, snapped clean from a fallen sapling, landed at my feet with a thud. I ripped the edge of my cloak into wide strips and began tying them across the frame, weaving them tightly until they formed a rough bed. Every motion sent sparks of pain from my own bruised hands, but I ignored it. "Anis, I'm going to lift you okay? Hold on." I lifted him upon the litter, which I would carry. We have no choice but to scavenge for food together. Hard though it be, this is for the best.
..
It had been two weeks now. Every day was, making me out of breath. However,.. I cannot tell why... Seeing his face, still warm with life, makes it all more bearable. I said to myself as I slowly laid upon my tireless yet tired eyes to rest.
A week had passed by again and Anis.. !! Anis!! He finally began to open his eyes. He can stand up for himself now. I clung on to him. "Klein?..." He gave a soft huff of laughter. "Oh my-... I can finally see you properly." He said as we beheld each other. He flashed a smile on me.
In a room from the corridors. We finally talked to each other again.
"What you did back there." I said as I laid my armor to rest and sat upon the bed with Anis.
"Oh.. yeah I'm sorry..".
"..You did great Anis.".
Anis sighed expecting a scolding and smirked "..... Thanks. I was really lucky." He said with a pain in his voice as he lie on the bed.
"I never really thought I could fight. But I saw you struggling. I just knew I have to fight or else you will get killed. I'm glad I fought.... I guess I've changed.... I would never do such a thing ya know haha. I hope I was this resilient, brave, disciplined, and someone who would take actions back in my world.". He said, as he stares at the ceiling. He closed his eyes. "Do I need this out of the world events just to change? Well, ugh... Shit.".
"Anis." I lie down the bed also. And by his side I said "I am at a loss for what to say, for your troubles lie beyond my understanding... but...".
I remembered.... I remembered Anis. My memories with him.
-But I'm here.-
Anis opened his weary eyes, and looked at Klein
-I'm here now so-
Anis eyes was surprised as for the first time he saw Klein.... smile.
I chuckled... He was surprised by it. Then we shared a quiet laugh together.
-So don't worry. I'll be staying with you. Forever. You embraced me so. If I may, could I embrace your sorrowness away my good fellow?-
Anis smiled through the pain. But the pain that was supposed to be felt was gone..
Tears went raining down upon Anis' eyes. His grip tightened around Klein.
-I remembered my painfully mundane life. Right now. I'm holding to everything now. And I will never.. never let go, not like that time anymore.. I will hold you tightly.-
-Your warmth... I like it. I love it.-
-I was really pathetic. But... it's okay now.. I've got you. I have nothing back then. But right now I have everything. Klein. Klein... Klein.-
They did everything together from that point on. They enjoyed every bit of their time. They cherished it. Two roses. Two roses can be seen. One was cold and empty. One was covered in blood. They are about to bloom, under the radiant sun. Above the transparent water in the quiet river. Between the white pillars. Between the torn filled leaves. Its still shy. But it's only a matter of time, before the two roses blooms and face and finally clearly see each other...
....
23 months had passed now. I can't believe it. Am I dreaming. I wonder when it would take-. I sighed. Shit. Uncertainties filled me again.
By the corridors. I waited outside, for Klein to finish praying. "I never thought, I'd get to meet him like this. A knight of all people..." I'm glad I met you Klein. I wouldn't be here to where I am standing if it weren't for you. I sighed.
That was when I looked ahead the corner. And saw an ominous hand appeared, reached out, and grabbed the corner of the corridor. .Slowly. I prepared myself for what was about to come. Suddenly I had a headache. The lights flickering. I attempted to go back to the room but it won't budge. "Shit, shit, shit!." I exclaimed as I looked at the corner again. The hand was gone. The lights stopped flickering. And I can finally open the door. And upon checking inside Klein was gone. And I knew the danger of this. I tried not to panic as I yell for Klein's name in hopes he could hear me. Calm down, calm down. Out of the blue, everything went black. I surveyed my surroundings in anticipation of the enemy. Then I heard an unsettling noise. Like a body of mannequin creaking as it tries to move, and what has appeared... was an actual mannequin... It's head is identical to a dolls but crushed contrasting to its human sized body. Each limb of its body is twisted. It keeps crawling towards me, I stepped backwards. It suddenly leapt out to me. I immediately pulled out my pocket knife and stabbed it through its neck. Red water gushed out of it mimicking blood. "Ack!-" I yelped, as the red water touched my hand, it burned it. A first degree burn.
Afterwards numerous mannequins started to show itself one by one surrounding me. Each of them has their own unique doll faces except for their twisted limbs which are alike. Okay, given that I know they would leapt out at me in just a matter of seconds I took my vest and rip it into two, to mimic a brass knuckles while protecting my hand from the acidic red water. All of them separately, come at me, I punched them as they leapt out towards me. I tried avoiding others but failed, as one latched on me and it pour the acid on my back. It in fact did not burn the cloth but it went through and burned my skin directly. I yelled upon the pain, in return I lowered my guard, and another latched in front of me, But I continued to fight, and uppercut it. The mannequin, at my back was still there, spilling the acid still. I groaned hardly as my back was at a second degree burn now. I grabbed its neck and manage to crush it as I bear the pain it has inflicted on me. At this point on, I was desperate to finish this as my guard are at its highest and I would definite not last long. "Ahhhh shit." I exhaled, as I saw more mannequins come forth. And as I took a deep breathe, I yelled with might "COME AT ME YOU PIECES OF-".
...
....
........
Meanwhile
Something's amiss... I arise after praying, and opened the door, Anis had vanished. I scanned everywhere anxiously. From each end of the corridors. I yelled out his name but alas, he's gone. Then without a warning, a man appeared, wearing what would an executioners would wear. Wielding a swinging blade conjured upon a chain. "You, what have you done to Anis.!" I furiously uttered as I warmed up my sword. It ignored me. "No matter, either way, you'd have to go my fellow.". It grunted as it started to quickly swung around his chains of saw blade. I sighed. And the beast released its saw blade. I swiftly dodge it, and grabbed the chains. The chains then started to conjure spikes, I looked at the man with pity as I did not flinched, I tilted my head downwards and said "Is that all?". I then pulled him with utmost endeavor with the chains, and wrapped the chains around my hand, and as the man flung on to me, I punched him hard in the stomach. And grabbed him by his collar, and I calmly asked "Where is he.". He didn't respond so I put an end to this one-sided fight now by piercing the saw blade into his neck.
"(heavy breathing) Shit.". Blood is spilling at my hands and my back. As after slaying 24 mannequins. A large one appeared, 7x its normal size. It just... stands there. Its one eye creepily stares at me. Then another wave of mannequins arrived at my back again, this time I know I'm done for, I'm too much injured and weakened. So, i attempted to climbed the large doll so was the other mannequins following me, and as I was at the peak of its heart point, I raised both of my hands carrying the pocket knife, and punctured it through its chest. Then It disappeared and I fell in the carpets of the corridors, the blackness that surrounds me was gone. I groaned as I fell from my back which still is burned from the acid. I just lay down in the carpet. Waiting for Klein to come. But didn't. It seems.... we might have been separated...
"Anis... where are you" I said when I hear someone running towards me. And what beholds me .. was a child. With a golden long-haired girl.
"Am I.. safe now?"
She said as she fell unconscious