Rain tapped steadily against the ceiling at eight in the morning. The same cycle as yesterday, and part of me hoped it had all been a dream. I turned to my side, whispering to myself that this was not how it was supposed to go. Questions tumbled through my mind, relentless and heavy, and slowly exhaustion began pulling me under.
As darkness claimed my vision, a voice called my name. It was strange, distant yet intimate, though I could see nothing. A bright light flared before me, blinding and warm, and the name came again.
"Who are you? Why do you call me?" I asked.
"I am God," the voice answered, calm and steady.
I let out a hollow chuckle before breaking down. "God, I have served you! I have protected these people, slain three demons, saved the kingdom of Abrane from a cruel wizard, and… and this is the thanks I receive?"
"That is why I am here," He said. "You are okay, Kael. Listen, this is not the end. Trust me. Things may not seem in your favor now, but they will turn around. I will always be with you. People may leave, but I will not. I will be with you, son, always and forever."
Light poured over me, white and endless, washing away fear and doubt. I felt a peace so overwhelming it made me kneel, warmth surrounding me, firm yet gentle. I closed my eyes, feeling His presence rather than seeing it.
"I love you, Jesus," I whispered. "I will always be with you. Can you stay here with me?"
"Rest, son. Rest," He replied.
Hours later, at six in the evening, I awoke. I lay frozen for a moment, staring at the ceiling, the memory of that encounter lingering. "Wow," I murmured, a tear rolling down my cheek. "God does hear me."
My stomach growled, reminding me I had eaten nothing all day. I rose, showered, and prepared to leave the house for dinner.
Hovering above the surface of the lake, I looked out over Forester. The kingdom of Themyrlascia was celebrating, fireworks casting brilliant colors across the sky. I smiled faintly. "That looks fun. Worth a visit," I said.
As I approached, a sudden splash caught my attention. A water projectile shot high into the sky. "Huh. That was definitely not a firework," I muttered.
Hovering closer, I found the source. Two dragons clashed violently above the lake, wings slicing the clouds. Aqualis struggled against a fire dragon, and my fists wrapped in shadow instinctively. I descended, the impact sending both dragons crashing into the lake. Aqualis lay on the water, weak and exhausted.
I helped her rise with veils of shadow, and she shrank into her human form. "It has been twice now that you have saved me, Kael," she said quietly.
"Who were you fighting?" I asked.
"My sibling," she replied. "The fire dragon of Themyrlascia. He sensed my presence and tried to kill me."
"Why?"
"Fire and water do not mix," she said. "Even as children, we fought constantly. I was always the role model, and he… he became jealous. I usually win, but returning now, I am weaker."
I smiled. "Do not worry. I will protect you. Do you want to grab a bite in Themyrlascia?"
She shook her head gently. "I must deal with my brother, return him to his dungeon. I am not suited to leave right now."
"Very well. Until we meet again," I said, teleporting back to the kingdom's skies.
Night fell, and I arrived at the festival. I entered a tavern, the smell of roasted chicken and barbecue welcoming me. I ordered a meal and a few beers, sitting quietly in the corner, watching families and couples celebrate. Happiness surrounded me, and I thought of her, wondering why my mind brought her to a place of joy.
A commotion drew my attention. A man was harassing a waitress. She pleaded, "Stop, sir, please…"
A figure stood suddenly. "Is everything alright?" he asked, voice firm.
"Yes, sir, please return to your table," she replied.
The man laughed, dismissive. "You and what army?"
"I am Zephyr of the Erode family," the newcomer said, voice sharp, calm, unshakable. "Disrespect the waitress again, and you will regret it. It is a pleasure to correct your misdeeds."
The tavern erupted as Zephyr clapped, sending the harassing man and his companions flying. Glass shattered, tables toppled, the chaos momentarily frozen in the air. I watched, frozen, as Zephyr approached the man, speaking with quiet authority and finishing the encounter with composure.
He returned to the counter, sipping his beer, and I joined him. "Where are you from?" I asked.
"The kingdom of Hasselleania," he replied. "You?"
"By the forest," I said. "Why are you here?"
"I am celebrating," he said. "You?"
"My roasted chicken," I replied with a grin. "And a beer. Cheers to your celebration and to saving that waitress."
"Cheers, Kael," he said.
"How do you know my name?"
He smiled faintly. "I was once tasked to kill you. The order was cancelled."
"Lucky for me," I said. "By whom?"
"The king. The order was cancelled. I could strike you now, but it was revoked."
I laughed, "Why not test it outside? I want to see your skill."
He agreed, and we moved to a nearby forest, where no villagers could be caught in the fight. He lunged with his blade, but I met him with shadows and steel. Every strike he landed was met, every counter anticipated. When I pinned him with my blade at his throat, he sighed.
"I admit defeat," he said, laughing. "You bested me here."
"You are strong, Zephyr," I said. "Still want that beer? You're buying."
He nodded. We returned to the tavern, sharing drinks, speaking of our pasts. Zephyr told of a life shaped solely by blade and wind, a killer trained with no soul to feel. I told him about battles, demons, and finally about Selene.
"There was a girl," I said, voice quiet, "forced to marry, unwilling. I know it. She saved me once. Perhaps one last act of love."
Zephyr considered this. "You truly loved her," he said.
"I did," I admitted.
"Advice?" he asked, finishing his drink. "Sometimes words cannot heal what is wounded. Remember that."
The night passed with conversation, laughter, and shared stories. We parted eventually, agreeing on a future mission together.
Returning home, I entered the lake, teleporting to my living room. Someone stood before me. I reacted instinctively, appearing behind her.
"Kael, it's me! Relax!" Selena said.
"Oh, it's you…" I whispered, collapsing onto the floor.
"You've been drinking, I see. Interesting," she smiled, and I imagined her voice, her presence, enough to bring peace.
"Noctur, please put me to bed," I murmured.
"I'm not your Noctur, but okay, Kael," Selena replied, and I let the calm of her presence carry me into sleep.