CHAPTER 2

  **From the POV of GACHIZEN**

  It's cold and calm, very satisfying, and oh so pleasant to eat- this delicious SUNDAE! The vanilla flavor is really nice, especially when topped with oozing hot fudge and things I really don't dislike— it makes me want to order more...

  yes, MORE!

  I take one bite... oh yes, angelic. It's perfect! Nothing can beat this. It has the quality and quantity to fully please my DIFFICULT palate...!

  . "Alright man, I get it." said the complacent Bino. As if he wouldn't agree with me if he just tasted it!

  We found a place to hang out after class. Rita's Desserts was in a conspicuous area, in front of a crowded street in the Noon plaza. It was a newly branded café- had a line of people waiting for entry. Bino, being as rich as I could ever hope to be, bought us our way in. He ordered for me, it was his treat as always. Waiting for the other orders to come in, I told Bino all about... Kou, but Bino was as I expected, completely oblivious. Our orders came in one after the other, the table was getting full of different varieties of desserts because Bino wanted to 'audit' them one by one. I couldn't keep track of how many there were!

  . "Considering the price," Bino's demeanor completely changes, "It just doesn't seem worth it." he started to examine the clearly angelic macarons, as per his habit.

  . "It's ironic hearing that come from your mouth," I said as I took another bite. How blissful- this luxurious sundae gives me a feel for heavenly ascension. 'Rita's Desserts'... I'll come back here sometime.

  . "Hey now, even I also need to cut costs sometimes." he says with a straight face, like he didn't just order the entire freakishly long menu of sweets.

  . "Hofuu~~" I sighed, completely dominated by the sundae's sweet intricate flavors. Though I wouldn't dare to deal with the other desserts, I'll die of a heart attack!

  I focused on my one dessert- Bino, with his entire course.

  . "Mediocre at best, it seems..." he commented after finally taking a bite off of the last dessert, a chocolate cake, of like, 26 others. "But I did like the custard pudding, it's refreshing and very creamy. It makes me think of chaos and peace both at the same time...! Yup- I'll order four of those for take out~!"

  . "Aren't you a bit too picky? The dessert here are probably the best around town!" I told him.

  . "Hmm? I don't think so, Unless~ of course YOU can prove me wrong??" Bino's tone shifts to sarcasm.

  That's a bad sign.

  . "Then uh... why not this sundae? It's very, VERY good!" I told him.

  . "Dude... It's hard to believe that coming from your mouth- cuz like—" he points at me. He looks and speaks like he's about to burst, "You- you... You can't even taste anything!!! AHHHHAA!!!" Bino explodes like a water balloon— after just making a single 'joke'.

  It wasn't funny, not even a joke- but the way he cackled made me crack a bit- it sounded like a squeaking racoon out of air! though a very loud one. Of course, people turned their heads to our table.

  Eventually... thankfully, he calmed down, making a few more bursts of laughter here and then when he repeated his 'joke'... However, I know my taste is fine! I take pride in my preferences in food, my father's best chef in the world for goodness' sake.

  I take another bite off my sundae, it's about halfway done now.

  . "Yeah, nobody believes you *snort*, " Bino continues... "BECAUSE you think everything tastes good EVEN WHEN THEY'RE NOT! It's like- like you don't know what 'good' tastes like."

  . "Yeah, yeah, whatever." I replied to him, this sundae is starting to hit the spot the more you eat it.

  . "Look-" Bino straightens out his tone, he called some waitresses to start packing the dishes of desserts unto boxes provided by the café, "Back when we were younger we created a horrid combination of all sorts of random stuff, remember that time?"

  . "Of course... not." I replied, as Bino continued with a much more lax tone of voice.

  . "Right, well I'll tell you anyway- back then we created something using the most random things we could find, think about fermented herbs and crushed up jellies. I remember one of them even mixing in a piece of liquid CRACK o's! (A brand of chips) Marco was brave enough to taste it for us first... and HE FAINTED!"

  . "Alright that's not true, Marco wouldn't have agreed to that—"

  . "Duh~ I paid him gold." Bino turns to me and smirks with both his hands up... stop looking at me like giving gold is a normal thing. Anyway, he continued... "But THEN, we gave it to you... and can you tell me what you did-?"

  I don't remember drinking such a thing, so I told him "That sounds disgusting Bino, don't make me puke—"

  . "YOU DRANK THE WHOLE THING." replied Bino at top volume once again, "You even ENJOYED IT!"

  . "Wha— no...? But I get it, don't be so loud BIno." I can already feel the other people eyeing us down, even those at the line. The waitresses were just smiling- probably for a tip.

  . "Exactly~" Bino turned to the bill that was handed, the waitresses stood beside the table after having finished packing all the desserts, all of which had one bite each. He then turns to me with a big grin...

  . "Hey Zen-boy, WATCH THIS—!" Bino stands up with his hands in his pocket, as if bringing something out, and he says with full confidence—

  LODIAC TECHNIQUE OUT, "GOLD SHOWERRRR-!"

  Bino showers the empty table with gold Velian coins, the employees of the café started to clap for him... This is peak embarrassment, I want to get out of here so bad... But this is the Bino that I know.

  "Heh-!" He turns to his silver watch. "Oh— It's almost time."

  Bino hands me the two neatly-packaged bags filled with the sweets left mostly intact. "Gaten you can have these, you can put some in your bag if it's too big, I'll get GOING, DUDE!" He strikes a 'thumbs up' along with a big smile, he's still a good friend no matter how intimidating, or spoiled he seems. But something feels off right now...

  "My bag... Oh right, yeah I got it. Thanks for the treat Bino." I replied, also giving him a good long hug.

  "No PROBLEMO~" Bino leaves the café, dark chocolate somehow stuck to his cheeks. I would tell him- but I'll let him be. I'm satisfied with today, this afternoon was fun. But... My morning was... strange. I can't help but think that the day's too short...? It's like time leapt forward... Something changed, I can feel it.

  Shortly after, I headed straight back to the base of CEA. I wasn't as encumbered as I thought, the bags weren't that heavy. But there, my favorite wooden benches were waiting for me. I sat... waiting, pondering...

  30-ish minutes, just staring into the endless sky... I don't know, it soothes my soul.

  || CLANG! CLANG!

  the bell from the tower in the center plaza! Personally, I call it the 'past two-hours mark' or the 'pick up Nas and Kana time'~!.

  I stood up, and stretched my arms before heading down the hill. Just 2 minutes away from the CEA is its miniature version, the Capital Rudimentary Academy, CRA. Unlike the main Academy however, this one is as noisy as can be! Children were bustling, filled to the brim with energy. I set aside the dessert bags, and started to look for my two little sisters.

  Some of the children were greeted by their own butlers in gold-clad carriages, others even had access to the newest Lodiac vehicles- wish I could ride one at least once. But of course, I prefer that the way to go home is by walking with your cute little siblings through a long and peaceful path, no kid wants to miss out on potential adventures!

  …! There they are! Kana and Nastashia!

  They were walking out the school gates while laughing to each other like very cute and tiny gremlins.

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  Nastashia is three years younger than Kana, who is about 4 years younger than me. My birthday and Kana's are just 2 days apart- and I'm turning 16 in a week! Kana is a responsible older sister, yes-! always making her baby sister more spoiled than she already was. This warms the heart of their big brother~ I'm excited to hear their stories as we go home.

  Though, seeing most of the children have no one pick them up, walking home alone... saddens me.

  . "Woah~ what're those?" Kana's first instinct attracted her to the brightly-colored bags beside me. Not to mention, the delightful aroma it emitted!

  . "Hehe," I patted her head, a big grin grew on my face, "These are to EAT for later~! So we better rush back home, no??"

  Kana comes close and gives me a kiss on my cheek, I return the gesture. As for Nastashia-

  . "YAH YAH YAH!!!!" Nastashia screeched, so so loudly! That volume's probably her new record-! She latches unto me for a bit before letting go. Nastashia hands her bag over to me.

  . "Nas! You carry the bag yourself!" Kana, in a strong tone, interrupts her little sister

  . "WHY~?" sassily replied baby Nas

  . "Monsiouleur Gat-tenn is carrying a lot already!" Kana puts her hands on her waist, exuding confidence.

  --Monsiouleur = Big Brother--

  . "BUT-"

  . "It's alright Minelette Kana," I told her, grabbing Nastashia's bag, "The stuff isn't too heavy"

  --Minelette = Small Sister--

  I take a deep breath, "But anyway... Are you both ready? Let's GO, GO, GO!!"

  "AhhaEHAE-" the three of us accelerated down the hill, Nas and Kana were giggling too, but they're so fast-! We passed the busy section of town, and now exiting through the gate, when I was called by an old and familiar lady.

  It was a friend of my family, who was with a group of three other older women I knew. After a short conversation with them, especially because the two girls were getting impatient, they spoiled us by filling the bags I had with a lot more products and gifts from their hometown. I was carrying so many that some of the products fell off and got taken by the busy street and the animals roaming it.

  We parted ways with them.

  The two girls were successfully picked up- us three were now walking home, with Kana in the lead. Aside from Nastashia, Kana knew the way home and through the main city, she's a natural when it comes to directions.

  Sharing our stories with each other while walking in peace never gets old, especially whilst walking through the Zhayan Groves. But I am still a bit zoned out- that man, Kou... What a mystery. Throughout our adventure, my two sisters remained energetic, noisy with each other. Somehow, Kana even got hold of a stray frog that jumped down from high up the trees! She's got a really good reaction time.

  We continued to walk, for about 20 minutes or so, the path was starting to get dark, especially since there were trees everywhere.

  Now past the Ironic Lake of the Sun, the Glimmering Statue is finally in sight. The whole path rarely had any people especially at this time, this makes the trip a lot more enjoyable personally speaking.

  Time passes so fast when you think deeply to yourself...

  Although...

  Right now, it's a bit... too quiet. It's been like this for a while, that's probably why I'm deep in thought. Not even Kana is-

  . "I'll go! I'll go!" she shouted, stumped to run that 10 meter dash to home.

  Nevermind, she's probably tired from school.

  . "Careful-" my knees dropped to the ground, it suddenly felt weak... but I didn't know why. It's like I'm just now remembering... My body remembered something-

  And it finally hit me.

  Dead in my tracks, I turned my head to every direction. Kana ran to our house gates, leaving behind deep footprints on the soil earth. Still as optimistic, so excited that she remained oblivious to the situation I stumbled upon.

  I turned back, to the right, and to the left - until my hands also weakened, dropping the bags and gifts on the floor. Eyes were wide, adrenaline rushing in, as the hairs on my skin stood from the reverberations of my heartbeat.

  "Monsiouleur...?" I could hear Kana's voice from afar, "What's the matter-- HEY!"

  I ran down the path deeper into the forest. There's no time to waste- I have to backtrack our steps on the dirt. The sun was already low enough, for the crickets were already getting loud. In just a few moments this path would be covered in complete darkness.

  Where is a sign- any sign at all?!

  Nastashia is nowhere in sight

  I continued my frantic search, desperately revolving my head to every possible place. My neck started to pierce me after every turn.

  Until, for just a split second- the side of my eye caught a light from deep within the forest.

  A light that suddenly disappeared.

  Without hesitation, I ran to its direction. But as if the sun just fell down on me, the place became pitch black in an instant... I stumbled, tumbling over a deep drop down a hill to the inner depths of the forest. Not a single amount of sunlight penetrated the leaves of the towering trees that surrounded me.

  I have never gone past the markers on the edges of the path before, but it feels all too familiar.

  There-! It's the light-

  It was a bright, ethereal thread floating through the dark moving like a snake. But it was going away, fast. I forced my limping legs up, covered in mud... or blood.

  I ran after it- it swerved through the shadow-like trees like needlework. With every step, every fiber of my being felt resonant with the crashing of my feet and the earth. Raindrops started to pour, and strong winds gusted against my horrid self. It felt as if time was decelerating, until I couldn't even think anymore-

  "HURFGH-!!"

  I tripped again, sliding down another long and rocky drop, but at least now there was a bit of light- I was out of the dark covers of the forest. There were gray skies, and a sharp cliff where I almost continued to fall off of. I was quick enough to dodge a shrapnel rock that almost hit my head. Panting and almost out of energy, I raised my hands and the upper part of my body, only to meet a horrifying scene-

  I was electrified, and pushed back in horror, right beside me was a boy's body— breathless and pale, but most notably the back of his head was covered in dried blood and growing moss and fungi... The body had been there for some time.

  . "What are you?" a taint voice

  That- that's Nastashia's voice!

  I limped over past the bushes to my left, my fingers were encompassed by the grass. But this boy... I couldn't see his face...

  Right now, Nastashia is my priority!

  Gaten brushed past the wet, sunken grass.

  it revealed the sight of Nastashia almost at the very end of the cliff. She was holding onto that... thread of light. It surrounded her like a coil, and it was the only thing keeping her balance.

  The drop off the cliff was easily over a few hundred meters from the sea, but most deadly were the torrents of wind and the turbulent from the brewing storm.

  It could push her down.

  . "NASTASHIA- urghh " Gaten coughed out blood

  The little girl notices him, conjuring a big smile, like a child wishing to show off to her parents.

  Seemingly reacting to her emotions, the thread swiftly extends itself toward Gaten. Brushing past, it was warm and incandescent.

  Gaten shortly hesitated.

  He grabbed the rear tail of the glowing thread, able to carry his weight off the ground. Though he was too exhausted to utter any more words, his heart and mind was set to get Nastashia home.

  Against the strong wind and rain, slowly, he limped toward her while being guided by the thread. He was so close, just a few steps apart.

  a step closer, she remained bright but aloof to the danger she put herself in, she was even approaching Gaten carelessly. Gaten was forced to rush his steps.

  one more step, they were just a few arm's lengths apart, he could barely open his eyes due to the presence of wind and the setting sun over the horizon, just now peering past the clouds.

  until, for just one more step, their hands almost finally connected, Gaten is filled with relief. He forced his eyes open and raised his face up to look at her. Even with all the pain he felt, he tried to make the best smile he could ever make in that moment...

  But, for some reason...

  Nastashia's expression screamed pure terror and fear. Her entire body violently shook as if electrified, as she tried to remove her hand from Gaten's grasp.

  She saw something.

  Gaten however, already barely conscious, couldn't keep his hold.

  And with both Nastashia's hands not holding onto anything, she was just about to fall. She screeched for help.

  "NASTASHIA-!" Gaten let all his spirits out as he shouted, his sense of self shattered.

  He pushed himself with every ounce of his strength- grabbed her hand and threw her tiny little body away from the edge of the cliff toward the patch of grass beside it.

  However, that left him, and the pull of gravity, falling down toward the raging ocean below... barely unconscious... paralyzed, and fated to death.

  Gaten closed his eyes... To let the howling winds and storm take him.

  ' Hopefully... '

  he thought to himself.

  ' Just hopefully... that thread continues to keep Nastashia safe from the storm. '

  '…I can't feel anything...'

  'and I can't breathe anymore... I wonder if my life would flash before me...'

  'But I feel something...'

  'something deep within me.'

  ****************

  **************

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  ********

  The sea has caught its prey.

  Gachizen Dauze is descending down the waters... he opened his eyes... to first observe his body translucent. What was expected to be depths of darkness and chaos, was not at all what he observed. The corals on the seafloor was glimmering and glowing in a variety of colors, small fishes of all kinds were swimming in schools about, the dark blue hues of the ocean was complimented by a festival of magical lighting in this underwater city. Underneath the brutal storming waves of the ocean lied a calm and lifelike view.

  he knew he was about to die, but at the very least...

  he was blissful...

  all the more knowing his sister was safe.

  and suddenly, he hears a faint whisper

  "now, I hold you in me,"

  the voice mumbled, it sounded unfamiliar to him

  "but for this to happen is- new,"

  "what did you do- child? why are we both here...?" but somehow, he felt as if he couldn't speak, even in his thoughts...

  "...we'll find our answers, but until then, thy is our vessel, child." the voice fades, as the shouts of the enraged ocean gradually ripped through his ears...