I had a tiresome morning ahead of me, having two sets of courses that I had to give to an attending class. Having barely slept the previous night didn't help. Just one of those nights when nightmares both of dreams and thought decided to pay a visit.
As a now senior member after barely a year in my employment had passed I had extra responsibilities. One such responsibility was giving courses, both in general and advanced combat tactics as well as spacial awareness in zones of conflict.
Knowledge that I well learned and earned during my ten year ''combat tour'' of my fucked up life back in the day. It was valuable if not priceless experience that I was giving to the attending operators. Even if the nature of the war was different than the struggles of today so many things remained the same. War never really changed much.
-As you may know, there are many factors that one can rely on during a combat operation to better ensure the chances of survival and the chances of operational success.
-Who can tell me one of them?...
-Jessica?
-''Uhh, drone support?'' She said apprehensively.
-Correct. Drone support as you know can be very versatile.
-It can provide you with up-to-date tactical information of the battlefield as well as providing either fire support or assisting in resupplies.
-Who can tell me of another factor?
-Exusiai?
-Teammates!
-Correct. Versatility in experienced team members can vastly improve your chances of survival.
-Either by ensuring that they will extract your sorry-ass out of a hostile zone if you are wounded.
-Or bringing the versatility that one such coordinated team of individuals will ensure by prevention of the worst of combat situations.
I had started with the basic course since there were many uninitiated so to speak. Some were young, very young. I knew Rhodes Island employed children as ''cadets''. I had no definite opinion on it. All had to earn their bread one way or another, but a measure of a line was not drawn so to speak. On one side I also considered it hypocritical and saw it for what it was, child labour and child soldiers.
Yet this was the world they were living in. One had to learn, one had to earn, but they were given proper conditions at least. And I have to admit they were growing with proper care, education and field experience. My job through these courses was to ensure that the worst of the worst was avoided on the unpredictable battlefields. Though all the experience in the world wouldn't stop the unpredictable claws of war and conflict reaching and traumatising them forever if fate saw fit. And after all they weren't simple humans. They were different I had to remind myself. Some had strange or incredible powers, and yet children they still were.
A flashback came back to me.
A hidden Authority bunker door was opening to me. I was there in front of my heavily augmented team of cyborgs clad in heavy powered armour and gatling guns. The naive bastards, they truly didn't know who we really were. The heavy bunker door finally opened and there stood what seamed to be a high official if not an actual and rare Authority leader, put in charge of the bunker complex. Along with a single underwhelming looking security officer, a mature motherly looking woman and two children of various ages.
I transmitted the order via neurolink impulse and all four of my squad opened fire. Shredding the group into a cloud of meat and sprayed blood. We advanced inside with several more teams of cyborgs following me. They would clear out the complex of any living beings while I extracted valuable data. Permanently disabling the life support systems of both their bunker and the present sarcophagi complex.
It would be one of the many shelters that I would crack open under my then mentor's orders. And I did it gladly. The families and core of the Authority would perish by my hand. None of the upper echelons and their close ones would live through the coming apocalypse. I came back from my one-second lapse of spacing out, and I saw Suzuran siting besides Shamare.
-Break time. All who value keeping themselves alive on the battlefield I will see again in thirty minutes, dismissed.
I went out for a bit and gotten myself an Irish styled coffee with a few drops more of whiskey in it. I didn't need to remember that, yet the memory slipped through my mental barrier before I could do anything about it. I knew my past and well settled with it by now. I regretted nothing. It was what it was. And it was no more worth thinking it over.
I puffed another smoke from my electronic cigarette. It had a flavour of strong spice like that of a heavy gin. On my stroll through the balcony like corridor I met Shamare on the way back to the classroom. I deactivated and slid my electronic cigarette back in my coat pocket. It would not do to let the little ones be exposed to bad habits. For some reason she stopped to gaze at me. Somehow, I felt that she saw something, though I couldn't tell what.
-''Hey Shamare, wait for me! Oh, hello Tacet!'' Greeted Suzuran, beaming up as her usual.
-Don't rush little ones, there are ten more minutes left of the break.
-Oki doki!
They went together ahead to the amphitheatre where the classroom was being held. I realised I had a strange feeling, an urge to... protect. ''Paternal instincts?'' I wondered. I continued to walk as another memory came back, this time by my own will.
It was earlier in the war. Fourth year, before I had acquired my face scars. We had infiltrated a besieged bunker complex through the sewer system to reinforce the complex security. But it was already too late, the monsters were inside having broke in somehow. They were butchering everyone, our mission was a failure before it even started.
To make matters worse I had been cut off from my team. I had to traverse an overrun section by myself in order to reach the secondary ventilation system on the other side of the bunker complex. Where I would find the exfiltration point that would see me reach the surface once more.
On my way I had found her. A small child weeping over the corpse of her mother. Her belly was ripped open and her guts spilled. The little girl was hugging her back, tightly, unwilling to let go. It was a nearly identical scene to the first horror that I experienced long ago in my life.
She turned around and saw me. And then I saw the pistol that she was holding in her hands. It obviously ran out of bullets and I could deduce that the dead wolf beast a few meters away might have been her deed.
-''Let's go little one. Let's get you out.'' I said. Hoping she wouldn't resist. Hoping she wouldn't be problematic or make noise that would alert any nearby beasts.
-You... you are one of them, wolf killers!
-Yes, I am.
-''Why did this happen?'' She asked grievingly.
-There are not enough of us anymore little one.
-Come with me, I will try to get you out of here.
-Fine, I have nothing to stay here for anyway.
-Come onto my back and hold tight alright? Keep watch while I move.
-Where are we going mister soldier?
-Outside, know the way to the second ventilation system?
-Yes! I always used to sneak in there with my brother and his friends to play, I'll guide you!
The place was a disaster. The residents here put up a Hell of a fight. Having done great damage to their home by making use of heavy ordinance including explosives and flamethrowers. Fires and debris were everywhere, and entire sections seemed about to collapse. But as much resistance as they'd shed it wasn't enough.
The scorched walls were plastered with blood and the corridors were filled with dead viscera people. It was mostly silent now. The main pack having killed most in this sector and having moved on where resistance was the heaviest. But there were still prowlers about. My silenced automatic rifle fired quiet deadly shots. I quickened my pace as hastily and soundlessly as I could. Before too many stragglers noticed my scent throughout the bloodied air and formed a pack to hunt me down specifically.
-''There! Quickly!'' The little girl guided me as well as warning me of any threats.
-Behind us mister!
I turned around, swiftly planting five shots into an ugly bestial looking mug. The monster dropped dead now that it's cranium was a bowl of mashed stew with lead.
-You're quite good mister. And I can tell, my momma was a soldier too!
-Hang in kiddo, and talk less. The wolves have sharp hearing as well.
I managed to enter the maintenance corridor and from there it turned silent. I rushed through until I came to a large cylindrical shaft towering greatly above me. This was it, the secondary ventilation system. Atop of it would be a way to access one of the escape routes planned. And there at the top I had found my team along with a group of about only forty survivors.
-''Cas! You son of a gun!'' Exclaimed Audomus as he saw me first.
-''Damn, I thought one of the creepy crawlies was coming up.'' Said Aleksei.
-''Good to see you finally decided to join us again. Ready to head out?'' Asked Lorenzo as if I took my time to stroll through the park on a weekend day.
-I sure am.
I then picked the little one in my arms and went to the group of survivors.
-Thanks for watching my back, you did a good job kiddo.
-Thanky. I was glad to help against those filthy animals!
-Anyone here you recognise?
-Mister Bradley over there, he's my father's friend in security.
I talked with the man, and he confirmed what the girl told me. He would take care of her from there onward. Before we departed I spoke one more time with the little girl.
-You were very brave back there, hanging on and helping me along the way.
-Here, take these. And take care little one.
I had given her a tablet of chocolate and one ready to eat meal ration that I had on me. She beamed happily at the chocolate. It was good to the soul seeing her smile. She was a brave one, facing the reality of her situation and the loss of the parents as she did. It was unlike kids her age. And even after all the traumatic events that unfolded that day she could still smile genuinely despite it all. It was uplifting.
I had arrived back in front of the classroom as I was finishing my reminiscence. I could see the amphitheatre was filled even more than last time. The two little vulpo's were diligently waiting close to the front of the presenting stage I was at. I had to make sure I would impart all I could to help them come back alive from whatever difficult place they may go in life. I prepared the materials I gathered for the advanced course and began.
---Later that day---
The Doctor and I were taking a stroll together on a corridor that gave a view to the outside. We have been walking for some time, and we were engrossed in our discussion. But it reached a point where it became delicate, even a bit tense in a sense.
-Don't be too presumptuous of me Doctor. Stop putting me on a pedestal as if I am some sort of paragon.
-Your actions speak for themselves Tacet. I do not need to praise you, for your actions reflect your qualities.
-It is just what my employment demands of me.
-Yet you are helping towards a better world. You are helping Rhodes Island achieve stability instead of letting disaster take reign.
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
-I do not care of this world's woes or your company's goals Doctor. All I care is to fulfil the terms of my contract and in exchange earn my contractual benefits.
-Good or bad, right or wrong, all will give way to necessity in the end.
-''It is true that necessity dictate our actions, however where there is a will there is a way to do things as well.'' Said the Doctor.
-I have had enough of fighting other peoples wars, I think my scars are proof enough of that.
-''We are forced to hold a force, and we are forced to use it. It is indeed the chaotic nature of this world that healing alone would see us engulfed.'' The Doctor pointed.
-You are quite a character my good Doctor.
-You are the paragon here on this landship. A stark contrast to what I hear you were, the Ruthless Tactician was one of your nicknames back then.
-''What term do you think can apply to you?'' Asked the Doctor.
-Who can say? Some may call me a saviour, some may call me a monster. And many others may call me many things.
-I have never heard anyone call you a monster since my return to this landship.
-Not in this time, I guess not yet at least.
-Do not think like that my good friend. The past can be heavy, but it need not dictate the person you are now.
-I know my good Doctor, we are the sculptor of our own destiny. It is a Greek tragedy when one considers his fate and person an inevitability. Giving up his will by blaming the waters of life's experience having sculpted him instead.
-''A Greek tragedy you say, huh.'' Spoke the Doctor as if reminiscing something.
-''Tragedies that often explored many themes of human nature.'' I added, realising he may not know that ancient term from my day.
-I understand.
-Most importantly before all I am my own person with my own will Doctor.
-I don't deny that, and I do not deny you that Tacet.
-Rhodes Island may come to a point to deny me that with its demands.
-You will realise that time had come when you'll be sent a resignation letter before you endeavour precipitously into another major problem.
-We are besieged by many foes Tacet, seen and unseen. Rhodes Island is a beacon that fights for humanity, whether you see it like that or not.
-Doctor, I've personally seen all the facets of war. From all their perspectives. I can see things for what they are.
-That implies a lot. What did you gain from seeing those facets in your war, if you won't mind my question?
-Very little is the gain in war itself. But so far, perspective, knowledge, experience.
-Heavy things as they may be it sharpens your mind, your instincts. Makes you better recognise patterns.
-Tacet, you've been through a terrible experience in your long war. But you could help us with what you know to make our world a better place. Think of it.
''This messed up parody of a world. Your farce of a humanity that lives on this cursed surface now.'' Is what I wanted to answer him. But it was partly my disgust and my anger that would prompt such a response. I tried to calm down. In the end I gave out a light laughter before continuing.
-I care for none of it. Its problems are your own. I am here to observe and enjoy my time, nothing more. The fact that I interact with it more than that is only a necessity I accepted of my employment.
-You live in this world Tacet, you are by a measure part of it.
-I am a selfish person Doctor, and it is normal.
-And if you can't overcome your world's woes then maybe your kind is lacking the power and will to grasp its manifest destiny. Destined instead to be engulfed by it.
-''You shouldn't judge so harshly.'' Replied the Doctor with still his kind voice as usual.
-People will always judge. It is normal, and it is to be expected. The real question is if someone can judge accurately and in good balance.
-But that is besides the point. What I said is not necessarily a judgement but a belief.
-The people of this world. They will either overcome the challenges faced against them or they will fail, simply as that.
-I just won't be roped into it. It's your hassle. You figure it out by yourselves.
-''Terra and its people have a lot to offer you. Rhodes Island already offered you much.'' Said the Doctor before he continued.
-It is only natural to interact with it. Humanity needs people like us, like you Tacet.
-''This world is impressive in many aspects, and in many it is not.'' I replied.
-Humanity, at least the true humanity may be gone. But its mistakes are alive and well in this age. It is always a constant it seems.
-One thing I came to recognise are patterns. And I can tell you my good Doctor, you may think these times are hard.
-I can tell you for sure worse times are to come.
-We should prevent it then Tacet.
-You and Rhodes Island shall try.
-Will you not aid us?
-I am in your employment. I will be stuck in whatever mess you decide to stick your nose in regardless, unless I terminate my contract.
-That is true. And we value your help, but I know you will not pass a certain threshold.
-Why should I my good Doctor? It is not my world anymore, it is not my war.
-Really now, why should I complicate myself in the problems of your time?
-Would you stand by the sidelines as all would fall into death and darkness?
-My good Doctor, are you really asking me that?
-I am, Tacet.
-I have already done it once.
-And I would stand by again. There is nothing tying me to Terra's woes.
-Tacet...
-Has a man not have the freedom to choose his own destiny!?
I wanted to say more than that, but I held my tongue.
-''What you speak is truth in essence. Everyone must choose to act as they see fit.'' The Doctor spoke agreeingly before he continued further.
-Is there nothing or no one that would make you think that what is good in this world is worth fighting for?
I remained silent at that for a moment.
-There is good and beauty in this world that is worth fighting for. Just not for me.
-But for someone at least? What of the one you so wish cured of oripathy?
-Don't misuse my words Doctor.
-Pardon me, you are right Tacet. However, you do wish to cure or safeguard somebody from oripathy.
I spaced out for a moment. My unshared feelings were a pain to hold inside. The knowledge of knowing my trauma would kill me or make me harm the one I loved. It was... excruciating, yet I hid it all. I wouldn't find happiness in this world. Not with the one I loved secretly. And thus I would not tie myself down, even if the world would come falling down a second time around me. I would sooner retreat far away into obscurity and watch from lonely peaks of mountains how the world would die. I realised I was prolonging my silence.
-That is besides the point. I am not committed my good Doctor.
-Maybe that will change in the future.
-''Who knows, perhaps.'' I responded more relaxed.
-You are still young. There is time for new beginnings, even if you do not believe it.
-Doctor, perhaps I may have given a different impression. I don't hate this world.
-I get what you told me my friend. I truly do, and I respect that. You owe nobody your trust and allegiance if they have not earned it so.
-Doctor.
-Yes Tacet?
-I appreciate what Rhodes Island has provided for me. You have my respect for that, and for the noble cause that it has at heart.
-While I am with you, you can always depend on my strength.
-Thank you Tacet. I appreciate it, we all do. I know it has been difficult.
-As I said to doctor Kal'tsit, I am no stranger to adversity my good Doctor.
-Even so, we try to give our operators the best conditions to recuperate while they are back on the landship.
-Doctor...
-Yes?
-I'm afraid we haven't been alone as I've thought.
-How so?
-There are sneaky wolves on the prowl and... I feel the apex one approaching.
I heard a sudden commotion on the upper level above us. At some point the Doctor insisted we inspect the new outer training arena which was still under construction. And the floor above us was seemingly not reinforced yet.
-''Aaaaaah!'' I heard the voice of a familiar woman scream.
I immediately shoved the good Doctor away! Sparing him the crash of debris and... lupos!? That was approaching. I had no chance of evading it, having used my spare split second to save the Doctor. It all came crashing down onto me, a chunk of the ceiling wall and four lupos I knew along with it. Crashing me down along with them on top. With my last wit I grabbed them as I could to spare them their tomfoolery. I fell down hard with them on top of me, and I was quickly dazed as I'd hit my head on the metal floor.
-''Aaaah!'' I bellowed in pain.
-''We did it this time.'' Said the familiar voice of Lappland.
-''Red is sorry.'' Said another familiar voice.
-All of you get off of me before you awaken something!
At that all four of them got off, and I rose up on my own. As I did, I spoke for the Doctor.
-Something about recuperation on the landship, my good Doctor?
-''Are you alright Tacet?'' Asked the Doctor.
-Fine enough.
I felt as if something was broken, or at least very strained on a spot behind my back. That and my head felt very unnatural.
-''You're wounded!'' Spoke Provence as she saw the spot from where I rose up
There was a blood splatter there. I brought my hand to the back of my head, and it came back generously bloodied. And I felt it. I was wobbly and dizzy, pained mixed with a strange sensation of distorted spacial awareness. And the shadows, they were suddenly present more than ever. All around at the corner of my vision and sometimes appearing for a flash second right in front of me.
I tried to hide that fact as best as I could, trying not to look at them. But I couldn't be sure I was doing a good job at it. The shadows had forms I recognised. Old figures of my past, but darkly so, and besides them were the shapes of monsters. They were a distraction I had to isolate out. The lupos stood there, worried looking for the most part.
-''We should check you out at the medical department.'' The Doctor suggested.
Two of the lupos seemed to close in, and I shoo'd them away.
-I am fine! I can very well walk on my own!
''I won't be treated like a cripple!'' I thought. But as I took a few steps back the corridor me and the Doctor came from I could tell my strides were uneven, and I wobbled. I had to grab the wall less I hit myself onto something or fell. I was getting angry, and I think it might have shown. Also, I felt weird and queasy enough to throw up. I then could notice my hands were shaking. I saw with the corner of my hazy vision the Doctor barring the other lupos from coming to my aid and stepping in himself to grab me.
-I'll help you Tacet, come with me.
-''Very well Doctor.'' I said giving in, I felt I would fall sooner or later at that rate.
-''What happened!?'' Asked a surprised Amiya who was walking with Kal'tsit.
-''I slipped.'' I spoke out before the Doctor could.
-I am taking Tacet to the nearest med ward, don't you worry Amiya.
-Thank you for your care of our operators Doctor!
Doctor Kal'tsit looked at me suspiciously I could still notice. I was brought to the nearest medical ward and Ansel, the bunny boy doctor was there to greet us and tend to me.
-''That's a nasty hit you have there. A good concussion if there ever was one, at least you're still on your feet.'' Said Ansel before he asked.
-How did you get it exactly?
''A pack of arousing and clumsy wolves descended upon me.'' I wanted to say.
-I slipped.
-Oh, ...alright.
I accepted the treatment and the bed offered. I needed a rest to get rid of this headache anyway. And walking around dizzy would not do me or my reputation any good. So I rested, and delved into a deep sleep. I awoke the next day. Checking my wristwatch I saw it was eight in the morning. I was feeling much better thought not in my prime yet. I still felt out of it, though I was confident I could walk normally at least.
I looked to the side table besides me, and I was surprised to find it packed. Even more packed than the time I woke up after my fight with Retributioner. There was a box of chocolate pocky, a bottle of fine Siracusan wine, a large tablet of chocolate, a box of cookies, a chocolate in the shape of a cute cautus, a small bottle of a good juice, a fresh apple pie, a freshly wrapped and still warm Ursian fish pie.
A... receipt for a shipment of three crates of my expensive rifle ammo ordered and paid for already to arrive at my domicile. And a box of... heck, I couldn't even say what that box had in it. Also, a few get well cards and a bouquet of... red spider lilies, the flowers of death.
Hah! Someone must have had a sense of humour. Besides the bouquet there was also a package of strange foreign treats that I have never seen or tasted before. A few hours later I would pack everything and leave for my dorm. Placating my buddy Ansel with one of the chocolates to shush his protests against me leaving.
-''Here, take this chocolate and gift it to April. She'll love getting this from you.'' I suggested with a wink to sway his protests.
-Just take it easy for two weeks at least, concussions don't go away that easily.
-I'll take your advice Ans.
Of course I was a surprised when I got an unexpected notification to come to a meeting in the Doctor's office later that day. And to my even greater surprise doctor Kal'tsit and the other four lupos were present.
-''Welcome Tacet, take a seat.'' The Doctor beckoned.
-''I see you slipped out of your hospitalisation again.'' Noted doctor Kal'tsit.
-I felt well enough to take up my recuperation to my own domicile.
-So tell me again, how did that incident happen?
-Oh, I slipped pretty badly.
Technically it was the truth, I did slip more or less when it all fell on me.
-You didn't mention that you also pushed the Doctor away while ceiling debris fell at the same moment. Quite the circumstance.
-I didn't felt particularly up for a chat, out of it as I was when the good Doctor was bringing me to be treated. Besides, I don't want to flatter myself with my own actions.
-''And whose fault was it that the ceiling fell on you?'' She asked as she was now staring straight at the four lupos.
-I couldn't say. I guess me and the Doctor were just at the wrong time and the wrong place then and there.
-''Perhaps the maintenance department should be consulted on the matter.'' I added.
-I see. Very well, I will leave it at that.
-However, I must remind those who would visit you while you are in recuperation to restrain themselves from getting too... touching of the patient.
At this mention the four lupos were visibly embarrassed. I knew something of the sorts had happened, Ansel having told me something about it since he was on watch most of the time. But I didn't press on the matter, not desiring to make the lupos any more uncomfortable than they already were, exposed by Kal'tsit.
It felt... well, I'm not sure how I felt, strange perhaps? I didn't expect nor was I used to be given such attentions. It seemed that my reputation and goodwill among some operators went a bit of way. It didn't bother me though.
-I must insist though that you stop leaving the medical care you are put under, operator Tacet.
-I can't promise that my good doctor Kal'tsit. But rest assured I will be diligent with the state of my health and my appointed check-ups.
She sighed heavily.
-''I guess I will have to be satisfied with that.'' Declared Kal'tsit.
It was a bit later after doctor Kal'tsit had left the Doctor's office that we all remained for a bit longer.
-''Thank you for your visits while I was out of it.'' I said addressing the four lupos with an honest smile.
-I also appreciate the gifts.
I knew there were far more gifts from other operators that had visited me, but I had recognised their gifts specifically for sure. They seemed at ease with my current topic.
-Now, how much did you hear of my discussion with the Doctor you crafty lupos?
-''Couldn't say.'' Started Lappland.
-We gathered at irregular intervals and the wind was blowing in our direction. Some things were muffled to my annoyance as you could imagine.
''Well...'' I thought. It wasn't exactly anything that I deemed too sensitive what I did talk with the Doctor during that interval of time.
-''Don't mind her Tacet.'' Intervened Texas.
-I was there to deliver some special tools for the next shift of workers that were to come soon. She just followed me like a bad habit.
-I presume Provence bumped into us as she looked to escape Red's terrifying presence.
-''And you all bundled up on that platform to better hear us.'' I concluded.
Texas remained silent, as if I spoke the truth out for her. And by their lack of response I knew I was right.
-''It didn't exactly go like that, it happened very fast.'' Texas added.
I gazed upon them all, donning a blank and serious face. And I could say they weren't sure what to expect, a scold, a warning perhaps?
-Be more aware of your surroundings next time girls.
-''I have nothing more to add but the same.'' Spoke the Doctor.
-''We're sorry for the accident we caused Tacet.'' Provence spoke for all of them.
I nodded, and soon they were dismissed by the Doctor.
-''Fancy a drink?'' Inquired the Doctor.
-Yes my good Doctor.
-I will make them, I already know your tastes.
He made himself a simple, strong and bitter coffee while he prepared me a cup of special ceylon tea mixed with milk and a spoon of honey. It was my own tea that I had left in his office since having worked as his personal assistant.
-''Quite a relaxing aroma.'' I said as I savoured my warm drink.
-You cover for them quite a lot.
-Is it a lot?
-Some would say.
-''I don't think it out of any normal bounds. I'd be honest with myself and you if it weren't.'' I said.
-You had quite a few visitors then?
-And quite a few presents left while I was out.
-''I know that Amiya came by in her spare pause to see you personally with a treat in hand.'' The Doctor informed me.
-Huh, that was cute of her.
-You've done a lot for many and for Rhodes Island, and it shows.
-I guess it does my good Doctor.
-Is something wrong?
Something in my voice must have given me away.
-''No.'' I answered sincerely.
-Not used to this kind of appreciation?
-I guess you can word it like that Doctor. I don't mind it at all though.
-''That is good to hear.'' Said the Doctor as he sipped from his coffee.
-Coffee at this hour Doctor?
-I still have a ways to go with some documentation I need to peruse and figure out.
-I do not envy your position Doctor. How are you holding up?
-Much better now that you spared me that unfortunate accident.
-Might as well since I was there.
-Thank you.
-Don't mention it my good Doctor.
---At an undisclosed part of Rhodes Island a young vulpo and a lupo meet---
-Are you lost?
-No... You often seem close to him.
-Who?
-You already know.
-You're on his path, more than you realise.
The lupo remained silent for a moment.
-What does it matter?
-It may to you...
-Morte has seen him. Many shadows stalk him because he cheated death, one darker than the void itself. But his guardian sankta can't preserve his soul... it will wither.
-I'm not sure I understand you, but I don't like what I hear.
-But why are you telling me all this?
-...
-I have seen. He has a good heart despite all he went through. And you...
-You seem to have stayed longer near his path.
-I thought you should know.
-Your soul is different. You could maybe change fate.