Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the kitchen where Bella stood, humming with a soft voice as she prepared breakfast. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the room, promising a hearty meal. Today was different from her usual solitary mornings; suspended beside her, an unconscious boy named Rayen floated in mid-air, his soft brown hair and closed eyes that gave no hint that he hadn't awakened for months.
"Rayen, my dear, today's dish is a special one," Bella began stirring a pot of thick tomato sauce with a gentle hand. She glanced at the boy with a mixture of affection and concern. "I'm making a herb-infused omelette with some of that sweet basil we grew in the garden. It'll be delightful."
As she cracked eggs into a bowl and whisked them, she imagined Rayen asking her about the ingredients. "Oh? You're curious about the secret to a perfect omelette?" Her wrinkled face broke into a smile. "Well, it's all about the balance of flavours. A pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, and just the right amount of herbs. And of course, you mustn't forget a splash of milk to make it extra fluffy."
She poured the mixture into a hot pan, watching as it sizzled and bubbled around the edges. In her mind, she heard Rayen's voice, filled with wonder and curiosity. "You see, these simple ingredients come together to create something truly delicious. That's the magic of cooking, my boy."
Bella's weathered hands trembled slightly as she traced the deep lines etched on her face, with sadness hidden in her aged eyes as she gazed upon the silent Rayen, knowing that he couldn't respond to her words. Her research is far away from a critical breakthrough to awaken him from his sleep. Yet, she continued to speak to him, hoping that somehow, her love and care would reach him even in his current state. As she plated the golden omelette and garnished it with sprigs of fresh parsley, she couldn't help but think about the life Rayen might have led if he hadn't been affected by this mysterious condition.
"Remember, Rayen, presentation is just as important as taste," she said, placing the plate on the dining table. “Food should be a feast for the eyes as well as the palate."
She looked at the boy's unresponsive face, his steady breathing the only sign of life. With a sigh, she brushed her wispy white hair from her forehead and whispered, "I hope one day you'll get to enjoy this meal with us, truly awake and present." Until then, she would continue to care for him, sharing her love for cooking and nurturing their connection through stories and conversations, even if they were only one-sided.
*****
The morning sun continued with its shine on the dining room, filling it with a warm glow, and casting playful shadows on the wooden table where they gathered for breakfast. Bella, Bardar, Cherry, and the unconscious Rayen all found their usual places at the table. The air filled with the enticing aroma of freshly cooked omelettes and the comforting sound of breathing.
"All right, everyone, today we have fluffy omelettes filled with cheese and vegetables," Bella said, placing the steaming dish before them. "Remember, Rayen, it's essential to chew your food well and slowly enjoy every bite."
Bardar glanced between his grandmother, who spoke as if Rayen could hear her, and the floating boy with closed eyes, still lost in unconsciousness. He couldn't help but wonder if this was all normal or if he should be more concerned about the situation.
"Chew, swallow, and smile," Bella added, demonstrating the proper technique for Rayen while she ate her food.
‘I don’t think he can chew’. As Bardar tried to focus on his meal, he noticed Cherry devouring her dog food with gusto, tail-wagging energetically. When she caught him staring, she growled, sending him a clear message that her food was off-limits.
‘Wh-why is she growling at me?’ Bardar thought, furrowing his brow. ‘I wouldn't want your food even if you offered it to me.’
Bella looked up from her plate, her piercing blue eyes searching Bardar's face. "Is something wrong with the food, dear? You seem distracted."
"Ah, no, Grandma," Bardar stuttered, quickly taking a bite. "It's d-delicious, as always." He attempted a reassuring smile, though his thoughts continued to race. ‘Am I the strange one here, thinking there's something off about all this?’
"Good," Bella turned her attention to Rayen. "Just remember, dearie, a balanced diet is the key to a healthy body and mind."
As they continued their meal, Bardar couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was amiss. But for now, he chose to focus on the familiar ritual of breakfast with his grandmother and Cherry.
*****
The sun blazed overhead, as Bardar heaved a deep sigh. He stood near the door with arms laden with large boxes and more floating beside him. He muttered under his breath, fingers flexing around the handles, determination etched across his face. "This time, it'll work. I can feel it."
"Wait, Bardar," Bella called out, her voice warm but firm. She stood at the doorway of their home, Rayen floating unconsciously beside her. His chest rose and fell in gentle rhythm with the magic that sustained him. "Take Rayen with you. He could use some time outside."
‘I should point it out before grandma overdoes it’. Bardar's eyes twitched, uncertainty flickering through them as he glanced between his grandmother and the unconscious boy. "Is it really okay for me to take him? The sun is quite strong today." He shifted his grip on the boxes, thinking he was the only person left with a right brain. He pointed out the problem, with concern lacing his voice. “How could I take him without any protection against the sun?”
"Ah, right." Bella tapped her head as if remembering something important. With a wave of her hand, she cast a spell over Rayen, his body now shielded from the harsh sunlight. She nodded to herself, satisfied with her handiwork, before looking back at Bardar. His expression, however, seemed to have twisted into something strange and almost petulant.
"What is it?" Bella asked, tilting her head curiously.
"Um, well..." Bardar cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure. "I'm also going out, Grandma. Shouldn't I have some protection from the sun too?"
Bella's mouth twitched, struggling to suppress a smile at her grandson's stubborn insistence. "Very well, dear." She waved her hand once more, casting the same protective spell on Bardar. "There. Now both of you are safe."
"Thank you," Bardar mumbled, still feeling a touch foolish. As they ventured outside, Bella watched them go, her eyes filled with a mixture of pride and concern. Bardar glanced at Rayen, floating beside him, his thoughts tangled with questions about the boy and their unusual family dynamic.
"All right then," he whispered to himself, trying to refocus on his goal. "Let's make this work."
Outside the hot desert sun beat down on them, casting long shadows on the rolling dunes. Bardar squinted against the glare, grateful for his grandmother's protective spell. Beside him floated Rayen, his unconscious form undisturbed by the harsh environment. Cherry trotted alongside, her golden fur gleaming in the sunlight.
They came to a stop as Bardar surveyed the area, finding the perfect spot to set up. He lowered the floating boxes and began unpacking the metal components with excited hands, his previous awkwardness forgotten.
"Grandma always says that golems are too dangerous, but she just doesn't understand their potential," Bardar rambled, his words spilling out faster than he could think them through. "When I was at Oceania Academy, nobody - and I mean nobody - could even come close to my skill in creating golems."
Cherry glanced at Bardar, noting the sudden passion in his voice. She couldn't help but yawn, however, uninterested in his achievements. Meanwhile, Rayen remained as still as ever, his rhythmic breathing the only sign of life.
Bardar continued to assemble the metal parts, his eyes alight with anticipation. As he worked, his thoughts turned inward. ‘If I can just prove to Grandma that my golems are more than just trouble, maybe she'll accept them as part of our family too?’ he mused.
"Ah, there we go!" Snapping himself back to the present. He stepped back to admire the intricate metal platform before him, runes etched across its surface. "Now, all we need is the final piece." He retrieved a glowing white cube from one box, holding it delicately.
"All right, Cherry, Rayen, pay attention. This is how real golem research is done," Bardar said with pride swelling in his chest. With care, he placed the cube atop the platform. The runes began to light up, their glow intensified as Bardar's excitement grew.
"See?" he said in a triumphant voice. "Soon, we'll have a fully functioning golem, and Grandma won't be able to deny its usefulness."
“Woof!” Cherry woofed in response, her tone playful but unconvinced. Even if Bardar's creation was impressive, she knew that Bella's scepticism wouldn't be swayed. Rayen, of course, remained silent.
Bardar wiped the sweat from his brow, his tousled hair sticking to his forehead. He stepped back, surveying the square platform he'd spent hours assembling. Complex lines and runes crisscrossed the surface, raised on four metal legs that brought it up to half his height.
“Woof!” Cherry, the golden-furred labra, cocked her head curiously as she looked at the contraption.
"What? You say it doesn't look like a golem?" Bardar said, offended at her question. His words tumbled out in a flurry of excitement. "Not everything holding a weapon and throwing spells is called a golem, you know. Golems are things that move metal at a predefined path by using arcane magic."
His voice took on a hushed sense of pride, his stutter all but forgotten. "And the reason advancement in golems was stagnated is because others are not willing to take some small risks. But I am different."
With that declaration, Bardar reached for the final piece: a glowing square cube with a white opaque exterior. Turning to Cherry and the unconscious Rayen, he instructed them to watch closely. "This is how real golem research is done."
He placed the cube atop the square plate of his golem. As it made contact, the first rune at the centre glowed, soon followed by the various lines connecting to it. Bardar's eyes widened with anticipation, his heart pounding in his chest.
"See, Cherry?" he murmured, his thoughts racing. "The central rune controls the amount of mana the whole golem receives. It's crucial for the process."
Unbeknownst to him, Cherry had silently grabbed the tip of floating Rayen's cloth. She gave a soft, mischievous woof and started moving away from Bardar and his golem.
Bardar's eyes gleamed as he continued his explanation, his voice laced with passion, gesticulating at the glowing square plate. "Each rune has a specific mana input it can handle, so precision and balance are the key."
He studied the illuminated runes, feeling a sense of accomplishment as they danced beneath his gaze. His heart swelled with pride; this was what he lived for, the thrill of bringing life to inert materials. Yet, as over half the second layer lit up, Bardar's brow furrowed. He noticed an intersecting line with slight resistance, causing his pulse to quicken with dread.
"Cherry, not good! We should evacuate!" he shouted, whipping around to face them, only to find Cherry woofing nonchalantly in the distance while Rayen floated beside her.
“Woof!” The labra's ears perked up, her eyes bright and alert, seemingly unconcerned about the imminent danger.
" When did-" Before he could say anything else, the explosion erupted, spewing black smoke and desert sand into the air.
****
"Go clean up and come inside," she ordered gently. Bardar nodded sheepishly, following Cherry and Rayen into the house. Bella tugged at Rayen's sleeve, leading him away to wash his hands, her touch tender despite her stern expression.
After dinner, Bella guided Rayen to his room on the second floor, changing him into nighttime garments with deft hands. She then settled herself beside his bed with an old book in her grasp.
"Tonight, I'll read you the story of a group of little goblins," she said, her voice soft but firm. Regardless of Rayen's unconscious state, she read aloud the words, painting vivid images as they danced in the air, every syllable infused with life by her melodious voice.
On the other hand, Bardar sat in his well-lit room, the soft glow of a single magical orb casting flickering shadows on the walls. The scent of wax and ink mingled in the air as he stared at the blank parchment before him, deep in thought. His fingers tapped nervously on the wooden desk, betraying his inner turmoil. ‘I am just writing to her because she is an expert on consciousness and souls. Yes, that’s it, nothing else.’
With a determined sigh, Bardar grabbed his pen, dipping it into the inkwell with a steady hand. Each stroke of the pen was deliberate and precise. He composed two letters, one neater than the other, and sealed them with a touch of wax.
"Cherry," he called, his voice wavering slightly. The golden-furred labra bounded in through the open window, her bright eyes alert and eager. "I need you to deliver these." Bardar hesitated for a moment, staring down at the letters. Then, with a quick incantation, he cast a protective spell over the neater letter, ensuring it wouldn't be damaged during the journey.
"Take these to Bladurus," he instructed, handing both letters to Cherry. "He'll know what to do."
In response, Cherry released a muffled bark of acknowledgement, carefully taking the letters in her mouth. With a graceful leap, she disappeared out the window and into the night.
As Bardar listened to the fading sound of Cherry's footsteps, a sudden wave of doubt washed over him. He considered calling her back, retrieving the letters before they could be delivered. But he knew that once a decision was made, there was no going back.
****
Darkness enveloped everything, a void so complete that it seemed to swallow even itself. Amidst this inky expanse, an entity drifted aimlessly, its form an indistinct grey mass blending seamlessly into the monochrome landscape. This being, which could only be called 'it,' knew little of its existence or purpose.
The only thing it was aware of were the cracks scattered across the distance, some of them suspended mid-air, like jagged veins etched into the fabric of reality itself. Once, these fissures had multiplied at an alarming rate, threatening to tear apart this fragile world. Yet now, they had stabilised—though for 'it,' nothing had truly changed.
As 'it' roamed through the desolate landscape, devoid of any direction, goal, or emotion, it stumbled upon something unexpected: a voice.
“@###???##” The sound echoed faintly amidst the stillness, a ghostly whisper that seemed to emanate from the air.
Intrigued, 'it' followed the elusive call, drawn to the strange resonance that seemed to reverberate throughout the abyss. It was neither a calculated choice nor an instinctual urge; rather, it was simply an action that unfolded as naturally as breathing.
The voice wove in and out of perception, guiding 'it' through a maze of obsidian shadows and murky greys. And yet, despite the persistence with which 'it' pursued the enigmatic sound, the source remained elusive.
For a fleeting moment, the entity wondered if there was any true meaning to be found in this case, or if its existence was as empty as the void that surrounded it. But such thoughts were soon swallowed by the vast silence, replaced once again by the single-minded pursuit of the spectral voice.
As 'it' continued its endless journey, the cracks in this broken world seemed to mock its existence. They were a constant reminder of the fragility of all things—a harbinger of potential chaos and destruction that loomed just out of reach.
Yet for 'it,' these formed fissures and impending doom held little relevance. Its sole focus remained the elusive voice that called to it from the darkness, guiding it ever deeper into the heart of the abyss. In this world devoid of direction or purpose, 'it' drifted on, an enigma wrapped in shadows. And as it roamed through the emptiness, chasing after echoes and whispers, as they appeared and disappeared, forever out of its reach.
The monochromatic landscape stretched in all directions with no end in sight, a realm where time and place held no meaning, not like the unfortunate residents of this place would care even if it existed. Driven by a faint, residual compulsion to flee, 'It' moved through this chaotic existence, occasionally witnessing other beings that inhabited this strange plane.
These entities, though similar in form but different in appearance, are made with intricate colours unlike 'It', a shade of black and grey. They also possessed a purpose –to grow large by consuming others of their kind. This concept eluded 'It,' who could only watch as two beings struggled to devour each other. Drawn more by instinct than desire, 'It' joined the fray, not as a competitor but as prey. And yet, upon the victor's triumph, they avoided 'It,' vanishing into the distance.
Left standing alone, 'It' remained motionless until it randomly picked a direction to continue its aimless existence. Devoid of feelings, senses, or purpose. It was a mere semblance of life if one could call it that. Like a mysterious entity condemned to roam the spatial chaos without a sense of belonging, 'It' existed in eternal limbo, forever undefined and unclassified.
****
Meanwhile, in a contrasting world of heat and sand, Cellia marched determinedly through a vast, scorching desert. Her blue hair fluttered around her face, obscuring her piercing blue eyes that revealed her irritation and anger beneath the brim of her hat. Despite the oppressive heat, she seemed unaffected, her body surrounded by a protective aura conjured with a swift gesture.
Dressed in a flowing blue robe, she appeared like a shimmering sea of sapphire in the harsh landscape. The jingling of her earrings added a playful note to her presence, which belied her annoyance. She retrieved a neatly folded letter from her pocket, her frustration grew as she read its contents.
"Bardar, of all people," she muttered, vexed. "After all these years, sending a message like this? no 'How are you?' or 'What's new?' Just come here and help?”
She scoffed at the formality. As she continued her trek, the words on the letter grated on her nerves. It felt like a business proposal, not a heartfelt plea from an old friend. Her mind raced with fiery questions, "Is he trying to impress someone with his stiff invitation? Why can't he ask about my well-being? Let's see what kind of mess you've gotten yourself into this time, Bardar. You better pray it's something serious or else," she muttered to herself, her teeth gritted in frustration.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Every step through this treacherous sand seemed to resist her progress, but Cellia refused to be defeated by this relentless desert. As she kept marching forward, she couldn't help but complain aloud about not being able to find a suitable ride to hop on. "Why are there no normal-looking beasts in Osasis? No way am I going to ride one of those creepy insects."
Her irritation, however, was momentarily forgotten when a strange sensation emanated from the letter in her hand. The paper warmed, and a tingling feeling spread through her fingers, conveying a sense of urgency. "Finally," she repeated, acknowledging the mysterious signal. With a decisive move, she pressed the dog-shaped seal on the letter.
In an instant, she vanished into thin air, only to reappear in front of a three-story house. Looking at the house, her scowl softened before turning into a resolute expression as she checked her clothes three times, ensuring her blue mage robes and earrings remained free from sand.
Confident, she approached the wooden door, ready to knock, but hesitated. "Can't show up looking like I just walked through a desert," she mumbled, retrieving a small mirror from her pocket. Swiftly, she tidied her hair and brushed off any lingering sand, applying her perfume to dispel the smell of sweat and checked everything again, just to be sure.
Finally, after taking a deep breath, she knocked softly on the door, her ears alert for any signs of movement inside.
“Woof!”
“Someone’s here? Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Coming, please wait a moment!”
Unexpectedly, a dog's bark and an old woman's voice reached her, causing her to flinch. The door creaked open, and a kind-faced elderly woman stood before Cellia, her wispy white hair framing her gentle expression.
"Hello," Cellia greeted, mustering a pleasant tone despite her weariness. "I'm Cellia, Bardar's friend from Oceania University."
Bella's eyes lit up with recognition, and a warm smile spread across her face. "Ah, yes! Cellia! Bardar mentioned you a few times. Please, come in!" With eagerness, Bella quickly ushered Cellia inside, as though fearing she might vanish if there was even a moment's delay. Intrigued by the grandmother's enthusiasm, Cellia obediently followed her into the cosy living room. The warm and inviting space prompted a subtle smile from Cellia, providing a brief respite from her irritation.
"Thank you," Cellia said while her gaze wandered around the cosy living room. The scent of freshly baked pastries wafted through the air, which tickled her nose and made her stomach rumble. Her eyes fell upon a friendly-looking dog with soft golden hair and intelligent eyes. "You must be Cherry," she whispered, reaching down to give the dog a gentle pat on the head. Cherry wagged her tail and leaned into the touch, her tongue lolling out in happy pants.
As they settled in the living room, Cellia couldn't contain her curiosity. "Did Bardar talk about me when he mentioned our time at Oceania University?" she asked, trying to hide her excitement.
Bella paused, her face revealing a blend of amusement and concern. "Well, he did mention meeting a club-wielding, barbaric girl who was also a mage during his university days."
Cellia's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Despite her irritation, she forced a sweet smile as she replied, "I can't imagine why he would say such a thing about me." Bella chuckled, seemingly unfazed by Cellia's reaction.
"Oh, I'm sure he meant it affectionately," Bella assured her before offering a glass of water. "Please, make yourself comfortable while I go prepare some tea."
"That won't be necessary," Cellia said, but Bella had already headed towards the kitchen. Just before disappearing through the doorway, she called out to Bardar, who was in the basement, "Bardar, your friend is here!”
From the basement, Bardar heard his grandmother's words and hurriedly wiped the black substance from his hands. His heart raced as he muttered a quick spell to clean his clothes and rushed toward the living room. As he approached, Bardar couldn't help but overhear the conversation between Cellia and his grandmother. The sound of Cellia's voice, though years had passed since he last heard it, stirred something within him.
"…the walls were almost black," Cellia said, her voice dripped with sarcasm. "You should've seen it, Grandma. Bardar just couldn't stand that professor, and then…" Bardar's curiosity soon turned to panic. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest and a chill ran down his spine as he realized what his grandmother and Cellia must be discussing. He had no doubt Grandma would from his experiments for days if she knew the full story.
Taking a deep breath, Bardar strode into the living room, trying to exude confidence despite the nervous flutter in his heart. The sight of Cellia and his grandma sitting together on the sofa engrossed in conversation, and sharing snacks, brought a wave of warmth and nostalgia over him. But the situation told him he had to address what he had overheard moments ago, so he straightened up and cleared his throat to announce his presence.
"Um, Grandma, about that incident at the university…" Bardar began with some awkwardness, with his voice having a slight weaver as he continued with his explanation. "I think there might be a bit of a misunderstanding. It didn't exactly... explode in the lecture room. I was demonstrating a proof of concept to my professor, who disagreed with my idea that two lines of runes and intricate patterns could be stacked on top of each other."
Bella furrowed her brow, wondering if should believe his explanation. The corners of her eyes crinkled with concern as she looked from Bardar to Cellia, searching for truth. "Is that so?" she asked sceptically.
Cellia couldn't resist chiming in with her take, her voice laced with amusement. "And it exploded on the professor's face as if it was filled with vengeance. I also remembered someone clapping behind the smoke," she said with a smirk, teasing Bardar.
"Cellia, that's not how it happened," Bardar said, feeling his cheeks hot. He glanced at the floor, struggling to maintain his composure. "Other professors investigated and found no evidence of an actual explosion. They cleared me of any wrongdoing."
"Of course, no one wants to offend someone who can make a professor bedridden for months without leaving a trace." She rolled her eyes at him.
“woof!” Just as Bella was about to intervene, Cherry, the golden-haired dog, let out a low bark, catching her attention. Bella glanced at her furry companion, raising an eyebrow at Cherry's seemingly amused demeanour.
"Cherry," Bella scolded with a stern face, but in a hushed voice "What do you mean if the meat was cooked or not? How many times have I told you not to treat humans as food?"
“woof!” The golden dog, sensing Bella's disapproval, released a guilty whine before it retreated to a corner of the room, as her tail drooped between its hind legs.
With a small sigh, Bella turned to the other side which was on the verge of turning into a war and released a little cough " Why don’t both of you calm down and let my old years rest? Years were not kind to me, you see."
Bardar and Cellia exchanged a glance before complying with a soft “hum”. Strangely, Cellia changed her initial position and sat side by side with Bardar on the sofa, as if that’s the most natural thing. The tension lingered, but neither dared to open their mouth in front of Bella.
"Now," Bella began, her tone softened a little. "Bardar, why didn't you tell me beforehand that you were inviting a guest? I could have prepared some good food and cleaned the house."
Bardar rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, his eyes darting around the room to avoid his grandmother's questioning gaze. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the worn fabric of the sofa suddenly feeling rough and itchy beneath him.
"I—I didn't know that Cellia would come so quickly without sending a letter back," he finally admitted, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Cellia interjected, a hint of defensiveness in her tone as she said, "There's no need for such extreme hospitality, like cleaning the whole house. Besides," she continued, attempting to deflect blame towards Bardar, "He told me he was facing some trouble involving matters of consciousness and so I came here as fast as I could, without the time to send a letter beforehand."
Bardar glanced at Cellia, his heart racing at the misunderstanding about his soul in trouble. He quickly reassured Bella, "Grandma, don't be concerned. I'm fine. I am perfectly normal; there's no need for worry." He hoped his words sounded convincing enough.
Bella, who was about to stand, studied Bardar's expression carefully before finally nodding, her concern easing slightly. "All right, but next time, let me know in advance," she said firmly, her voice carrying the subtle weight of a promise.
With Bella's approval secured, the atmosphere in the room lightened, and the three of them settled into a more relaxed conversation. Bardar took a deep breath, the scent of their garden wafted through the open window, mingling with the faint aroma of tea coming from the kitchen.
"I called her here for Rayen," he began, gauging their reactions.
Cellia's curiosity intensified, her fierce blue eyes locked on Bardar as she asked, "For Rayen? Who is he?"
Bella leaned forward, her wrinkled face frowning as she echoed Cellia's sentiment. "What do you mean?"
"He is someone we found by some accident," Bardar said "Though grandma treated him, he still hasn't opened his eyes. And since no one here can work on consciousness and soul at this moment, I decided to call Cellia, a specialist in these matters."
Bella went silent as her eyes started to lose their focus and the thoughts left her mind. Cellia, who knew about their family troubles, nodded as if to avoid discussing this topic. "All right then, why don't you take me to meet Rayen first?"
"That sounds like a good plan," Bardar nodded. "Shall we go now? What do you say, grandma?"
"Woof!" a strong sound came from their side.
"Huh? Ah, yes," Bella's eyes cleared up after hearing Cherry's bark. "Yes, let's go and visit Rayen."
Bella stood up like she didn't hear Bardar's mention of souls and walked towards Rayen's room with Cherry. Bardar and Cellia soon followed them with a silent exchange of words between them.
***
Different from the ever-changing real world and into the monochrome world, everything seemed to have become a standstill with scarce changes to be noticed, if any as even the splitting cracks in the space stopped expanding long ago. Today, however, the monotony was shattered by an extraordinary sight that captured its attention.
A small, golden pearl floated in mid-air, tethered to the void by a pale, golden thread that stretched infinitely into the unknown. The entity, drawn by an unexplainable pull, approached the enigmatic object, unable to resist the allure that beckoned. Others like it noticed the golden pearl as well, swarming towards it from all directions. They too were captivated but remained hesitant, and observed the first entity who found this strange pearl keep circling as a loyal guard. A mysterious tension filled the air as these beings kept their distance, curious yet cautious.
Time lost its meaning as the entity continued its orbit around the golden pearl, seemingly entranced. The other entities watched, their formless eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them, waiting for something momentous to occur. Abruptly, the golden spiral vanished, leaving only the black and grey surroundings behind. The allure dissipated, and the other beings dispersed, returning to their aimless wandering.
The entity remained rooted in the spot where the golden pearl once gleamed, bewildered and uncertain about the significance of the encounter. But soon enough, it moved on and continued with his never-ending journey in this frozen world.
***
Meanwhile, in Rayen's room on the second floor, Cellia, a woman with short blue hair and eyes, carefully removed her long needle-like tools from Rayen's unconscious head. Her face had a subtle pallor, and a delicate furrow between her eyes., leaving Bella, Bardar, and Cherry awaiting any news on Rayen's condition.
"Cellia," Bella asked, her voice laced with concern, "what did you find?"
"Rayen's consciousness is intact, rather large but still ok." Cellia hesitated before answering, "But there's something else there that shouldn't be." Her uncertainty left Bella and Bardar equally puzzled.
"Can you be more specific?" Bardar said.
Cherry seemed uninterested in the conversation as it was too complex for her to take. Instead, her attention was focused outside the room. Bardar furrowed his brow, trying to comprehend Cellia's statement and seeking an explanation for Rayen's situation.
"His consciousness is... contaminated by the soul," Cellia said hesitantly. Sensing the mounting confusion among her friends, decided it was time to elucidate further. "Consciousness," she said with patience, "refers to our awareness and perception of both external stimuli and internal thoughts and experiences." She allowed Bella and Bardar to take in her words before continuing " It’s just that I usually check for both souls and consciousness together and when I went deeper into his consciousness, I found traces of soul.”
“Contamination of soul in Consciousness?” Bella, with a frown in her eyes, resisted the cloudiness that was trying to take hold of her memories. "But I checked Rayen using soul magic earlier. I didn't find any signs of damage."
"Ah," Cellia said, understanding Bella's confusion. "While your method is correct and powerful, you might have relied on conventional soul spells that assume a standard soul structure." As she paused, Bella's eyes widened with realisation.
"Are you saying..." Bella hesitated with her next words, "That his soul's structure is somehow different, so conventional soul spells would be ineffective and show no reaction?"
"Exactly," Cellia nodded as Bella and Bardar appeared to grasp the situation.
“What in the world? It’s common knowledge that everyone’s soul is the same at the structural level.” Bardar said with an incredulous expression. “ Millions live, one soul. You know this too as we were taught in Oceania. ”
“We ‘assume’ that it is the same, otherwise no single explanation can be derived for a soul, and it is based on this theory, that most of our soul-related spells are made. But still, to have soul mix into one’s consciousness…” Bella's hand flew to her face, regret etched upon her features. How could she expect that soul and consciousness, two separate things were connected?
"Then how do we even begin treating him?" Bardar asked.
Bella sighed with helplessness. "Our usual soul spells won’t work if Rayen's soul structure either altered to any degree or, as Cellia says, mixed with his consciousness."
"And not only that, during my examination," Cellia offered tentatively, "I discovered traces of Rayen's soul within his consciousness is rather large as we approach a particular distance, most likely that’s the place it is where both soul and consciousness meet. I have a feeling that the leaking soul is preventing the gap from being closed."
"Is that even conceivable?" Bardar's astonishment surfaced as he grappled with the implications. From the time when humans first came into contact with mana and started to familiarise themselves with magic, they have been trying to solve the mysteries behind the relationship between soul and consciousness. Even when Alliance united the whole of humanity and scrambled the best minds among them, none came close to uncovering this mystery. The true meaning of life, immortality, the creator of worlds and many more rumours were being spread throughout the ages as a reward for whoever solved this mystery. If these words got out, then even those elders might make an appearance here.
Bella's face reflected deep thought as she considered Cellia's revelation. Deciding to confirm it for herself, she placed her hand on Rayen's unconscious head, focusing on scanning his consciousness to understand the extent of the interaction between his soul and consciousness. The room seemed to hold its breath, charged with tension as Bella delved into her examination, hoping to find clues that could guide them towards a solution.
Bella's fingers tingled as she delved deeper into the hidden recesses of Rayen's consciousness. She felt the familiar stillness of an unconscious mind, but this time, she pushed further, driven by the need to uncover the truth. The cold silence in Rayen's mind was disorienting, but Bella persevered, searching for the elusive traces Cellia had mentioned.
Her keen senses detected it, faint whispers of soul power leaking into Rayen's consciousness, like tendrils of silvery mist winding their way through the darkness. As the realisation dawned, Bella opened her eyes, her expression darkening as she processed this new information.
"Cellia is right," Bella said gravely, confirming her findings. "There are traces of Rayen's soul within his consciousness."
“The FUCK those old bastards doing till now?” Bardar's anger erupted, and he unleashed a burst of mana that shattered the window glass, sending it flying outside. The explosion echoed in the distance as the mana remnant hit the barren landscape.
“Woof!” Cherry, ever the calm presence, barked at Bardar.
"Who would do such a thing?" Bardar cursed, recalling the state they had found Rayen in. "What kind of so-called miracle were they hoping to achieve by meddling with his soul and consciousness? Can't they be satisfied with normal magic? Is it too much to avoid hurting others? At least, look at what happened to us." His words became murmurs at the end.
Cellia, knowing the soul was a rather touchy subject in their family, composed amidst the commotion. "It may not be the result of a twisted soul experiment," she said. "It could be an unintended side effect." Bardar, still sullen, nodded in agreement.
“Cellia's right, Bardar. We need to stay focused and find a way to help Rayen," Bella said, her voice no longer soothing. She looked at Rayen's pale face, her heart heavy with worry.
“First, since we already know the source of the corruption, sealing it off is the next course of action. Then, we can focus on healing his consciousness," Bella kept ruffling Rayen's hair as she considered their options.
“Grandma is right, Rayen's consciousness was not only stagnated but also actively damaged and corrupted by the leaking soul energy. To avoid further complications, we needed to remove or seal the corrupted part as soon as possible. We don’t know what other bad things would happen due to the mixing of soul and consciousness.”
“But how do we do that?" Bardar asked, his concern growing. “Where do we even find a spell that can work on souls without in one’s consciousness?”
Their problem was far from simple. The theoretical solution seemed straightforward, but it posed a daunting challenge in practice. Purifying the soul or consciousness was known among wizards, but purifying consciousness from the soul was an entirely new realm altogether.
The weight of the situation settled heavily on their shoulders as if the gravity of their task had manifested itself in the very air around them. Cellia hesitated before speaking. "Um, I... I think I might know how to do it."
Bella's piercing gaze snapped towards her, and she could feel the weight of the elder's attention bearing down on her. "Speak with confidence, dear. There's no harm in trying."
Taking a deep breath, Cellia mustered her courage. "Since we know the location of the 'hole' where it's leaking. I know a way to push the soul energy back." Her eyes flicked between Bardar and Bella, feeling the intensity of their gazes on her. “ But I'm not sure if I can…"
“Tell us what you need, Cellia," Bardar said, his anxious eyes filled with determination. "We'll try our best to help."
“Thank you," she replied, visibly relieved. "I need the magic circle used for the wizard awakening ceremony."
At her request, Bardar's face fell, his expression turning sombre, while Cherry's ears perked up and her tail stopped wagging. The absurdity of Cellia's request was clear to all.
“Wait, I don't need the full circle. Just a partial portion would be—"
“We will provide what you need," Bella said firmly, cutting her off.
Cellia hesitated, her mind racing as she processed Bella's unconditional agreement. The thing she asked was a secret of the highest order among the human race, only a few families possess it. She remembered Bardar's words before entering Rayen's room, emphasising they found the boy purely by chance and held no responsibility for his life or death.
As Bella stood over Rayen's unconscious form, her brow furrowed in contemplation. She ruffled his hair for the last time. Straightening up, her gaze shifted to the shattered window. "Bardar," she spoke, her voice commanding, "repair the window before you leave."
“Of course, grandmother," Bardar replied, his emotions evident in his expression. With a final look at Rayen, Bella left the room, followed closely by Cherry, her intelligent eyes seemingly deep in thought.
The air in the room shifted as Bardar began mending the broken window, magical runes glowing faintly beneath his fingertips. Each piece of glass floated back into place, reassembling like a puzzle until the window was whole once more. The sound of their breaths filled the space, mingling with the soft hum of magic at work.
Cellia watched him in silence, her thoughts a whirlwind of unanswered questions. ‘Why were they so determined to save Rayen, a stranger they had found by chance?’ "Is it okay?" she finally asked, unable to suppress her curiosity any longer.
“Why not?" Bardar smiled, glancing at the now flawless window. "If those other elders asked, I'd simply say it's for my little brother. They wouldn't care after hearing that."
Cellia shook her head, still marvelling at the lengths this family would go for someone they barely knew. ‘Just like at that time’ she murmured internally. ‘Why does everyone here go to such lengths for strangers?’
“Did you say something?" Bardar turned towards her, his eyes reflecting genuine concern.
"Nothing, let's just clear this remaining mess and go down," Cellia replied, standing up from the bed and beginning to rearrange the curtains. As she worked, Bardar noticed the beautiful smile that graced her face, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion. Just like at the academy, he found himself drawn to her in a way he couldn't quite explain.
Outside, Bella stood gazing at their peaceful garden, searching for solace among the vibrant blooms. Cherry sat beside her, golden fur gleaming in the sunlight. "What do you think, Cherry?" Bella asked softly, her voice tinged with worry. "Would Rayen be awake now if only I was not living under the shadow of my past? Could I have noticed this sooner and solved the problem?"
Cherry offered a small woof in response. To anyone else, it might have sounded like ordinary bark, but Bella understood the depth of emotion behind it.
As time passed, her eyes became cloudy and her memories foggy, but soon with the clarity coming back to them, vibrant hues of the garden faded as Bella's face transformed, her gentle expression replaced with an icy coldness that would unnerve even the most stalwart soul. Her eyes now bore a chilling intensity, freezing anyone who dared to meet her gaze.
“Cherry," she commanded in a voice so frigid it could shatter glass, "go tell those old fools I want to know where Rayen came from."
“Woof!” Cherry released a sharp bark of acknowledgement, but Bella didn't spare her so much as a glance.
"Tell them I don't care if they have to dig deeper than dwarfs or fly higher than the sun," Bella continued, her tone authoritative and unwavering. "I am not asking them but ordering them. If they fail to provide me with a satisfactory answer, I'll have Thar cross the ocean and search every nook and cranny of Terralea. Every single piece of land whether held by Humans or otherwise. It's their choice whether they want to do it themselves or not."
The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, each syllable uttered with the finality of a verdict. Cherry’s eyes also became completely red, sharp like that of a beast out for her prey, black wisps rose from her golden fur before she bounced off, passing the magical shield-like air to deliver Bella's message.
As Bella watched Cherry vanish into the distance, Bella returned her gaze to the garden, its once vibrant colours now muted, the lush flush full garden covered in a thin layer of frost with her as the centre. She heeded no mind to the dead plants as she would not rest until she uncovered the truth, no matter the cost – for in her heart, the soul is taboo.
“Whatever it takes," she murmured to herself, her breath forming a cloud of frost in the air, with an equally chilly voice.
***