Today was one of the hottest days of the summer. The sound of the rustling leaves woke the boy who had soft blue hair, nearly white in the Sun's light. A cool, gentle breeze swept over his skin, offering comfort against the intense heat. He was lying on the ground, enjoying his break after a long night shift. The Sun's intense rays began prickling his skin as it reached its highest point in the sky. The young man extended his arm towards the radiant star to shield himself. Once he had fully regained himself, he swiftly sat up. With his eyes wide open, he put both hands on his head with a groan.
[YOUR HEART CORE IS IN A STABLE CONDITION]
I had hoped I would never see that again. The boy yawned as he stretched his body.
“Still feeling tired...”
I guess it's that time of the month. He had overslept by a few hours, consequently forgetting about his duty. Processing the implications of what that meant had made him go into full alert. Damn, Tobi’s gonna be pissed. The thought of his angry friend giving him a lecture gave him chills. Tobi was two years younger than the boy but was always acting like an older brother. I've never come across a 17-year-old that scary...
“Altair!”
The sharp voice of his friend calling out his name interrupted his thoughts. The boiling anger in his voice could be heard. Thinking swiftly, Altair found a nearby bush to hide in. There weren’t many hiding spots because he was in a flat field outside the forest. The voice was coming from the same direction as the trees. That was currently where their camp was set up.
“Altair! Where the hell are you? It has been two hours since we were supposed to switch. I have been on guard duty since last night!”
Man, Tobi always sounds pissed but I think he might kill me this time. Altair knew how much Tobi loved sleeping. He was the same. Finding rest during times like these was hard. Small skirmishes across some villages in West were affecting the lives of thousands. West was the second largest continent on the Oni Planet, a nameless planet home to billions. Its four supercontinents were named North, East, Sout, and West, the names their creator left behind. I think it’s lazy. Tobi and Altair had met and traveled around West, wandering the volatile Oni Planet’s terrain until they became guards for the village they were currently settled in. The footsteps and grunts of the angry Tobi were getting closer and closer– then they suddenly stopped. Tobi had a superb sense of hearing so Altair had no choice but to hold his breath. Eventually, he couldn’t hold on anymore and gasped for air. Then–
“FOUND YOU!”
A rumbling noise could be heard and a vibration could be felt. Instantly, Altair leaped into the air. He had leaped a great four meters into the air. Under him was a three-meter-long pillar of stone growing from the ground, following him. Altair had barely dodged it thanks to his wind magic propelling him up. He then used the same technique again to move forward through the air and towards the trees, where Tobi had come from. A boy with dark brown hair made a surprised face. He did not expect Altair to dodge his attack so nimbly.
“Tobi, wait! Please, I’ll go back and–”
Tobi wasn’t listening. The pillar growing out of the ground changed directions and kept chasing him. This was a type of earth magic. Most people who learn earth magic can barely get it to grow half a meter, let alone make it change direction and keep extending it past six meters. Due to their battle experience, the two had become competent warriors. Although both were competent, they had completely different styles of combat. Tobi and Altair were complete opposites, both in personality and in fighting. While Altair preferred evasive movements and ranged wind attacks, Tobi preferred the resilient and honest raw power of the earth. This was a powerful combination that allowed them to defend against small groups of warriors and bandits.
“PLEASEEEE”
Using the trees as cover, Altair managed to dodge the small pebbles Tobi was hurling at him. Even though they were small, one hit was enough to knock him out clean. By manipulating the earth into something spring-like, Tobi’s running speed was rapidly increasing as he propelled himself forward and, eventually, he was right under Altair. However, he was unable to get a hold of him. The chase went on for half an hour until Tobi was out of breath. Tobi clutched his knees as he gasped for air,
“You…”
He collapsed. Altair, realizing that the chase was over, came down to check on Tobi. He found the latter snoring. He was but a calm and simple boy now. If only he was like this when he was awake.
“I guess most of it is my fault.”
Altair let out a deep sigh. Tobi’s serious nature helped balance out Altair’s carefree nature. Altair, feeling like he had to take some responsibility, carried Tobi back to the settlement. As he exited the forest, their settlement came into sight. It was a small village. Many people in the village were currently working on reconstructing buildings that were destroyed during an attack. No one had lost their life but it was still devastating. Only a few of the attackers had magic, enough for Tobi and Altair to handle.
“We can’t let something like that happen again.”
Altair was mumbling to himself as he headed towards Tobi’s quarters. A sense of shame was beginning to swell. After laying Tobi in his bed, Altair went to his post. Spread out across the village were multiple watchtowers for spotters and guards. Waiting for him in his post was a man with a sword at his hip. He was leaning back on a chair, balancing only with the chair’s hind legs. He had his feet on the table and was humming a tune. He reeked of alcohol and began speaking to Altair with his slurred speech,
“That damn Tobi. I told him to just go to sleep. The look he gave me afterward...Tch. Acting like I did something to him.”
“It’s my fault. I could have endangered the village.”
Rolling his eyes, the man behaved as if Altair was exaggerating.
“The war has slowed down and nothing has happened in months. If it could even be called a war… No one has officially been involved. There are even rumors of it being over. I think you guys should just relax.”
This type of mentality is what got us caught off guard last time. Altair pulled out a chair and sat next to the man. Though he disagreed with what the man was saying, he couldn’t help but hope that it was true. It’s not like what he was saying was bad. The man had also gone through some things and when things went down, he would always be there to help Altair and Tobi. Altair respected him.
“Julio, even if this ‘war’ ended, nothing was solved. The Heartbound from Soul and the oni will still hate each other.”
“The spirits huh..?”
The Heartbound were once Spirits. They were once ethereal beings. However, their creator decided to make them similar to the other races, with their [hearts] being bound to the physical world. Due to everlasting grudges, they are still called spirits so that the past will never be forgotten.
“The only reason there hasn’t been a full-blown multiplanetary war is because of Terra’s interference.”
Terra was the Human Planet. Due to the constant fighting between Heartbound and oni, the humans from Terra mediated between the two to try and keep the peace. Their warnings are what have kept both planets from starting an all-out war. However, that does not stop small forces from causing havoc on defenseless villages. In the end, the constant back-and-forth retaliations from the bitter groups only ended up hurting the innocent who had no involvement. The spirits started it all. I can’t help but feel shame. Altair’s expression grew dark as he looked down.
Julio, as if he understood what Altair was thinking just from his face said in a serious tone,
“Altair, I know how you feel about all of this. None of us here hates you for what you are. You and Tobi have kept us safe for a long time. This is your home.”
Altair didn’t respond. Although Julio meant what he said, Altair could feel that somewhere deep in his heart, Julio resented the Heartbound– no, the spirits. But he still goes out of his way to comfort me. I'm grateful.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
After an hour, Julio was asleep. He was snoring loudly as drool dripped from the corner of his mouth. He was giggling and mumbling something about how he hated being chased by coconuts. Altair couldn’t help but smile. Just what kind of crazy dream is he having? It gave him an idea. Speaking of coconuts, we should try to make a trade for some of Terra’s foods. I would have to bring it up with Tobi once he wakes up. No way he’d refuse. Terra’s fruits were both of their weaknesses. The ones from the Oni Planet were a bit tough usually. He made a mental checklist to pass the time.
“List ready! Gotta wait for Tobi now.”
Though he hated having to sit and be a lookout for hours straight, part of him loved these tranquil moments. Four hours later, intense footsteps could be heard as the wooden stairs behind the door creaked. This was enough to send a chill down Altair’s spine. The ‘lecture about responsibility’ was still scheduled. Tobi then slammed open the door. Julio, still barely balanced on the hind legs of the chair, instantly woke up and lost his balance. Altair managed to catch him and glared at Tobi. Tobi glared back at him and shrugged, making a ‘not my problem’ gesture. Surprisingly, Tobi seemed calm by Altair’s understanding of the usual Tobi. The sleep he got must’ve calmed his nerves. I’ll use this chance to apologize. Pulling a chair next to Altair, Tobi silently sat next to him. A few minutes passed.
“Look man, I’m sorry about oversleeping.”
Tobi sighed and then responded,
“Whatever. We have been extra vigilant ever since that incident and it has been hard for us to find the time to sleep.”
“So… you’re not gonna lecture me..?”
“As long as you understand what you did wrong then there’s no need.”
“...”
“What?”
“You’re unreasonably calm today.”
“Do you want me to scold you?”
Julio fell asleep again and the snoring started once again. Tobi looked at him and smiled.
“I think things are calming down for good.”
“Julio said the same thing.”
“I think the Heartbound are finally returning to their planet. I heard rumors of the [gates] being activated more frequently. They are hoping that this is a sign of them removing their forces.”
Tobi called them Heartbound for Altair's sake. The word 'spirit' had a negative connotation. Altair wasn't so easy on himself, however.
“Spirits..”
Altair leaned forward on his chair while clasping his hands together and supported himself with his arms on his legs. He looked at the villagers below him going about their daily lives. He continued,
“They’re monsters.”
“Not all of them. Just like how not all oni are good.”
Tobi understood how Altair had felt about the spirit and oni conflict. The small village they resided in was their home. Anything who would take away their home again were their enemies, regardless of what they were. Right now, their enemies were the spirits. However, Tobi always assured Altair that there were sides to everything. He would try to quell Altair’s hatred for the spirits who would try to take away his home. After that, they silently watched the villagers settle down after a long day of work. The watchtower they were in gave them a nice sunset coupled with a gentle breeze. This is how their shifts together usually went.
~~~
The summers of West on the Oni Planet were intense. If it weren’t for the magic naturally coursing through the bodies of oni, then they would surely die from the heat. Not just the oni, but all inhabitants of the planet had to learn how to survive its lethal environment. The unforgivingly brutal winters were equally as intense. Not many humans could live on the Oni Planet, as they can die easily before adapting. Those who do must have the talent to be able to use magic to a certain degree early on.
Altair and Tobi were doing their night watch. It has been a few days since their little chase. Yesterday, they received news of a wave of spirit soldiers coming through the [gate]. This news had the entire village on edge. Because of this, Altair, Tobi, and Julio along with the other guards were working overtime. This was extremely difficult for Altair. He was entering a mode of low energy. He had to [rest]. Every few months, the Heartbound, nay, the spirits had to charge up their energy. Because their bodies can uniquely use magic, it has a toll on their stamina. Usually, this is solved with a sleeping session that lasts days.
“I can’t…”
They were stationed in towers to oversee the village. The wooden towers consisted of one room with two doors. One of the doors led to a balcony where guards could peer over a large area of the village. A couple of yawns could be heard throughout the night and even the strict Tobi seemed to be letting the sleepiness get to him. His head was bobbing up and down as his body seemed to fight against it. Although Tobi’s magic allowed him to withstand the harsh weather of the Oni Planet, his body was still that of a fragile human. Humans had the highest mana in general when making basic comparisons between the different races, but they lacked the sheer stamina other species possessed. The oni boasted a strong body while spirits could stockpile energy via different methods.
How much longer will this continue? As Altair scanned the surrounding area, something caught his attention. A figure completely covered in a cloak was running on the rooftops, constantly looking around. That’s way too suspicious. Altair stood up and went to tap the half-asleep Tobi’s shoulder.
“Wake up, something’s off”
Altair went back to looking at the figure and his complexion grew tense. He had lost sight of the suspicious figure. His eyes darted everywhere to any conceivable spot where the figure could be hiding. However, that proved to be futile.
“I have a bad feeling about this”
Altair was on edge. Tobi had finally regained his senses and began walking towards the edge of the balcony where Altair was. He leaned over with a dire expression. It was the first time in months that something off was happening. This was a day they wished they never had to deal with. Why–
And then, an ominous feeling could be felt by the both of them.
A malicious pressure was being emitted by something up high in the night sky. The thick clouds were currently blocking the light emitted from the stars. Both of them were spooked. It was as if they could only stand and watch the events about to occur as if deep down they knew that they would not be able to prevent what was to come. The sheer amount of magic pressure above them was ungodly.
“Tobi…”
“...”
“Something p-powerful is right above us.”
Fear. They dared not to move an inch. As the clouds passed, the light from the stars and the light being reflected off one of the moons, Soul, began to dispel the darkness. In the corner of their eyes, the previously missing hooded figure reemerged. This time, the eyes of the person were visible. Light blue eyes were staring straight above them, where the pressure could be felt. The person bore the same scared expression that they bore. The person tried to say something and then-
FWOOOOOOOO
Tobi reacted faster than Altair. The sound of grinding rocks could be heard. The earth trembled as Tobi’s stone walls rose from the ground. The walls coming from all directions met. This was Tobi’s strongest defensive technique. Altair, gaining his senses, prepared to conjure a barrier of wind around them.
Right as the walls met…
HELL
The world was red. Then, it was white. Altair had lost his sense of hearing. A high-pitched noise was ringing and nothing else could be heard. The only sense he could feel was touch. His throat hurt but he didn't know the reason. Was it because he had inhaled the hellish air and burned his throat and lungs, or was it from his screams due to the excruciating pain he was in? Once he had regained some of his hearing, a sizzling ‘tssTssSss’ noise could be heard. He couldn’t tell which direction it was coming from. Was it coming from him? Tobi.
“Ugh-ug AHH”
Simply moving his body felt like an impossible task for Altair. He dragged himself around with his chin and shoulders. His body did not want to move. The burnt flesh scraping across the ground as he moved around reignited the feeling of an explosion on his wounds. As he looked around, he realized that the wooden tower they were stationed in had been obliterated. Pieces of the roof had collapsed. He found Tobi lying on the floor face down. Faint breaths could be heard. A terrifying burn could be seen on his left leg. The leg sleeve of his pants was still ignited with flames. Altair fought against the pain and dragged himself towards Tobi. I have to put it out before it gets worse.
“Tsu guhh”
Altair’s arms were beginning to move. He fought against the agony and used his arms to drag himself towards Tobi. When he reached Tobi, he used a wind vacuum to extinguish the flame. Then, a disastrous thought flashed through his mind. If this happened to us with Tobi’s barrier, then what about everyone else?
Altair found the courage to begin walking. He picked himself up along with Tobi and dragged him with lifting him by the shoulder. They began walking out of the collapsed rubble of the wooden tower. Although numb from the severe burns, Altair could feel a warm sensation on the left side of his torso. It was a gentle warmth. He took a step with a limp. And then another one. Slowly but surely, he made his way out. As he made it out, a bright violent light could be seen in the reflection of his eyes.
“Ahhh…”
Altair’s crying sounds were barely audible. He wanted to shed tears, but he couldn't. Tears would not come out. The pain and sorrow were there, yet he could not do it. The entire village was engulfed in the hellfire. It was a hideous sight. The smell plagued his nose.
“Ah..”
Such a strong smell permeated the area. The smell of burning bodies. Not one. Not ten. The smell could only plausibly be produced by hundreds.
“..!”
"…"
“Alt–!”
A voice in the distance could be heard. Altair turned around and saw the man named Julio. He was covered in burns. A large scar protruded from his cheek, across his neck, and down to his chest. So much blood was spilling from his gashing wound. Altair’s heart had Sunken. Julio… that wound is. He wanted to deny the truth. He averted his eyes as to deny the reality before him.
“Juli-”
“Spirits…”
“...”
Altair's gaze shot up and looked at Julio in the eyes. The latter pointed his charred shaking finger at Altair. Julio’s dim eyes, giving their last pulses of light were seeing somewhere beyond Altair. He was looking for something to blame. Something to blame the agony on. He needed to understand why his life was about to end. He needed any sort of explanation. A reason for his death.
Altair began trembling.
“I’m sorry…”
Julio's legs finally gave out. He fell forward and his head hit the ground. His empty eyes were left wide open. In his last second, he was extending his hand towards Altair.
“…”
Altair’s body was about to give out. He felt dizzy and began stumbling. Tobi weighed him down as he walked.
[YOUR HEART CORE HAS BEEN CRITICALLY DAMAGED]
A message could be heard in his head. It wasn’t conveyed in words but rather a feeling. A ball of light began glowing from his chest, pulsating as if it was displaying his heartbeat. This was a unique attribute to spirits.
Altair looked down at where his heart [core] was located. In his chest was buried a beam of wood from the watch tower. I don’t wanna… Altair continued to walk. He didn’t want to die. There was still so much to do. So many places to explore. So many events to hold in the village, with his family. Someone… at least save Tobi.
“Someone! Please help!”
He hated his pitiful self for selfishly asking for help. He kept walking and walking. And then… He stopped before a cloaked figure. It was a girl. She looked a bit older than Altair. She had short light red hair and light blue eyes. She opened her lips,
“I...”
Her eyes were filled with guilt and sadness. She continued to speak. Altair’s vision was growing darker. He didn’t understand. He didn’t have the energy to understand. He didn't bother to understand. There was only one thing on his mind. With his final breaths,
“Save… Tobi.”
And he collapsed. The last thing he saw was the girl rushing towards him as he fell.