Yatsu denied the words Doriath spoke. No matter how many times it echoed in his head, he denied it more, though, in his heart, he understood his brother's fate. His chin trembled as Yatsu fell to his knees, reflecting on what possibly were the final moments of his brother's life. Donnus was commended for his skills as a Highborn, admired even, yet someone bested him. None of it made sense. "There's no way… None... You're wrong, Doriath!" He shouted, grasping for any chance at peace.

Doriath's eyebrows gather in at the loss, "I apologize for bringing such news. I never intended on making such a visit."

"How?" Was all his father could say. He waited a moment, shaking his head, "How did my son die?"

"Unfortunately, that is something our organization cannot disclose. The circumstances are a part of a much grander assignment to eradicate a grave threat." Doriath informed them both. He was stern with that information. "His body was never recovered, though, with the recent meteor shower and no luck in locating him, we presumed he was indeed killed."

"That's it?" His father shouted at the Highborn. "I'm expected to have closure from that? You failed to bring me his body for ascension! Was he greeted by Valera and led to paradise?"

Yatsu perked up when they made that realization. The Highborn, when they were dead, would be ascended to Valera, or in other words, have their body burned on a boat in open water. This would direct them to the spirit goddess to greet and guide them to paradise on the other side. Without it, those Highborn would need to search the goddess on their own.

His father clenched his fist. "So my son pledged his life and loyalty to the Magi Syndicate to uphold your standard and lifestyle till the end of his days, and what does he have to show for it? The syndicate has already given up on finding the body!"

"We are still searching for his body. When his disappearance was made known, we searched his quarters and only found his blood. Our Highborn have refused to give up on the search, and upon the discovery of his body, I assure you we will bring him home for ascendance." Doriath promised. His tone with the sternness in his eyes conveyed his commitment. "You will be notified when we know more."

"Don't say what we need to hear, Doriath. Tell me, is this your first stop this week? Do you feel remorse for the loss the families feel? You personally brought him to the syndicate over a decade ago, trained him, but he's purely another number to you." His father boldly declared.

He continued, holding his ground against Yatsu's father, "I trained him, and while I observed his progress, Donnus became like a son to me. I loved him the same as Gideon and mourn his death all the same. Mind yourself with such claims and know that we have not given up in the search. You feel great sorrow, but that is no cause to be out of line."

Yatsu's father mockingly laughed, "Oh sure, thank you. My heart is at ease, and I am saved by your wise counsel. Allow me to go about my day carefree while my son's murderer is walking throughout Alluvion. My heart is full knowing you are doing all you can, and I will sleep well knowing such things."

"You dare to still mock me all the same." He warned, deepening his tone while the wind shifted. "Control yourself and be civilized, or the entirety of this conversation will be had with your son."

Yatsu wandered back anxiously, watching the scene unfold, hoping that some justice would befall his father. To mourn was justified, but to be disrespectful was out of line. He was as furious as his father to not know how or where his brother died, but he understood pressing it would solve nothing.

His father pridefully grinned, unmoved by the threat. Doriath muttered, "Threatening me, eh?

With that being the case, why are you wasting your time standing here when you could be finding my son." His father protested. He motioned at the pathway leading to outside the farmland, "Best get to it."

Doriath bowed to Yatsu's father, "Indeed, I will be." He pointed to the crate and satchel near the door. "We have gathered his belongings. They remain in this chest." He lifted and set it on the ground with a grunt. "Also included is a sum of coin for the loss. It doesn't bring your son back, but hopefully, it removes some burden during this trying time."

Yatsu timidly approached the chest when Doriath stopped beside him, "Yatsu, your brother was an honorary man and someone I personally grew close to. He spoke highly and constantly of you to the end." He reached into his pocket, gifting Yatsu with a ring, "This was your brothers, and I can think of no one better to pass it on to."

The ring landed in Yatsu's palm, the weight of the gold surprising him. It was rather plain and dull due to old age. No shine or reflection existed, only the rune markings around the ring. Each mark was filled with grime and dirt, making the markings more apparent. Yatsu closed his hand and gripped the ring tightly while he wept at the loss of his brother.

Kneeling down, Doriath drew some symbols like the ones on his brother's ring in the dirt. Once he completed the characters, the Highborn scooped up the soil, blowing it at the symbols as a golden glow lined each mark. Yatsu stepped back when vibrant orbs of colorful light appeared and flickered around the entire farm.

"This is my blessing to you, Yatsu, that your brother may always be with you. That his courage guides you, his strength aid you, and his heart uplift you. As this light reflects around this farm, so will his spirit, a companion, to watch over you." Doriath prayed, bowing to Yatsu.

Doriath flicked his finger at the wagon as a whip sounded, and it began its journey back onto the dirt path unmanned. "I wish there was more that I could do, Yatsu, but believe me when I say I am doing all I can." He said reassuringly. He rested his hand on Yatsu's shoulder. "Should you ever need anything, send for me, and I will do all I can to answer the call."

"I appreciate that, Doriath. Believe me, your kindness will not go unmarked." Yatsu said as each grasped each other's forearm, bidding farewell. "If you need any help, let me know. I might not be able to do much, but I want my brother's killer to be brought to justice."

Yatsu heard his father scoff and laugh, yet Doriath paid no attention to it, "Sometimes the weakest of us all have the potential for the greatest outcomes." He said while giving a reassuring smile. He broke their embrace and picked up his pack to head off. "Remember that. Donnus told me you have some amazing gifts, Yatsu. Never be afraid to explore that potential." He reassuringly smiled at Yatsu and left to join his wagon.

The skyline morphed into colors as the crimson clouds welcomed in the magic hour. The goblins lit their lanterns and tied them to the poles which hung above them while Doriath walked by singing a low-toned song in the atyri language. Yatsu watched him walk into the distance until he walked around the gate, returning to the pathway home.

Doriath was the first Highborn he met. When Donnus discovered he had powers and wanted to train to use them, the Magi Syndicate sent his new master Doriath. When the Highborn showed Donnus and Yatsu what magic could do, a light of wonder overtook him. From that moment, he knew he needed to be a Highborn.

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As time passed, Yatsu realized the reality surrounding being a Highborn. It wasn't something gifted or obtained, rather something you were born with. Donnus inherited the abilities of the Highborn, while Yatsu was born entirely human. All the magic and wonder was left only to his imagination. Magic always felt as though it was the key to his potential, that when the truth came forth, it was a stunt in his growth. The moment that realization sunk in was the day he imprisoned himself in his reality.

Yatsu felt the need to run after him, to follow Doriath for protection until he made it to another kingdom, but he felt as though he should remain. The orbs of light finally faded into nothingness, with only the lanterns and final moments of light adding detail to their world. The last thing his father deserved was claiming the final belongings of his brother.

The chest was all that remained of his brother. The chance of obtaining a body was slim at best, and Yatsu refused to get his hope up for that. Instead, he proceeded to the chest, kneeling down to open it. "You were my escape from here, my chance… I took a beating for years on the hope that you were going to return." Yatsu whispered, his speech stuttering. The chest was opened, revealing two daggers on top, the coins in a pouch from Doriath, and a good deal of miscellaneous clothing.

His father walked up behind him, peering into the chest itself. "It should have been you." His father scorned. "The world lost a great Highborn, a great son. The gods have betrayed the world." He reached into the crate, pulling out his son's green cloak as it still held the gray dust from his last adventure.

Shoving Yatsu out of the way, his father pulled the giant sack of money, setting it to the side by the satchel. "Get away, leave!" He shouted, "None of this is yours. None of it belongs to you." His father reached back into the crate, tossing out the daggers, books, and woven wristband. It was all that was left, these few items and memories. "Most of this is trash, but a few things might be worth some coin."

Yatsu's jaw dropped, "You're… Selling it?"

"It's pointless to keep. I will mourn his death and profit from his treasures." He said, turning around as Yatsu rose back onto his feet. "One of the goblins is bringing the guards to arrest you as well. Stay around and make it easier for the rest of us."

"What? How could you do that?" Yatsu exclaimed. "You don't care about your sons. You only care about your gain in life. You've done nothing to help others, I've seen you take at every opportunity, and it's disgusting." This voice inside startled him. It was what he always wanted to say but never expected to.

At this point, there was nothing to lose. With the guards coming, and his brother's death, Yatsu had nothing tying him to this world. Still, that fact didn't depress him in the slightest. Instead, he felt the motivation begin to swell within him. His brother's killer was out walking free and needed to answer for his crimes. There was little to go on, but it was a chance to start new at this point.

While captured in his daydream, Yatsu was thrown to the ground, his elbow slamming onto exposed rocks now painted in Yatsu's blood. He looked up in time to see his father standing over him, kicking anywhere his foot could make contact. The air was knocked out of his lungs as Yatsu held his legs in to protect himself best he could.

"If you see Donnus, do send him my regards." His father said, with another swift kick to Yatsu's arm.

There was nothing Yatsu could do to defend himself, only endure until his father tired out. "Pl… ease… Stop…" He begged as he rolled over with another kick at the back of his head. He protected his head with his hands, both feeling the warm blood from the new cut.

This beating was far worse than any he had before. His father was neither holding back nor letting up. There was no sign of stopping. He was going to attack Yatsu until he was killed. Time seemed to slow to a standstill, Yatsu knew what he had to do, but intimidation crept into his mind. He was weak, and each hit inching him further away from life. There was no apparent chance of victory but a certainty with defeat.

Donnus always stopped their father before things turned violent towards Yatsu. Though his brother left shortly after Yatsu turned seven, forcing him to hide with his protection gone. It wasn't until Yatsu was fourteen when his brother returned home while his father was violent. In an unhinged rage, Donnus opposed him, threatening that if this ever happened again, his father would see Valera that same day.

He needed that conviction and bravery his brother had. Yatsu was no Highborn, but if he was going to search for his brother's murderer, there would be no time to be pushed around, no time to play the victim, no time to give up. Here was where he was going to make his stand. Today everything was going to change, and he would rise up to challenge Alluvion head-on. His body was bruised and beaten, but he could still move.

Yatsu waited for another kick with the strength that remained, sweeping his father's planted foot, forcing him to the ground. Using the time he had, he painfully stood back up, rushing over to his brother's daggers, wielding them against his father.

He only watched with a growing smile which turned into quiet laughter. "Oh, now this is too good. Brainless Yatsu taking a stand. The kick to the head must have damaged what little thought remained."

Yatsu faced his father while limping back to the crate. "Just stop... Stop. Don't take another step." Yatsu tearfully commanded while his hands shook profusely. The split in his lip stung with each word he spoke, and though it hurt to stand on his right foot, he held his ground.

"Oh really? So what is Yatsu going to do about it, hm?" His father challenged, rising up and taking a step closer. He was enjoying this, toying with Yatsu, pushing him past his limits. "You think that since you are brave for this moment that you will change your course? You will never amount to anything significant, forgotten by the world, to die alone."

Yatsu backed into Donnus' chest, flinching in pain, but held the daggers firmly out. "I may not be remembered, but from this day on, I will do everything in my power to make a difference, to make Alluvion a better place, and that starts with facing you." He yelled. Yatsu's entire demeanor had changed, and though he was terrified, he was not about to back down.

His father took a step closer as Yatsu swiped the blade forcing his father to keep his distance. He held out his side, attempting to calm his son, "Now we can be rational here, right? There is no need for more blood to be spilt." He cautioned. The bluff turned from inviting to threatening as he charged at his son.

With no choice, Yatsu swung the dagger at his father. The blade sliced his father's chest and thigh, falling to the ground from the injury. Yatsu jumped from fright, realizing he made contact. Chills escaped his body while panicking about what he had done, but there was no going back now. They both were alive, but he stood up to his father for the first time in his life and won.

Yatsu scurried to gather Donnus' satchel, loading in the sack of money after securing his brother's dagger hilts around his waist. "I cannot allow for Donnus' death to be in vain. You see nothing in me, and at this moment, you're right I am nothing, but watch as I become greater than you ever comprehended." The weight of the satchel with the gold on his bruised shoulder almost brought him down to his knees. Still, he took the first few steps back to the gate to head towards Bloodthane Forest.

"You will never make it far, never!" His father yelled out while swinging his fist at Yatsu. He gritted his teeth, spitting as he threatened his son, "I will make sure every guard in the land hunts you down. I will put a bounty on your head for every assassin willing to look. You walk off this farm with that satchel, and I promise you will be hunted as a thief and killer!"

Yatsu closed his eyes and nodded at his father, "Do what you must, but know I will do the same." He paused a moment. After everything his father had done to him, seeing him in the dirt, infuriated at him, made Yatsu feel sorry for his father. He never understood how he could feel so much hate towards his own son, but it was their reality for whatever reason. At that moment, Yatsu promised himself to never be like that towards anyone.

"I have never been the best son, and you've never been my father, yet here I am leaving on my own accord, with my own idea to go out and do what's right, and you mark me a criminal. This is what I have to do, and though I've never made you happy, maybe I can do that for others." Yatsu peacefully remarked. He waved goodbye to his father, who still was yelling at him. He sheathed the daggers and limped through the field.

He never looked back with his mind made up. Yatsu was going to find Doriath in the morning to search for answers. For once, his spirit was lifted. There was a new sense of freedom and motivation that had never been felt before. Each step became stronger as he walked towards the beginning of his destiny. Nothing else mattered at this point. He took the ring from his pocket, steadfastly grasping it. "Guide me, Donnus, through this journey."