POV Achous Phantomwing

I can feel my mind on the verge of collapse. Is this really a spirit? Compared to Aia, they’re both so different. Well, they are the only spirits that I’ve met, so I can’t really judge. But, I can feel I’m reaching my breaking point after today’s events.

Seemingly ignoring my petrified expression, Aia converses with the Ancient, “Sorry! I know how much you love your decade-long naps, but I have the most exciting news.”. “Exciting news? Hmm, you aren’t just trying to get me to play with you right?” The Ancients’ voice rumbles lazily. He’s probably still waking up.

Aia’s expression flusters, in a high pitch voice, she releases a bombardment of words, “I’ve never done that! I wouldn’t stoop so low as to wake you up for no reason!”. “Hmm… It’s alright child, I’m not angry.” The Ancient replies. I don’t think he believes her.

“I’m not a child anymore! You can’t keep treating me like one.” She says with a whimper, her eyes turning slightly tearful. She looks a bit pitiful. “You’ll always be a child of mine, dear Aia, no matter how old you are.” The Ancient replies, his thundering voice filled with gentleness and care.

This is getting out of hand… “Hel… hello, uhm, Mr Ancient?” I manage to stutter out, my voice almost cracking under the stress. Despite my cowardly nature, I’ve never had a problem speaking in front of people, but no one can blame me for being a little scared; let them try to speak to this mountain-sized monster.

“Oh! Sorry, I almost forgot.” Aia interjects, a bright smile on her face as if it never disappeared. With an adorable frown on her face, she says, “The reason I came here is to introduce Achous, he accidentally stumbled onto the island and wants to go home.”. The earth shakes as the towering tree descends closer to the ground. Is he trying to get a closer look?

“Hmm,” the Ancient’s voice rumbles. “You don’t belong here, boy.” The Ancient concludes after a minutes thought. Well, that’s quite harsh, but he isn’t wrong. “I know, that’s why I want to leave, but Aia said I’d die if I did.” I agree. I just want to leave this damned place; I miss the sun’s shine on my golden feathers.

“She’s not wrong, you’ll die if you try to leave. It’s a miracle that you even made it here at all. It’s probably thanks to the island.” He says. I can feel his eyes, hidden in the darkness above, staring at me, like it’s trying to see into my very being. My eyes narrow in suspicion. A cold voice leaks from my throat, “Are you saying, the island is the reason why I can’t leave?!”.

“Ha-ha, no need to be angry, boy.” The Ancient voice rumbles again. Is he trying to mock me? “You should be thankful instead; the island is the only reason any of us are alive. I’ve been observing the island since its slumber; its kindness will never restrict anyone.”. Just what is he talking about?

The Ancient continues, his words growing stranger, “Nothing happens without reason; your survival is just another example of the island’s radiating kindness, even in its slumber.”. What nonsense is he spouting?! I’m starting to get frustrated. With grinding teeth, I ask, “Can you just tell me why I can’t leave; if it’s not the island, then what?”.

The Ancient speaks again, his voice a bit reminiscent, “It’s an old story, from a time when I just woke up from my previously muddle-headed existence; when the sky was still blue and filled with life. I can tell you if you want?”. Hopefully, I’m not going to regret this, but if it provides some answers then I’m willing. In a voice sounding a bit forced, I say, “Sure, I would love to hear it.”.

Without waiting a moment after my reply, the Ancient starts speaking, “When the shining light granted this island eternal warmth, the cold, dark ocean floor, grew angry at our happiness. In its rage, it released the earth’s poison, locked beneath it. The endless poison rose from the ocean’s floor in a column of black gas, blocking out the sun. It threatened to eradicate all of us, but it was stopped by the island. The island fought back, constructing a field of life around it, providing us shelter and heat. Unfortunately, once one leaves the barrier, then the poison will kill them.”.

Poisonous mist from the ocean’s floor? Why does that sound familiar… Wait, I know! He’s talking about the volcanic vents. Don’t tell me I’m currently on an island stuck in the middle of a volcanic vent’s gas column!? This conclusion hits me like a brick wall. No wonder it’s always dark here, the sunlight can’t get through the gas. This also explains why no one has ever found this mysterious island; is my luck so bad?

A sudden realisation comes to mind and I blurt out, “Wait, does that mean I’m trapped here till I die!?”. “Don’t worry boy, there’s always hope, you just have to be patient.” The Ancient says, trying to calm me, but it doesn’t help, “I can’t wait for hundreds of years for some miracle, I’ll die of old age way before then.”.

The Ancient’s kind voice rumble again, “I never said you have to wait hundreds of years. I can feel the island strengthening; soon the champion will awaken and lead us towards the light, but until then, you will need to show patience.”.

For ten minutes I stand in silence, my mind trying to process my current predicament. My eyes wander around the different trees and plants inhabiting the island, finally stopping on Aia. I take a deep breath and say, “Fine, I’ll exercise patience. This island isn’t the worst place to be trapped.”.

Whenever this ‘champion’ appears, then I’ll escape from this place. Hopefully, I can get away from here in a couple months else I won’t be able to locate my flying island.