As the slumbering city resurrected from its dreams and nightmares, the common bustling sounds settled into the animated yet tranquil atmosphere.

Hooves pounded across the paved streets of Foditas, its owner unrecognisable by Astraeus who still lay on the fresh grass in the beautiful park which seemed to have mesmerised the tired boy more than he thought it would have.

Rubbing his eyes as he groaned himself into a sitting position, Astraeus looked around and was greeted by a colourful mix of green, orange and a light blue which smoothly flowed into a striking yet calming turquoise.

This wasn’t the position I drifted to sleep in, was it?

No, no I don’t think so. At least I remembered the sun’s touch dancing on my skin, which is hardly possible from here.

Yes I’m sure that I laid on a meadow between two gigantic ashen trees. Yes … for sure.

Once I’m back in Fides, I’ll have to check whether something doesn’t work with my memory and ability to remember literally the simplest of things.

Slowly rising to his feet, the sturdy boy ignored the numerous thorns piercing his toned body. A leisurely glance across the empty park reminded Astraeus of the beauty which existed within the misery of Foditas, igniting a precious memory of his mother’s words.

Effortlessly walking through the thorn bush, the only hindrance being that his tunic was stretched wide as it got pierced on the pesky bramble, Astraeus left his little slumber enclave.

Yet it didn’t bother the strangely calm prince, who felt reinvigorated and relaxed after a long night of sleep without work, the exact opposite of the previous day. Somehow the Kashmar became increasingly unpredictable and deviant from their average behaviour.

Deciding to heed his newfound friend’s advice, Astraeus walked across the slowly awakening streets of Foditas, happily humming an old song passed down through the generations of his dynasty, glancing left and right at the varying, multifaceted lives of the villagers, each and everyone, no matter the influence they had on the world, possessing an own identity and proper thoughts.

Upon reaching the sewers, a thing which he hoped would have been prevented but his early awakening forced him to take the initiative for once and search for Facinerosus, he contemplated for a single moment whether continuing was worth it but reminded himself of yesterday’s extraordinary time and entered the reeking place.

Despite being relatively well-maintained and clean, the anything but soft prince felt uncomfortable and observed in the greenish tunnels.

He calls these cloaka his home? Truly a miserable life. Wait! I shouldn’t judge. Why am I thinking like this? I hate getting judged yet I judge. Oh, I’m so hypocritical I could cry.

An explanation for the feeling of someone or something staring at him came in the form of a shrill screech from the corner of the green tunnel the boy wadded through.

Eyes darting upon the target in less than a second, Astraeus stared at a strange abominable creature.

Looking at him with wide red eyes, three of them, was a rat-like thing whose only real resemblance with a rat was the figure. Everything apart from that looked alien on the sewer creature.

From the reptilian scaly skin to the legs which weren’t really legs but rather tentacles to propel itself inside the water and use it on land to cross short distances, the thing combined the opposite traits of the fauna.

With a closer look at the hideous creature, Astraeus understood what frightened him about them. They resembled Kashmar. Or at least a favoured appearance of the bodiless monsters.

Another thing scaring the young boy about the beasts was the mythology behind monsters of the underground.

When Astraeus had been a child, Irus would often narrate stories of the deep sewer systems and the monsters inhabiting them, feeding off the evil souls of humanity, which were swept into the underground by the cleansing rain and sorrowful tears soaking into the accursed earth.

Quite a frightening story for a young child, no wonder that Irus was still childless. He’s terrible!

As a father of course. Not to demean or defame him in any way, at least none intended.

The curious Domitor wandered deeper and deeper into the reeking construct, the light from the barred drains above illuminating his darkness.

Just as he witnessed a large metal door blocking further passage down the sewers, Facinerosus jumped out from his hiding place, scaring Astraeus to shit, nearly ending his own life since the instincts the Domitor would later call “Hunter reflexes,” snapped and his hand, dagger tightly clasped, shot towards the homeless orphan’s throat, ready to slash it if Astraeus deemed him to be an enemy.

Which he luckily didn’t. Or else Astraeus would lose the friend he had just met.

Avoiding the tragedy by a mere finger width, the two dazed boys stared each other into the eye, expecting the other one to move, to prevent ‘unfortunate accidents.’

Impressive. He snuck up on me despite the mostly silent atmosphere. I thought my senses were some of my more outstanding traits …

Meh, I probably just didn’t hear him since the sewer water makes so many squelching noises whenever I step into it.

“Didn’t think you’d be up this early,” broke Facinerosus the silence.

“Me neither. But as it seems the park has quite a tranquilising aura. And when I woke up I decided to listen to your advice and search for you in the sewers, your …”

“Home?”

“Home!” Astraeus loudly exclaimed, happy that he didn’t have to call the misery before him his friend’s home.

But it’ll soon change. The moment we leave Foditas, you can leave this horrible place and be free. Independent! As you’ve always wanted.

With a motion too quick for Facinerosus to follow, the dagger was gone, the free hand slowly rising until it was level with the sewer child’s head.

Pointing at Fas, as Astraeus decided to call Facinerosus inside his head, he’d surely ask him one day if he could call him that in real life, but was yet too scared to be rejected, Astraeus firmly said: “Friend.”

Nothing else. Nothing more.

Just “Friend.”

Smiling at the reciprocation of the previous day’s reveal, Facinerosus pointed back at Astraeus whose brows furrowed in confusion, and answered: “Friend.”

Just like that, the two lonely boys initiated their third day together. A tight schedule was awaiting them.

First: Food.

This part was quickly finished as Astraeus invited the thankful Fas to a free meal permitting them from refraining from stealing, rather simply eating. Yeah, simple like my phrasing.

Second: Get Astraeus’ armour and weapons.

This step was also easily done since they ran towards the ‘Clattering Cheers’ and retrieved the hunter’s weapons and little armour to prepare for a potential attack from brigands or bandits or possibly the wild freely roaming beasts inhabiting the unconquered hills north of the town.

Third and major part of the day: Hiking!

Both of the boys were excited and eager to spend the whole day outside, together, able to speak about the countless or pathetically countable adventures they experienced.

But they were oblivious to the petty details of the hike, only concentrating on enjoying the moment.

That’s why when Astraeus was armoured, their hunger satisfied and their enthusiasm above the roof, the two boys departed, quickly leaving the reeking town behind and entering the aromatic nature with its infinite unique experiences.

Yet they ignored the chirping birds, tantalisingly swaying flowers of all colours, the hidden animals who were eyeing the rare newcomers, and rather focused on each other.

About the time, the two lively chatting boys arrived at the foot of the enormous hill, the topic of conversation changed to the question what they’ve been up to lately and why Astraeus entered Foditas, rather than marching a bit further to Kaynopolis, a city much more developed, clean and generally speaking better.

“Unfortunate twists of fate,” replied Astraeus curtly.

Smirking at his friend’s reluctance to reveal more than necessary, Facinerosus, thinking that Astraeus may be a spy or on a secret mission, replied: “Well, not everything is caused by fate.”

Busy with watching his step, Astraeus simply agreed, leading to a short silence which was luckily broken by Astraeus: “You know, when I think about it, I probably would say that it was a great idea to take the northern road. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have met you on my way to Mediolanum-”

“I’m gonna see Mediolanum, the Heaven of the East?” Blurted out a surprised jubilant Fas at the reveal of his mysterious friend.

With wide eyes, Astraeus felt his heart warming at the obvious joy his friend experienced when he heard that they were going to the legendary capital of Dystop, a rumour amongst the orphans and homeless of Foditas, a place where the King would solve your problems and salvation could be found for the many sins one committed. That may have been part of the reason why Astraeus so desperately wanted to travel to this so-called Heaven.

“Yeah we are. I haven’t been to many major cities in my life, especially not one as imposing and rumoured as Mediolanum, but I’m certain that our hopes and dreams can be fulfilled in the metropolis,” reassured Astraeus his uneducated friend.

Staring into his friend’s eyes, Facinerosus asked: “How long do you reckon we’ll need to travel to Mediolanum? I’ve heard that it takes more than a month to reach the capital.”

“Well with you accompanying me, we’ll surely need several months,” Astraeus cheekily replied.

“But the more important question is whether you can protect us on the long journey,” smartly replied Fas, followed by a mocking grimace.

Just when Astraeus thought of a nice counter, he felt the scrutinising glare on his weapons, the metal itching as if it was about to sneeze. Glancing at Fas who was busy analysing the runes engraved into the weapons and the bag containing them, Astraeus coughed once, redirecting his friend’s attention from the dangerous and atypical weapons for hunters.

Not asking his friend about the cool weapons, Fas happily exclaimed: “How many beasts did you kill up until now? Or rather what was the strongest? No, what was the last? Or-”

Bumping into Astraeus, the street child recoiled a few steps before clutching his slightly aching head and asking: “Why did you stop?”

“Because you’re annoying me!” Answered Astraeus, a strange silence followed.

The prince, previously confident in his cynical oratory skills, was beginning to wonder whether he had scared his new friend away by his crude comment.

But the second his friend’s mouth began to contort into a smile, Astraeus mirrored his opponent’s behaviour and began to wholeheartedly laugh, shortly joined by Facinerosus, seemingly infected with laughter since the next minute was filled with constant laughing and chuckling, resulting in both boys running out of air and desperately gasping for it while hugging a rock. Yes, a literal boulder.

Once both guys assured their survival by inhaling a few deep calming breaths, Astraeus commenced his narrative: “My last hunt must have been the Krischa which had haunted and terrorised the population of the local region, some kilometres southwest.”

Remembering the experience quite vividly, Astraeus trailed through his stubbles and down his rough skin, until the surface changed and he stroked his chin which was covered with blisters whose stinging pain had decreased tremendously since the moment the fierce beast inflicted them on him.

“The villagers were quite poor and thus didn’t pay me to kill it, simply informed me of its existence, possibly because I look quite intimidating and strong with my body, scars and weapons.”

“I had fun,” he added in a more solemn tone, hoping that Facinerosus wouldn’t notice the difference in his voice.

Patiently keeping quiet as to elicit more out of his older friend, Facinerosus expectantly stared at Astraeus who was surprised that Fas had ceased panting this rapidly.

Eventually, Astraeus added: “The Krischa had only been a child and was actually quite surprised by my arrival. I sort of ambushed it. Hehe.”

All lies.

It hadn’t been a baby nor had Astraeus ambushed it but rather the opposite way around.

Yet he couldn’t fully reveal his true identity and powers since it would only endanger Fas and their friendship. Besides, he as a child hunter, no not someone who hunts children, shouldn’t be able to beat an adult Krischa. To prevent his cover from slipping, he made his story more believable under the assumption that Fas knew what a beast a Krischa was.

As Facinerosus jumped up multiple stones, parkouring across the path winding up the mountain, realising that his friend would reveal no more about his fight, asked: “And that’s how you survive? By fighting and hunting?”

After brief consideration, Astraeus replied: “Sure. As well as a bit of …”

The prince stopped talking when his friend dashed up the slope leading to the peak, not listening to his friend anymore.

With a last glance back, Astraeus saw that there were some people ascending the Culpa apart from them, a number smaller than ever due to the increasing animal attacks and the rumblings emitting from the sacred mountain.

The boys had ignored the warning signs, mostly Astraeus who had persuaded Facinerosus to tag along, although not revealing that if the mountain did erupt, he could save them both as well as the town itself.

“HEY!” screamed Astraeus towards his ever-distancing friend who seemed to have reached the peak but remained out of sight even after being called.

Quickly dashing up the Culpa, Astraeus reached the top in less time than his friend, who was calmly sitting on the warm dirt and sand covering the plateau at the top.

The view from the top of the dormant volcano was breathtakingly beautiful as the wide diverse landscape of Dystop with the far plains and deep forests opened itself to the boys.

Only the wind breached the silence which followed. A silence possible due to the beauty before their eyes. It was something remarkable, unique and appreciable.

This fragile world can be so beautiful. I seem to have forgotten it. The beauty you always talked about.

“-ive me the water?”

Looking at the relaxed yet panting orphan, Astraeus only got the last part of the question, but deduced the rest and complied with the request, giving his friend the sack of water from Trandoli skin which Astraeus had stolen from the treasury of his family.

Well, ‘stolen’ would be misleading since he was the official temporary head but it seemed like stealing since only few acknowledged him, deeming his accomplishments and successes as insufficient to rule the strongest family on the planet.

As gulp after gulp of liquid flowed down Fas’ throat and cheeks, Astraeus returned his gaze to the stunning landscape. But something disturbed him.

In the far distance, giant trails of smoke arose from behind the luscious green forest, swirling into the sky as a painful monument of humanity’s horrible influence on nature.

“What are the clouds of smoke on the horizon?”

Parting the water bag from his wet lips, Fas replied: “Ah, that’s the stuff which fuels Caliguala’s rebellion and followers. It’s the first sign of war. The apocalyptic rider of the approaching disaster. Or at least that’s what the Madman claims it to be.”

War … as always, history repeats itself. This beautiful land will be plunged into a devastating conflict. One we caused, we created. Is ‘she’ somewhere up there? Probably not since those pesky officials banished her.

Staring up to the sky, the sun covered behind grey clouds seemed to hide from the cruelties and atrocities its children committed under its watchful eyes and infinite reign.

“Do you think there’ll be war?” Innocently asked Facinerosus his experienced friend, hoping to ease his concerns or at least erase the uncertainty in his mind.

Without thinking for a moment, Astraeus replied the same he had thought moments before: “Hard to tell. But probably yes. There will be war. As always.”

Seeing his friend’s discouraged expression, Astraeus added: “Don’t worry. It won’t affect our journey. For one, I know quite a lot of people who would vouch for us and prevent you from getting drafted into the dystopian ranks. And secondly the route I’ve planned for us will go southwards which means that we’ll be passing the warzone by hundreds of kilometres at worst, if not thousands.”

Obviously calmed by the bald kid’s answer, Facinerosus relaxed a bit. However the baldy still had a chance to tease the younger boy, which led to Astraeus boasting once again.

“I mean, I could certainly pass through the warring north but with you as a heavy burden, I’m not so sure anymore.”

Smiling broadly, Astraeus watched his friend’s eyes glint like a predator before he replied: “Even though you’re a great hunter, at least that’s what you told me, who knows whether you’re lying or not, not even you can hope to cross the lands between Asa and Dystop while there’s a war. Dystop is the greatest nation in the entirety of Cael.”

Raising an eyebrow at the functioning propaganda of the Kingdom in the form of a slightly patriotic Facinerosus, Astraeus didn’t reply, signalling his jubilant friend his victory and silently sitting down besides Fas, staring into the beautiful horizon and the stunning landscape.

But after enjoying the magnificent scenery for long enough, the two solemn boys marched back down the way they arrived, loudly conversing about the future, delicious food and potentially a few girls the two of them have met. They passed the lonely people who were still moving up the Culpa, happily greeting them, receiving either none or pretty strange greetings back.

However Astraeus didn’t care. For him, the day had already been a success. The time he had spent with Fas was the greatest in a couple of months. Inside his joyful mind, Sol illuminated his bleak consciousness with lights of hope.

Hope he’d find as soon as the two joking orphans would leave Foditas together, to venture into the unknown and explore the vast east with its beauty and hideousness.

But first, they would need to pack their things and leave the cursed city binding Fas. However, departing from the place he hated most could even put a strain on the bold orphan.

As the two adventurers walked through the bustling city gates, Facinerosus bumped into a fat man, a wealthy aristocrat, who shouted after him: “Watch your step, filthy peasant! Has your mother never taught you manners?”

Intently apologising, Fas bowed his head and pleaded for salvation with the man who seemed like a pious noble due to the silver cross hanging tightly around his plump neck, the flesh beneath wobbling with every tiring step the human bulk took.

Hateful eyes piercing him, the noble trotted away under Astraeus’ gaze, his slaves and two bodyguards accompanying him out of Foditas.

With a sorrowful voice, Facinerosus whispered into his friend’s ear: “I know you won’t judge me, but understand my actions. One has to adapt to the cruelty of this reality in order to survive in this cursed world. Or else they’ll be consumed by hunger and death, drawn into a never-ending void of misery. A life not worth living.”

Confused by the sudden seriousness in his friend’s voice and the sad expression, Astraeus wanted to console Fas in any way possible, but he simply didn’t know how. He wanted to, but was socially incapable of it. A miserable existence, to know you want something but not being able to achieve it.

But as it seemed, he didn’t have to, since suddenly Facinerosus’ expression brightened up, glowing just as it did during their hike.

Spinning around twice before proudly displaying his bounty, the poor orphan presented a finely adorned golden bracelet with small gems implanted in it.

Eyes wide open and the corners of his mouth slightly rising, Astraeus loudly asked: “Did you ste-”

But his question was shushed by the cunning boy who put his dirty hand on Astraeus’ mouth, shutting the vociferous boy up and preventing his little secret from spilling to the few, yet alert guards.

“Would you bother to either shut up or speak quieter, you roaring moron,” mockingly insulted Fas his overeager friend, putting the expensive jewellery back into his pocket.

“Sorry,” the prince shyly apologised, lowering his voice and attempting anew.

“When you bumped into the fatty, did you take it while he was busy screaming and yelling?”

Smugly smirking at the pride in his friend’s voice, Facinerosus replied: “Sure did. I, Facinerosus the Master Thief, greatest of the pickpocketers and muggers. That’s my famous name, my honorary title.”

Astraeus couldn’t help but chuckle at the act his friend played, igniting both of them into laughter and joy, the gloomy atmosphere from before completely forgotten.

As Fas suddenly hugged Astraeus from behind, the younger boy whispered: “I have to go again. Sorry.”

Strangely looking into the busy street, listening to the awkward sounding child, Astraeus turned around, only to see Facinerosus dash through the streets until eventually disappearing into a narrow alley.

Blankly staring after his friend, Astraeus’ expression eventually turned confused before changing to a sad one, before becoming completely clueless as to what the fuck just happened.

After simply standing in the middle of the street for a minute straight, the curious glances of the townspeople burning on his exposed skin, Astraeus began subconsciously moving towards his rented chamber at the ‘Clattering Cheers.’

His mind processed the situation and the great day before the strange moment, thoughts racing through his head, while simultaneously feeling empty and idle. It was really strange to Astraeus, as if his mind and body were merging into one with him being unable to control either of them.

Before he regained consciousness of his actions and thoughts, he found himself standing before his inn, awkwardly swaying from side to side, the faint outline of flames before his grey eyes, as if he had looked into the sun for too long and it had left its mark on him.

Very, very strange. This day is … confusing to say the least.

Just as he was about to enter, something dazzling fell out of his pocket onto the wooden veranda, clattering loudly, attracting the attention of the bystanders who greedily eyed the object.

The reason being because it was the gem bracelet which Fas had stolen some minutes earlier.

How the hell did you end up here?

Angrily glaring around as he felt the hungry eyes of thieves inspecting him, Astraeus unleashed a minimum of his power, scaring the bystanders away if they felt it or simply cladding himself in an ominous aura if they didn’t. Magic had this effect on the Ungifted, people who were unable to see magic, unblessed by the Angels and uncursed by the Demons.

When the crowd of onlookers had mostly dispersed, the Domitor thought: I should probably return it to him. He surely needs it more than me. Maybe that’s the reason why he’s always forced to leave in the evenings. That’s it. No wait. If it was that conveniently planted in my pocket, maybe he wanted me to have it …

Hmm, asking doesn’t hurt. Besides, I can just sprint across the houses’ roofs or levitate through the sewers. There is no way I won’t notice or feel him before he does.

Just like that, Astraeus decided on traversing the whole city to return the expensive jewellery to his friend in need.

Exactly as a hero would help a maiden in danger, I’ll help the person who depends on me by saving his … yeah, his temporary financial situation. Not as heroic as I thought, but a marvellous start to my new life nonetheless.

Like planned, the town was crossed in less than a minute by the flying Astraeus, a great name for a superhero.

Upon his arrival in the sewers, he quickly recalled the way towards Fas’ hideout, only once taking the wrong turn, leading to a dead end.

But despite the short distraction, Astraeus reached his destination without any problems.

However, upon arriving at Fas’ home, a deep rough voice resonated in his sensitive ears, alerting him to the presence of an adult. Thus hiding behind a large box, but still near enough to hear the conversation between the two people, the other one, he recognised the cheerful voice, being Facinerosus.

Wavering whether he should intervene and surprisingly crash into his friend’s home to check if he was in danger, the cunning, cautious Astraeus patiently waited, deciding against his own brash proposal.

Inaudible murmurs forced the young boy to silently close the distance between him and the two others.

But the things he heard once close enough stunned him, rendering him dysfunctional, his brain shutting off in a last ditch attempt to save the boy’s sanity.

“Yes, I’m going to wipe him as well as this reeking town off the map tomorrow. Then I can finally leave this terrible pit of shit,” sounded the annoyed voice of Facinerosus, the content of the words confusing Astraeus, since he didn’t know who his friend meant or if he didn’t reveal his secret of being a bounty hunter, similar to Astraeus not revealing his true identity.

Again, the mature voice answered something incomprehensible, eliciting a degrading comment from Facinerosus, moments before Astraeus would have walked into the green room, unveiling his presence to the two males.

“Oh, you can’t believe how many times I wanted to kill that brat during our precious little hike,” mockingly pronouncing the last words, the orphan’s voice distanced slightly, signalling Astraeus that he approached the other man.

“Tell him that I need time to kill that brat.”

Just now, Astraeus’ stunned mind connected the dots to the grand puzzle.

He was their target.

Facinerosus had been a bounty hunter.

One tasked with cutting his head off, with slaying the person who he had made believe had been a friend.

No tears streamed down Astraeus’ face. He was simply too dazzled to express anything except confusion.

His body didn’t listen. But his ears did.

“Yes, I know that tomorrow is the day. You don’t have to remind me. I’ve been in this business long enough to understand how traps work. Thank you very much, I really appreciate it.”

Again, the usual cynical manner of Fas. Is this man even Fas? Or has he been lying to me this whole time?

Those were the first thoughts of the betrayed boy, a stinging pain agonising his poor heart, tearing it apart on the spot. The known characteristics of the person he cherished ripped him out of his trance.

The deep voice rumbled again, the Domitor clearly hearing his name, giving him the final assurance and stabbing further into the wound, his friend’s betrayal had cleft into his frail, young heart.

“I know that Bereticum should have been decisive but it isn’t my fault that the beast was too weak to even scratch Astraeus,” Facinerosus angrily defended himself against accusations from the unknown man in the shadows.

This was the final straw.

The final drop which burst open Astraeus’ feelings.

The final drop which caused the explosion of guilt, misery and pain to sweep over the young boy’s soul and hope, extinguishing it within an infinite pool of doubt and shame.

As silent as before, Astraeus Domitor dashed out of the suddenly stinking sewers, tears streaming down his red cheeks into the filthy water below.

His one friend, the one person he currently trusted in, cared for, confided in, had used him from the very beginning.

Had manipulated, betrayed and deceived him.

The pain was too much to bear for a child alone, his soul desperately defending the cracks destroying the boy’s sanity.

The shell surrounding and protecting his body …

crumbled to dust.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Even if you have trouble connecting to people you’re not familiar with or even with those you are, never give up on searching the world for people to trust in. Because only in unison humans may achieve perfection.