Falling is such a silent affair, but it is far more terrible to refuse to admit it. For the future is for those who push on, those who refuse to keep falling, then the possibility of happiness is open to them.

A young child sat on the damp grass, his knees were pulled tightly to his chest. His shirt ripped and scorched, ash-covered him from head to toe. A man was standing in the shadows, observing the young child. The child was more emotional than he would have thought. The fire consumed the house, casting the night in an unsettling glow.

“Life can be so cruel sometimes.” The man stated. The smaller figure jumped a little by the stranger. Scared blue eyes look up at him.

“Who-who ar-are you.” The child shakily asked. “Di-did you see wha-at happened.”

The man nodded.

The boy whimpers something that sounds like mom and dad. “Do you kn-ow who did it?”

“Yes, I do.” The man smiled internally, this child could be a great opportunity, this will change the plans, but this is too good to pass up. The man looked on at the fire, its flames swirling leaving destruction in their wake. The child’s cries turn into small whimpers.

The child said something quietly.

The man turns to him, “What was that Edward?” He said kindly.

Edward’s eyes widened slightly.

The man chuckled, “I know everyone’s name, well everyone who matters.”

The boy flushed slightly, the fire highlighted it. “I wish brother were here.”

He looked back at the fire, “There is only you now, what will you do?”

He side-eyed the child, he was deep in thought, his feelings obvious. He knew Edward would follow him, he was more interested in how he would use the opportunity. The man would have laughed out loud at the thought that the future of the world rests with 2 children.

“I can’t do it on my own,” Edward said softly.

He then leaned down and extended a hand, “Then let me guide you.” Edward, without hesitation, grasped his hand. “You can call me Master.”

***

A bartender stood behind a counter, cleaning a glass. The bar itself on the outside isn’t much to look at it, most people try to cross on the other side so as not to even get close to it. On the inside it is quite the opposite, warmly lit, well kept, clean, and an almost welcoming atmosphere. Suddenly the door creaked open and revealed a tall man with a small child in tow. The Bartender’s hazel eyes drifted to the child, said child’s blonde, almost silver hair is matted down, his face covered in ash. Pale blue eyes stared in the Bartender’s hazel eyes. He raised an eyebrow towards the man. The man gestured toward the child, “This is Edward, Percival.”

Edward’s eyes darted around constantly taking in the entire bar. At the mention of his name, he cowered behind Master. Percival chuckled at his shyness, this child is quite the opposite of Master’s other child he thought. Master looked around the bar, “Where is Eiden?”

Percival gestured absentmindedly, “Oh, he's out on his usual walks.” Master nodded. Percival wondered why Master brought this child to the bar, he knows that Master must have a plan for him, he always does.

“You know you aren’t as hard to read as you like to think.” Percival blinked. Master looked down at Edward, “Why don’t you go and sit down in a booth, Percival will get you a milkshake.” Edward quietly nodded. The child tentatively walked across the bar as if he touched anything it would shatter.

As Percival got out the Milkshake items he asked, “Who is the child?”

Master thought for a moment, looking off into space, his eyes revealed nothing of what he was thinking. Master smiled a bit. “He is a plan, a different one from Eiden, although the end goal is one and the same.”

Percival nodded, Master always thought of everything and used every tool, this child must be important for Master to use him. Although, he didn’t exactly say who this child is. Master looked back at him, his smile grew ever larger, “Did that answer not satisfy you?” No matter how innocent the question its implications were heavy, it was a test of loyalty and trust.

Percival stared at him, “Master, you always tell me everything I need to know, not once have you ever failed to do that.”

Master tapped his chin and nodded, “Although, his name will need changing, what I can tell you of this child is that he is quite important to our enemies, they made the critical flaw in overlooking him.”

Percival pondered this for a moment. It is quite unusual for the enemy to slip up this badly, especially with something so valuable. It has been difficult to find weaknesses of the enemy, but if this child is who Master said he is, which he most certainly is, then he will be a vital asset to the Empire.

He glanced at Edward, the child was looking at the walls. “Edward, your milkshake is done.” Edward looked over at the milkshake and walks over. The hungry child said a quiet ‘thank you’ and slurped it down.

Suddenly the door slammed open revealing a rather angry looking pre-teen. Master looked over and smiled, “Good morning Eiden.” Eiden stared at Master and nodded and returned the greeting. Whatever politeness brought on by Master in Eiden dissipated when he looked at Edward.

The older boy growled lowly. “Who is he?” Eiden pointedly glared at Edward, daring him to do something.

Master gestured at the younger boy, “This is Edward, he is a new member.” Eiden scoffed and started towards the back rooms. Master held up his hand and Eiden stopped, “Edward needs cleaning up, why don't you show him the bathroom?” Eiden paled slightly at the command. The older child glared at Edward and jerked his head towards the back room.

Edward looked between Master and Percival, eyes full of question. “Go on Edward, Eiden won’t hurt you.” There was a bit of an edge to Master’s voice, a silent warning to Eiden. Edward nodded and quietly followed, the door slamming when they both disappeared.

“Eiden will have a hard time getting along with another child, especially one younger.” Percival states.

Master taps his chin and stared at the door in thought. “Yes, but they must learn to work together, this will be a good learning experience for both of them, especially Eiden.” Master rises out of his chair. “Well, I must go and attend to the preparations.” Percival nodded. As the man was halfway through the door he turned back to Percival. “All of what I do is for the Empire.”

Percival glanced at door Eiden and Edward disappeared to and nodded in confirmation. “For the Empire.” The door clicked shut and Percival continued to clean glasses.