Chapter 032

The Everburn Mage

In the dead of night, Sovereign Raize descended a flight of aged, wooden stairs, and entered the secluded, darken depths of the Hollow. Each step coughed another groaning creak.

Immediately, an assortment of magic chemicals staged their assault. They invaded his nostrils, uncomfortable aromas wafting from spilled vials and bubbling, black cauldrons. He was surrounded by shelves of books, some of them untouched and veiled in sheets of dust. Others possessed information their forgotten master made use of even until this day. A desk covered with a plethora of bizarre and foreign apparatus stood silently in front of the professor. He fiddled with a fork-shaped device before—exhaling a disappointed sigh—resting it back onto the table. He slammed close the book in his hand. It must have no longer served a purpose to him as he didn't hesitate to toss it to a corner of the compact room infested with shadows.

“Productive night, I imagine?” started Raize, at the base of the stairs.

Startled, the professor abandoned his experiments. He spun around, probably faster than he intended—cloak zipping behind his waist—and directed a strained leer at Raize. Although, once he identified who it was that had spoken, he dropped every ounce of hostility and mild astonishment. He returned to his work with a grumble, lifting a vial containing a violet-colored fluid. It radiated intensely through the glass, unlike the flickering torches strapped on stone walls, doing their best to quell the darkness.

“You could say that,” the professor replied in a shriveled voice. “A heap of successes, and double the amount of failures. Nevertheless, progress was made. Though it didn’t help much our neighbors from Gyrak sought to make such a sickening commotion above my head.”

“Yes, well, they’ve been taken care of.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it. You wouldn’t be in such a reserved mood had that not been the case. And did you make use of our prototype? How was it? I've been itching to witness its performance in the field.”

“Fortunately, it never came to that.”

The professor voiced his disappointment with an elongated sigh. “The military serves you well, so it would seem. I detected the signatures of combat mages I didn’t recognize making huge ripples on the surface. Looks like my master was right, magic will truly be the end of us all. Unfortunately, you won’t be there to witness it, my sovereign. I, on the other hand—” He snarled, tapping the vial with the tip of his forefinger. “—will just have to remain patient.”

The professor was known by many as Husk. He was an odd man. A necromancer well versed in the complexities and corruption of what combat mages called "dark magic". He was Raize’s irreplaceable weaver, working in the shadows separated from the rest of his followers. Creating curses and monsters in the cover of darkness. The best part was that Husk didn’t seem to mind all of the horrific experiments he constantly researched. If anything, Husk purchased genuine joy from the dishonorable tasks entrusted to him. And it was this aspect of the disturbed soul that unnerved Raize most of all. His was a breed more than willing to embrace the void-born side of their human nature, dwelling not on the immoral and unethical acts they committed. And all the while a hum pranced out his lips, content. It was enough for Raize to ascertain that he never dropped his guard whenever he was in Husk's presence.

Raize strode from the stair. He stopped in front of Husk's most cherished projects. At the center of the Hollow, there was a large, translucent pyramid-shaped container filled with a turquoise liquid that kept the test subject afloat. Insentient, stripped of clothing, and adrift in the bubbling container, a being with a set of hair as white as snow neither moved nor made a sound.

Raize folded his arms. “How is he progressing?”

Gleaming green eyes peered from underneath the dark cloak Husk commonly donned. He hobbled over, a deformed hermit robbed of the commodity that was normalcy. An unnerving crackle settled in Raize’s ears, and he felt a chill climb his spine. Pale, almost skeletal flakes bristled like rain to Husk's feet.

“Has a tendency to over-exert itself, especially when it loses its composure." Husk kept scratching at his neck, peeling off more bone-white skin. “This time, it would have died again had I not made use of my magic. Its stabilization period shouldn’t be much longer. But if the prototype proves useful, then these sort of “hiccups” will occur less and less. Eventually, the military will be gifted with a new weapon.”

The reflection cast on the smooth walls of the container countered Raize’s distinguished frown. “How much longer until he's finished?”

“It’s almost ready. Try to understand, my work can’t be rushed.” Husk started an unstable trek for his desk. “You’ve done a splendid job at providing me with those modified, Gyrakian manite crystals. I’ve learned a lot. Not enough to hasten the process, regrettably.”

“But once you are finished, my combat mages will be able to utilize their power, won’t they?”

Husk grinned. A nasty, damp chortle of a sound. “Only those with an above-average aptitude for magic. Infant mageborns will perish from their intensity. I apologize, Sovereign Raize. This side-effect cannot be nullified, no matter what I try...”

“It’s fine. I’m only interested in the strong ones, anyhow.”

“Really? Then do you have any new subjects in mind?”

“I do,” Raize confirmed. “Tell me, have you heard of the novice combat mage named Rune Ransford?”

Gently, Rune placed an Esteran poppy at the foot of his friend’s grave.

He had come to the whistling field alone, bringing with him a gift he hoped would be carried to the Eternal Gardens where Ryas sang. Crouched on his knees, he offered up a solemn prayer. Rune had never considered himself to be much of a religious type but today seemed appropriate.

Daze was gone, a sad truth he needed to come to terms with. Even so, Rune could definitely take solace in the fact that he’d known the talented mage when he was around, even if he did take his presence for granted. If possible, either by magic or a different means, Rune would reverse the wheel of time, back to the very moment they met. And on that day, he would provide the kindness and guidance the foolish rookie desperately craved. But there was no changing the present. For now, all he could do was accept what had happened and move forward into the sunset.

“Your mother told me this was your favorite flower.” The Esteran poppy held a lot of significance to the country. When studying at the Military Academy, he learned that it was much debated whether the head of a lion or this flower should hold the honor of being represented on their national flag. Once this debate came to a close, the lion had won, and the flower was discarded. Nevertheless, many saw it as a symbol of their country. “Cost me an arm and a leg to get. Never knew they were so priceless, and so rare. You sure did have an expensive taste, didn’t you? Damned noble.”

He buried the bottom portion of the flower’s stem in soil, leaving just enough exposed so that its crimson beauty could still shine onto the world. Rune matted it in dirt, flattening the earth like a blanket. Then he rose to his feet cleaning his palms. “A lot has happened since you left us. Rest easy, though. According to the reports, Thatch and most of his men are sitting in a cell at Golmirch Prison. I reckon they’ll be there for a long, long time. As for Colonel Andrew, well, I now know he was the one who did this to you. If you ever see him, give him a smack on the head for me. He doesn’t deserve forgiveness, I don’t think, but he’s not entirely a bad guy. Just...misguided, I suppose. As for me, I’ve still got a lot of work to do. I’m back to square one in regards to finding my family’s murderer, and it doesn’t help that I don’t have any solid leads. Still, I’m not going to give up, not ever again. What kind of master would I be if I did?”

Follies of wind hummed over the valley. They brushed the strands of golden grass. Washed tombstones of silver and stone. Played with Rune’s unkempt, blonde hair.

Rune dipped his head and muttered, “This country really is a mess, isn’t it? Don’t know why it took me so long to realize that. Or maybe I always knew, and just...didn’t want to acknowledge it out of fear of losing sight of my vision. My dream. I didn’t want my resolve to waver, you see, Daze.” A smirk creaked. “Yeah, yeah. I’m a selfish bastard, what can I say? But you still think there’s hope for me, don’t you? You died believing that. Well, if the world really is turning into hell, maybe I could—”

“Thought I’d find you here.” His annoying voice cloaked in pretension interrupted the peaceful silence of nature. Grimacing, Rune turned to see James striding for him. He wore that stupid expression tormented by pride and success. “A lot of people were wondering why you weren’t at the ceremony. They wanted to give their respects.”

Rune exhaled. “I was never a fan of ceremonies.”

“Clearly.”

“And I shouldn’t be held to the same regard as Ebony and the others. It’s not like I did anything worthy of praise.”

“I disagree,” James countered, falling to a stop beside him. “You played a vital role in the mission. Had it not been for you, we would be left to deal with Colonel Andrew and his powerful magic by ourselves. Who knows what would have happened had that been the case.”

Rune frowned. “The Day of Zero wouldn't have started if I didn’t act out at Star Bell. You would have captured Thatch before he could put his plan into motion. The destruction and death was a result of my impulsiveness. I’m the one to blame. What I did in the capital was merely make up for my mistake. You wouldn't praise someone for capturing a prisoner they themselves had set free in the first place, would you?"

“Well, by that logic, wouldn’t the fault actually fall onto the soldiers at border patrol for allowing the terrorists to enter the country at all?”

“Why must you keep contradicting me?!" Rune growled, annoyed. "Do you take pride in how much you can piss me off?!”

James burst into laughter. “Calm down, Ransford! I’m only kidding!”

Rune took several deep breaths, taming his surging anger. He didn’t want to be held accountable for assaulting another military officer, especially not one being heralded as the “Savior of Savannis”. He longed for a retreat from all his problems. “...Sorry, by the way,” Rune muttered, reluctantly.

James regarded him with a raised eyebrow. “What for?”

“I’ve got a pretty good hunch that Colonel Andrew was the guy that...put your father into a coma. Now that he’s dead, well, you won’t be able to acquire proper justice for him.”

“I’ll get over it,” James shrugged, unbothered by the development. “As long as I create Utopia, I’ll be fine. I’m not as immature as you.”

Rune ground his teeth together. There he goes again, making fun of me! This is what I get for trying to be nice!

“In all honesty, I really appreciate everything you’ve done. You and I aren’t the most...acquainted of individuals, yet I respect you nonetheless for providing me with your assistance.”

“I didn’t do it for you, asshole. I did it for Esteras.”

James held a hand to his cavernous mouth. “Oh, did you?”

“Thatch wanted to bring the world to ruin. I couldn’t let that happen.”

“How admirable,” James smirked. “By the way, in case you were wondering, Lieutenant General Cole’s efforts in Dianthion City weren’t a total bust. We managed to save a sum of thirteen soldiers before they could have their essence extracted. And it looks like you’ve managed to win back Brigadier General Leones’ trust. Some of the men he was searching for were among those who were rescued. Expect to hear from him soon.”

Rune gave a subtle smile. “That's a relief.”

“And since I know it’s eating you up inside, there are reports of a fire mage running amok in Vion City. Perhaps it’d be in your best interest to give it a look when you’ve cleared that ever-expanding agenda of yours.” James dropped to his knees in front of the Daze's grave. He offered to the heavens an all too brief prayer, eyes shut, and hands clasped together. Then, James rose and departed. “You have to admit, we make a mighty fine team. I’ll be sure to keep in touch. You could prove to be useful to me yet again.”

“Feel free not to!” Rune shouted after him. Oh, how he despised that James Griffin. The fact that he would be promoted as a reward for his recent accomplishment was a foreboding thought. Even so, he did have his merits, his ability to acquire crucial information being one of them. Though he wasn’t exactly eager for their paths to cross again. As Rune watched him stalking to the cemetery's exit he’d make certain to cherish every moment apart from the detestably major.

“What was all of that about?” Ebony regarded a curious gaze at James as she passed him by. She climbed the hill to join him at the grave, wind kidnapping her hair in follies of black.

Rune frowned. “More headaches...”

“How unfortunate.” She faced the tombstone, closed her eyes, and whispered something so softly Rune only deciphered bits and pieces of her muted prayer. She opened her eyes again, smiling. “Daze Springs is proud of what you've done.”

“You really think so?” inquired Rune, staring up at a clear blue sky.

“There isn’t a doubt in my mind,” she guaranteed. Together they remained standing quietly in the field. Rune wasn’t sure as to what he should say next. He always got like this, especially around people he couldn’t quite understand. Ebony was one of them. They’d beat death and avoided despair yet a lot about the girl was wrapped in shadows of mystery. “My train will be arriving soon," she said. "I should be getting back now."

“Oh!” Rune blurted, a bit loudly. “R...Right, right.”

Ebony chuckled at him. “Care to accompany me there?” she inquired, hands tied behind her back.

“...Sure.”

Their trek to the train station took but only a minuscule ten minutes. During their entire walk, neither of them uttered a word. Perhaps Ebony was just as anxious as he was, though she did a considerably better job at masking that fact. Not a dent of nervousness could be identified on her pale expression. When they reached the station, Ebony’s train had just arrived. They waited at the rear of the bustling platform as heaps of faceless strangers flooded out the doors of the locomotive. A steel screech echoed throughout the station, quickly drowned by the shouts and laughter of people as well as the tapping of boots meeting the floor.

Rune glanced beside him. His fellow combat mage was kept busy checking a small booklet. Hastily, she jotted something down on its pages. Completely absorbed, Rune suspected she probably favored not to be distracted by a conversation.

He was pleasantly surprised, however, when she asked, “So, what will you do now?”

“In regards to what?”

“You said the only reason you helped Major Griffin was so you can find the person that killed your family. Now that the mission is over, what are you planning on doing next?”

A reasonable question.

And so he provided her with what he hoped was an acceptable response.

“No matter what happens, I’ll never stop chasing after the guy who ruined my life. And I won’t let anyone get in my way.”

“I see...”

“But Esteras is suffering right now. We’re not anywhere close to an era of true peace. I think I’d like to change that.” He directed his smile at her. “The title Everburn has been cursed and shunned for long enough. Maybe I should clear its name, what do you say?”

Ebony matched his smile with one of her own. “Sounds nice.”

Another screech came from the train, abruptly drawing an end to their conversation. Exhaling, Ebony started for the belching locomotive. But she had only taken three steps forward before turning around to extend a hand at Rune. “I suppose this is where we say our goodbyes." Rune detected a semblance of disappointment in her tone. “It’s been a real joy to be your partner. I wish you all the best. May you bring justice to your family’s name.”

“Don’t sound so sad.” Rune ignored her kind gesture, stepped closer, and wrapped his arms around the unsuspecting girl. Her entire body quaked with a surprised shutter. She didn't attempt to push him away, however. He had only caught her off guard. Hesitantly, Ebony returned his bizarre show of gratitude, placing trembling hands on his shoulder blades. “Our paths will cross again, I’m sure of it. Try not to forget me until then, alright?”

When he released her Rune had to restrain a gasp. Her entire face had turned red. “Y...Y...Yes well...I’ve gotta ...g...go now...” As if she was an animated statue, or a malfunctioning machine, she stiffly rotated on the soles of her boots prior to darting in the direction of the train, her long, black hair flowing behind. “See you around!!” she shouted, attracting the puzzled gazes of nearby travelers.

Frazzle by her reaction, Rune remained frozen for a handful of minutes. Then, as the train pulled off from the station, he dropped his head and smirked.

Hands into his pockets, he too stepped towards the future.

“Lea! Do be sure to get more Appa Juice while you’re out, okay?! We’ve run out again!” Leora heard her uncle bellow from the living room.

Dispelling a chuckle, she responded, “Not a problem, I shouldn’t be long.”

She’d been in a rather good mood, as of late. Since the news spread of the Gyrakian terrorist attack on the capital ending in failure, a good portion of her stress was affectionately disintegrated. But what made the situation even better was that Rune’s initial suspension was terminated and he would be able to continue serving in the military as their combat mage. Of course, this came with its own set of problems. How else did Rune plan on potentially getting himself killed, she wondered. Nevertheless, Leora always celebrated the lighter victories whenever they arrived.

Opening the door of their humble, white-theme cottage, the girl picked up a shopping bag resting on the porch and then proceeded down the stairs. Incubated, summer breeze filled the lofty air. Songbirds chirped their favored melodies. Clouds dotted the sky like spots of white cotton. Contrasting the beauty of the countryside, however, there was Tiger. The orange feline released a long and lazy snarl as she approached him. Leora smiled, petting the drowsy hunter atop his head. No sooner than she had done so did Tiger drop his ever-present, deflated persona. He replaced it with an aura of hostility. The irises at the center of his pair of green eyes wetted into black slits.

At first, Leora was confused. What could make Tiger so aggressive, so spiteful? Then, the realization struck her. She spent a speculative stare at the front gate encompassing their property and found her childhood friend staring right back at her. He wasn’t donning his black military uniform, mind you. Just a singed, red cape accompanied by long, dark trousers and aged boots. His blonde hair was kept as messy as ever. His simple smile flared like fire.

“You know,” Rune started, reaching a hand into his coat. He pulled out a small, colored photograph: The gift she had given him during her visit to Ponsetta. It was a portal to simpler times. An eternalized portrait of a younger Rune, Ethan, and herself taken the day her older brother went off to join the military. Such tragic joy was captured on the tiny picture forever. He held his present to her and smirked, “I appreciate the thought but did you have to choose the one that made me look like an idiot. I mean seriously, I’m missing a tooth and everything.”

“...You jerk,” she whispered, blinking tears.

“But, I’ll cherish this gift regardless.”

Leora met him with a malleable grin. “It’s nice to have you back, Rune.”

The Everburn Mage laughed. “It’s nice to be back."

END OF VOLUME 1