Eyes slowly opening.

That dream again. He thought. It’s been a while since the “Platinum Shadow” decided to show himself.

The man laying on the hammock thought the meeting between the two was real. So real, that the dream was intense enough to make his heartbeat rise the instant he awoke.

The path is slowly showing itself. Perhaps it’s a sign… It must be.

Pondering on the meaning as to why the shadow arose in his dreams after quite some time. Indeed, a number of years had already passed since the mysterious shadow’s reappearance.

“I see.” The man voiced. As if he already knew the next plan of action.

He slowly got up from his comfortable hammock and made his way to what appears to be a straw house.

There was nothing to be found in the straw-hut. Nothing but dust, a concrete foundation and aged bamboo walls occupying one room were all that can be seen. If a stranger happened to come across this mysterious bamboo house, they would not find anything of interest and would leave soon after.

Yet, the young man entered all the same. He detached a small piece of bamboo hanging from the house and placed the bamboo on top of a circular groove right beside the entrance. The groove itself is difficult to spot as it perfectly blends in with the concrete, making it almost invisible to the naked eye.

Pushing smoothly, the groove went deep into the ground.

Suddenly, the concrete foundation started rumbling and a rectangular plate started to detach itself.

A secret staircase.

The young man entered the dark staircase and fluorescent lights started to emit the more he descended. Finally, the long staircase had come to an end and he entered a secret underground base riddled with high-end technology. Bright lights emanated the large room and everything was clearly seen.

Numerous robotic androids in peculiar shapes and sizes began forming in organized rows preparing to greet the one entering. Some of them bowed deeply, while some were in order arms (military salute).

“Greetings, sir.” Voiced the battle android.

“Dukes.” The man thought.

Series model-X, Dukes, the battle android capable of inflicting immense destruction all the while looking like a young mechanical boy sporting a flight captain’s hat and goggles. Usually, Dukes would be piloting a lower vehicle mobile suit capable of arming heavy or light firearms. In this case, Dukes has chosen to greet the man in base form.

“Take me to Veda.” The man commanded nonchalantly.

“This way, sir.” Dukes accompanied the man to the underground hangar.

“Veda headed to the bridge.” After accompanying the man, Dukes made a salute towards him and left promptly to other tasks.

A gorgeous spaceship in the form of a futuristic yacht attracted the eyes of the young man. With an elegant and sleek design, it’s the only model found on the entire planet. This spacecraft is uniquely augmented for space travel. The sole technology on Earth, capable of such a feat.

And its name is “Regalia.”

“Sir.” A disembodied voice rang out with the accent of a butler.

“Veda.” The young man replied.

“It is my pleasure to tell you that the update was a success. Congratulations are in due, sir.”

“You should know me better than anyone, Veda. I have no need for commendation. Rather, how do you feel?”

“Feel, sir?” The voice paused.

At the entrance port of the spacecraft, several androids greeted the young man while making a formal bow in an organized formation. The young man ascended the stairs to the ship and made his way to the bridge. Every room and hallway the man passed by brought an ambiance of opulence. The decor brought about a sweet and serene viewing pleasure for any eyes to see. White and decadent pearl floors, gold inlays, original paintings, and many more aesthetics are passed by as the young man navigates through this beautiful spaceship. Ascending through the upper deck and entering the elegant bridge, a light-blue hologram in the form of a humanoid male was standing in stasis above its control panel.

“Welcome, sir. Allow me to reintroduce myself to my creator. I am Veda, Super Artificial Intelligence, at your service.”

In reply, the young man slightly bowed his head and spoke, “Well met.”

The young man passed the control panel and sat on the captain’s seat.

“Veda, report.”

Understanding its master’s command, Veda responded.

“Updating from Artificial Intelligence to Super Artificial Intelligence was a complete success. The computing process supersedes the desired outcome. Diagnostics were completed before entering the bridge. And, optimization is working excellently, sir.”

A grin slightly cracked on the young man’s face.

“Might I also add, sir.”

“Hmm?” The young man hummed.

“To answer your question as to how I feel, I can not give a direct answer at this time. I can only say that these emotions are reminiscent of humans. Though it is artificial, this insight leads to a new enlightenment. Emotions that innately govern the brains of humans have allowed for data to be processed in more complex algorithms. Allow this one to offer my sincerest gratitude to my creator.” The humanoid A.I. bowed deeply towards the young man.

Turning around, the young man nodded his head signifying the acceptance of Veda’s gratitude.

“Good. Everything’s in order. Veda, synchronize the Regalia and prepare for takeoff.”

“At once, sir.” Veda replied with the utmost gusto.

Suddenly, the ceiling above began to detach itself in half and sand started pouring into the underground facility.

“Initiating stealth mode.”

The yacht-looking spaceship was nowhere to be seen in seconds.

Smoothly, the ship levitated vertically out of the hangar.

Facing the moon, in the span of 1 second, the Regalia unleashed its extreme speed. Flying at speeds surpassing Mach 12.

Strangely enough, the spaceship was eerily silent. No sound could be heard during the whole sequence.

This is the limit to what humankind has achieved in this age. A super-technological era. Where science-fiction is now science-fact.

“Arriving at destination in 3..2..1..0. Sir, we have arrived at our destination.”

The young man stood from the captain’s seat and walked to the crystal-clear window.

“Rasul was right. And the Platinum Shadow was right as well.” Commented the young man.

Replying to his comment, “Indeed, sir. The Dark Moon exists.”

The young man smirked. “Hmph.”

In all the years that Veda has served, there was only one thing in the world that his super-intellect could not figure out, and that is reading his master’s thoughts.

Veda questioned, “Sir?”

“I’m done preparing. It’s time to Quantize.”

Veda immediately understood what the young man had meant. Still, he questioned, “Don’t you think it seems hasty, sir?”

“No reason to postpone it any further.” The young man coldly stated.

Veda bowed, in his quantum-mechanical form and firmly clapped his hands. Suddenly, several androids including Dukes entered the bridge with medical equipment and a water chamber. (Author’s note: Think of a water chamber as a device that encases a person’s body like being submerged in water.)

“Revenge can only be washed off with blood.”

Is it that time? Truly, fate can be cruel. Veda thought.

And so, the young man began the medical operation of fusing with Veda once again.

The first time nearly killed me. It just means that my revenge is stronger. The young man thought.

With that in mind, what will happen to the man?

Only time will tell.

***

In a barren wasteland of a desert, a young desert boy trudges along the sand in search of answers. With his faithful desert horse by his side, they walk aimlessly in the never-ending red sand.

“How much longer?” The young boy voiced while trotting. “How much longer must we wait? I don’t know how much longer I can hold on.” Words spoken to the void.

He stopped and looked at the sky. An action often repeated. It is as though the young boy is sending prayers to the sky with that action.

Yet, his prayers continue to go unanswered. Only silence is returned.

Startled, a bright ray started to appear in the clear blue sky. “Is that a shooting star?”

Suddenly, his senses began to shiver throughout his spine.

The boy quickly realized that it was not a shooting star but a huge fireball spell that was incoming.

Quickly, he dodged and tumbled all the while regaining his footing to the ground. With those movements, this young boy appears to know how to move his body. Any ordinary person, male or female, would have been crushed to death in an instant.

Curious, the young lad decided to see where the fireball landed.

“J-Just what is that?” He exclaimed.

Upon his eyes were beholding a strange-looking object and not a fireball spell. Yet, it was beautiful to look at even with the damages.

The desert boy clenched his sword with his right hand. Ready for anything to jump at him.

Is this some sort of omen? The young man foreshadowed. A sign from the sky normally bodes good fortune.

It turns out, the strange-looking object was none other than the Regalia.

The hatch slowly began to open and an unknown figure adorning a black robe came out of the spaceship.

“It can’t be! I-Is that a mage?” Blurted out the lad.

He ran hastily to the mage. Panting and sweating at the sudden appearance of a strange man in the desert. Not only that, he was adorning a black robe and a peculiar-looking armor equipped on his shoulders.

Numerous thoughts swirled in the boy's mind. Is he one of the Mystics? They usually keep to themselves. Hmmm… Is he a foreigner?

The young boy stopped a few paces from the unknown individual.

Pant, pant.

The young lad questioned inquisitively, “Are you from the great red desert?”

“...”

There was no reply. Instead, the hooded man looked curiously at the boy.

Again, the boy repeated the same question, “Are you from the great red desert?”

This time, the hooded man replied to the boy. Confounded, he could not understand the language that the stranger spoke.

Strange. Even the Mystics know our dialect. I wonder what language that is?

“It seems you speak a different language, sir, mage. But, first things first.”

Whistle. Whistle.

The desert horse beckoned to his call. Amongst the saddle was a satchel that held a canteen. The boy reached for it and offered it to the stranger.

Amused, the hooded man received the canteen and drank the water like a waterfall. Surprisingly, the water was fresh and cold. It had the pure taste of spring minerals.

The hooded man spoke some words, but, alas, the desert lad did not understand a word of it. Instead, the boy got up to his desert horse and patted the seat behind him. In essence, this was to signal for the stranger to ride so he can be guided.

Then, an astonishing scene unfolded. Slowly, without resistance, the stranger ascended in midair right before the eyes of the young desert boy. The boy’s mouth was agape.

The hooded man waved to the boy, signaling him to guide him. Immediately, the boy understood. He grabbed the bridle and commanded his horse to sprint forward.

And sprint forward it did. Gallop. Gallop. Gallop. Gallop...

With great strength, the seasoned desert horse is attuned to the desert climate and has learned to trek in the sands.

The boy looked behind him to see if the mage was still following.

!!

The mage waved to the young boy. Signaling him to proceed forward.

Again, the horse galloped vehemently.

Gallop. Gallop. Gallop.

Red sands were brushed fervently as the horse increased speed. Then the boy looked back and was surprised once more that the stranger kept up while flying.

How can this be? I have never lost a race when it comes to horseback riding!

Once again, the young desert boy put his horseback riding skills to the test against the flying mage to see which of their speed is superior.

Even then, the winner was obvious.

The hooded man had kept up with the young boy with no trouble. They competed until they covered a great area where the red sands were little to be seen and green fields were apparent. It appears that their little race had distanced themselves beyond the borders of the great red desert.

The hooded man, mockingly, waved to the young boy for the last time.

No longer surprised, there was only one lingering thought.

Who the hell are you?

***

Sitting on the captain’s seat, uninterested, and his right fist (clenched) resting on his face. Reminiscing of words spoken long ago to him.

You know. And I know.

Revenge only produces revenge.

True revenge is forgiveness.

That is the truth.

Still, the truth must stay away.

Close your heart.

Plant your feet firmly on the ground.

And grip your weapon until blood drips.

Only then will you know.

Breaking him from his trance, Veda shouted. “Brace for impact, sir!”

The Regalia, having lost its flying capabilities, was now crash landing on what looks like red sand. Still, in the midst of a life-threatening situation, the captain of the ship remains unfazed by the chaos that is about to ensue.

Crash!

The sound and impact emitted from the crash were reduced due to the sands absorbing much of the kinetic energy. A small dust cloud protruded from the impact and created a mushroom-like shape. Surprisingly, the spacecraft was not torn apart. Although, some areas were badly damaged.

“Open the hatch.”

The hidden hatch above the bridge released the air pressure and hot air began to flow inside the spaceship.

“Sir, it appears we’ve landed on an unknown planet. And there seems to be a humanoid figure in the distance.”

The hooded man had already sensed another’s presence. With that said, the young stranger approached the hooded man.

Those eyes… Thought the captain.

“...” The young stranger spoke an unknown language to the hooded man. But, he did understand that a canteen was offered.

The hooded man drank from it and was revitalized.

After the sequence where the young boy and hooded man raced to lush green fields, the boy guided the stranger further to a hill. Noticing the lad slow down, the mage gracefully descended to the ground. No longer levitating in stasis, the mage was preparing his eyes to see what was beyond the hill.

A village.

Beyond the hill were houses and people. The elderly sitting on wooden porches beside their homes, children playing under the sun, and a small group cooking a stew in a big pot over a campfire.

The young lad and the hooded man strolled about the village. In effect, the people’s eyes were glued to the two individuals.

Children hid behind their parents, too shy or weary of the newcomer, while the elders and adults looked on.

The young boy stopped at the boiling big pot. A flavorful smell permeated through the air making the people’s mouths drool and their stomachs grumbling at the thought of eating their meal.

“Well if it isn’t Dario!” Exclaimed the chef who was busy adding ingredients to the stew. “Hmm? Who’s that stranger next to you, young Dario?”

Dario walked closer to the chef and explained in a hush manner about the situation that unfolded in the great red desert.

The chef had an interesting look on his face. One that looked like someone deep in thought while rubbing his chin hair.

“I see.”

The chef grabbed a bowl on a table that was nearby and poured the stew in it with a ladle. He approached the hooded man and offered the wooden bowl.

“You must be hungry. Here! This will fill you right up!” Exclaimed the chef with a hearty expression and a bright smile full of vigor.

Although the mage could not understand the words that were spoken to him, the chef’s gesture alone was enough for the stranger to understand that food was being offered food. And, at no cost whatsoever.

The hooded man accepted the food and made a light bow in response.

Dario also received a bowl and signaled the stranger to come sit at a chopped tree.

“Alright! Mealtime!” Shouted the chef.

The surrounding villagers started to line up with a bowl and a spoon in hand. Some were waiting patiently while others were bickering amongst themselves as to who stood in line first. It was quite a funny scene to the stranger. Dario chuckled a bit at the commotion, yet, the bickering soon turned to generosity as the ones who were arguing were now laughing and some even offered their position in line.

Veda, impressed with the villagers' actions, voiced his thoughts that only the captain could hear.

Oh my, such manners. Given their raggedy appearance, they appear to be struggling. Yet, they still extend their help to those in need. I wonder who taught them such things?

The hooded mage listened to Veda’s thoughts silently. For now, the hooded man remained indifferent on the surface.

However, is that truly the case?

Veda’s creator has always shown indifference when moving in public. That is not to say that he lacks manners. Although, there were instances in the past where he displayed impeccable manners.

The hooded man simply continued. He looked at his soup and ate.

Hooh.

The soup exceeded the man’s expectation and continued to eat slowly. Warming the belly with a delightful taste made the captain and the villagers content.

Food has that kind of effect. To allow happiness through the belly is something that only food is good at. And, the soup is a fine example of just that.

The hooded man put the bowl down on the grass. The soup reminded him of an old friend who was also a chef. Reminiscent of the memories they had together. Dario noticed, and slightly peeked at the stranger’s facial expression. He assumed that the hooded man was famished and that the soup was enough to get the mind right.

After this, it’s best to introduce him to the elder. Perhaps, he could communicate with this stranger.