The City of Ionia

The moon was surrounded by a curtain of darkness that had descended onto the world. Clouds stood in the open, looming over us. How unfortunate. It looked like it was going to rain.

We randomly made our way to an enormous, circular park. Within the boundaries, well-maintained grass grew along with a handful of trees, each placed at separate positions around the ring. The middle consisted of a marble fountain that shot out crystal clear water a few feet into the air, which would fall back onto the statue of a couple holding an infant. The dazzling white marble seemed to stay that way every night as if someone was hired to clean off the statue.

Tim, his friend, and Owen watched the fountain shoot up the water. Never having seen anything like this, their eyes glistened with amusement.

“What typa magic are they using?”

“Tim, it’s not magic. It’s much less than that.” Avery said while stroking his hand in the water.

I signed, making my way to an isolated bench off to this side. I plopped down, slouching with little care. I wish I'd brought my jacket. My sweater wasn’t doing good for me.

Maybe I wouldn't feel this way if I wore a thicker layer underneath. Oh well, there's nothing I could do about it. I could buy from the local shops that are getting more business today than any other day. I didn’t feel like it. I wasn’t interested in shopping for clothes. It wasn’t my cup of tea, even though I had plenty of experience in that field.

I did want to check out the numerous weapon stalls. All sorts of variety were here. From brass–knuckles to swords too big to be called a sword. I wasn’t planning on buying anything. I just wanted to snoop around.

Oh well, maybe when I’m done with everything.

Out of nowhere, a hand touched my shoulder, causing my soul to jump out of my body.

“Goddamn. Since when were you sitting there?”

Next to me was a burly man with his chest bursting through his shirt. His hair was the same dark color as his eyes.

“Unlike you, I’ve been sitting here. So, what’s up? You look a bit down right now.”

“Tsk, don’t worry about me. I’m well capable of myself,” I said while watching the boys by the fountain as they carelessly splashed water at each other.

“So when are you going to do your important thing?”

Roger was oddly curious about my business.

“Probably when you guys quit following me. I mean, I’m not trying to drag you guys into it, especially you. You’re gonna say something stupid.”

He giggled with a snort. “You’re probably right. I would say something to piss you off. Anyway, if you want to be alone for a bit, I’ll take the others somewhere else. If that’s what you want.”

“Do as you wish.”

Roger stomped his hands on his thighs, letting out an exaggerated sign as he got up. “You know, you should’ve gone easy on the poor man.”

He probably wasn’t expecting a response since he headed towards the fountain without me even getting a chance to speak.

I scoffed at the crawling ants underneath my feet, muttering, “I did go easy.”

***

I rubbed my hands together for warmth. I really should’ve brought my sweater.

It’s been a while since the boys left, which was fine since sitting alone never bothered me. My legs were crossed, gazing at the children playing in the park. They exhibited innocent smiles combined with joyous giggles.

They’re entirely focused on the present moment. Children didn’t care about anything regarding the world—what it is and what it’ll become—nothing. All they did was selfishly look after themselves and those who looked after them. Their naivety blinded them to reality. I envied them because I wished that was the case for me.

A slender man approached me while casually watching the few children running around. He slicked his long hair back, and without permission, he sat beside me. I scooted closer to the edge.

“Ya know, I saw you fight the Armadillo earlier. Where did such a gorgeous gem like you learn to wield a sword like that?”

Great, he just had to start a conversation. It would look ill if I ignored him, but I also didn’t want to pursue small talk. Well, I guess I didn’t have a choice. Maybe he’ll leave if I keep my words short and simple.

“Is that the first thing you say to a woman?”

He jerked his body back, stumbling over his words. “Forgive me for my carelessness. Ken is my name. A pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise,” I bluntly said while looking at the ground, not giving him my full attention.

“So, what’s a lonely woman like you doing at a festival like this? Perhaps it was my calling card that made me meet you here. Would you like to check out the weapon stalls with me if you don't mind?”

Weapon stalls? Tempting.

Before I could answer, I heard a familiar noise creeping towards me—a noise that once was paired with screams and one that I never wished to hear again.

My head jolted up. From shoulder down, they were encased in gleaming, thick golden armor. Their heads were unprotected. Both men held a spear that was no taller than themselves. They were the same men who threw away their humanity and tossed children like me into cells. Those same royal guards were standing over me.

“Is this man bothering you?”

I nodded, giving him a smirk.

The man beside me gulped loudly, loud enough for the entire city to hear: “N-No! I’m not. We’re just chatting, that’s all!”

“Oh, ya? Well, then, you can chat to my buddy over here.”

The silent guard grabbed the man by the shirt and threw him up in the air. He flew a good few feet.

He was on the ground, unable to get up. Noises of hyperventilation were replaced with words. I guess the shock got to him. The silent guard dragged him across the grass until I couldn’t hear them.

The guard who stood above me stabbed the butt of his spear into the ground. “Your Majesty has requested your attendance.” His throaty voice was unpleasant to my ears.

A rare sarcastic remark came out of my mouth.

“He’s calling me so soon? Can’t I at least enjoy the festival?”

As I watched the man chuckle, I noticed something familiar about him. His dark eyes were the same color as his soul. A scar ran down the bottom of his eye and onto his jawline. Even if it wasn’t my own, it was a scar I would never forget. Memories washed up in my mind. They were the kinds of memories one wishes to forget, but instead, they resurface like a pimple on one’s nose.

“It’s been a long time, Samuel.”

He grinned. “It’s been a long…what…ten years. Other than your height, you do not look too different.”

Has it really been ten years? I wasn’t sure since I wasn’t too great at tracking time. What the case was, it didn’t matter. What mattered was the man who stood in front of me.

When one thinks of a reunion, it's believed as a cheerful event where both parties greet each other with joyful smiles. One that Tim and his friend had. Wouldn’t that be nice? But instead, this reunion was the complete opposite. We both greeted each other with murderous intent disguised as everyday expressions.

He took a seat next to me. As he hung onto his spear with an unsteady grip, its tip faced the clouds. He deeply signed, “You were a rowdy one to deal with. You and that Raphtalia girl—”

“Don’t speak of her name so freely.”

He lightly shoved my arm. “Or what? Will you fight me just like you did with the Armadillo?”

“If your narrow mind can’t tell that I’m in no laughing mood, then I don’t know what else to say. Just take me to the place already.” Considering my tone of voice, he knew I wasn’t messing around.

Once again, he deeply signed. “Shortly after you left, I had a short chat with a little girl who would stick with me to my grave. In the most depressing voice ever, she asked me why you were set free. I told her, ‘Well, it’s because she had a dream.’ She looked at me with these vicious eyes, fuming with hell's flames. And she said something that still gives me the chills. ‘Then I hope I get the chance to destroy her dream.’”

“Cute story, now take me to the goddamn king.”

I didn’t care for any of this. I just wanted one thing today. Today, the long wait would finally end.

“Before I do that, I want to ask you something.”

“What is it,” I asked, annoyed.

“Were you happy…walking in the outside world? Was her death worth it?”

“I’m not going to answer.”

“Very well.” He used the spear to help himself up. His hand extended towards me, offering me a helping hand.

Did he not believe that I was incapable of standing on my own? I slapped the hand out of the way and stood up.

“Are you not going to say anything to your friends?” He questioned as we began walking together.

“There’s no need to say anything. They know I can handle my own.”

The dying music shadowed the noise of the armor. Strangers' eyes stuck onto me as I walked with a royal guard. They definitely got the wrong idea.

What exactly should I say to the king?

I knew this day would inevitably arrive, but I still wasn’t fully prepared. I didn’t want to reopen old wounds. My eyes met the gloomy sky. The dismal thoughts were followed by the passing dark petals that coated the parking stars.

Could rain come another day?