Sundown – Chapter 3 (Part 2)

[29th of August, 2740 AD; Red Rose Grille, Admorse, Ameci]

 

The still, early night set the stage as the four arrived at the restaurant. Henry and Tori walked together while Eva trailed behind Kirk. However, there appeared to be a long line coming out of the open doorway as Henry stopped and looked to see how long it was.

“Looks like we have an unexpected development,” Henry said.

“We could always go somewhere else,” Tori replied. “It doesn’t have to be here. All we’re doing is catching up with our friends, right?”

“No, I want to make this special,” he said. “It’s the least I could do for them.”

“It’s fine,” Eva said. “I want to go somewhere else, anyway.”

“Seriously, let us do this for you,” Henry replied. “When was the last time you dined at a fine establishment like this?”

He directed his attention towards the restaurant itself. According to Tori, it had only just opened two months ago but it was already one of the premier places to go in the city. As it was named after meaning of the city’s name, the Red Rose Grille was one of the places that everyone wanted to go to. Its red walls and bright lights made it stand out in a city that was known for standing out.

“You don’t need to do all of this,” Eva answered. “We could just eat hamburgers near the park or split a pizza or something like that. Where we eat honestly doesn’t matter.”

“What about you, Kirk?” Henry asked. “Surely you think this would be a nice place for us?”

“Don’t put me up to this,” Kirk said. “Like her, I honestly don’t care. We could eat here or not.”

Tori placed her hand on Henry’s arm. “I think we should respect their wishes,” she said. “I know you’re setting off tomorrow, but it’s not really about where we eat, is it?”

“You’re right,” he said. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be,” Kirk replied. “Anyway, what’s this about you leaving tomorrow?”

Henry explained, in the most basic terms possible, his trip overseas. Nothing mentioned about the search for Mr. Kuu, but instead attending the meeting with the general.

“That’s quite a task,” Kirk said, “But I’m happy to see that you’re acclimating to your position.”

“It is a tall task, but I’m sure I can handle it,” Henry said. “I’m interested to see how things are now in Rezar, ever since that day.”

“Knowing Alan, he’s already taken care of it,” Eva said. “There’s little to no doubt on his ability to lead, so that would have been easy for him.”

“What about you two?” Tori asked. “Are you doing anything interesting, Kirk?”

“I’m on a break right now,” he replied, “But I do have a plan for later… Ameci needs heroes of her own and I want to be a part of that group.”

“That’s great to hear!” Tori said. “What about you, Eva?”

“It’s something I have to think about,” she said. “I haven’t been part of a group like that in a long time…”

“So what have you been doing, then?” Tori wondered.

Eva looked off into the distance. “Most of the time I’ve been training in my backyard,” she replied. “No particular reason, just want to keep my skills sharp.”

“That’s great, Eva,” Tori said. “You always look like you’re so strong and I really admire that about you!”

Eva scoffed. “It’s… not really something to admire, personally…”

“I’m not sure what you mean by that,” Tori said.

“It means that you shouldn’t place your admirations in someone like me,” Eva replied. “To be blunt, I would rather you didn’t at all. I’m just nobody.”

There was a brief break of silence as Henry watched the line coming out of the restaurant gradually shrink. Kirk leaned in towards Eva and whispered into her ear.

“Eva, love, maybe you shouldn’t be so self-deprecating,” he said. “She’s just being nice, that’s all.”

“I’m sorry,” she said to Tori.

“Please, Eva, it’s fine if you don’t want to talk about it,” Tori said.

“No, I really do apologize,” Eva reiterated. “I apologize for giving you the impression that I was someone that I’m not.”

“I…”

“Tori, you had no idea,” Eva said. “Let’s just drop it.”

Tori struggled, but responded. “O-Okay, then.”

She turned to Henry, who was already at the back of the now small line. Enough time appeared to have passed for the four to finally enter the restaurant, but waiting for a table would be a different story.

“I think we’re going to go somewhere else,” Tori said. “Come on, Henry, we’ll just go here another time.”

Henry sighed. “Looks like it’s going to be that way,” he said. “Very well, we’ll head off.”

 

*****

 

After some time spent walking through in the Gardner district, the four settled on a small diner that served everyone’s needs well. Once everyone was finished with their meals, Eva decided to head outside for some fresh air. In reality, she needed time alone after what had happened. The night sky was clear as Eva sat on one of the benches in front of the restaurant. She wouldn’t be lonely for long, though, as Henry decided to join her on the bench.

“You don’t mind, do you?” Henry asked.

Eva shook her head. “I’m not going to stop you.”

“So it would seem,” Henry said. “Did you enjoy dinner?”

“Yes,” she replied. “Normally I don’t get to go out often, so this was a nice break from the norm.”

“Glad to hear it,” he said.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Henry said. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“Do I mind? Well… no,” Eva answered.

“I guess it’s not so much a question as much as it is me wondering,” he said. “What happened earlier between you and Tori… Is everything okay with Kirk?”

“Excuse me?”

“Sorry, I should rephrase that,” Henry said, “Are you doing okay?”

“Why are you asking me about that?” Eva asked.

“Because I care,” he replied. “Kirk is a friend of mine, as are you.”

“Even if you’re my friend, I don’t have to answer your question,” Eva said. “Don’t you have something more important to worry about?”

“I do have more important things to worry about,” he said, “But if something is wrong, I want to try and help you if I can.”

“You really want to help?” Eva asked. “Why is my well-being such a concern to you?”

“Not too long ago, I went through some dark times,” Henry replied. “I felt too cowardly to confront my problems head on. I even felt like giving up at times, but I ended up getting support from the people who care about me.”

“I’m happy to hear that,” she said, “But I can’t really say what I’m dealing with is similar to what you went through. It’s just complicated and I can’t explain it even if I tried to.”

“I know how much it can hurt,” Henry said. “Sometimes it feels like a never ending waterfall of despair and you keep getting drenched in it. Even if you don’t want my help, the least I can do is offer my sympathy.”

Eva could only look down at the ground. “Thanks,” she replied. “I want to tell you something.”

“What’s that?”

“Good luck on your trip,” she said.

“Thank you, Eva,” Henry said. “I think I’m going to need it.”

 

To be continued…

 

Previous | Next Chapter

Sundown – Chapter 3 (Part 1)

[28th of August, 2740 AD; Eva Bellamy’s house, Admorse, Ameci]

 

It was a warm morning as Eva yawned. She had just put on her eyepatch while Kirk lay by her side. Ever since the battle of Bel, her life had returned to normal. Only this time, she was not alone. That made her happy, she hoped.

“When you sit up like that with the light behind you,” Kirk said, “I can’t think of anything more beautiful than that.”

“You’re already going off on poetics, it looks like,” she said.

“There’s a lot more I could say,” he replied.

“I’m sure you can,” Eva said. “Your tongue is quite skilled…”

Kirk laughed as he placed his hand on Eva’s back. “That’s still going through your mind, isn’t it?”

“You know just how to press my buttons,” she replied. “It’s a double-edged sword, but when it’s good, I just lose it. You should hope that it stays that way.”

“Indeed,” he said. “Anyway, there was one thing I wanted to talk to you about.”

“What’s that?”

“When I was in the kitchen last night, I thought I heard you crying,” Kirk said. “Eva, I can’t read your mind, but are you still thinking about what happened six months ago?”

Eva turned away, her back facing him as she sighed.

“You don’t have to answer,” he said. “I care about you, that’s all.”

“No, it’s fine,” she replied. “It just hurts is all. I just hate feeling like I was too weak to stop what happened to him.”

“But you did stop it,” Kirk said. “At least you stopped his killer.”

She shook her head. “That wasn’t even me who did that, you know.”

“Maybe so, but you did deal with that man personally,” he replied. “I couldn’t have done that.”

“Of course you wouldn’t,” Eva said. “That’s just who you are: a strong, kind man who wouldn’t dare take a life.”

Kirk sat up and moved closer towards Eva. He reached from behind and wrapped his arms around her as she accepted his gesture.

“Part of me hates you because of that,” she continued. “No matter what I can do, I’m always going to be known simply as ‘Eva the killer’ and nothing more.”

“It’s just a stupid name.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter what happened in the past,” Kirk said. “What matters is what happens going forward.”

“Yeah, well I’m sick of it,” she replied. “I wish I could be as optimistic as you, but I can’t. Barely anything phases me anymore.”

“Eva…”

“Last night was the first time I cried in forever,” she said. “Belkley was one of the few bright spots in my life and when he was taken out, I could only feel intense fury. Fury that I carried out on the person responsible, and after that… nothing.”

“You know you’re not alone,” Kirk said. “That’s a pain I know all too well.”

“There’s still Sorin,” she replied. “You have him. Right now, all I have is you… If something happened to you, I don’t know if I would have the will to keep on living.”

“That’s not true,” Kirk said. “You have many people who care about you, Eva, myself included. My son thinks very highly of you, as I am sure the others do as well.”

She closed her eye as she rested the back of her head into his chest. “Are you really this stubborn?” Eva asked. “You probably think that you can solve everybody’s problems, don’t you?”

“I just want to see you be happy,” he replied.

“I do too,” she said. “I just wish I remembered how to do it.”

Eva placed her hands on his as he moved his other hand to her head. As she turned sideways, Kirk patted her head and stroked her hair.

“Until I can, please promise me you won’t fight again,” she said. “That’s all I ask of you, Kirk.”

“For you, I promise.”

“Okay,” she replied.

At that point, it was obvious to Eva that she wanted him to be close to her for much longer. The morning started to pass by, but for this instance she just had to be close to him. What had to be done later, though, was something that Kirk had to worry about.

 

[28th of August, 2740 AD; downtown Admorse – Gardner District]

 

Kirk strolled into the department store for some groceries. It was the first time he had done so in a while, given what he had been doing for the past few years. With the past behind him, though, Kirk wanted to make something for dinner for him and Eva. She had no desire at all to go with him, so he decided to go it alone. At least he was on his own until he bumped into Tori Randolph at the front of the store.

“Kirk, is that you?” Tori asked.

He chuckled. “You found me.”

“It’s been a while,” she said. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, just doing the rounds,” Kirk replied. “You know, get food… make it… eat it.”

“Is Eva around? She’s usually by your side,” Tori said.

“She didn’t want to come,” he said. “Had to take care of the house.”

“Well, if you two aren’t busy, perhaps you can join us sometime,” Tori replied. “Henry and I would like to catch up with you two if that’s okay with you.”

Kirk smiled. “I would love to,” he said.

“Then how about tomorrow night?” Tori asked. “We were actually going to have plans with Rohan and his wife Umida, but he had a change of plans.”

“I don’t have anything coming up tomorrow, so why not? I’m sure I can convince Eva to come along.”

“Please do,” she said. “I want to know how you two are doing.”

“Okay, I’ll try.”

“Great!” Tori said. “Then we’ll see you tomorrow night.”

She then said goodbye to Kirk and went on her way while he continued his task of selecting the right ingredients for dinner. Kirk did wonder how Henry was doing now that he was re-enlisted with the Ameci military. Certainly there was a story in there somewhere, though Kirk would have to find out from Henry himself tomorrow.

 

[29th of August, 2740 AD; Ameci Military Headquarters, Admorse, Ameci]

 

It had been another day of rigorous training for Henry Randolph as he struck the punching bag with punch after punch. The sound of his bare fists hitting the black leather could be heard all across the gym as Henry proceeded to follow up by delivering a roundhouse kick to the bag. After he got the punching bag to move a decent amount, Henry saw it fit to take a brief intermission from his training and sat down on the wooden bench nearby.

Henry had only just been re-enlisted just over a month ago, thanks to his friend Rohan Fercewend being generous enough to find him a spot within the military as a junior lieutenant. There were some opposed to the motion, but many of the soldiers accepted Henry back into the ranks.

Right now, Henry could only think of what he wanted to do after his training was finished. That was when Rohan entered the gym.

“Randolph, I take it you’re faring well in your rounds?”  Fercewend asked.

“You know me well,” Henry said. “It’s been quite a long time, so I’ve had a lot of catching up to do.”

Fercewend laughed a deep laugh as he took a seat next to Henry. “That’s good to hear,” he said. “Some of these new recruits could learn a thing or two from you.”

“I’m flattered,” Henry said. “Sadly I’m not nearly as great a leader as you are, general.”

“Come now,” Fercewend replied, “Rank doesn’t matter between friends. Call me Rohan.”

“Very well,” Henry said. “What brings you here, Rohan? Is it something important?”

“You could say that,” he said. “There is a matter that the Ameci government must attend to in Iiayikohn, so I have been invited along.”

Henry could only guess that it had to do with what had happened in Maeitakohn back in April. Namely the matter of Rodik Mahrk, the new president that took over after the previous president, Rhodes, died.

“I know very little about this new president of Maeitakohn,” Fercewend said. “All I know was that he was the vice president for only a year.”

“So I assume that you will be meeting with him?” Henry asked.

“That’s the plan, it seems,” Fercewend replied. “Hasker stated that it was important for our militaries to cooperate with one another if another ‘incident’ were to happen again.”

“Right.”

“Apparently, the princess from the Royal Kingdom of Thekohn is supposed to attend as well,” Fercewend said. “It was a while since I last stepped foot into that country, but I am glad to see that they too are deciding to come forward.”

“The Thedam princess,” Henry said. “I thought that they didn’t involve themselves in prominent international affairs, though.”

“Looks like it’s different this time.”

“I can see that,” Henry replied.

“They say she’s quite a skilled orator, even at her age,” Fercewend said. “I look forward to hearing from her myself.”

“I wish you luck,” Henry said, “But I assume that this wasn’t why you wanted to me. So what is it that you want from me, then?”

“What I ask from you is to attend this meeting with me,” Fercewend answered. “You’re someone I can trust, so that is why I am asking you specifically to join my side. In addition, there is something else I must ask of you.”

“And that is?”

“An Ameci soldier has gone missing,” Fercewend said. “A young man by the name of Johan Kuu… For a time, he was an excellent spy, but no one has heard from him for a month now.”

“Do you know what happened to him?” Henry asked.

“Kuu was last seen when we were in Ahnlikohn,” he replied. “I don’t know where he has gone, but I am worried that there is more than meets the eye with his disappearance.”

“How so?”

“There has been a bit of a conflict between Hasker and Chancellor Harring,” Fercewend said. “I am hoping that what happened to Kuu doesn’t become something more between our two nations.

“The chancellor is an understanding man,” Henry said.

“That is true, Henry,” Fercewend replied. “What I’m worried about, however, is how this will go over should the royal family of Ahnlikohn get involved.”

“I’m sure that you and Hasker will handle it if that road is crossed.”

Fercewend smirked. “Oh, don’t worry about me,” he said. “Now, my mission for you is simple: I want you to lead a rescue operation into Ahnlikohn. I have no idea if he is still there, but your search for Johan Kuu begins there.”

“I assume that it’ll not be easy,” Henry said. “You chose quite a tough mission for someone who’s only just been re-enlisted.”

“If I didn’t believe in my men, what would would that say about my ability as general?” Fercewend asked. “Better yet: if I didn’t believe in you, how could I ever call myself your friend?”

Henry clenched his fist and grinned as he looked at Rohan. “I wouldn’t expect you to say anything else,” he replied. “Of course I will carry out this mission. I will find Mr. Kuu, that I promise you.”

“I’m glad to hear that, Henry.”

Fercewend stood up and turned towards the door. The sunlight was pouring through the glass as it slowly turned to the evening.

“Now, the ship leaves tomorrow,” he said. “You’ve proven yourself in this gym today, so I would suggest that you go home and get some rest.”

Rohan left the gym as Henry chuckled. It was true, he thought, because there was nothing more that he needed to prove against an opponent that could not move. No, Henry needed to prove his newfound worth out in the field. It was funny since only a few months ago, Henry felt hopeless about the future, but now everything was looking good for him. He found a place back where he once was, he married Tori and had a family to go home to each night. Perhaps it was luck favoring him, but also perhaps it was because Henry had good friends that had supported him when things were at their worst.

“I should get going,” he said. “I promised her that I’d only train for an hour…”

 

To be continued…

 

Previous | Next Part

Chapter 3 – Part 2

[2740 AD; Ameci Military HQ at Admorse]

 

After a fruitless attempt to capture Henry Randolph, Gavin Power arrived at the military headquarters. With a hand applying a pack of ice to his face, Gavin walked into the the general’s office. At the desk sat Rohan Fercewend, who was studying a chessboard by himself.

“General, sir,” Gavin said, taking a seat.

“You’re here,” Fercewend said. “Good. I was waiting for an opponent.”

“Excuse me?”

“You’re junior lieutenant Gavin Power, right?” Fercewend asked. “I don’t forget a name, and I definitely do not forget a man as vigorous as you.”

“Sir, if it’s about earlier…”

“Please,” Fercewend said, “I am merely asking you to a game of chess. Or would you rather discuss your failed attempt at catching a wanted criminal?”

“He… he is a crafty one!” Gavin exclaimed. “To think he could best me, the best of the best, the top soldier of the Ameci military… Henry Randolph is truly one with guile!”

“Believe me, I would know firsthand, lieutenant,” Fercewend replied. “I’m not here to talk about him, though.”

“But… but sir! Is it not a top priority to apprehend the nation’s most wanted criminal?”

“I am the one to decide what is and isn’t important for the military, Power,” Fercewend said. “What you do is follow those decisions.”

Gavin attempted to protest, but in the end he nodded to what Fercewend told him. “I understand, sir,” he said.

“I’m glad you understand, lieutenant,” Fercewend said. “If you have no other business here, I demand that you leave.”

“Understood,” Gavin said. He left the general’s office and headed out of the headquarters. Once he was outside, Gavin threw aside the ice pack and let out a roar.

“Damn it!” Gavin bellowed. “What the hell am I even doing here!?”

It was not the future that Gavin had envisioned when he joined the military at age 18. After he had dropped out of school ten years ago at 16, Gavin worked to provide for his depleted family, which was just his younger brother. Despite their differences, Gavin had always thought the best of Lawrence and Lawrence the same. It wasn’t until two years ago that Lawrence disappeared, driving Gavin to where he is now.

“I just want to know, Lawrence,” Gavin said, “I just want to know why you left. Why the hell did you leave!?”

He growled to himself as he entered his car. It had been a long day, Gavin thought, so he decided to head back home for the night.

 

As the night went on, Rohan was finishing up the last of his papers when a familiar face appeared before him. The man was in a black suit and had short black hair and a big moustache.

“I never would have thought that the ‘Fierce Wind of Ameci’ would be spending his time with his nose in the papers,” he said.

“Isaac,” Fercewend said, “It’s good to meet you. Do you want to take a seat?”

“Now, Rohan, you cannot obviously expect me to stay too long, can you?” Isaac Kunigunde asked with a smile. “You know why I’m here. Let’s get to business.”

“Very well, cousin,” Fercewend said. “I don’t predict that this conversation will change anything, but I’m always open to talking with you.”

Isaac laughed. “That’s the spirit,” he said, clasping his hands together. “This is a business meeting at the core, after all.”

“Believe me, I’ve heard a lot about your business endeavors,” Fercewend replied. “What are you going to try to tell me this time?”

“Hah, that’s a good one,” Isaac said. “You have been paying attention, haven’t you? The conflict in Maeitakohn?”

“I’m well aware,” Fercewend replied. “What of it?”

“I am concerned about what will happen there,” Isaac replied. “People are dying left and right. It is madness!”

“Are you truly concerned?” Fercewend said. “It seems to me that you are more worried about your personal image than you are about the world.”

“What makes you think that?”

“The fact that you are trying to influence the military is one,” Fercewend answered. “It concerns me that a businessman like yourself is trying to tie himself into these affairs, because it makes me wonder. Do not get me wrong, Isaac, but it’s a thought that lingers in the back of my head.”

“If that is your concern, then I will back off,” Isaac said. “I only want what is best for everyone.”

“I’m sure,” Fercewend said. “Moving on, I talked to Gale yesterday. It seems like she met an interesting person.”

“Rohan, you know how I feel about that,” Isaac said. “If you have nothing else to talk to me about, then I’m leaving.”

“Then go,” Fercewend said. “I’m still preoccupied with these documents.”

“Very well.”

Isaac got up and left. With Rohan by himself, he looked to complete his task for the night. He had a feeling that Isaac was up to something, but had nothing to back it up at the moment. Rohan tried not to think about it, considering all the good Isaac had done for him in the past. The rank of general, the good that was brought to Fercewend’s family, it was all because of Isaac. Because of that, Rohan wanted to believe in him. At least that was what he tried to tell himself overnight.

 

[2740 AD; Gale’s apartment in Admorse]

 

Sorin decided to spend the night at a nearby hotel with Kirk. The sunlight had greeted him the same way it did yesterday, as Sorin was not used to breaking his routine. Kirk greeted him and told him that they were going to head to Gale’s apartment so they can get going to meet Bellamy.

“I’m glad you’ve decided to come along,” Kirk said.

“I guess I should hear both of you out,” Sorin said.

They were standing at the entrance to the apartment building, a medium-sized place that looked to house four individual apartments. Kirk pulled out the map to Maeitakohn again and took a look at it.

“Oh, good, you guys are here already,” Gale said.

“Good to see you, Gale,” Kirk said. “I see you’ve packed generously.”

“I suppose it’s a lot, isn’t it?”

“I wouldn’t worry about it,” Sorin said. “Although I guess I didn’t expect to be pulled into this…”

“Don’t worry,” Kirk said. “Bellamy’s got everything covered.”

“Then we’re set, right?” Gale asked.

“Indeed,” Kirk replied. “Let’s go.”

 

As the three headed for Bellamy’s house via Kirk’s car, Sorin wondered about this friend of his father’s. Just who was he supposed to expect? Given all of the information that Kirk had divulged, this Bellamy had to be really exceptional.

“Almost there,” Kirk said.

“That’s the house right there, isn’t it?” Gale asked.

“Good eye,” Kirk replied.

Bellamy’s house was outside of Admorse, a small house made with bricks in the middle of nowhere. Kirk parked the car by the mailbox and stepped out, taking a breath of fresh air as he shut the door. Sorin and Gale got out, too, and joined Kirk as they went up to the front door.

“You didn’t tell us we’d be all the way out here,” Sorin said.

“Well, I didn’t want to ruin the surprise,” Kirk said, “And Bellamy likes solitude. I would have never asked for help unless the circumstances were this dire.”

The door opened and Bellamy appeared. What shocked Sorin the most was not the fact that Bellamy was a woman, nor was it the fact that she was not even Gale’s height. Rather, it was the eyepatch on her right eye that surprised Sorin.

“Well, Kirk,” Bellamy said, “You were serious after all.”

“As I had said before, Eva,” Kirk replied. “My intentions are true: I intend to help out in Maeitakohn. That’s why I’m asking for your help.”

“And this I would assume is your son?” Eva asked. “This guy’s really hit the lottery when it comes to size.”

“Excuse me?” Sorin asked. Eva pulled out her sword and pointed it at Sorin’s face. The sudden response froze Sorin in place; he had no idea how to respond.

“I’ve been enjoying a nice life these past few years, Kirk,” Eva said. “What do you possibly want out of me you can’t get out of Rado or Sosimo?”

“You know I haven’t talked to them,” Kirk said, “Not since after the War of the Lands. Do you not recall what we even said?”

“Don’t question my memory,” Eva said, “Of course I remember. It’s just that I know that we really can’t change anything. I tried. I watched you try. You know I just can’t, especially after what happened to me.”

“I understand your pain,” Kirk said, “But that’s why we need to do something now. I don’t want to keep fighting these fights. I want to end them and reclaim the life I’ve never had the chance to live! And I believe you want the same thing too!”

Eva crossed her arms and looked down. “Look at me,” she said, “Does this look like the spirited warrior you’ve come to know?”

“I think that fight is still in you,” Kirk replied. “Just like I know it is in both of them. My son and Gale here.”

Eva snickered. “Sure, your son looks the type, but I can tell he’s not ready,” she replied. “And that girl doesn’t really inspire much confidence either. Is this your idea of a revolution?”

“I know I don’t look like the type to fight,” Gale said, “But I do want to help Kirk out in any way I can.”

“Is that so?” Eva asked. “What about you, Sorin?”

“I-I think that I agree,” Sorin said. It was a difficult thought in his mind, but he could see how passionate his father was about his cause. Sorin knew that by saying that, there was little chance of turning back, but he didn’t care.

“You know that you’ll have to pull your weight,” Eva said. “These are real people we’re talking about.”

“I know that, ma’am,” Sorin replied. “I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“Well then,” Eva said, “It looks like Kirk was right about you two.”

“You… you agree then?” Sorin asked.

“It reminds me of the same fire that was in me twenty years ago,” she said. “I suppose out here isn’t the place to discuss it. Come in.”

Sorin looked over to Kirk, who nodded. Gale was in agreement as the three of them went inside Eva’s house to talk more.

 

To be continued…

 

Previous | Next Chapter

Chapter 3 – Part 1

[2740 AD; Admorse Casino]

 

“It looks like you’ve decided to accept my invitation,” Kirk said to Gale. “Please, feel free to sit.”

Gale took a chair at the table, as she was taking in the interior of the casino. The lighting accentuated the flashy decor, rich paintings, and the many card tables throughout. Sorin and Kirk were already seated, both of them sitting opposite of the bespectacled Gale.

“I had been skeptical at first,” she said, “But when I read your letter, I knew.”

“Great,” Kirk said. “Also, before I forget, this is my son, Sorin.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Gale said to Sorin.

“Same to you,” Sorin replied.

Kirk smiled. “Now that we’ve got that out of the way, we can move onto business,” he said.

“You still haven’t explained anything to me,” Sorin said. “I ask you but you keep telling me ‘in due time.’ Just when is that time?”

“Sorin, that time is now,” Kirk said. “You are right. I left you and went off to fight my own battle for eighteen years.”

“What happened?” Sorin asked. “Does it have something to do with mother?”

“It’s a long story,” Kirk said. “To tell it all would take a night and a day. I will tell you this, though: you are not the only one that I have been wanting to see.”

“Does this have to do with the Swords of Eight?” Gale asked.

“The ‘Swords of Eight?’” Sorin wondered. “Why does that name sound familiar?”

“It’s because I am part of that group,” Kirk replied. “I am not kidding when I said it is a long story. Needless to say, I fought alongside these seven gifted warriors for many years.”

“Is it true that you all were once former military members?” Gale asked.

“Yes and no,” Kirk said. “I tried to join the military, but I failed to get in. My younger colleague Bellamy had the same experience, but for different reasons than mine.”

Kirk then reached into his pocket and pulled out a map. “I think you deserve to know what’s going on, my son,” Kirk said. “This is a map of Maeitakohn.”

“I’m familiar with the name,” Sorin said.

“You were there, weren’t you?” Gale asked.

Kirk nodded. “We fought there,” he replied. “For the best interests of everyone involved, we sided with the Ameci-Iiayi forces. Unfortunately, because war is a cruel hurricane, many countries were left impoverished.”

“The unrest in Maeitakohn,” Gale said. “I heard on the radio that there could be a civil war.”

“Yes, it concerns me greatly,” Kirk said. “Not only for all of the citizens of Maeita, but for me as well.”

“You? Why?” Sorin asked.

“This is the truth of the matter,” Kirk replied, “That I could not protect your mother was the biggest failure of my life. The ones that have done this evil deed, to stab my broken heart, they abducted your brother.”

“W-what!?” Sorin exclaimed as he slammed his hands on the table. “You can’t be serious!”

“I wish it was a lie,” Kirk said. “I wish I could have spent the last eighteen years with you, Rysol, and April, but this is the harsh reality we live in.”

“Then… then you came here to tell me,” Sorin said.

“Sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner,” Kirk said, “I had been caught up what with all that had been going on. I do believe I’ve found him, though.”

“Really?”

“Or at least I know for sure that he is in Maeitakohn,” Kirk said. “I can’t do this alone. Which is why I came to both of you.”

“Well, I can understand why Sorin may want to be involved, but why me?” Gale asked. “I’m not sure where I fit into this.”

“To be honest, I almost debated going to Isaac,” Kirk said. “Thankfully, I feel like I’ve made the right choice by going to you instead.”

“You think so?”

“I believe in your ability, Gale,” Kirk replied. “What Bellamy and I are trying to do is to prevent another war from happening. I think you’ll be very helpful to our cause.”

“If that is the case, then I would love to help,” Gale said. “I’ve always wanted to see the rest of the world, anyway.”

“That’s the spirit,” Kirk said. “So how about you, Sorin? I know this is a lot to take it all at once, but I could use your help.”

“Do you really think I can help?” Sorin asked. “Are you sure I wouldn’t be a burden to you?”

Kirk pounded his fist on the table. “I would never think that of you,” he said, “And I know that Ray would never think of you as a burden either. What you are is a fighter, someone who never gives up. What I see in you is not a burden, but a force knocking at the door ready to break it down!”

“You believe that much in me?”

“I tell no lies,” Kirk replied, “Both you and Rysol are my sons, no doubt about it. That’s why I need you now.”

“I know you say that, but I still don’t know,” Sorin said. “My life has been delivering wares, not fighting or saving the world or whatever it is you’ve been doing. I’m… I’m sorry.”

Sorin stood up and walked away from the table to leave the casino. Gale looked over at him, but Kirk shook his head.

“Are you sure that you want to let him go?” Gale asked.

“I think he needs to think this one out,” Kirk said. “I had the same feelings his age, too.”

 

Outside, Sorin looked up to the sky. It was a beautiful sunset, mixing together the warm sunlight with the impending nightfall that was soon to come. Sorin sighed as he leaned against the metal railing, turning his sights to the water below. He had been in the city of Admorse many times, but never really had a chance to admire the ports or the nearby ocean.

“Smith would really like this, I bet,” he said.

Sorin picked up a small stone at his feet and throw it at the water. Despite his wanting to see it skip, the stone made a big splash in the water and sank into the depths. He frowned and turned back to the casino, the exterior just as flashy as it is inside.

“Hey,” Gale said. She had just stepped out of the casino and walked up to Sorin.

“He’s still in there?” Sorin asked.

“Kirk had to make a call,” she replied. “I told him I would be out here, but I don’t know if he heard me.”

“Great,” he said. “Well, you’re welcome to look at the port with me.”

Gale blushed. “I guess that’s okay,” she said.

“Um, not like it was an invitation of anything,” Sorin said. He tried to laugh it off but turned back to the port.

“So you really haven’t met him?” Gale asked.

“My father, you mean?”

“I do wonder myself,” she said, “All these years gone and he comes to you now. I… can relate, somewhat.”

“You?”

“My mother died when I was born,” she replied. “As for my father, I mean, Isaac, we really have not been on the best terms.”

“I’m sorry to hear about that,” Sorin said.

“Thanks,” Gale said. “Isaac never really accepted me, which was why I was cast to the side and raised by my cousin instead. I don’t know if he hates me for what happened to mother, or if it’s due to something else. All I know is that I hate him, too.”

“I see,” Sorin said. “I can’t begin to imagine what that’s like.”

“On one hand, I would love to be able to call Isaac my father,” she said. “I look at you and Kirk, and I know that envy is a horrible thing to possess, but I can almost see the green.”

Sorin closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Well, I wish the best for you, if that helps,” he said.

“Thanks,” she said. “I guess… I guess I got too personal there, didn’t I? I mean, we’re strangers and I spilled my guts out to you!”

“It’s fine,” Sorin said. “You’d be surprised the things I hear as a delivery driver.”

“Really?”

“Although, I guess in comparison to your story, those stories might pale out,” he said, rubbing his chin.

“I suppose,” Gale said. “I’ve decided something.”

“What is that?”

“I’ve decided… that I really don’t like talking about Isaac,” Gale replied. “Let’s just forget I even brought him up, okay?”

“I agree,” Sorin said. “You and I would probably be better off, anyway.”

Gale smiled and chuckled. “Thank you,” she said. “You’re kind of cute like that, you know.”

“What do you mean?”

“Oh… um, n-no, just forget that was even said!” Gale looked around to see if anyone was around, but it was just her and Sorin. “Please, maybe talk to your father one more time? I’m sure he should be done with his phone call by now…”

“If you say so,” Sorin said. He walked away from the railing and into the casino while Gale waited outside. Once he was gone, Gale breathed a sigh of relief.

“I can’t help myself, can I?” Gale asked herself. “Fortunately, it doesn’t seem like he paid much attention to what I said.”

As the sun started to disappear into the ocean, Gale turned to look at the sky above.

“Rohan, I know you’d be proud of my decision,” Gale said. “I can only hope you’ll get Isaac to feel the same way, too.”

 

To be continued…

 

Previous | Next Part