The forest had a monstrous feel, with large roots that wrapped the earth and wild animal that glare in hidden. However, beyond all of this perilous journey, lies a beautiful and magnificent scene. The birds chirping, while the leaves swaying with the wind dancing. Many unfamiliar things he could see and experience. Days seem short, and night seems longer for him. A day feels like an hour, and an hour feels like a minute. He yearned for his tribe to experience this as well, for a journey that will change their life for the better.
A few months had passed, and he was still happily traveling and learned many new things. While the other Elysians were granted an audience from the King of Quirinus. Everyone stood in awe as no one ever came here, not even a passing merchant. The king looks dignified and glorious, yet benevolent and righteous. However, they all were wary of the king and his troop's arrival. Helios's father, Zeol, who was the tribe leader presents himself to the king.
"My father never stops telling me the story about the small tribe that gave hope to the soldier. I, myself forever grateful for what have you sacrificed for the kingdom," the king said with a smile.
"Thank you, your majesty," Zeol said. The memory of that day was tattooed inside his brain. As it was the day of the death of more than half of his people.
"Your majesty, may I know what was the reason for you to arrive in this humble village?" Zoel continued.
"I came with a proposal. Just like the past, I wished for us to work hand in hand," the king said.
"…," he was speechless as he was shocked.
"I know your tribe was born as a great healer, so I will like to recruit them to be the royal knight. And for your tribe loyalty in serving the kingdom, I will grant you this land for yourself, for the tribe of Elysian," the king said with confidence.
"It's a good proposal, your majesty. But I couldn't decide by myself as it affects the life of my people as well. May I have some time to think it through?" Zeol said.
"Yes, you may. I hope I can hear good news from you," the king said with a confident smile.
Zeol knew it was once in lifetime proposal, and it was too good to be left hanging. As they will live for an eternity, it's better if they have their own land. However, he was frightened that the day he could see his people slaughtered came again. Although these people were granted eternal life, it was only meant that they wouldn't die of old age. If they were killed, they would be dead just like any other. Hence, the sole benefit to it was eternal youth with a long life.
Each day passed by like a river flows, the heated argument among the Elysian was raging like a fire. Some were in favor as it benefitted in the long run, and those who disagree were scared for the lives of their own people. Zeol was drowned in his own thought. He worried about what the future may bring, but he was determined to always protect his people. In conclusion, he was in favor of the proposal.
A week has passed, and the decision had been made. The number of people who are in favor triumphs in this battle. They informed the king of their approval with a few minor additions. That was, the people who were selected must be eighteen years old and above, and served with their own free will. As both of them agreed with the terms, the sound of cheering could be heard for a mile away, the sound of celebration of a new beginning.
The celebration was held for two days straight. The sound of music was floating in the air with people dancing joyfully. Some were chatting and some were drinking while letting the night drown their worries and doubts away. They all were having the time of their life. Like no worries could befall them.
On the last day of the celebration, a big feast was prepared for the people. The king who was not presented that day sent his right hand in his place. Before feasting, the leader of each side makes a toast and wishes for a better future. Then, with a cheer of 'Salute', they drank the cold beer in front of them.
After a minute or so, they cough out blood and had trouble breathing, and eventually died. Some who didn't drink tried to help those who were still remained. However, like a lightning, each of the survivor's heads was cut with a single blow from the sword. They all were slaughtered to death. The children who were not present at the dining hall were heartlessly killed in their sleep. Even when they were awake, they wouldn't have a chance to confront these well-trained soldiers. Bloods and bodies of Elysian were everywhere.
Lucy, who was outside of the village that night, was greeted with dead bodies all over. She sought survivors while crying desperately. The people with whom she spent her life, were all killed.
However, it was like luck was not on her side, one of the soldiers saw her. He stabbed her right on her abdomen. She knew death was calling her, but she didn't want to go yet. She missed Helios more than ever. If it was her last, she would just wish for someone she loved by her side.
Suddenly, one of the survivors came running and pushed the soldier aside. He shouted for Lucy to run away, while he sacrificed himself. Lucy ran as fast as she could have, without looking back. She held her abdomen where she was stabbed while clenching her jaw in pain. There was nothing she could do now but run far away from here.
After some time, she was too tired to run and too painful to ignore. She had lost a lot of blood. If only she could save herself, she will be survived. But she hasn't reached eighteen years old yet, and even if she was, she couldn't heal herself. As it was one of the rules of this power. She leans against a big, tall tree waiting for her death to come.
Suddenly, she heard a rustling sound came through the bushes. She tried to guard herself with a stone that was right next to her. The sound grew louder and louder. She prayed and wished that it was only a small rabbit. Though she knew it wouldn't be, as it sounded different. But she tried to convince herself otherwise.
A few minutes later, a tall figure appeared through the bushes. With her glistening eyes, she called for that person and broke into tears.
"He...lios," she called him with a stuttered while crying.
"Lucy! What happened?" he looked worried.
"Helios, why are you here? Go, before they found you," she said, with a sniff.
"Who did this? Let me heal you first," he said.
"It's the king. He betrayed us. Go, Helios," she said, worrying for the soldier to arrive.
"Please, go. I don't want you to die," she cried. She doesn't want him to leave, but she has to let him go. If Helios healed her, she will be saved, but Helios will be in pain. As the power to heal a person on a brink of death was immense.
"How can I leave you here like this? You are my only friend, and the only one who understands me."
"Friend?" she said with a faint voice.
"Helios, I want you to be happy," her voice started to grow weaker. She knew she was only a few meters away from her death door.
"Lucy, please listen to me. Let me heal you," he said. He felt sad looking at her smile and hearing her words. It felt like she was saying goodbye.
When he was about to place his hand on her wound, she snatches his hand and holds it tightly. Despite all the tears that fall down, a smile shone on her pretty face.
"I love you, Helios," she said her last words faintly and passed away with a smile and tears from her eyes.
He was shocked, and his tears started to fall. She embraces her tightly and kept on calling her name.
"Lucy, wake up. Why did you never listen to me? I am back. We are going to get married right? Wake up, Lucy," he said with his longing voice.
A few minutes later, he lifted her up and carried her gently in silence. She brought her to their happy place. That place was right at the edge of the mountain staring out to the beautiful world. The place they shared their dreams and hopes together. He held her tightly as his tears falling. He started to reminisce all the memories they shared together. His heart broke in millions of pieces.
The stars twinkling in the vast sky. The wind blew softly like it's comforting him. Everywhere he looked, the night seemed beautiful like always but there was no one beside him to enjoy it with.
Then, a fire blazed up and shines the night sky in red. He ran hastily towards his village and found it was ablaze. Not a sole survivor was seen, not his parents nor his people, there's none.
"Why do I have this stupid power, but I couldn't save my people?"
He kneeled on the floor and watched everything burned down. He left with nothing, not even his soul.
After burying and makes a tombstone for Lucy and the others, he makes his way towards the palace and seeks revenge.
In the palace, the king was visited by his right hand, Viscount Cephus Maxim, who was just returned from Elysian. He looks fine, not even a single scratch on him. He was the second son of a great noble family. He was ambitious with a great mind, even though his ways may seem heartless. He performs his work with perfection and leaves no room for doubt.
"Have you checked everywhere? I want no survivors," the king demanded.
"Yes, your majesty. We double-checked all the area," Viscount Maxim said.
"Good. We cannot let them live. We don't know when they will start to rebel," the king looks pleased.
The king was just inherited his throne, but he seemed not as competent as the previous king. He had to live with the burden to up live his father's legacy. Many still had doubts about him and waiting to use him as a tool. Hence, the first step he took to demonstrate his power and showed his competency was by killing the people of Elysian.
He started to hate Elysian not only because he was scared of their power, but because his father speaks dearly about them. Each time his father told him their story, his face was light up with hope and joy. The face he never showed him. He was strict and harsh with him. Every day was a reminder that the life of a king must be perfect.
Helios walked none stopped with a burning rage inside of him for a month. When he reached the palace, he used his power to grow roots to break the palace gates. His pathway was clear as anyone who tried to strike him was killed by sharp thorns and strong roots. His mind was only set on the king's head. He didn't bother about anyone else.
As he reached the king's chamber, he opened the door and assassinated the king. He leaves no room for doubt or hesitation. The king was strangled by the root, while millions of sharp thorns pierced through his body. He watched him crying in agony and within a minute he died.
After he had killed the king, he left the scene leaving the king hanging by the neck. That time he thought he would felt relieved, but he didn't. His parents, Lucy, and all his people were still dead.
He makes this bad choice in the heat of the moment. Now, all across the continent had known the king was assassinated by the Elysian, but none of them know of what had happened before then.
Now, he was not only lived all alone but also had brought shame to his beloved Elysian. He felt worthless and each day he woke up with a prayer that he will be dead today. He will take many dangerous jobs, but it was like the Goddess protected him, he survived every time.
Day by day passed and it was almost a hundred years had passed. Now he was 118 years old, but because of this power, his face hasn't changed since he was twenty years old. And due to this problem, he tends to move places.
Centuries were torture for one person to bear all the guilt. He lived each day, hoping to die on the same day.
Despite that, he still had his burning passion for learning new things and see new worlds. He learned how to read, so he could read all the books that were available. He learned to write, so he could write about the real story of his people.
One day, while working, he met a fair maiden. He was mesmerized as he never saw someone as beautiful as her before. Her hair was as blue as the sky. It swayed gently with the wind, while she danced with the flowers. Each day became a bit brighter for him. He started wishing to live, to live with the person he loves. Both of them grew closer as time passes. They started to make planned for marriage. They loved each other dearly until one day she left him to marry someone else.
The blessing from the Goddess now turned into a curse. He blamed the Goddess who wouldn't let him die but kept on taking everyone away from him. He will cry and cursed at the Goddess at the same time, for all the misfortune that befalls him.
Suddenly one day, he was at his wit's end and jumped onto the lake and stayed down there for quite some time. He knew he would not die as his power was protecting him. Suddenly, he saw a glimpse of a woman walked towards him. Her figure becomes clearer with each step she took.
"Helios," she said.
"Who are you?"
"How come you didn't know me when you cursed me each day?"
"God...dess Se..lyne," he said with a stuttered as he was shocked.
"Yes, in present," she said with a smile.
"You! Kill me, please. I beg you," he cried for the Goddess to kill him.
"Hmm… If you don't want your life, then you should give it to me," she said.
"Whatever. Just kill me," he said.
Then, as he blinked, everything surrounds him had changed. He was unsure where he was. The room had multiples shelves of books that covered the white-colored wall. In the middle of it was a big sturdy study table.
"This is your study area. I know you like to read. So use your knowledge to help people," she said.
"Since you wanted to die. Just think of this as you lived for others, and your life was not yours," she continued.
"…," he sat there silently, contemplating.
"Fine," he said, as he believed it might be better for him to live like this if he can't die.
"Good. I already put your first case on the table," she said.
"Good luck," she continued with a smile and disappeared with the wind.
He walked straight to the table and read the case files. The case of Deanna Remus. She was betrayed, even when she tried to live a simple life while reaching for happiness. He felt like the Goddess chose this case for him on purpose. He felt like he sees Lucy in the body of Deanna Remus. She felt sad thinking about it.
Hence, with no hesitation, he granted her to be reborn. He felt like it was the right decision, as she could gain happiness in her second life.
Unexpectedly, she cried heavily on the day she was reborn in front of the Fountain of Saviour, where the Goddess Selyne's statue was. The fountain was believed to be able to grant wishes.
"Why?! Why did you bring me back? I don't want to live like this again. Why can't you just let me die?" she cried.
Helios, who sees her crying desperately on the cold floor knew she was nothing like Lucy, but she was more like him. The feeling of wanting to die rather than living in pain. Therewith, she pulled her soul out of her body. However, as the body had no occupants, it drags others who wish to change their life. That person was me, who was tired of living a theatrical life. That day was the day, the original Deanna Remus died, but the current Deanna Remus lived.
He ended his story with feeling guilty about what happened to the original Deanna Remus and me. All because of his competence and working with emotion on his sleeve. From that day, he had been working none stopped in the hope to turn everything back to how it was supposed to.