Elegy: Lost Shadow

Faqualora, the Kingdom of life born of water. It is a kingdom neighboring not only the Bryallogy Mangiphyrm kingdom but also Conflagraflaria. It is known as the place where water and wood meet; The Beguiling Enchanter. Located south of Conflagraflaria, it is the kingdom built on water, the divine spot Aquamaris Eldwood.

 The divine spot is responsible for the kingdom's geographical condition, ecology, culture as well as climate. It is precisely because of this influence that Conflagraflaria has a water source in the southern region. This water source is responsible for all water bodies found in that kingdom.

 Faqualora is known as the kingdom of dreams. Located at an altitude of about 1265m above sea level, it is a floating water bed with four channels flowing downward from it. It is in this water bed that a tree, known as the tree of life, is embedded. The massive roots of this ginormous tree coil to form the land. The geographical markup, marked by a ratio of root to water is 1:3 respectively.

 Clouds and branches mingle, ensuring that minimal sunlight ever makes it to the ground. As such, the kingdom is known for its cold weather.

 Infrastructure in this grand kingdom relies primarily on metallic alloys as well as glass to ensure high structural integrity. The alloys are coated in aluminum to prevent deterioration, by way of rusting, due to constant exposure to moisture.

 Deep within this kingdom, close to the tree's trunk, past the glass windows covered by flowered curtains. Its fabric, adorned by water color floras, their petals; lavender fading into a soft pink. Each petal fading into the next.

 Twenty-year-old Alda Ser Ubargade was making her run through the hall governed by those luxurious curtain. The hall, stretched out, separating various facilities on campus. At the time, she was in the northern ward, the dorm region.

 Oceavaritas Research University was the name of the institution. It specialized in aquaculture with respect to magical research. As she ran, she was unbothered by her short black hair, whose tips faded to purple. She wore maroon blazer, grey jersey, white shirt and navy blue skirt. On the front left pocket of her blazer, a crescent moon with a dragonfly over it was embroidered in navy blue.

 Ahead, she saw a man dressed in black. His hooded jacket was zipped all the way to his chin. White stripes ran down his shoulders and sleeves, his zip too was white. A white scarf was wrapped around his neck. On his jacket, the same symbol was embroidered. He was headed in her direction.

 "Captain Sequiturom….we have an emergency!" she exclaimed, panting as she tried to catch her breath.

"You needn't stick to formalities….just call me Xem, as you usually do," he replied before stopping.

 "At the moment, that would be inappropriate," she added before stopping.

"Why not refer to me as Vice captain then."

"I can't as the walls have ears."

 "I care not," he replied, removing his hands from his pockets, "Pray tell, what emergency are you referring to?"

 "I suspect that we will be receiving new orders from Hollow Veil. When I was in Virelia Duskfall, I encountered a messenger bird. Specifically, a messenger bird belonging to one of the masters….The Sovereign Of Wind."

 Hollow Veil, the biggest mercenary group across the ten kingdoms. Its existence has been acknowledged by said kingdoms as it is vastly known as a financial superpower. It sponsors several institutions, enterprises, etc. It is also the main sponsor of Oceavaritas Research University and the Ent Magic Academy and Research Facility.

 Its motto: 'Through all that is known, seek the truth long gone. In the hollow, we abide, fulfilling all that is drawn.'

 "I understand. Gather the others for me. Same venue as always."

She walked passed him. Before she could take off running, he added, "Color me curious….but what were you doing in Virelia Duskfall? That's far west."

 "Aaaahhh….well….they received a new shipment of clothes today so I thought I should go pick some out. I mean, tis the place where imports to do with clothing are first delivered," she replied, using her white handkerchief to wipe the sweat that ran down her face, "But don't worry, my information isn't outdated otherwise I would be a failure as your secretary. I used elemental mimicry to travel at the speed of sound to get here."

 "I suppose that explains why you look exhausted. Make sure to rest after taking care of what I told you to."

"Will do!" she took off running. She ran through the halls until she made it to the library in the eastern ward. Oceavaritas Research University was divided into four wards. The northern ward, known as the student body residence, AKA the dorm region. The eastern ward, known as the Academic ward. The southern ward, known as the staff residence. Finally, the western ward, known as the practical ward, it comprises laboratories and workshops.

 She took a deep breath before she slid the door to her left. It opened. "Niveen! Niveen!" she shouted, "Your brother is calling!"

She made her way through the room governed by shelves both to her left as well as right side.

 At one of the tables to her left, she saw him seated, enjoying his studies. "Niveen! Why didn't you respond….I know you heard me calling."

 He wore a navy blue hooded jacket and a charcoal gray pair of trousers. On the left pocket of his jacket was the same emblem as hers embroidered on it. "I never answered as that'd require shouting. The library is supposed to be a quiet place you know."

 "But tis empty right now. It won't bother anyone," she replied, placing her hand on the table.

"Of course you'd think that." She heard a voice from the top of the shelf. There, someone reclined.

 "I don't want to hear that from a good-for-nothing, Void!" She replied, her voice filled with unmistakable irritation.

"And again, only you'd think that."

 "Correct me if I am wrong but you have been asleep this whole time even after I entered the library. Only when I got close to Niveen did you wake up. I guess, to some degree, you do take your job seriously….Niveen's little protector."

 "And somehow, you failed that title," he sat up before jumping to the floor. He wore a white shirt, maroon blazer as well as a navy blue pair of trousers. "So what's the agenda this time? I assumed that we were supposed to remain on standby since Xem told us to relax."

 "Well he did but things have changed. We have been summoned. We are expecting a messenger. We are to report to his room immediately."

 Niveen closed the book he was reading before returning it to the shelf behind him. It was a standard book on human biology and how it correlates to magic.

 "If that's what my brother wants, we need to get there immediately. There is a high chance that messenger will disappear after delivering the message if he doesn't choose his words wisely."

 Alda smiled before adding, "That's a genius assessment on your part Niveen. Majority of the other factions of Hollow Veil do not approve of Xem's existence. They wish he was dead but they can't so much as lay a finger on him.

 So they are just trying to force things now," she sighed, "That was splendid. I guess you are as smart as you are beautiful."

 Nazir added, "I should have known you'd go there at some point. You are pretty delusional, why do you always have to compare him with women?" He let out a sigh, clearly disappointed in her gesture.

 "Huh," she exclaimed, "Have you seen Niveen? His beauty is almost on par with that of women. In fact, he even exceeds most of them. Even his name has femininity woven into it."

 This never ends, Niveen thought, after having returned the book. He slipped away unnoticed before leaving the library. While he left, they continued with their much-heated argument.

 "What you are saying doesn't even make sense."

 She undid the hairpin she wore to keep her hair from covering her eyes. "Look at me and tell me that he honestly doesn't look as cute as me."

"What…so now we are comparing ourselves to men. This just sad," Beyond sad…probably even depressing. He nodded. 

 "Look at him too then….hey Niveen, look my way," she turned to look where he stood. He was not present. Niveen was a healer and noncombat specialist. His training majored studying human physiology and stealth. He was trained on how to suppress his spiritual vibrations to prevent himself from ever being noticed as his ability was one he could never use in a fight.

 "Looks like he left," Nazir added as he began unbuttoning his blazer. He tied its sleeved around his neck. While he did, Alda returned the hair pin to its place in her hair. They both let out a sigh before they took of running. As they ran through the hall, she exclaimed, "Void….if we are late, this one is on you!"

 "Me?....you were the one behind the argument!"

"Of course I was, you were denying his cuteness!"

"Please shut up…we are running right now. Your delusions might disturb anyone who is still on campus, Ser."

 "This isn't over…you good for nothing."

"The pot is calling the kettle black again."

Meanwhile;

 Xem lay on his bed, blankly looking at the roof. He unzipped his jacket slightly, all the way to the base of him neck after having taken off his scarf. His thoughts began to dwindle as a black fog coated his eyes. Darkening their already black appearance.

 Could this latest visit have anything at all to do with Captain Given's failure? Or have they grown tired of using roundabout tactics? Did I go too far when last they came? I made sure to check with Nazir and Alda …they said I did nothing wrong. He heard the door open when he sat up.

 "Good afternoon Xem….or is it evening now?"

"Niveen…..I apologize for interrupting your studies. I comprehend the necessity of your building a strong informative base with regards to human physiology. But, this was an emergency summons you see…."

 "Alright you can stop right there brother. You don't have to apologize to me every time you call me to see you. Also.." he said haltingly, "Don't be so formal with me."

 "Pray tell, Whatever do you mean?"

"Wel…..Never mind. Can I sit by your desk?"

"Please do."

Throughout the conversation they had, Xem's expression remained unchanged. His face, an unreadable mask. He remained composed, collected as though he possessed no feelings of his own.

 "Knock…Knock," Alda said, the door opened slightly, "Can we come in, Vice captain Sequiturom."

"What business might you have outside?"

 "A simple 'come in' would have been fine, Xem. Why are you trying to be difficult?" she added.

"You asked. I only answered in a manner I saw fit."

 Nazir was about to close the door when he was interrupted, "Leave the door open. The messenger as well as the artist are around the corner."

 "The artist is back!" He opened the door wider, "That means he is done with his research. I can't wait to see what he comes up with this time."

 "You have him working on a project?"

He cleared his throat before untying his blazer. He removed a book from it.

"Wait….that was there the whole time," Alda commented.

 "Why do you think I always take off my blazer when running?" he then gave the book to Xem.

 Xem opened the book, scanning page by page. "I fear I lack the capacity to understand. These are all images of nude women. Nothing at all to do with magical research."

 "Nude women…..Void!...what are you showing Xem?"

"Relax Ser ...it's nothing special. This is what the artist has been working on. I have read this one so I needed him to work on another."

 "I see….That must be why he appears to be exhausted as of late. This has never been his job. He is here to make sketches of our targets."

 "He doesn't always have to work but he gets paid regardless So I thought it would be okay if we used him for leisure."

"Ensure it does not affect his productivity." He flipped to yet another page and proceeded with his scanning. "If I am not mistaken, this is the kind of content that results in sexual arousal, yes? Am I reading it wrong? I feel nothing."

 "Wow Xem, you are lost. Even a woman's beauty can't bring you back," he added.

"Nazir! Why are you still letting Xem read that book? What will we do if he develops any weird cravings?"

 "You didn't call me Void this time. Are you upset? Don't worry about it, you are forgetting that he lacks the ability to lust." She raised her finger pointing to the right corner of the room. There, a massive sack stood. From it, a reddish fluid was dripping.

 "Xem….I think I need you to stop reading that book."

Niveen watched their interactions as he thought, I envy them…they can speak to him so freely. He always indulges them.

 "Sure," he gave it back. "But, I require an explanation. Over one book, why are all your emotions so out of sync? You share not the same opinion."

 "Well," Niveen chimed in, "…it's like this…"

A man walked in through the door. On his shirt, he too had the same emblem they did. "I understand why you are all hated. Your entire squad lacks perspective….you are little more than animals. Animals might be too weak a word…more like savage beasts. No wonder your former leader Given, failed. He must have been incapable like the lot of you."

 Xem stared at the man when he thought, Petty words meant to spite us. He chose his topic well. They are clearly responding. "Relax everyone …..make your business clear and depart."

 "Well the Sovereign Of Wind saw it fit to have your pathetic squad cover for your former Captain's incompetence. He failed to retrieve Nyambe Chimeralana and came back with his tail between his legs. But, you all have a chance to redeem that…"

 The former glanced at his companions. Each with their own expression. Niveen faked a smile while the others attempted to appear calm. But their gazes had one thing in common, an unmistakable anger. They could hardly keep their bloodlust in check.

 "I request you reframe from your current choice of words."

"Why would I? I am calling it as it is. Your captain is a pathetic man…garbage at best. You know it's true because none of you have so much as defended him. You are a bunch of cowards. Not like you could, my rank outclasses yours…"

 No sooner had he uttered that statement than the air around them felt heavy. The fog coating Xem's eyes darkened when a pulse of black fog left his body. It scattered darkening the room. Alda's sage green eyes turned to purple when she dashed to Niveen. Her hand became coated in a purple aura. She placed it on his shoulder before saying, "This isn't something you should see."

"What are you.....?" He fell unconscious into her arms.

 The man could hardly breathe when he fell to his knees. He trembled, desperately gasping for air, he could stand no longer. His eyes widened as tears rolled down his face. He knew it too well, all the way to his cells. Fear had consumed him.

 Xem stood up and began walking toward him, "I asked you to reframe from your choice of words. You never obliged. Tell me something, why is it you choose to be so spiteful? My friends don't appreciate that."

 "....aaaa ....aaa .aa," his voice wouldn't come out.

"I care not for your rank…in fact…I think tis necessary for your head to roll."

As he gasped for air, his bladder went loose, allowing its contents to spill. He had just shamed himself in the presence of his enemy.

Nazir thought, if he took interest in this kind of thing, he'd be a sadist. His making him lose his mind with nothing more than his bloodlust. We have been in his presence several times that's why we can even stand. That, plus the fact that his bloodlust isn't projected at us.

 Xem crouched in front of the man to reach eye level. The man frightened, fell on his butt. His frightful gaze never left Xem. "Your master, the messenger bird, or anyone for that matter would take no action to avenge you. None of them would even dream of opposing me. I am grateful for the message. I will complete the task. You needn't worry, I will see to it that your head can at least land at your master's feet." He raised his hand when his eyes widened, "If you are worried about your family, rest assured, I can send them to join you."

 Nazir grabbed Xem's hand before adding, "That's enough Xem. Compose yourself, Captain." Nazir's once-brown eyes turned starry. Like the cloudless, night of the new moon. The room became filled with a similar starry aura. Exactly like his eyes.

 "Compose myself? I am perfectly calm right now." Nazir stared at Xem's darkened eyes. The reality was, Xem remained composed. His expression never shifted neither did his emotions. He was calm, exactly like a lifeless doll. Right, I almost forgot. You have no feelings…they were a privilege robbed of you long ago.

 Alda placed the unconscious Niveen on Xem's bed. She then went and grabbed the massive sack. She dragged it against the floor. She then grabbed the man too. She dragged him against the ground after adding, "Time to go messenger."

As she walked, she recalled;

Xem is nothing at all like Nazir and I. He can spill blood on a whim and that wouldn't even phase him. It will never stay on his conscious as he has none. That was something we saw first hand four years ago. Xem Sequiturom's true nature.

 Nazir and I are originally from a village in Fulguritania Enberg. It was destroyed due to a Civil war and raided by mercenaries who needed young talent. We were taken because we wield rare attributes. He is Aether and I am sound. But we weren't enough, our talents couldn't advance fast enough so we were to be discarded.

 They did the most beneficial thing at the time. They delivered us to the man they called the undead shadow. We were to be his play things, a way to stave off his immediate boredom. It was their pitiful attempt at trying to leash a dog they created yet, couldn't control.

 We thought that we were going to die because of the rumors we heard about him. "He was an indiscriminate murderer like no other. He killed for sport," they'd say. When we met him for the first time, we could hardly stand in his presence. His aura was truly terrifying.

 In front of our very eyes, he killed the people who captured us. The ones who tried to use us to bargain. His shadow liquefied and from it nightmarish creatures emerged and devoured them. He told us we were to live with him and play with his brother. We spent time with Niveen and he turned out to be an angel. The opposite of a demon like his brother was.

 Throughout the time we were there, we rarely saw them interact. Curiosity got the better of me and I asked. The answer he gave me terrified me much worse.

 "I do not wish to cause him grief. When I speak to him, I feel nothing. When he shows me something, I feel no pride. When I see him get hurt, I feel no rage, no sorrow. Absolutely nothing.

 I can never say I care as my words would be lies. I find it hard to believe at one point I held him dear. Though that side of me is little more than a memory.

 That was why I enlisted your aid, you can be the company that grows to love him. While I, the undead shadow that I chose to become." His words impacted me. Regardless of how void he appeared, his words showed kindness and dedication to his brother. I became naïve, believing he was normal. My wake up call came sooner than expected. I saw him murder a lot of children. They were fodder for his familiars. He never batted an eye. Not for a moment.

 Having witnessed that, we learnt something special. With each kill he performs, his hunger grows by an amount equal to the terror they felt. The part that made the situation odd was the fact that if we showed any distain in any person. He killed them regardless of rank, age or gender. This made us realize something. Because we grew close to Niveen, he could never kill us, furthermore, he helped us in whatever way we needed.

 At the rate he was going, his mind would continue to degrade and he'd lose himself. Putting an end to his life. So we decided to be his limiters, the ones to stop him from becoming a worse demon than he already was. To do that, we learnt to kill. We serve him as our lives are his and he protects us because our lives belong to his brother.

 She walked out the door. As soon as she did, she threw the man, sending him sliding against the floor. She then closed the door. "Have you composed yourself yet, Messenger?" She placed the sack on the floor, allowing it to lean against the wall. "You are no longer in his presence so you should start to calm down. Get up then."

 He tried to force himself back to his feet until he made it. He was panting, terrified still. "Make sure to carry this bag on your way out and dispose of it properly." When she was about to walk away, she added, "I almost forgot. A warning for your superiors." A purple transparent rod materialized on the palm of her right hand. She took hold of it when she began walking toward him.

 Element mimicry….decibel control. "Sound Art: Decibel control; Prima Vibrous." The rod began vibrating when he heard the sound of severed bone. The rod she held then dematerialized.

 He looked to his right only to find his arm was missing. It was severed at the shoulder. He fell to the ground screaming as he grabbed his shoulder. His blood was dripping uncontrollably.

 She crouched in front of him before adding, "Quit overreacting…tis only an arm. I could kill you if you prefer. But, I wasn't about to let Xem spill your filthy blood. If he did, he'd lose himself even further and we can't have that." The sack slid against the wall before falling to the ground. From it, the head of the man as well as an arm emerged. Their foul stench musking the air.

 "Please pick this up after you've covered your wound. Make sure you dispose of it properly. We wouldn't want the smell of a rotting corpse ruining the air. Bury your arm with it as well. Also, make sure to tell your boss that Captain Sequiturom did it. I know they want cause to kill him even when they know he can't be killed. Make sure they get the message. Messenger." She got up and returned to Xem's room.

 "Ser….I hope you didn't take that too far. If he keeps screaming, he will disturb everyone," Nazir added.

"Honestly speaking, I thought about what you'd have done and did only half of that. At least he isn't paralyzed," she closed the door, "With that being said, why have you two kept your condensed fields active."

 "Don't blame me…..Xem is still keeping his active. I have to keep mine active to counter balance this lustful atmosphere. Otherwise his bloodlust will drive someone to insanity. "

 "That will be a problem no longer," Xem added, "I deactivated mine a while back. When, you requested I stop in fact."

"So the magic that is in the air right now is just leaking from your body. Well that's great, now we have to figure out how to keep you calm."

 "Do you need my help to calm down Captain Sequiturom."

"That will not be necessary Alda."

"It's okay, I am permitting you to cut me up. Niveen will heal me later. Don't forget, we were brought here to be your toys."

 "I will go for a swim," he said when he grabbed his scarf. He wrapped it around his neck. "Bear this in mind, never address yourselves as mere playthings. I would never use you for that no matter the circumstances. After all, Niveen does not require toys, he requires the presence of people."

 "Understood….Captain Sequiturom or should it be Vice Captain Sequiturom? Even though it was an odd encounter, we have received our mission. We are to retrieve Nyambe Chimeralana from the village of Seeker in Conflagraflaria. When are we to depart?"

 "You require clothes, Alda? If I recall correctly, you mentioned that being the case. We depart in two days, take care of your shopping until then."

 "Wow, you spoil her Captain," Nazir added.

"I thought of you as well. It should be plenty of time for the artist to draft up a sketch of Chimeralana while simultaneously working on your book. You equally benefit. She needs to shop and you need your picture book." He then walked out of his room.

 "You surprised me with that one Ser."

"I wasn't wrong. He does realize that if he cuts us up, his brother will just heal us."

"Wow, you are starting to sound like a masochist. I saw this coming but never so soon," he covered his mouth with his hand and nodded his head.

 "The pot is calling the kettle black again…you offered last time."

Nazir put on his blazer when he added, "I will keep an eye on Xem just in case. With the way he is right now, someone will die from being exposed to his aura."

 "No Void, your place is with Niveen. There is a reason why Xem told you to always be with him. I will make sure to watch Xem."

 "But you aren't as good at suppressing your spiritual vibrations like I am."

"That shouldn't matter, we both know that we can never pull one over him. He can sense Niveen, and he's the best of us at that skill."

 "I guess that's valid."

"Don't worry. I will do my best. He is our beloved Captain." She smiled before she took off. Nazir, feeling tired, lay on Xem's bed. I can understand why he is considered a false paladin. I only opposed his bloodlust for a few seconds and I already feel this exhausted.

 To retrieve Nyambe Chimeralana, we have to oppose a Sovereign. I met him last time when I went to get Given after he lost. That man was a monster….probably Xem in another life. They call him the Sovereign of alloyed metal, The guardian Alnico Zahavi. Xem may be powerful but I doubt a paladin can go up against a guardian. What's on his mind right now?