The city of Serras, despite its many colors, felt…gray. The afternoon daylight still lingered, yet it had lost everything that made Serras special. The room where Pathos and Jhoel stood had gone quiet. The only ones speaking were the flames flickering on the many candles in the center of the table.
Neither of them was capable of mustering another word; Everything that was meant to be said had already been said. Pathos didn't want to go into further detail—his face already spoke for him.
His heart was torn to shreds, his mind clouded with thoughts, most of them memories of his late father—his smile, his habit of smoking cigars in the house, and his large yet gentle hands.
That silence remained for a little longer until Jhoel had managed to take everything in, his fist rested on his forehead while his eyes looked almost sad
«Jhoel» I…I'm sorry that you had to go through this Pathos, I can never imagine how that must feel in your shoes.
His hand fell onto the table with a quiet, yet sharp thud.
Pathos sat on the other side of the table, staring at the wooden frame, never showing his face to the other.
Broken, he ground his teeth against one another as he tried to hold back the urge to cry. His nails dug into his palms as he forced himself to stay silent.
What use was there in crying? Meaningless, it would only serve as a sign of his weakness. But he had to be strong—strong enough to save those he had failed.
«Jhoel» If—If i knew something, or so little as to know where they were…Why Cheelus.
If Pathos would have heard his own father's name his eyes would have sunk into a river of tears, but he didn't. For he was lost in his mind, battling a war over his own emotions.
«Jhoel» Why didn't he send a letter, why not…warn me in any kind of way? Wh—-
His speech would end up being cut off by Pathos's trembling voice
«Pathos» We ran, every fourth month, going from village to village, never even daring to touch a city.
His hands that were resting onto his lap held tight onto his pants as if he were searching for comfort from the last piece of memory he shared with his family.
Pants and shirt aside from his cloak were all gifts: bought, cleaned and restitched so that he could wear something. All done just for him, a useless son.
«Pathos» I never understood why, but it never troubled me. Since we weren't the only ones moving. We were many.
He hitched as the feelings that moved within him like a never ending storm surged the more his mouth spoke.
Each moment spent not only with his family but with friends rose up from depth, the smile his mother carried each time he would come back home. His father, who always spent time with him whether it was to play or to train.
…he would miss those lessons of his…
When he trained his body until it eventually reached his breaking point. How his mother would come and scold his husband for making their son do something so harsh despite Pathos agreeing to this form of torture.
«Pathos» It wasn't just our family but five more. There were some my age who questioned their parents, but they never received a clear answer.
How he and his friends would gather up to spread any news that they might have heard from their parents, but they always got the same answers.
Curiosity was all they had was all he could ever wish to have, how stupid that was. Thinking about it nowadays, the world felt so small back then compared to now.
«Pathos» The name Arieste isn't new to me. When the name was first mentioned amongst my friend, I…I brought it up with my mother.
That faint look of terror in her eyes as he asked her.
When she asked him where he had heard of the city…and…the way she slapped him across the face before embracing him in a tight hug, crying, begging him to not ever mention that city ever again.
Curiosity is what killed the cat after all. That slap almost resonated in his cheek as he gently rubbed the surface of his skin, recalling it in clear details.
His mother never dared to raise his hand towards him, maybe that was the reason this memory was engraved in his mind. The strength that slap carried was far greater than he could ever imagine and judging by the current events he could understand why.
«Pathos» But she burst out crying begging me to never bring it up. But my curiosity grew bigger from that point on.
And when he finally overheard a conversation between the two, they mentioned Arieste and how they used to live there. The conversation altogether wasn't reminiscent of good old memories. It was the exact opposite, many curses were directed at that city.
«Pathos» And when I understood that…Arieste was a city of ours, my questions grew bigger and bigger until our village was destroyed.
The pain grew stronger. He couldn't hold it in anymore, he crumbled, searching for answers he couldn't find. Those unanswered questions that lived as parasites on his head would continue to live, would bring Pathos to his breaking point.
One drop after another, he couldn't contain himself any more.
His hand that still held tight to that remembrance would be met with a tear, then another…and yet another. The grip on his pants loosened as he violently sobbed with each breath he took.
Just why? Why couldn't they give them the answer he needed? Why hide him in the dark from all this? Why were they…Running away?
«Pathos» That's when…When I came here to find you.
Why couldn't he have that power sooner? He would have been able to protect everyone if only he had…If only…
Trembling with what–ifs and to what could have been done he closed his eyes trying to wake himself up from this horrible nightmare. Which he knowingly knew he would never wake up to.
As yet another moment of silence came, occasionally broken by Pathos's sniffs. Jhoel sighed and spoke again this time with a softer tone.
«Jhoel» Listen Pathos, since we never introduced ourselves properly…I'd like to do it now if you don't mind.
Pathos replied with a nod of his head.
«Pathos» No…I wouldn't mind
It would be impolite of him to not introduce himself to someone face to face. Because of that belief Pathos raised his head. Meeting Jhoel's.
Both of them exchanged one broken glance with one another, Jhoel was far better at hiding it however and right now Pathos could kill someone to share the same strength Jhoel had.
Cleaning his face with his arm made his sight clearer, and just then did he realize the true feelings behind Jhoel's eyes. They weren't sulking like Pathos's, but the emptiness in his leaf-like eyes made it clear. They were one in the same.
Both of them were suffering within, deep down he felt as if Jhoel could never truly understand the grief of a child who had lost his family. Yet that singular glance changed his prospective entirely
He could tell Jhoel wanted to change the topic for his sake…But…For some reason it didn't feel like the change of topic was for Pathos and Pathos alone.
Could it be? that even Jhoel was about to cry? Was the change of subject…for them both?
Jhoel continued, his gaze laid soulless onto Pathos's as he spoke with that same tone.
«Jhoel» My name is Jhoel as you may already know…Perhaps the name itself might not sound familiar to you in any kind of way…I'm an old friend of your father. My relationship with him…He was almost like a brother, but that's another story for now…
His spine stood upright as he continued to speak of himself while resting his shaky hands on the table.
«Jhoel» I'm just a store clerk, trying just to get by.
All those explanations Pathos had heard already on Jhoel's count were all the same, just like this one, but. Hearing that from him felt different
It was hard for him to even speak, that simple sentence he managed to muster before nearly made him wail. But refusing to answer would be uneducated of him, but more than that this man clearly understood him.
He could bet that even if he didn't speak or find the strength to, he would still patiently wait for his answer. Using etiquette as an excuse however he managed to find the strength to answer
«Pathos» My name is…Pathos, son of the Raimei family.
With a warm smile Jhoel answered.
«Jhoel» It's a great pleasure to have you here today, Pathos.
Jhoel slowly got up from his seat making little to no noise. Picking up the small glasses he had left resting on the table he calmly asked
«Jhoel» You might be exhausted after such a long trip. Do you want anything? It'll be on me.
«Pathos» No, I have already asked too much from you.
Just as Jhoel was about to leave the living room he stopped near the door leaving it slightly open.
«Jhoel» Hey Pathos…
Pathos turned to him Jhoel did not turn behind but spoke to him and him only, with his back facing Pathos he continued.
«Jhoel» We'll find a solution to all this…
Doubt filled him to the brim as soon as Jhoel finished the sentence, he never dared to think of a solution purely because he didn't want to open that already badly stitched wound.
There was little to no information to where they might be, the soldier was from Arieste but where exactly was still unclear and more over he still didn't know the true meaning behind that slaughter.
Jhoel gently placed his small glasses back onto his nose before continuing.
«Jhoel» You don't have to hide yourself from me, a man who cries isn't weak, but it's proof of his strength. Do not force yourself to do the opposite of what your heart desires, listen to it.
Their conversation ended there as Jhoel left the room, at the moment Pathos needed some space which Jhoel gave him.
As soon as he left, Pathos rested his head on top of the table, pillowing it with his arms. And began crying once more, this time expressing himself more loudly than before. Jhoel who stood outside that room heard his scream, his body froze just as his hand covered his eyes. After a long pause, he slowly moved further to complete chores in another room.
It took him approximately forty minutes for him to settle down, Pathos had found comfort in the hot breeze of the chimney sitting in the corner of the room. Jhoel sat back down, while Pathos stood close to the chimney, the fire warmed him from the cold ambiance. Pathos grabbed a piece of wood and tossed it in, making the fire grow bigger and fiercer.
«Jhoel» Is it warm enough for you?
Pathos turned around and nodded. His face was still swollen from tears, with a hint of red on the nose, yet that outburst had calmed him down. His eyes were still lingering with a certain darkness but were not entirely hollow anymore which, Jhoel seemed to notice.
«Pathos» Mhm!
It felt comforting to be in the presence of one who knew about the events that he had to suffer through. There was still Ruem who knew nothing about him besides his clear disorientation in this vast city. But frankly speaking he still held some suspicion towards him. He was a childish moron but he didn't seem to be the bad type of moron.
«Jhoel» I've prepared a bed for you in my room, you can stay here for as long as you'd like.
As soon as Jhoel made that statement Pathos stiffened for a moment before sharply turning towards Jhoel. Instinctively Pathos, who had no intention of staying any further, opened his eyes.
He was convinced that after this conversation would come to an end they would part ways and meet every once in a while. Not that he didn't want to stay of course, but he didn't want to be a bigger burden than he already has been. Besides, money wasn't an issue since Francis gave him more than enough coins.
«Pathos» I–I can?
Jhoel chuckled for a moment, as if he were amused. It felt out-of-place to see him smile after their conversation but maybe it was for the best. While gently scratching his nose he continued.
«Jhoel» Of course. Did you think I wouldn't let you stay here after you made such a trip?
Indeed he did want someplace to rest but wasn't he intruding a bit too much? Well yes leaving a kid in the responsibility of a thief wasn't the best of choices. He could still find a solution all by himself, maybe find that inn that Francis talked about.
And where exactly was he? The inn that Francis pointed out was close to the fountain but now he was in a completely different spot. Once more he had no idea where he was, already too stressed to think for another way out he ultimately accepted his offer.
«Pathos» Alright then, thank you once again Jhoel. I owe you a lot.
Jhoel waved his hand, completely rejecting any debt that Pathos thought he had.
«Jhoel» You're free to stay here as long as you wish, you owe nothing to me. Although I'd prefer that you consider this place your home.
Amidst their conversation a man was missing during their entire conversation. Ruem. Who had been harshly thrown out of Jhoel's house the moment he even dared to step foot into his home, was still absent. That silence strangely startled him.
«Pathos» Now that I think about it, what happened between you and Ruem?
with a sudden click of his tongue Jhoel was quick to reply with quite the annoyance in his tone as well.
«Jhoel» He stole
Pathos's body fell limb as the truth didn't even sound like news, that guy had already ruined his image in such a short span of time, yet he never seemed so interested about his reputation whatsoever. With a power like that though. Who wouldn't after all. Would Pathos do the same? Probably not since he didn't like to resort to an act such as theft.
«Pathos» So it's a habit of his uh?
Jhoel's eyes seem to shift towards the door, his gaze remaining fixated towards that door for a couple of seconds appearing to be contemplating something.
«Jhoel» You said he accompanied you here.
«Pathos» Yeah…if you can believe that. Strangely he was the one that decided to tag along.
«Jhoel» Why would he do that?
He didn't know…But considering how childish he tends to be, the only reason could be the simplest, his particularly interested in Pathos's Prometeo. Since he didn't have a clear answer however he shook his head and replied softly.
«Pathos» I'm not quite sure.
Once more he stood up, but instead of heading to the kitchen to bring something to eat or drink, he headed towards the entrance door. He didn't seem quite happy with what decision came to mind. Slowly he opened the front door to find a dormant Ruem who was sleeping just outside the house with his coat serving as a blanket.
After a long, dismissing look, he called out.
«Jhoel» Hey!
He shouted as he abruptly woke up Ruem who didn't even seem startled by his voice. His head slowly rose while his eyes stood shut for a moment. The coat that was covering his head fell onto his chest as he turned towards the voice.
«Ruem» Huh…?
Still sleepy his eyes opened and as he acknowledged who called him out he saluted with his hand. Jhoel however flicked of his thumb as he signaled Ruem to enter.
«Jhoel» Get in…
Without question Ruem stood up and walked inside
Jhoel entered first with not the happiest of looks, it was the same type of look one might have after his horse shitted across town leaving him to clean it.
Then a corpse entered. His hair was a complete mess not that they'd ever been any better but somehow it was worse than before. He tried to brush his bush down as he entered but to no success, he didn't even give it a second try he just gave up after the first try.
As he was just about to enter he bumped into the frame of the door since apparently, opening those eyes of his was so much for him.
With perhaps one of the slowest rub of eyes in human history Ruem opened the curtains, he gave a slow look around the room before settling into Pathos. Once he spotted him he gave him a short smile and raise of his hand. Which Pathos exchanged.
But Pathos on the other hand couldn't stop looking at Jhoel who was contemplating onto the opposition side of where Ruem was standing, thinking about it Ruem didn't even thank Jhoel for letting him in.
Jhoel ran his finger across his eyes lifting those glasses of his to do so.
«Jhoel» Listen…
Ruem sharply turned towards Jhoel, staring at his back before remembering what reality he was in. As it kicked in his spine stood straight and his eyes opened entirely.
«Ruem» I know—I know. I'll return everything in due time.
Jhoel turned to look at Ruem up and down, examining the man who was standing right in front of him. With a large amount of will that Pathos seemed to understand he answered.
«Jhoel» You can have them.
Jhoel looked at Pathos who was watching their conversation unfold. Naturally Pathos frowned at Jhoel as if asking him if he were sure.
Ruem, a bit taken aback, asked once more.
«Ruem» Seriously!? I—-I came here thinking of doing the opposite.
Jhoel simply patted Ruem's shoulder twice but his tone remained the same gloomy one.
«Jhoel» Really now? I didn't expect that from a thief like you. Perhaps I misjudged you
How could he be blamed though, although Ruem did him a favor his true intentions were still quite unclear to both Pathos and Jhoel. Him being who he is, took the compliment without having any second doubt.
«Ruem» How thoughtful of you.
«Jhoel» But no, I was in your debt the moment this boy came safe and sound. You can keep them. That boy has gone to hell and back and it is thanks to you that he arrived here.
Now even Ruem felt out of place, but before he could be flattered more he spoke the truth.
«Ruem» I think I have been more of a burden to him really.
«Jhoel» It doesn't matter as long as he is safe. I can overlook something. Even what happened with the soldier.
Even though Jhoel's tone told another story, their hostility towards one another remained clear, yet Jhoel was putting his hatred aside for the betterment of Pathos's sake. As he removed his hand from Ruem's shoulder he continued on.
«Jhoel» Just don't steal from me anymore, okay?
Although his question would be met with another, stupid, question, completely out of pocket.
«Ruem» So I can rob from someone else?
The pained smile that formed around Jhoel's face as the question itself struck a nerve, he tried to look as nice as possible. Ruem quickly put up his hand in self defence, reading himself for any punches. Out of nervousness he continued with.
«Ruem» I was kidding. I was kidding.
Ruem blinked, then lowered his eyes. A quiet understanding softened his grin. His brown eyes admired his surroundings as soon as that moment ended. With an attempt to crack a joke he said.
«Ruem» You remodeled, I see. This place looked far worse back then.
To which Jhoel annoyingly replied as he watched Ruem examine the room. The nerves that were protruding out of Jhoel's forehead seemed to grow bigger, but once more he sulked it up.
«Jhoel» You're lucky those clothes you took were worth less than others.
Ruem turned around to look at Jhoel with a quick spin.
«Ruem» Same goes for that thief we stopped earlier?
Jhoel shook his head almost instantly, crossing his arms before stating.
«Jhoel» Absolutely not. The money she would've taken could've made me broke. Ain't no way I was letting her go.
«Ruem» Where is she now anyway?
«Jhoel» Alive, unfortunately, I would have killed her right then and there if it weren't for you.
«Ruem» Come on Jhoel you have to understand that some of us don't steal for the pleasure of it.
Ruem said with complete normality, clearly his attempt at pity failed miserably because Jhoel was so damn pissed he had to go to another room with an excuse.
«Jhoel» I'll…Grab you a chair…
He left in an instant, once he was gone Ruem took another look around before settling once more at Pathos.
Apparently the redness in his eyes and nose were still quite visible because as soon as he took a better look he quickly but also tippy tapping his way near Pathos. Once up close he looked back to where Jhoel left before bending down to whisper at Pathos.
«Ruem» Did he beat you?
«Pathos» He did not!
Pathos shouted as the thought of it seemed like a crime itself.
«Ruem» Ok! ok! don't shout I was just making sure.
Wouldn't there be bruises and other elements to back up his thoughts if there were!? And what made him think that anyway if that even were the case why would he stay here this close to him.
He seemed like a kind man that takes care of what little he has…Ah right Ruem met a different Jhoel, a more pissed one.
«Ruem» Whatever you two said to each other really left quite the work on you.
He rose up as once he made sure Pathos was safe, As he made his way closer to the fire, he reached out to warm himself. As he did that Pathos curled his arms around his legs as he followed Ruem with his eyes.
«Pathos» Yeah…
That conversation still reminisced like a thorn, however his concerns were pointed somewhere else now, towards Ruem's lack of attention.
«Pathos» You should really be more aware of what you say around him.
«Ruem» Jhoel? Why?
Who else if not him. Pathos hated how Ruem was acting despite Jhoel giving his best efforts to do the opposite, either he had not figured it out yet or he simply refused to acknowledge it and Pathos wanted to understand what it was.
«Pathos» Didn't you notice his…attempts…to befriend you?
«Ruem» No, I was still reminiscing about that elbow in the chest he planted into my guts.
He touched his guts as if recalling the elbow confiscated in his chest.
«Pathos» Oh quit being so prickly. You know why he did what he did.
Pathos wasn't going to give up so easily though he still despised Ruem's guts and his childish behaviour but he wasn't all bad, may those reasons behind his company be as childish as ever but they meant well in the end.
For all that he knew, if it weren't for him, who knows how long it would have taken for Pathos to find Jhoel. Yes the journey itself wasn't as safe as he desired but at least he made it and he was grateful for that.
«Pathos» Just. Be…nicer to him.
Or at least fake it as much as he is.
But as he presented that offer, Ruem's gaze shifted towards somewhere else that weren't Pathos's eyes. His discontent was clear but Pathos was still determined to settle the matter between these two.
«Ruem» Why exactly?
«Pathos» Are you really that absent-minded? Can't you understand what I'm trying to say?
«Ruem» I appreciate your concern but I doubt he can acknowledge me as something that isn't a thief.
«Pathos» At least make amends or something? He is doing it to you. Why not…reciprocate.
«Ruem» I'm…I'm not good with that kind of stuff.
Through this conversation his tone remained as calm as ever, but in that particular moment he seemed annoyed, but it wasn't clear why.
«Pathos» Are you saying that because you're too lazy to talk to him or is that a fact?
With a smirk Ruem chuckled, his hand moved away from the fire and rested it towards his arm crossing them.
«Ruem» I never lied to you so far, why should I now?
The truth that he was trying to hide at first.
«Pathos» It took me a bit to get the truth out of you though.
«Ruem» and truth it was whatsoever.
«Pathos» Truth or not I reckon you can give it a shot. Sure it might take some time but nothing impossible.
Ruem closed his eyes and dangled his head side to side.
«Ruem» Oh…Pathos, how I wished to live in the same world as you are…Sometimes people don't forget as easily as you may think.
The creak of a door opening stopped their conversation, Jhoel had grabbed another chair for Ruem to sit in, which made Ruem's head tilt sideways.
«Jhoel» Sit here there are somethings I'd like to ask you.
Ruem pushed himself off the chimney and made his way towards the chair with quite the confusion on his face.
«Jhoel» The boy briefly explained to me what happened, but I'd like to know from you in this field.
Pathos leaned his head and body back to listen further to their conversation. Jhoel's eyes turned towards the boy as he continued on.
«Jhoel» Raimei has the gifted flame?
Pathos threw his head back towards the flame, taking a last glance towards it before pushing his body upwards. Perhaps this was a conversation he should listen carefully to considering how much that flame of his had caused so much trouble.
«Ruem» Yep.
Jhoel sat down on his spot rubbing his chin while doing so. From how he looked and how the argument was brought up it didn't seem like news to him of what this flame was.
«Jhoel» I see. But Raimei has also poor control over that accursed flame.
That accursed flame?
Pathos brushed his hand against the wooden frame of the table as he approached his spot on that table. That shouldn't be a problem right now, although he may have brought chaos to this city he did also manage to control it afterwards.
«Pathos» I don't think that's a problem right now.
However, someone unexpectedly opposed him.
«Ruem» No it still is.
Pathos turned to Ruem who gazed at him with the tail of his eye. Confused, pathos stood there for a moment before asking.
«Pathos» It—It is?
Ruem fully turned towards Pathos with his hand hanging loosely and swinging side to side, dismissing his beliefs.
«Ruem» Yeah. You managed to willingly use that flame but your control over it is still lacking.
Right… Emotions serve as the source to effectively use it… So to completely control that flame would that mean he had to train himself psychologically? There doesn't exist a way to train one's emotions other than experiencing things till it doesn't have an effect.
«Pathos» Emotions…
But in reality it was because Pathos's soul was still tormented. Just like a kid when throwing a tantrum, his Prometeo attacks anything regardless of who it is. Especially those he doesn't know, the only reason it listened to him when he was trying to catch that girl was because.
«Ruem» That too, but that flame of yours is still in a frenzy. What you are doing is directing his attacks to where you want them to go—-Which works but doesn't mean you fully mastered it. Think of it as a stick of dynamite, you are the one throwing it but the strength of the explosion isn't under your control which normally should be.
Pathos softly nodded with acknowledgment. Maybe this was the only moment that something that came out of his mouth made actual sense. But even Ruem had still trouble understanding this flame, the pure reason he said it was because he could see it move across Pathos's body.
At the moment Pathos's Prometeo swirled around his body–or–more like his soul, without ever finding his exact place, not to mention his own flame often escaped, or it engulfed him entirely.
«Pathos» So I'm still at the very start.
He mumbled that to himself while Jhoel seemed completely out of place in this conversation. Yet he was listening to it without questioning anything to Pathos or Ruem, this wasn't news to him but it was the first time he actually overheard the conversation.
«Jhoel» Anyway, if the problem still stands then I might know someone who can help you
With hopeful eyes he turned towards Jhoel.
«Pathos» Really?
«Jhoel» Yeah. I know someone that has that flame. He comes to my shop every once in a while and has been a regular customer ever since. He goes by the name Simon Shugo
Pathos's eyebrows rose with curiosity, while Ruem sat down onto his chair, throwing his arm around it to be more comfortable. But if he is a regular customer wouldn't that mean he would be coming today?
«Jhoel» For now I closed my shop so I don't think there's a chance we'll see him today. But I'll see tomorrow if I can find him.
So he still needed time to further understand this new world, but Pathos wasn't quite happy about it. The more time he lost the more time his mother was left in the hands of people who God might know what they would do to her.