The Enchanted Forest

New Year and Old Nemesis

  A new year. A new pain. Terence Loer hated this time of year. The year his life changed for the worst. This was the year when that bastard, Teague Zemer, made him the laughing stock of the city. Five years ago, a week from today, he had come across a glowing stone, that a man in a dark cloak had given him. One that emitted a strange energy but whenever it came in to contact of other humans, Terence noticed the glow diminished. The only one to believe him was his younger sister, Viviana Loer. His parents thought he had lost his mind but nonetheless faked support to his “wild claims”.

            Four years later. Teague had caught wind of his stone and publicly mocked him within the Zion Academy for the entire school to see. He had laughed, while gesturing to Terence, ridiculing the “delusional kid” and the school had joined in. Terence fumed as they doubted him but knew he had no way to prove the stones power when it would always die around others. He could see that day clearly.

------- One Year ago (New Year's Eve) ----------

            “You're a real fucking bastard you know that?!” Terence shouted with a vicious glare. It was rare for Terence to explode in such a way.

            Teague looked stunned but it quickly passed, “Oh boy, please don't go psycho on me. I don't think I'd survive it. Hahahaha!!”

            Terence's eyes widened with fury as he looked about ready to punch him for the whole school to see. Just when he raised his arm, he felt slender hands latch onto his elbow. Looking down, Viviana's large blue eyes appeared upset, her milky-violet hair soft yet seemed dull in contrast with her sad face.

            “Come on, brother. They're not worth it. Mom and dad... they're ill.” Viviana tugged on his arm.

            Terence calmed down immediately, “What?”

            Viviana was almost in tears, “They were in an accident. We were late getting home so they came to pick us up. They're in the hospital.”

            Terence grabbed her hand, “Come on!”

            “Where are you going? Done so soon?” Teague called out.

            Terence stopped in his tracks, “When a little girl says you're not worth then you must be truly pathetic. I have more important things to do then pick a fight with a loser.” Terence turned to give him a glare before dashing off.

            Teague let out a soft “heh”. “Well said...”

--------- The Hospital ------------

            There they sat. Terence and Viviana, with tears in their eyes, sat next to their parents as they lay severely bruised and weak. They're mother groaned and Terence bolted upright. Taking a hold of her hand, the boy could feel her strain. “Mother...?”

            “We're so sorry, Terence. I'm afraid we'll have to leave everything to you.” Their mothers voice was soft but still clear.

            “What do you mean? You... you're not going anywhere. You're merely in the hospital.” Terence knew deep down what she meant but refused to believe it.

            Their mother sighed, “We love you two. Please... forgive us... pl......” The more she talked the louder the machine began to beep.

            Viviana was crying hysterically, “Mommy! Mommy, stop talking! You'll make the machine mad! Stop talking, mommy!”