Solitude in the Dark

Episode 4: Boundaries Part 1

"Asia—what now?"

"Division. Us Radiants are scattered around the globe from Eden, to guarantee the safety of the many, Divisions established on large masses of land of the planet, those are North and South America, Australia, Africa, and Europe, since Asia is the largest body of territory it is divided into three."

"Then how about Antarctica?" Cloud asks.

"It's just mountains of snow and ice. There is nothing there, the continent was cleared a long time ago,"

As they find their way out of the airport, they overhear on a nearby TV from an international news channel saying... Alarming cases of Aswang sightings and killings are beginning to terrorize the country again, why did they return after ten years of freedom from them?

Hayan who is aware of the larger picture of the conflict "What? Crap..." only he could say.

"Is that how really bad what happened back in Busan?" Cloud asks.

"They must've awoken thanks to Envy's actions. After his assault on Radiants' finest warriors, there's no reason for him to stay silent,"

"Then, what should we do?" Cloud asks.

The only logical answer from Hayan, "We stick on Archangel Michael's, find the Division--"

Yunika jumps into their conversation and cuts off Hayan "We better go to a nearby mall and buy some clothes"

"What? Why? No..." Cloud right away refuses.

Yunika responds "Why not? You and I haven't changed in days, nor have taken a bath. You don't think it's better to at least purchase some new clothes?"

...

"Thank you for the purchase, sir, please come again"

As they leave the store, Cloud almost dies of boredom after sitting for hours. He mutters "Good grief, that took an eternity... I only took almost ten minutes to choose what to buy," Then he turns to Yunika and says "While you there keep walking back and forth from aisle to aisle, asking me which clothes are better... Goodness...." he sighs.

Of course, she's not going to take that comment well. She scoffs "Shut up! Hayan said we pick whatever we like and he'll deal with the payment. You can't just refuse that kind of blessing! Thank you, by the way, Hayan. Unlike someone here who doesn't know how to express gratitude..."

"Welcome to you two," Hayan said with a smile.

Hayan also took the opportunity to pick something for himself, he bought a comfy baggy sweater. Cloud with a simple blue polo, and Yunika bought a stylish blouse. Leaving the gigantic SM Mall of Asia with a taxi now heading to Hayan's condo near Manila Bay.

Arriving at the place, Cloud peaks outside the window and sees how prestigious the place is, he leans forward to Hayan on the front seat, "Hey, hey, hey! Are we staying there?? Looks like we need to cost an arm and a leg to have a unit in that—" somewhat nervous Cloud said.

Then he is interrupted by Hayan. He laughs. "Calm down, Cloud, I got it covered..." saying like it's nothing considering how expensive his place is, just by looking at it.

"Jeez... Are you some kind of walking bank? Just how much money do you have? You paid for the plane ticket and that's three tickets if you didn't notice, the clothes we just bought, and now this?! A condo for fucking celebrities!?" He points at someone outside "Just look at that guy, he looks like someone who owns ten Lamborghini."

Hayan laughs harder. "Enough money to provide a food supply for years. Calm down, will you? And the room we'll occupy is mine so there's no need for payment and stuff, it's not that really expensive..."

On the 15th floor, the condo that Hayan owns is conveniently big enough for them, maybe too big for them to be exact, a whole luxury house inside of a building. It's 10:00 in the evening and everyone is tired, Yunika is now resting and sleeping quietly in the living room, and Hayan is on the outside balcony minding his own business silently listening to the busy streets below as he enjoys the sweet breeze from the bay. While Cloud is in the bathroom cleaning himself, contemplating, and still troubled by everything that happened. As he stares at the mirror, an ominous figure of shadow reflects on it. Cloud is startled. Black mist envelops him. And the reflection warns "BEWARE!!" Then everything vanishes as if nothing happened.

On the outside, a loud noise was heard by Hayan. He peeks inside, "Hey, are you alright in there?" he asks.

"Just slipped," Cloud said as he chases his breath. He fixes himself exits the bathroom and immediately goes to brew a coffee, americano. Then he hangs with Hayan outside, "Coffee?" he offers.

"No thank you, I'd prefer tea," The two rest and watch the passers-by below. Having a long breath after such events. Especially for Cloud.

Cloud sips at his cup and his noticeable shaking is caught by Hayan. "Are you okay? You look like about to pass out," he asks. He adds "You know you shouldn't drink coffee if you're in a panic because it can make things worse, right?"

"I'm sorry, I—I'm panicking and worried... Too much to handle," he said as he inhaled deeply. "I don't know what will happen next, another nightmare or what..."

"What makes you say that? Is it because of that news back at the airport? I know all of this is too much for you—How old are you anyways since these creatures went silent ten years ago??"

"I was nine years old at that time... I still remember watching the television as the country celebrated after the cases started to drop... monsters stopped appearing, and everyone rejoiced for weeks straight. Everyone is happy that they can roam the city without the concern of being killed or eaten alive."

"Glad to hear that... You and I were opposite before they went silent. I was at our house, me with my dad, mom, and my siblings... Then suddenly a Werewolf breaks into the house, his threatening red eyes glare at us ready to feast on our bodies at any moment, and his mouth drools endlessly, growling at us, the prey. Me and my family stare at him in terror. Then there... In a flash, the whole house is flooded with blood, the blood of my own family. I am the last one left alive. As the creature grabbed me by my foot, I was inches away from his fangs... A white Owl lands out of nowhere on the Werewolf's head, and the creature's head explodes without any warning. Bewildered and afraid that something worse would happen, and a man in white entered the place, introducing himself as the Seraphim. With no one left for me, he took me to Eden to keep safe."

Cloud puts his cup down as he lays his eyes, ears, and attention to Hayan.

Hayan continues "As I grow in Eden, I begin to learn magic after knowing that I am a High Concentration, and as a child, my curiosity grew larger, I often sneak into the barracks just to watch some Radiants spar. With enough experience in magic and fighting using daggers, I joined the Radiants with the rank of Guardian, the lowest of the ranks. And now I'm here, accompanied by you two as my first assignment. You have the power to protect and save others the only question is whether you choose to use it or not. You don't have to worry in the first place, Asia I has one of the most powerful Archon."

All that talk paid off Cloud can somewhat lessen his worries and calm himself down. "I can't believe you've kept a positive and hopeful attitude after everything you've been through," he said.

"Life is full of suffering, but hope as well, Cloud," Hayan replied.

"Maybe Michael was right. Focusing on the past will not change anything," Cloud looks at Yunika inside the room "All I can do is to set my eyes on the present, and hope for the best." As the strong wind from the vast sea blows to them he says, "I've made a grieving mistake, and I will not repeat it twice."

"We've never properly met, aren't we? Hayan, Hayan Proinothos, a pleasure to meet you."

"Cloud Ye-seul." He said as he gazed up at the glowing full moon from the night sky, with his eyes flickering in ominous purple.

An unexpected friendship is formed.