A World With/Out Home

Chapter 1: A Baker's dream (Part 3)

Word quickly spread about the performing troop's arrival and with it increased orders for the bakery as many of the villagers decided to pass by. Although Kyle and his father were kept busy inside they didn't lack any news as almost every customer was talking about them. Better still was the news that the performers would indeed put on a small show in the square. Given the opportunity there was no way Kyle would not go. It was rare enough for him to make it the next town over but to see an actual show by performers that owned such a large truck, his expectations were high.

As the night came and the bakery closed for business Kyle made his way to the square with his father. A makeshift stage had been erected by the large truck and almost all the villagers had already gathered including Mr Turner and Marisha who stood out in their private seating. Not even a minute passed after Kyle arrived before Jana burst onto the stage accompanied by the flare of fiery effects behind her. Although still dressed in her plain clothes her appearance seemed more vibrant than before.

"Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen of Tomph," she bowed and with a flourish took off her hat to reveal shoulder length green hair. Many of the crowd were already entranced by her strange hair colour and gasped. Even for the older members they had rarely come across it. Jana grinned at their reaction, "Our performance today is quite sudden and although we don't have all our usual equipment I do hope you enjoy the show. We begin with a tale, one that marks our history. I'm sure you've heard it before but maybe not quite like this." Her hand stretched out as a ball of light appeared from nothing and began to release coloured strings of light painting a picture beside her.

"In the beginning there was nothing but fog. The world obscured and humanity no more than a wondering tribe in a land of danger. But then came from above the Eternal Hero." A sudden split shone through the greying fabrics of light revealing a depiction of a golden armoured man. "Sent from far beyond he broke through the fog and brought life to our lands. An immortal of immeasurable power he secured the very lands we rest our lives today." The fog faded away further and instead the light formed into towns and even cities as people began to appear and flourish. "Since then the new world began and for four hundred years still this Eternal Hero protects us. From what you ask? Not from the far off fog but something more sinister." The light vanished and dark wisps of smoke swam through the crowd scaring many of the children. "Demons!" With that word the light came back but only to be obscured by a shifting darkness that flowed across the stage. "Monsters that seep through the earth and prey upon humanity. Their grotesque forms and hunger spread only death and dismay. But fear not, because beyond fear we still have our hope." The golden armour reappeared and swinging a mighty sword broke through the darkness bringing back the people. "For four hundred years he has protected us and for eternity he will continue to. Let those who see him feel peace and praise his name. The legend who saved us, the Eternal Hero." In a grand finally an array of coloured light burst behind her as the crowd of villagers stood and clapped.

"Thank you, thank you," Jana did a small curtsy and from behind her Lillia and another man bowed as well. For the villagers who had barely seen any magic aside from the tools in their homes the display was truly spellbinding. Even for Kyle the most he had ever seen was the school teacher light a small fire. It just went to show how big the world was and how little Tomph meant.

"For our next performance I call up our one and only Bethial who will stun you with his feats of strength." With her words, the same man who had come to the bakery appeared. He looked a tad awkward as he stared into the crowd but as if finally making his mind he threw off his shirt revealing the mass of muscle beneath. A clear flush spread from many of the villages' women and their husbands could only feel jealous. From the corner of Kyle's eyes he spotted Marisha gazing his way oddly but as soon as he turned she looked away. On the stage Bethial was lifting up objects that were far heavier than himself and even letting some of the children hang off his arms.

Kyle's father smirked, "That guy really is something. I mean the girl's performance and story were nice, though a bit dramatized, this guy isn't even spreading an ounce of mana. That's pure muscle there."

"You can tell?" Kyle looked at him surprised.

"Ah well before I was a baker I did dream of being a knight like any other boy," he laughed. "Though I clearly didn't make it far."

Kyle stared at his own arms before his father's and finally to Bethial's. He really didn't stand a chance.

As Bethial finished his act Jana took the stage again, "And to finish the night we leave you with a song. I present to you Lillia!"

The girl was still wearing her hat but once in the centre of attention a light gust blew it away revealing deep purple strands that reflected the moon's light. She took a deep breath and began. Her voice was mesmerising and in the instant her song rang, the villagers' hearts seemed to tug as the words flowed through the darkened sky.

(Lyrics TBA?)

Although beautiful the song was ultimately a sad one. About a group of knights who wanted to protect the world, they pushed themselves and travelled doing good deeds. In the end however their good deeds caused more pain instead as if their very lives were cursed. The final verse told of their last breaths trying to make amends and even then they were never rewarded, instead the world forgot them and time moved on.

Without noticing, a tear had dropped from Kyle's cheek and as the performance ended he just stared at the girl on the stage. Jana joined her and as the crowd cheered an ecstatic blush bloomed on her cheeks. She bowed to them repeatedly taking in their praise smiling all the way. It was clear and innocent, more genuine than anything he had seen before. Her eyes even began to well as she brushed away tears. Even for a small village crowd she could feel the emotion as if it were her first time. For a small moment Lillia's eyes caught his as Jana celebrated beside her. She mouthed a small 'thank you' before turning away. Whether it was to him or the crowd he couldn't tell and like that the small act came to an end.