The Everburn Mage

25. Day of Zero

The groaning locomotive zipped across Esteras' grassy landscape, following snake-like trails that bent and molded according to the natural environment. According to the announcer, they would arrive in Savannis City in approximately half an hour. 

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, they might experience some delays in their schedule. Ebony suspected this had something to do with James' missions. He was noticeably vague on the current status of the mission and his strike team. What only she knew was that her presence, as well as Rune's, was desperately required.

Speaking of, the girl with dark hair snuck a curious peek at the mage sitting across from her. They hadn't spoken much since the journey had begun though, of course, she had already expected this. 

After their mission took a turn for the worst, everyone wrapped themselves in an aura of anxiety and regret. She chose not to show it but, Daze was the first instance of her experiencing the loss of a teammate. As a combat mage, she knew she'd eventually have to suffer death and peril. To actually experience it was a different story altogether.

When it came to her, she hardly was familiar with the mage calling himself Daze Springs. He specialized in lightning magic and possessed an equally "sparky" personality to match. Even still, she could tell his heart was in the right place. 

She only imagined the minute income of grievance she garnered towards his murder was multiplied tenfold in regards to her partner. Rune and Daze originated from the same mage bracket and so, naturally, she assumed they were rather close. As such he recognized the pain he was concealing behind his unbothered stare. A plain, unchanging expression.

Approached by James who told her that Rune would ultimately assist in the mission, she didn't know whether or not to have faith in his words. He made it quite apparent he only ever acted with his self-interests in mind. 

So it came as a genuine shock to her when Rune came to her claiming he wanted to finish the mission he himself had derailed. Even now, as the two resided on a silent train headed towards a stage of despair, she couldn't grasp the logic behind his reasoning.

Falling victim to her intrigue, the girl asked bluntly, "What made you change your mind?", even if she didn't expect him to answer.

Astonishing her yet again, Rune looked her way and answered with a smile, "Funnily enough, I'm not entirely sure. Daze once told me he bore no hard feelings towards my old man. Said he saw him as a hero and remembered him for his altruistic deeds rather than the traitor he eventually became. To him, the title "Everburn" was a symbol that brought light and hope, and so my father kept his respect." Glancing down at his lap, he smirked, "He was an odd fellow, that Daze. For the most part, I found him annoying. Oftentimes I'd disregard his kindness and push him away. For him, I was his mentor...and I betrayed his trust."

Ebony dipped her head.

"But, it's like you said. I have to take responsibility, right?" Rune continued, offering to her a half-baked smile. "I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive myself for what happened, for what I've done. We could've stopped Thatch that night, thus putting an end to his path of destruction. Though, I suppose it's useless to dwell on what could have been. For now, I'll keep my eyes forward and focus on the present." He stared longingly out the window beside him, an orange gaze harboring a vision she remained ignorant of. "I can't run away from this, Ebony. I just can't. The world might curse my name and heritage, and deep down, I might truly be the monster they perceive me to be. Still, if I don't fix the problems I've started, then, what kind of man would that make me?"

"Perish the thoughts of others. Trust me, they'll do you no good."

"Believe me, I'm aware," Rune chuckled. "When I was young, I was inspired to be a combat mage, not for the fame and attention. I just wanted to save people who couldn't save themselves. The symbol Daze thought my father was, well, I aspired to be a symbol of peace as well. I haven't a clue if that dream is attainable anymore, even so, I...I..."