Memory Shards (Book#1 of Malachi)

Chapter 4: Change

Above is a photo I found on the Internet that somewhat depicted what Agredon would look like somewhat in this chapter! Credits go to whoever the creator is, the song as well!

Added a song that helped inspire the last half of the chapter!

Terx opened the door to the small hut and led Malachi in.

Malachi looked around, impressed by the cleanliness. The floor was sand, the walls made of what appeared to be a bamboo type material. A hammock was over to the side of the hut. A mesh, screen type material covered the circular openings within the home.

"Have a seat," Terx said. He was motioning for one of the two seats at a small square table.

"Alright," he replied, sitting at the table.

Terx went to the back room for something. He returned with a bowl of a red cream.

"Hope told me that you had a run in with the vines," he said. "Show me where the rash is."

Malachi had almost forgot about the reddening. He looked down at his chest and forearm, surprised that there was no sign of it left. "I had it on my chest and arm. I don't see it now. Maybe Titus gave me the concoction when I was unconscious."

Terx shook his head. "I highly doubt it. It might have healed already since its effects are variant on different people."

Malachi nodded, intrigued at the idea.

Terx put the cream on the table and remained standing. He was looking Malachi over, his opinions clear on his face.

"You don't stand a chance in this youngling's entry." Terx said, bringing it up.

Malachi looked down at his hand. "I wish I knew where I was to tell you the truth."

Terx furrowed his eyebrows. "That shouldn't matter to you right now. You need to focus on what's to come. You will go through a grinding course that has only a few graduate each go around."

Malachi grinned, touching his face. "Does my face not show of what I've gone through? Speaking of... Why have none of you asked of my scar?"

Terx raised a brow, crossing his arms. "Each person on this island has a scar that they carry, whether it be physical or emotional. In rare occasions, it can be both."

"What do you mean? How does each person have a scar? Are they born with it?"

Terx looked grim. "Only once before have we had help with fighting the outside enemy. The threat appears every so often. We've had many casualties. I, for instance, suffered an emotional scar during that time. Veela suffered the physical scar."

"I didn't see anything on her," Malachi said.

Terx frowned. "Telling someone you have a scar is normal. Even telling them what kind is acceptable, but revealing the scar or  why- for the emotional kind- is only for those that are close. It is usually reserved for those that are intimate or family. Your scar is on your face so it cannot be helped. To be asked of your scar would be seen as rude, or as that person trying to bond deeply with you."

"Oh," Malachi said. "That would make sense. So you have seen Veela's scar?"

"Yes," responded Terx. "But ask me no more of it. It is not my place to say so. That is her own."

"I understand," Malachi said. "But may I ask another question?"

Terx leaned against the wall and nodded.

"You said you were not a relative of Veela... So is she like your girlfriend?"

Terx smirked. "Girlfriend? Isn't that being discriminatory? I don't know where you come from, but here, a friend is a friend no matter the gender."