Years before Zack enters SOLDIER, a girl starts the treacherous path of prodding into little nightmares. Her memories become etched into the lifeline, knowing well pinning for her love would be futile. When he does come back, he finds his old frien...
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Chapter One: Hang In There
A gentle thrum pulsated under her fingers, like a way of communicating only through a way certain people can understand and comprehend. Peri dug her hands into the white grains of sand, the warmth enveloped her like a comforting hug, and the wondrous smell of sea salt. Lucian always described her as a strange child, but her connection to the lifeline had always made outsiders think that way—not realizing the Caedric girl had a special connection to the energy and perplexing nature of her own heart.
By the water teetering over the shoreline, a boy standing tall with his hand over his eyes caught Peri's attention. Perhaps it's the world's way of showing another warmth of light, as a ring of sunshine shone down on this boy. Her eyes were attracted to this sensible aura, not wanting to leave without talking to him at least once.
"Hey! What are you doing?"
This boy turned around, displaying his round cheeks, spiky and upturned black hair. He had a large grin on his lips in a silly and mischievous manner, like everything in the world made him very happy that day. Looking back on this very moment years later, Peri realized none of it should have been wonderful at all.
"I'm looking forward to this day and tomorrow, then the day after!" The boy shouted in this stupid happiness, a cheeriness reserved for kids of young age. His bubbly smile and carefree demeanor made Peri giggle helplessly, which earned a short laugh from him as well.
"What? That doesn't make any sense. Why?"
"Because I decided that I should live from now on."
Glancing down at his exposed legs under the shorts, Peri gasped out of horror, seeing reddish purple bruises blooming on his arms and legs. Maybe there were more than what she could see, but the prospect already dawned on her. A worried tear welled up in her eyes, but strength had to be lended, and ended up blinking the tears away.
Maybe he fell? But that's too many bruises..
"Oh...what is your name? My name is Peri. Peri Caedric," Peri introduced herself with a friendly smile, putting the grim subject of his bruises and wounds aside. First, if one wanted to make friends, you have to make a good first impression. "We live just down the street with my mother and brother."
I'll ask him later...
"Cool! Nice to meet you, Peri! My name is Zack!"
"So, Zack, what brings you here?" Peri questioned, feeling the sun's soft warmth tickle her skin. Unlike her, Zack's skin was slightly tinged with red and already sunburnt, indicating he had been outside for quite some time now. Unperturbed by this, he remained in the sun's rays without bother.
