Our Tears Makes Us Stronger

OTMUS 2 - "I swear!"

~Chapter 2: "I swear!"~

The streets were now empty. The dark clouds still loomed over the city. The once cheerful lanes was now lanes of broken hopes and stands. The once violet purple trees were now charcoal black. Debris rained from the skies as they slowly, slowly descended into the broken, burning fire-fuel stands. Grief and despair came from the towns streets like  a woman grieving for a lost baby.

The people gathered at the castle’s hallway, bunched together like a rubber band was keeping them together. A voice from a speaker spoke.

"The hallway is clearly too small to hold everyone. But while the city streets may be still unsafe, we ask of your patience and understanding. Thank you." 

Mumbling was heard throughout the corridor. Tones of fear and confusion came out of their mouths. In an empty corner at the entrance to the castle's interior, sat Leif, looking down at the ground as if nothing was there. His hair drooped over his gloomy face and blood stained the cemented floor. A man walked up to him.

"Master Leif," an adult voice said.

Without looking up, Leif answered glumly "What is it, Farren?" 

"King Eriol wishes to speak with you."

Without answering, he got up, and followed Farren through a door, limping. He could see the glamorous lights coming from the walls, but all he could see was the red woven carpet. On and on they walked to what seemed like hours to Leif. Eventually, they stopped in front of a wooden oak door. 

"Right in this room, sir." Farron bowed, gesturing to Leif to enter.

He turned the knob, and finally looked up. Upon the bed inside the room, sat the king looking at an old photo. The crown atop of his head sparkled in the room's light. His short blonde hair was hidden partially in the king's crown. A purple cloak covered his back and was outlined with an animal's fur. Looking around this simple wooden room made Leif remember his something in his past. A chair, a desk and a bed was all in the room. No fancy jewellery, no complicated designs. Just a simple wooden room. He grinned ever so slightly.

This place.....

The king looked up from the photo and took a gander at Leif.

"Ahhh...." he said collectively "Leif..."

"What did you want?" he said sourly, crossing his arms.

The king smiled gently "Is that the way you should respond to the king?"

He grunted and looked down.

The king looked more at Leif. The sleeves of his brown shirt have been teared off. His  white working pants were covered un dirt and was falling apart. His left arm was painted with the blood that came from his shoulder. But the messiest part of him was his hair. His usually neatly combed hair was like a raging wave and covered most of his upper face.

"So may I ask what happened?"

Silence spoke in the room for a few seconds before Leif decided to speak.

"That time... He stood there facing down at us..."

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"Hello, Leif my man!" the boy said in a deep voice.

Leif glared "How do you know me?"

The boy chuckled "Of course you wouldn't remember." he shook his head.

Remember?

"Oh, how rude of me!" he said with a laugh "Forgetting introductions. My name.... My real name... Ha! Doesn't matter! I call myself... Fuyu. Why? Ohohoh wouldn't you want to know?"