Celestia

Chapter 5: Leander's Journey from Betrayal to Celestia

Damon's disbelief lingered in the thick Celestian air. Leander, with a mastery of his newfound ability, had swiftly dealt with the powerful assailant, saving Damon from imminent danger. Gratitude and confusion mingled in Damon's eyes as he looked to Leander for an explanation. In a realm where survival hinged on the willingness to kill, Leander's act of mercy stood out like a beacon of incongruity.

"Why did you save me?" Damon questioned, struggling to reconcile this unexpected kindness in a place where brutal rules dictated existence.

Leander, his expression contemplative, responded, "I don't care about those rules. I didn't mean to kill that guy. For the first time in my life, I can actually talk to someone."

Intrigued, Damon prompted Leander to share his backstory. Leander's narrative unfolded, revealing a childhood marred by loneliness and a constant struggle for acceptance. From a young age, he had felt like an outcast within his own family. His parents, indifferent and dismissive, showered warmth and care on his sister while treating him with cold detachment. Tasks that should have been shared responsibilities were thrust onto Leander alone - from assembling his own room to enduring sickness without comfort.

Leander's narrative continued to unveil the burden of a lonely existence. A move to a new place saw him sleeping on the floor for over four years, a testament to his determination to overcome adversity. Tired of feeling weak, Leander turned to rigorous physical training, sculpting his body into a symbol of strength and resilience. His athleticism drew attention at school, earning him admiration from girls but stoking jealousy and disdain among boys.

A turning point came with the arrival of Blake, a new student who became Leander's closest friend. Together, they navigated the complexities of high school life, bonding over shared interests, including a newfound passion for swimming. However, as Blake's popularity grew, so did the distance between them. The final blow came when Blake publicly renounced their friendship, leaving Leander heartbroken and betrayed.

Unable to bear the emotional turmoil, Leander confronted Blake, seeking answers to the sudden betrayal. The confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, driven by Leander's overwhelming emotions. In a tragic turn, Blake lost his life to Leander's uncontrollable outburst. The aftermath saw a confrontation with Blake's parents, ending in violence and leaving Leander unconscious.

A mysterious invitation to Celestia arrived, providing an unexpected escape from the consequences of his actions. Damon, now privy to the depth of Leander's past, felt a mix of shock and sympathy. However, their momentary respite was interrupted as the enigmatic archer resumed the pursuit.

A massive assailant, seemingly impervious, stood in their way. The archer's deadly accuracy, however, prevailed as an arrow found its mark, incapacitating the colossal threat. Damon and Leander, catching their breath, found themselves facing a beautiful yet apprehensive girl.

As Leander approached with a friendly greeting, the girl's fear became palpable. Damon, keenly observant, noted her lack of weaponry, signaling a potential ability. With surprising speed, the girl rushed towards them, her intent clear. In a protective gesture, Damon shoved Leander aside, taking the impact of her touch himself.

The words uttered by the mysterious girl carried a profound power - the ability to erase memories. She retreated swiftly, leaving Damon disoriented and confused. Leander, puzzled and concerned, called out to Damon, only to be met with a response that sent shivers down his spine - Damon had lost his memories. The journey in Celestia had taken an unexpected and perilous turn