Zero

Pasts

As the golden hues of dusk settled over the enchanted forest, Jaylen found solace in the crackling warmth of the fire, its flames dancing like flickering spirits in the twilight. He had prepared a humble breakfast—though it was far from the usual morning fare—consisting of perfectly scrambled eggs, savory beans, and crusty toast.

The aroma wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the surrounding woods, creating a comforting ambience that eased his troubled mind. Beside him, a small black cat named Hollow, with striking orange patches that glimmered in the fading light, became an unexpected companion on this journey. They had forged an unlikely friendship, bound by the shared trials of their adventure. As Jaylen offered the remnants of his meal to Hollow, who promptly devoured the morsels with a chirrup of delight, he chuckled softly, "Your owner is an odd guy." With a gentle hand, he stroked Hollow's velvety head, and the cat purred in contentment, circling his feet like a living shadow. Yet, as Hollow darted back into the tent to join the slumbering Astral, a familiar melancholy washed over him. Jaylen's smile dimmed, and the weight of recent events settled heavily on his shoulders.

The reckless escapades and harrowing encounters had altered him in ways he hadn't anticipated. As he gazed into the depths of the fire, memories of his past life flickered like the flames—his classmates, the arrogance that once defined him, and the harsh words left unspoken.

"Irilla..." he murmured, a sense of longing lacing his voice. "I wish I could apologize." The shadows danced around him, echoing his remorse, as he realized that this new world had not only tested his courage but also stripped him of his pride, leaving behind a humbled soul searching for redemption in the heart of the wilderness.

"Whos that-"

"AH-" Jaylen turned to his side, caught by surprise.

"Astral—oh. Just, she was my old classmate, an elf," Jaylen murmured, his voice trailing off as memories danced in his mind.

"Ah—" Astral hummed, his icy blue-hued eyes sparkling with curiosity as he shifted closer, the warmth of the flames illuminating his delicate, pointed ears. He poked at the fire, sending a spray of embers into the cool night air. "Tell me about her."

Jaylen hesitated, his brow furrowing at the unexpected inquiry. Jay had always been aloof, rarely delving into his past. "Uhm, well, she was the top of her Mage class, long blonde hair... bright teal eyes..." he replied, letting the warmth of the fire reflect the warmth of his memories—a bittersweet glow.

"Sooo, why are you sorry?" Astral's question hung in the air like the smoke swirling above them, drawing Jaylen from his reverie.

With a heavy sigh, Jaylen's gaze shifted back to the flames, illuminating the regret etched across his features. "Oh, I was always just a cocky jerk, especially to her..."

"Ah..." Astral nodded, his expression softening as he looked down, the weight of understanding deepening the silence.

".....Do you regret how things ended with someone?" Jaylen asked, his voice almost a whisper, breaking the barrier of vulnerability.

Astral pondered the question, his eyes closing as he sought clarity amidst a sea of memories. The flickering firelight danced in his mind, conjuring images of lost connections and missed opportunities. ".....I've got quite a lot of regrets, Jaylen..." he finally confessed, the quiet honesty of his words resonating in the stillness of the night

Astral found himself lost in memories that felt like shadows weaving through his mind. The air was thick with the scent of spiced ale and roasted meats, but none of it could mask the weight of his sorrow. "What I look back most on is my team; I lost them all in one night," he murmured, his voice barely rising above the crackles of the campfire.