Time Lapse

Chapter 17 ~ Lights & Motion ~

The night sky blinked, twinkling with its usual stars. Some small, some larger. And while some seemed closer than others, some flickered as if sending a message down as Atlas watched. Clouds continued rolling by the chill night sky, and the rest of the group slept in the wagon. Shadid, however, had protested that he "Stay on night duty." That was short-lived, as he snored like an old fisherman.

Something swelled within the boy, remembering the vision of the old king and his knights fighting the army of monsters and how they fought alongside him, even when they could've ran. Is that loyalty, friendship, or something else, Atlas thought to himself. The idea of the people around him becoming comrades crossed his mind a few times, exciting him. It was the reason he couldn't fall asleep.

Sneaking out of the cart, Atlas walked off to find some cover behind a line of trees. From there, he looked at his palms, opening and closing them repeatedly. Then, surging from the essence of his being, he called out the sword he created.

Silver, its grip is still marked with no bearings. The blade's design was simple: the pommel was rounded like many, and the cross-guard lacked decoration other than more rounded ends. The blade itself, however, was different than conventional swords. Void of a point, the sword could only cut. It was unable to stab, with the pointed end being curved. While the practicality might seem nonsensical to most, it fits perfectly for Atlas's soul.

Swords, like most, break. They wither and dull, especially if not taken care of. But for Atlas, there was no concern. The sword defied the rules of magic, its origin uncertain, just like his fate on the long journey ahead of him.

Stabbing wasn't how Atlas wanted to fight. Instead, cutting down barriers, ropes, chains, whichever it may be that tempts fate was what he desired to sever.

The demon controlling Gestalt lived in secret, and the sword was capable of showing its true self, cutting its hold over the people and finally freeing them from its control.

To stab meant to kill, but to cut meant to harm anything in his way. Light magic's speed was faster than any other, and the curved end allowed better flow against wind, gravity, or whatever it may be. To take him as far as his eyes could see. To tackle headfirst into anyone or anything in his way.

Throwing the sword was easier as it was curved, riding the winds. With the guidance of his spirit friend, traversing against the forces of nature proved easier. Whether physical or spiritual, Atlas would cut it down if it meant a threat loomed to harm innocents, ridding one dark ruler at a time.

"Open the Gates, and connect the Light to purge Darkness..." The order he was given sat heavy on his heart. It would be a grueling task, much more complicated than anyone could anticipate. And while most wouldn't believe his story if he shared it, he wanted to nonetheless. Expressing his mutual loyalty was frightening, but the idea of dragging others along the long war across the Lower Plane terrified him more. Unsure he could handle the journey, he prepared his heart for departure.

Leaving meant abandoning what he could build: friends.

But leaving also meant sparing them from his destiny. The fight wouldn't be just across the tyrant demon ruling Gestalt but to many other realms. To rid the Lower Plane entirely. It also meant leaving your world behind, never settling down to create a home.

"Even after my curse as a fey disappears, I'll still be a slave in some way." Atlas talked to himself now, his voice creating some sense of comfort. "But at least I can save everyone." He spoke, steeling his resolve and clutching his sword closer to his heart, resting on his chest.

"Hey, is that you, Atlas?" a familiar, friendly voice called out from the wagon's direction.

Staying quiet for a moment, Atlas fought the urge to stay and reveal himself.

"Hey, you're not running away, are you?" He asked again, closer to the tree.

Turning the corner, Atlas revealed himself: "Ah, sorry. I just had to get a quick stretch. I'm not running," he replied, smiling nervously.

"If you say so. I won't judge." Helmer replied, leaning his back against the tree.

Friendship was new to Atlas-at least friendship that wasn't between the unseen.

"Have you always worked at the Rime estate?" Atlas asked, setting a conversation.

"You already know this, Atlas. Did you forget?" Helmer asked, falling to his feet to rest.

"From a little town north of here, I remember." Atlas turned to look at Helmer, who stared at the dark forest and field in the distance.

Fiddling with his hands nervously, Hemer finally spoke after a few minutes of silence. "Atlas, don't forget I'm still older than you. I'm your friend and someone to talk to," Helmer confessed, standing up against the tree. "If you want to run away, I won't stop you. But at least tell me first so I can know if my friend is safe," Helmer pleaded, finally looking Atlas's way.

Atlas looked up, unsure of what to say. His emotions stirred, and he was perplexed by how to reply. He felt the need to respond, to seek comfort in a friend's presence. After a few more minutes of silence, Atlas looked away from the night sky, reaching his answer.

"I promise," Atlas replied with a firm resolve.

"Good. Don't forget it. I take promises with friends seriously." Helmer patted Atlas on the back and turned his head to stare at the night sky. "So, what constellations piqued your interest tonight?"

Atlas kept quiet, pointing up towards the Snafkin constellation. "Aviva the Hovish, right above Kompass Door, and Helilios the Unshakeable."

"Ah, I see her. She's the savior of rebirth, rejuvenation, and regrowth?" Helmer asked, tilting his head to disfigure Aviva's long, flowy clothes.

Atlas grinned, shaking his head, "No. You're confusing her with Ghavis tongue, who uses Beton for the season after winter." Atlas corrected, pointing to another constellation of a warrior of one of Gestalt's old kingdoms. "Aviva, the Hovish, or gardener, who plants seeds of faith and friendship along the river beds. All the towns she planted grow into fruitful cities with tranquility and peace. Matched by loyalty and friendship," he explained, using his hands to talk as he got excited over the story.

Helmer didn't know what to say and instead enjoyed the night breeze while staring at the constellations with his friend.

Atlas stared at the constellations as his mind wandered over possible future adventures. Ridding himself of doubt, Atlas decided to stick around for a little longer. He could no longer deny his need for friendship, Helmer, Erys, and perhaps the other three in the wagon.

The sprites woke up, and a feeling of light filled the air. As they flew over the open field, their colors whizzed around the night sky. Helmer pointed up exactly where the three sprites flashed their colors. "And what stars are they?" he asked curiously.

Atlas, confused, turned to Helmer. "You can see them?"

~~~~~~~~~~~

"You should enjoy the little detours to the fullest."

- Hunter x Hunter, Yoshihiro Togashi