Zero

Bruno

In the heart of a murky, swamp-laden town, Astral and Jaylen stepped cautiously down the narrow, winding path, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and mystery. It was a desolate walk, silence hanging between them like an unspoken burden, both grappling with the weight of their thoughts.

As they ventured into the heart of the town, a familiar figure rushed toward them—a towering, burly man named Bruno, the bartender of the local tavern. His rugged face transformed with relief as he embraced Astral with a force that spoke of a bond deeper than mere friendship. "Astral, you're alive!" Bruno exclaimed, his voice tinged with emotion. "Kid... you scared me." The town, known for its shadows and whispers, suddenly felt alive with an unseen connection, a history that bound them together in ways Jaylen struggled to comprehend.

Jaylen's confusion deepened as he watched the exchange, his brow furrowed in thought. He blinked, struggling to process the layers of affection and concern that flowed effortlessly from Bruno to Astral.

The atmosphere thickened with unspoken promises as Bruno's hand cupped Astral's face, their shared history echoing in Bruno's words: "I promised Aliaea I'd protect you..."

The mention of Astral's mother sent a ripple of understanding through the air, and Jaylen's curiosity piqued. He stepped closer, desperately seeking clarity. "Wait, Bruno—you knew his mom?" The revelation hung in the air, heavy with nostalgia and regret.

Bruno gasped softly, his expression turning serious. "Oh yes... I did very well. And when she passed, I promised her to protect her two boys...but I failed one of you. I will not fail you." His gaze locked onto Astral, a silent vow lingering between them. As the boys exchanged glances, the weight of their shared past began to weave a fragile tapestry of camaraderie among them.

"Awe..." Jaylen murmured, seeing the vulnerability in Astral's downturned gaze. The implications of such a promise settled heavily in the air, mingling with the damp fog that hung over the town.

"I know you're worried," Astral finally looked up, determination burning in his eyes, "but there's more I need to do. Where are Dutchess and Hallow?"

"In the stables," Bruno replied, a hint of resignation in his voice. He knew he couldn't deter Astral's fierce spirit. "But be careful—Layen is still hunting you, and I fear he won't stop until he has killed you."

Astral's resolve crystallized as he nodded, "I'll make sure that doesn't happen." He set off towards the stables, Jaylen falling in step beside him, questions bubbling in his mind.

"Is he... like your dad?" Jaylen asked, tilting his head, curiosity etched across his face.

"Kind of... I guess in a way," Astral admitted, his voice quieter now. "He helped when she passed... took care of us."

Jaylen smiled, a warmth spreading in the cool air. "Awe... that's so cute," he teased lightly, turning his gaze away, sensing the depth of Astral's connection to Bruno.

"Yeah, I guess..." Astral's voice trailed off, memories flashing behind his eyes. "He took Nova's death hard... he really is a great guy."

The stables came into view, and as they entered, the atmosphere shifted once more. Astral approached his horse, a beautiful creature he hadn't seen in what felt like an eternity, gently cupping her face with his hands. "Hey... I'm sorry for leaving you so long." A soft meow interrupted their reunion, and Astral turned, lifting the small cat, Hallow, above his head. "Hello, Hallow! My baby girl!" he cooed, laughter breaking through the tension of the day.

Jaylen chuckled, moving closer to his own horse, stroking her gleaming white coat with affection. "Sorry, girl..." he hummed, a smile brightening his features as the two friends began to find comfort in the familiar, even amidst the looming shadows of their uncertain future. Together, they stood in the stables, surrounded by the warmth of their bond.

Time hung in the air as Astral and Jaylen embraced their companions, their hearts racing with the thrill of the unknown. "We need to go—" Astral urged, his gaze locking onto Jaylen, who nodded in agreement. With a shared sense of purpose, the boys mounted their horses and rode toward the shimmering portal that promised adventure beyond their wildest dreams.

As they stepped through the portal, they emerged into a breathtaking realm, a castle town that unfolded before them like the pages of an enchanted storybook. Towering walls of ancient stone surrounded vibrant buildings adorned with cascading blossoms, while a magnificent castle loomed majestically in the backdrop, its spires piercing the cerulean sky.

The landscape was a dreamscape; the air was sweet with the scent of cherry blossoms, and the grass glistened in a brilliant emerald hue, a stark contrast to the land they had departed.

"Whoa—" Jaylen breathed, his eyes wide with wonder. "It's so pretty!" he exclaimed, taking in the kaleidoscope of colors that danced around them.

Astral stepped forward, the sunlight bathing him in a warm glow, illuminating the vibrant world as he took it all in. "I don't like it... It's too bright; it hurts my eyes," Astral huffed, pulling a black cloth from his satchel to shield his gaze. "That's better—"

Jaylen chuckled, shaking his head at his friend. "You're such an emo," he teased, laughter bubbling from his lips.

Astral bristled for a moment before playfully admitting, "Well... I guess I am emo, you're right," and a soft laugh escaped him, the tension eased by their camaraderie. The boys ventured into the bustling town square, their senses alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter.

Astral tilted his head, curiosity etched on his features. "What are we supposed to do here?"

Jaylen's voice emerged muffled from his saddlebags as he rummaged through. "Uhm— I don't think we have a mission," he replied, half of his body disappearing into the depths of the bag.

Astral sighed softly, leaning against his horse, Duchess, who whinnied in response, her companion Hallows sleeping peacefully atop her back. "This place is usually peaceful, aside from the occasional bandit group. Maybe we should just take a small break; we've been on the go for far too long."

Jaylen's head popped out of the bag, eyes sparkling. "Oh—actually, that sounds nice!" he beamed, his spirit lifting at the thought.

Astral nodded, a smile creeping onto his face. "I know the perfect spot. I used to camp out there whenever I needed to clear my head." With renewed energy, he guided Duchess toward the path leading out of town, Jaylen eagerly following on his own horse.

As they journeyed further into the enchanting landscape, the scenery transformed into a magical forest. The dirt path twisted and turned through the towering trees, sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground. The pink cherry blossoms swirled in a gentle breeze, creating a mesmerizing display of nature's artistry.

"There's a lovely lake just ahead," Astral mentioned, his eyes glowing with nostalgia. "We can hunt or even fish. Just chill for a few days away from everything."

"Oh, that sounds peaceful—just the two of us," Jaylen replied, a contented sigh escaping him. "I've been hunting, but I've never fished."

Astral's eyes widened in mock disbelief. "Really? Well, I can show you how," he offered, excitement dancing in his voice.

Jaylen's grin widened. "Oh, that sounds fun!" he exclaimed, the anticipation of their upcoming adventure filling the air as they rode on, ready to embrace the tranquility of this new world.