Forever Synth

Chapter 1.7: Last Surprise

With our armor dried and firmly tightened back on, we stepped out of the Inn to be greeted by a row of soldiers and William rushing over to us. He had a frightful sight and when approached us, turned to instant relief.

He asked, "We thought you two were lost out in the fields when it started raining."

Rosaria and I quickly glanced at each other, sharing a grin and a light chuckle. We both explained to William that we were safe and unharmed, thanks to the people of the Inn taking great care of us.

Dumbfounded by my response, he questioned "What did you two do?" Rosaria intertwined her fingers with mine, holding gently and answering with, "That's our little secret."

I stayed silent, sharing the same thoughts with hers. William shook his head in disbelief. I got this shaking feeling he knows but respects us to keep it to himself. Instead, he ordered his men to prepare for the trip to the expedition.

Me and Rosaria were escorted by our helmsman to the carriage. I let Rosaria in first and followed. Before the door closed, William approached the door. He told us, "It only should be a few hours till we reach our designation."

The helmsman shut the door and we proceeded to continue. The sky still had clouds hanging above. The light rays shined down onto the land as if it were a stage. Captivating the landscape more. We both stared out, admiring the wonders of this world.

We would approach the excavation site. Upon first look, a sheer cliff side overshadowed the entire ground. Within the wall was a structure imposing to anything we've built. Geometric patterns of perfect angles. Pillars encased with eroded metal, seemingly dormant yet felt as if it was waiting to be awakened. Statues of massive proportions. One had eroded away to reveal only the lower legs, the other had appeared to have held something. The arms and face have degraded into something unrecognizable. The entrance was dark and aligned with rows of support columns, yet inside it felt ancient but also familiar.

The best way I could describe is something similar to the church of Mira. The pillar structures were the same, geometry had similar uses.

This aura the ruins gave off signaled the presence of Kos. The living that is now desolate and dead from within. The shadow looming over the cliffside felt as if the God of Death didn't want light to shine over something once beautiful.

It was both mysterious and terrifying to see up close. Rosaria stepped out of the carriage and had the same reaction as me. Our hearts suddenly skipped a beat as someone grabbed both of us. Their arms wrapped around each of our necks and pulled us in.

"And here I thought I was late for the party."

My eyes widened and a smile appeared on its own. Rosaria grins but is less enthusiastic. I shouted out, "Gavin! You did make it."

We hear someone call out, "I think my ears are ringing, or it could be just your loud antics again."

Gavin released us and we all turned to see William approaching us. With silence between all four of us, Gavin walks over to William. Rosaria and I felt a sharp cold in the air while the wind breezed between them. Before I could say anything, Gavin rushed at him, clenching around his abdomen, and lifted him.

I was taken aback, surprised, and quite uneasy as Gavin shouted, "William! My friend!"

William winced as he held onto his arms. All we heard was, "You haven't changed one bit."

Gavin released William and he adjusted his breastplate. He then offered his hand and Gavin grabbed it firmly.

I smiled as they both turned towards me and Rosaria, today has been extremely special. To finally have all of my friends here together and with me for one more time.