The Masked Hero (Beta story/ Director's Cut)

Chapter 4: Destroyed Remains

In the hazy veiw that he could see, Trey watched figures move back and forth. He couldn't make out anyone. It a seemed so unreal, so much like a dream. It faded back to black. This happened several times, until Trey heard a strange voice call out to him. One he never heard before, yet felt all too familiar.

Trey....... Wake up, Trey.... These people....... they need you..... you are their hope.... their dreams..... so don't give up.... don't hold back.... and wake up.....

In a quick twitch fest, Trey woke up in an instance. He was so confused as to the moments proceeding his knock out, but it all came back to him as he looked around the village: Houses were ravaged and destroyed, plant pots were shattered and the life within was burned. People were either dead, screaming, crying, or missing. Was he out that long?

Getting up was as hard as his migraine was painful. He felt like he'd broken several bones, but after a quick inspection, he was only badly bruised. He looked towards the village. The air was filled with smoke and a thin red mist, floating above those brutally murdered. The sky was dark and gloomy, hanging overhead like an umbrella. He hobbled over to two arguing men, the same from earlier.

Shar: God damn it! I knew we should have attacked them in the first place! Thanks to you, the whole village has reduced to rubble!

Ceil: How was I supposed to know when they would attack?! Besides, if you knew we couldn't do it, why didn't you speak up in the first place?

Shar: Because we were to busy arguing with Gerk to see the flaw in your idea. But now, I don't see why we even need you here!

Trey: Pain-filled grunt Guys! You ok? What happened? How long was I out?

Shar: Trey?! Thank god, I thought you were dead.

Trey: I'm alright..... but wait, where's Gerk?

Ceil: They took him, as well as many other people here. And now, they just left us here in this terrible condition with nothing but destruction.

Hearing these words, Trey realised the altruism of the situation, which cut through his heart like a hot knife. Ever since Trey was born, he was always an oddball. He never truly fit in with a certain group. But, three people saw him not for how he acted through social interactions, but rather through his interactions with the world. Seeing this, and following him on his little journeys, they all became freinds. And now, hearing that one of them was taken and possibly killed sent a range of intense emotions surging through his veins. He grabbed a small stone and lobbed it at an aluminum wall, making a large dent upon the rocks impact.

Amongst all this, Trey had lost hope and sanity, confused as to what to do. But he was answered by Dr. Yuko, running towards him with a folder.

Yuko: Trey! panting Trey! I've got it.

Trey: Huh? Yuko? What are you talking about?

Yuko: That experiment, Trey. I found something amazing! I didn't think it was possible, but it was!

Trey: Wait, your not talking about this whole situation?

Yuko: While I do find it sad and depressing what happened, this makes me feel so much differently.

She holds a folder in her right hand and hands it to Trey, who then looks over the contents inside. After looking at the inside, he gasps with shock at the results.

Trey: W-what?.... I'm..... immortal?

Ceil: That would explain how you survived that blow to the body with only bruises.

Yuko: It was so strange to see it actually happen before my eyes. I tried to look over the facts of how it happened, and it turns out that you're somehow infused with both the powers of light and dark together. With this, mixed with the powers you already have, it creates some sort of barrier around you that somewhat protects you.

Trey: So... if I'm immortal, then what good does that do? There's nothing left for us here.

Shar: I have an idea. While we really can't do much, we can at least get some kind of revenge against them. Plus, we could always try to get back Gerk.

Yuko: That's actually a great idea! Hold on a second.

Yuko grabs something from her pockets, then hands it to Trey.

Yuko: This is a Holo-map. It acts as both a digital map and compass. If you're off to go get Gerk back, you'll need to know where to go. So I've already installed the software onto the device.

Trey: Thanks so much! He puts it in is pockets.

Shar: Here, use this bag. It has stuff in it you can use, as well as it being a good place to store items.

Trey: Thanks man.

As he puts it on, he feels a sharp pain in his right wing, and realizes it's broken. After a groan of disappointment, Trey continues to listen.

Ceil: We believe the Capital is headed for the proposed Castle Oblivion, which is more of a prison than a castle. Concidering your condition, the best route to take is to walk through the Dark Forest, the forest just outside the village. And then....

Ceil continued to talk to him about the way to travel. After he finished listening, he packed his things, and started to head out, saying goodbye to the people left there.

Shar: Don't worry, we'll keep the place safe for you. Now go on! They're waiting for you!

Listening to his freinds, he finally sets out for his journey, and walks into the Dark Forest. His journey was just beginning.