Regain the Balance

T W O

In the dead of night a boy walked silently through a forest, hands shoved deep into his coat pockets. Despite the frigid cold, Titus wasn't very cold. In fact, he was quite warm. No matter what the temperature was outside his body seemed to regulate its internal temperature to a more comfortable one.

Titus shook his head slightly and focused on the roots that sprouted up from the forest floor that almost tripped him.

"Damn roots." He grumbled but continued through the forest. He adjusted his knapsack which hung loosely on his back.

The teen had left the family of four in their new home -he was confident they would be safe from the drunk bastard- just a few hours ago and proceeded to make his way to the town of Gallel. This town was a beauty. Secluded in the middle of the desert along with a pleasant oasis, it was the perfect getaway for the teen. Not only was it perfect for Titus, it wasn't very far from the last town he was in.

Titus yawned softly. He had been walking for hours without rest and was ready to get a room at the Gallel Inn and pass out on the most comfortable beds he had ever had the pleasure to sleep on.

"Oh man." He spoke happily through a yawn. "I can't wait to get there. I'll sleep for twelve hours, then order breakfast from Tikal's Place, then head to the oasis!" Titus's eyes sparkled as he spoke to himself, something he did often.

Although Titus was born alone, he never felt alone. He came across many people in his travels, almost always having someone to talk to, so he never really felt lonely.

But if he were to say that he would be lying to himself.

Of course he was lonely! He was only fifteen years old according to those in his hometown and was born with no family to call his own. Titus couldn't recall anything the past seven months he's been alive.

It may sound strange but Titus was actually seven months old though his appearance made him out to be a teenager. He didn't understand it himself but didn't question it. The boy was thankful for the life he lived.

Titus kept a small smile on his face as he continued through the forest. The vegetation became denser the further he went, meaning he was close to Gallel. He picked his knees up higher with each step so he wouldn't trip over the many roots and bushes surrounding him. Low hanging branches swept across his chestnut colored skin gently. Pushing his way through the vines and leaves in his way, he finally saw the beginning of the desert before him.

"Finally." He whispered.

The boy twisted his body to untangle himself from the bushes and brushed himself off. Titus was dirty and smelled of sweat. How he wished to shower and relax for the night.

He only had to walk another thirty minutes and he would be in Gallel. Squinting, he could see the dimly lit town on the horizon.

A chill went up his spine, making him shiver. Instinctively, he called upon his scythe and spun on his heels. He took a crouching stance, both hands on his scythe. Black tinged eyes searched the forest for the source of the chill but saw nothing.

"Who's there? Come out now and I won't hurt you." He chuckled darkly. "Much."

He mentally counted sixty seconds before standing. Titus flicked his wrist and the scythe disappeared. He took a few steps backwards before turning towards Gallel and continuing his journey.

'I'd better hurry.' He thought.

After walking for a while, he saw a few shops here and there which marked the edge of the town. Small, family owned shops which were all closed for the night popped up every few blocks until he was surrounded by buildings. A few people walked the streets but Titus didn't recognize them. He kept to himself and hurried to the center of Gallel, the Inn just around the corner.

Titus opened the door and smiled at the man behind the counter.

"Titus my boy!" The large, tan man came out from behind the counter and wrapped the teen in a strong hug. He picked him up easily and chortled. Titus kicked his feet in the air as the air was squeezed from his lungs.

"Alta you're...too strong!"

"Ah sorry my boy. I'm just so happy to see ya!" Alta put the boy down on his feet and pat his back, making Titus curl his back away from his massive hands.

"Alta! Watch your strength!" Titus groaned softly as he scratched at the burning hand mark he knew he had on his back. He was smiling however at the clean shaven man.

Alta kept his grin plastered on his face as he walked back around the counter.

"How's traveling been boy?"

"Eh you know how it is. Lots of walking, but I help those I can."

"You becoming one of them wandering priests?"

"I wouldn't saw priest," he shrugged his shoulders lightly, "but more like a savior or some kind ya know?"

"A savior huh? Gonna save the world from evil!" Titus rolled his eyes at the silly voice Alta used when he spoke.

"Yeah, as if that's gonna happen Alta." His gray eyes sparkled with happiness as he spoke, but his face showed just how tired he was.

"Listen, could I get the usual?" Titus yawned out the words while he rubbed his right eye with the palm of his hand.

Alta nodded and brought a book out for the teen to sign.

"How long ya staying?"

Titus picked up the pen and signed his name in clear cursive writing.

"Let's be generous and say a week."

"Longer than a day?" Alta sounded genuinely surprised. "I'm surprised Titus."

The boy grinned and nodded slightly. "It's been weeks since I've had a decent weeks sleep." He took the key Alta held out and tossed it in the air, catching it with his left hand.

"Go on to bed my boy."

"Gladly." Titus sighed and walked up the set of stairs to the left. The key had the number '9' on it he knew. Upon entering the room he immediately located the bed against the far wall and collapsed face first onto it, taking his knapsack off and tossing it somewhere in the room. He stripped his clothes off slowly, almost falling asleep in the process.

Exhausted, Titus picked himself up off the bed and walked half awake to the shower attached to his room. He was grateful Alta and his wife provided each room with a full set of toiletries including fresh body and face towels. Smiling, he gingerly picked up the medium sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner.

"Tuli remembered." The shampoo and conditioner was his favorite. It was gentle on his hair and smelled of lemons. It was a little promise between Alta and his wife Tuli to keep his favorite things stocked in the room for when he came to visit. As payment, Titus would help around the Inn and fix anything he could.

The boy stepped into the shower and cleaned the dirt that clung to his skin. He scrubbed every inch of his body until the warm water turned cold but even then he savored every moment.

Titus reluctantly dragged his now relaxed yet tired body out of the shower and dried himself off with a blue towel. He entered the room once more and reached inside his knapsack which he had thrown close to the door that lead to the hallway. He pulled out a pair of shorts and dawned them.

"Now to sleep like a log."