A Tistand Ballad

Chapter: 1

Chapter: 1

Clouded Skies

Sometimes I wonder, with full intent of regret.. ..why the gods indeed gave me this power, even if I'm told to protect somebody... I cannot help but to hurt them even more; and as that final deed is done.. the skies cry in pity...

Zodiac God, this world has many families like this, each corresponding with the twelve Zodiac Gods. Each family gives birth to five possible vessels who in return are gifted with powers used to control the 'outer world' As for me, I am technically one of those children but as my father says to me, "you are a butterfly without wings, a grub who will never sprout" He never fails to put a poetic touch to such a deep insult.

I have a twin sister who has the exact opposite life as me, worshipped, fame, and most importantly.. power. My mother has never spoken about me being conceived, it would cause too much controversy in our family and others, thus I am only a being known by small whispers and the occasional visit of Charolette. The boring days always pass, school is out of option, and I am confined to this never changing cage. So now I clutch the fine cloth neatly sewed by my dear mother, suck up my shame and opened my eyes, "too.. bright.."

My 'prison' is very vast, it may not look like a prison to you, but the very swirls and frills in every corner will eventually make you want to throw up the fancy cut foods, the 'exotic' plates and meats. Everyday I'm forced to stare at these walls or scan over the vast library which I have read over and over since my abandonment, math, physics, chemistry.. It never changes. "Heya there!", a bright light blinded my view, it was a girl just below my age, ten years old? "Hmm? I never knew other children who lived here other than Charolette. Are you new here?", she exclaimed, grinning happily like a delighted puppy,"I'm.. uh her cousin.. ..Tistand..", I had to lie to protect the family, she grabbed my hands and pulled me along the pathway, suddenly the walls lit up around me, her hand filled my body with warmth, as her dark brown hair glowed gold when hit by the sun, I followed her lead. I instantly wanted to keep this precious hand safe, my cage door finally had opened; I had found my determination.

"Hmm, you got any powers?", she plopped me down on a random step near the entrance of the building. "Uhh, that subject is kinda' sensitive... sorry.", as my voice trailed off, the girls face turned 'puppy eyes' on me,"w-why..?", all I could do was try to cheer her up, "hey, how about I tell you what I studied in class? (another lie...)", with a fury of nods challenging a bobble-head, it was decided. "The twelve zodiac gods had bodies that were once very youthful and healthy, but even though enchanted, could not widthstand the power of time..." "So basically they got old a wrinkly and didn't like that?", the girl bumped in and I let out a puff of laughter.

"(ahem) in time, they turned to the help of mortals/humans, in return for our bodies, they gave us wealth, power, and eventually starting greed- but only five people were chosen, either for strength or beauty, etc; of those five people one will be picked for the ultimate succession." "oooooh!", she had her eyes directly staring at me, it was the first time anyone had listened intently to me; though hiding it, I felt very happy, "two distinct clans formed of the power wielders, 'Villans' and 'Heros' both can be put into different classes but I haven't gone that far.. ..so thats about all I know." "Wahh! You sure know your stuff don't you?", she pat my back and stood up, "it's about time I go, should we meet again, Tistand! BTW, I'm ***!" She gleamed with a soft aura, all I could manage was, "..yeah.." Having the desires to hold her, protect her, they soon turn to encruciating pain. All because of me.

* * *

"Hey ***? you there?", shifting around the empty room I spotted nothing other than little old me. Where is that rambunctious little rascal?! I even used up my remaining allowance on her favorite pudding... It is late winter, the snow piles outside the thin walls of the estate somehow keep the dispersing heat trapped inside, footprints scattered around the front door, I never question them because many people visit the Reportect Estate. After a few discussions with the head, *** and I now share the Northern section of the property; for the families taste in design the frame-work and the interior design of the house was suprisingly simple. Two rooms, Two beds, a bath, kitchen, living area, and thats the most of it, all the necessities of a healthy person.