Gaiagon

Chapter 10: Heading Out

Unlike the days before, Seth and Sylva didn't practice that morning. They went on the roof and watched the sun rise. The sun seemed different to them this morning. Usually, the sun signified the beginning of another day on earth. That day, the sun signified new life, their life. The sun felt warmer as well, as if the universe was cheering them on. It made them feel good about their decision. 

"Well, this is it." Seth said, sighing beneath his breath. "I feel like life has changed so dramatically in such a short time. A week or so ago, I was playing in the woods with Jeffry and the Forgon. Today, I'm leaving my home for probably a very long time. The weirdest part is my contradicting personal feelings about the whole thing. Half of me feels like it wants to cling to my old life, a life full of fun in the forest and predictable day schedules. The other half can't wait for my new life to start, a life full of pure adventure and an uncertain future." Seth took a deep breath with his eyes closed in relaxation. "So, how do you feel about all of this, Sylva?" 

Sylva was staring into the orange sky with a blank look, making it hard for Seth to know whether or not she heard him. After a few seconds, Seth sat up and looked at Sylva, waiting for her response. Sylva closed her eyes with a deep breath and responded. "I am also conflicted. I have this deep, deep feeling that makes me know that we will save my people. However, I can't help but think about how hard my people must be working as slaves for those retched demons. I feel like a cup full of two drinks, one of happiness and one of sadness. At first, I would drink one or the other, but it feels like the drinks have mixed now. It is hard to be one or the other. All in all, I feel happy, but the sad half has mixed with that and I can't stop thinking about it." 

Seth thought for a second. He tried to think of something to say to her that would lift her spirits. Eventually, he said, "Why not just change the effects of the sad half? I mean, right now, thinking of how hard they must be working is making you sad. Instead of that, how about you use that as more motivation! That way, you will feel motivated rather than sad." Sylva smiled. "Thanks, Seth. I'll do that." 

After watching the sun rise, they went back inside to eat breakfast. Seth's mother had woken up much earlier than usual that morning to prepare a large breakfast. When Seth, Sylva, and Seth's father walked into the dining area, they found piles of food already prepared. "Good morning!" Seth's mother said in a cheerful voice. "I wanted to make a big breakfast for Seth and Sylva, seeing as this is there last day at home. Is everyone hungry?" Seth, Sylva, and Seth's father all nodded, barely able to speak at the surprisingly large amount of prepared food. Everyone dug in as if they hadn't eaten in days. Seeing this made Seth's mother very happy.  

After everyone was full, Seth's father stood up and spoke to Seth and Sylva. "Well, I don't mean to sound like I want you two gone, but you guys need to go pack. You won't be coming back any time soon, so you have to make sure you don't forget anything, while at the same time making sure you don't take too much." Seth and Sylva went upstairs and each grabbed a semi-large bag that they could put on their back. They each took equal amounts of supplies that they would need when they were not in a town, such as food, water, and other survival supplies. Once they were packed, they went to retrieve their weapons. Seth grabbed his sword and shield, putting the sword on his left hip and his shield on his left arm. Sylva put on her dagger belt and sheathed her daggers on her hips. They both went down stair and prepared to do their final check off.  

Once they knew they had everything they needed, without carrying so much as to weigh themselves down, they said their goodbyes to Seth's parents. As they headed for the door, Seth's father stopped them. "Seth, before you go, I want to tell you something. I am really proud of you. You have proven to me that you can take responsibility head on. I hope you take good care of Sylva and Jeffry. Sylva, I want you to know that despite the short time we have known you, we feel like you are family. Both of you, I want you to understand that the three of you are a team now. That means looking out for each other and fighting together. Treat yourselves like a small family. Oh, before you leave, Seth, I want you to have something that my father gave to me when I joined the military. It runs in the family." Seth's father held out a small medallion. It was made of silver and had blue. In the center read "For heroic bravery in the heat of battle". "I want you to survive so that you can give that to your son one day."