Skyrise

Royalty at the River

Prince Mephiles

I ran through the woods, trying my best to dodge branches in the fog. I rested my arm on a tree trunk and reached into my pocket. "Dad..." I said, pulling out a little locket in the shape of the ShadowFall emblem. Lilith and I had received them as a tradition just in case Cerberus went rogue. "What do I do? I was told what to do if the king harmed either of us, but I don't want to do it. I feel like I could kill everyone on this beautiful island if I wanted. I wish we all were in heaven with you and Mom. What do I do?" I paused for an answer from above, but nothing came. "Well, no matter. I'll be home with you soon, anyway." I continued my walk through the forest. It was a foggy morning. I figured it would look like I tripped. Maybe then, it wouldn't hurt others so much. I arrived at the ravine. At the bottom is the ShadowFall River. The barrier is still intact. I check it every day, waiting for Cerberus to return. I had to attack him with my axe just before I left. I worry every day that it killed him. My bro was always so happy. His laughter filled the hallways growing up. The thought that I may never hear it again... "Hm, the thought terrifies me..." I sat down, my shins and feet dangling over the edge. That's three-billion-or-so less cells I have to convince. I pulled the locket out again. A single tear fell on the only thing I have left from my father.

"I see you, you know." I jumped. Not off the edge, I mean. I was startled. "So, are you here to jump?" The deep male voice asked from across the chasm.

"Y-Yeah. How'd you know?" I asked.

"Heh. Me too." He laughed bitterly.

"Why are you jumping?" I asked, pulling my feet up to sit criss-cross.

"I feel like the world is better off without me. Believe me or not, I'm a huge threat. The world just isn't the same anymore. One day, everything's fine. Next day some hippie starts preaching about peaceful resolution."

"Heh. I can relate. I guess? My brother kicked my sister and I out of our house. I think my dad gave me the means to destroy him, but I don't know. And if that's the case, I don't want any of it..." I gazed into the abyss. "I don't wish to sound rude, sir, but...Why haven't you jumped yet? You have your own sob story to worry about. I shouldn't have burdened you with mine."

He sighed. "I have a girlfriend. She'd kill me if she knew what I was doing. Hey, buddy. Why haven't you jumped?"

"My little sister and big brother are out there, trying to survive this change of pace. I feel like I need to help them. Several things. You know."

"I do."

"When we were little, Mom would tell us stories about a faraway land where there were no problems. I tried for years to get there. I thought I'd find it here, but..." I shrugged. "I don't think it exists anymore."

"I never had a family, but if I had, I'd want the mom to be like that. Hey, I have an idea. Meet me at the bottom of the ravine. The fog doesn't seem very dense down there. We can meet up. I'm gonna walk. You can jump if you want, but...you know."

"Okay..." I got up and picked my way down my side of the cliff.

Across the river, was a man with a dark red soul. We stared at each other. "The Prince of the Shadows himself!" He smiled regretfully as he began working his way toward me.

"King of the Skyrise Countryside! It's a pleasure." I smiled and struggled to meet him halfway. We met on a huge, wet rock in the middle of the stream. The spray chilled my ankles, but the visibility was crystal clear. It was like another planet, completely separate from the horrors and struggles of the world above. We ran into each other, but we only laughed. We sat down on the rock. We were back to back, watching the river rush by us. We told stories and jokes and sang songs all morning. The fog was dispelled by the time we decided to call it a day and part as friends, promising to return the next day. We were about to get off the rock when the river came alive, forming walls of water around us. The rock was our only shield as a familiar voice rang out.

"THE SHADOW KING HAS RETURNED, SKYRISIANS!!!"

"Uh oh..." Oak frowned as we scampered out of there.

"What the Hell?!" Spectre asked, running up.

When the wall of water parted, I saw what used to be my big brother. His soul, armor, and eyes were brown. I looked back to where Lilith stood with the wizard. Her lips were parted in an expression of fear and shock. She looked at me and mouthed: What happened to him?!

I don't know. Hold on tight. It'll be okay. I responded. But I didn't know what would be left of this place when pseudo-Cerberus was done with it.

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Wow. Already broke the barrier. The Merchant works fast, I'll say that much for him. So what are the others going to do? What do you think? I'm writing distracted lol.