The Tales of the Shadows

17. Faith

The day had finally come.

Jack now stood in the main hall, the sound of chatter diminishing as time passed. The intrigue of the experience, of meeting someone new excited him a little and Jack found comfort in that emotion. However, he couldn't help but still feel dull amidst the lively environment.

For the first time, the future troubled him. He had always planned to do a pair training with Holly when they reached the age of ten, remaining at home to help the base. Perhaps one day they could've gone to one of the Seven Lands of Quintessence.

His sister had found the perfect group for her, and even Galen was already in it. He knew that they were good for her, and that relieved him to a great extent. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but feel alone without his parents, his friend, and in time his sister.

The little boy sighed, staring at the ceiling. His eyes felt heavy, his entire body suddenly an impossible weight to carry. It was a rather subdued feeling of being lost, but it was there nevertheless.

Jack shook his head, putting on a firm smile. He had to stay in the present, focus on the wonder around him. Despite his shy nature, Jack loved that lively atmosphere of the main hall. Such vigour, such energy - it suddenly made him feel elated.

He stood with his eyes closed, returning to a solitary peace that would soon be shared with someone else. The darkness was oddly brightened by the sound of a gentle breeze, little but heartfelt words slowly fading away.

"Be in the moment and move towards the aura that appeals the most."

Jack took a deep breath, sensing the various people around him. There was some chaos in the silence that was oddly comforting, not letting his dark space remain completely empty.

A few moments passed and Jack remained patient as he was slowly being drawn into a pocket of high energy. Suddenly everything felt trivial with the quiet impulse to journey to an enlightened space filling the young boy's mind. It pulled him away from the ordinary world and he no longer felt alone.

A dim ray of green light appeared in the darkness, bringing him back to the simulation of reality. He suddenly felt spirited and began walking in the direction of its source, relying on the deepening glow to lead him.

The light now glowed fiercely and Jack slowly opened his eyes to see a dark haired boy grin at him. His green light reminded Jack of his friend, a small smile coming on his face.

"Hello! My name is Theo. What's yours?"

The boy stretched out his hand, his soft but childish tone a warm sound to Jack's senses.

"I'm Jack," he replied in a shy tone, shaking Theo's hand slowly, though the other boy's grip was firm.

"It's great to meet you Jack! Your aura is so quiet and peaceful, ahh. Even though everything was already silent, that really was... you know what I mean!"

Jack suddenly felt a sense of pride as he nodded, no longer appearing too shy. In that moment he felt happy with a companion, and that felt nice.

"Heh, thank you. Yours was really fiery and I suddenly just felt joyful and free."

"I bet. Humans could probably use it as a supply of electricity for a lifetime."

Theo chuckled and Jack smiled in response, rubbing his neck. He looked around the room before stopping at Jay. The Shadow wore a sweet smile, sending a vibe of confidence through the boy. He gave a short nod and Jack turned towards Theo, satisfaction coming over him.

It'll all be fine, he thought. Things will follow, and this feels fine.

His eyes now truly felt open, even though a hidden feeling told him the darkness he felt was reality. But if life was a simulation, he just had to live it.