Omega

1 No Hero

"Omega! Omega! Wake up, big brother!" Loewan's fingers pry my eyes open.
"What is it?" I sit up and stretch.
"Someone's here to see you. He said that he has payment."
I stand and step past Loewan. I go outside.
Ptolemus waits. He is dressed in the fanciest ensemble of white and gold. His jet black hair goes down to his shoulders in a cascade of silky-smooth strands. "A job well done. My family sends their thanks." Ptolemus holds out a bag to me.
I take it in my hands. "Send my thanks to the Rhapsodos household. I need this money to send Loewan to school."
Ptolemus chuckles. "Don't thank me yet. There's another prophecy going around."
I sigh. "When will they tire of sending men of all ages on these doomed quests? Every time a prophecy about the Hero of Light gets out, people risk their lives because they think that's who they are." I cross my arms and lean against the front door.
Ptolemus chuckles. "This year, they'll pay the families of those who participate in the fulfilling of the prophecy. The prophecy seems to point towards you. As a noble, I get to use power to choose someone I think is worthy to be my Hero of Light selection. This year, a noble from each family will lead who they think is the true hero on a quest to become the Hero of Light. I have chosen you."
I spit on the ground at Ptolemus' feet. "I'm no hero. I'm only an assassin. Besides, I have to protect Loewan. I can't leave him." I turn to go back inside.
"He can stay with my family in our absence. I promise he'll be safe there. Please consider it." Ptolemus' footsteps fade away.
I sigh and go back inside.
Loewan is making breakfast. He always does more household work than I do. "You still look tired, Omega. Have you been getting enough sleep?"
I rub the back of my neck and yawn.
"You really shouldn't be working late at night." Loewan pushes me down in a seat and shoves a plate of bread and grapes at me.
I look at my younger brother.
"Eat. After that, you will rest." Loewan goes to the sink to wash dishes.
    "I'm fine. There are things I must do, unless you would rather go to the market on your own." I begin eating my breakfast.
"Will you do it? Will you choose to become the Hero of Light?" Loewan's words shake me.
"Of course not. I have better things to do than to chase prophecies like a fool. I've told you before. I don't believe in any of that junk. If I ever participated, it would be because I was getting paid. I'm trying to earn enough to give you a good education. I'm no hero. And definitely no one's savior." I finish my breakfast and go to my room.
"Please think about it!" Loewan shouts from the kitchen.
I pull out a pair of battered boots and a clean shirt. I quickly change and go out through the back door. I am going to the market to learn more about my remaining targets.
People are out and about. Many hurry to different stalls, trying to buy various items and goods before others can get them.
I slip into the shadows beside one of the nearby stalls. I lean against a brick wall and watch all that goes on.
One of my remaining targets, a tall man with black hair and grey eyes, comes to the stall next to my hiding place. He looks around him before speaking, "I have the goods you seek and for a far cheaper price."
The vender shakes his head. "I do not wish to be involved in any of your shady business." He starts setting up a display of jewelry.
"Are you sure? Perhaps I can make it worth your while."
"I already told you no."
The black market seller lays his arm on the stall's counter. "I promise to keep this deal a secret. No one will ever know ab—"
A knife protrudes from the vile man's throat. His body goes limp and lays on the ground in a pool of blood.
The vender looks to my empty hand. He takes a moment to register what happened. The vender sighs with relief. "Thank you, sir. The vile man deserved Death's embrace. Do I owe you anything?"
I shake my head. "There's no need. I was simply carrying out my job." I smile and turn away from the vender. I walk to the edge of the marketplace.
Ptolemus approaches me. He throws a sack of gil at my feet. "I owe you for a job well done." His face turns grim. "Have you considered my offer?"
I bend down and snatch the money. "Why are you so insistent on me doing such a foolish thing? I'm no hero. You of all people should know that. I only work as an assassin to earn the money I need. I am not one of those fools who thinks he's a hero even though he's not. I have come to realize the reality of things, Ptolemus Rhapsodos. We are all blanks— people with no memories of who we are. We only do what we must to earn what little money we can. I'm only an assassin. I am no hero and I will never be. Does that satisfy you as an answer?"
Ptolemus chuckles. "I know you better than you do. What you said this moment will be all a lie once you see the truth. Trust me. Your view on life here in Amicitia will change completely once you see the truth for yourself," he pauses, "I can tell you about your origins. I have seen your memories as they are connected to mine. You think you are nothing more than a poor assassin? You are wrong Omega. Would you like for me to show you the truth?" Ptolemus locks his eyes on mine. He thinks he can sway me easily. Ptolemus is possibly lying.