The Venerate Order

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Strafe

I woke up in a vivid dream, lying in a familiar place. An aroma hit my nose, the scent of ginger and lilacs. I found myself lying face down on a patch of multi-colored grass. A city stood near the sparkling ocean in the distance; I was back home in New Santa Barbara.

Nearby, flowers of all colors filled my sight. I pushed off my palms and again off my knee and carefully stood up. I felt at peace. My fingers brushed against the God Blade, which alerted me to be cautious.

It was nighttime and the moon reflected beautifully on the ocean surface. The sky was illuminated with a cascading aurora, which is usually impossible in California because we're so far away from the north and south poles. Regardless, I basked in the beauty as it glimmered across the sky like sand on a beach. I could smell the ocean in the air. There was a wishing-well near me, so I went over to investigate.

"Damn, I'm thirsty!" was the first thing out of my mouth.

As I looked down into the well I could see it went deep underground. As I caught a glimpse of my reflection, the water started to ripple. I thought it was going to overflow, but someone jumped out of the well instead. The water blinded me for a second, but when I dried my eyes and looked back, I saw the same little boy in black from my earlier dream.

"It's you," I mumbled.

He turned to me, but his face remained darkened by his hood, HeHe He "I've been waiting for you for a long time. Much too long."

"Waiting for me? I don't even know who you are," I responded.

"You're funny!" the boy chuckled, "But I need you to listen to me, Strafe. This is very important; I cannot stay here for very long."

"Is this a dream or are we in New Santa Barbara?" I looked around for anything to confirm the answer for myself.

"We are in a dream, Strafe, but I am real. I can only see you here for a short time; the bad-man will come soon. Ever since you entered into Eternia, I've been with you. That sword you carry holds the key to ending this war; it is also a vessel that allows me to communicate with you," the boy explained.

"Why are you helping me? Did I die in that battle?" I asked.

"No, you are not dead. Someone else saved you. I need your help Strafe, the bad-man is too scary for me. The God-Blade has many secrets, and it was what unlocked your super strength. It can also help us get rid of the bad-man," the boy said as he pointed to my sword.

"Who is this bad-man? What's your name?" I tried to get closer but he backed away.

"I can't tell you that, yet. If I tell you too much, he will really hurt me. Stay with your new friends and make your way to the World's Nation in a country called Crotona. You will be able to get the help you will need to fight the Senti. I will see you soon," the boy promised as he waved goodbye.

Before I could ask another question, the ground started to shake. I looked over my shoulder and saw a tsunami. It crashed down on the town and came roaring towards me. As soon as the tsunami was about to engulf me, I woke up.