by Aeon Solo
Scyfer was an elite member of the Imperials, regarded as one of the strongest ever, he was well-known and feared throughout the kingdom. An hour passed, the two boys talked and played by the swing, nightfall was fast approaching, and they could faintly make out the stars which scattered the universe. A canvas which the gods had drawn. Viden was entranced by the starlight.
“Sonje, do ever wonder about whether there are other worlds out there?” Viden pondered.
“No,” Sonje said.
“What if there are other worlds, like ours, out there with people like us,” Viden said with wonder.
“It’s a big ‘what if’, and if the elders hear you, they will punish you for that kind of talk. You know the gods created us and us alone in their likeness,” Sonje responded in a raised voice.
“I don’t believe that. Why would there be so many stars in the night sky if there was only one star with a world which contained the only lifeforms, it would be stupid,” Viden barked. This was a topic which he had given many years of thought, ever since he was a child, but he couldn’t discuss such topics openly due to the stigma associated with them.
“Look Viden, this was the kind of talk which makes you seem weird, this was why the other kids don’t like you,” Sonje responded bluntly. He quickly realised he shouldn’t have said that.
“So, everyone thinks I’m weird then! It’s not my fault I’m different, that it seems like everyone here is as dumb as a bag of rocks. I promise you I will find a way to prove that we are not the only ones in the universe,” he hurled back.
“Right Viden, I’m sorry for saying what I said but you cannot call everyone stupid, and why do you care so much anyway? Even if what you say was true it doesn’t change our lives, we will still live the same way regardless.”
The discussion became progressively heated as Viden tried to change Sonje’s mind. “It changes everything! Our entire view on reality and this world, and if there are lifeforms more intelligent than us out there and we could communicate with them, we can massively improve our lives!”
Viden was particularly passionate on the subject, but Sonje sighed tersely.
“I’m going to meet Tyla, so are you coming or not?”
“No, I’m going home. I’ll see you at training tomorrow,” Viden responded, to the nod of recognition from Sonje as he departed the scene.
Viden continued to lie down for a few minutes as he imagined what it would be like meeting an extra-terrestrial lifeform.
“It’s so beautiful” he remarked, observing the starlight. His mind wandered for a few minutes until he realised the time and returned home.
The following day was training at the Imperial Academy where Viden, Sonje and other children prepared for a future as an Imperial warrior like their forefathers. Viden prepared for the day by having a pre-training ritual. He woke at 07:00. This planet shared a very similar orbital path to Earth. He cooked breakfast, it consisted of 4 Cleffen eggs and a glass of water. A Cleffen was a lifeform like an Earth chicken. He sorted himself out, cleaning, toilet etc… until 07:50. He practiced battle scenarios from 07:50-08:00. He left for the Academy at 08:00.
Viden was sensitive to change. If any of the acts were delayed or altered, he would become frustrated which often resulted in him procrastinating making him late to the academy. This happened often, due to the chaotic nature of mornings in his household. Today he exited on time because the morning went smoothly. He departed his home and began the 20-minute walk to the academy. He met Sonje on the way and the two engaged in conversation.
“So, are you going to beat me on the Tressle run today?” Sonje remarked with a cocky smile.
“Look, we aren’t all naturally gifted like you. One day I will beat you, I promise you that.” Viden did not like losing and especially to Sonje, but Sonje was remarkable at most of the physical challenges set in the Academy and obtained the highest scores in a variety of activities despite his younger age. They were very competitive with each other. Friendly competition of course, bringing the best out of each other.
“Your little legs will never keep up mine, good luck kid!” Sonje shouted, whilst he ran to his designated area in the academy courtyard.
Viden sighed. “Don’t call me kid,” he muttered to a distant Sonje who, by then, was too far away to hear him.
Viden walked anxiously to his designated area in the courtyard and joined his tutor. He did not have a lot in common with the students and did not socialise with them effectively.
“Right boys, today we will be doing the Tressle run,” the tutor said to the excited students. “But first we will be doing war tactics and battle scenarios.” This was met by sighs from the students, but with a smirk from Viden.
Viden was good at analysing situations and exceled in this aspect of training. The courtyard in which the students stood, was laced with sand. The tutor utilised this to create a battle scenario for the students to solve. The 12 students were set into four groups of three. Viden offered the best tactics and his group was awarded victory in this test.
“Alright boys, good work on the battle scenarios, but now it’s time to see if you can handle the physical aspect of war by testing your stamina in the Tressle run. You’ve done this before, and I expect you to defeat Sonje’s group this time. Now let’s go!” the tutor exclaimed, to bolster the confidence of the 12 students in his troop. All the 120 students present on the courtyard combined into one large group to begin the run. Viden attempted to find Sonje in the crowd but was pushed to the ground from behind.
“Watch it Viden,” a boy snarled.
“Oh, be careful Sting, he might get his space peoples to come and get you,” another mocked.
Viden stood defiantly. “You’re all pathetic. You know that.”
The rest of Sonje’s group laughed at him.
“Everyone here is as dumb as a bag of rocks, you’ll see one day,” Viden said in an aggressive tone.
“How about this for a bag of rocks,” Sting replied. He punched Viden in the face. It jolted his head back slightly. Viden raised his fist to return the favour, but Stings friends stood beside him ready to pounce. Viden composed himself and walked away upset and annoyed as the boys laughed at him.
Viden had history with Sonje’s group and was determined to beat them now more than ever. Sonje was conversing with his tutor but had now joined the crowd. He found Viden inside, he had composed himself somewhat by that point.
“What’s up with you?” Sonje asked.
“It’s nothing” Viden retorted in a dry, blunt voice avoiding eye contact. He wiped away the small amount of blood in his nose.
Sonje pivoted to face the track.
The race began, there was lots of pushing and shoving, but after 500 metres the crowd began to break. Sonje was exceptional at running and finished first in the previous two Tressle Runs.
Viden was running faster than he should to keep up with Sonje, using valuable energy in the process.
“Don’t knacker yourself so quick Viden, we have a long way to go yet,” Sonje remarked. The two ran side by side ahead of the pack.
“I won’t let you win this time!” Viden said in a heavy tone, struggling to breathe.
“We’ll see about that,” Sonje commented, a gleeful smirk. He stepped up a notch in speed. The distance between them began to increase.
Viden soon halted because his right leg seized in spasm. Unable to continue he lay by the side of the track. The other students ran by.
Sonje’s group blurted out laughter when they passed. Viden furious, punched the ground three times in frustration. His tutor approached him.
“Viden? Was it the leg again?” he asked with sympathy.
“Yes!” Viden barked at him, fuming about his defeat.
“You know, you’re one of the most intelligent students I’ve had at the academy, yet you continue to allow emotion to get the better of you,” the tutor said in a calm manner.
“I…I know…but I have to beat Sonje. I made a promise t
o myself that I would do that,” Viden said in an agitated, but sad tone.
“Oh, Viden, I admire your dedication and will to accomplish your targets, but you know this was one step too far. Sonje is a natural in the Tressle run. It will be practically impossible to match his ability in running,” he said softly to Viden’s sigh.
“You’re better than him in the battle scenarios, you have advantages in different disciplines, utilise that. I believe you would have finished in the top ten today if you didn’t allow emotion to get the better of you,” the tutors words echoed deep in Viden’s mind.
“You’re right, but top ten isn’t enough for me, I want more, but I know I shouldn’t,” Viden looked down to the ground in disappointment.
“You expect too much of yourself. You know your father didn’t win the Tressle when he was in the Academy,” the tutor responded.
“But he finished second,” Viden replied.
The tutor paused for a moment in thought. “I’ve heard what the other children say about you. You may be different, but use this to your advantage. If you play it right, I believe you could become one of the most powerful of us all.” The tutor offered his final statement and let Viden be.
He raised his head to witness the tutor walking away. The positive words had bolstered Viden’s confidence. He smiled toward his tutor’s direction. He stood and limped back to the designation point.
Sonje won the Tressle comfortably and became the first student in history to win the Tressle run 3 times in a row. His tutor, thrilled with his accomplishment, cheered in delight. The race ended and Sonje’s team were deemed victorious because of Sonje.
Viden slouched off home, missing the post-race celebration.
Sonje, whilst celebrating, witnessed Viden in the distance. He stared for a moment, but his attention was taken by Sting who was performing a practical joke for the crowd. Sonje laughed and turned back to see Viden again in the distance, but he had now disappeared. Once the celebrations were complete, Sonje returned home to tell his parents of the good news.
Viden returned home disappointed with his failure in the Tressle run.
“Viden!” his father shouted harshly when he entered the home, his father’s voice was deep and frightening to many. “I see you pulled up in the Tressle again!” Viden’s spirit sank to the floor in disappointment. He stood by his father looking to the ground silently.
“Well, answer me!”
Viden hesitated. “Yes, I failed again. I tried to keep up with Sonje and my leg gave out. I’m sorry father.” Viden became upset and he slumped on a nearby chair.
“If you don’t change your attitude you won’t graduate the academy, then what will you become?” Scyfer glared intently at Viden, raised eyebrows, clenched jaw.
“The only reason I’m at the academy was because of you. The only reason I want to become an Imperial is to please you!” Viden’s disappointment and submission dwindled into rage.
“Why can’t you be like Sonje, why can’t you be normal like the other children and achieve what I want you achieve!’ his father’s voice radiated through the home.
Viden’s defiance became pure, unmitigated sadness. “I’m sorry for disappointing you” he mumbled.
“I am disappointed and it’s not because you don’t have the ability, it’s because you do, and you don’t realise it,” his father’s voice softened as he realised the hurt his words had caused.
“I wish I could be what you want me to be, but I can’t. I’m sorry.” Viden departed with tears in his eyes and ran to his room deeper into the home. His father opened his mouth as if to call for him, but he didn’t. Understanding that there would be no response, he took a heavy breath instead.
Viden lay on his bed thinking of the day’s events. Thirty minutes had passed since his heated discussion with his father.
“What are you doing?” an inquisitive Sonje asked, whilst stood in the doorway.
Viden twisted his head towards the doorway. “Not you again,” he said.
“Come on, stop pouting and come to the forest, we can go to your favourite spot,” Sonje said, seeing through Viden’s façade.
“Why can’t I stay mad at you?” Viden hopped out of bed and the two left the house. They walked to the forest and discussed the day’s events. After 45 minutes of walking they reached the spot in the forest.
“Oh, guess what happened with Tyla today?” an excited Sonje said.
“Let me guess, you kissed her,” Viden replied in an unenthusiastic voice.
“Yes, three times and why don’t you like her?” Sonje’s excitement evolved to slight annoyance.
“It’s just I barely see you anymore. We used to be with each other every day, and now it’s just her, her, her and the moment she goes was when you’ll be back with me all the time. I’m just a fall-back,” Viden snapped back.
“Are you jealous?” Sonje said.
“Jealous? No! I don’t need girls. I don’t need you. I don’t need anyone for that matter!” Viden shouted. It echoed through the forest.
“Viden, you don’t mean that! Why do you have to be so problematic, can’t you just be normal for once?” the two stayed silent for a moment. Sonje’s statement impacted the atmosphere frankly.
“I’m sorry Sonje, I don’t mean to be problematic. I can’t help it.” Viden’s voice trembled, he turned away.
“I know, I know you are,” Sonje said in an empathetic tone of voice. “I know that, I can say things that are hurtful, or I come across as uncaring, but I don’t mean to. I wish I could care about the little things in your life, ask how your day was and actually mean it but I can’t.”
Viden held back incoming mucus, he was approaching tears.
“Your honesty and uniqueness are why I like you. I’ll never leave you. We will always be friends; at least promise that.” Sonje offered a friendly smile and gestured for a response
“I promise.”
The two smiled at one another.
Sonje stood up from the swing. “We’d better get going, it’ll be fully dark soon.” Sonje began to walk off.
Viden nodded in agreement. He was lying on the ground beside the swing observing the sky. He noticed a bright light in the sky appearing to become larger. It seemed to get progressively closer.
“Sonje come here, come see this,” he shouted to a distant Sonje.
“What now, let me guess is it one of your space people,” he said sarcastically.
“Yes, maybe,” an excited Viden remarked.
“That was sarcasm, you need to understand that.” Sonje shook his head in amusement.
“Right whatever, but I’m being serious look at this, it’s remarkable. Wait…. It looks like it’s landing close by.” Viden stood in amazement, he watched a bright light descend from the sky and land in a clearing between the trees in the forest approximately 250 metres from their position.
Sonje, despite witnessing the light for a short time, was adamant that it was nothing. Viden began to walk quickly towards the direction of the light.
“Viden stop! We must go home now,” Sonje shouted in a nervous tone.
“Go home?” Viden said, bewildered.
“Do you really think that was a chariot from your star people? What are the chances of it landing here?” Sonje said sarcastically, but laced with worry.
“Yes, and would you like to do the math? Besides we have another sixty minutes till darkness. We can run home. Stop being a Cleffen.”
An unwilling Sonje finally agreed. He followed Viden through the forest. Viden was ecstatic as he thought it may be a spaceship and he could finally prove to everyone he was right.
The two approached the final trees between the clearing, peeking out. They saw the cause of the light from the sky. It was a craft, a black triangle shaped metallic looking object which shimmered in the moonlight. Its entrance already opened, and a ramp protruded from the vehicle to the surface. It was approximately fifty feet long on all three sides, with symbols engraved into sections of
the craft.
Sonje was petrified, Viden elated.
“I told you, I told you I was right,” Viden whispered in amazement.
“Ok, you’re right now, let’s go, right now!” Sonje screamed quietly, fearful of the craft and its possible occupant.
“Where is the thing that was operating it?” Sonje asked, puzzled by the open craft but lack of people in it.
“How am I supposed to know? I’ve got to get a look inside,” Viden whispered back. Viden ran quietly to the open craft crouching, staying silent whilst he ran across the grass. He entered the craft to the dismay of Sonje who screamed but whispered at the same time.
“Viden get back now! What are you doing?” Sonje scanned the area, whilst Viden was inside.
The craft was smooth on the inside, nothing like anything he had seen before. He couldn’t comprehend or describe the craft using his language. It was perhaps silver, all one colour on the interior. He continued up a small ramp on the inside and inspected the cockpit. There were various control panels, all foreign to his eyes, a large seat with attachments on the panel in front. Viden was baffled by what he was seeing. The craft interfaced with the pilot and did not require conventional controls to move. There was one panel with, what looked like weapons used by this people, including a sword, a bow, axe and hammer but all had, to Viden’s eyes, mystical properties. Viden picked up the sword. He was in awe and couldn’t believe what he was seeing. It shined brightly in his grasp.
His attention shifted suddenly to a horrific cry in the forest. He rushed out the craft the way he came, to Sonje’s relief. The craft was approximately 150 metres away from the trees where Sonje waited. Viden raised the sword with delight. Sonje gestured for Viden to come to him, his face clenched with anxiety. Unfortunately, his gaze was caught by a presence in the treeline behind the craft 400 metres from him. Sonje’s face dropped, mouth wide open in shock at the figure he was witnessing, Viden turned, a monster ten feet tall strolled out of the treeline toward them. It was draped in black, face covered with a terrifying mask and its bulking physique visible through its armour and attire. Viden’s awe diminished to complete dread. He began to sprint back toward Sonje, who screamed for him to hurry. The beast followed at twice the speed of Viden, who pivoted his head whilst sprinting to see how close the monster was. As Viden was approaching the treeline he was clapped suddenly by a paralyzing bolt of electricity. He fell harshly into the dirt in spasm. Sonje grabbed the sword which fell to the ground with Viden. Sonje looked deep into his eyes with overwhelming fear and dread. With shame, Sonje abandoned Viden. He moaned in agony and disappointment, so close to the treeline which could have saved him. The beast slowly approached him, unforgiving.