by B L Barkey
Ammon laughed. “You are such a geek.”
“Don’t be jealous.”
“I actually am. That sounds great Jonah, and you’ll be able to become a Levitian like you’ve always dreamed.” He hung his head then. The voice inside scraped against his heart. You will never become what you wanted to be. You are a failure. Forever.
Ammon saw concern in his friend’s eyes. Jonah opened his mouth to speak, but Ammon beat him to it.
“Anyway, I just wanted to check on my old friend. Obviously the house is a lot emptier without Mikael, so mother told me to offer you a place at our house. Sounds like you already have that figured out, though.”
“I do, but that’s very kind of you guys to offer. Being your bunk mate would be a great time. But alas, the Leviticum calls to me. They need a hero. And I’m gonna give it to them.” He puffed out his chest, causing them both to spit with laughter. Jonah groaned then grabbing at his side.
“Alright, alright. Calm down there, hero. I’ll leave you to cuddle with your books.”
He thought of a quote then. One he remembered from years before. ‘Somehow, though it seems impossible, two lives in darkness can bring back the light.’
“Hey Ammon? Before you go…” Jonah’s voice returned to its harsh rasping.
“Yeah?” Ammon said, standing and turning to his friend.
“You guys are all that I have now. I… I love you guys. Be safe, ok?”
“Of course we will. You’re a part of our family too, Jonah. We are all here for you.”
“But are you? I have a feeling…”
He coughed, retching his entire weakened body. Ammon hopped to his side, bringing a glass of water from the side table to Jonah’s lips. After a few seconds, Jonah continued.
“I have a feeling you're leaving. Soon, and for a long time. Is it true?”
“I uh…I’m not sure. I’ve been warned about a stranger on the island. He will come to me within the next few months, and take me away for an apprenticeship that will likely last for… awhile.” He didn’t want to tell his friend how long.
“What kind of apprenticeship?”
“I honestly have no idea. It’s kind of cool I guess. I don’t know. I wanted to be a Guardian, Jonah. That was all. Now that I’ve failed…”
Silence. Wet eyes. “Hey, I have to go buddy. I’ll see you again soon though, okay? Heal up and keep reading all those books. The Leviticum needs you.”
Jonah held up his fist, then pointed his thumb at himself, his little finger to the sky.
“You bet I will.”
Ammon returned the gesture, then rushed out the door. On his way to the elevator, his thoughts synchronized with those of his friend. In this way, two people caught in darkness carried one another to the light. As he stepped into the elevator, the doors closing behind him, he fell to his knees and cried.
III
Bastion was right where Ammon expected him to be, working diligently in the ARC. What Ammon did not expect was Bastion’s current task. He was training a replacement.
He greeted Ammon with a huge handshake-turned-bear-hug, squeezing every breath out of him. That’s when Ammon saw Bastion’s apprentice. He was smaller, closer to Jonah’s size, with white hair and green eyes. He looks familiar… Ammon nodded to the boy, giving Bastion a weird look. Bastion shook his head, indicating they would talk about it later.
Nothing about Bastion’s presence made Ammon feel ashamed of his failure in the Trials, which proved a great relief. His presence was so soothing, in fact, that Ammon decided to stick around for a while and help with feeding the animals. He cleaned a few crates as well, then visited the den of wolves. They were sociable creatures, so long as the visitor was a confident male or an endearing woman. Wolves preferred people of passion and strength. Otherwise they were quite naughty, though still non-aggressive.
Afterwards, Ammon found Bastion again. They closed up shop, said goodbye to Bastion’s apprentice Zeus, then started walking westward towards High Forest. They walked in silence at first, the calming presence still residing between them. This made Ammon love his buddy even more, though they were already best friends. He loved Jonah and Krystal too, and of course he loved his brother. Even though he is living our dream without me. The dream I will never have…
He shook his head, disgusted with his own thoughts. Regardless, Bastion was his absolute best friend. Ammon would do anything for him. Ammon respected him. Like wolves, Ammon could sense his passion. Bastion would become great, whatever he chose to do. It was as inevitable as gravity.
“So, what’s up with the replacement?” Ammon asked. “I think it’s finally time to discuss the manatee in the room.”
Bastion rolled his eyes.
“Ahh, that. It’s nothing.”
“Really? Nothing? You know we got a long walk ahead of us, and I certainly can be very annoying when I want something.”
Ammon side-stepped, catching Bastion’s shoe underneath his own. Bastion tripped, his shoe coming off and filling with dirt.
“Punk! You wanna throw down right here and now?” said Bastion.
“Yeah, but you won’t. Just tell me one thing. Why are you leaving?”
Bastion looked shocked.
“Just because I’m training some extra help, that means I’m leaving?”
“Come on Bastion, I’m not that dense. You were telling him everything. The way you were speaking the names you gave those animals. It was the voice of a man saying goodbye. You even look depressed.”
“Hmm,” said Bastion. “Ok, I’ll tell you. But I was told by Master Lyon to keep it discreet, so don’t tell anyone else. Master Lyon will explain my absence to others when he sees fit.”
“Ok yeah, whatever. Just tell me.”
Bastion rubbed his face with a single hand, preparing himself.
“At this point, I’m sure you have heard about the foreigners on our island,” he started.
“I heard some talk of it from Mother and Father.”
“Yeah well, they are from Monoruin.”
“What?” Ammon asked, shocked. “Are you sure?”
“If what I’ve been told is true. And it did come from Master Lyon. So yeah. It’s unbelievable, I know. But I believe them.”
They walked on as renewed, surreal atmospheres settled around them. The world suddenly seemed much larger than their own little island. Almost infinite in size, harboring endless secrets. Extravagant unknowns. Ammon was both excited and afraid. Afraid for Cephas, and for his friends.
“They aren’t sending you to Monoruin, are they?” Ammon’s voice was incredulous.
Bastion continued. “The man whom I will be training under is a sea captain. He claims to have spent every waking hour of his life on a boat. Obviously an exaggeration, since he stepped onto Cephas to find me.” His tone was proud, bringing new life to voice Ammon had seldom heard before. Good for him, Ammon thought, smiling through several pangs of envy.
“Even so, the guy knows his stuff,” Bastion continued. “The way the animals reacted to him when he spoke; especially the sea creatures. Glowfish appeared all around the bay where he stood. At midday. Midday! I had been fishing with Zeus at the time, and we had caught literally one fish. Then, right when this stranger showed up, not even kidding, we had to stop every three minutes to reel in another fish. He had complete command over each animal he approached. And I could tell it was not by force or fear, but by something else. Something I would very much like to know more about.”
“Wow.” Surprised by how somber his own voice sounded, Ammon looked up and smiled. “This is great Bastion. You will learn some incredible things from this man, it sounds like.”
Bastion bent down, scooping up a few small stones from the path and tossing them at nearby tree trunks.
“Yeah, I think so too. But as I’m sure you are thinking, this all seems a little too convenient. With everything that’s been going on lately. The storm that claimed the lives of Jonah’s parents. Krystal disappearing for the
last couple weeks."
“Disappearing?” Ammon asked.
“Yeah, you haven’t noticed? I haven’t seen her much since the storm. I hear she’s been training in the Shadows, camping there overnight. There’s talk of seeing her with someone else, too. Another one of the foreigners.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Ammon said. In truth, he hadn’t noticed her unusual absences at all.
“Even you, Ammon. There is no real reason you should have failed the Sector Guard Trials.”
Ammon nodded. He wanted to believe that, too. To believe he had a greater purpose that called him away from his lifelong dream. That seemed far too story-book perfect to him, though. This was real life. He wasn’t going to hide from his failures in fantasy. He had failed. Him. Ammon Delkai. No other person or purpose caused this.
“So…,” Ammon choked on his dry throat before clearing it. “So what will you be doing exactly?”
“Not too sure. I know the end goal at least for me is to learn how he communicates with those animals. Other than that, I’m not sure how it will happen. His ship is docked just north of the island on the other side of the mountains. They didn’t want to cause a huge fuss among the islanders. We will be leaving on our voyage in three days. It should last several months.”
“Hmm,” Ammon mustered, thinking of how much he would miss his old life. With vast choices being made, everything is about to change… He could tell Bastion was suppressing his own excitement, and perhaps some of the truth. Having known the boy most his life, Ammon could tell he was thrilled to leave the island, though he would also miss his friends. The fact that he was hiding it at all was comforting to Ammon. He really is my best friend.
“This foreigner, this captain guy. He has a whole crew, ‘of which I will be integrating myself and my own skills’.” His voice grew deep and rough in the last sentence, mocking what would be the assumed rasp of a sea captain. Ammon laughed.
“Master Lyon said this was a unique opportunity for me. Then, in his next breath, he warned me not to trust them for what they appear. Not even the captain. I’m not worried. I can fend for myself. It was just odd, and that’s even considering they are from Monoruin. I have no idea what to expect. I just know that, despite Lyon’s warnings, something inside me wants to trust the captain.”
Bastion continued tossing rocks absentmindedly. Ammon soon joined him, both trying to see who could hit the furthest tree in the center. Upon striking one relatively close, a squirrel ran out of the branches, cussing them out for throwing rocks at its home. The boys laughed, dropping their rocks and holding their hands up as a truce. Yet the squirrel still squawked obscenities, making the boys laugh even harder. They laughed at the animal, but they also laughed at the relief that came with laughter. They were going to miss afternoons just like these. Carefree and in good company. In that brief moment, just for a few seconds, Ammon felt as if everything might turn out okay after all.
“We should go before that squirrel enacts its vengeance,” Bastion said.
“Agreed. If only Tobias was here to protect us.”
They trotted down the lit path, the moon now high in the sky. As they ascended the eastern stairs to High Forest, they talked more about animals currently in the ARC.
“Oh, by the way. My protégé, Zeus? He is the twin of Zeal.”
“Zeal? The other boy you train for the Vivarium? I knew Zeus looked familiar! But Zeal has brown hair. And aren’t his eyes blue?”
“True enough. Zeus has a pigment mutation that drained his hair of color. I guess his eyes also used to be that same white, before one day they turned green. Dunno why. Anyways yeah, they are non-identical twins. The only similarity they share is a natural talent for animal care. I honestly can’t decide which one of them is more talented.”
“That’s pretty cool, though. At least you’ll know your animals are in good hands,” Ammon said.
“Too true. Better than leaving them in your grimy hands,” Bastion smirked.
Soon they were in front of the Delkai house, the inevitable moment now upon them.
“Ammon… This foreigner I’m leaving with, the captain… He knew my father. Told me so himself. He requested me by name and found me in the ARC. He told me things… things that I cannot share with anyone, even with you.”
“Whoa. How well did he know your father? Does he know where he is now? Did he have a letter from him or anything?”
“I had all the same questions, and I asked them. But he didn’t tell me anything. Not yet. This is something else I will be working on during the voyage.”
They stood in the chilly forest air, ears turned to the howling wind, crickets, and thrums.
“We are each being pulled in our own directions,” started Bastion, turning towards Ammon. “We may not see each other for a time. I suspect we won’t be the same people after it’s finished.”
“Yeah, something tells me you’re right. Though I hope not too much will change. I mean, we will all still be best friends. What could change that? I mean, honestly?” Ammon punched his friend lightly in the arm. “But hey, you aren’t leaving for another three days. I’ll come see you off before you go.”
Bastion laughed. “Ok, that sounds good. Maybe one last dinner with Mother’s cooking would be good, before I’m confined to fish for the better part of a year.”
“I’ll see if she can whip up a last supper.” They hugged as brothers do, then went their separate ways. Once at his door, Ammon looked back at his friend, who was stepping into the trees and disappearing into darkness.
IV
The next day, Ammon went to the Leviticum to collect some items from his cube. He took Tobias with him, both jogging and panting. It was a beautiful day, allowing Ammon a reprieve from recent darkness. Once at his cube, Ammon tossed Tobias an oatmeal biscuit while he scooped the rest of his bars in his bag.
On his way back to High Forest, he ran into Master Kodin. The man was leaning on a tree, looking up into the leaves. As Ammon approached, the Master spoke.
“Do you ever wonder what trees think about?”
Puzzled, Ammon shrugged. “Not really.”
“Me neither,” Kodin said, looking to Ammon. “How are you, m'boy? I hear you’ve had it rough of late.”
“Umm… yeah,” Ammon said, before remembering who he was talking to. “I mean, it’s all relative, I guess. To someone else, my life might be pretty good.”
“Hmm. Well. While I’d normally agree with you, I must admit. You’ve been getting spanked by the long paddle of destiny.”
Ammon, stunned yet again, nearly laughed.
“Ahh. Good to see you still have a sense of humor. That says a lot about a man. Though I walk through the valley of shadows, I will still laugh at the smell of sulfur. For what is it but the flatulence of the planet?”
Ammon grinned. “Indeed, Master.”
“Speaking of Masters, I hear you will be taking off with the fruit-bearer.”
“The who?” Ammon asked, confused.
Kodin looked at him, then looked away.
“The fruit-bearer. One who will bear your fruit. A girlfriend, soon to be wife. A young lass. A…”
“Ok ok, I get it,” Ammon said, grimacing. “No, Master Kodin, I am not running off with a woman.”
“Oh? Then what shall you be doing instead?”
“What will I do?” Ammon repeated, as if asking himself the same question. “I’m not sure yet. I… haven’t gotten that far.”
His tone grew serious. “Master, I’m honestly lost. I’ve never felt this way before. There’s been so much change in just the last few days. I’m unsure of where I belong in all this. I can’t remember life without goals. The talents and dreams I once thought I had… They have moved on without me. Yet here I am, walking the same steps, as if nothing has changed at all. It’s…”
“Excruciating,” Kodin finished, his voice holding such great sympathy, Ammon felt tears form in his eyes. “I know the feeling all too well, Ammon. Do you think you�
��re the only one to experience loss and sacrifice?
“Do you really think my childhood dream, my ideal apprenticeship, was to become the counterpoint teacher of Bozolf? Cephas, no. Yet here I am, trusting the process that led me here. Trusting that it will continue to guide me forward, even when all else is blurred. Even so, I still need reminders. Trials that remind me to give up control. To just do the best I can. And from that wreckage, we learn another invaluable skill. We learn to rebuild.”
He looked at Ammon, then continued. “It’s one thing to walk a hard path. It’s another thing entirely to walk where there is no path at all, blazing it yourself. There is no harder way than this. This is the true way of things. And it all works out, for in this, there is always worthwhile reward.