Shadow of Memory

by Hussain Ibrahim

  Sleep to me, nowadays, scares me. I seem to be always going back to the realm of shards, with reflections on each, surrounding me like a swarm. The void surrounds me as well, and the floor is of shiny black marble of sorts, with prism-like shapes carved onto it. However, this night, I face something new.

  Three phantoms head toward me. Each bore a resemblance to my appearance. Although the first had the most in common with myself. The first went up to me and said: “Calm down, for we are the protectors of this realm. This realm is your mind, it just has a different appearance. The shard you have isn't magic like you suspect it to be. It is summoned to people who have the ability to use it. Nowadays, it is rare to find such a person, but you seem to be one of them. We will show you the true potential of this power, but will also show you how to use them wisely. We are guardians of some sorts. We're unique to each person. I am the guardian of all, I don't have any specific profession in any field. I know how to efficiently use all skills. The second guardian here is the guardian of memories. He knows where all memories lie, and how to effectively use them in case of investigation. Finally, the third guardian is the guardian of mercy. He knows how to unlock the potential power within you and the shard, and will teach you them while controlling your emotions and keeping your mercy at all times.”

  I didn't know how to take this all in. Suddenly, I have guardians to watch over my life, my sanity, and my every move. It was all hard to grasp. I look at the guardians in detail. The Guardian of All bears my face but wears a heavy trench coat. He seems to be the most rational out of the three. The Guardian of Memory wears this sort of armor emanating light from the shoulders and chest. His persona seems to be of a detective and a soldier, with tactics as his most valued asset. Finally, the Guardian of Mercy is silent thus far, covering half his face, with only his eyes and hair visible to us. His armor or coat of sorts seem to be covered with strange symbols. His eyes reek with power, with light shining from them extremely. The three have a responsibility towards me, I shall not let them down.

  The Guardian of All summoned chairs of sorts and told the others to go back to their quarters. Suddenly, three doorways appeared. The first is just a normal door made of glass, the second is the same but surrounded with shards, and the third emanated light from its sides. The two go through their doors and the Guardian begins to speak: “I know that this must be overwhelming. Great power being offered to you all of a sudden and three people who tell you what to do with it, but try to calm down and think of it as an extension of your abilities. If you need any help with anything, talk to me. I will try to monitor most things you need me to monitor. In case you feel uncomfortable, I am technically you. I am just a hidden part of you that already has the knowledge. I can't reveal it all at once, or else you will go crazy. We will train your mind gradually as you go through your abilities. Hopefully, we'll be of use to you.”

  I wake up and it's already morning. I find Zephyr still awake and full of energy. His enthusiasm is enough for me to continue this journey with him without anything bothering us. Zephyr and I head out with our supplies at hand. Soon we will arrive at Rimmel, the City of Tranquility.

  Chapter 7: The Peace I Instilled

  We arrive at Rimmel with no trouble. Everyone is so kind and the city itself is beautiful. Flowers fill the streets and the buildings colorful like the flowers beside them. All around the city, I notice the lack of the fear New Troy had. It's as though they are opposites. Zephyr finds an area we can stay in called Rimmel Springs. The area is filled with hot springs for relaxation and comfort. An inn seems to be the owner of these springs and goes by the same name, Rimmel Springs. We go into the inn and rent a room each. I pay for Zephyr, because of the horrors he saw at the camp and him staying up all night, I decide to make it up for him. Zephyr decides to rest in his room while I go out and explore Rimmel.

  I head for the central area to see the city come to life. When I arrive I see the greatest view I ever had the pleasure of seeing. People are living peacefully with no worries. Children play around in the streets with their own made up games. Trade goes on without much trouble. Life goes on, and everyone is happy. On my way back, I am asked by some children to play with them. I ask what the game is and they explain it to me. It is basically a game based throwing a ball. People keep throwing it to the next person and if a person drops it, they lose and the ones who didn't continue until a victor emerges. These kids were more of a match for me. We played on until they had to go. They all thanked me and returned to their parents.

  On my way back, I spot a person crying in an alley. I ask what's wrong. He tells me: “My beloved died here a while back. I am just here giving respects at the moment. However, I never knew what happened to her. I never was able to hear her last words. I don't care about finding the killer or bringing justice. I'm just hoping that she died peacefully and painlessly.” Once I heard his plea, I knew what I must do. I must use my newly acquired skills help people. I immediately break the shard and head into the realm once more.

  I meet the Guardian of All ask him to help me. He tells me: “I heard all of it. I know the perfect thing to do, but at the moment, don't worry. Your transition into what you call the “realm” is seamless. Time doesn't function here. When you go back, you'll be in the same position you were when you broke the shard. Now visit the Guardian of Memory, he will help you.” I head to the door to the Guardian of Memory. I see that he is surrounded by shards. He finds the shard I can use and breaks it. Our surroundings change in the same way it does while exiting the realm. He comes along as an escort of sorts. When we arrive, I see a woman and a suspicious person behind her.

  The person attacks the woman steals her belongings, leaving her to die in the alley. She managed to keep a small picture. As she passes away, I hear her faint words: “My beloved, I am sorry. Now you must live alone in the world, but know that I will always be with you in spirit.” As she drew her last breath, she passed away with a whimper. It sounded pretty painless. The Guardian asks me if I got all that I need, I nod. We head back towards the realm and I return to the real world. I tell the man about his beloved's last moments in the nicest way possible. He tells me: “Thank you, sir. Thank you very much. You don't know how much this means to me. You've brought peace to my mind and soul.” He turns to where he was facing and speaks prayers. It is best to say goodbye and leave him to his prayers.

  I reach the Rimmel Springs and head to my room. Zephyr visits me and asks how I feel. I feel at peace with myself. This town showed me that peace is a beautiful thing and it calmed me down. After he sees that I'm calm, he tells me: “You know, ever since what happened in the camp I wondered what happened to the man's head. How it turned into shards. Before I thought you merely just used tricks to fool the men that threatened me, but now I'm starting to doubt it. Can you please trust me as a friend and explain to me what you are exactly?” I tell him what happened to me since I obtained the shard. So far, I regard Zephyr as a friend. His loyalty is unquestionable. The least I could do is tell him what happened to me, but I can't tell him of my purpose, of my mission.

  Zephyr takes the news calmly and replies to me with a smile: “You know, I can see now why you looked around in horror each time you scouted the fields at night in the outskirts of New Troy. It's as though you experienced the battle. At least I know one person who was technically in the battle. I don't know what this shard is, but if there's potential to it being used for good, then keep it. You can do more good with it than harm.” I nod and thank him for his advice. He goes back to his room and gets ready for the journey tomorrow.

  Chapter 8: The Skills I Learned

  Zephyr and I head out once more. The city of Rimmel was a beautiful one, but I mustn't dwell too much in it like I did with New Troy. As the days go by, the Guardians teach me more skills to use. The Guardian of Memory teaches me efficient ways of searching memories or creating believable ones. The Guardian of Mercy teaches me ways to manipulate the memories of my target. Even having the potenti
al to wipe their memories clean. Although he did teach me those skills, he did so silently. He just shows me what I need to do and I immediately learn the skill. Since he is already a part of my brain, I already know the skills, he just unlocks them within my subconscious. The Guardian of All, however, taught me in a peculiar way.

  When I am with the Guardian, he sends the others back to their quarters and we sit together. He summons a chess table and we play. Conversations usually focus on the way I perceive events and my course of action. He does this while we play. Each time I try to gain the upper hand, he always seems to have a trick up his sleeve. At first, I try and continue with my own skills to try to gain the upper hand, try and adapt to his tactics, but it didn't work. Soon I picked up some of his techniques, such as trickery, stealth, and advantage. Each technique with it's own rules and course of action.

  Although the other guardians did teach me in a traditional sort of way, the Guardian of All taught me the skills I need to know without realizing it. My mind was absorbing all the techniques like a sponge. Soon, I was gaining the upper hand, but he did something that played to his advantage. He said to me: “You know, since I am a part of you, I know where you are headed. The city of kings, Calderone.” Once he mentioned my destination, my mind suddenly forgot all the game. He went on saying: “The city of kings, what brings you there? Well, I know why. You seem to be of...” I stopped him there: “Yes, I am. Why should that matter to you?” He replied with a grin: “Well, I am just simply anxious to see what you will do once you will get there. The city is now corrupt ever since the royal family was gone. Now, a tyrant rules this nation and starts wars left and right, bringing shame unto its name.” I then tell him: “I know. After all I have seen, I must make haste towards Calderone. We are close, I sense it.” I place my final piece, rendering a victory over the guardian. He simply smiles and says: “You are close. Your senses ring true. Your mission is about to come to an end. We'll all be on standby in case you need us. You'll need us I'm sure.” I got up and looked at the guardian. Then I assure him: “I will. Count on it.” Before I can restore the shard, the guardian asks me: “What of the soldier? Will you involve him in this?” I tell him: “We'll see when I get there.”

  Chapter 9: The Unity I Helped Bring

  We arrive at the city of Calderone, both of us marveling at it's beauty. The buildings were covered with white marble and gold. The gardens filled with rare and beautiful flowers. The people wear expensive clothing. This place made us feel like we're peasants among royalty. At this point I ask Zephyr to come with me to a quiet place where no one is around. He asks what is happening and I tell him this: “Zephyr, throughout my journey I have come to know many people. Many tragic, many calm, but I have never met a companion such as you. You have been loyal and helpful to me throughout most of my journey. For that I thank you. Now that we have I arrived at the city of kings, my mission is almost at its end, but if I am to continue with my mission I must ask you this. Will you join my efforts?”

  He looked at me with a blank stare. I waited for him to think about it. He then told me: “As a friend, I would gladly help you. I have nowhere else to go, and you are the only comrade I have. I'd rather go with you than face solitude once more. What is it you require friend?” I see that he is very determined to help me, but before I can tell him what the mission is, I tell him that I must tell him something that he must know. I tell him: “Until now I didn't tell you my name or my title. I just told you to refer to me as sir. Before we can carry out our task, I must tell you my real name and title. My name is Galterius. The heir to the royal family from long ago.” He looked shocked, but still stayed calm and asked me about the task, I told him: “Our task is to take out the man that poisons the land. I never wanted to become king, but the suffering of the people must end. It can only end one way. We must remove him from power by any means necessary. Will you join me?” He stopped for a moment and then said: “I will follow you till the end, your highness.” He then kneeled. I told him to stand and said: “If we do this, we do this as friends. I have no power over you, my friend. Even when I become king, I will give you the freedom to do as you like. Whether it be join me, become my enemy, or anything else. It is your decision.” He replied: “I will follow you till the end.” Time to begin the plan.

  First we must get rid of the guards. I consulted the Guardian of All on the best way to do this, and he told me: “Listen. The idea of a takeover is nice and all, but it wouldn't be a takeover if the guards are still against you. You're only two people. How about if you turn them against the tyrant. Twist their memories to make it seem as though you led them. They will think that this tyrant never actually did take over. Then lead them against the tyrant.” The plan was decided. I needed to manipulate with the memories of all guards, but the problem is how am I gonna manipulate them all at once? I go to the Guardian of Mercy for advice. When I arrived, I saw that he was preparing something. Its light made it hard to see. Soon, light engulfed his quarters and the realm itself. I feel a sudden rush of power. I immediately put it to good use. The revolution starts now.

  I remove all traces of the memory of the tyrant taking over. The guards then look at me. I don't know if they will be allies or hostiles. They all approach me in a certain kind of formation. They then salute. I walk into the palace. I then tell them to wait outside and guard the room. I then put Zephyr as their commander. His military experience will be put to good use. I reach the throne room and I see him. The man who killed his rulers in his lust for power. The man who betrayed his king. The tyrant, Rolandys.

  I approach the Rolandys, and see him sitting upon his throne, looking at me with hate. I then tell him: “So Rolandys, I see that you like sitting here alone. It seems that way, since you always wanted to do such. You always wanted to be alone. Even with the last true king.” In that moment, he immediately stood up and screamed: “I am the only true king! Every Empire shall fall under my rule!” “It seems that yours will, too.” “Be quiet, you dog!” “You see, the last true king had a son. That son went on to live in a different land. Not wanting any part of his own kingdom. You sought to take advantage of this and took it for your own, since there was no heir. Now, the son comes back, and you cower in fear.” “Why are you here?!” “I heard of what happened to the king. I felt that I need to reward you for what you did thus far.” “Piss off! This is my Empire! Guards! Seize this man!” “No guard will come to save you. You will die in the same silence that killed my father.” I approach him. I think of trying to use my power to kill him. Then I realize that the Guardian of Mercy will deny me. Then I reach out for Rolandys's glass of wine and sneakily put in the poison that was meant for me in the camp in his glass.

  I tell Rolandys: “I met your assassin in the outskirts of New Troy. He sends his regards. He was about to poison me, you know. Good thing I had a cautious companion with me.” He reaches out for his glass. He then tells me: “Let this be a toast to your death! I will kill you and rid this Empire of its old rulers!” He drinks it. He then chokes on the wine. Gasping for air. I can see foam flowing from his mouth. His stomach begins to hurt him. He points at me, and with what I was able to understand, he says: “Curse.. you...” It is done. Now I need to address the people.

  I go up to the balcony of the king's room. I tell the guards to gather the people. They look at me with odd and blank stares. I then begin my speech: “My fellow men, women and children. It seems to me that you were in need of a savior from the monster that ruled this land. He rid us of the good king and queen. He terrorized our lands. He ravaged our cities with war. Worst of all, he stained the history of this beloved Empire. Now I come to you. Now I realize my duty towards you. Now I realize my duties towards this land. I, Galterius Theobald, will return this rule to those who were robbed of it. Do not fear, for I am an equal, not a superior. To rule a country, you must consider your people not as subjects, but as equals. So join hands, and look forward to a better future!” The crowds cheer as they see the beloved Ro
yal family return. Although this is a wonderful sight to see, I embark on another journey. For I have a promise to keep.

  Chapter 10: The Woman I Married

  I return to New Troy, with odd looks all around me. I immediately head for the inn. Inside I meet Vatroya once more. She looks at me. Tears well up in here eyes as she runs to hug me. She then remarks: “If I knew you were the son of the king, I would've kept you all to myself!” I laugh as I embrace the hug. I invite her to come with be to Calderone and she immediately accepts. As we head back, I can see that she has grown happier in my presence. She smiles more often that when I was last at New Troy.

  Along the way, I introduce Vatroya to Zephyr, the man who saved her. Vatroya, feeling honored by his presence, thanks him. She then salutes to him, oddly enough. We all laugh, enjoying the moment at hand. Zephyr tells her: “I should feel honored that I saved a loyal townsman. Loyal to the end. When I went to visit the people I saved. None thanked me. They marked me as a stranger. They shunned me. I should feel honored that I met a woman such as you.” He then salutes back. Both were finally able to overcome their past, and I feel proud of them. Zephyr then nods, signaling me for what's to come. I then kneel down to Vatroya and ask her to marry me. She said yes.

  This was my journey. This was the journey that would be written in history forever. Although it will be written, they will forget the details. They will forget the purpose I held on to, the phantoms I encountered, the people I protected, the horrors I faced, the suffering I ended, the guardians I looked up to, the peace I instilled, the skills I learned, and finally the woman I married. They will only remember the Unity I helped bring. In the end, At least, I will be remembered as a hero. Now, let's see if my rule can withstand the test of time.