Trying to Draw

He stopped just outside the door, hesitating.  Why was he hesitating?  Was he nervous?  Wait, why was he nervous?  Was he reluctant to talk to the stranger he’d been following?  Was that even a stranger?  Something about the other’s presence felt so familiar, as if they’d met before…as if they’d spent a lifetime together.  And yet something seemed to hold him back, making him reluctant to approach…

He raised his hands and lightly slapped his face.  No, he couldn’t let it go on like this.  He just had to get over himself and go up to him.  Talk to him, ask him…about everything.  He took a deep breath and crossed the threshold into the room.

He quickly caught sight of the other seraph, standing in front of a raised altar on the opposite side of the circular room.  His stomach flipped again, but this time he pushed the butterflies back and started forward, quietly crossing the room toward him.

Suddenly there was a loud click, and the floor crumbled away beneath the other seraph.  Panic surged through him as he watched him fall, seemingly in slow motion.  He lunged forward, practically throwing himself into the recently opened hole and grabbing his wrist.

The seraph let out a soft grunt as his fall abruptly stopped.  He slowly opened his eyes and tilted his head upwards, squinting into the light as he tried to see who his savior was.  Recognition suddenly flashed across his expression, and his eyes widened in shock.

He knew that face.

A smile spread across his own face, and he grunted as he attempted to pull the seraph out of the hole.  His muscles strained from the effort, and he was grateful when the other seraph grasped the edge of the hole and pulled himself out the rest of the way.  He collapsed on the ground, flat on his back and panting for breath.  After a moment’s rest he struggled upright and glanced sideways, grinning.  “You…okay…?”

The other seraph was staring at him, a mixture of wonder and disbelief in his eyes.  At the sound of his voice though he started slightly.  “I’m alright, I–”  His voice cracked and he paused, a gentle smile wavering across his face.  “It’s been so long.  It’s so good to see you…Sorey…”

Sorey…a familiar spark lit inside him.  That’s right…he remembered now.  His name was Sorey.  His smile widened.  “It’s good to see you too…”

…Shit.  He might’ve remembered his own name, but he couldn’t recall the name of the seraph staring so expectantly at him.  He desperately cast his mind back, trying not to let his panic show on his face.  Think…think…he couldn’t have forgotten…

Suddenly it clicked, and it all came rushing back at him.  A torrent of memories that he could barely sort through, but one name floated out above it all.  “…Mikleo.”

A low noise escaped him, and Mikleo suddenly lunged forward, pulling him into his embrace.  Sorey let out a small squeak of surprise, then stopped when he realized Mikleo was shaking.  His body shuddered with quiet sobs, and though he couldn’t see the face that was buried in his shoulder, Sorey knew that Mikleo was crying.  He wrapped his arms around him, pulling him closer and running a hand through his hair.  Had it always been this fluffy?  “It’s okay,” he whispered.  “I’m here now.”

They stayed like that for a long time, Mikleo holding him like he would never let go, Sorey quietly comforting him.  Surprisingly it was Mikleo who broke apart first, the tears of joy having turned into a look of anxious concern.  “Where did you come from?  When did you wake up?  How are you feeling?  Have you looked around the ruins yet?  Do you–”

“Whoa, whoa!”  Sorey threw up his hands in an attempt to stem the flood of questions.  “O-one at a time!”

Mikleo stopped abruptly, one hand over his mouth as if he were pondering what to say first.  Finally he dropped it and looked directly at Sorey. How could he forget that striking shade of violet? “How long have you been awake for?”

“N-not for very long, I don’t think,” he responded.  “It hasn’t even been a full day yet.”

A long sigh escaped Mikleo, a look of slight relief crossing his face.  His next words however were weighed with anxiety.  “Do you know where we are?”

“Uhh, not really,” Sorey admitted with an apologetic laugh.  “To be honest I’ve kinda just been tailing you.”  He looked back at him to see disappointment spreading across Mikleo’s face, and he quickly added, “This place looks really cool though!  I’d love to explore more of it, especially if you show me around!”

A painful smile forced its way across Mikleo’s lips as he shook his head.  “You could’ve said something to me sooner, you know,” he admonished, getting to his feet and offering a hand to Sorey.  “It’s a great ruin.  We can explore it together sometime, but you’ve just woken up.  We should get you back to Elysia.  You could use the rest.”

Sorey pouted.  “But I’ve done nothing but sl–”  His protest was cut off by a wide yawn.

Mikleo chuckled softly.  “I see your attitude hasn’t changed much.  C’mon.”

Sorey grabbed the hand Mikeo held out to him, allowing him to pull him to his feet.  The seraph turned back the way they had came.  “This way.  Follow me.”

He nodded, trying to choke back another yawn as he trailed after him.  Mikleo led them back out a different way than Sorey had followed him in, down a side tunnel that was all but pitch-black.  Once Sorey thought he had lost him, but before he could open his mouth to call out to him he felt Mikleo’s hand close around his own, holding him tightly as he led the way down the tunnel.

The narrow tunnel widened into a large decorated corridor before opening up into a massive open room.  Sorey stared around them, his mouth gaping, as Mikleo went on ahead.  The seraph stopped in front of a giant statue shaped like a king sitting upon a throne and quietly bowed his head.  Sorey continued to stare at the statue, his brow furrowing.  Something about the statue felt familiar…like he’d seen it somewhere before…But whatever floodgates he had opened earlier remained firmly shut now.  Nothing more would come to him.  He followed Mikleo’s example, likewise lowering his head.  Whoever this statue was, they were clearly someone important.

“Come on, Sorey.”  Mikleo’s voice broke through his thoughts, and he glanced up to see the seraph making his way around the statue.  “It isn’t far from here.”

“‘Kay!” Sorey called, casting one last look at the statue before jogging after Mikleo.  “So where are we headed again?”

Mikleo hummed softly as the two of them began to climb the final flight of stairs.  “Elysia.  Does it sound familiar to you, Sorey?”

Sorey crossed his arms, thinking hard.  “Hmm…kinda, yeah.  I think I remember that name.”

The smile on Mikleo’s face was tentative, but sincere.  “That’s a start.  We grew up there.  It’s alright if you don’t remember the village–they’ll remember you.  You’ll be in good hands.”

They reached the top of the stairs, stopping before a large and intricately carved stone door.  Mikleo slowly pushed it open, light streaming through it.  Sorey blinked, squinting as his eyes adjusted to the light.  He saw trees beyond the door, stretching out in a dense forest.  Sunlight slanted through the leaves, tinged orange as the sun began to sink in the sky.  Mikleo pushed the door shut behind them before stepping up to Sorey’s side.  “From here, you turn left until you reach the edge of the forest, then right and up the hill.”  He paused, taking a short breath.  His next words were spoken almost hesitantly, as if he were testing them.  “Race you to the gate?”

Sorey grinned widely.  “You’re on!” he shouted, immediately breaking into a sprint in the direction Mikleo had indicated.  He didn’t even make it to the treeline before he had to slow considerably, already gasping for breath.  Being asleep for so long had not been kind to him; he was desperately out of shape.  Mikleo overtook him easily, both of them laughing as they burst out of the forest, startling a small herd of goats that quickly bounded off.  They raced up the gentle incline, only coming to a stop when they reached the massive gate.

“Better luck next time,” Mikleo said affectionately, giving him a slight push.

Sorey, still panting for breath, only grinned in response.  He leaned against the stone gate, doubled over, his heart still pounding from the run.

Mikleo straightened up and took a step towards the gate.  “Wait here for me, alright?  I’m going to call the others together and let them know you’re back.”  He hesitated, turning back to Sorey with a strangely clouded expression.  “You’ll be all right?  You won’t wander off on me?”

“Of…of course not,” Sorey panted, giving him a reassuring smile.  He wouldn’t be going anywhere until he had at least caught his breath.

Mikleo continued to stare at him for a long moment before finally turning and disappearing through the gate.  Sorey tilted his head back against the carved stone, finally feeling his breathing evening out again.  Curiosity got the better of him, and he carefully peeked out from behind the gate.  He could see Mikleo standing in the middle of a large open field, calling out to the seraphim that approached him from the houses scattered on the hillside.  Sorey ducked back behind the gate, suddenly feeling rather self conscious.  All those people there…they all knew him.  How could he admit that he couldn’t remember a single one of them…?

“Sorey?”

He jumped at the sound of Mikleo’s voice, stumbling out from behind the gate.  A small smile played across the seraph’s face, equal parts amused and relieved.  “Come on.  The others are anxious to see you again.”

Mikleo led the way through the gate and up the hill where the seraphim waited.  Some of them were already sobbing at the sight of Sorey, while others simply smiled and waved.  Sorey’s chest tightened, and he forced himself to take a deep breath.  As if he’d sensed his worry, Mikleo leaned in next to his ear.  “Don’t worry if their names don’t come back right away,” he whispered.  “Give yourself some time, alright?”

Sorey nodded slightly as the two of them came to a halt in front of the crowd of seraphim.  Try as he might, not a single face looked familiar, not a single name came back to him.  But he just couldn’t let them all down like that.  Swallowing his nerves, Sorey raised a hand in greeting.  “Hey everyone!”

That did it.  One seraph, a young woman with red hair and tunic, broke out of the group and raced toward Sorey, throwing her arms around his neck and breaking down in tears.  As if they had been waiting for a signal, the seraphim all rushed forward at once, laughing and crying and calling his name.  Sorey grinned widely, trying not to become too overwhelmed by the flood of greetings.  It felt so good to be welcomed so warmly like this…yet he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret deep in his stomach.  It was clear that the seraphim all loved and cared for him, but he couldn’t return the feelings that he couldn’t remember.

A hand touched his shoulder, and then Mikleo was there, quietly urging the other seraphim away, trying to give Sorey room to breathe.  An older female seraph gently coaxed the younger seraph off his neck, her smile wide.  “It’s so wonderful to have you back, Sorey,” she said, one arm wrapped comfortingly around the younger seraph who was still crying.  “Your house is still where it has always been.  Why don’t you and Mikleo sit down, and I’ll cook you both dinner?”

“Sure, that sounds great!” Sorey accepted.  He hadn’t felt hungry in the slightest, but the mention of food made his mouth water.  He turned to take a step toward the houses, then froze.  Wait, which one was his house?  None of the buildings looked familiar to him.  Should he just pick one at random and hope–?

A hand slipped into his own, fingers interlacing with his.  He missed this touch.  “This way,” Mikleo said softly, leading him up the hill towards a nearby house.  Behind them, the chatter and laughter of the seraphim drifted through the air; they were already beginning to plan a party to celebrate Sorey’s return.

They stopped in front of the door, Mikleo finally releasing Sorey’s hand in order to push it open.  He hesitated, then stepped aside, smiling, gesturing for Sorey to enter first.  He grinned back, stepping over the threshold into the house–his house.  A small fire was crackling in the hearth, warming the single room.  Books were everywhere, piled high and stacked neatly along the walls.  The shelves were filled with strange objects, ranging from clay jars to carved stone tablets to delicate instruments that Sorey couldn’t even guess what they were for.  Hidden away in an alcove he spied a neatly made bed, and a fresh wave of exhaustion washed over him.

“You should get some rest,” Mikleo suggested, leaning his staff against a nearby shelf and pulling off his gloves.  “It’ll be a while before the food will be ready.”

“Okay…” Sorey mumbled, yawning as he stumbled over to the bed and collapsed on top of it.  A soft chuckle came from across the room, followed by quiet footsteps then the feel of the blanket twitching beneath him.  Sorey grinned tiredly, rolling over to allow Mikleo to pull the blanket free and throw it over him.  His consciousness wavered as Mikleo tucked the blanket around him, only vaguely aware of the bed dipping as he sat on it.  A hand brushed his bangs back, warm breath touched his cheek, lips brushed his own…a small smile spread across his face as he let himself fall into a deep restful sleep.

Mikleo carefully sat on the edge of the bed, unable to take his eyes off Sorey.  A storm of emotions surged through him: shock, nostalgia, relief, pure unbridled joy.  It was finally beginning to sink in, that Sorey was here, Sorey was awake…he’d finished what he’d set out to do, countless years ago.  Maotelus was purified at last.

The water seraph reached out, carefully brushing Sorey’s hair back from his face.  It was something he had never forgotten, throughout all the centuries he had waited.  Sorey’s eyes were closed in sleep, but this time Mikleo knew it would only be temporary.  He already couldn’t wait to see that bright flash of purest green again.

Mikleo bent low over him, until their faces were mere inches apart.  His mind drifted back to the last time they’d been here, together in Elysia.  Last time he’d feigned forgetfulness when Sorey had asked what he wanted to say.  He couldn’t bring himself to tell him, not before the final battle, when they didn’t even know if they’d make it out alive.  He’d regretted it ever since.  But now, he no longer had to.  It would be the first thing Mikleo would say to Sorey when he woke.  I love you.

He closed the gap between them, giving him a quick gentle kiss.  Sorey shifted slightly, a small smile on his face, bright and pure as the sun.  The smile reflected onto Mikleo, his heart swelling.  He’d waited this long.  He could wait just a little bit longer.

“No...”

This was a mistake...

“No...!”

This couldn’t be happening...

“SOREY!”

Sorey collapsed on the ground, coughing and gagging as the dark taint of malevolence began to soak into his wound.  Above him stood Heldalf, a triumphant smile spreading across his face.  “And so falls the Shepherd,” he rumbled, turning on his heel.

“You son of a...!” Rose gasped, staggering to her feet and pulling out a dagger.  But before she could move the Lord of Calamity was gone, disappearing into thin air with only a small ripple.

“SOREY!” Mikleo screamed again, starting to sprint towards him.  He didn’t take two steps before an arm wrapped around him and Dezel dragged him back.  “Let go of me!”

“No,” the wind seraph growled, redoubling his hold as Mikleo fought to get free.  He tilted his head in Lailah’s direction.  “Can you purify him?!”

But Lailah was already shaking her head, fear creeping across her expression.  “I can’t...this is beyond my powers...”  She raised her hands.  “I have to sever the Shepherd’s pact now or we’ll all--”

“No!” Mikleo cried.  “We can’t abandon him like this!  You have to purify him!”

The fire seraph looked distraught.  “Mikleo, I--”

“Please, Lailah!”

“You heard her,” Edna snapped, stepping in front of Mikleo.  “There’s no saving him now.  Sorey is gone.”  She turned towards the Prime Lord.  “Do it now, before he taints us too.”

“NO!” Mikleo shouted.  He dug his elbow into Dezel’s side, who grunted and loosened his hold just enough for Mikleo to finally tear free.  He raced toward Sorey, ignoring the shouts of the others behind him, and fell to his knees next to him.

Sorey was gasping desperately for air, his entire body convulsing violently.  The wound in his stomach wasn’t even bleeding; instead it glowed dark with malevolence as it seeped over his body.  Mikleo placed both hands over the wound, trying to ignore how badly his hands were shaking.  “Resilient Aid!” he commanded, summoning a small glow of healing light, willing it to dispel the malevolence and heal him.

But the blue light simply fizzled out, quickly swallowed by the pulsing malevolence.  Mikleo shuddered, tears beginning to roll down his face, oblivious to the malevolence that was now reaching for him too.  “No...please...heal...!”

Still the arte wouldn’t take hold, immediately drowning in the weight of the malevolence.  Sorey had gone completely still, his chest barely moving.  He couldn’t be...he wasn’t...no...no no no...

A scream tore from him, filled with anguish and despair.  Pain wracked his body, exploding from his back.  He doubled over, shaking violently, trying desperately to hold it together.  But...right there before him...Sorey...

His scream turned into a high-pitched shriek as the pain flooded through him, rippling down his back and lashing out behind him.  He dug his nails into the ground, gouging almost foot-long ruts in the earth.  His skin burned, ripping into harsh, jagged edges.  His entire body trembled as a snarl built in his throat, and he threw back his head, letting it explode in an ear-shattering roar.

Something seared against his side and he snapped his jaws shut.  There were seraphim there, and they were attacking him.  Fire danced from one’s hands, licking up toward his face.  Another lashed out with whips, wrapping around his limbs and anchoring him to the ground.  The third stomped a foot and the ground swelled up beneath him, arching over his head and trapping him in an earthen dome.

A low snort escaped him.  They thought this would hold him?

Energy surged through his muscles and he reared up, snapping the whips with ease.  The earthen dome crumbled as he broke through it, sending dust and rubble everywhere.  The seraphim scattered as he slammed a claw into the ground, however a lone human darted toward him instead, slashing with twin daggers at his face.  How foolish.

Coldness seeped from him, freezing the very air around him into tiny ice crystals.  He breathed outward, a condensed cloud of mist that froze everything it touched.  The human tried to backstep out of the way, but stumbled as the mist touched her foot, freezing her in place.  He bared his teeth as he arched over her shivering form.  She would die first.

“Enough.”

The soft voice cut through the air and he stopped, motionless, like a statue of ice.  Sorey stepped between his claws, one red-gloved hand lightly brushing his scales.  His voice was quiet, yet every word pierced the air like a knife.  “There’s nothing for us here.  Let’s go, Mikleo.”

Mikleo came to a stop, watching the others’ backs as they continued on without him.  He didn’t want to leave...not yet.  He didn’t feel ready.

He turned around, heading back down the stone passage.  He could practically feel Edna’s gaze boring into his back, but the earth seraph didn’t call out to him.  He was grateful; he needed some more time to be alone.

Alone.

Mikleo emerged from the tunnel on the edge of a steep cliff.  Below him yawned an enormous crater, and in the center of that crater pulsed a bright white light.  He squinted into the light, ignoring the brightness as it seared his eyes.  He couldn’t be sure if he was just imagining it, but if he looked hard enough...he thought he could see Sorey floating within it.

The water seraph closed his eyes, letting out a long sigh.  It wasn’t that he hadn’t been prepared, he knew the risks just as well as the others had.  But standing here now, in the aftermath of the final battle...it was really hitting him.  Sorey was gone.  Something Zaveid once said floated up to him...it’s the destiny of a long-lived seraph to make many farewells.  Mikleo hadn’t lived anywhere near as long as his comrades had, but he was starting to feel he understood what the wind seraph meant.  Muse, Gramps, Sorey...he’d lost so many people important to him in such a short amount of time.  He’d never felt so alone in his life before.

And yet...he wasn’t alone.

Mikleo opened his eyes, his gaze following the trail of light that streamed into the sky.  Rose, Lailah, Edna, Zaveid...they had all survived the final battle.  And they still had work to do.  Sorey was working hard already; the momentous task of purifying Maotelus had only just begun.  And...he wasn’t about to let him do it alone.

“I’m going to work hard too,” he said out loud.  “I’ll stay with Rose, and every Shepherd after her.  I’ll help purify every last hellion, and I’ll rid the world of every last trace of malevolence.  I’ll make this a world where humans and seraphim live together in peace...one you’ll be proud to come back to!”

He suddenly realized his words had risen to a shout, and he cut himself off, taking a deep yet shaky breath.  Saying it out loud...it felt so final.  His eyes stung, and he raised a hand to them.  No, he wasn’t going to cry.  Not yet.  There was still far too much work to be done; there would be time for tears later.

Mikleo took another deep breath, steadying his breathing, and tore his gaze away from the light.  The wind kicked up as he turned to leave, and something small danced across his vision.  The seraph almost instinctively reached out and grabbed it, slowly turning his hand over and opening it.  There in his palm sat a feather, the same dusty orange colour of the ones Sorey wore.  A small, sad smile crossed his face as he gently closed his hand around it, holding it close to his chest.  That’s right...Sorey wasn’t gone.  He’d be back.  And Mikleo would wait for him, no matter how long it would take.