CHAPTER 11

Enlightenment

            Zuri approached the Darim’s palace alone. It’d taken him at least an hour to climb the foothill of the fortress and, judging by the restlessness of his beating heart, he was now convinced that he’d never truly run a day in his life.

            Why does he have to be so powerful? Zuri thought, making his way up the tower of marble steps. He’d decided to forgive his brother for destroying his erebus because he was only trying to escape the Darim’s tyranny, but even still, Zuri didn’t know how he was going to live like this. What did it mean? He was still a Numan, a proud demi-god of Ecual, but somehow he felt a thousand times weaker.

            He stopped before the giant entrance and took a deep breath.

            By now, Darim Set would’ve already been informed of his destroyed erebus as well as Eidan’s escape. However, it was still his duty to report to the Darim. Besides this, nobody knew what’d happened between him and his brother in the wilderness.

            And it’ll stay that way, too. That is, until it’s the right time.

            Zuri and Darim Set had a rather unique relationship, one that only a few could understand. Eidan had never been informed of this development, but to Ecual’s normal population, it was no secret that Zuri Euandros was practically the Darim’s son.

            Eleven years ago, after his adoptive father had died of a malicious plague, Zuri had no place to go. He was too old for an orphanage and too poor to live on his own, and after betting all his inheritance in a game of twenty-one and losing, his pride was far too great for him to live on the streets. For a month, he stayed with Everest Leigh at the inn, the very month where he became friends with the bar’s owner and friends with the items that he sold. Everest couldn’t control him, and his instructors at the Academy were complaining about his changed behavior. There was only one way to stop this, and that was to get him as far away from the bar as possible.

            Darim Set had always shown special interest in Zuri, and once she heard the rumors concerning Zuri’s depression, the Darim decided to help him. She asked the members of the Synedrion Council if anyone would be kind enough to give him lodging, but to their dismay, Zuri had made more enemies than friends amongst the townspeople. He couldn’t stay with Everest because the old man was fed up with his behavior, and his old Master of Nature had a child that was jealous of Zuri and would not stand living beneath the same roof as him. And so, seeing as there were no goodhearted citizens left within Zeon, the Darim gave Zuri a room within the palace.

            That’s not to say that Zuri Euandros became a prince or a god. No, he was only a lowly orphan that Set took pity on, and because of this, their relationship throughout the years grew stronger. Zuri knew Set like the back of his hand, and Set was extremely fond of Zuri, fond enough that she could extract any of his deepest and darkest secrets on a whim.

            Zuri collected himself.

            Eidan’s past was nothing that Set needed to know about, and he’d do everything in his power to make sure that the secrets he’d shared remained hidden until the appropriate time.

            When the doors were opened, Zuri could clearly see that Set had been waiting for him, pacing across the vast expanse with her arms behind her back and her head tilted to the floor. When the doors fell shut, the goddess stopped in mid-pace and looked back at Sir Zuri, watching as he bent down in humble genuflection.

            There was a gust of wind and Darim Set was there in an instant. “Where is he?”

            Zuri hesitated. Very cautiously, he looked up to the glowering ruler. “Eidan Euandros escaped by way of the Eastern Wall. When we came near him, our Numen abilities were obstructed, and when we shot him with a crystal arrow, not even it could hinder him. I pursued him alone to the other side, but I was unable to capture him or convince him to return.”

            The Darim scowled, and Zuri was taken aback.

            Although he was now a mere Numan, having lost his abilities to Eidan, Zuri could still sense that the Darim was extremely upset. If looks could kill, Zuri would be dead, but this wasn’t the main reason Zuri knew the goddess was distraught. Whenever the Darim grew nervous, her thoughts crept into Zuri’s head in an unusual language. 

            Zuri stood up. “Why’re you so upset, Darim? You know that if I harmed him within their territory, the peace would be—”

            “Eidan was the peace,” she spat, and Zuri frowned. The Darim took a breath and attempted to center herself. “Do you remember the story your mother used to tell you? The one about the Lost Prince of Atlas?”

            Zuri’s eyes widened. He knew where this was heading, and he didn’t like the sound of it.

            Slowly, he nodded.

            The Darim faintly smiled. She closed the distance between them and took his hand, caressing it beneath her impeccably soft fingers. “Your mother was like a beloved sister to me. We used to make up stories about the lost prince and how one of us would marry him, but then one day when we were strolling through my garden, a majestic man appeared with a young boy, and immediately I knew what they were. How couldn’t I? I’m a god, but they were even more powerful gods than I could ever be. The man said that his son’s life was in danger and needed the protection of our walls. I couldn’t refuse. I gave them a home at my palace, but when the next morning came, the man had disappeared.” 

            Zuri frowned. He didn’t entirely understand what Darim Set was implying. “Is my brother the lost prince? Is he a god? But he’s a Kinetic, not an Atlasian. I don’t understand.”

            “Kinetics are Atlasians.”

            “What?”

            The Darim smiled, her tone condescending. “Anybody can become a god, Zuri. The Kinetics just have a greater aptitude.”

            Zuri scowled. “No, that can’t be true. Kinetics are—” He stopped, remembering what his brother had taught him. Kinetics weren’t evil, they were incredibly good people, and they were given power for a noble and pure cause.

            “History tells us that the Kinetics are malevolent,” Set quietly went on, “but if you can remember, it was the wilderness heathens who imprisoned us here. Of course, we only thought they were heathens three millennia ago. Later when we approached them, we discovered that they were gods. Most fled to Atlas, but several of them stayed behind. Nobody knows what happened to them, or even if they’re still alive. What I do know, however, is that the Kinetics that came to me possessed great power, and they weren’t evil like our stories claim. Lemuel’s son was in danger. I gave him protection and a home.”

            Zuri was quiet. “So then… is my brother the lost prince? Why was he in danger?”

            The Darim shrugged. “I can’t be sure. I’m only a minor god. I know only as much as they let me.” She pointed to the sky, as if in gesture to Atlas. “But I did research the affair. The man Everest is a minor god, as well, and supposedly he came from Atlas two millennia ago.”

            Zuri gasped. “What! That old squinty eyes is a god?”

            Set faintly laughed. “Yes, but he wouldn’t tell me anything. I can only assume that Eidan truly is the lost prince.”

            Zuri didn’t care anymore about respect or proper behavior. His brother was in danger, he’d returned to the wilderness when somebody or something was out to get him, and Zuri couldn’t stand by and do nothing. Maybe if he acted fast enough, he could return to the wilderness and find him. But then….

            The Darim rested her hand on his shoulder. “Your brother took something precious from you,” she softly said. “You’re a mere mortal now, Sir Zuri. You shouldn’t venture into the wilderness alone.”

            Zuri gritted his teeth, frustrated, then he sighed and shook his head. “Then what do I do? I can’t let him die.”

            “Here.” Darim Set retrieved a sealed envelope from within her intricate robe. “Deliver this letter to Everest Leigh. Once he reads it, he should be able to help you.”

            Zuri frowned. “Are you sure? That old man can really help me?”

            The goddess nodded, her smile gentle and fair. “Truly. I promise.”

            Zuri pursed his lips. He wished he knew more about the contents of the letter, or even about Eidan and the gods that were so involved in his life, but Zuri was too eager to stand still any longer. He needed to act, he needed to save his brother, and visiting the old man was the first step he needed to take.

            “Then this is where we part,” he said, and then he bowed, accepted the letter and quickly left the room.

                                                                  *     *     *     *     *

            The sun had yet to completely rise, but the birds of the wilderness still continued to sing.

            Farrah Khalil opened her eyes, her head pounding with a frightening migraine, and stared at the blurry firelight before her. Where was she? The wilderness, already? The last she remembered was being thrown onto the ground by the ferocious Kinetic that was Eidan Euandros. Her arm was sore, and she still felt incredibly weak, but the scent of cooked meat was there to bring her hope of survival.

            She moved to sit up, but her hands caught behind her back by a rough vine.

            Farrah panicked. She jerked at her wrists and then cried out in pain as she was reunited with the gash in her left arm.

            “Eidan!” she shouted. “Eidan, help!”

            A dark shadow appeared beside the fire. She looked up, and two blue eyes glared down at her.

            Her heart skipped a beat.

            Eidan had changed, just like before, morphing into an emotionless heathen that only concerned itself with facts. She remembered when he’d grabbed her by the face and threatened to break her neck, and never before had she ever felt so terrified. Eidan was actually going to kill her. If things hadn’t gone exactly as he’d planned, he wouldn’t have hesitated for a second to take her life.

            No, Eidan was not a god at all, and she regretted ever being so nice to him.

            The man knelt down before her and Farrah squeezed her eyes shut. She was waiting for it—the moment he’d take her by the hair and sneer into her face—but that moment never came.

            A cold cloth pressed against Farrah’s wound, and she winced.

            “By the time I remembered your injury, I was already too late. You have an infection, but do not be afraid. I’d just finished preparing the medicine when you woke.”

            After he removed the damp rag, something wet and slimy seeped into the gap, producing a somewhat soothing effect.

            She opened her eyes.

            Eidan was holding a flat stone with a type of dark poultice dumped onto its surface. He dipped his fingers into the pile and then spread the medicine across her wound, ensuring that it covered every square inch of red, inflamed flesh.

            Farrah found her voice. “What is it?”

            “Master called it Lich Conon and it’s produced from a bush with red, tubular flowers. Its berries make excellent bajin.”

            Farrah smiled. She understood why Eidan had tied her up. With him gone and searching for herbs, she most likely would’ve run into the forest on her own. However, she didn’t understand why he was being so considerate. Wasn’t he still trapped in his cruel, cold-hearted mindset? Farrah could see it in his eyes—the lack of luster that all humans typically possessed.

            “Eidan?”

            The stranger finished covering her wound. He set the stone on the ground and began tearing a piece of cloth from the rompa he’d used to cover her. “If you wish to express your feelings, I already know what they are and am unable to comprehend them.” He looked back at her with the bandage in hand. “Please hold still while I tie this.”

            “But why are you helping me?” she asked. Her teeth snapped together when Eidan lifted her sore arm. “Are you not a Kinetic? Why would you concern yourself with my survival?”

            Eidan’s eyes narrowed. “Did you not promise to give something unregrettable in return if I helped you find home? We’ve made it outside the city, so if you want to continue living, I’d suggest telling me your offer.”

            Farrah smirked. “I knew it, you rotten heathen. Even when I let you use me as leverage, you still want something more!”

            “Desire has nothing to do with it, Farrah. I do not want, I need. Only humans possess such irrational thoughts.”

            “Irrational?”

            “Please hold still. I’m almost—”

            “If you don’t like what I had to offer, then stop wasting your time and kill me! I would rather die than suffer through another moment with you!”

            Eidan became still. The sun was just peeking over the Caliga Mountains in the east and Farrah could sense that Eidan’s understanding of human nature was returning to him. Not only could she feel the weight of his emotions collapse upon her, but she could see it—a faint light gleaming in his eyes as he became strained with frail emotion.

            Farrah was confused.

            Eidan quickly finished tying the bandage and then reached for the stone of poultice. “I understand,” he whispered, and then he stood and made his way towards the ruin’s edge.

            Farrah frowned. “Eidan?”

            No answer.

            “Eidan, come back! You cannot leave me!”

            He paused and glanced back at her, his blue eyes painted in grief, only to turn and vanish like mist blowing away in the wind.

            “No!”

            She jerked at her wrists, desperate to break free, but she was still too weak and still incredibly sore. She looked around her, searching for anything that might help her escape. There—a giant stone rested not far from the fire.

            What exactly is he? Farrah thought, gritting her teeth as she started scooting herself towards the boulder. I thought he’d become a Kinetic, but I was actually able to hurt him. Maybe he really is a halfblood, or… or maybe he’s just a god.

                                                                  *     *     *     *     *

            When Eidan had returned to the makeshift camp, Farrah was lying unconscious by the fire and the barros he’d cooked earlier that morning were completely eaten.

            He glowered and approached the fiery logs, a giant leaf filled with fruit in his hands. He set it on the ground, stood erect and glared down at Farrah. “I apologize for what I said earlier. I wasn’t myself. I require no payment for assisting you, and I promise your life is safe.” 

            There was no response. Farrah was pretending to be asleep.

            Eidan sighed and came up beside her.

            The girl was human, and although Eidan was half of her own disgraceful species, it was impossible to forget the numerous truths he’d learned upon entering the wilderness yesterday afternoon. Humans were heinous, greedy creatures, and Eidan had experienced this firsthand.  Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do to change what he was. He was a Kinetic—he became an emotionless bastard when fear crept into his heart—but he was also human in his selfishness and desire for company.

            I never thought it was possible to hate oneself so tremendously, he thought, kneeling down before Farrah. I should’ve never been born. I’m an enemy of myself and every sentient creature around me.

            Eidan pursed his lips. He released another breath, closed his eyes and forced the thoughts from his mind.

            “Farrah,” he said. He reached forward and took hold of her shoulder. “Farrah, I know you’re—”

            Before he could even meet her gaze, something dark flashed before his eyes and a small fist crashed into his nose.

            He heard a crack and stumbled back, nearly losing his footing as he reached up to grab his throbbing nose. Farrah had actually punched him, and now she was standing over him with the most sinister scowl he’d ever seen a woman wear.

            “That was for touching me,” she spat, and then she threw back her foot and kicked him in the stomach.

            A thousand sirens went off in his brain, the pain sinking deep into has abdomen. “And that was for leaving me.”

            Another kick, this time in the groin “And that was for tying me up, leaving me to cut my wrists in order to break free, making me eat unfamiliar meat, and then returning with fruit thinking that everything was going to be fine!”

            She kicked him one last time as he laid curled up on the ground, her fiercest one yet, and a cry escaped his clenched teeth. He couldn’t withhold it any longer. The strength of her kick had knocked him onto his back and sent him sliding into a boulder. He was lucky his head hadn’t cracked against it, though his back felt raw from when he slid across the ground.

            It was agonizing, though not nearly as painful as being shot with a crystal arrow.

            Where had such astounding strength come from? He’d never expected such a violent reaction, but then again, Farrah wasn’t raised in the gentle society of Zeon. Perhaps where she came from people abused each other all the time, and perhaps in both her world and his, he deserved it.

            Damn this curse, he thought. His nose ached as it involuntarily snapped back into place, and his bruises itched as they healed. Eidan was a true monster. Only a Kinetic would have rapid regeneration abilities, and only a human would be so cowardice that he refused to defend himself. He didn’t know what to believe. Right now he possessed human emotions, but he knew that as soon as he became afraid, his irrational thoughts would leave him and he’d enter his Kinetic state.

            Which was worse? He supposed it depended on his audience.

            At least now I know Farrah can defend herself, Eidan thought. He tried to calm his trembling breaths as he sat erect against the boulder. But can she stand against a true Kinetic? They’re not as weak and defenseless as most people were taught.

            He looked up, and Farrah warily watched him.

            Eidan narrowed his eyes. “I understand that I deserved that, but if you want to survive, it’s in your best interest to refrain from injuring me further. I cannot defend you if I’m too sore to move.”

            Farrah’s brows lifted. Eidan could tell that she hadn’t considered this. Finally, she decided upon a scowl. “Do not blame this on me, Eidan. You’ve been acting so confident that I didn’t even think I’d be able to touch you. How was I supposed to know that you’d be nothing more than a puny human again?”

            Eidan frowned.

            She was right. Not even he knew when the next time he’d lose his humanity would be. He’d originally