Post by Squall on Aug 21, 2008 11:30:37 GMT -5
Challenge the Moonlight- Chapter Five
~The Unfinished Story~
Four days later….
No one said a word to Ark. No one looked at him. For now, he just wanted to be alone. It was too much to take in at the time. His best friend had suddenly betrayed him, and had captured the one person that cared for him in his life. Ark disappeared the night Milena was captured. Neither Eleanor nor Ray saw him leave. For the while, he just wanted some time to himself.
Ark headed to the field of New Beginnings. His new life began for real in this place. It was full of fond memories, memories he’ll carry to the grave and beyond. For four days, Ark stood without motion on this field. Without food, without drink, and without any sleep. He had absolutely no desire for anything…except to find out the truth.
Ark looked at his necklace, he held the ark emblem on his right palm. The red moon shined brightly over the field, instead of the grass being green, it had a red tint to it. It almost looked like Ark was in a pond of blood. He then clenched his necklace as hard as he could as he sighed.
Ark: “I have to get to the bottom of this…”
He said, determined to ask for the truth.
Palm Square looked as it was bathed in blood. The red atmosphere seemed to get stronger with each passing day that went by. The moon looked even closer now. It looked as if it was a red mountain floating in the sky, slowly moving towards the Earth, spelling chaos and catastrophe. The people of the city cheered every passing day, wanting salvation. More and more people from all over the world were gathering in Palm Square, being ready to welcome the moon. Some houses had flags, posters taped to their windows, all of them saying, “Welcome!” and all kinds of greeting. It seemed humanity wanted to end its existence. This made Ark question his reason for fighting.
Ark: “Are they really worth saving…?”
He said as he stood on top of the red hill, looking at the city, and then taking a few glances at the moon. He then shook his head a bit, trying to snap out of his current mood. He then leaped from the hill, and started to run towards Grand Dojo, wanting to talk to Eleanor and Ray.
Back at the Dojo…
Eleanor: “We’re running out of time…it’s been 4 days, and the moon is coming faster than ever. If anything, we have 3 or so days at most. Dammit! Where are you Ark?”
Ray: “Let the kid be…”
Eleanor: “But how can you be so calm? You know the cycle has to keep going if humanity wishes to live! It’s been altered enough!”
Ray: “Maybe…or maybe he’ll be the one to set us free. But I wonder if he can handle the truth?”
Eleanor: “Heh. He’s an interesting guy…for someone who doesn’t care about society, he’s actually willing to fight…for now.”
Eleanor then sticks her tongue out at Ray in a playful manner.
Eleanor: “Maybe I’ll ask him to marry me after we’re done!”
Ray then laughs heartily while putting both of his hands on his belly.
Ray: “Haha! You know that can’t be done.”
Eleanor: “Oh alright, but a girl’s gotta have a dream!”
Eleanor says while running her slender fingers through her purple hair, then using her other hand to tip her glasses into position.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the huge doors of the dojo.
Eleanor: “Hmm? Ark! You’re back!”
Eleanor runs at the door, she then grabbed the knob and pulled hard on it, opening the doors.
Eleanor: “Wait…You’re…”
Ray: “Who’s…Wait, why are YOU here?”
Nate: “Greetings.”
Eleanor and Ray then quickly jump back. Eleanor materializes knives in between her own fingers, and Ray gets out a large spear.
Nate: “I…have not come here to fight. Nor am I your enemy.”
Ray: “Bull! You were with Solomon!”
Ray then whispers to Eleanor.
Ray: “You’re right…the cycle’s been altered…these kids shouldn’t even be involved…”
Eleanor: “Told you…I wonder how things will be affected.”
Nate: “Anyway…please…help me and my brother.”
Ray and Eleanor then turn to each other, and then glance back at Nate.
Ray: “…What do you want?”
…Some time later…
Ark was running towards Grand Dojo. As fast as he was, the way was pretty long, Palm Square wasn’t so small to begin with, and it held around 300 thousand people, so it was a fairly populated area. However, it just seemed to desolate right now. People were holed up in their homes…waiting for the end to come.
Ark’s stamina was really something else. He hadn’t eaten anything for four days, but he was able to make it to Grand Dojo without breaking a sweat. It was the result of those two years of rigorous training he went under. He scratched the back of his head as he reached for the knob; he carefully opened the door as he peeked inside the room.
Ark found the image of Ray, Eleanor, and Nate all talking in the center of the room. Ark then gritted his teeth and stormed in.
Ark: “YOU!”
Ray and Eleanor leaped in startleness and looked at Ark.
Eleanor: “Wait, he’s--!”
Ark didn’t listen to anything Eleanor said. He held his arms out horizontally from his body as a few dozen of swords materialized from his sides. He swung both of his arms in front of himself as the swords started to circulate around Ark and finally point themselves at Nate.
Ray: “Damn!”
Ray then runs at Ark and tackles him to the ground. The swords simply dissipate intro crystal dust.
Ark: “ARGH! Let…me…GO!”
Ray: “Hold yer horses!”
Ark: “Why the hell should I!? He’s one of the people that brainwashed Elijah and took Milena!”
Ark glared daggers at Nate; Nate just frowned in return.
Eleanor: “Calm down Ark! He told us a story…you should listen to it.”
Ark: “Tch…”
Ray then let go his grip on Ark’s body. They both got up and dusted their clothes out. Ark looked at Nate, still glaring.
Ark: “…I’ll hear what you have to say…”
Nate: “Thank you…”
All four individuals sat in the middle of the room, Ark, Eleanor and Ray faced Nate. Nate then blinked a few times before beginning to speak.
Nate: “I…Ever since my brother and I were young…we’ve been alone. We were your typical homeless orphans.”
Ark: “Did you just come here to tell us your life story?”
Eleanor: “Shhh! Let him talk. Ray…do you want Ark to know about it? The cycle’s been tampered with enough…but…”
Ray: “I feel really selfish for doing this…but he can know. HE would have wanted it…”
Ark: “ ‘He’?”
Ray: “The person who gave you your powers.”
Ark: “…?”
Eleanor: “Would you two shut up?! Nate, darling, go on.”
Nate: “Until HE arrived…”
Ark: “…Solomon…”
Nate: “That’s right. He took us in…told us we had a…GREATER purpose…At the time, we had no reason to live.”
Ark: “…”
Ark felt a tugging feeling on his on his stomach. As if an empty void was widening inside of him. These kids, they weren’t much different from him. In fact, they remind him of his younger self. Someone without a reason for existence, someone that thought he’d didn’t make a difference. Then out of nowhere, he got this power, giving him a reason to live. It must have been the same with these children and Solomon. It was heart breaking…and terrifying. These young minds being corrupted like that, it broke Ark’s heart.
Nate: “This…This is wrong! I can’t stand watching people being brainwashed like that! My brother is one of them! Please…I…I can’t take it anymore!”
Ark then raised an eyebrow.
Ark: “How are we supposed to believe you? Up until now, you seemed in perfect sync with him. How do we know this isn’t an act?”
Eleanor: “He has a point…”
Nate: “It’s all a fake. I’ve…tried to make myself believe. But I can’t, I really can’t. He’s been brainwashed, and I feel like I’ll snap at any moment!”
Ark got up and crossed his arms as he faced Nate, towering over him.
Ark: “One simple problem…I can’t defeat Solomon. Or Elijah for that matter.”
Eleanor and Ray sat there, knowing Ark was absolutely right.
Ark: “He said he’s my counterpart. When I tried to hit Elijah, his power pushed me back…like two opposite magnets…”
Ray: “In other words…”
Eleanor: “Touching Elijah…or even Solomon is…”
Ark: “…Impossible.”
All three then sighed in frustration. Running their fingers through their hair.
Nate: “No, there is a way.”
Ark: “What?”
Nate: “If I can fuse my some of my power with yours…you’ll be able to bypass that certain defense.”
Ark: “And how do you intend to do that?”
Nate: “You see…Solomon can’t kill you either. He will be repelled, just like you were with Ellijah. However, he seemed to have found a way to bypass it.”
Ark: “Huh…?”
Nate: “By giving that power to a… ‘fresh’ soul, that person would be able to use that power as their own, without any set backs…Which is why he’s using me, my brother, and your best friend.”
Ray: “How does that work?”
Nate: “I don’t know exactly. I heard Solomon said it was made to be that way…whatever that means.”
Eleanor then looked at Ray with confused eyes, trying to make any sense of this.
Eleanor: “Did you know about that?”
Ray: “It’s the first I’ve heard of it…Solomon must have discovered it on his own. He’s taking things in his own hands, he must be tired of the same thing over and over.”
Ark: “What is his objective…?”
Nate: “…The Resurrection of Mother Eden.”
Cue generic lighting.
Ark: “Eden?”
Ray: “The supreme being.”
Eleanor: “That’s right. It’s something that mustn’t be allowed to awaken.”
Ark: “What is Eden?”
Ray and Eleanor stood silent.
Ray: “We…don’t know.”
Eleanor: “We’re just following orders. We can’t be allowed to take other risks. That’s all we know, that’s what Ray and I live for.”
Ark: “What you live for…”
This made Ark question his reason for fighting even more.
Nate: “Anyway…I can try to transfer a bit of my power over to you. This may let you bypass a person’s defense. But only use it as a last resort; this power is very limited in my hands. ”
Ark: “Why are you doing this?”
Nate: “This…it isn’t justice or judgment. Just a stupid way to satisfy Solomon’s ego…”
Ark: “Alright. I’ll trust you…for now.”
At that time, Nate stood up on his feet and in front of Ark. He stood a bit shorter than Ark did. Nate then reached up and touched Ark’s forehead as a red light began looming over Nate. That light seemed to run through his arm and into Ark’s body as it mixed together with Ark’s blue aura. This took only a few seconds, and then Nate quickly removed his finger from Ark’s forehead.
Ark: “I feel…different…uneasy…”
Ark said as his aura emitted both blue and red colors in unison. Looking at his own hands, he knew he had acquired a temporary power. Something to use as a last resort, seeing as how Ark could only use this foreign power once.
Nate: “Sorry…that’s all I can do. Or else they’d notice.”
Ark: “Still, if what you say is true, I can’t let you go back there.”
Nate: “But Sir Ark! My brother needs me!”
Ark squinted at what Nate had just called him.
Ray: “Hehe. Sir Ark.”
Ark: “Quiet you!”
Eleanor: “It has a nice ring to it!”
Ark: “Oi…”
Nate then chuckled at this. The other three looked at Nate, a bit dumbfounded.
Nate: “I’m jealous…it must be to have good friends.”
Ark: “Hmm.”
Ark went into thought. Two years ago, he was angry, anti social, and a cold person. Somewhere in those two years, he had changed. Maybe just a little. He never saw himself in this type of situation. Never in a million years, who would anyway? A person would have to be one hell of a psychic for them to know that. Ark nodded at his statement and agreed to let Nate leave and go back to Solomon. If Solomon found out what Nate did, who knows what could happen. He seemed insane, Ark thought.
Nate left the building quietly, and tried not to be seen by anyone. Ark hoped he had arrived alright and harmless. Nate seemed like a little brother to Ark, almost. Or maybe he felt sorry for him. Pity wasn’t his forte, but he had changed, it was one of his new qualities. Strange that he never noticed the change within him. That same night, Eleanor was sleeping. Ark and Ray sat on the roof of Grand Dojo, gazing at the moon. Both of them had an interesting relationship. It wasn’t really a father/son one, but it wasn’t a brotherly one either.
Ark: “Hey Ray…I’ve changed haven’t I?”
Ray: “Wha? Where did that come from?”
Ark: “I dunno…normally, I wouldn’t have believed anyone; including that kid Nate.”
Ray: “Hmm. Yeah! You used to be so angry.”
Ark: “Gahh…”
Ray: “Relax! You just grew out of it. It happens…Say…”
Ark: “Hm?”
Ray: “Did you know? I’m writing a book.”
Ark: “Seriously?”
Ray: “Yep!”
Ark looked at Ray as he raised his eyebrow, in disbelief.
Ark: “You? A writer? Hahaha.”
Ray: “Kyah! Don’t laugh!”
Ark: “Heh! I’m just kidding. What’s it called?”
Ray: “Challenge the Moonlight.”
Ark: “Huh…kind of cliché, but I like it. What’s it about?”
Ray then stood up as he turned away from Ark, thus facing the large red moon.
Ray: “It’s about a young boy…faced with an impossible task.”
Ark: “I see…is it done yet?”
Ray: “Almost! Only the last chapter is missing…”
Ark: “We all have dreams…”
Ray: “…and stories to tell.”
Ark: “I can’t believe everyone has been brainwashed. What exactly am I fighting for?”
Ray: “Well kid…That’s something you must look for yourself…that’s my last lesson.”
Ark: “Your last…what?”
Ray: “Nevermind! Do have you have to do. We all decide our fate…Regardless of what you find out soon, nothing is predetermined…remember that, Ark.”
Ark: “What’re you…?”
Ray then jumped down from the roof. He turned back to see Ark once again, before walking back into the dojo. Ark clocked his head to the left a bit, obviously confused to what Ray was saying. However, he understood the part where he said he must find his reason for fighting. Ark wasn’t a child anymore; he was an adult, capable of making his own decisions.
‘Do what you have to do’, Ark didn’t realize at the moment, but those words stuck with him forever.
That same night, Ark was sleeping as usual. There wasn’t anything else he could do, except go into hiding. Using his power now would prove to be useless. And he had absolutely no leads of where Solomon, or Elijah where. All he could do was wait…
Meanwhile, Ray changed into his Karate uniform. However, this time, it was white with a black belt. He tied a black headband around his forehead and made his way towards the door. However, a voice stopped him from reaching the nob.
Eleanor: “And just where do you think you’re going, hmmm?”
Ray: “Oh! Uhh, out for a walk.”
Eleanor just stared at Ray suspiciously.
Ray: “What? Seriously! I just need a bit of fresh air…I can’t sleep.”
Eleanor: “Hmm…mkay…Comeback soon. Be careful out there.”
Ray: “Yeah, yeah.”
Ray then opened the door and got out quickly. Eleanor noticed something weird about him, but decided not to press on right now.
Sometime later…
Ray appeared in some sort of dark warehouse. He struggled to see because it was so dark.
Ray: “They must be here…Nate said they were…”
Ray’s memory back flashed to a certain point where he was alone with Nate, while Ark and Eleanor were talking by themselves.
Ray: “Say…where is your hideout?”
Nate: “Um, sir…I can’t tell you that. I’m sorry…I can’t do anything to compromise me or my brother…”
Ray: “Listen kid…I promise, I’ll take the blame. I’ll save you and your brother…we’re not pawns. And if I fail, I know Ark will.”
Nate sighed, but then realized the sincerity in Ray’s voice. He then leaned over and whispered in Ray’s ear, telling him just exactly where they were hiding.
Present time…
Suddenly, the lights came on and focused on Ray.
Ray: “What the…!?”
Ray squinted at the glare from the lights, his eyes were used to the dark. When he regained his vision, he looked around to see boxes piled up all the way to the ceiling, and at the end of the room, a giant red door. Curious, Ray slowly made his way to the door and pushed it forward. A large creaking noise glared through the warehouse, Ray gritted his teeth, trying not to be noticed.
When he made it through, the door suddenly closed behind him; leaving Ray in the dark again.
Ray: “Crap…”
The lights came on once again, it showed Ray and a large room with nothing but a hard wooden floor. Ray looked up at the second floor, and saw HIM.
Solomon: “Ahhh, Ray. What a pleasant surprise!”
Ray: “You…! How did you know I was here?!”
Suddenly, Dave appeared behind Solomon with an evil grin on his face. He was holding Nate by his hair next to him, by the looks of it, Nate had been severely beaten up.
Ray: “You son of a…how could you torture your own brother like that?!”
Dave: “Brother? I have no need for such pitiful bonds. He did something he shouldn’t have, and he suffered for it…”
Ray clenched his fist as he looked up at the three.
Dave: “Say Solomon…are you going to take care of him?”
Solomon: “But of course…We have a bunch of history, don’t we Ray?”
Ray: “…”
Dave: “Then I’ll leave you two alone…”
Dave then tossed Nate behind him, who was still breathing, then kicked him in the stomach. Dave kept that same grin as he kicked his own twin brother into the room they came from. The door slowly closed behind him, however, Nate’s grunts could still be heard…along with Dave delivering blows to his body. Ray couldn’t believe the sight, however, he focused on Solomon, who had just jumped down to the floor where Ray was. Both of them exchanged a large stare at each other. They both knew what was going to happen.
Solomon: “So…tired of being a pawn to The Cycle, huh?”
Ray: “Well! That…and I can’t let Ark handle such a burden by himself anymore…I’ll finish you right here, and right now. Hopefully, changing what’s supposed to happen…”
Solomon: “Old Noah gave Ark the freedom to choose…But we chose to follow him, and look where that brought us, old friend.”
Ray: “Tch. The old man’s cycle is what has made humanity survive all these thousands of years. But…I refuse to let humanity blindly continue on like this! It’s not right, we’re all hamsters on a wheel. We should be FREE to choose what path we go down to…”
Solomon: “Oh? Even if that means pure oblivion? That’s what I’m trying to do, Ray.”
Ray: “Sorry…but I’ll destroy you now, and end this loop. Ark shouldn’t suffer because of humanity’s wish!”
Solomon: “He is nothing but a pawn of God. Even if a pawn becomes a queen, it’s still just a playing piece…just like you.”
Once both of these men stopped talking, the stared at each other for a few seconds. Ray materialized a red spear and held it to his side. Ray then started glowing in a blue aura, his clothes started swaying from side to side because of the force. Solomon just stood there, with a smirk on his face, like he was the one in control.
Ray kept gritting his teeth, holding his spear tightly while pointing it at Solomon. His right foot carefully slid forward, and then with one great leap, he charged towards his enemy; lunging his spear forward.
Ray: “My power isn’t like Ark’s! I can well pierce your defense!!”
Ray yelled, as he was airborne lunging his spear forward. However, Solomon simply stretched out his arm in front of him, thus stopping the attack with only one hand.
Ray: “What the--!?”
Before Ray could even react, Solomon lifted his leg up; kicking Ray on the chin. This made Ray fly through the entire room, and landing on his back hard into the ground. Ray writhed in pain as he glared up at Solomon, who was smiling ever so slyly.
Solomon: “Don’t you get it, old friend? I’m a whole different game than you. I’ve surpassed even Ark. You don’t even compare to his potential…”
Ray: “Shut up!”
Solomon: “I know why you’re doing this…”
Ray: “Don’t you say anything else! I’m tired! Okay?! I’ve lived for too LONG!”
Ray was showing a very emotional side.
Solomon: “…Then I’ll put you out of your misery…”
Ray: “I’ll…drag you down to hell with me.”
Ray held his arms up into the air as he began powering up. The whole warehouse began shaking as the walls began cracking. Solomon kept his composure as he simply smiled confidently at Ray. Ray lowered his head as he started at the floor. There was silence…only the massive sound from Ray’s power being accumulated onto him. This time, it was clear he wasn’t going to fool around. Then, Ray gave a huge yell, completely blowing out the room’s wall. From outside, an explosion could have been heard throughout the town as smoke began rising up. However, the town were just mindless brainwashed zombies, they didn’t care…except…
Eleanor: “What…What was that?!”
Ark jolted up from his slumber by Eleanor’s kick.
Ark: “Argh…Damn it! What is it?!”
Eleanor: “I heard an explosion…I have a feeling of uneasiness…”
Both headed outside and to the roof of the dojo. Within a few seconds, they were able to spot a huge pile of smoke building up at the east. Eleanor’s expression darkened at the sight of this, and she immediately thought of Ray.
Eleanor: “Oh no…What have you done, Ray?”
Ark: “What’s happening, Eleanor?”
Eleanor: “Ray went out earlier, he seemed strange. But I thought nothing of it…I wonder if…”
Ark: “…He’s found Solomon.”
Eleanor: “What? How do you know that?”
Ark: “I’ve been living with the old man for a while. He pretends to have things under control, but…he’s just as lost as I am.”
Eleanor: “Ray…”
Ark: “Enough about this. Lets go. We can still do something.”
Ark and Eleanor jumped down from the roof, the moon shined brighter than ever. They only had about two days left. It would arrive soon, and they needed to move quickly. Meanwhile, Ray had finished powering up to the fullest. He was determined to put and end to this here and now. Ray looked slightly different. His outfit was completely golden, his hair was black with a few red streaks, and his spear had grown even longer. Solomon on the other hand, had his smile wiped off his face. It was clear he had underestimated Ray’s capacity.
Ray: “You’re…not the only one that’s improved!”
He yelled as he leaped at Solomon, without even able to react, Solomon was with the spear across the face, thus was sent flying down to the fields on the warehouse’s side; since the walls were blown out. Solomon held his face in a bit of pain as he glared at Ray in his new form. Ray then jumped into the air, and came crashing down at Solomon, pointing the sharp end of his spear against him. To counter, Solomon swiftly rolled out of the way.
The contact of Ray’s spear with the ground shook the ground. Ray’s eyes seemed almost possessed with the obsession of ending his own suffering. After the smoke cleared, Solomon was standing there, his white robe flapping in the wind caused from that explosion. He was smiling again.
Solomon: “Ahahaha… That was quite refreshing.”
Ray: “Grr…Stop fooling around! Show me…your true power.”
Solomon: “Ray, Ray, Ray…don’t flatter yourself. Just half of it is all I need, good sir.”
Ray: “Are you really that cocky?! That will be your downfall…”
Ray ran his own power through his spear, making it glow in an intense yellow aura; like it was on fire. Ray then ran at Solomon at lighting speed as he lunged his spear forward at him. Solomon smirked as he held his hand up once again, before the spear made contact with Solomon, he glowed in an intense red aura, a sign he was also powering up. And then came the contact between these two individuals, the clash set off an enormous red-yellow light that illuminated the sky, even under the red glow from the moon itself. From a short distance, Ark and Eleanor could see the light show.
Ark: “Ugh! This power…yep, that’s definitely Ray and that bastard going at it…”
Eleanor: “That fool! Trying to take matters into his own hands?!”
Ark: “What do you mean?”
Eleanor: “I…later…It’s best if he told you himself.”
Ark: “Listen lady! I’ve been following orders for TWO years! I want to know just what the hell you two are hiding from-”
Ark was cut off by large explosion after the lightshow. He shook his head, knowing this wasn’t the time from demands. All they could do is try to get there in order to help Ray, if he even needed the help.
Back with Ray, the smoke cleared after the explosion. Ray’s expression from determined quickly shattered at the sight he saw ahead of him. Solomon had held back his attack with his mere index finger.
Ray: “This…can’t be.”
Solomon: “Tch! Even half my power was too much for you. Enough. I’m bored of this…it was nice knowing you, old friend.”
Ray: “…!”
With these words, Solomon had materialized a sword and driven it into Ray’s chest, making the tip of the sword go out his back. Ray coughed up blood as Solomon kicked him down, with the sword still stabbed in his chest.
Solomon: “Silly Ray…driven to an almost state of insanity. Maybe you should have backed out when you had the chance when you were chosen by the Great Will.”
Ray merely glared up at Solomon at this statement. Solomon then raised his hand up above him.
Solomon: “Good bye.”
However, a “blue-aured” sword being tossed at him stopped him. The sword made no damage as it was automatically deflected; it was Ark who had just stopped Solomon.
Solomon: “Ahh…Ark.”
Ark: “Get…away from him.”
Solomon: “Or else what, hmm? You know you can’t beat me. You must know that you can’t even hurt me!”
Ark: “…”
Ray reached out at Ark.
Ray: “Get…out! He’ll kill you! If he does…the world’s screwed.”
Ray managed to get up on his feet as he forcefully took out the sword stuck in his chest.
Ray: “…I can still fight…”
Eleanor: “Stop it…please! Just come back here…There’s no need to throw your life like this!”
Ray: “…”
Ark: “Dammit old man! Get back here, we’ll leave and devise a pla-”
Solomon: “You really think I’ll let you leave here alive? If I kill you all here…it’ll just make things easier for me!”
Solomon then summoned a horde of daggers that seemed to be lighted on red fire behind him. His power was also creation like Ark’s. But it seemed far greater.
Ark: “Oh no…Wait…”
Ark saw through the bluff.
Ark: “…You can’t hurt me.”
Solomon: “Tch…for now…”
Solomon waved his hand forward as the dagger lunged not at Ark…but at Ray from behind.
Eleanor: “RAAAYYYY!!!!!”
Ray looked back, only for the daggers to impale him in every part of his body except his head just to keep him alive.
Ray: “Augh…!”
Ark: “No…!”
Ray’s body fell backwards, but not all the way as Solomon immediately ran up at Ray just to catch him before he reached the floor.
Solomon: “I know you trained Ark…meaning, your power can also hurt him…That power is mine now!”
Ark & Eleanor: “STOP!”
Ark and Eleanor tried to run towards Solomon, but to no avail. Solomon drove his hand into Ray’s open wound chest area as he began to suck his power away.
Ray: “Arrrrrrggggghhh!!!”
It only took a moment, but Ray’s power had left him, and was now in Solomon’s body. The transaction made Solomon’s body glow in an orange aura, his massive power sent Ark and Eleanor to the ground hard. Solomon stood up to look at all the three fallen individuals.
Solomon: “Ray…My buddy! I didn’t think you had this much in you!”
Ray wasn’t himself anymore, his face had grown wrinkly, and his hair had grown white. He looked about 90 years old at the very least. Ark crawled to Ray’s side.
Ark: “What…what did he do to you…”
Ray: “Ahaha…sorry…”
Eleanor: “…”
Solomon began laughing.
Solomon: “What I did was take his power…”
With this, he charged at Ark, and flicked him on the forehead. This mere flick sent Ark to the ground again.
Solomon: “It…works!”
Ark: “You bastard!”
Ark tried punching Solomon, but his fist was deflected right off of him.
Ark: “R-Ray…don’t leave me. What’s going to happen?”
Solomon: “You mean these…fools haven’t told you? Oh my. To be kept in the dark like this…”
Eleanor: “Solomon! Don’t! He doesn’t need to know!”
Solomon: “Shut up, you whore.”
Solomon said as he extended his hand, making a blunt spear that hit and tossing it at Eleanor. It hit her on her stomach, and made her fall over in pain.
Solomon: “I’ll tell you what you need to know…”
Ark: “W-Wha…?”
Solomon: “Haven’t you ever heard of the story of Noah and his Ark? About how he build a ship to save himself and animals from the Great flood?”
Ark: “Sorry…Not big on religion.”
Solomon: “Tch, youth. Anyway…the story goes that a long time ago, God invoked a flood upon this world. An old man named Noah was chosen by God to build an ark and save those who were deemed worthy. That’s the truth given to the public…”
Ark: “And just what the hell does this have to do with anything?! Look what you did to Ray, to Eleanor…To Elijah…!”
Solomon: “Quite impatient, are we? Shut up and let me say the rest.”
Solomon says as he kicks Ark, making him drop on his back in pain.
Ark: “Argh!”
Solomon: “As I was saying…You have to ask yourself…how did an old man built such a great structure all by himself?”
Ark: “…?”
Solomon: “He didn’t. There was a bigger scheme. The Great Will…some of you call him God, created that vessel with his power. That’s only the tip of the ice berg though…that when all of this started.”
Eleanor: “Don’t…! He doesn’t have to know!”
Solomon: “Of course he does! Knowing what this kid is like, it shall work well in my favor! Anyway…In order to protect that power, God also gave two lesser powers to two individuals… Ray and Eleanor.”
Ark: “What…?”
Solomon: “Oh yes! They’re more that a couple of thousand years old! That’s not even half of the surprise. God and Noah had other plans. The world is wretched…putrid with absolute waste. God gave Noah his power, and with that, he constructed the ark, saving only the necessary. However, God still thought humanity was something to be disposed off. Noah thought otherwise…for humanity to be saved. Then, they both came to an agreement.”
Ark: “...?”
Solomon: “Eden and the Seal.”
Ark: “What…are those?”
Solomon: “God created a failsafe in the universe. That failsafe is Eden. Eden works on the thoughts of humanity. Both God and Noah agreed that humanity’s evil actions were the cause of the planet’s downfall. The more… sinister human’s become, the stronger Eden reacts, and thus, comes down to Earth…in the form of the moon. Eden isn’t evil…but it isn’t good either.”
Ark: “Wait…so what will happen when the moon comes to Earth?”
Solomon: “I’m glad you asked that question! Eden will absorb all humans…feeding on their thoughts. And that’s how the world will end. Eden’s will is absolute, the world will start on a clean slate…of course, The Cycle has prevented that from happening.”
Ark: “Cycle…”
Solomon: “Yes…but first, I’m sure you’re wondering where you and I come from. If both Ray and Eleanor were given their powers by God, then how did you receive yours? And me? How do I fit into the whole equations! Well! Let me tell you.”
Ark: “…”
Solomon: “In order to preserve the Noah’s ark’s power…that power was sealed away in a young child in that era. A child named symbolically named Ark.”
Ark: “What?! Impossible, I’m only 19 years old!”
Solomon: “In theory, yes…God’s power of creation rests within you. This is where The Cycle comes in. In order to preserve humanity…God and Noah formed a pact, in which Ray and Eleanor agreed with. Such pact was to put the entire world in a cycle that will never get away from as time passes. A Cycle triggered but none other than…you!”
Ark: “!!”
Solomon: “Yes. You know what you’re supposed to do? You’re supposed to unlock your hidden potential God’s power, and use it when the Moon has reached a certain point. But you don’t know what happens after that, do you?”
Ark: “I…”
Solomon: “When you use your power, Eden will be sealed. But your memory…and the bad thoughts of humanity will disappear. And you will live a normal life carefree. However, after some time, humans will start again…long after you’re gone, you will be reborn, and everything you’ve done before you will do again.”
Ark: “No…”
Solomon: “Yes! Yes, yes, yes! You’ve been living a liiiiieee!”
Ark: “But…why…?”
Solomon: “Don’t you see? Without the cycle, or Eden, humanity will drive itself to destruction. In the eyes of the old man Noah, that was the only way to save humanity…but I…I have another purpose…”
Ark: “You…?”
Solomon: “This is where I come in…in order to give you enough motivation to do pull this…The Great Will created a counterforce to his own power. Me. In some words…I would be your opposite side. You know how far back we all go?”
Ark: “…”
Solomon: “Ray, Eleanor, and I used to be petty thieves in the past, before any of this happened. One day, on a dark night, Ray robbed a woman and her child. It was too dark to see, when they refused, Ray killed them both. Suddenly! The clouds of in the sky unblocked the moon and illuminated the body of his victims…his own wife and child.”
Ray: “…Shut…up…!”
Solomon: “Ah, but dear Ray! This is the grand highlight of your story! All 3 of us were such good friends…Noah asked Ray if he was willing to be part of the cycle…and he agreed. I guess it was his way of atoning for his own petty mistake! Hahaha…such a silly feeling of guilt…”
Ark: “Then why you and Eleanor…”
Solomon: “Isn’t it obvious? That whore Eleanor followed Ray everywhere, clearly some type of love. And me…no, I wasn’t asked to be part of this…”
Ark: “Why…?”
Solomon: “The Great Will needed someone to have his own motivation…One day, I was given this power against my very will. Do you know…what its like to have your freedom taken away…to live countless of years just so that humanity could have its way in the sun?! DO YOU?!”
Ark: “……”
Solomon: “That is why…I will end the cycle on my own terms…Humanity doesn’t deserve to have everything given on a silver platter. Eden WILL come down and erase existence.”
Ark: “…You…will die too, you know.”
Solomon: “Oh no…No, no, no. Once Eden has absorbed me, my own power will merge it Eden’s…and I will become one with it. And when that happens, I’ll have enough to challenge The Universe…God.”
Ark: “The Universe…is God?”
Solomon: “The Great Will…The Universe…God…whatever you want to all it. That’s what it is.”
Ark: “Why do you want to challenge….?”
Solomon: “Revenge…I want to prove my existence by gaining my freedom!”
Ark: “You’re insane…!”
Solomon: “Insane? Hahaha…I’m the only one telling the truth here…You and me are the same…”
Ark: “What? Don’t you…d-dare compare myself to you…!”
Solomon: “Ohhh, but we’re more alike than you think. Your life hasn’t been pretty. You also think humanity is disgusting…but on top of everything, you didn’t ask to have your life to be manipulated like so. Ray and Eleanor DID! We DIDN’T!”
Ark: “I…How will you merge your power with Eden…?”
Solomon: “Hmph. My power is the same as Eden’s. That’s all. That’s the way God made me.”
Ark: “Why..?” addresses
Solomon: “Who knows? That’s all I know…well, no. That’s all I want to say. You’ll die here anyway.”
Solomon walked up to Ark as he raised his hand over his head. A massive cloud of energy began to gather short above him. A sinister smile went across Solomon’s face. He was intoxicated in his own power, and his lust to gain his own freedom. Thunder began clashing everywhere as a reaction to Solomon’s power. Ark was too hurt to move. His clothes were ripped in some places; his jacket had torn away so that he was left in a white shirt. His pendant was still dangling from his neck, giving off a slight red reflection because of the bright red moonlight.
The cloud of energy became an ice shard; it looked shaper than the sharpest of blades.
Solomon: “A cold end…Good bye.”
As he said this, Solomon lowered his hand, making the ice shard fall towards Ark’s direction as it pointed at him; aimed at his chest. Ark closed his eyes, expecting the worse to happen. At that moment, a few events flashed before his eyes, about his life, his friends, Milena, and the thought of what has he been fighting for. This was all brought to an abrupt end when Ark heard a painful yelp. When he reopened his eyes, he saw Ray, in his old form right in front of him. Impaled all over, and with a giant ice sharp through his chest.
Ray: “Uughh…”
Ark: “No….”
Eleanor: “Why, Ray…No…”
Solomon: “A pesky bothersome fly till the very end…huh, Old friend? Hahahaah…”
Ray fell on his side. Solomon created another ice shard above his head, but was stopped by Dave’s voice.
Dave: “Master!”
Dave mysteriously appeared behind Solomon.
Dave: “The maiden, she’s almost ready.”
Solomon: “Tch. I’ll have to leave you here…No matter. There’s no way you can stop us now…Just a few steps more, then…The cycle will be broken for good. Rejoice, brothers…we shall be FREE!”
Ark: “Wait…Maiden…What are you talking about?!”
Solomon: “Silly Ark, I have no time to tell you! When the time comes, you will know. By the way…if you do wish to witness the world’s end first hand…That Field of New beginning’s is where the Moon is supposed to arrive, and Eden to be reborn. However…”
Ark: “Elijah…”
Solomon: “Exactly…My beloved little monsters…enjoy yourselves.”
Solomon then vanished into tin air. There was silence for a while; the wind blew as Ark just stared into the red sky, and right at the moon, which was soon to deliver. It was a lot of information to take in at once. In short, in the past, God had lent Noah his power in order to construct the Great Ark and save those who seemed worthy. However, God wasn’t pleased, humanity was still rotten to the core. Noah saw it differently, thus he made a pact with God. That’s how The Cycle was created.
The Ark’s power was sealed within a child. That child would eventually grow up and be told of his destiny. That child would meet two supporters named Ray and Eleanor. And one adversary named Solomon in order to will the child into saving the world. The power of sealed within the child would seal off the Universe’s failsafe; Eden, and wipe away humanity’s evil thoughts for a set amount of time, along with the child’s memory. A couple of hundreds of years later, that child is reborn…Ray, Eleanor, and Solomon were kept alive in order to motivate Ark into releasing his power…and thus start the cycle all over again.
Without the cycle, Eden would erase mankind from existence. And without Eden, they would eventually destroy each other; it was the only way to keep mankind alive.
Soon after, Ark was snapped out of his trance as he heard a groan in pain. He sat up and saw Eleanor at Ray’s side, which had just been impaled through his chest, but was somehow still breathing for now. Ark tried his best to crawl over to their side. As he did, it started to rain. The droplets of water seemed like blood with the light of the moon.
Eleanor: “It’s raining blood…”
Ray: “Argh..ahaha…hey kid…Eleanor…”
Ark: “Ray…look at you…”
Ray: “My power…kept me alive this long. Solomon took it…without it, I’ll be gone in less then a few minutes…”
Ark: “That bastard…I’ll get your power back.”
Ark said as he tried to stand him, but his arm was grabbed by Ray’s light grip.
Ray: “Don’t…! You know you can’t beat him…listen…The power of Creation rests within you. Create…your own destiny.”
Ark: “How the hell do you expect me to do that…? I can’t hurt him…You’re my master, dammit! You’re supposed to be stronger!”
Eleanor: “Ark…No.”
Ark: “Rggh…If I do use my power to seal this…Eden, they cycle would just start over…only It’d be different with just Eleanor, but in essence, I’d still keep the world on an endless loop…but is that really the right way?”
Ray: “Ark…listen to me, I’m sure…you’ll have to decide soon. Also…”
Ray then tries to reach for his pocket and takes out a short notebook, named ‘Challenge the Moonlight’
Ark: “This is your…”
Ray: “When this is over…promise me you’ll finish it…I want something of me to remain…something to prove I existed…”
Ark: “Ray…I promise…but why…Why did you do this?”
Ray: “I’ve…lived for thousands of years…I’m tired…I wanted to end the cycle by killing Solomon and sealing his soul with my own power.”
Ark: “Wait, how would sealing a soul work?”
Ray: “I thought about this…Whenever the Cycle loops, our souls are recycled and put over the same process again. But if I managed…ugh…to defeat Solomon, I’d use my own power…at the cost of my life to seal away his soul so that it remains untouched…without an antagonist, there would be no story…no cycle to run it by…”
Ark: “…”
Ray: “Anyway…its too late for me…kid…”
Ray said as he held up his notebook to Ark, Eleanor was crying in the background, unable to face Ray in this state.
Ray: “Sorry Eleanor…I’m going to leave you in charge of this kid…I'm sorry.”
Eleanor: “I…will…Don't be...”
Ray: “Thanks…hey Ark…make your fate…shape your own story…we’re free…”
Ray’s notebook slipped from his hand. His arms fell on his side as Ray slowly began to close his eyes. Ark could only watch as his mentor passed away. The rain fell harder; Ark looked away from Ray’s lifeless body and took the notebook. Ark held the notebook closely to his chest, a reminder of his late mentor.
Ark: “I’ll…I’ll finish your story Ray…I’ll finish everything…”
Ark could not hold back the tears as he looked up. The rain droplets rolled down his face along with his tears, it made it seem like Ark was crying blood.
Eleanor: “Ark…”
Ark: “I know…Eleanor…how much longer do we have?”
Eleanor stood up in pain and tipped her glasses.
Eleanor: “It’s midnight…exactly two days from now.”
Ark: “What can we do in the mean time?”
Eleanor: “Pray for his soul…”
Ark: “…Ray…”
To be continued…
~The Unfinished Story~
Four days later….
No one said a word to Ark. No one looked at him. For now, he just wanted to be alone. It was too much to take in at the time. His best friend had suddenly betrayed him, and had captured the one person that cared for him in his life. Ark disappeared the night Milena was captured. Neither Eleanor nor Ray saw him leave. For the while, he just wanted some time to himself.
Ark headed to the field of New Beginnings. His new life began for real in this place. It was full of fond memories, memories he’ll carry to the grave and beyond. For four days, Ark stood without motion on this field. Without food, without drink, and without any sleep. He had absolutely no desire for anything…except to find out the truth.
Ark looked at his necklace, he held the ark emblem on his right palm. The red moon shined brightly over the field, instead of the grass being green, it had a red tint to it. It almost looked like Ark was in a pond of blood. He then clenched his necklace as hard as he could as he sighed.
Ark: “I have to get to the bottom of this…”
He said, determined to ask for the truth.
Palm Square looked as it was bathed in blood. The red atmosphere seemed to get stronger with each passing day that went by. The moon looked even closer now. It looked as if it was a red mountain floating in the sky, slowly moving towards the Earth, spelling chaos and catastrophe. The people of the city cheered every passing day, wanting salvation. More and more people from all over the world were gathering in Palm Square, being ready to welcome the moon. Some houses had flags, posters taped to their windows, all of them saying, “Welcome!” and all kinds of greeting. It seemed humanity wanted to end its existence. This made Ark question his reason for fighting.
Ark: “Are they really worth saving…?”
He said as he stood on top of the red hill, looking at the city, and then taking a few glances at the moon. He then shook his head a bit, trying to snap out of his current mood. He then leaped from the hill, and started to run towards Grand Dojo, wanting to talk to Eleanor and Ray.
Back at the Dojo…
Eleanor: “We’re running out of time…it’s been 4 days, and the moon is coming faster than ever. If anything, we have 3 or so days at most. Dammit! Where are you Ark?”
Ray: “Let the kid be…”
Eleanor: “But how can you be so calm? You know the cycle has to keep going if humanity wishes to live! It’s been altered enough!”
Ray: “Maybe…or maybe he’ll be the one to set us free. But I wonder if he can handle the truth?”
Eleanor: “Heh. He’s an interesting guy…for someone who doesn’t care about society, he’s actually willing to fight…for now.”
Eleanor then sticks her tongue out at Ray in a playful manner.
Eleanor: “Maybe I’ll ask him to marry me after we’re done!”
Ray then laughs heartily while putting both of his hands on his belly.
Ray: “Haha! You know that can’t be done.”
Eleanor: “Oh alright, but a girl’s gotta have a dream!”
Eleanor says while running her slender fingers through her purple hair, then using her other hand to tip her glasses into position.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the huge doors of the dojo.
Eleanor: “Hmm? Ark! You’re back!”
Eleanor runs at the door, she then grabbed the knob and pulled hard on it, opening the doors.
Eleanor: “Wait…You’re…”
Ray: “Who’s…Wait, why are YOU here?”
Nate: “Greetings.”
Eleanor and Ray then quickly jump back. Eleanor materializes knives in between her own fingers, and Ray gets out a large spear.
Nate: “I…have not come here to fight. Nor am I your enemy.”
Ray: “Bull! You were with Solomon!”
Ray then whispers to Eleanor.
Ray: “You’re right…the cycle’s been altered…these kids shouldn’t even be involved…”
Eleanor: “Told you…I wonder how things will be affected.”
Nate: “Anyway…please…help me and my brother.”
Ray and Eleanor then turn to each other, and then glance back at Nate.
Ray: “…What do you want?”
…Some time later…
Ark was running towards Grand Dojo. As fast as he was, the way was pretty long, Palm Square wasn’t so small to begin with, and it held around 300 thousand people, so it was a fairly populated area. However, it just seemed to desolate right now. People were holed up in their homes…waiting for the end to come.
Ark’s stamina was really something else. He hadn’t eaten anything for four days, but he was able to make it to Grand Dojo without breaking a sweat. It was the result of those two years of rigorous training he went under. He scratched the back of his head as he reached for the knob; he carefully opened the door as he peeked inside the room.
Ark found the image of Ray, Eleanor, and Nate all talking in the center of the room. Ark then gritted his teeth and stormed in.
Ark: “YOU!”
Ray and Eleanor leaped in startleness and looked at Ark.
Eleanor: “Wait, he’s--!”
Ark didn’t listen to anything Eleanor said. He held his arms out horizontally from his body as a few dozen of swords materialized from his sides. He swung both of his arms in front of himself as the swords started to circulate around Ark and finally point themselves at Nate.
Ray: “Damn!”
Ray then runs at Ark and tackles him to the ground. The swords simply dissipate intro crystal dust.
Ark: “ARGH! Let…me…GO!”
Ray: “Hold yer horses!”
Ark: “Why the hell should I!? He’s one of the people that brainwashed Elijah and took Milena!”
Ark glared daggers at Nate; Nate just frowned in return.
Eleanor: “Calm down Ark! He told us a story…you should listen to it.”
Ark: “Tch…”
Ray then let go his grip on Ark’s body. They both got up and dusted their clothes out. Ark looked at Nate, still glaring.
Ark: “…I’ll hear what you have to say…”
Nate: “Thank you…”
All four individuals sat in the middle of the room, Ark, Eleanor and Ray faced Nate. Nate then blinked a few times before beginning to speak.
Nate: “I…Ever since my brother and I were young…we’ve been alone. We were your typical homeless orphans.”
Ark: “Did you just come here to tell us your life story?”
Eleanor: “Shhh! Let him talk. Ray…do you want Ark to know about it? The cycle’s been tampered with enough…but…”
Ray: “I feel really selfish for doing this…but he can know. HE would have wanted it…”
Ark: “ ‘He’?”
Ray: “The person who gave you your powers.”
Ark: “…?”
Eleanor: “Would you two shut up?! Nate, darling, go on.”
Nate: “Until HE arrived…”
Ark: “…Solomon…”
Nate: “That’s right. He took us in…told us we had a…GREATER purpose…At the time, we had no reason to live.”
Ark: “…”
Ark felt a tugging feeling on his on his stomach. As if an empty void was widening inside of him. These kids, they weren’t much different from him. In fact, they remind him of his younger self. Someone without a reason for existence, someone that thought he’d didn’t make a difference. Then out of nowhere, he got this power, giving him a reason to live. It must have been the same with these children and Solomon. It was heart breaking…and terrifying. These young minds being corrupted like that, it broke Ark’s heart.
Nate: “This…This is wrong! I can’t stand watching people being brainwashed like that! My brother is one of them! Please…I…I can’t take it anymore!”
Ark then raised an eyebrow.
Ark: “How are we supposed to believe you? Up until now, you seemed in perfect sync with him. How do we know this isn’t an act?”
Eleanor: “He has a point…”
Nate: “It’s all a fake. I’ve…tried to make myself believe. But I can’t, I really can’t. He’s been brainwashed, and I feel like I’ll snap at any moment!”
Ark got up and crossed his arms as he faced Nate, towering over him.
Ark: “One simple problem…I can’t defeat Solomon. Or Elijah for that matter.”
Eleanor and Ray sat there, knowing Ark was absolutely right.
Ark: “He said he’s my counterpart. When I tried to hit Elijah, his power pushed me back…like two opposite magnets…”
Ray: “In other words…”
Eleanor: “Touching Elijah…or even Solomon is…”
Ark: “…Impossible.”
All three then sighed in frustration. Running their fingers through their hair.
Nate: “No, there is a way.”
Ark: “What?”
Nate: “If I can fuse my some of my power with yours…you’ll be able to bypass that certain defense.”
Ark: “And how do you intend to do that?”
Nate: “You see…Solomon can’t kill you either. He will be repelled, just like you were with Ellijah. However, he seemed to have found a way to bypass it.”
Ark: “Huh…?”
Nate: “By giving that power to a… ‘fresh’ soul, that person would be able to use that power as their own, without any set backs…Which is why he’s using me, my brother, and your best friend.”
Ray: “How does that work?”
Nate: “I don’t know exactly. I heard Solomon said it was made to be that way…whatever that means.”
Eleanor then looked at Ray with confused eyes, trying to make any sense of this.
Eleanor: “Did you know about that?”
Ray: “It’s the first I’ve heard of it…Solomon must have discovered it on his own. He’s taking things in his own hands, he must be tired of the same thing over and over.”
Ark: “What is his objective…?”
Nate: “…The Resurrection of Mother Eden.”
Cue generic lighting.
Ark: “Eden?”
Ray: “The supreme being.”
Eleanor: “That’s right. It’s something that mustn’t be allowed to awaken.”
Ark: “What is Eden?”
Ray and Eleanor stood silent.
Ray: “We…don’t know.”
Eleanor: “We’re just following orders. We can’t be allowed to take other risks. That’s all we know, that’s what Ray and I live for.”
Ark: “What you live for…”
This made Ark question his reason for fighting even more.
Nate: “Anyway…I can try to transfer a bit of my power over to you. This may let you bypass a person’s defense. But only use it as a last resort; this power is very limited in my hands. ”
Ark: “Why are you doing this?”
Nate: “This…it isn’t justice or judgment. Just a stupid way to satisfy Solomon’s ego…”
Ark: “Alright. I’ll trust you…for now.”
At that time, Nate stood up on his feet and in front of Ark. He stood a bit shorter than Ark did. Nate then reached up and touched Ark’s forehead as a red light began looming over Nate. That light seemed to run through his arm and into Ark’s body as it mixed together with Ark’s blue aura. This took only a few seconds, and then Nate quickly removed his finger from Ark’s forehead.
Ark: “I feel…different…uneasy…”
Ark said as his aura emitted both blue and red colors in unison. Looking at his own hands, he knew he had acquired a temporary power. Something to use as a last resort, seeing as how Ark could only use this foreign power once.
Nate: “Sorry…that’s all I can do. Or else they’d notice.”
Ark: “Still, if what you say is true, I can’t let you go back there.”
Nate: “But Sir Ark! My brother needs me!”
Ark squinted at what Nate had just called him.
Ray: “Hehe. Sir Ark.”
Ark: “Quiet you!”
Eleanor: “It has a nice ring to it!”
Ark: “Oi…”
Nate then chuckled at this. The other three looked at Nate, a bit dumbfounded.
Nate: “I’m jealous…it must be to have good friends.”
Ark: “Hmm.”
Ark went into thought. Two years ago, he was angry, anti social, and a cold person. Somewhere in those two years, he had changed. Maybe just a little. He never saw himself in this type of situation. Never in a million years, who would anyway? A person would have to be one hell of a psychic for them to know that. Ark nodded at his statement and agreed to let Nate leave and go back to Solomon. If Solomon found out what Nate did, who knows what could happen. He seemed insane, Ark thought.
Nate left the building quietly, and tried not to be seen by anyone. Ark hoped he had arrived alright and harmless. Nate seemed like a little brother to Ark, almost. Or maybe he felt sorry for him. Pity wasn’t his forte, but he had changed, it was one of his new qualities. Strange that he never noticed the change within him. That same night, Eleanor was sleeping. Ark and Ray sat on the roof of Grand Dojo, gazing at the moon. Both of them had an interesting relationship. It wasn’t really a father/son one, but it wasn’t a brotherly one either.
Ark: “Hey Ray…I’ve changed haven’t I?”
Ray: “Wha? Where did that come from?”
Ark: “I dunno…normally, I wouldn’t have believed anyone; including that kid Nate.”
Ray: “Hmm. Yeah! You used to be so angry.”
Ark: “Gahh…”
Ray: “Relax! You just grew out of it. It happens…Say…”
Ark: “Hm?”
Ray: “Did you know? I’m writing a book.”
Ark: “Seriously?”
Ray: “Yep!”
Ark looked at Ray as he raised his eyebrow, in disbelief.
Ark: “You? A writer? Hahaha.”
Ray: “Kyah! Don’t laugh!”
Ark: “Heh! I’m just kidding. What’s it called?”
Ray: “Challenge the Moonlight.”
Ark: “Huh…kind of cliché, but I like it. What’s it about?”
Ray then stood up as he turned away from Ark, thus facing the large red moon.
Ray: “It’s about a young boy…faced with an impossible task.”
Ark: “I see…is it done yet?”
Ray: “Almost! Only the last chapter is missing…”
Ark: “We all have dreams…”
Ray: “…and stories to tell.”
Ark: “I can’t believe everyone has been brainwashed. What exactly am I fighting for?”
Ray: “Well kid…That’s something you must look for yourself…that’s my last lesson.”
Ark: “Your last…what?”
Ray: “Nevermind! Do have you have to do. We all decide our fate…Regardless of what you find out soon, nothing is predetermined…remember that, Ark.”
Ark: “What’re you…?”
Ray then jumped down from the roof. He turned back to see Ark once again, before walking back into the dojo. Ark clocked his head to the left a bit, obviously confused to what Ray was saying. However, he understood the part where he said he must find his reason for fighting. Ark wasn’t a child anymore; he was an adult, capable of making his own decisions.
‘Do what you have to do’, Ark didn’t realize at the moment, but those words stuck with him forever.
That same night, Ark was sleeping as usual. There wasn’t anything else he could do, except go into hiding. Using his power now would prove to be useless. And he had absolutely no leads of where Solomon, or Elijah where. All he could do was wait…
Meanwhile, Ray changed into his Karate uniform. However, this time, it was white with a black belt. He tied a black headband around his forehead and made his way towards the door. However, a voice stopped him from reaching the nob.
Eleanor: “And just where do you think you’re going, hmmm?”
Ray: “Oh! Uhh, out for a walk.”
Eleanor just stared at Ray suspiciously.
Ray: “What? Seriously! I just need a bit of fresh air…I can’t sleep.”
Eleanor: “Hmm…mkay…Comeback soon. Be careful out there.”
Ray: “Yeah, yeah.”
Ray then opened the door and got out quickly. Eleanor noticed something weird about him, but decided not to press on right now.
Sometime later…
Ray appeared in some sort of dark warehouse. He struggled to see because it was so dark.
Ray: “They must be here…Nate said they were…”
Ray’s memory back flashed to a certain point where he was alone with Nate, while Ark and Eleanor were talking by themselves.
Ray: “Say…where is your hideout?”
Nate: “Um, sir…I can’t tell you that. I’m sorry…I can’t do anything to compromise me or my brother…”
Ray: “Listen kid…I promise, I’ll take the blame. I’ll save you and your brother…we’re not pawns. And if I fail, I know Ark will.”
Nate sighed, but then realized the sincerity in Ray’s voice. He then leaned over and whispered in Ray’s ear, telling him just exactly where they were hiding.
Present time…
Suddenly, the lights came on and focused on Ray.
Ray: “What the…!?”
Ray squinted at the glare from the lights, his eyes were used to the dark. When he regained his vision, he looked around to see boxes piled up all the way to the ceiling, and at the end of the room, a giant red door. Curious, Ray slowly made his way to the door and pushed it forward. A large creaking noise glared through the warehouse, Ray gritted his teeth, trying not to be noticed.
When he made it through, the door suddenly closed behind him; leaving Ray in the dark again.
Ray: “Crap…”
The lights came on once again, it showed Ray and a large room with nothing but a hard wooden floor. Ray looked up at the second floor, and saw HIM.
Solomon: “Ahhh, Ray. What a pleasant surprise!”
Ray: “You…! How did you know I was here?!”
Suddenly, Dave appeared behind Solomon with an evil grin on his face. He was holding Nate by his hair next to him, by the looks of it, Nate had been severely beaten up.
Ray: “You son of a…how could you torture your own brother like that?!”
Dave: “Brother? I have no need for such pitiful bonds. He did something he shouldn’t have, and he suffered for it…”
Ray clenched his fist as he looked up at the three.
Dave: “Say Solomon…are you going to take care of him?”
Solomon: “But of course…We have a bunch of history, don’t we Ray?”
Ray: “…”
Dave: “Then I’ll leave you two alone…”
Dave then tossed Nate behind him, who was still breathing, then kicked him in the stomach. Dave kept that same grin as he kicked his own twin brother into the room they came from. The door slowly closed behind him, however, Nate’s grunts could still be heard…along with Dave delivering blows to his body. Ray couldn’t believe the sight, however, he focused on Solomon, who had just jumped down to the floor where Ray was. Both of them exchanged a large stare at each other. They both knew what was going to happen.
Solomon: “So…tired of being a pawn to The Cycle, huh?”
Ray: “Well! That…and I can’t let Ark handle such a burden by himself anymore…I’ll finish you right here, and right now. Hopefully, changing what’s supposed to happen…”
Solomon: “Old Noah gave Ark the freedom to choose…But we chose to follow him, and look where that brought us, old friend.”
Ray: “Tch. The old man’s cycle is what has made humanity survive all these thousands of years. But…I refuse to let humanity blindly continue on like this! It’s not right, we’re all hamsters on a wheel. We should be FREE to choose what path we go down to…”
Solomon: “Oh? Even if that means pure oblivion? That’s what I’m trying to do, Ray.”
Ray: “Sorry…but I’ll destroy you now, and end this loop. Ark shouldn’t suffer because of humanity’s wish!”
Solomon: “He is nothing but a pawn of God. Even if a pawn becomes a queen, it’s still just a playing piece…just like you.”
Once both of these men stopped talking, the stared at each other for a few seconds. Ray materialized a red spear and held it to his side. Ray then started glowing in a blue aura, his clothes started swaying from side to side because of the force. Solomon just stood there, with a smirk on his face, like he was the one in control.
Ray kept gritting his teeth, holding his spear tightly while pointing it at Solomon. His right foot carefully slid forward, and then with one great leap, he charged towards his enemy; lunging his spear forward.
Ray: “My power isn’t like Ark’s! I can well pierce your defense!!”
Ray yelled, as he was airborne lunging his spear forward. However, Solomon simply stretched out his arm in front of him, thus stopping the attack with only one hand.
Ray: “What the--!?”
Before Ray could even react, Solomon lifted his leg up; kicking Ray on the chin. This made Ray fly through the entire room, and landing on his back hard into the ground. Ray writhed in pain as he glared up at Solomon, who was smiling ever so slyly.
Solomon: “Don’t you get it, old friend? I’m a whole different game than you. I’ve surpassed even Ark. You don’t even compare to his potential…”
Ray: “Shut up!”
Solomon: “I know why you’re doing this…”
Ray: “Don’t you say anything else! I’m tired! Okay?! I’ve lived for too LONG!”
Ray was showing a very emotional side.
Solomon: “…Then I’ll put you out of your misery…”
Ray: “I’ll…drag you down to hell with me.”
Ray held his arms up into the air as he began powering up. The whole warehouse began shaking as the walls began cracking. Solomon kept his composure as he simply smiled confidently at Ray. Ray lowered his head as he started at the floor. There was silence…only the massive sound from Ray’s power being accumulated onto him. This time, it was clear he wasn’t going to fool around. Then, Ray gave a huge yell, completely blowing out the room’s wall. From outside, an explosion could have been heard throughout the town as smoke began rising up. However, the town were just mindless brainwashed zombies, they didn’t care…except…
Eleanor: “What…What was that?!”
Ark jolted up from his slumber by Eleanor’s kick.
Ark: “Argh…Damn it! What is it?!”
Eleanor: “I heard an explosion…I have a feeling of uneasiness…”
Both headed outside and to the roof of the dojo. Within a few seconds, they were able to spot a huge pile of smoke building up at the east. Eleanor’s expression darkened at the sight of this, and she immediately thought of Ray.
Eleanor: “Oh no…What have you done, Ray?”
Ark: “What’s happening, Eleanor?”
Eleanor: “Ray went out earlier, he seemed strange. But I thought nothing of it…I wonder if…”
Ark: “…He’s found Solomon.”
Eleanor: “What? How do you know that?”
Ark: “I’ve been living with the old man for a while. He pretends to have things under control, but…he’s just as lost as I am.”
Eleanor: “Ray…”
Ark: “Enough about this. Lets go. We can still do something.”
Ark and Eleanor jumped down from the roof, the moon shined brighter than ever. They only had about two days left. It would arrive soon, and they needed to move quickly. Meanwhile, Ray had finished powering up to the fullest. He was determined to put and end to this here and now. Ray looked slightly different. His outfit was completely golden, his hair was black with a few red streaks, and his spear had grown even longer. Solomon on the other hand, had his smile wiped off his face. It was clear he had underestimated Ray’s capacity.
Ray: “You’re…not the only one that’s improved!”
He yelled as he leaped at Solomon, without even able to react, Solomon was with the spear across the face, thus was sent flying down to the fields on the warehouse’s side; since the walls were blown out. Solomon held his face in a bit of pain as he glared at Ray in his new form. Ray then jumped into the air, and came crashing down at Solomon, pointing the sharp end of his spear against him. To counter, Solomon swiftly rolled out of the way.
The contact of Ray’s spear with the ground shook the ground. Ray’s eyes seemed almost possessed with the obsession of ending his own suffering. After the smoke cleared, Solomon was standing there, his white robe flapping in the wind caused from that explosion. He was smiling again.
Solomon: “Ahahaha… That was quite refreshing.”
Ray: “Grr…Stop fooling around! Show me…your true power.”
Solomon: “Ray, Ray, Ray…don’t flatter yourself. Just half of it is all I need, good sir.”
Ray: “Are you really that cocky?! That will be your downfall…”
Ray ran his own power through his spear, making it glow in an intense yellow aura; like it was on fire. Ray then ran at Solomon at lighting speed as he lunged his spear forward at him. Solomon smirked as he held his hand up once again, before the spear made contact with Solomon, he glowed in an intense red aura, a sign he was also powering up. And then came the contact between these two individuals, the clash set off an enormous red-yellow light that illuminated the sky, even under the red glow from the moon itself. From a short distance, Ark and Eleanor could see the light show.
Ark: “Ugh! This power…yep, that’s definitely Ray and that bastard going at it…”
Eleanor: “That fool! Trying to take matters into his own hands?!”
Ark: “What do you mean?”
Eleanor: “I…later…It’s best if he told you himself.”
Ark: “Listen lady! I’ve been following orders for TWO years! I want to know just what the hell you two are hiding from-”
Ark was cut off by large explosion after the lightshow. He shook his head, knowing this wasn’t the time from demands. All they could do is try to get there in order to help Ray, if he even needed the help.
Back with Ray, the smoke cleared after the explosion. Ray’s expression from determined quickly shattered at the sight he saw ahead of him. Solomon had held back his attack with his mere index finger.
Ray: “This…can’t be.”
Solomon: “Tch! Even half my power was too much for you. Enough. I’m bored of this…it was nice knowing you, old friend.”
Ray: “…!”
With these words, Solomon had materialized a sword and driven it into Ray’s chest, making the tip of the sword go out his back. Ray coughed up blood as Solomon kicked him down, with the sword still stabbed in his chest.
Solomon: “Silly Ray…driven to an almost state of insanity. Maybe you should have backed out when you had the chance when you were chosen by the Great Will.”
Ray merely glared up at Solomon at this statement. Solomon then raised his hand up above him.
Solomon: “Good bye.”
However, a “blue-aured” sword being tossed at him stopped him. The sword made no damage as it was automatically deflected; it was Ark who had just stopped Solomon.
Solomon: “Ahh…Ark.”
Ark: “Get…away from him.”
Solomon: “Or else what, hmm? You know you can’t beat me. You must know that you can’t even hurt me!”
Ark: “…”
Ray reached out at Ark.
Ray: “Get…out! He’ll kill you! If he does…the world’s screwed.”
Ray managed to get up on his feet as he forcefully took out the sword stuck in his chest.
Ray: “…I can still fight…”
Eleanor: “Stop it…please! Just come back here…There’s no need to throw your life like this!”
Ray: “…”
Ark: “Dammit old man! Get back here, we’ll leave and devise a pla-”
Solomon: “You really think I’ll let you leave here alive? If I kill you all here…it’ll just make things easier for me!”
Solomon then summoned a horde of daggers that seemed to be lighted on red fire behind him. His power was also creation like Ark’s. But it seemed far greater.
Ark: “Oh no…Wait…”
Ark saw through the bluff.
Ark: “…You can’t hurt me.”
Solomon: “Tch…for now…”
Solomon waved his hand forward as the dagger lunged not at Ark…but at Ray from behind.
Eleanor: “RAAAYYYY!!!!!”
Ray looked back, only for the daggers to impale him in every part of his body except his head just to keep him alive.
Ray: “Augh…!”
Ark: “No…!”
Ray’s body fell backwards, but not all the way as Solomon immediately ran up at Ray just to catch him before he reached the floor.
Solomon: “I know you trained Ark…meaning, your power can also hurt him…That power is mine now!”
Ark & Eleanor: “STOP!”
Ark and Eleanor tried to run towards Solomon, but to no avail. Solomon drove his hand into Ray’s open wound chest area as he began to suck his power away.
Ray: “Arrrrrrggggghhh!!!”
It only took a moment, but Ray’s power had left him, and was now in Solomon’s body. The transaction made Solomon’s body glow in an orange aura, his massive power sent Ark and Eleanor to the ground hard. Solomon stood up to look at all the three fallen individuals.
Solomon: “Ray…My buddy! I didn’t think you had this much in you!”
Ray wasn’t himself anymore, his face had grown wrinkly, and his hair had grown white. He looked about 90 years old at the very least. Ark crawled to Ray’s side.
Ark: “What…what did he do to you…”
Ray: “Ahaha…sorry…”
Eleanor: “…”
Solomon began laughing.
Solomon: “What I did was take his power…”
With this, he charged at Ark, and flicked him on the forehead. This mere flick sent Ark to the ground again.
Solomon: “It…works!”
Ark: “You bastard!”
Ark tried punching Solomon, but his fist was deflected right off of him.
Ark: “R-Ray…don’t leave me. What’s going to happen?”
Solomon: “You mean these…fools haven’t told you? Oh my. To be kept in the dark like this…”
Eleanor: “Solomon! Don’t! He doesn’t need to know!”
Solomon: “Shut up, you whore.”
Solomon said as he extended his hand, making a blunt spear that hit and tossing it at Eleanor. It hit her on her stomach, and made her fall over in pain.
Solomon: “I’ll tell you what you need to know…”
Ark: “W-Wha…?”
Solomon: “Haven’t you ever heard of the story of Noah and his Ark? About how he build a ship to save himself and animals from the Great flood?”
Ark: “Sorry…Not big on religion.”
Solomon: “Tch, youth. Anyway…the story goes that a long time ago, God invoked a flood upon this world. An old man named Noah was chosen by God to build an ark and save those who were deemed worthy. That’s the truth given to the public…”
Ark: “And just what the hell does this have to do with anything?! Look what you did to Ray, to Eleanor…To Elijah…!”
Solomon: “Quite impatient, are we? Shut up and let me say the rest.”
Solomon says as he kicks Ark, making him drop on his back in pain.
Ark: “Argh!”
Solomon: “As I was saying…You have to ask yourself…how did an old man built such a great structure all by himself?”
Ark: “…?”
Solomon: “He didn’t. There was a bigger scheme. The Great Will…some of you call him God, created that vessel with his power. That’s only the tip of the ice berg though…that when all of this started.”
Eleanor: “Don’t…! He doesn’t have to know!”
Solomon: “Of course he does! Knowing what this kid is like, it shall work well in my favor! Anyway…In order to protect that power, God also gave two lesser powers to two individuals… Ray and Eleanor.”
Ark: “What…?”
Solomon: “Oh yes! They’re more that a couple of thousand years old! That’s not even half of the surprise. God and Noah had other plans. The world is wretched…putrid with absolute waste. God gave Noah his power, and with that, he constructed the ark, saving only the necessary. However, God still thought humanity was something to be disposed off. Noah thought otherwise…for humanity to be saved. Then, they both came to an agreement.”
Ark: “...?”
Solomon: “Eden and the Seal.”
Ark: “What…are those?”
Solomon: “God created a failsafe in the universe. That failsafe is Eden. Eden works on the thoughts of humanity. Both God and Noah agreed that humanity’s evil actions were the cause of the planet’s downfall. The more… sinister human’s become, the stronger Eden reacts, and thus, comes down to Earth…in the form of the moon. Eden isn’t evil…but it isn’t good either.”
Ark: “Wait…so what will happen when the moon comes to Earth?”
Solomon: “I’m glad you asked that question! Eden will absorb all humans…feeding on their thoughts. And that’s how the world will end. Eden’s will is absolute, the world will start on a clean slate…of course, The Cycle has prevented that from happening.”
Ark: “Cycle…”
Solomon: “Yes…but first, I’m sure you’re wondering where you and I come from. If both Ray and Eleanor were given their powers by God, then how did you receive yours? And me? How do I fit into the whole equations! Well! Let me tell you.”
Ark: “…”
Solomon: “In order to preserve the Noah’s ark’s power…that power was sealed away in a young child in that era. A child named symbolically named Ark.”
Ark: “What?! Impossible, I’m only 19 years old!”
Solomon: “In theory, yes…God’s power of creation rests within you. This is where The Cycle comes in. In order to preserve humanity…God and Noah formed a pact, in which Ray and Eleanor agreed with. Such pact was to put the entire world in a cycle that will never get away from as time passes. A Cycle triggered but none other than…you!”
Ark: “!!”
Solomon: “Yes. You know what you’re supposed to do? You’re supposed to unlock your hidden potential God’s power, and use it when the Moon has reached a certain point. But you don’t know what happens after that, do you?”
Ark: “I…”
Solomon: “When you use your power, Eden will be sealed. But your memory…and the bad thoughts of humanity will disappear. And you will live a normal life carefree. However, after some time, humans will start again…long after you’re gone, you will be reborn, and everything you’ve done before you will do again.”
Ark: “No…”
Solomon: “Yes! Yes, yes, yes! You’ve been living a liiiiieee!”
Ark: “But…why…?”
Solomon: “Don’t you see? Without the cycle, or Eden, humanity will drive itself to destruction. In the eyes of the old man Noah, that was the only way to save humanity…but I…I have another purpose…”
Ark: “You…?”
Solomon: “This is where I come in…in order to give you enough motivation to do pull this…The Great Will created a counterforce to his own power. Me. In some words…I would be your opposite side. You know how far back we all go?”
Ark: “…”
Solomon: “Ray, Eleanor, and I used to be petty thieves in the past, before any of this happened. One day, on a dark night, Ray robbed a woman and her child. It was too dark to see, when they refused, Ray killed them both. Suddenly! The clouds of in the sky unblocked the moon and illuminated the body of his victims…his own wife and child.”
Ray: “…Shut…up…!”
Solomon: “Ah, but dear Ray! This is the grand highlight of your story! All 3 of us were such good friends…Noah asked Ray if he was willing to be part of the cycle…and he agreed. I guess it was his way of atoning for his own petty mistake! Hahaha…such a silly feeling of guilt…”
Ark: “Then why you and Eleanor…”
Solomon: “Isn’t it obvious? That whore Eleanor followed Ray everywhere, clearly some type of love. And me…no, I wasn’t asked to be part of this…”
Ark: “Why…?”
Solomon: “The Great Will needed someone to have his own motivation…One day, I was given this power against my very will. Do you know…what its like to have your freedom taken away…to live countless of years just so that humanity could have its way in the sun?! DO YOU?!”
Ark: “……”
Solomon: “That is why…I will end the cycle on my own terms…Humanity doesn’t deserve to have everything given on a silver platter. Eden WILL come down and erase existence.”
Ark: “…You…will die too, you know.”
Solomon: “Oh no…No, no, no. Once Eden has absorbed me, my own power will merge it Eden’s…and I will become one with it. And when that happens, I’ll have enough to challenge The Universe…God.”
Ark: “The Universe…is God?”
Solomon: “The Great Will…The Universe…God…whatever you want to all it. That’s what it is.”
Ark: “Why do you want to challenge….?”
Solomon: “Revenge…I want to prove my existence by gaining my freedom!”
Ark: “You’re insane…!”
Solomon: “Insane? Hahaha…I’m the only one telling the truth here…You and me are the same…”
Ark: “What? Don’t you…d-dare compare myself to you…!”
Solomon: “Ohhh, but we’re more alike than you think. Your life hasn’t been pretty. You also think humanity is disgusting…but on top of everything, you didn’t ask to have your life to be manipulated like so. Ray and Eleanor DID! We DIDN’T!”
Ark: “I…How will you merge your power with Eden…?”
Solomon: “Hmph. My power is the same as Eden’s. That’s all. That’s the way God made me.”
Ark: “Why..?” addresses
Solomon: “Who knows? That’s all I know…well, no. That’s all I want to say. You’ll die here anyway.”
Solomon walked up to Ark as he raised his hand over his head. A massive cloud of energy began to gather short above him. A sinister smile went across Solomon’s face. He was intoxicated in his own power, and his lust to gain his own freedom. Thunder began clashing everywhere as a reaction to Solomon’s power. Ark was too hurt to move. His clothes were ripped in some places; his jacket had torn away so that he was left in a white shirt. His pendant was still dangling from his neck, giving off a slight red reflection because of the bright red moonlight.
The cloud of energy became an ice shard; it looked shaper than the sharpest of blades.
Solomon: “A cold end…Good bye.”
As he said this, Solomon lowered his hand, making the ice shard fall towards Ark’s direction as it pointed at him; aimed at his chest. Ark closed his eyes, expecting the worse to happen. At that moment, a few events flashed before his eyes, about his life, his friends, Milena, and the thought of what has he been fighting for. This was all brought to an abrupt end when Ark heard a painful yelp. When he reopened his eyes, he saw Ray, in his old form right in front of him. Impaled all over, and with a giant ice sharp through his chest.
Ray: “Uughh…”
Ark: “No….”
Eleanor: “Why, Ray…No…”
Solomon: “A pesky bothersome fly till the very end…huh, Old friend? Hahahaah…”
Ray fell on his side. Solomon created another ice shard above his head, but was stopped by Dave’s voice.
Dave: “Master!”
Dave mysteriously appeared behind Solomon.
Dave: “The maiden, she’s almost ready.”
Solomon: “Tch. I’ll have to leave you here…No matter. There’s no way you can stop us now…Just a few steps more, then…The cycle will be broken for good. Rejoice, brothers…we shall be FREE!”
Ark: “Wait…Maiden…What are you talking about?!”
Solomon: “Silly Ark, I have no time to tell you! When the time comes, you will know. By the way…if you do wish to witness the world’s end first hand…That Field of New beginning’s is where the Moon is supposed to arrive, and Eden to be reborn. However…”
Ark: “Elijah…”
Solomon: “Exactly…My beloved little monsters…enjoy yourselves.”
Solomon then vanished into tin air. There was silence for a while; the wind blew as Ark just stared into the red sky, and right at the moon, which was soon to deliver. It was a lot of information to take in at once. In short, in the past, God had lent Noah his power in order to construct the Great Ark and save those who seemed worthy. However, God wasn’t pleased, humanity was still rotten to the core. Noah saw it differently, thus he made a pact with God. That’s how The Cycle was created.
The Ark’s power was sealed within a child. That child would eventually grow up and be told of his destiny. That child would meet two supporters named Ray and Eleanor. And one adversary named Solomon in order to will the child into saving the world. The power of sealed within the child would seal off the Universe’s failsafe; Eden, and wipe away humanity’s evil thoughts for a set amount of time, along with the child’s memory. A couple of hundreds of years later, that child is reborn…Ray, Eleanor, and Solomon were kept alive in order to motivate Ark into releasing his power…and thus start the cycle all over again.
Without the cycle, Eden would erase mankind from existence. And without Eden, they would eventually destroy each other; it was the only way to keep mankind alive.
Soon after, Ark was snapped out of his trance as he heard a groan in pain. He sat up and saw Eleanor at Ray’s side, which had just been impaled through his chest, but was somehow still breathing for now. Ark tried his best to crawl over to their side. As he did, it started to rain. The droplets of water seemed like blood with the light of the moon.
Eleanor: “It’s raining blood…”
Ray: “Argh..ahaha…hey kid…Eleanor…”
Ark: “Ray…look at you…”
Ray: “My power…kept me alive this long. Solomon took it…without it, I’ll be gone in less then a few minutes…”
Ark: “That bastard…I’ll get your power back.”
Ark said as he tried to stand him, but his arm was grabbed by Ray’s light grip.
Ray: “Don’t…! You know you can’t beat him…listen…The power of Creation rests within you. Create…your own destiny.”
Ark: “How the hell do you expect me to do that…? I can’t hurt him…You’re my master, dammit! You’re supposed to be stronger!”
Eleanor: “Ark…No.”
Ark: “Rggh…If I do use my power to seal this…Eden, they cycle would just start over…only It’d be different with just Eleanor, but in essence, I’d still keep the world on an endless loop…but is that really the right way?”
Ray: “Ark…listen to me, I’m sure…you’ll have to decide soon. Also…”
Ray then tries to reach for his pocket and takes out a short notebook, named ‘Challenge the Moonlight’
Ark: “This is your…”
Ray: “When this is over…promise me you’ll finish it…I want something of me to remain…something to prove I existed…”
Ark: “Ray…I promise…but why…Why did you do this?”
Ray: “I’ve…lived for thousands of years…I’m tired…I wanted to end the cycle by killing Solomon and sealing his soul with my own power.”
Ark: “Wait, how would sealing a soul work?”
Ray: “I thought about this…Whenever the Cycle loops, our souls are recycled and put over the same process again. But if I managed…ugh…to defeat Solomon, I’d use my own power…at the cost of my life to seal away his soul so that it remains untouched…without an antagonist, there would be no story…no cycle to run it by…”
Ark: “…”
Ray: “Anyway…its too late for me…kid…”
Ray said as he held up his notebook to Ark, Eleanor was crying in the background, unable to face Ray in this state.
Ray: “Sorry Eleanor…I’m going to leave you in charge of this kid…I'm sorry.”
Eleanor: “I…will…Don't be...”
Ray: “Thanks…hey Ark…make your fate…shape your own story…we’re free…”
Ray’s notebook slipped from his hand. His arms fell on his side as Ray slowly began to close his eyes. Ark could only watch as his mentor passed away. The rain fell harder; Ark looked away from Ray’s lifeless body and took the notebook. Ark held the notebook closely to his chest, a reminder of his late mentor.
Ark: “I’ll…I’ll finish your story Ray…I’ll finish everything…”
Ark could not hold back the tears as he looked up. The rain droplets rolled down his face along with his tears, it made it seem like Ark was crying blood.
Eleanor: “Ark…”
Ark: “I know…Eleanor…how much longer do we have?”
Eleanor stood up in pain and tipped her glasses.
Eleanor: “It’s midnight…exactly two days from now.”
Ark: “What can we do in the mean time?”
Eleanor: “Pray for his soul…”
Ark: “…Ray…”
To be continued…
