Post by Squall on Feb 18, 2008 18:15:46 GMT -5
Challenge the Moonlight- Chapter 2
~Revelation~
The very next day after Ark’s birthday was upon them. It was another typical day in this world. Sunny day, busy streets, all in day’s routine. Ark got out of his apartment earlier than usual. He didn’t want to be late to his homeroom class. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t afford missing attendance…AGAIN for sleeping in.
Ark: “Another day…what a pain.”
He said as he yawned. Then started walking towards school. No Milena today so it seemed, after all, she had a later class that day. Ark didn’t want to admit it, but he does miss her nagging in the early morning.
Once Ark sat down on his chair, he immediately started daydreaming like always. Instead of looking out the window, he was looking at his brand new necklace that he had gotten from Milena yesterday. He held it in front of his face as he just gazed at it a bit, just thinking random thoughts. About himself, Milena, Elijah, hell, even Ray. And…other certain events. His daydreaming was interrupted by the teacher’s voice. A girl was at the front of the class. Was wearing a school uniform; which consisted of a simple white shirt with a blue collar and a short blue school skirt. Her hair was long and unnaturally blue. She also wore glasses. Her height was around 5’3”. Very short.
Teacher: “ Students, we have a new student today. Say hello to…er…What’s your name?”
: “…Eleanor.”
Teacher: “Eleanor? Odd name. You’d fit in well with Arky over at the back.”
The class then started laughing at both the new girl and Ark. Ark, like always, didn’t care. It stopped bothering him ages ago. But he couldn’t help to feel angry at the morons who plagued this place.
Ark put his hand over his face as he sighed in exasperation.
Ark: “…Fucking humanity…”
Day after day, Ark kept on losing faith in people. The only people that would help him from going over the edge would be Milena and Elijah. Today, Ark just seemed to be in a bad mood. What a way to start the day.
Eleanor then slowly walked to the back of the class, and used the seat besides Ark. The seats around Ark were empty, because no one really liked socializing with him. Not that Ark really cared associating with their kind in the first place. In his eyes, he was better off.
Hours went on by, Ark glanced over at Eleanor from time to time. He couldn’t help but to notice that she was looking at him extensively. What was her problem anyway? It was starting to make Ark a bit uncomfortable. Just as Ark was about to say something, the bell rang. He sighed in relief as he waited for the room to clear of people.
Ark: “Weeeeellll…Time for me to leave…Good thing it’s Friday.”
Ark said to himself. Just as he walked over to the classroom’s exit. Eleanor suddenly walked right in front of him. She faced him.
Ark: “Um…excuse me. I’m leaving.”
Eleanor: “…”
Ark: “…?”
They stared at each other for a good minute or so. Until Eleanor decided to speak, that is.
Eleanor: “…You. I’ve found you.”
Ark: “Say what now?”
At that very moment, Eleanor embraced Ark.
Ark: “…!”
He was absolutely baffled. This girl he had never seen before seemed to know him for some reason. And she was hugging him. Like they were best buddies.
Ark: “What the hell!? Get off!”
At that same moment, the classroom door opened. It was none other than…
Milena: “…Oh. I see.”
Ark: “…Um…”
Before he could explain the situation, Milena slammed shut the door.
Ark: “...Oh crap.”
On the other side of the door…
Milena: “What am I doing!? I’m acting like a jealous freak…Maybe I should…”
As she was about to open the door to apologize for her weird behavior, Elijah came up behind her.
Elijah: “Hey, ready to go? Where’s Ark?”
Milena: “H-He already left. Said he had early practice…yeah, that’s it!”
Elijah: “Are you okay? You seem out of it.”
Milena: “Oh! It’s nothing! Come on, let’s go.”
Elijah: “…”
For some unknown reason to her, she didn’t want to face Ark. Not when she had that moment of short jealousy. So, they both left the school.
Meanwhile…
Ark: “…Let go.”
Eleanor: “Oh. Sorry.”
Ark: “ I don’t think I know you. Do you know me from somewhere?”
She then looks up at Ark with her blue eyes.
Eleanor: “I’ve been searching for you…for a while now.”
Ark: “…Oooookay….”
Eleanor adjusts her glasses slowly, and looks at Ark again.
Eleanor: “Your fate, your purpose, your meaning…Come to Grand Dojo at midnight tonight. I shall explain more.”
Ark: “What the hell are you talking about? I’m fine, thank you.”
Eleanor: “No you’re not. You search for a meaning to your…life. Do you not?”
Ark was stunned.
Ark: “…I…”
Eleanor: “mmmhm…I’ll expect to see you tonight.”
Eleanor turned around and walked right out of the classroom. For about 10 minutes, Ark stood there watching the classroom door. In awe, he was completely confused. Midnight at Grand Dojo? Why that place, and why should Ark even go? As those thoughts circled around his mind, Ark grabbed his stuff and left the school.
Throughout the trip back, he could only think about Eleanor’s prophetic-like words. Another boring day could soon be the most intriguing one of his life. He doesn’t have to lose anything. If it was a prank, it surely wasn’t a nice one.
When Ark got to the floor his apartment was, he saw someone standing by the door. The very same girl who had acted strangely earlier today.
Milena: “Hey.”
Ark: “Um…Hey.”
Awkward silence filled the hallway for a few seconds between the two.
Ark: “Where’s Elij-”
He was cut off.
Milena: “Can I…go in? Are your parents home?”
Ark: “I…don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Milena: “Why? Why haven’t I seen your parents in years?”
Ark began getting frustrated. So he spoke in an annoyed and agitated tone.
Ark: “What’s with you today?”
Milena: “I just…Well. I feel like I don’t know you.”
Ark: “…”
Out of nowhere, something like that hit. What was she talking about? It seemed rather senseless to Ark at the moment. However, Ark sighed and decided to tell her the truth. So he walked past her, and faced his apartment door.
Ark: “Alright…I’ll tell you.”
He took a key out from his back pocket and unlocked his door. He slowly turned the knob as he opened the door. It made a creepy creaking noise. Milena tried to peek over Ark’s shoulder but it was too dark.
Ark: “…You first.”
Milena went past Ark and stepped into the room. She tried waving her hands in front of her face, as it was too dark to see anything.
Milena: “Ark, I can’t see a-”
The lights went on. Milena suddenly became speechless. What did she see? A small apartment. There was a bed on the corner, a small bureau on the side for Ark to put his clothes. On the other end, a table with a lamp, a chair, and small kitchen and bathroom. That was it. From the looks of it, only one person could live there.
Milena: “I…Ark…What…is…”
Ark: “You wanted to see it didn’t you?”
Ark walks in front of her. Then leans against the bedroom table as he crosses his arms.
Milena: “I didn’t think…”
Ark: “Think what? I live alone. Is that SO hard to believe?”
Milena: “I don’t get it! Where are your parents?!”
Ark stares at her in a cold matter.
Ark: “Dead.”
Milena: “…What?”
Yes. They were dead. And for many years, Ark lived alone.
Ark: “Yeah. They’ve been dead. For 8 years.”
Milena: “I…don’t get it. How have you…”
Ark: “How have I survived? Jobs here and there…Ray helps me with the rent and food. Can’t complain.”
Milena: “How can you say it like that?!”
Ark blinked confused.
Ark: “Like what? I don’t need anything else…”
Milena: “Anything else?! Do you even LOOK where you’re living?!”
Ark started to get even more flustered.
Ark: “…Why are you so upset?”
Milena: “Your…life. This room.”
Ark looks around, not seeing what she was seeing.
Ark: “…Huh?”
Milena erupted in anger.
Milena: “Look at it! It’s so…cold and empty. How can a human live in such a place…It’s no different than a prison cell…”
Ark: “Whatev-”
Milena: “Don’t you whatever me! Is this what’s inside your heart? I thought I knew you…”
The room was swirling with emotions. Many things were going on in Ark’s head and heart. Milena was right, he couldn’t deny it, nor could he speak back after hearing those words. In reality, Ark wasn’t mad at the world itself, he was mad at himself.
Ark: “…”
Milena: “I…can’t be here now. I came to apologize from earlier today…But let me ask you one thing…”
Ark: “…?”
Milena: “…What do you live for? Because from this room...I can't tell.”
Something else Ark couldn’t answer.
Ark: “….”
Milena: “Yeah. Didn’t think you’d have an answer.”
She turned away, and walked towards the exit. Ark didn’t bother to stop her. Why would he? There was no point, she was absolutely right. Every word. Milena didn’t close the door behind her. Maybe Ark was hoping for her to come back. But no, Milena did not return that day.
Ark: “…What is this…a soap opera…?”
He said to himself, trying to joke his away out from his own shame.
That night, Ark was lying on his bed. Looking at he ceiling, and then back at the clock. It read 11:47 as it flashed the time. What a long day it was, and not for the better. Ark gave a hefty sigh, not knowing what to feel at that moment. At that moment, Ark remembered Eleanor’s words.
Without thinking, Ark leaped of his bed, put on his shoes and ran straight out the door. Down the stairs he ran, thinking how much worse the day could get. Plus, he was very curious what Eleanor wanted.
It was late; there were barely any people out at that time, except crooks and drug dealers. Which didn’t bother Ark, he was at the level of a black belt, so he knew how to defend himself nicely. He ran through the empty streets, he was wondering why exactly he was going to show up at the place that Eleanor said.
He stood right in front of the door of Grand Dojo, panting for air, just a one or two minutes before midnight. He spent those extra minutes wondering if he should go in or not. What a hectic day it was for him and not for the better. This better be interesting.
As Ark placed his hand on the doorknob, the clock reached 12. The bell of a church nearby went off, quite a nice timing it had, especially for such a creepy atmosphere late at night. He opened the door, it was dark inside, no one was there so it seemed. He took a few steps into the dojo as the door closed on him. How cliché.
Ark: “Eleanor…? Where are you?”
He asked, trying to look around in the darkness. The lights suddenly came on. Ark jolted a bit in surprise, on the middle of the room stood Eleanor. Her back facing Ark, she proceeded to speak
Eleanor: “Glad you could come!”
She turned around with a smile.
Ark: “What is this about?”
From one of the pillars on the sidewall, another person stepped out. It was Ray.
Ray: “We are here…to help you.”
Ark looked to the side, surprised to see his mentor. But not really, after all it was HIS place.
Ark: “…Help…me? What are you talking about?”
Ray: “During the years I’ve known you…I’ve noticed something in you has been lacking.”
When Ark turned his face away from Ray, he saw Eleanor a lot nearer to him than she was before.
Eleanor: “You may not want to admit it, but you have lost your own meaning. Or rather, you never found it.”
Ark took a step back, and then asked
Ark: “Wait a minute, just who the hell are you? And how do you know so much?”
Eleanor took a change in attitude and smiled while she pointed her finger upwards.
Eleanor: “That’s a secret!”
Ark: “Whatever. Then let me ask you both…why?”
Ray smiled as he took a few steps towards Ark.
Ray: “You possess something no one else has. A special power in you that can save us from…”
Ray pointed at the sky above them. Ark looked at Ray in confusion.
Ark: “…The roof?”
Ray: “Oh don’t be stupid. You noticed…haven’t you? The moon…slowly but surely, it has been getting brighter.”
Ark: “…Yeah.”
Ray: “…Three years from now…It will fall and crash into this planet. Putting an end to mankind.”
Ark’s eyes widened.
Ark: “What?!”
Silence filled the room. Earth’s days were counted. Only 3 years were left until a huge apocalyptic event. And it seemed inevitable…
Ray: “…Unless…”
Ark: “…?”
Ray & Eleanor: “You release your power.”
Ark took a step back.
Ark: “…Rewind a bit. I don’t have any power.”
Eleanor then looked at Ray.
Eleanor: “So should you do it? Or I?”
Ray: “No, No. I’m responsible for him, I’ll do it.”
Ray walked over to Ark and placed his finger on Ark’s forehead. As he began chanting an odd spell, an aura appeared over Ray. It was blue-green as it engulfed Ray’s body. Ark looked in total disbelief at what he was witnessing.
Ray: “Just easy your mind kid…”
Ark: “What’re you…?”
Ray: “Seal Of Time…Seal Of Fate…using my power…RELEASE!”
A light blue light emitted from Ark. He began glowing strongly, enough to light up the entire building. From out side, the windows shot out light in every direction. Once the light dimmed out from Ark’s body, he was left standing, with a shocked look on his face.
Ark: “What did you just…What is this feeling…?”
Ray: “Hold out your hand.”
Without thinking, Ark held out his left hand.
Ray: “Now think of a shield…”
Ark concentrates, as a blue barrier came out of his hand and engulfed his front.
Ark: “What the hell…”
Ray: “Think of a sword now.”
Ark concentrates yet again as the shield becomes a long sword.
Eleanor: “This is your power. The power of creation.”
Ark: “Wait a minute, how do I have this power in the first place?!”
Ray: “Ah. All in good time kid. Right now I just released one half of your seal.”
Ark blinked in confusion. There was more power in him than he thought.
Ark: “…And the other half…?”
Eleanor adjusted her glasses and smiled.
Eleanor: “I could release the other half.”
Ark: “Okay, so why don’t you release it and take care of this moon problem?”
Ray: “It’s not that simple…”
Ark: “…?”
Eleanor: “You see. The moon needs to be producing the same amount of energy that you will when your seal is released. In other words, it needs to be falling. That’s when it’ll produce the most energy. If the you and the moon aren’t in the same wavelength, the seal will fail, and you; along with everyone will die.”
Ark: “…What a way to drop the bombshell…One question…”
Ray: “Hm?”
Ark: “…Why should I do this? I have no aspirations of becoming a hero from one day to the next.”
Eleanor: “Here’s a better question. Do you think you’ll be able to live with yourself now that you’ve found out about this? Think you can let that girl die?”
Ark: “…”
Eleanor: “Exactly. This is why you have no other choice.”
Ray: “Besides, we’re going to need these three years to train you on how to use your powers. You just found out about them after all.”
Ark: “Okay…so when do we start…?”
Eleanor: “Not so fast…we can’t let anyone know about your powers or the current situation. Think of the chaos it will cause. We need to leave this city, to more desolate place.”
Ark: “…For 3 whole years huh…”
Ray: “Yeah…I understand if you need tim--”
Ray was cut off by Ark’s voice.
Ark: “…I’ve already decided. Lets leave tonight…”
Ray and Eleanor were startled by Ark’s quick decision. They took a look at each other then back to Ark.
Eleanor: “Are you sure? Don’t you want to say goodbye to her…?”
Ark: “…I think this is the best way. She doesn’t need me. I'm just going to get in the way of Elijah.”
Ray: “You might be mistaken…but I’ll respect your wishes.”
Silence filled the room, until Ray spoke again.
Ray: “But before we leave…”
Eleanor and Ark started at Ray in confusion. Ray then takes out a few bags out of nowhere.
Ray: “Let’s have some dinner!”
Ark & Eleanor: “Ahhh!”
They both fall over in surprise. A few minutes after they’ve shared a nice meal…
Ray: “…Ready to go?”
Ark: “Now more than ever.”
All three of them stood up at the same time and started walking towards the door. They look back as they were ready to head out; they then proceeded outside into the street. Ray locked down the Grand Dojo behind him, to prevent any burglars from entering while they were gone. Ark and Eleanor got in the back of Ray’s car. It was small, red, and enough for about four people. It ran pretty fast for an old car. Then again, Ray wasn’t wealthy even though he ran an entire dojo.
The car drove out through the streets as Ark looked out the window. He will not see this place for three whole years, he also felt bad about not saying good-bye to the two people that cared about him, Elijah and Milena. But it was too late to back down now. They were already in the outer skirts of the city. However, there were a couple of figures looking down at their car from a top of a building.
: “…Damn it. That bastard Ray got to the kid before we did. He’s going to poison his mind.”
: “That little bitch Eleanor must have found him…we’re too late.”
Another figure came from behind the two mysterious men.
: “Not necessarily…we have this city to ourselves now. Let’s... have some fun while they’re gone. Shall we?”
The three mysterious figures chuckled as Ray’s car drove out of the city. Ark looked behind as the city lights were disappearing on the horizon.
Ray: “I hope you’re ready for what’s ahead.”
Ark nodded. He wasn’t completely sure, but he knew he had not other choice.
To be Continued….
~Revelation~
The very next day after Ark’s birthday was upon them. It was another typical day in this world. Sunny day, busy streets, all in day’s routine. Ark got out of his apartment earlier than usual. He didn’t want to be late to his homeroom class. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t afford missing attendance…AGAIN for sleeping in.
Ark: “Another day…what a pain.”
He said as he yawned. Then started walking towards school. No Milena today so it seemed, after all, she had a later class that day. Ark didn’t want to admit it, but he does miss her nagging in the early morning.
Once Ark sat down on his chair, he immediately started daydreaming like always. Instead of looking out the window, he was looking at his brand new necklace that he had gotten from Milena yesterday. He held it in front of his face as he just gazed at it a bit, just thinking random thoughts. About himself, Milena, Elijah, hell, even Ray. And…other certain events. His daydreaming was interrupted by the teacher’s voice. A girl was at the front of the class. Was wearing a school uniform; which consisted of a simple white shirt with a blue collar and a short blue school skirt. Her hair was long and unnaturally blue. She also wore glasses. Her height was around 5’3”. Very short.
Teacher: “ Students, we have a new student today. Say hello to…er…What’s your name?”
: “…Eleanor.” Teacher: “Eleanor? Odd name. You’d fit in well with Arky over at the back.”
The class then started laughing at both the new girl and Ark. Ark, like always, didn’t care. It stopped bothering him ages ago. But he couldn’t help to feel angry at the morons who plagued this place.
Ark put his hand over his face as he sighed in exasperation.
Ark: “…Fucking humanity…”
Day after day, Ark kept on losing faith in people. The only people that would help him from going over the edge would be Milena and Elijah. Today, Ark just seemed to be in a bad mood. What a way to start the day.
Eleanor then slowly walked to the back of the class, and used the seat besides Ark. The seats around Ark were empty, because no one really liked socializing with him. Not that Ark really cared associating with their kind in the first place. In his eyes, he was better off.
Hours went on by, Ark glanced over at Eleanor from time to time. He couldn’t help but to notice that she was looking at him extensively. What was her problem anyway? It was starting to make Ark a bit uncomfortable. Just as Ark was about to say something, the bell rang. He sighed in relief as he waited for the room to clear of people.
Ark: “Weeeeellll…Time for me to leave…Good thing it’s Friday.”
Ark said to himself. Just as he walked over to the classroom’s exit. Eleanor suddenly walked right in front of him. She faced him.
Ark: “Um…excuse me. I’m leaving.”
Eleanor: “…”
Ark: “…?”
They stared at each other for a good minute or so. Until Eleanor decided to speak, that is.
Eleanor: “…You. I’ve found you.”
Ark: “Say what now?”
At that very moment, Eleanor embraced Ark.
Ark: “…!”
He was absolutely baffled. This girl he had never seen before seemed to know him for some reason. And she was hugging him. Like they were best buddies.
Ark: “What the hell!? Get off!”
At that same moment, the classroom door opened. It was none other than…
Milena: “…Oh. I see.”
Ark: “…Um…”
Before he could explain the situation, Milena slammed shut the door.
Ark: “...Oh crap.”
On the other side of the door…
Milena: “What am I doing!? I’m acting like a jealous freak…Maybe I should…”
As she was about to open the door to apologize for her weird behavior, Elijah came up behind her.
Elijah: “Hey, ready to go? Where’s Ark?”
Milena: “H-He already left. Said he had early practice…yeah, that’s it!”
Elijah: “Are you okay? You seem out of it.”
Milena: “Oh! It’s nothing! Come on, let’s go.”
Elijah: “…”
For some unknown reason to her, she didn’t want to face Ark. Not when she had that moment of short jealousy. So, they both left the school.
Meanwhile…
Ark: “…Let go.”
Eleanor: “Oh. Sorry.”
Ark: “ I don’t think I know you. Do you know me from somewhere?”
She then looks up at Ark with her blue eyes.
Eleanor: “I’ve been searching for you…for a while now.”
Ark: “…Oooookay….”
Eleanor adjusts her glasses slowly, and looks at Ark again.
Eleanor: “Your fate, your purpose, your meaning…Come to Grand Dojo at midnight tonight. I shall explain more.”
Ark: “What the hell are you talking about? I’m fine, thank you.”
Eleanor: “No you’re not. You search for a meaning to your…life. Do you not?”
Ark was stunned.
Ark: “…I…”
Eleanor: “mmmhm…I’ll expect to see you tonight.”
Eleanor turned around and walked right out of the classroom. For about 10 minutes, Ark stood there watching the classroom door. In awe, he was completely confused. Midnight at Grand Dojo? Why that place, and why should Ark even go? As those thoughts circled around his mind, Ark grabbed his stuff and left the school.
Throughout the trip back, he could only think about Eleanor’s prophetic-like words. Another boring day could soon be the most intriguing one of his life. He doesn’t have to lose anything. If it was a prank, it surely wasn’t a nice one.
When Ark got to the floor his apartment was, he saw someone standing by the door. The very same girl who had acted strangely earlier today.
Milena: “Hey.”
Ark: “Um…Hey.”
Awkward silence filled the hallway for a few seconds between the two.
Ark: “Where’s Elij-”
He was cut off.
Milena: “Can I…go in? Are your parents home?”
Ark: “I…don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Milena: “Why? Why haven’t I seen your parents in years?”
Ark began getting frustrated. So he spoke in an annoyed and agitated tone.
Ark: “What’s with you today?”
Milena: “I just…Well. I feel like I don’t know you.”
Ark: “…”
Out of nowhere, something like that hit. What was she talking about? It seemed rather senseless to Ark at the moment. However, Ark sighed and decided to tell her the truth. So he walked past her, and faced his apartment door.
Ark: “Alright…I’ll tell you.”
He took a key out from his back pocket and unlocked his door. He slowly turned the knob as he opened the door. It made a creepy creaking noise. Milena tried to peek over Ark’s shoulder but it was too dark.
Ark: “…You first.”
Milena went past Ark and stepped into the room. She tried waving her hands in front of her face, as it was too dark to see anything.
Milena: “Ark, I can’t see a-”
The lights went on. Milena suddenly became speechless. What did she see? A small apartment. There was a bed on the corner, a small bureau on the side for Ark to put his clothes. On the other end, a table with a lamp, a chair, and small kitchen and bathroom. That was it. From the looks of it, only one person could live there.
Milena: “I…Ark…What…is…”
Ark: “You wanted to see it didn’t you?”
Ark walks in front of her. Then leans against the bedroom table as he crosses his arms.
Milena: “I didn’t think…”
Ark: “Think what? I live alone. Is that SO hard to believe?”
Milena: “I don’t get it! Where are your parents?!”
Ark stares at her in a cold matter.
Ark: “Dead.”
Milena: “…What?”
Yes. They were dead. And for many years, Ark lived alone.
Ark: “Yeah. They’ve been dead. For 8 years.”
Milena: “I…don’t get it. How have you…”
Ark: “How have I survived? Jobs here and there…Ray helps me with the rent and food. Can’t complain.”
Milena: “How can you say it like that?!”
Ark blinked confused.
Ark: “Like what? I don’t need anything else…”
Milena: “Anything else?! Do you even LOOK where you’re living?!”
Ark started to get even more flustered.
Ark: “…Why are you so upset?”
Milena: “Your…life. This room.”
Ark looks around, not seeing what she was seeing.
Ark: “…Huh?”
Milena erupted in anger.
Milena: “Look at it! It’s so…cold and empty. How can a human live in such a place…It’s no different than a prison cell…”
Ark: “Whatev-”
Milena: “Don’t you whatever me! Is this what’s inside your heart? I thought I knew you…”
The room was swirling with emotions. Many things were going on in Ark’s head and heart. Milena was right, he couldn’t deny it, nor could he speak back after hearing those words. In reality, Ark wasn’t mad at the world itself, he was mad at himself.
Ark: “…”
Milena: “I…can’t be here now. I came to apologize from earlier today…But let me ask you one thing…”
Ark: “…?”
Milena: “…What do you live for? Because from this room...I can't tell.”
Something else Ark couldn’t answer.
Ark: “….”
Milena: “Yeah. Didn’t think you’d have an answer.”
She turned away, and walked towards the exit. Ark didn’t bother to stop her. Why would he? There was no point, she was absolutely right. Every word. Milena didn’t close the door behind her. Maybe Ark was hoping for her to come back. But no, Milena did not return that day.
Ark: “…What is this…a soap opera…?”
He said to himself, trying to joke his away out from his own shame.
That night, Ark was lying on his bed. Looking at he ceiling, and then back at the clock. It read 11:47 as it flashed the time. What a long day it was, and not for the better. Ark gave a hefty sigh, not knowing what to feel at that moment. At that moment, Ark remembered Eleanor’s words.
Without thinking, Ark leaped of his bed, put on his shoes and ran straight out the door. Down the stairs he ran, thinking how much worse the day could get. Plus, he was very curious what Eleanor wanted.
It was late; there were barely any people out at that time, except crooks and drug dealers. Which didn’t bother Ark, he was at the level of a black belt, so he knew how to defend himself nicely. He ran through the empty streets, he was wondering why exactly he was going to show up at the place that Eleanor said.
He stood right in front of the door of Grand Dojo, panting for air, just a one or two minutes before midnight. He spent those extra minutes wondering if he should go in or not. What a hectic day it was for him and not for the better. This better be interesting.
As Ark placed his hand on the doorknob, the clock reached 12. The bell of a church nearby went off, quite a nice timing it had, especially for such a creepy atmosphere late at night. He opened the door, it was dark inside, no one was there so it seemed. He took a few steps into the dojo as the door closed on him. How cliché.
Ark: “Eleanor…? Where are you?”
He asked, trying to look around in the darkness. The lights suddenly came on. Ark jolted a bit in surprise, on the middle of the room stood Eleanor. Her back facing Ark, she proceeded to speak
Eleanor: “Glad you could come!”
She turned around with a smile.
Ark: “What is this about?”
From one of the pillars on the sidewall, another person stepped out. It was Ray.
Ray: “We are here…to help you.”
Ark looked to the side, surprised to see his mentor. But not really, after all it was HIS place.
Ark: “…Help…me? What are you talking about?”
Ray: “During the years I’ve known you…I’ve noticed something in you has been lacking.”
When Ark turned his face away from Ray, he saw Eleanor a lot nearer to him than she was before.
Eleanor: “You may not want to admit it, but you have lost your own meaning. Or rather, you never found it.”
Ark took a step back, and then asked
Ark: “Wait a minute, just who the hell are you? And how do you know so much?”
Eleanor took a change in attitude and smiled while she pointed her finger upwards.
Eleanor: “That’s a secret!”
Ark: “Whatever. Then let me ask you both…why?”
Ray smiled as he took a few steps towards Ark.
Ray: “You possess something no one else has. A special power in you that can save us from…”
Ray pointed at the sky above them. Ark looked at Ray in confusion.
Ark: “…The roof?”
Ray: “Oh don’t be stupid. You noticed…haven’t you? The moon…slowly but surely, it has been getting brighter.”
Ark: “…Yeah.”
Ray: “…Three years from now…It will fall and crash into this planet. Putting an end to mankind.”
Ark’s eyes widened.
Ark: “What?!”
Silence filled the room. Earth’s days were counted. Only 3 years were left until a huge apocalyptic event. And it seemed inevitable…
Ray: “…Unless…”
Ark: “…?”
Ray & Eleanor: “You release your power.”
Ark took a step back.
Ark: “…Rewind a bit. I don’t have any power.”
Eleanor then looked at Ray.
Eleanor: “So should you do it? Or I?”
Ray: “No, No. I’m responsible for him, I’ll do it.”
Ray walked over to Ark and placed his finger on Ark’s forehead. As he began chanting an odd spell, an aura appeared over Ray. It was blue-green as it engulfed Ray’s body. Ark looked in total disbelief at what he was witnessing.
Ray: “Just easy your mind kid…”
Ark: “What’re you…?”
Ray: “Seal Of Time…Seal Of Fate…using my power…RELEASE!”
A light blue light emitted from Ark. He began glowing strongly, enough to light up the entire building. From out side, the windows shot out light in every direction. Once the light dimmed out from Ark’s body, he was left standing, with a shocked look on his face.
Ark: “What did you just…What is this feeling…?”
Ray: “Hold out your hand.”
Without thinking, Ark held out his left hand.
Ray: “Now think of a shield…”
Ark concentrates, as a blue barrier came out of his hand and engulfed his front.
Ark: “What the hell…”
Ray: “Think of a sword now.”
Ark concentrates yet again as the shield becomes a long sword.
Eleanor: “This is your power. The power of creation.”
Ark: “Wait a minute, how do I have this power in the first place?!”
Ray: “Ah. All in good time kid. Right now I just released one half of your seal.”
Ark blinked in confusion. There was more power in him than he thought.
Ark: “…And the other half…?”
Eleanor adjusted her glasses and smiled.
Eleanor: “I could release the other half.”
Ark: “Okay, so why don’t you release it and take care of this moon problem?”
Ray: “It’s not that simple…”
Ark: “…?”
Eleanor: “You see. The moon needs to be producing the same amount of energy that you will when your seal is released. In other words, it needs to be falling. That’s when it’ll produce the most energy. If the you and the moon aren’t in the same wavelength, the seal will fail, and you; along with everyone will die.”
Ark: “…What a way to drop the bombshell…One question…”
Ray: “Hm?”
Ark: “…Why should I do this? I have no aspirations of becoming a hero from one day to the next.”
Eleanor: “Here’s a better question. Do you think you’ll be able to live with yourself now that you’ve found out about this? Think you can let that girl die?”
Ark: “…”
Eleanor: “Exactly. This is why you have no other choice.”
Ray: “Besides, we’re going to need these three years to train you on how to use your powers. You just found out about them after all.”
Ark: “Okay…so when do we start…?”
Eleanor: “Not so fast…we can’t let anyone know about your powers or the current situation. Think of the chaos it will cause. We need to leave this city, to more desolate place.”
Ark: “…For 3 whole years huh…”
Ray: “Yeah…I understand if you need tim--”
Ray was cut off by Ark’s voice.
Ark: “…I’ve already decided. Lets leave tonight…”
Ray and Eleanor were startled by Ark’s quick decision. They took a look at each other then back to Ark.
Eleanor: “Are you sure? Don’t you want to say goodbye to her…?”
Ark: “…I think this is the best way. She doesn’t need me. I'm just going to get in the way of Elijah.”
Ray: “You might be mistaken…but I’ll respect your wishes.”
Silence filled the room, until Ray spoke again.
Ray: “But before we leave…”
Eleanor and Ark started at Ray in confusion. Ray then takes out a few bags out of nowhere.
Ray: “Let’s have some dinner!”
Ark & Eleanor: “Ahhh!”
They both fall over in surprise. A few minutes after they’ve shared a nice meal…
Ray: “…Ready to go?”
Ark: “Now more than ever.”
All three of them stood up at the same time and started walking towards the door. They look back as they were ready to head out; they then proceeded outside into the street. Ray locked down the Grand Dojo behind him, to prevent any burglars from entering while they were gone. Ark and Eleanor got in the back of Ray’s car. It was small, red, and enough for about four people. It ran pretty fast for an old car. Then again, Ray wasn’t wealthy even though he ran an entire dojo.
The car drove out through the streets as Ark looked out the window. He will not see this place for three whole years, he also felt bad about not saying good-bye to the two people that cared about him, Elijah and Milena. But it was too late to back down now. They were already in the outer skirts of the city. However, there were a couple of figures looking down at their car from a top of a building.
: “…Damn it. That bastard Ray got to the kid before we did. He’s going to poison his mind.” : “That little bitch Eleanor must have found him…we’re too late.” Another figure came from behind the two mysterious men.
: “Not necessarily…we have this city to ourselves now. Let’s... have some fun while they’re gone. Shall we?” The three mysterious figures chuckled as Ray’s car drove out of the city. Ark looked behind as the city lights were disappearing on the horizon.
Ray: “I hope you’re ready for what’s ahead.”
Ark nodded. He wasn’t completely sure, but he knew he had not other choice.
To be Continued….
