comic ~[A]bsolutely~ - Page 12

	Immediately following them having been dragged out of the cave that held the portal, they felt the explosion. A strong rattle through their bones, shaking them right to their core. Twilly had grown a blank expression, unreadable. However, as soon as he turned and noticed that light no longer filtered through the cave from the portal, he fell to his knees and wept.
	Mikaela’s hand flew to her mouth, stifling a scream, while her eyes grew wide with horror as she realized what had happened. Patch, his anger searing, kicked at nothing and screamed in pain and rage. Tears began to pour down Leala’s cheeks; Henry was the only one who seemed to keep a level head. His deep, brown eyes were the only outwardly show of the sharp pain he felt in his heart. 
	Ironically, it was Erik who had helped Twilly to his feet. Not knowing the girl well, he hadn’t felt as bad as the others. He had also wondered why that felt wrong. Twilly closed his eyes, but the tears did not, would not stop. He moved on almost on autopilot, remembering what Olivia had told him to do. She had known what would happen in the confrontation, and knew she had to be prepared. He entered the cave, dropping in a crawl to search for the token she had left.
	After the others had joined to help him, it didn’t take long to find the small, black box left behind. They took it outside, Twilly blowing off the dust that had collected atop the package. The symbol of the Dark Saints, two Braviaries crossed in flight with a big “D” and “S” between them, was elegantly etched in gray on the cover. Twilly carefully lifted the ebony top, peering inside.
	Several documents were strewn within, though after closer examination, they were all letters. There were six of them, five of them addressed to Mikky, Patch, Leala, Henry, and Twilly. Twilly picked out the letters with care and gave them out. Each of them opened their respective letters, and read the following:

	Dear Twilly,
	Out of all of them, you were always my favorite. I am sad to have to say my farewells to you, my dear friend. Ever since I was your guardian, I knew that you were something special. And no, Twilly, I don’t mean that in a bad way! You were meant for greatness. The fact that you have overcome this overwhelming power trapped deep inside of you proves this, especially considering that you’ve been able to use it to your advantage. It is because of this reason that I leave you as my living legacy, the new leader of the Dark Saints. 
	I don’t mean to burden you. You were meant to be a leader, and should be treated as such. I have to admit... I’m not good at giving speeches, especially good-by’s.  Albeit being a leader, I never really had to give many since it was in secret. As for the good-by’s, well... for me, people seem to come and go all the time.
	I guess I’m just glad... so glad that you decided to stay. Farewell, my... best friend...
	Oh, and, Twilly?
	Don’t... don’t break into the Red Bull while I’m gone, okay?

	Dear Patch,
	I’m sorry that we were never able to spend much time together. I feel like we could have been great friends. I’ve know of your existence ever since you had been born, and had known your father right up to the point that he was captured. It was actually for him that I found out about Vanex, as he was originally my own guardian.
	The fact that you are reading this means that I am deceased. Of course, other than good-by’s, there is a purpose for this letter. I would like for you to be Twilly’s second in command of the Dark Saints, similar to what he was to me. Of course, the choice is up to you. After all of what you’ve been through, and all of the tough decisions that you’ve been forced to make, I believe you deserve this. You have got a long life ahead of you, so you’d better start cracking!
	I’m only sorry that I’m not able to say more. I’m sure that, the way you are, you must be angry at me for doing what I did. I can only hope that you will understand someday, and think of your life as a precious thing, unlike me. So long, Patch.

	Dear Leala,
	I’m glad to have gotten to even hear of your story of courage. It might even be almost enough to get me through this day! Being able to go against what you believe in, all for one person... and, of course, yourself! Having the ability to stand up for what’s right, even if it means going against your own father...!
	By the time you read this, you’ll probably know the secret he most likely withheld from you. The only thing I will state here is that, don’t blame him for what went wrong. That’s that.
	You’re an amazing person, and I know that you’ll always be able to do what you set your mind to. In truth, everyone can to anything, and you’re no exception. Except that, now you have no barriers. So, go now! Live your life, and remember that the purpose of having a life is to do your best to make this world a better place. Sayonara, my friend.

	Dear Mikky, 
	It’s good that you’ve changed for the better. You’ve always had such a good heart, and now a voice to go with it. I mean, who else would rush off, with only a recording and a Pokémon to help out some unknown person? You are, not surprisingly, just like your father. Always wanting to help, no matter what the cost. This may sound odd, mainly because I don’t seem that much older than you, but I’m proud of you. I wish I had the strength to say this in person, but alas.
	I wish I could have been there with you, all those years, to aid you. I guess that’s just like right now, while I’m crying, thinking that I might not ever see you again... any of you! I’m sorry that I was never there, and that now I never will be. I’m sorry I couldn’t have been better to everyone. I guess this final sacrifice is my only gift to the world.
	You’d have deserved better, but the difference is that, you’ve made it through without help. You have shaped into a fine person, practically all on your own. Even with freedom, you had limited yourself, knowing the fine line between too much and too less. You stood on that line. You, Mikky... You will always be the one who knows what’s best. Except for today, I can’t listen to you today. Today, I must listen to my own heart, as you have so often followed your own. Cheers, Mikaela Rhanas.

	Dear Henry, 
	On the day that I met you, I thought that you would never know true happiness. You were only twelve years old at the time, and you had come to our door wanting to help. I was puzzled, because you weren’t of one of the regular families that knew of us. When asked how you knew of us, you responded, “I just know things, okay?!” Seeing your fiery spirit and determination, I assigned you to Mikky, knowing that you would get the job done. I’ll never forget the day that I brought you to her myself.
	She was ten, just two years younger than you. However, when we observed her for the first time, you just stopped. Frozen in your tracks, your steady gaze held on her. At the time, I had thought that it was just amusing; Later, I grew to know better, and almost wept with sadness and joy. Why? Because, this meant two things: One, you would want so much to be with her, and would not be able to, and two, you would, albeit eventually, find your own true happiness.
	Now, you have. Don’t even try to lie to me! You’ve crossed the barrier that you’ve set yourself. Believe me in saying that you’ve practically saved the world. Now, it’s your time to be happy. There’s no point in grieving over me. Adios, amigo.

	By the end of the letter, they had all began to sob. Their friend was gone forever, and it seemed like she didn’t even care that she was gone. It was as if they were all that mattered, while they felt that the truth was the opposite.
	But they could never tell her that.
	Twilly finally bent down to pick up the final letter. It wasn’t addressed to anyone, so he decided to go ahead and open it. They all bunched together to read it, even Erik. Twilight signaled the beginnings of night above them, but their attention was with someone else. Twilly took the letter out, noticing that there were damp patches here and there on the sheet. They all began scrutinizing Olivia’s scrawl handwriting in the fading light.

	To Whom It May Concern,
	Well, today’s the big day. My heart contracts at merely the thought of it all... of having to stand up to him, having to kill him, having to see him... I suppose, before I get into it, I should elaborate.
	It was a warm summer evening when I decided to go to my usual spot.The heat was a tad oppressing, but bearable. As I climbed to the top of the hill, I thought of the lush green plain beneath me, the large oak tree that awaited me at the top, and the view of the majestic purple mountain range across the lake behind it. But, what I found when I reached the top was unexpected, to say the least.
	A young boy, who looked about a year or two older than me, probably thirteen, sat slumped against the tree, bawling. I neared him slowly, taking my steps with care as I had been taught, but he still noticed me. As he picked his head up to look at me, I saw that his dark brown eyes were drooped with sadness and red from tears. He had jet-black hair and wore a black shirt over khaki shorts. In an attempt to wipe away the tears, he swiftly swept an arm across his face and rose to his feet, one hand on the tree behind him as if it were his anchor.
	“Who are you?” I asked first.
	“My name is Zane”, he answered. “I’m... nobody. Who are you?”
	“My name’s Olivia. Why are you sad?”
	“It’s nothing... Nothing you could ever understand!” Tears spilled down his cheeks as he slowly sank to the ground again. I only walked over and sat down next to him. “You’re one of them, aren’t you? A Dark Saint?”
	“That’s right. And you’re one, too?”
	“Yeah. My power is stupid, though... What’s yours?”
	“I-I’m not allowed to tell anyone. But, you can tell me yours if you want.” He gave a weak laugh.
	“You don’t even want to see it... Trust me!”
	“Okay, okay. I trust you.” At that, he looked up, staring straight through my eyes and into my core.
	“Why don’t you hate me?” I flinched, taken aback at the statement.
	“Hate you? Why would I hate you? People aren’t really supposed to hate... well, anyone.”
	“It’s just”, he started, “Everyone of your kind seems to. Everyone of my other kind, too. The Twilight Angels? My dad, he was a Twilight Angel, and my mom was a Dark Saint. Everybody hated us... Then they killed them. I ran away, but everyone still hates me... They even still try to kill me! I just... I don’t know what to do. It’s been a year since they died, and I’m lost without them. I don’t know what to do, Olivia. I just don’t know.” 
	He was still sobbing, muffling his words. My eyes began to shine, but I held back tears. What if that had happened to me? I did the only thing I could think of to do. I leaned over, and wrapped my arms around him, pulling him close.
	“It’s okay”, I murmured. “Everything will be okay. I don’t hate you. I’m your friend now, and you’ll never be alone. I’ll take care of you, okay? It’ll be alright...” We sat there for I don’t know how long. Eventually, I knew that I had to go. I showed him a large burrow underneath the back side of the tree where he could stay, and promised that I would come back. “And, I don’t break promised”, I assured him.
	That was the way things went for a long time. He lived there, and I would bring him food. Sometimes, I would come and find him at the lake far from the hill. Sometimes, I’d find him climbing the mountain. But, every day, no matter what, I’d find him. We’d become the best of friends, me being his only friend. Except, there was one small problem.
	I had fallen in love with him.
	However, on the fourth year, problems arose. He was seventeen, and ready to move on with his life.
	“I’m tired of just dreaming. I’ve changed enough; I’m ready to head out into the real world. I’m a good enough liar, aren’t I?”
	“I-I wouldn’t know.”
	“Exactly!” I frowned.
	“Okay, then. Just do whatever you want. Nothing’s holding you back but yourself.” He grinned, then started toward the mountain. I started to turn back, heading home, but his voice stopped me.
	“Hey, Olivia?”
	“Yes, Zane?”
	“How far would you go... to do what you think is right?”
	“I’d go as far as it takes.” He nodded, as if coming to a conclusion. How could I not guess what he was thinking? Why didn’t I stop him, then? Why, oh why... but he left, and I did, too. I knew he wouldn’t come back, and he didn’t. That’s why, I couldn’t stop crying that entire week. I still refused to tell my parents about him. It would be three years before I ever saw him again.
	I was nineteen then, still forced to live with my parents. I might have never been allowed to leave because of my enormous power, even though I had learned to control it and never use it for my own personal gain. I had sworn on it, and even though I never break my promises, the Dark Saints didn’t fully trust me. I guess I was thought of as naïve for being so young, but I was forced to mature quickly because of the power, too. I was, however, allowed to train with Pokémon just like the others. I just had to come home at the end of the day.
	I was on my way home, the rain pouring down in sheets, lightning striking down all around me and thunder booming in my ears. I pulled out the key, but my fingers slipped on the wet metal and I dropped it. I heard the scream as I bent down to pick it up. I shoved the key in the door, twisting it hard, and shouldered the door open.
	“Mom?!” All of the lights were out. I guessed that the power was out; Even the refrigerator didn’t emit it’s familiar hum. I looked around, but wasn’t able to see much. I thought about using my power, but hesitated. Nothing may be wrong. Maybe she just fell in the dark. Then, I heard a crash upstairs.
	I ran around, taking the stairs two at a time.I crept through the hallway, heading towards the room where I heard the noise. It was their room, the room I had come to when I was scared at night, where I had crawled into their bed, where I had felt safe. The door creaked as I slowly opened it, then stepped inside.
	I was immediately aware that I had stepped in a wet, gooey substance. The room smelled crisp and metallic, a smell that I couldn’t place. I could hear low, steady breathing.
	“M-Mom? Dad? Is anybody there?” Then, lightning flashed. A bright light filtered through the window, lightning the scene. I was looking at the bed, and saw an image that would forever be burned into my brain.
	They were lying there, peaceful as ever, but both of their throats had been slit. Blood was everywhere, staining the white sheets, covering the floor, and some was splattered on the wall. I staggered back, unable to take in what I’d seen. Was it real? It couldn’t be... Who would have done this?! Then I remembered the breathing. I turned rapidly, then pinpointed where the sound was coming from. Lightning stuck again, and I saw him.
	He was covered in their blood. A glint of metal shone in his hand, but his face held an odd demeanor. It wasn’t that of a killer. He was shocked, as if he couldn’t believe himself what he’d just done. 
	“Zane”, I whispered. I could see his outline clearly now, his eyes shining. He turned his face to me, slowly, and gasped. His hand tightened around the dagger, but he said nothing. He just looked at me, his mind clearly working. His hand swiftly unclenched, the dagger dropping to his feet. He turned towards the window.
	“I don’t ever want to see you again. And, my name is Vanex now.” After that, he jumped out of the window. I didn’t know where he went, or why. I only dropped to my knees, utterly aware of the blood all around me and the tears streaming down my face.
	I only did what I knew to do. I slowly walked over and crawled in bed with them for the last time, wishing they could take away the pain. Wishing I could hide behind them, and that I wouldn’t have to be scared. Wishing that I could join them in their eternal scarlet sleep.
	Eventually, we were found. My parents dead, their throats slit, me, having fallen asleep or fainted from shock between them, one, the dagger left on the bloody floor, and the destroyed window. After the funeral, I was assigned my own guardian and labeled as being dead to protect me. The guardian’s name was Edgar Rhanas. He was a kind man, I knew, but I didn’t get to talk to him much. I didn’t talk to anyone much at all anymore. No one should be trusted; They’ll only end up stabbing you in the back. Regardless, I kept to my training, albeit not trying as hard anymore. There was no point.
	There wasn’t any point to anything anymore. I had no family, no friends. Just a man that was taken away from his newly wedded wife to take care of me. I was too careless. That’s why it happened that day.
	We were training in our usual spot, next to the river in the forest. He was still attempting to get me to try harder, but as I said, I was careless. It was then that he heard the voices. Several voices, heading towards us. He grabbed me, and told me to run. However, I just stood there.
	“What’s the point? I’d rather be killed.” Realizing other attempts would be futile, he grabbed my arm and dragged me with him. They heard, and followed. They were only about a fifth of a mile behind us when he threw me behind a tree.
	“Hide here, and don’t you dare let this be for nothing.” I started to say something, but then he was gone. I heard shouts, and peered with one eye at what was happening. He had given himself up, given up for me. I couldn’t watch another death; I was beginning to turn away when I noticed that they weren’t going to kill him. They clasped silver chains around him, and led him away. I secretly followed from a safe distance behind.
	After I had followed them almost the entire day, they finally arrived at their destination: a cave whose entrance was merely a hole in the large rocks of a mountain. Oddly enough, an eerie glow emanated from the cavern. They all went inside, and a flash of light exploded from the entrance. I leaned around the entrance, looking inside to see several bright lights arranged to make it look like a portal. Zane’s voice rang in my head as I stared at it.
	“My power is stupid...” So, it was true. He was the new leader, as I had heard. That was what set my determination. The man who I loved killed my parents, took my mentor, and now led the organization that killed my kind, his kind, for no apparent reason. This was the moment that I was brought out of the dark, and rose through the light to become who I am. Now, I am the leader of the Dark Saints, and I have learned of what he is trying to do.
	This, of course, means that I’ve got to kill him. At the moment, I am sobbing at the thought. I’m sure you’d believe that I hate him by now, but I don’t. I still love him. I don’t know how I’m going to go through with it. I don’t know if I’ll be able to kill him. The only thing that might be able to drive me to do it is the image burned into my brain by lightning.
	It’ll be the hardest thing that I’ve ever had to do, but someone has to do it. I never told him what my power was, but he may know by now that it’s me who he’s looking for. He may know that mine is the power he needs, and that he may have to kill me to get it. I wonder if... if he feels the same way that I do...
	The power to shape the world cannot be his. He has just been given the thought that every person is bad, and needs to be destroyed. He thinks that the world needs a do-over. I’m going to try my best to convince him, but I know him better than anyone. I know that he can’t be convinced of not doing what he thinks is right, and it may be my fault.
	I have plenty of remorse, but this is my only chance. I’m ready as I ever could be.  Sometimes, I wish that someone could go with me to help... But I know that that’s not possible. No one else should die for me. I just need to finish what I started.
	In closing, I wish for you to not hate Zane, or Vanex, for what he has done. He has always said that no one could ever understand, and, in retrospect, no one probably ever will. I believe that I’ve come the closest. In the end, it’s not power that corrupts a good person. It’s the influence of other people who corrupt a good person with power. 
	Good-by, world, and try not to miss me too much. I’ll be with my parents... and the real Zane. We’ll finally be together. The idea actually makes me... happy...

	They were all still bawling by the end of it, even Erik, but now even harder. Twilly sank to a sitting position, his face gone white. The ebony box sat in his lap. As he looked at it, it’s contents now emptied, he noticed a phrase written on the bottom in what seemed like blood.