The Power Within

Light filtered through a mesh of darkness, the stars flickered on and off, seeming to contrast with the mood of the weary traveler. He was dressed in an odd way, well it would be odd if he was seen in any time then the middle ages, a broadsword strapped to one's back does earn one attention wherever they go. The shining mop of unruly hair also was a dead giveaway that this person was no mere mortal.

Many would describe him as a good person, but a bit naïve in his ideals, a sort of Good Samaritan in a time of decay and disease. Not many out in the world would do what he hopes to accomplish or what he has done in the past. The world has only one word to describe such a person; he is a hero, someone who will always sacrifice for others while he suffers. Although many would view him with admiration and love, others would like nothing more than to see him fail. It is said that the one thing people like more than a hero, is a hero's fall from grace.

Fortunately for Fayt Leingod, he had much more mundane things to worry about, for example the reaction he would receive when he finally gets the courage to talk to Sophia. 'Okay, it won't be so bad, I mean a limb or two is not that bad right? Unless, it comes from the lower extremities then I'm doomed. How can so much bad things happen on one day?'

Unfortunately for Fayt, it was about to get worse, "Hey Fayt, you okay?" Surprised by the voice, Fayt jumped a foot into the air. "Whoa…a little jumpy aren't we?"

"Maria?"

"Yeah? Something the matter?"

"Uh…nothing…I mean I am fine. What are you doing here?"

"Well this is where I live." Scanning his surroundings Fayt discovered that during his little introspective he had walked all the way to Maria's room. "Right, well I got to go, nice talking to you."

A little hurt by his sudden avoidance of her, Maria made a move to stop Fayt, too bad for her that she hit a little bump in the rug. "Aiie…."

When the dust had settled, Maria was lying facedown on top of the young protagonist. "Ouch" While Maria was evaluating her situation, Fayt was staring at the her with a new found light. The way her hair cascaded off her shoulders, the color of deepest azure flowing all around her, the smell of blueberries that pervaded the very air he breathed, Fayt knew that this was not a good sign.

"I'm sorry Fayt, I didn't mean to run you over."

"It's okay, I mean I have my off days too."

"Well now that I have you pinned to the ground, I suggest you tell me what's bothering you."

"Are you threatening me?"

"No, just a bit of persuasive conversation, I mean we can have a conversation can't we?"

Staring into her eyes, Fayt knew he could not deny her, "It's just something I have to deal with, nothing to do with the crew."

"Still, I would feel much better knowing what our intrepid hero has on his mind."

"I would like to keep some of my privacy, I mean it is bad enough I don't have any locks on my door."

"Well, about that, it's just for security reasons, I mean what would we do if the whole ship was ambushed."

"Okay, but how do you explain the cameras littering the entirety of my room."

"Uh…research…yes research...for um…..to learn about what makes your power come alive."

Deciding that Maria would not be answering his questions, Fayt tried to get up from the ground. Although Maria had other plans, planting her feet firmly on the ground Maria forced Fayt to stay right where he was.

"What are you doing Maria? I have to go back to my room, I need to get some rest."

"I can see that, but there is something I want to ask you."

"I already told you, my business is my own."

"I understand that part, that's not my question."

"Then what is it?"

"Why did you kiss Mirage?"

"What? How do you know about that?"

"This is my ship Fayt, I know everything that goes on in it."

"That is spying, how could you do that to Mirage or me?"

"It is not spying, I merely am curious why you kissed my pilot."

"What business is it of yours?"

"I am making it my business, now answer the question."

"I don't feel the need to, now I ask you kindly to stand up so I can get back to my room."

"No, now I won't ask again Fayt. Why did you kiss Mirage?"

"Because it felt good, is that what you wanted to hear?" Amazed by the passion in his voice, Maria leaped back standing a safe distance from the enraged youth. "Alright, thank you for your candor; I will be on my way."

"Now hold on a minute, you didn't answer my question, what business is it of yours?"

"I have already stated my reasoning behind my actions."

"I know that is not true, now tell me the real reason, you owe me that much."

"I don't know what you are talking about Fayt."

"I want to know why it is so important for you to watch me, to monitor my every move, what is it that you see in me?"

Turning back toward Fayt, Maria looked into his eyes and said the one thing that came to mind. "I see my future."

"What?"

"I see hope, joy, and children playing in the fields, everything that I have always wanted. Your face brightens my day; it fills me with joy that is immeasurable. I hope to whatever deity that protects the heavens that you are always safe, I cannot live in a world without you there beside me."

"Maria…"

"Let me finish…I have always known that you were special, someone that would bring happiness to whomever he meets, but I also knew that you would always be out of my reach. A star that shines so brightly that it illuminates the very earth with its light. I am sorry that you must carry this burden, but know this, I will always be by your side no matter what, know this." With those final words Maria dashed past Fayt and into her bedroom, 'Maria…why must I cause such pain? Is my life really worth so much to others?'

("I understand, but please…I need you. I can't stop myself forever.")

'Mirage…Maria…why does it have to come to this? Do the heavens above enjoy bringing such misery down on lowly mortals?'

Finding no answers forthcoming, Fayt walked down the corridor in search of his own room. And the stars continued to flicker in the distance.

Author's Note: Okay, the second installment is done. I hope you like it, I will try my best to write more, but I seem to be short on time lately. Anyways, thank you for reading and don't forget to review. Peace, I'm out.