10 Serpen (1/2)
Garett felt that he was floating in a sea of stars, his consciousness being flooded with information regarding the mutant's life.
His name was Vellen, right? Childhood memories that didn't pertain to him flashed through his eyes, sequestrating his senses as he could even taste the food that the young boy had eaten. The muddy taste of porridge and hard bread made it possible to understand exactly how poor of a life the young man led.
”If you want to be respected in this city, you need to be strong!” His father barked as he drunk, and he could clearly remember how insupportable he became when drunk.
My father? Or Vellen's father? Who am I now?... Garett felt as if he was two people at the same time, his emotions a rollercoaster of uncertainties!
A long period of time ensued, he eventually met a young girl who taught him how to read. She was the ray of sunshine amidst his dark days, and he aspired to be accepted into the College, just to follow her.
”I'm sending you to the church! You'll become strong in there, and you'll bring pride to this family!” His father yelled, his face flushed red due to the alcohol.
I don't want to! I want to be a scholar! Please don't force me, father!... These were the words he should've said, but he could not go against his father's will. Even if he was a prick, he was still his father!
Eventually, he forgot his ambitions.
...
”Vellen!” Clarissa yelled, angry at him when he revealed that he enrolled in the church's training program. ”I thought you were coming with me! I helped you get a letter of acceptance, did I not!? And now you just back off!?”
I lowered my head. I knew she was right. I promised her, but some things are not meant to happen.
”I... I'm sorry, Clarissa. But my father...” He tried hard to stammer some excuse, even if he knew that it would only make things worse.
”It's always your father! Can't you go against his wishes one time? You're already a man, Vellen! He can't dictate your life forever!” She stormed off after leaving these words, her shouts echoing throughout the streets; every one of the passersby could hear the contents of their conversation.
I miss you, mom... I'm certain you would know what to do... He felt miserable but continued to pack his belongings.
”Tomorrow is the day my training begins...” He mumbled with vacant eyes.
...
”Get up, kid! How do you expect to protect the people if you can't even stand straight after a punch?” The instructor lectured, his angry voice serving as a reminder of where he was.
I'm not at the College...
...
”Vellen!” A figure happily clasped my hands, his eyes shining like newly-polished gems.
”Hilren!” I also called his name, just on courtesy as I waited for him to continue, he seemed to bring good news.
”I was accepted at Captain's Lurmon team! I'll be formally accepted as an Executor!” He puffed his chest up, pride and joy unconcealed from his face.
I wish you the best, my friend. I know how hard you worked... He thought before firmly hugging his friend.
”Let's celebrate, then! Drinks on me! We'll only leave after emptying a whole keg!
Celebration ensued, this was one of the happier days of his life. A friend's happiness was his happiness, after all.
...
”You were selected to be part of the expedition team. You'll follow Captain Jeffrey, and investigate a possible Rank-C mutant nest.” One of the church's vicars said one day, his tone refusing any kind of negotiation.
A rank C nest? Doesn't that mean at least one Rank-B mutant? Why are they sending me? I didn't take part in a ritual yet... He accepted the mission, as any good soldier would. Even if he didn't possess an ability, the other members of the expedition were all veterans, so he should be safe.
The vicar left as soon as it came, leaving him alone with his reveries.
”Mother, I'm an Executor now. I've accomplished father's dream, would he be proud of me?” He said as he grasped an old pendant, a portrait of his mother engraved inside it.
...
”The fog is thick today, be careful of where you step. We're nearing the nest, and some mutants have the ability to create traps.” Captain Jeffrey announced, speaking more to Vellen than to the rest of the team. Every other one was an experienced Executor, and he was the only novice.
”Yes, sir.” He answered, much of his attention diverging to step exactly on his Captain's footprints.
Would father still have forced me to join the Church's patrol if he knew about things like mutants? Maybe he wouldn't have cared at all... He shook his head, this was a thought that reoccurred often in his mind. He wanted to convince himself that his father really cared about him, even if he hadn't spoken to his father in a long time.
After this expedition, I'll pay him a visit. He'd be happy, right? I finally became what he wanted me to be... He shook his head, trying to shake these thoughts out of his mind. He was on an expedition and needed to stay sharp at all times.
...
I'm hearing things, that's an ability of one of the mutants? Should I tell the others? But they have surely noticed it already... Since yesterday, he could hear the voice of his mother. She was calling him, telling him to enter deep into the woods.
”Come closer, Lil' Vel'. You've already done too much... Don't you want to rest? Mommy will take care of you.” The voice whispered once more, like a magnet, it attracted him into the woods.