The Aspiring Archivist

"Home is in the city. And I wish I knew for sure. He's been missing for over a year."

The boy was still shaking slightly as the brother put him down. "He's nervous, man. That's natural, especially for someone so young who's been through so much. I mean, he practically jumps out of his skin every time he sees a new person. He is my brother, I'm going to take him home."

"You think I'm not his brother. Did you see what he just drew?"

"Tacien. What, you think I'm lying to you?"

He sighed. "We grew apart. Most siblings do. It didn't help that he never talked, and never even wanted to see people outside of the family. Just because we're distant doesn't mean he should be separated from his family."

The boy looked slightly calmed down, but still afraid. He drew a picture of himself, then his brother. They were absurdly detailed, but he made them both in minutes. Taking one in his left hand and one in his right, he held them far apart.

He raised his eyebrows at her. "He's been on the street for over a year. What do you think?" He turned and began walking away with the shivering boy in his arms.

His eyes widened momentarily at seeing the pendant, but he forced himself to control his expression. "Gladly." He took a seat. --- In the vision, the soldier hauled TAAron into the roaring fire of an incinerator. The vision focused on his body as it was consumed by flames. I know Death, you know. I could have his soul destroyed, his very essence erased. The he would truly be gone. What a delight! I'll speak to him now, I think.

"What? The boy's never spoken a word in his life! He's never even nodded or shaken his head. We tried to teach him sign language, and that got nowhere. Don't you go accusing me of things you don't understand."

TAAron leaped to his feet, maybe a bit too fast. "Lovely. Take me to them." --- I can do more than one thing at once, child. Anyway, it always pleases me to muse about the sad failings of humans. Lives so fragile... they can be taken away in an instant. Think of all the wonderful things that might have happened between you too! When he got back, you could have told him how you felt, and then you both would have been happy. Instead, all you have is memories. Ask yourself, is that enough?

The boy froze, eyes wide. His voice wavered. "I... don't know who you are, but I'm his family. He needs to come home." The boy quivered in his brother's arms.

Perhaps he did know. And yet... perhaps he went to his death doubtful. What a shame. The vision had been continuing, the soldier carrying the dead form into what appeared to be a furnace room. And there he goes.

The boy's brother stood at the door. They did look quite similar to each other. He saw the boy, who was cowering in the corner. "Oh, good. There he is." He went to go scoop up the small child.

TAAron breathed out in relief. That was hard to keep up. --- How sad. Now there is no Lerac to revive him. He's gone forever. And you didn't even say 'I love you' back.

"Yes, yes, you may go." --- He's dead. He's dead and you know it. You can't change it by refusing to accept it. The promise was empty, made to comfort you.

The boy backed into a corner of the room and covered himself with his arms as though it would allow him to hide. Someone knocked on her door.

"How plain." --- Silly girl. You've convinced yourself that your affection for the boy would make him invincible, that just because he said he'd be careful he'd somehow be okay. You've been lying to yourself. Nothing changed.

The shadows found a found by her side, grabbing her shoulder and shaking it. Somehow, though, Wynn did seem to move.

There was a sense, like a presence. But her arms touched nothing, and the voice no longer spoke. That might not be a good thing. TAAron followed Aaya. --- Did that happen the first time? Why would it happen now?

The boy noticed her posture and examined her curiously. Then, his eyes widened in fear.

"Well, you could stand to be more polite." --- I think you do. I think you know, deep down. He's gone, halcyon. The soldier turned over TAAron's body and stabbed him in the chest. His eyes were open, but glazed and unseeing. The voice went silent, leaving only her and the still body.

TAAron snorted in derision. "Is your only purpose here to insult me?"

"What is it? Wynn, can you see me?" The body seemed fully solid and real.

The brother began making his way around the rooms, knocking on doors and checking inside when he could.

"Yes, I suppose it is." --- I'm afraid it is true. The Nolikans saw right through his facade. In the vision, TAAron fell to the ground, unmoving.