New World - A New Beginning

JAY CADMIUM'S POV:

"We'll need to set up basic patrols that scout along the Freem line," I said, following the designated path on the giant map with my finger. "As long as we remain organized, we'll be able to send entire parties of soldiers into domains."

Now that the war had calmed down slightly, both sides had to deal with the pressing matters at hand: unchecked domains.

The continent of Auroria hadn't ceased to function as it usually did simply because a war was taking place. To my knowledge, there hadn't been any domains appearing that required special attention, but smaller bosses were beginning to rampage across Auroria.

"There's a Wolves's Den to the south-west. If we estimate that it's around B-rank, we'll need a full party of five to tackle it safely. Suffering casualties is the last thing we want," I continued. The Captains standing before me all nodded. It was still a little weird to be considered an adult at the age of fourteen, but it at least allowed me to maintain a degree of authority over my subordinates.

"Does anyone want to take charge of this domain?" I asked. A young dragon stepped forward immediately, his curly black hair unlike any other styles I had seen with Dragons.

"Marc Xym, sir. Captain of the third battalion," he stated confidently. I analyzed his power, surprised that such a young dragon had managed to climb his way up to the captain's position in such a short amount of time. His aura seemed vaguely familiar, but I dismissed any doubts and smiled.

"Very well, Marc. Let me know when you've chosen your other party members before heading out. Everyone is dismissed."

The room dispersed, none of the captains daring to say anything that could potentially be overheard by the leader of the entire Dragon army.

A soldier entered the tent, his eyes scanning the interior before finally locating me.

"Sir," he said as he approached me, "the Princess would like to see you."

"Is everything alright?" I asked.

"I-I'm not sure, sir. It would be best if you checked for yourself."

I exited the tent slightly alarmed. Was Asthia suffering some kind of pain? My rushed pace caught the attention of some soldiers currently on a break, but I ignored them and focused on my destination.

Having Mia with me in this situation would've been beneficial. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to help Asthia at all, and all I could do was hope that she was okay. But I knew that was simply an idealistic expectation.

There was no way the girl was fine. With the pause in the war and the time to reflect on what had happened, people were beginning to finally face the events that had transpired in quick succession. This reflection was bound to heavily mortify Asthia, once again realizing that her father was no longer with her, seeing the terrified faces of the thousands she had killed over the last few months, as well as accepting her inability to walk.

I hadn't had a one on one discussion with Asthia since I arrived, my time spent managing the army and optimizing our defense for potential attacks. I knew it was just a way for me to run away from my responsibilities as Asthia's friend, especially since I could feel the pain she was currently experiencing.

I slowed my speed as I approached the royal tent. Why was I feeling so nervous? I pushed forward, ignoring my uneasiness and walking through the drapes that covered the entrance.

Asthia was sitting in her queen-sized bed, her long white hair caressing the sheets. Her ruby red eyes looked ahead, her head turned towards the left ever so slightly. I could tell she was looking without seeing. Her mind wasn't present: she was completely lost in thought.

The girl was wearing a simple white nightgown which blended with her spotless skin. The majority of her bare legs were hidden underneath her covers. I merely spotted these aspects of her, not allowing my thoughts to delve any further.

"Asthia," I said softly, gently pulling the girl out of her imagination and back to reality. "Are you alright?"

"Jay," said the girl, acknowledging my presence. Our eyes locked, a dark storm brewing within her irises. She was clearly troubled, but whether or not she would openly admit and seek help was another matter. "Did you grow taller?"

Was that really the thing that stood out the most?

"Maybe," I answered playfully, bringing a stool and sitting beside the Princess. She looked down, not saying anything else. I made no visible hint of disappointment at Asthia's difficulty to speak up, understanding how hard it was for her.

Either way, she knew I was fully aware of her current emotions, our link flooded with negative energy. I waited patiently and perfectly still. If Asthia wanted to share her feelings, then I'd listen. If she preferred to keep them locked behind the chains of silence, then I'd stay here and support her.

"I thought I could heal myself, you know?" she said finally, her voice weak with disgust and sadness. "But it seems like all I can do is lay here."

She opened her palm, igniting the smallest of embers before it died off. It wasn't intentional, but simply a consequence of a lack of bind being supplied to the flame. The flickering light of bind trickled away before my eyes.

"Not even an ember, huh?" muttered Asthia. The usual brightness that sparkled in her eyes had completely vanished, a dark void filling her up and consuming her from within.

The fragile yet beautiful panel of spotless glass that represented Asthia's emotions was completely broken. I was at a loss for words, completely unaware of what to say. The girl understood my inability to help, looking up apologetically.

"Sorry, Jay. I just wish I could do more to help."

"..."

Another silence followed. I wanted to say something, to tell her that she had done more than enough, but the words wouldn't flow from my throat. Her apology had only made it harder, but it wasn't her fault, none of this was.

I felt like no matter how I approached the situation, nothing I could say had the ability to comfort the girl before me. She was completely broken, a state I recognized far too well. Whether or not her few words were an attempt of seeking help eluded me, but I had missed the chance to say anything.

She was bottling up her worries, living like a living time-bomb that was bound to go off. When that countdown ultimately reached zero, what would happen to the girl I knew? Would she completely disappear? Would confusion, anger, and sadness consume her and make her lose herself?

I felt a disturbance within myself, a new kind of connection bestowed upon me with the new position of Supreme Commander. Marc had successfully formed his party, and all that was left was for me to see him off.

I got up in silence and moved to the exit. My head turned back one final time, eyeing the girl. She remained unfazed at my movement, her eyes no longer viewing the world before her.

"You've helped me more than any person, Asthia. If it weren't for you, I'd still be a closed individual unable to feel anything. You're proof that I'm no longer that person, and even if you had no intention of changing me, I'll devote my all to supporting you every day," I said, not knowing whether or not my words were even reaching her.

"If that support is to sit by you in silence every day and let you dwell on your own thoughts, then that's exactly what I'll do. If you want me to listen, I'll listen. If you want me to speak, I'll speak. I'm not the best at anything related to people, but with you, I'll try my very best to be dependable," I continued, finally exiting the tent and taking a deep breath.

There were words I was unable to say, but in my own way, I had delivered the message I wanted. If Asthia Darck needed someone to help her regain her footing, then I'd be there. I could tell she was far from alright, and healing her wounds would take time, but that pain was the only way for her to move forward.

There was no running from the past.