The Frail, And The Wretched
It feels...
It feels like I'm flying...
I swear it feels like I'm-
"That's it honey! You're doing it right! Just keep hitting that note while daddy keeps playing" Ahh, my first memory. To this day, I can still remember how cheerful he was. You could hear the joy in his voice. Ever since I was a little filly, he loved to play the piano for me. He would sit me down and just keep playing until I fell asleep curled up next to him into a little sky-blue ball. I was so small, and he seemed so big to me. I can still remember his dark blue coat, his rocky gray mane and his ocean blue eyes whenever they'd beam at me.
My father truly wanted to pass on his love of the piano to me, and I can say he succeeded. On that day, I started to learn how to play. All I did was just keep hitting a low note, perhaps a C, while he played the rest. I never really became astounding at the piano, but I could say I learned a thing or two. Later on, it would become one of my favorite ways to pass the time, and eventually, my cutie mark.
Me and my father were very close since before I can remember. He was probably the best friend I ever had in my life. I can still remember nights when he would just hold me until I fell asleep in his arms. He would always stand up for me, and treat me like I was an equal. I wish my mother had shared the same feelings.
It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon. My mother and father wanted to get out of our seaside home and go to the beach. Because my father wanted "something a little different" we went to another beach that was on the other side of town. The same beach really, just a different view. My mother and father were talking when my mother had noticed something odd. I was having a conversation with a friend I had just built a sand-castle with. I can't really remember what we were talking about, but we were kids so it couldn't have been terribly complex. My mother stopped talking to my father and approached me.
"Honey, who are you talking to?" I looked back and he was gone. It's wasn't the first time something like this had happened, now that I think about it. I can remember a few times where I had seen ships off in the distance, and they would just disappear. Or I'd hear a song coming from the piano downstairs for a brief moment, when I knew no one was playing.
It was a few weeks later, and I had started my first day of school. For some reason I didn't understand, I hadn't learned how to use magic yet. The other fillies and colts could bring their crayons to them with magic, but I had to go pick them up. Of course, I was teased for this by some of the other unicorns in my class. A couple of the other students in my class had noticed me whispering to a colt who was sitting next to me. He was a light brown colt, with a golden mane. I thought he was just another student in the class. I didn't understand why at the time, but the others kept calling me names like "crazy, "dumb" and "stupid".
Later that afternoon, my mother came to pick me up from school. We lived pretty far outside of town, so I always got a ride home in my younger years. I tried to talk to my mother about how the others made fun of me, but she was never very good at consoling ponies. She patted me on the back and told me she was sorry. Really, that was about it. A little while later, we arrived at home. I went up to my room, curled up under my covers, and cried myself to sleep. I was rather sensitive as a filly.
It was further into the evening, and I had woken up to use the restroom. It was a calm, cool night. The moon was full, and the hallway was filled with a silvery blue light. I would sometimes look in the mirror, and barely be able to distinguish my mane from the light of the full moon. I loved the smell of the ocean air at night too, when the ocean fell still and the air was left pure. It was a little refreshing considering the day I had. I can remember how it was so quiet walking down that long wooden hall at night. Getting lost in the ether of this place was very easy.
I made it to the restroom, finished up, and headed back to my room. When I got to my door, I could only open the door about half way. I stopped opening the door and stood still for a moment. A large dark figure silhouetted in the moon light was now in my view. It was a stallion, and the only colors he had that I could see were of his eyes. They were an intense violet. I remember him looking similar to the stallion I had met at the beach, only now he was fully grown. It wouldn't be until years later that I pieced all of this together.
For some reason, I wasn't frightened by him. I simply sat on my bed and started talking to him. He kept saying something very strange to me. To this day, I still can't really remember what. It was something along the lines of "I am the sky, and you are the sea" Apparently, my father must have been up, because I heard a creak come from my door as it was opening. He walked in with a look on his face that wasn't really worry, but concern for me. "Honey...who was that you were talking to? I didn't see anyone in here" Of course, just like before, I turned to look and he was gone.
My father knew something was wrong. He knew I was still unable to use magic, and I was now seeing ponies that weren't there. I think what finally caught his attention the most, was that I was now actively talking to them. The very next day, he scheduled an appointment for me to go see a specialist.
It took some time, but with weeks of testing and psychological analysis, they had determined I had an illness known as "schizophrenia". The doctor spoke with my parents and told them that 'episodes' can often be triggered by stress or strong emotions. They also told me that it was part of the reason why I hadn't learned to use magic. However, they told me that I would learn one day and had nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, I over-heard a conversation between my mother and father later that evening.
"She'll never be able to use magic.." A concerned, male voice whispered. "They said her mental illness is mild or moderate at worst, but she will never be able to use magic like other unicorns. I just don't know what to do...or to say to her. The Doctor lied to her...but I guess I can understand why. I just don't want to break her heart you know?"
My mother never said anything. I didn't understand why she wasn't saying anything, until much later on. It began with the way she started looking at me, and talking to me. At first, it was like she was constantly disappointed in me, or just felt sorry for me. As time went on, she just didn't want to even deal with me anymore. I couldn't understand what was going on. I thought I'd done something wrong.
"I love you mommy..." As for my mother's response, "Yes...dear". This is what became of our mother daughter relationship. I stopped talking to my mother after a while, and for good reason now that I reflect on it. She wasn't disappointed in me, she was ashamed of me.
My mother always wanted me to succeed. She wanted me to do great things and live an extraordinary life, probably because she never had one of her own. My mother was young when she met my father, and soon thereafter, she was pregnant with me. It was a little sudden for the both of them, but they pulled through I suppose. My father used the money he had saved for a new vessel, coupled with his own personal savings and built our seaside home. It was a beautiful home. It sat secluded along a rocky cliff, facing the ocean. Some of my fondest memories are just of me staring out towards the ocean.
There are so many fond memories here, and so many terrible ones. My life began, and will end here. Perhaps if my mother had stayed, and didn't see failure in me, things would have turned out better for everyone. I can still hear the anger in my father's voice. It was the only time I'd ever heard true anger from him.
"Why are you treating her like she isn't even your DAUGHTER?!" I heard him shout from downstairs. I didn't know what was going on yet; this was the first I had heard of their argument. "Ocean...what kind of life do you think she is going to have? She can't use magic, and talks to herself like a crazy-pony! She's disabled. She'll never be able to make anything for herself". Those words, they struck me so hard. I'd felt like I'd been bucked in the chest with those words. "She's schizophrenic, not stupid! She can be whatever she wants! Have you ever even heard her play before? How dare you talk about Breeze like this, I can't believe you!" He said to her. "A unicorn that can't use magic, and talks to ponies that aren't even there. Where is she going to go, Ocean? We'll be luckily if she can take care of herself one day and doesn't wind up in the crazy house"
This must have been the last straw for him. He came up-stairs, and took me with him away from home. We stayed with a friend of his for a couple days, and I have to say, it was nice. He was a single colt, older too. He always made really good food though, and between him and my father, they would tell fishing stories all night long that I loved to stay up for. It wasn't the first time I got to meet ol' Gale Wind. I wish we could have stayed there a little longer. I wish my father would have thought to ask him to watch over me and not...him.
Unfortunately, my father decided it was time to go back home. He could never hold a grudge for very long, but this I believe was a bit different. I think part of the reason he wanted to go back so soon, was the fact that he didn't want to believe my mother really felt the way she did about me. He wanted to go back almost out of disbelief, and maybe the hope that he could talk to her. Things in life don't always go in the direction we want them too, though.
We walked in the front door, and were greeted by a large number of bags centered in the living room. My father and I were both laughing, and in good moods. He'd been telling me jokes the whole way back. I guess he was expecting things to be alright when we got back. It was when we opened the door and looked in that the smiles on our faces quickly fled out the door.
A fuchsia mare greeted us shortly after we made our way in. "W-what is all this, Pixie?" Judging from the tone in my father's voice, I think he already knew what was going on, he just didn't want to admit it. He didn't want to admit it to himself, or to me. "Ocean...I've been thinking about this for a long time now. I'm under a lot of stress, and so are you. This isn't right, for either of us. I think we should spend some time apart..."
It certainly didn't take her long, it was two days later when she finally left. Even through the disputes he and my mother had been having, I could tell he still missed her. They did love each other after all. Eventually though, after a few weeks of hearing my father crying at night, and me tapping my hoof against his door to let me in, he got over her. He realized the problem was her and not himself. He had a kind heart, but still a fairly level head.
It had been a few years since my mother had left. My father was gone more and more every day. There were a few times where I didn't see him for days. I was pretty responsible and bright, so he didn't worry too much about me. However, I was still very young, and times were getting hard. He realized in order to keep the house afloat and food stored plentifully, he would have to stay out at sea almost all of the time. My father was a sailor, but he fished to make his money. He would catch the most exotic fish in Equestria. Even ponies in Canterlot kept them as pets.
In the absence of my father, and best friend, I had started to develop somewhat of another 'friend'. I had seen him a few times now. He was a sand-colored stallion with bright gold eyes, who eventually introduced himself as "Horizon Light". He reminded me a lot of the young colt I met years ago. At first, I ignored his existence. I knew he wasn't real, but whenever I would try to tell him that, he would just laugh or not respond. I hated him at first, really. He wasn't mean, if anything he was the most kind and gentle stallion I'd ever met. I hated him because part of me still blamed my illness for our family breaking apart. To me, he was the embodiment of that.
However, with my father gone so often and him there to keep me company, I began to open up a bit. One day I had finally decided that I wasn't going to blame myself anymore. I wasn't a failure, and my father and his friends loved me. I could do anything I wanted, the only problem was with my mother. And with this, I was able to draw closer to him, to Horizon. After a while, we became the best of friends. He would sit down with me and listen to me play our piano for hours. I had completely forgotten that he was essentially a hallucination after long enough. He wasn't like any other image I had seen before. He didn't disappear unless he actually walked out of the door, and he was so vivid. He was constantly around, sometimes to an annoying extent. But we grew close, him and me. Or, me and me for that matter.
My father was now gone for days at a time, I didn't really get to see him anymore. He would come home very late, fall asleep, and leave first thing in the morning. He would still sometimes wake me up to let me know he was home, and that he was leaving. I was about thirteen by now, and it had been a while since my mother had left. I still loved my father and missed him, but I was growing up and becoming a little more independent. I also had Horizon to keep me company, so I didn't feel very alone.
My father, though, was becoming concerned about me. He knew I was getting older and becoming a young mare now. He wanted to make sure someone could watch over me in case anything goes wrong. His intentions were good, though I wish he would have known the events that would follow.
"Sea Breeze! I have someone I'd like you to meet, can you come downstairs?" It was just getting dark, the sun was setting and the ocean air was beginning to calm down. I was so surprised to hear my father's voice, I wasn't even expecting him to be home. "Dad? Oh sure, I'll be down in a sec!" I got up quickly, and trotted down the stairs happily to meet my father. However, as I reached the bottom of the stairs and saw the stallion he was with...the smile quickly left my face...
The Frail, And The Wretched
"Breeze, this is Solemn Waters. He's an old friend of mine from way back" I looked into his eyes. Something behind those eyes were staring back at me in a way that almost made me feel... ill. You couldn't see it directly though. I was hoping that it was just in my head. I had accepted the fact that I was mentally ill by now, and knew that things weren't always what they seemed. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that shot down my spine while looking at this colt. I wanted to properly greet him, but could only stare quietly.
"Heh, well nice to meet you Ms. Breeze! Your father tells me you need somepony to watch over ya for a while until he gets his finances straightened out. I just moved into the area, and thought I would give an old friend a hoof. Put 'er there kid!" he reached his hoof out, but I didn't want to shake it. However, I also knew that my feelings could be misguided about him. I didn't want to let my mind control me so much, so I forced myself to grasp his appendage.
I think he could tell I was apprehensive of him. "Sorry if I seem a little rough around the edges, kid. Years of service in the Equestrian Navy and months at a time spent on a battleship with a bunch of crazy-ponies tends to have that effect on a colt. I assure you though, I'm not as bad as I look" He chuckled, and my father joined him.
"We met years ago. I was out far from the coast of Manehattan, and the weather was getting bad. At the time, he was serving on a navy ship as a radar analyst. He spotted my ship on the radar" My father told me, then Solemn stepped in "My captain thought it could be a battle ship and that we should try and steer away. I showed him how small the reading was and that it was probably a ship in distress. The capt finally budged, and we probably ended up saving this nutty colt's life haha"
"He's just here to watch over you. I know you are getting older, and you are becoming a young mare now. I know you are smart, and can take care of yourself for the most part. I just want someone around in case you get hurt or something, okay?" I looked at my father and saw his sincerity, and agreed. "Just look at it this way kid, at least you don't have to walk back from school anymore. It's pretty far from here right?" I couldn't help but feel a little indignant, "My name is Sea Breeze...and I'm okay with the bus. Thanks"
"Well, I'll be here for tonight honey. I'll also be here all day tomorrow! I thought that since I would be gone for a few weeks, and that I have a friend who can watch over you, that we should spend some father-daughter time together. So don't worry about it for now" My head sank to the floor. I was happy that we had a little time to spend together, but really it was just delaying his long departure, and my stay with this unknown colt. "Sure, Dad"
The next day was a day I will never forget. Thinking about it now is...hard to say the least. I can barely do it without crying. He woke me up first thing in the morning, I remember being so unwilling and tired at first, but happy we could spend some time together. We went to an old ice-cream shop in town first. It had been years since I'd been there. We just talked about our lives and how they'd been going. It was the first time in a long time we were able to actually go in depth about our lives.. After, he took me to a little jewelry store up north. I knew he didn't have a lot of money, and I didn't want him spending so much...but I knew it made him happy.
There was one gem in particular that I liked. It was a brilliant sapphire, cut almost like a diamond. It sat in a simple silver housing, on a thin silver chain. Surprisingly enough, it wasn't very expensive. He was so happy when he got me that necklace. Honestly, I was happy too. It was really pretty after all. I still have it even now...
I guess time flies when you are catching up. It's kind of odd you know, catching up with somepony you'd see every so often. It feels like we shouldn't have much to catch up on, but he was gone so often that we'd lost touch with each other. It was becoming sundown now, and my father wanted to take me to the beach. Yes, that same beach from years ago. It was a beautiful beach really, despite the memory attached to it. We both found a nice spot, sat in the sand, and just stared off at the sea for a while. Finally, he spoke.
"I'll be going out tomorrow...I'll be pretty far away too."
"Yeah..."
"There are these super exotic fish called "Creolica", and they are selling for a lot all over Equestria. If I could catch enough of them...we wouldn't have it so rough right now.."
"I understand. I don't know if I want to be around that guy though...something about him bothers me"
"Well, he has seen a lot of horrible things, Breeze. But, he is a really good pony at heart. You'll be okay. You have to open up a little, you know? Our lives haven't been easy these past few years...but we gotta push on."
"I sighed, and finally said "I trust you Dad."
"I love you, Sea Breeze"
"I love you too, Dad."
"Just remember. We'll always have each other"
I love you Dad, I still do. And I forgive you.
The next morning, my father came to my room and told me goodbye. He told me that he loved me, and he would be home soon. Unfortunately, me and my father both liked to sleep in as much as possible, so we didn't have a very long good bye. He had to leave soon, so we just had time for a hug. I remember our last day still more than our last moment.
"Solemn will be here in a few hours. He's just gonna be around to keep an eye on things"
"Sure, no problem dad"
And just like that, he was gone. The door creaked, and shut. Silence fell over the home. I felt a mixture of emotions. I was distraught because it would be so long before I'd see my father again, and I was unsure about the colt who was going to be watching over me. Eventually, I managed to put my concerns away. I figured that my father knew what was best.
It was about an hour before he showed up, that my old 'friend' Horizon decided to drop in.
"Heh, what's skakin' Breezy?"
"I don't know how I feel about this colt..."
"Eh, well if your dad thinks he's cool, I'm sure he'll be alright."
We talked for a while, and just hung out, like we normally do. Eventually, we heard the knock at the door. I took a deep breath, and trotted downstairs with Horizon following. I opened the door, and there he stood. It was almost difficult to distinguish his gray coat from the rocks behind him, but there he stood. He looked exhausted, it was getting towards the end of summer by now, and it was blazing hot. The long trot over must have worn him out.
He greeted me, kindly as a matter of fact, then proceeded to pass out on the living room couch. Turns out things went well for me that day, except for one thing. Shortly after Solemn had fell asleep, I turned to face the stairs and trot back up to my room. I remember taking the first step, then hearing a voice come from behind me "I don't like him..." It was Horizon, and apparently he had similar feelings towards Solemn. Although, I noticed a sort of...seriousness in his voice that I'd never heard before. I assumed it was just him sharing my feelings...
The next few weeks went by...great actually. He would tell battle stories all the time, that I have to admit, were interesting. He'd give me a ride all the way to school, and back. He kept the food up, and would even take me out to eat sometimes. He had a little bit more money than I expected. I guess Navy retirement is pretty good.
It was a month now. No word from my father. Something was wrong, but I didn't know what. He was only supposed to be gone for 2-3 weeks. I assumed he just got caught up somewhere, but now, it was getting too late. I didn't know what to think, I still felt like he just got stuck somewhere, or maybe he found a really good area to fish and he was just stocking up as much as possible. It wasn't until later on that the truth became...real to me.
It was late at night, the moon was full. It was one of those nights. However, in this night I would not find peace. I was worried about my father, and hadn't come out of my room all day. I guess Solemn must have gathered that something was wrong with me and that it had to do with my father. I heard a knock at my door. I didn't really want to answer it, but I found myself not wanting to be rude. I trotted over, and opened the door. He wore a worried look on his face, came in, and sat down on my bed.
"I know you're worried about Ocean...uh, your Dad. Listen, I used to know Ocean, way way back. I never thought he
would be the type of guy to go for a wife and family. I was surprised when I ran into him a while ago."
I couldn't tell where he was going with this at the time, so I just listened quietly...
"I wouldn't be surprised if he...just had enough you know?"
"What? Are you saying he left on purpose?!"
"I'm just saying, he could have gone anywhere. He's not a bad lookin' colt, and he's got one hell of a boa-"
"Get out."
"Look, don't be mad at me because your father decided to desert you."
"GET OUT"
I stood up to leave. He wasn't going to move, so I decided I would just leave. I tried to walk away, but as soon as I took my first step, he grabbed me and threw me back down. I tried to yell, but he covered my mouth and pinned me down. The last thing I can remember is him...climbing on top of me. For all of the memories that should have been blocked out, I'm thankful this was one of the few that were.
"If you tell anyone, or try to run, or try to scream. Your father is dead the second he steps in the door. Understood?"
The abuse continued...off and on for the next couple of weeks. I was falling apart at the seems. I was too afraid to run, or tell anyone. I just...stayed. I was too afraid to even fight back. How could I? I was never very strong, and I couldn't even use magic. It got to the point where he would just leave for hours...then return. The nights where he would pass out on the couch were the only ones where I caught peace. I remember one night, just staring out the window. Horizon had made his first appearance in ages. Something was wrong with him though...his appearance was darker. His coat resembled that of a stormy sunset. It was a combination of browns and blues.
"He's hurting you...we have to do something."
"I...I just...can't...I don't know"
"Don't worry...we'll think of something." He put his hoof around me and said, "Just remember, we'll always have each other"
It had been a few days, and Solemn was nowhere to be found. He never told me where he went or anything, and of course I didn't care. I was just happy he was gone. After having peace around the house for a while, I worked up the courage to leave my room. I felt like a ghost, trotting down those stairs. It had been nearly three days since I had left my room. I walked into the kitchen, and immediately made myself something to eat. I could barely put anything down, despite not eating for several days. To this moment...I still cannot describe how I felt.
I walked around for a bit, trying to get my barrings, and stretch out my legs. Horizon was following me around...he was even darker now than before. I can't even remember when he showed up. He just sort of appeared after I arrived downstairs. He motioned me over to my left. It was Solemn's room. A spike of fear shot down my spine, and I took a few steps back.
"We should go in. Maybe we'll understand this freak better if we have a look into his life. At least, we could find some weapons or something"
"W-weapons?"
"Nevermind...it just makes me mad that he is hurting you. I still think we should go in."
I don't know how, but he talked me into it.
We both walked in, and as you would expect, it looked like a retired Navy-colt's room. There were navy badges, old cloths, and scattered change around his night stand. It looked like the room of an old colt, really. I was so scared being in there, but I guess having Horizon with me made things better. I trotted, lightly, over to his night stand. I noticed the corner of a small envelope buried underneath some loose forms and documents. I caught that it was addressed to this house. After pulling it out, I noticed the noticed the title.
"Manehattan Coastal Patrol"
It was letter, and it was dated a few weeks ago. I didn't even care about the fact that it wasn't mine at this point. It was addressed here and my father was out off the coast of Manehattan. I opened it up, and began to read...
To the attention of Ms. Breeze and Ms. Wing. We regret to inform you that Ocean Tide's ship was recently found along the Trotting Waters beach. We were able to locate his remains, and...
I couldn't read the rest. After all...I didn't really need to. Time had come to a stop. Everything around me had stopped. The last few weeks of my life flashed before my eyes; then my entire life. It hurt so much, that I couldn't even cry. I just felt a severe pressure around my eyes. I turned around, note in hand, and slowly trotted upstairs.
"Breeze...he's been lying to you. All this time, all this time your father has been gone. He's been scaring you and manipulating you. We have to do something."
There was silence. I could not speak. I could barely even hear the sound of his voice. I was somewhere else. This is the closest one could come to living death. The only thing besides his voice that came through was the sound of the front door creaking open.
I heard him walk around...towards the direction of his room. Perhaps a bit of stumbling even. All I heard next was "What the fuck, did you go in my room?!"
I heard him come for the stairs...
"Run..." Horizon told me
"Down the hall...we aren't safe here"
He was completely black now...his eyes were even changing color. He was the only thing protecting me though...so I listened to him. I ran down the hall as fast as I could, and at the end was a turn that would take you to a single window. Right below it, was the 1st floor balcony. It was a ways down, but nothing fatal, I would come to prove.
I heard him reach the top of the stairs, and head for the hallway. He began down the hall, towards my direction. I felt frozen...I couldn't move. I could barely push breaths through my pounding chest. I could feel myself slipping in and out of the situation.
"Did you go in my room you little bitch?! I suppose you found that letter huh? Well, now that Daddy is gone, you're gonna have to listen to me, and I'm telling you to come here!"
"Don't listen to him. You have nothing to lose. Jump."
I looked out the window, and stared at the balcony below. I looked back at the hall, and heard the steps drawing closer. I scrambled to open the window. I don't know how, but I managed to open it, and climb out. As I was hanging, he had just come around the corner, to see my hooves at the sill. He tried to run over fast enough to catch me, but the sound of his hoof steps convinced me to let go.
There was a loud thud, and a crack. It wasn't the sound of wood breaking, it was the sound of bone. I had broken my left hind leg. I couldn't even feel the pain, I was too far into shock. It wasn't until I tried to stand, that a sharp pain forced me back down. I kept trying to stand up, but I would fall every time in pain. Finally, I managed to balance myself with the three functioning legs I had.
I must not have heard him coming, but when I made my way over to the double doors, I could see him coming downstairs. Horizon appeared on the other side of the glass. His eyes were lowered...he was beyond serious. He commanded me...
"This way. Run"
I threw open the door and fled. I followed Horizon through the kitchen, and into the garage. The entrance was locked, and it was a dead end. There was a small lock on the door I had come through, but I knew it wouldn't be enough to keep him out forever. I could hear him drawing closer...he wasn't even running. He knew I was trapped...
"I'm not sure what you were trying to accomplish with that stunt, kid. I hope you realize that I'm very angry, and have had just about enough!"
"Breeze...you see that tool over there?"
I looked over to my right, and on the desk sat an old ice-pick. It was rusted, long, and sharp.
"Pick it up"
I didn't even have the frame of mind to disagree. I was overwhelmed by Horizons presence. It felt like I was drifting further and further away, and he was filling in the gaps. I quickly hobbled over, and picked up the dirty corroded tool. I held it in my hoof, and faced the door. Horizon stood in front of me. He looked deep into my eyes and said to me...
"We'll always have each other..."
Suddenly, fire spreading around the edges of the room came into vision. It felt like the earth was quaking beneath my hooves. Horizon was now...twisted in shape. His mane was flowing black, and what looked like shadows were emanating from him. I felt like my heart had stopped. I was so helpless...if only I could have locked the door. Maybe if I could have used magic, I could have sealed it. I thought so hard "lock...Lock...LOCK" but, I couldn't do it. Finally, it was the sound of the door breaking open that broke me from my petrification.
"What the hell is that? Put that down kid, before I take it fro-"
I had done it. I didn't even think about it. The room had started spinning at the sound of the door coming open, and I just found myself here. I had stabbed him, directly in the chest. A warm sensation started creeping down my hoof from the hilt. I pulled away, and he fell to the ground like a doll. The flames had stopped, and Horizon was gone. The earth grew still while the air fell to a calm state again. I fell to my knees, and stared at the floor. There on the floor, were four little beams of moonlight passing through the bars on the window and falling to the floor. It's so easy to get lost in the aether of this place. All I could do was stare...
So I stared
and stared
and stared...
