Colors of the Soul

Amane was later called privately by the Supreme Commander and we were left to wander in the hallways, waiting for her return.

Amane came back with a faint frown on her cheek.

“What did you and the commander talk about?” asked Haruki.

“Nothing much, just something about Uncle Kojin.” She whispered trying to look unbothered.

Haruki looked like he wanted to ask more but decided to drop the subject, and instead talked about what happened in court.

After everything was over, Old man Chron had us all go to the City Capital.

We walked through the crowded streets of the city, where the gazes sharply pierced at the back of our heads, all whilst sharing friendly smiles to each other, the citizens visibly loathed the sight of us walking freely and blatantly avoided us.

Although people were avoiding us like we were contagious, we were having a blast talking about what just happened in court, especially with the Priest’s outbursts which made Amane laugh every time.

On our way, Amane shared a little about her past. Although I felt that she didn't go into detail, I was happy to know that she was present when I was still a baby with my parents; She watched over me while my parents were working. Even when she could not physically be there, whenever I was in trouble she would run to my mom for help. No wonder I always remember feeling safe as child as if I was being protected even when my parents aren't there.

We reached the center of the city and were greeted with a huge Golden Arch at the entrance.

“Welcome to Meso.” Old man Chron presented, raising his hand to the entrance.

“This is actually the very center of all the islands. Below the ground is a giant crystal that’s powering the nation keeping it afloat.” The old man continued.

The place looked like a huge park with flowers and fruit trees everywhere. There were marbled paths leading to the center where a small fountain was located. The designs were sculpted with much detail; glowing with angelic beauty. The surroundings were dotted with decorative arches with tall marble pillars.

“This place is so amazing" Amane stared in marvel.

“indeed, this place keeps getting more beautiful as I age.”

“Look! Look at the sign, it's glowing!” I pointed at the fountain that was illuminating in the background as if it was telling us to come read it.

Amane and I ran towards it like kids seeing an ice cream truck and eagerly read the contents at the gold plated sign.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“Red is passion and strength; linked with anger and danger.

Blue is nobility and loyalty; It’s the color of trust.

Orange is enthusiasm; It’s the color of energy and vitality.

Yellow is kindness; It reflects intelligence and positivity.

Green is luck and growth; linked to health

Purple is wisdom and power; linked to pride and honour.

Pink is compassion; The color of innocence and love.

Brown is stability; it represents hard work and honesty

White is purity; the color of perfection.”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Haruki and Old man Chron followed us, as we read the sign with full concentration.

“That thing is biased,” Old man Chron commented.

“Anyways,” he continued. “This place was actually a temple, but the church decided to move it elsewhere. Now this place is where everyone gets their first gems…. The only thing the church can’t move is the fountain.” Old man Chron commented while scratching his chin.

I could tell he dislikes the church with his obvious comments from our past conversation. He always spoke critically about them and doesn’t seem to care if people can hear him, I thought to myself.

“Well yeah, the church was the one that pushed to kick our parents out, I'd say he’s secretly praying for its downfall.” My shadow commented.

I was a bit taken aback by my shadow suddenly talking. I kept forgetting he could hear me. But I think he is right about my grandfather’s anger.

“I’m getting my first gem?” I asked excitedly, disregarding the comments my shadow made.

“You bet. You and Amane will be getting one.”

Amane furrowed her brows. “Why am I getting one, I’m an Entity.”

“That doesn't matter dear, we could still try. If the goddess wills it then she’ll grant you one.”

“The Goddess gives the gems?” I asked.

Old man Chron didn’t know how to answer my question, I have a feeling even he doesn’t know If Amane would really get one.

“The goddess is not physically there, but she gets to decide on what kind of gem you’ll get. It’s more like what the old man said. It’s her will. And there is no requirement that you have to be a Euryphaessan, if the goddess wants to, she’ll give you one.” Haruki explained with a dignified look, fitting of his honor student image.

“That’s right!” Old man Chron exclaimed. “Come, come.”

He dragged us both near the fountain and urged us to submerge our hands in the water…

Not a moment later a small glimpse of light appeared on both me and Amane’s hand. The light grew and shined so brightly; we had to instinctively cover our eyes from the blinding light.

As the light subsided a transparent crystal appeared on our hands. A small one-inched rounded crystal gently glowed on my hand and on Amane’s, she got a pear shaped crystal the same size as mine.

“I actually got one!” Amane was shocked in disbelief.

“This is great! Now try infusing it with light.” Old man Chron said earnestly.

Both Amane and I paused and looked at each other.

“How?” We both asked.

“If you infuse it with light, the color of your soul will appear. Haruki will help you two, I’ll be right back. I need to talk to someone.”

I wonder what color I will get, I thought to myself.

Old man Chron left, Amane and I looked at Haruki like a puppy waiting for an order.

Haruki sighted and stepped closer towards us and held our hands forward. He told us to follow his instructions and we obliged, listening closely to his every word.

“Close your eyes, and imagine lights coursing you inside you infusing into the gem. Visualize it.”

Although skeptical if this would work. I closed my eyes and carefully visualized light going into the gem… but nothing worked.

“Yuko,” Haruki noticed me struggling and thought to help. “Calm down and loosen yourself, don’t think too hard about it.”

I calmed down and focused on my hand. Meanwhile Amane just stared at the gem, not knowing what to do.

“What’s wrong Amane.” Haruki asked.

“Well, we have a problem here, you see Haruki, I'm not a Eurhphaessan and my ability and the opposite of light.” Amane said sarcastically.

Haruki wasn’t amazed by Amane’s comment and gave her a blank look.

“What!” Amane asked agitatedly. “I’m just joking!”

Haruki sighed, his lips slightly curved upward showing a smile and looked at Amane condescendingly.

“What’s with that face?” Amane asked with an irritated voice.

“Nothing, nothing. Here, try this. Instead of light, imagine something from your heart coursing through your body and into the gem.”

Amane was confused but didn’t utter a word, instead she followed Haruki’s instructions.

She closed her eyes and internalized deeply. As her eyes slowly opened a few seconds later Amane was stunned by what she saw.

The pear shaped gem on her hand that was once transparent was now glowing in a crimson hue.

“Wow Amane you did it!” I cheered ecstatically.

“So.. this is red?” Amane though and glanced at the sign and read the meaning of the color.

“Well done Amane.” Haruki grinned while still holding Amane’s hands.

Amane smiled in return, proud of herself.

Jealous of Amane’s accomplishment I closed my eyes and focused so hard that I felt veins popping out my forehead.

Once I opened my eyes, the gem that I got had turned black and was illuminating a faint glow.

“Yuko, you did it!” Amane proudly cheered.

“It’s… black. It’s not in the colors…” I uttered.

Haruki was deep in thought when Old man Chron showed up.

“How are you kids doing? Oh my-”

Old man Chron saw the gem I was holding and asked if he could look at it closer. He took the gem and held it near his eyes, staring at it intently, hoping that pointing it towards the sun might change its color.

“Yup, It’s a pure black gem, not a dark shade of any color. This is a first”

“How could the color black glow?” I asked.

“They said the color of your light reflects the color of your soul.” Old man Chron started.

“Amane, can I please hold your gem?”

Amane handed her gem to Old man Chron.

“Yup, it's crimson the same as Kojin’s gem color.”

“So Uncle Kojin's soul is crimson and Yuko’s black? I thought you inherited the color based on your parent’s.” Haruki wondered.

“Usually that’s the case. But Yuko’s soul being black doesn't fit that criteria.”

“My soul is black… It’s a bad color," I uttered nervously.

Amane saw me disappointed and smacked my back.

“Hey, getting black is not a bad thing, right?” She looked at Haruki and Old man Chron trying to get their support.

“Yeah! It's not a bad thing.” Old man Chron followed.

“But, didn’t color represent personality or something? The sign said so much about the meaning of the colors.”

“Well…” Old man Chron thought hard, trying to think of something that won’t hurt me.

“Yuko,” Haruki started with a stern voice. “People associate things to give them meaning, but that doesn't mean it’s the truth. Sure, color has meaning here in Euryphaessa. They say red could mean strength and passion, they say people with red souls are people who are likely to get angry and violent all the time, but look at your father. Did he ever get angry and violent to you or your mom? No right? The meaning is just based on what we feel about the color; it doesn't mean that it's factual.”

Although Haruki was straightforward and cold, he was right.

“Haruki’s right.” Amane started. “I don’t think the meaning of what people gave matter’s, what matters is the meaning you give it yourself, Like Uncle Kojin's soul is red because he protects his family, or he’s really powerful, the color sends a warning message to his enemies, because he’s going to beat them up.”

I tried to hide my laughter but I was caught. We laughed at Amane’s logic and helped to cheer me up.

It feels nice being with people with similar experiences and memories. It really feels like I'm back with my family.

Old man Chron later brought us to a small building beside the fountain. We approached the wooden counter and an old man with balding hair appeared.

“Oh welcome, you must be Yuko and Amane. Nice to meet you two.” The old man welcomed us with a cheerful smile. He hastily fixed his thin hair and invited us to come inside.

We entered the wooden workshop. Filled with machines that I don’t know what’s the use of. He sat us down at a small round table and an old kind lady who seemed to be his wife entered and served us juice. She waved at us sweetly before leaving with a joyful smile.

“That’s my lovely wife Lydia.” the old man uttered with a sparkle in his eyes.

“This is my friend Elias. We knew each other in the military and right now he works as the city’s most renowned jeweler.” Old man Chron smirked.

“Oh you flatter me. I only got to work here because of my ability.”

“Well, you’re the most qualified, who cares about that annoying ability of yours—”

Just then a huge boulder fell from the roof, landing on Old man Chron’s head. Startling the three of us at the sudden boulder, but Old man Chron was unfazed. Turns out it was only an illusion.

“You need to stop doing that in front of others, you jerk.” Old man Chron nagged.

Elias was laughing hysterically until his wife came and scolded him. She was using hand signs furiously, reflecting the emotions on her face. And Old man Elias was hastily apologising and massaging his wife’s hands.

“Old man Elias’s wife is mute?” I asked.

“Yeah,” Old man Chron replied. “Out of all the people in the world, she’s the only person that guy ever listens to.”

Old man Chron’s words were sweet. It made me and Amane smile giddily just by hearing a part of Miss Lydia and Old man Elias' love story.

Old man Elias was able to calm Miss Lydia down and kissed her hand as she left the room.

“What’s up with these two, smiling like idiots.” —A loud bang followed Old man Elias’s comment. “Sorry dear!!” He yelled softly.

“Well anyways.” He started. “I’m a jeweller now. And as you’ve witnessed earlier I can make projections using my eyes.”

“This guy,” Old man Chron cut in. “You’re not giving yourself any credit here. This guy is a former General. He fights using his projections. This guy was feared at his prime. In his own way of course.” Old man Chron crossed his arms trying to sound cocky.

“Well your grandfather took that spotlight from me. I had to basically clean up all his mess.”

Amane and I looked at each other dumbfounded.

“Well, in front of you, are two veterans on the battlefield. Our grandfather has the eyes of stunning and Old man Elias right here has the eyes of projection.” Haruki explained.

“Your old man has quite the reputation. Stunning anyone who so much as looks at him wrongly, and anywhere at that. He didn’t care if that person was of high status.” Old man Elias gave Old man Chron an irked look, as if my grandfather’s rude behaviour was the cause of his hair balding early.

Amane and I were listening eagerly. It was quite thrilling to hear about experiences on my grandfather on his prime. Haruki continued.

“The old man’s ability is to stun anyone who looks into his eyes, They will freeze on the spot without warning.”

“Well, It's not like it's forever. I get to decide how long they’ll be stunned for, depending on how strong they are compared to me ofcouse.” Old man Chron added an attempt to make his ability sound humble.

“That is worse. You used to stun people for days, and you’d ignore them when they beg you to unfreeze them.” Old man Elias commented hoping Old man Chron will acknowledge that it was cruel.

“Mahh, they deserve it.” Old man Chron brushed it off. “Enough about me, we’re here to get these two of their first jewellery pieces.”

Amane showed the gem she got. And Old man Elias inspected it with his magnifying glass thingy.

“This is a pretty perfect gem. No imperfections or scratches. And the color is very beautiful.”

Amane chuckled at the complement of her gem.

“What kind of piece would you like, young miss? Any ideas?”

Amane though for a while… Then her eyes lit up, she asked for something stable and always in immediate view.

“Like a bracelet I guess.”

“I heard you’re a close combat fighter so a normal bracelet won’t do.

Old man Elias pondered for a while. He asked Amane for anything specific she wanted to add and came up with a prototype.

Well the prototype was a projection. He placed the gem on top of Amane’s wrist and a bracelet was projected, showing a golden cuff-like bracelet with utmost detail like it was the real deal.

“Wow, the projection is so realistic.” I gasped in awe.

Old man Elias smiled and was looking proud of himself upon receiving the complement.

The cuff bracelet Old man Elias showed wasn’t your normal cuff bracelet design, instead of straight metal rings, it was small vine-like arms. Like a butterfly wrapping its wings on Amane’s wrist. The middle is Amane’s crimson pear shaped gem. Glowing magnificently in the center.

“It's beautiful,” Amane uttered in amazement.

“I know right?” Old man Elias replied proudly.

He quickly sketched the design and then soon after it was my turn.

I hesitantly showed my black gem. I was expecting him to show some negative comments, given he has seen countless beautiful gems. But instead Old man gave an Interesting stare and examined the gem.

“Fascinating,” he uttered. “In my whole career I’ve never seen such a gem.”

“Is it bad?” I asked worriedly. Amane gave me a stare and so did Haruki.

“Rather than bad, this is incredible. You can store quite a lot of light inside here. It's like space, just look at it. Any designs you have in mind?” Old man Elias asked.

Although I didn’t quite understand what Old man Elias was talking about, I continued, while appreciating his positive comments.

“Well, I don't really know much about jewellery. I guess a pendant would be nice.”

“I see, do you mind if I add some designs myself?” I nodded, giving an okay with Old man Elias’s suggestion. He thought for a moment and then projected a silver pendant on the table where the round black gem was placed in a fiery sun shaped in silver outline.

“You were born during a solar eclipse so I thought the black gem would be a good reference.

“I remember my mother telling me about it. Thank you Sir Elias. This is perfect.”

Old man Elias quickly sketched the pendant and asked us to come back in a few days to collect the pieces.