A World That He Saved

The morning sun rose with the chirping of birds. Women prepared food in the kitchen, while the men dressed up to leave for work. The shops opened under a clear sky, on a street bustling with people.

But the matters were different inside the castle, knights started their training the moment first rays of sunshine pierced the ramparts of the castle. The clang sound of metal hitting each other was the first sound that was heard from the barracks.

The inner bailey was lively in the mornings. The chirping of the birds didn't exist there. The shouting of knights, their wooden swords clashing with a loud thud suppressed it all. 

“How's the training going?!” A tall broad man entered the courtyard. 

“Perfectly fine, Sir!” A knight shouted from the crowd.

“Good! That's what I wanted to hear!” The man was pleased. “Listen up, everyone!! The king is going to see the fruits of your training tomorrow! I don't want any half assed results from this training!” His voice echoed in the courtyard. “Give it your all in the tournament!” He shouted.

“YESSIR!!!” The crowd’s morale was boosted, their movements became faster, their shouts synchronised, and the training started once more.

The man started walking away. 

“Are you not taking part in the training today, sir?” A voice came from behind.

The man turned around. “Not today, young man. I've got to take my daughter out today.” He said as he chuckled.

“You sure are a loving father.” 

“That I am! Go do your training now boy, I've got high hopes for you.” The man turned around as he started walking away.

“Y– yes sir!!” The boy shouted as he ran back to the training grounds.

“I love the enthusiasm of this year's recruits.” The man smiled as he went away.

Outside the castle was, people's normal lives. The city was cheerful, people were happy. The shops were bustling with people, the taverns were crowded. Everything was peaceful.

The library, now a bit old, still stood in its place. Its towers had gotten dull, the windows were dusty. But it was lively.

A girl was running on the streets, stumbling in front of the library. The large doors opened, and the girl went inside. The library was filled with people, but it wasn't crowded.

A man stood inside, cleaning the dusty shelves. He noticed the girl. “What are you doing here, little Fiora?” The man asked in a gentle voice.

“I just wanted to play with you, uncle.” The girl answered.

“Aww, so cute. But you know that uncle can't play games with you. I'm old after all!” The man chuckled.

“Can you read me a story then?” The girl asked with glistening eyes.

“You know that I can't refuse when you look at me like that.” The man answered. “So what story do you want to hear from your old uncle?” He asked her.

“The one you always tell me.” The girl answered cheerfully.

“You really love that story don't you?” The man replied.

“Yeah!!”

“Well then, come with me.” The man said as he started to walk near some chairs in the corner of the library.

The little girl followed him. “Carry me uncle!” She said as she clung onto him.

“Alright! Come on!” The man lifted the little girl. 

He put her down on a chair, and sat beside the girl. She was smiling brightly. Her small feet, unable to reach the floor – dangling in the air.

“Are you ready?” The man asked.

“Yeah!!”

“So listen up!” He said in an excited voice. “It began 35 years ago, and the world fell into despair. Our prayers were unanswered. For ten years, we tried to change it, but our efforts bore no fruits.

Then 25 years ago, he appeared. A boy who was abandoned, just like us. He wasn't from this world, his world abandoned him. Just like our god, Lord Celestra did to us.”

The girl's eyes widened, glistening with hope. She was overjoyed by the story.

“In his adventures, he met many people – both good and evil.” The man continued, “He saved many lives, the first one was a young girl the same age as he was – Lyra. She always accompanied him, and he always saved her when she was in trouble.

When Lyra's village was destroyed by monsters, the knight commander Alaric, and his subordinate, Dain came to save them. They quickly became friends. Travelling through the land together.”

“How did they become friends, uncle?” The girl asked.

“Well, because all of them were just like each other. Their pasts were similar, they were all influenced by the actions of that boy. They saw him as an ideal.”

“Was that man really great?”

“Yeah. Even when I met him, I saw it in his eyes, the fire that his eyes had. He was eager to do anything if it meant helping others. Even when an evil man kidnapped Lyra, he was the only one who stepped into Fernleigh Grove, the only place people dreaded.”

“Was he not scared, uncle?”

“No, he was. But he wasn't the person who would let anyone die because of his fear. He went into the Fernleigh Grove, where he met Vorain, who revealed the only way to save the world – and together, they rescued Lyra from that evil man.”

“Did he do it alone, uncle?”

“No. When he almost lost to that evil man, his companions, Dain and Alaric came to his aid. Along with Vorain's help, the boy and his companions defeated that evil man.”

“Was the world saved after it?”

“No. The world wasn't saved yet. The boy discovered why the world was dying, the reason behind it.”

“Why was it happening?”

“Our god, Lord Celestra, was dead. There was nobody to look after the world. As a result, the world mourned for it, causing the calamities that resulted in the suffering of the people.”

“How did he save the world then?” The girl asked in anticipation.

“He took up that role, the role that was empty after the death of Lord Celestra. He did not become a God like Lord Celestra himself. But instead, he became an overseer – to look after the world, and help its people, forever. He's always watching over us, in a space where only he exists.”

“Doesn't he feel alone?” The girl's voice hinted at sadness.

“We don't know that. He felt the joy in helping people, he made that choice. So I believe he must be overjoyed to see the people happy.”

“He's so great!!” The girl's eyes lit up with admiration for the boy.

“Yeah, he is. He is the greatest person I've ever met. And that is why the world remembers him. Kisaragi Touma was his name, but the world calls him the great overseer. They worship him, calling him Lord Kisaragi in respect.”

The girl jumped down from her chair, laughing cheerfully. “I want to be like him!!” She exclaimed.

“Yes. You'll definitely become like him. All you have to do is become a good person and help others in need, okay?” The man smiled at her.

“Yeah!!” She answered cheerfully.

The door opened once more. “What are you doing here, Fiora? Your mom is looking for you.” A man entered the library.

“Dad!!” The girl ran towards the man and clung to his leg. “I love you!!” She said as she looked up to him.

“I love you too. Now go home fast. Mom must be looking for you.” He told her.

“Will you be coming too?” She asked him.

“Yes. I will come in a bit. Now go back, okay?” 

“Yeah.” The girl let go of her father's leg and ran outside.

“Her smile makes your day, doesn't it?” The librarian spoke.

“It sure does.” The man answered.

“Anyways, what brings you here today, Dain? Or should I say, the knight commander?” The librarian chuckled.

“Don't joke around, Rauen. You know better than anyone that I don't like it when you people call me that.” Dain answered.

“Yeah yeah. I get it. By the way, did you not take part in the training today?” Rauen asked.

“Not today, I had promised to take Fiora out today.” 

“What a loving father you've become.” 

“Well, it just got like that. I didn't even realize how it happened.” Dain smiled.

“Do you know about the whereabouts of Lyra and Alaric these days?” Rauen asked.

“Yeah. Actually, I met Sir Alaric last week. And I think it was last year that I met Lyra, I had some work in Fernleigh Grove that time.”

“Time sure changed quickly. I didn't expect Alaric to quit knighthood and start a school.”

“Yeah. But I think he made the right decision. I never saw him smile as a knight, back then, his happiness hinted at sadness that he hid in his heart. But when I saw him teaching the art of sword to the kids, it was the first time in years… that I saw him smile wholeheartedly.” Dain spoke in a gentle tone, as a smile appeared on his face. 

“Yeah. I think teaching is what suits him. And what is Lyra doing in Fernleigh Grove?” Rauen asked with a smile on his face.

“She's looking after the temple… the one Vorain left behind.”

“Still worshiping the dead god?” 

“It’s no longer Celestra’s temple, Rauen. They call it Touma's now.” Dain answered. “I think she also mentioned that her elder son is going to join the knights this year.” He added.

“That's so amazing. I didn't expect those two to get over after the incident that day. Those two came to the capital almost in a depressed state.”

“Yeah. I was worried at the start too. But time fixed everything. Even now, when I remember that day… I can't forget the sacrifice Touma made for us.” Dain sighed.

“Absolutely. If it wasn't for him, we'd be long gone.” Rauen spoke as he looked at the ceiling.

“Yeah. Anyways, Rauen! I think I have to go now, otherwise I'll be late.” Dain started walking towards the exit. “I can't see Fiora crying, after all!” He said as he exited the library.

“Yeah.” Rauen turned around, as he began dusting the shelves. “I think I'll get the whole library cleaned this year.” He muttered as he went back to his work.

The afternoon sun rays shone above the capital. Dain went out with his family, passing by a building with high walls, made with wood and concrete. Rhythmic shouting came from behind those walls.

Standing inside was a tall, muscular man, teaching the youngsters sword mastery. “Put your back into your slashes!” He shouted.

“Yessir!” The students replied in a similar manner.

Some of his students practiced swings, while the others competed in practice matches. Their wooden swords clashed, with a sound that echoed in the whole yard. 

“Can I challenge you to a practice duel, Master?” A young boy asked the man.

“Are you not fencing with other students?” The man asked as he turned to the kid.

“I did, sir!” The boy answered. “I won every time! So I don't have a fencing partner!” He added.

“Well then. Meet me in the dojo. Get ready fast.” The man told the boy as he went inside the dojo.

“Yessir.” The kid bowed before his teacher, and followed him into the dojo.

“Pick up your sword.” The man said. 

“Y– yes.” The boy answered as he picked up his sword.

The counting started. The boy charged at his teacher the second the counting ended. He swung his sword, only to be launched by one slash of his teacher. The duel ended within seconds.

“You've still got a long way to go boy!” The man said.

“Y– yessir!” The boy said as he stood up again. “How can I become like you, master?!” He asked.

“Become like me? I think you shouldn't think of it like that. You don't have to be like me, I want all of you to surpass me.” He said with a smile. 

“I– I will, sir!” The boy's eyes lit up with admiration, he respected his master.

“Don't think it'll be easy! I wasn't the Knight Commander for nothing after all!” The man chuckled.

“I'll do it, sir. I'll surpass both you, the former Knight Commander, Sir Alaric and the current Knight Commander, Sir Dain!!” The boy's words were filled with ambition. “I'll show it to you one day!” He said.

“I'll be waiting for that day, boy!!” The man – Alaric, was overjoyed by his words.

“Yessir!!” 

“Now go! Do your training, and tell the other kids I have to go somewhere today, so I won't be able to teach you anything new today.” Alaric told the boy as he started walking away.

“Yes sir!” The boy bowed before him once again as he too, exited from the dojo and once again went outside – to practice in the courtyard.

Outside the capital, the green plains stretched till the horizon, warm winds blew in the fields. Forests were filled with animals, running here and there. And in one corner of those fields, was located a forest – Fernleigh Grove.

Things were different in Fernleigh Grove. It was once again a place beaming with life. Villagers lived in harmony, worshiping the man that saved them.

And in the centre of it all, stood the temple. Restored after the incident that day, it looked like a completely new monument. From the house that stood near it, a young man came out.

“I'm going now!” He said.

“Take care out there! Got it?” A woman was standing at the door.

“Yes mom! I will.” He answered.

The boy walked away, setting his foot outside of the forest, alone. He had departed for the capital. 

The woman came outside, stepping her foot in the bright afternoon sunshine. “It's so refreshing here.” She said while stretching her arms.

“Did Garett leave for the capital?” An old man asked the woman.

“Yes. He just left.” The woman replied.

“Won't you feel lonely without your son, Lyra?” He asked.

“A little bit, yes. But I don't want to cage him in the village.” Lyra answered. “I believe his experiences in the outside world will help him in his life.” She added.

“You sure have changed a lot from when you came here.” The old man said.

“Absolutely. For all the time I've spent here in this village, don't you think it'd be more unbelievable if I hadn't changed under your influence?” She chuckled.

“Exactly! There's no way a person won't be influenced by us nosy villagers.” The man broke into laughter.

“Oh please! I don't think the people think of the villagers here as nosy. At least if they're like me!” Lyra chuckled. “Anyways, I think I'll be taking my leave now. It's gonna be sunset soon, I have to prepare dinner too.” She said as she hurried into her house.

“Go on. But remember to not strain yourself too much, okay?” The man said as he stood in his place.

“Got it.” Lyra went inside, closing the door behind her.

It was the time of sunset by now, birds were returning to their nests, animals went to their families. And the humans started to go to their homes.

As shops closed and families returned home, the streets brimmed with people enjoying the festival. They all had wide smiles on their faces. Everyone was happy.

Standing in the void that stretched till eternity, he saw it all. He was alone, in that endless white space.

Looking after the world that he saved, Kisaragi Touma smiled.

THE END