CHAPTER 14: MR. MOPEHEAD (VAMYN)

ROOFTOPS OF MIDTOWN, MIDTOWN, NEXERIA

Vamyn looks over the city of Nexeria. Taking it all in from the rooftops on his way back to the base; the spooky and twisted architecture of the buildings, the mageus lights that illuminate the city in all shades of colors, the way the blue sun kisses the crimson sky. The city of Nexeria has been his home for the last decade or so, and for a traveler like himself (I guess former traveler now), that is highly unusual. Battling what he likes to call plagues of evil for years, this might be a rest period all things considered compared to how turbulent his past has been.

“So this is what my life is now? Essentially, a father figure to souls that were lost. I must be doing something right with how these three have turned out; I didn’t think that was possible with all the troubles I had with Aluin.” He sighs while speaking to himself. With only the brisk air up on the roof listening.

“Banus hasn’t been able to get over his grief from the battle with the Saurcillian Movement Front years ago. You think having a son would allow him to find some purpose to keep going, but alas, his grief is too powerful. I should go check on him, but he’ll probably just drive me away again. He’s the only person around that makes me look positive. Xandrick hasn’t been the same person for a while; probably explains why Jeannette is so cold now too. Harmonious got lucky to settle down; but his legacy continues on. I haven’t visited Nyarla since I came here for a stable place to raise the three of them. Being trapped in a tube to regenerate must get boring. Tyrex said he had something to check out; was really vague too. I’ve lived a lot of lives, made a lot of friends and miss them all.” He looks up at the night sky, seeing all the stars around; they illuminate the darkness of the city. Sometimes he wishes there were stars in his heart.

“This world is beautiful; I’m glad I didn’t mess it up too much with all the damage I’ve done to it. Itellier and Lyligan are turning into fine young adults; I’m glad they tolerate my... what was it again? Oh yes, ‘sulky ass’. Honestly, if I didn’t have them along with Valien, I’d be going through the motions myself. Just existing one day at a time. Some valiant hero I’m supposed to be. Valien is fighting to make this city a better place the hard way; while Itellier finds incredible information against this secret mob; and Lyligan never gives up, her resolve has no equal, and she’ll always help however she can. Then there’s me; I’ve lost track of how many decades I’ve done this, and don’t even get me started with that time that rotten fool made me miss more years than I would have liked. And the amnesia; and the vampyre plague. I only want to help people; it’s instilled in me since I was in the academy, but how can I when I only seem to cause collateral damage wherever I go? I don’t know how to forgive myself, like Valien said to me, and even less than that, I can’t even imagine what the best version of me even looks like.” He sighs, looking down at the street; seeing the few people walk by, unaware of the plights that go on under their noses.

“Alright, I spent enough time being a Sulky Sally, an Angsty Allen, or I believe it was Mr. Mopehead they called me. At least with their help; I am self-aware of my depressed moods. Time to head back to see if Lyligan has found out anything or Itellier’s next scheme has finished.” His sullen face shifts to a small smile at the thought of his adopted kids. He looks up to the next rooftop and runs at it. Jumping rooftop to rooftop was far easier than dealing with people on the streets and added a mysterious allure to him (that he loved) from the people below. In no time at all, he lands near the back door of the secret base of the Deathborne.

DEATHBORNE SECRET BASE, MIDTOWN, NEXERIA

He enters the base, seeing Lyligan full of smiles and dripping with sweat. Instantly, he could tell she was up to her dance deducing.

“Vamyn! I figured out a great idea! We just need to find some Sorcery, then we’ll be able to find more about The Circle!” Lyligan says, bouncing up and down, ready to jump through the ceiling, almost.

“I’m sure we can find some if we go on patrol. Tell me the details of your idea while we go.” Vamyn replies, her energy infectious enough to make him smile more.

Lyligan grabs her coat and heads to the door, walking past Vamyn.

“I hope you didn’t spend too much time moping around. What Itellier said was true; we both need to chill out. We’re not in as troubling circumstances as we used to be. You’re allowed to forgive yourself; I know you’ve had a rough life, but you're still allowed to live.” She says, putting her hand on his shoulder.

“First Itellier, then Valien, and now you. When did you all obtain such wisdom?” He looks at her with pride after her short speech.

“Heh heh; well, you can say we all had an amazing mentor.” She declares, full of confidence, staring back at him.

These words bring a smile to Vamyn’s face. Maybe his heart has its own stars after all.