Phos and Skotá

"What?! What do you mean he's not here, where could he have possibly gone this time?!" A loud voice shouted as the echo radiated from the church causing those around it to hesitate from what they were doing.

A young priest was strolling down a road, a city called Baldwin. Wearing a jet-black priest uniform which seems to have a pretty symbolic and intricate Yin Yang embroidered on the back of his dark coat representing him as a priest of a certain religious faction while holding a folded hand fan which seems to be made out of raven's feathers. He sighs with a bit of relief, "There they go again, being so loud like this, how can anyone ever get a peace of mind or solace?" He mutters to himself as he walks away from the echoing range.

Baldwin is a city that is still in progress of reconstruction, although it was ruined by looters, criminals, and small terrorist groups after the great collapse of humanity, A. I's, and technological advancements. However, the young priest, Phos, shows no fear of walking down such a dangerous city with gazes daggering upon him. Much like the previous era before the catastrophic incident, the masses were still reluctant to respect religions and hated religious factions for various reasons. These judgements and hatred of course are also directed towards Phos because he's part of a religious faction. 

"Look, it's a priest, these damn self-proclaimed righteous bastards built their plague of a home in our city."

"The symbol on his back… He's a Taoist priest at that, Hmph."

"A Taoist priest? Isn't that a new religious group that's been gaining great influence lately?"

"Yeah, but I heard they're also a private military group that plays a big role in the wars." 

"No kidding? So, they're just mercenaries? What a sham of a religion, killing people and talking about righteousness."

"They're worse than dogs…"

Hearing those gossips as he walks down the road, paying no attention to the gazes and gossips from strangers around him while his face shows no sign of worry. To him, it makes sense as to why they were saying those things because most of what people "know", or they think they know are only propagandas of information that's spread by certain groups of terrorist's news organizations. Phos knows that it would be close to impossible to persuade people with such a limited world view who are severely misinformed by what they certainly believe in. He may be a priest that brings life to the souls of people through clarity, but he's also a reasonable strategist that understands the heavens' will. 

Still continuing treading down the road, glancing at certain areas as if he's looking for something in particular. "Hmph, let's try there, maybe I'll find something." he murmurs as his eyes become fixated on a dark alleyway. Proceeding to walk towards it, he saw a very young boy with ragged clothes sitting against a wall. With a bit of a dim expression, he offers a starving and lost boy a small piece of bread. The boy looks at him with a mixture of surprise and suspicion, but eventually takes the food and begins to eat. The boy's eyes were lightened up as he chomped down on the piece of bread. "May I sit here?" Phos asked politely out of respect for the boy's boundaries, which the boy nodded in response. As they sit together in the abandoned alleyway, Phos speaks, his voice soft but firm, "Little one, what is your name?"

The boy looks up at Phos, wiping his dirty hands on his pants before rubbing his eyes. He mumbles something that sounds like, "Skotá."

"Skotá..." As Phos recalls the word that comes out of the boy's mouth an image of space, matter, and void all of which embodies the essence of darkness clouded over his mind. He paused for a moment and closed his eyes and affirmed to understand what this little boy's name meant, "I see, what a coincidence then." He looks over to the kid as he eats the bread while grasping it with his own tainted dirty hands.

Phos smiles gently as he watches the boy chomps down the bread knowing it's the last bread he had while journeying on his way here. "So, your name is Skotá, in other words it means darkness."

Skotá's eyes wide with curiosity. "You know what it means?"

 Phos chuckled under his breath for a moment before revealing, "Not only do I know what it means, but also where it derives from."

The boy looks intrigued, "Really?"

"Would you like to know?" Phos ask with a bit of enthusiasm.

 Skotá nods eagerly, "Yeah." Phos smiles showing a bit of compassion which gives off a warm feeling like he was looking forward to answering Skotá's question, "Your name is a short term for the word skotádi, which is from Greek." The boy's eyes widen, and he sits up straighter, "Is that so?"

 "Yes" Phos then places his soft, but firm hand on top of Skotá's head giving him a pat as he then continues, "Which means that the world also needs you, because without darkness there means no light. So, stay alive and do your best to find a purpose and meaning in this world, Skotá."

Skotá looks down on half of the bread, then back up at Phos' face. "Why are you being so nice to me?" he asks suspiciously. "I thought people were mean and cruel."

"I'm not being nice, but I am being kind to you." Phos gave his genuine smile hoping Skotá would feel his sincerity from the bottom of his heart. "You see, niceness is comfort and it's how or what one usually feels when they're being treated kindly. And as for people being mean and treating others cruelly, it is not an uncommon thing in this world, so you have all the right to be suspicious of me." Skotá thinks about this for a moment "But why would you be kind to me, then?"

"You really do love asking a lot of 'why' questions huh. I can tell that you're a deep thinker like I am Skotá..." Phos smiles at Skotá before staring back at the wall of the alleyway which was heavily spray painted by the locals as he then continues, "But to answer your question Skotá, the reason is because that last bread of mine means nothing to someone like me if I can save another life like yours. We were given life and opportunity to live by the world, so we must live for the sake of our creator. If everyone were to live such a life for our self-serving beliefs, we would eventually be eradicated. If only that hasn't already been half-fully done by our own hands through our creations of A.I." The boy listens intently, his dirty face scrunching up in thought "So... you're saying we should help others even when it doesn't help us?"

"I'm glad you asked because that's a very good question." As Phos answers the boy's question, he couldn't help but to think how much Skotá reminds him of himself when he was little. 'You shouldn't help others without knowing boundaries and your own limitations first. For example, I may have given you my last piece of bread, but as a priest and a capable adult I can still trade other things from my belongings for food. I do not intend to starve to death, but even if I somehow do then so be it, as death is equal and just. Whether one is evil, lost, or good, they are all nothing but flesh and bones as their soul and consciousness no longer resides in their physical vessel of a body."

The boy looks at Phos with wide eyes, "You're not afraid of death?"

"Hmph" Phos sneers, however it wasn't towards Skotá's question, but it was on the idea itself. "Of course I'm afraid. Everyone is afraid of death, if you're not afraid then you're not human. However, it's just that I already know there is something that I'm even more afraid of than just death..."

The boy's brow furrows, "What's that?"

Phos took a moment and got up from where he was sitting and brushed dirt off of his back. Then he looks towards a ruined tower nearby which was once tall and strongly reinforced, but after the great collapse the top half of the building was broken off, as the bottom half seems to be standing but cracked and moldy. His gazes were not at the ruined tower, but what was behind it, hovering above looking over everything while radiating off heat and casting a majestic dawn light changing the color throughout the sky. As the sun settles down behind the deformed building, the sunlight bounces off of Phos's red brown eyes enhancing the color of his eyes to become bright dawn like the sky itself.

"Here, take this" Phos tosses to Skotá a weird looking emblem of a badge as Skotá instantly catches it with both of his small fragile hands. "What's this?" Skotá asked while looking curiously at the badge. "It's really nothing of value, however you can find the Church to the East of this town and turn it in. They will give you a place to stay and they'll feed you, and if they ever ask you where you get this just tell them a priest named Phos handed it to you." 

The boy looks at the badge with wide eyes, "Really?" He asks, not quite believing the priest.

"Yes, although this badge is not of any value to me, it could still be of use for a kid like you. I will take my leave now or else I'll be late." Phos began to walk away heading off to the opposite direction of when he previously walked towards the alleyway which he had encountered Skotá.

"East? Which direction is East exactly...", as Skotá ponders to himself, he suddenly realized that he could've asked Phos when he was here instead. "Ah- I could've asked him!" The boy then looks around confused, trying to find a way to know which direction is East. Suddenly, a ray of light shines through a gap in the clouds and hits the wall of a nearby building, casting a long shadow on the ground. Skotá notices this and quickly follows the shadow, realizing that it's moving Eastward. "Okay, I can follow the shadow and find East that way!" he says with determination, beginning to run after the shadow.

"A promising one this time..." Phos mutters to himself, smiling faintly as he watches Skotá run off, following the shadow. "We'll eventually meet again, little Skotá." He then continues taking his strolls down to the opposite road. A while passes by, as he glances over left and right, nothing in particular catches his eyes. There were a few young girls and women who seemed to be around 18 to their mid 20's, wearing revealing skimpy clothes, smiling at men who were passing by and giving them alluring gazes as signs of their interest to strike up deals or a conversation. Some even took the initiative and pulled some men by their arms over to them. The men's expression seems troubled, but they didn't reject or push the women away which shows complete utter moral defeat and control by the temptations of their own lust and perversion. The women were waiting till sun set to start their prostituting job since that's when the men were on their way home from work as well. In other words, these women were predators preying on men's temptations of lust, especially those who are weak willed. 

Phos began to hold his fan closer to his face as he walked through, he held the fan closely to cover part of his face not because he was shying away to avoid what was happening or hiding his face from somebody in particular. He was simply lost in his thoughts, bringing the fan closer to his chin. Phos sighs as his gaze switches from what's around him to something farther away, the sight of the moon which was glistening off a pure strong white essence... As he's admiring it from afar, he starts to ponder. "If all these mortals appreciate your heavenly essence of beauty, enough to even worship your elegance. These people would definitely be able to learn something more from you." 

From a normal person's perspective, the moon is only a natural satellite of Earth that reflects off of the sun's light. Some people might find it strange, but they never really ask themselves why the moon ever exists to begin with. Before the great collapse which had occurred almost a century ago, humanity was very fixated on "how" things work and as a result it brought many technological advancements, creations, and genetic manipulations.

Science was what drove different countries to great power, but eventually also to their own and each other's demise. Those who understand how something can exist means possession of intelligence, however only those who are wise can understand why things manifest or exist. Phos who possess great wisdom completely understands why humans are easily tempted and why these temptations are a powerful force to their own destructive nature. He too is also human; how can he not know these temptations? It's because he can determine true beauty which brings him closer to the truth, and superficial beauty that needs to take advantage of others through temptations could never shake or move him. That's why he's able to see things beyond others which even they themselves are not aware of. He only sees true beauty in the sun, the moon, and the scenery that nature shows because those are authentic. We humans have lost our roots of authenticity long ago, and even after the great collapse it seems like most of us still haven't learned from it. Lies and deception are just contrasts to what's true and authentic to him.

As Phos walked through the crowds of people, he glanced at some of the women who were with men. His eyes were not filled with lust, but with pity and understanding. He knew that these women were not truly happy with their lives, they were simply surviving, and the only way for them to do that is to give in to their own carnal desires and use their bodies as a tool to manipulate men. It's a vicious cycle that only leads to more suffering. He wished that he could save them all, but he knows that it's not possible. All he can do is to continue living his life and hope that his presence alone would be enough to inspire change in others, even if it's just a small change.

Eventually, Phos arrived at a small park where a small pond is located. The pond was covered with a thin layer of ice, and at the center of the pond, there was a lone willow tree with its branches stretched out over the ice. He sat down under the tree and gazed at the moon once again, lost in his thoughts. He wondered if Skotá had managed to find his way to the Church, or if he was still chasing after the shadow. The thought brought a small smile to his face. Perhaps, just perhaps, Skotá would be able to find the truth that he's looking for.

After a while, Phos closed his eyes and began to meditate. The wind rustled through the branches of the willow tree, creating a soothing sound that lulled him into a deep state of peace. As he meditated, he focused on the moon, using its calm and serene light to guide him through his inner journey. He visualized himself becoming one with the moon, transcending the limitations of his mortal body and merging with the infinite cosmic energy that flows through all things. In this state of pure consciousness, he was able to see the world around him with clarity, understanding the true nature of reality and the interconnectedness of all living beings. It was in this state that he felt closest to God.

After a while he felt a big and firm hand strongly pat on his shoulder. The intensity of the pat he got from the physical interaction gave him a familiar sense of a feeling. Phos smiles as he looks up over his shoulder, "Israel, you found me..." Behind Phos there stood a man who seems to be about 6ft tall, wearing a dark black military uniform with the same Yin Yang symbol at the back showing that they're both from the same faction. His hair was silver-gray as it's shortened with an undercut hair style and very well maintained giving him a sharp, masculine, and orderly look. He exudes a strong but strict aura, much like a veteran commander who has accumulated decades of experiences on the battlefield. "You're late, since you didn't attend the ceremony, I had to go look all over for you, Phos." His big blue eyes show a bit of fierceness and concerns. But as he witnesses Phos's gentle smile, he slowly loosens up his grip. The fierceness in his eyes were depleted showing a more calm and relaxing side to it which he ever rarely would have shown to anyone.

"How was the kid that you encountered on your way looking for me?" Phos asked confidently as he's sure that Israel had already encountered the little boy, Skotá, on his way here.

"You…" Israel paused for a bit before he gave a momentary sigh under his breath as if he realized Phos's question, "He's fine, I already sent him to the church and gave words to the headquarters of accepting another recruit. I can't believe you even gave your badge to a stranger that you just met." Israel took a moment to pull a badge out of his pocket, it was Phos's badge that he handed over to Skotá earlier the day. "Here take it and keep it with you this time."

Phos took the badge from Israel's hand as he put it back into his uniform's pocket. "Thank You, for helping Skotá out."

"What are you thanking me for? You've already expected all this to happen. From the moment I was sent to look for you, the kid randomly encountered me which also gave me information on you and which direction you went." Israel couldn't help but admire Phos's cunningness. "Not only did you go on a stroll to look for a promising potential recruit for the faction, but you also intended me to help the kid to be recruited for bringing your badge as a sign of loyalty and integrity which is usually determined to pass the recruitment stage. How did you know he wasn't going to sell it?"

"It's true, in other circumstances many people would certainly sell the badge for a hefty price. But this kid is different, he may be desperate to survive in this harsh reality, but I'm sure he's even more desperate to live." Phos showed a bit of a proud expression as he stood up.

"As for him encountering you, it might've just been a coincidence." Phos smirks.

"Don't act like you don't know a thing, Tsk. No one in the faction is as cunning as you. Seriously, you could even become one of our best strategists for our military if you wanted to. Why do you choose to become a priest?" Israel shows genuine concern as he's also curious for Phos's reasons. Considering the benefits of being a military strategist and a priest is night and day.

A strategist or commander earns 250k every year and a priest only earn 50k yearly, a top commander or strategist earns 10 times more than a priest would. Not only that but one would hold higher authority and status in the faction as they play a bigger role in increasing the faction's strength and influence. Which means your words would hold greater power to make a difference in the political power struggle of the faction. This is also the sole reason as to why Israel can't wrap his head around Phos's nature and why he doesn't reap the system's benefits, as an excellent commander of the military he has seen many men on the battlefield whether ally or foe. There are very brave men, men who seek death, men who fight for the glory of their nation, or even to protect their own very lives. Despite the differences in purpose, they all still choose to reap the benefits and rewards from the system. Which is why he has great respect for Phos, knowing he could be a great strategist and has potential to even influence the political tides of the power struggle.

"Israel, between the badge that I hold and yours, which one is of more value?" As Phos asked the question, he took out his badge again to show it to Israel.

"Since your badge is made out of silver in comparison to mine, which is platinum, there's no doubt that it's less valuable than mine. Even in terms of authority, mine's higher of course."

Israel was a bit confused as to why Phos asked such an obvious question, but he was still curious as to what Phos had to say.

"Correct, your answer tells me that you're a man of rationality, structure, realism, and pragmatism. Molded by your years of experiences on the battlefield, you've seen and experienced many chaotic and darker sides of human's nature." Phos pauses for a moment before pointing towards the moon, "Now tell me Israel, in comparison to your badge and that… Which holds more value?" 

Israel was bewildered, he didn't know how to answer such a ridiculous question. Comparing a moon which is something one can't eat, touch, or let alone live on to his badges of honor, sacrifice, and many other things that makes it beneficial. "Of course, my badge still holds more value to me, what can I even do with something that big which I can't even use?" 

"Hahaha, that's right! Value is something that comes from the self. No matter how big, grand, or influential it is to others, it holds no value as long as it doesn't resonate or match with another one's beliefs. The moon holds great power over animals and all living creatures especially birds and wolves which are nocturnal creatures. It holds great significance and use to their life cycles and lifestyles as well as their way to tell time apart. Do you think our badges hold any value to them in comparison to the moon?" Phos made a convincing point, one that Israel should have already known. He couldn't help but to feel like Phos isn't giving a full answer to his question, feeling a bit underestimated and looked down on by Phos he continues with his questions. "I get what you're saying, but are you saying that status, authority, and money are of no value to you?" 

Phos turned to Israel and gave him a stern look. His eyes were sharp showing no signs of doubt or hesitation but still and calm. Israel felt a sense of intimidation which caused him to be nervous, since he had never felt such nervousness outside of the battlefield in the last 20 years of his life and even at the face of death multiple times. Staring into Phos's eyes was like looking straight into an immovable deep pond as it reflected back his very own soul which made him feel insecure. In a split moment those inferior feelings he felt were disrupted as Phos speaks, "Israel, if those things were so much more important to me, don't you think that I would also do anything in my possession to pursue them?"

Before Israel knew it, his head was already covered by a few drops of sweat showing signs of nervousness. But since it was already too late for him to hide the sweat standing before Phos, he just accepted it as a sign of his weakness, "You're right… I apologize for my rude assumptions. However, I do also have one last question, what is power to you? As a military commander, being the embodiment of might and power has always been something I have to nurture in order to make my soldiers obey and listen."

"My soul is in my keepings alone; thus I can't make excuses for inconvenience of virtues. If you strip me off of my badge, status, and the faction, what sort of person do you think I am? People naturally gravitate towards power; thus, it is why they seek positions of authority because society and the world deem it as powerful due to our hierarchical structure… But if that's the case, anyone can become powerful as long as they attain those positions, even weak people can become powerful through those positions. That's what's clearly wrong about our system, and it will only be continued to be exploited by the weak. What humanity made is only a mimicry of true power, and if you're truly powerful you won't need any of those things." Phos explains to Israel as Israel begins to realize that he has been looking at power the wrong way. Showing a bit of disappointment in himself for only just realizing it now despite being a commander for more than a decade. 

"So that's how it is, you're younger than I am but already much wiser. My time spent in the military seems to be holding me back from seeing the full picture of reality. However, I am also a man of might and if you can beat me in a full contact fight then I will acknowledge your wisdom." Israel's eyes show sincerity but also with a hint of aggression. Even though he knows Phos's words are true, he still couldn't accept the fact that someone who's about a decade or so younger possesses so much knowledge, spirit, and wisdom despite him seeing less deaths, violence, and sufferings in comparison.

"If that's what you want, then I shall do so as a favor." Phos smirks deviously while exuding confidence like he's about to catch a really huge fish.