Fallen Part 2

Reiji observed the aftermath of the battle in Bellatoria. Blood streamed across the ground, battered bodies were carried away, and the wailing of the wounded pleading for help made him sick to his stomach.

"These are real people," he muttered.

Overwhelmed, Reiji ran out of the kingdom and vomited just beyond the gates. 

His breath came in ragged gasps—Huff… Huff… Huff…—as his sunken eyes reflected the brutal reality of Pragonia's cruelty.

"It's all been a fun and wild ride for me so far… I'm taking things here very lightly."

Recognizing the value of life and the impact of losing one.

"I should at least be of use and not let it happen to anyone."

After regaining his composure, he re-entered the kingdom. 

He saw Cornelius being escorted by Lyrien.

He noticed the bodies, the blood, the shattered stone from the Grombles, and the debris from the ruined structures were slowly being cleared by the kingdom's civilians.

He looked around.

"They're moving in sync."

"I guess I've already done my part?" he whispered to himself.

"Maybe I should just leave."

Reiji wrestled with the thought, his mind replaying the fear in Lyrien's eyes when she had run from him.

"Lyrien…"

"She wouldn't have to deal with my secret if I just disappeared."

"Tati and the Felinials aren't here either…"

Taking a step back, then another, he hesitated. It wasn't just Lyrien's reaction—it was his own fear not knowing where to insert himself in.

"Everyone is gathered around their loved ones," he murmured.

"What's my role?"

The feeling of having no one to go to, no place to belong, crept back into Reiji's heart.

His sunken eyes darkened, and with each slow step backward, he distanced himself further. Then, turning toward the gate, he attempted to slip away unnoticed.

But just as he was about to leave, he bumped into a young boy. The child barely reacted, his expression unreadable.

"Mister, can you help me?" the boy asked.

"Huh?" Reiji blinked in surprise.

"My father is lying over there. Can you help?" the boy repeated.

"Uhm… Yes. Where?" Reiji asked hesitantly.

The boy turned and began walking, and Reiji followed in silence.

Then the child stopped in front of a brutally mauled body. He pointed. "Here's my father." His voice was devoid of emotion.

"Can you, mister, help me carry him next to my mother?"

Reiji froze…

His breath caught in his throat…

His gaze then began to soften as he looked at the boy, realization sinking in.

"He must be drowning in grief. He couldn't even let out an emotion."

He fell to his knees, meeting the boy's hollow gaze.

"I know how it feels…" Reiji murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

With a quiet breath, he whispered his chant, activating his ability. His eyes glowed blue as he thought to himself, "I can at least make his father whole again."

Channeling his magic, Reiji carefully mended the fallen soldier's broken body, restoring what he could.

Then, with quiet respect, he lifted the man in his arms, cradling him as if carrying a child.

The boy's eyes lit up a little, and he blurted, "Father!"

Reiji was about to speak, but his attempt was interrupted. "Uhm—"

"Come! Let's bring Father to where Mother is." The boy turned and walked ahead, leading the way, before Reiji could start talking.

Reiji just followed him in silence.

As they went along, the boy kept talking. His voice was just passing through Reiji's ears as if a sound was playing in the background.

He stayed quiet, his heart breaking for the boy. The only response he could muster was a low, strained hum—just enough to let the child know he was listening.

Then the boy asked, "Is Queen Eudia going to heal them all at once, Mister?"

Reiji bit his lip, nearly drawing blood as he held back his emotions. His throat tightened, and not a single word escaped his mouth.

"I hope she does…" Reiji whispered to himself.

"Surely she will, she's a high-level healer after all." The boy continued.

As they walked, they passed Lyra, who was sobbing in the arms of a man.

The man held her with a composed yet sorrowful expression.

Reiji didn't even notice the regal attire worn by him.

Reiji, lost in his thoughts, didn't yet realize that the man was the King of Bellatoria himself—and the father of Lyra and Lyrien, making them princesses of Bellatoria.

As they passed Lyra and the King, Reiji overheard their conversation.

"Lyra," the King said gently, his voice laced with sorrow. "Your stepmother, Ann, was struck down. Please, allow me to go to her and pay my respects. I know you were never on good terms with her, so you don't have to force yourself to come with me."

Lyra hesitated, then slowly released her grip on her father. She lowered her head and replied, "I'm sorry to hear that, Father."

The King gave her a solemn nod before turning as he made his way toward where Ann's remains lay.

Lyra's eyes widened as she spotted Reiji walking past them.

"Reiji?" she called out.

But he didn't respond—he was already too far away to hear her.

Meanwhile, Reiji and the boy arrived at their destination, where the boy's mother lay lifeless.

"They were both soldiers… defending their kingdom," Reiji murmured, his gaze softening.

Gently, he placed the boy's father down and said, "Stay with them."

The boy nodded, his expression unreadable. "Thank you, kind sir. I'll just wait for Queen Eudia." Then, after a brief pause, he asked, "What's your name?"

"Reiji," he replied.

"What's yours?" Reiji asked in return.

"I'm Seand."

Reiji offered him a warm smile, despite the heaviness in his heart. "Come find me, Seand, if you ever need to."

The boy simply nodded, and with that, Reiji turned and walked away.

As Reiji turned, he didn't realize Lyra was already behind him, her eyes brimming with tears as she took in the heartbreaking sight before them.

Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around him and whispered, "You're really kind. Thank you for looking after our people without us even asking."

Reiji just stood still, he whispered back, "I couldn't tell him they're gone."

Lyra buried her face in his chest, her silent sobs trembling against him. She didn't want the boy to see her grief and understand what it meant.

Then, in a hushed voice, she promised, "I'll make sure he gets the support he needs."

Reiji's gaze darkened. "He'll need nothing… because nothing can truly mend this."

Slowly, they turned away from the place where the fallen were gathered, walking side by side in heavy silence.

After a few moments, Lyra finally spoke, "Lyrien… She went after you. Did you see her?"

Reiji nodded and answered, "She's tending to Cornelius."