What Memory Remains
Chapter 24

The Diary of Luke Everton

“It has been a year since I have spoken to my own wife. I’ve debated over what I’d say to her, what I would do. Would I hold her? Would I kiss her? The very thought of it pains me, thinking of how she would react. I wish I’d have left the facility sooner to see her, but I’ve just been too afraid. The look of fear on my daughter’s face and at hers…I don’t want to risk it. Even after she tried to visit me a couple of times and sent me letters to come home. Now the longer I wait, the harder it is. I am a coward.

So…I finally did it.

It took every fiber of my being to even step outside of the facility, but I did it. Having the mask helps but…I don’t look at mirrors much anymore either way. I feel like this mask has become my real face now.

So in much hesitation, I picked up flowers from a shop. I picked up pink carnations, her favorite. The look on the flourist’s face went pale at the sight of me…it made me wonder if that’s how she would look at me. She had already seen me once but…it was only that once and a year was a long time to not see your loved one.

I went inside as I still had my house key, but she wasn’t inside. Moving about the house, I soon heard a giggling noise. The sound was coming from the back yard, and so I looked out the window. There was my beautiful daughter…playing in the backyard. There was a flower bed there now, and she was picking them for her mother. But that wasn’t what I remembered the most. What I remembered more was the man standing next to her.

They were holding hands and leaning against each other as they watched my sweet Bethany play in the yard. How could he….how dare he…that was MY WIFE.

Yet…as much anger as I felt…it was quickly replaced only by hurt. She must have decided on her own to move on. My missing presence must have been interpreted as giving up, for leaving her. From the letters she sent, she still loved me. She even said that my looks didn’t bother her, it was just an initial shock of seeing me that way. I had a hard time believing her, but I’d never known her to lie. Even then…the one person I couldn’t convince was myself. I could have written letters back to explain how I felt, but I didn’t…and now I was paying the price.

And so that was the day that I died.

I could have opened the door, but I didn’t. I could have explained to her how much I still loved her in person, but I didn’t. I could have kept fighting for her, but I did not. I simply crumpled up the flowers and left them on the counter, hoping she’d make the connection. I never knew if she did or not, because I never heard back from her.

I suppose some bridges should just stay burned.

That day, Luke Everton was no more and I truly became who I am today. Director Krane said he could no longer fund my procedures…not if I wouldn’t carry out what he asked me to do.

The tasks were simple at first, delivering packages. But they were….asking me to KILL people. How could I do such a thing? But now…things were different. I’d already lost my wife, but there was still hope for Bethany. She’d never seen me normal, not in person anyway. Only in pictures. More than ever, I wanted to have at least one part of my life normal, and that was to be with my daughter again. Maybe she would accept me how I was but…I’m too much of a coward to find out. So that day was that day I decided to be a killer, if it meant that I could be with her again. Who knows…maybe even….no…I won’t even entertain the other idea.

If I don’t see them again in this life, I pray that I will in the next. In the event of my death, I’ve left a map showing where I kept all the money I earned from NOSRAD doing extra assignments and trading artifacts I’ve found in my travels. I want Bethany to have all the money, and I want her to have this diary when she’s of age. She deserves to know the truth about who her father was, because I don’t know what she’s been told by her mother. Hopefully, it’s been the truth.

I’m not sure why, but I somehow have a feeling that I’m not going to live much longer. Zenapharr is very protective of my next two targets, and his power is like none that I have seen. If I do die, I hope it is by his hand, but I won’t let him do it easily. Either way…I may end everything myself after doing what I have to do. Asking me to kill a child when I have one of my own…Krane has really outdid himself this time. If they can’t make me normal after this, I’ll see Bethany as I am before I end my life. I’ll give her the diary and tell her how much I love her. Seems cruel to do it but…I can’t imagine a normal life under the circumstances.

Bethany…know that I love you very much. It was not your childhood imagination, the man you call the bogeyman is not a monster, it was me. Having you be afraid of me hurt so badly, wanting to hold you when you were terrified. That’s why I stopped coming by. I didn’t want to frighten you anymore.

I’ve had to do horrible things…things which I have not written about in my diary because you already think me to be a monster. Guess it’s not too far from the truth. I wish I were a braver man and just stopped the treatments…talked to your mother but…unfortunately your old man is a coward. I wish I were a better man, but I still care for you and your mother. If I don’t see you in this life, I will watch over you both in the next.

Love Always,

“Daddy” Luke Everton

“Zenapharr? Are you coming?” Alice called from outside the room. The swordsman put down the diary, mixed emotions wracking him inside. He could only stare blankly at the wall in silence.

The door opened, and Alice stepped in with a worried glance directed at the back of the assassin. The half elf didn’t turn to her, only waving her away.

“You can’t just sit here all day, you know.”

“I can.”

“Oh come on! The elves are having a dinner to celebrate. It was pure luck that that we’re still alive.”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“So, what is it then? You’ve said and done nothing for the last day. We’re all trying to work hard to rebuild the damage done, and you’ve done nothing.”

“I was injured, if you haven’t noticed.”

“You know what I mean. You’re….different.”

“Well of course! I have no powers, Alice. What am I now, but an ordinary half elf. I don’t belong to man, but I don’t belong to elves either.”

“That’s not the Zenapharr I know. Will you at least sit with us? You don’t have to talk.”

“I don’t want to go.”

“Do you want me to make you?”

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Alice glared, and Zenapharr still did not turn around.

“I can feel you staring at me, you know.”

“Okay, you’re right I won’t. Please?”

After a long silence, the half elf huffed and stood up. Alice grinned wide and led him by the hand out the door and down a long hallway towards the dining hall. The elven tapestries and paintings on the walls were exquisite, consisting of ancient symbols seldom seen by men. The attention to detail in the paintings were more than remarkable, and captivated Alice as they made their way through. Zenapharr felt a strange proudness at the pictures, knowing it was his kind only that was capable of such craftsmanship.

As they drew closer, the clamor of voices and the clatter of silverware grew ever present. The amount of people and noise seemed to bother Zenapharr, as he stopped with a wave of uneasiness overcoming him.

“Are you okay?” Alice whispered. They were now standing almost right in the doorway to the hall.

“I don’t know…I just feel overwhelmed,” Zenapharr said quietly.

“You’re just over stimulated after being in a quiet, dark room. Come now, lads!” A gregarious voice called. Sitting at the table near them was a merry-looking elf, glancing over with a smirk. Zenapharr slowly stepped in, very precarious with each step.

“Come on! I might as well be dragging you,” Alice complained, but Zenapharr still kept his odd pace. After a bit, the two were seated beside Sade among the other elves, and partook of the many delightful foods and desserts that were prepared for their celebration. Their chairs were chosen to be close to the King, as was custom for elvish hospitality. It seemed odd to Zenapharr how they could be celebrating like this, seeing how there were so many were injured or killed by the Rainmaker’s fury. As he looked around, he found that by the expression on the King’s face that he shared his lament.

As much as poise as the King was able to keep, Zenapharr could sense the strain on the King’s face to keep the subterfuge. His movements were small and stiff, almost seeming to be overly concentrated and very much unrelaxed. The other soldiers near him were not so somber, but instead looked stern. After such an attack, they were on high alert.

“So Alice, how were you able to control everyone like that?” A higher elf named Sindor addressed her power at the failed execution earlier.

“Well, I’ve been able to do it at a young age. I just do it…it’s almost like me telling my own hand to move. I just tell others to do it instead.”

“So by simple will alone, you are able to control other’s minds? No incantations of any sort?”

“None at all.”

“Fascinating. And did this happen to you because of experiments at the NOSRAD facility?”

“No. I was born with it.”

“Wonderful. You have quite a gift.”

“I wouldn’t call it that, exactly.”

“Oh sure it is! It’s a matter of perspective, young nina! What other talents do you have?”

“I can read other’s thoughts. And I sometimes have visions of the future.”

“My, my such gifts you have! Are there any others in your family that can do these things?”

“No,” Her eyes turned down to her plate at the mention of her family.

“Well, surely your grandfather or someone can.”

“No. I’m the only one.”

“Perhaps we can look into some of your lineage. Find some trace of…”

“She doesn’t want to talk about it,” Sade cut him off sternly.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

“Hey, Alice. Can you bring me one of those pastries?” Sade asked her, and she rolled her eyes and began to stare hard at an elf near the pastry table.

“Can you get it yourself??” Sade asked again with his eyebrow raised.

“Fine,” she curtly replied and got up.

“Lord Sindor, I apologize for cutting you off, it’s just…she’s been through a lot. Her family basically gave her to NOSRAD, so she doesn’t like to….”

“Ahh, say no more. I understand. Poor thing…what exactly were they up to at NOSRAD?”

“Well, I know of it, but maybe you’d prefer to hear firsthand….?” Sade turned to Zenapharr, who returned the glance with a bored expression.

“They did terrible things…not so much to me but to other patients. If they did anything bad to Alice, I don’t know about it. Mostly they wanted to see any special abilities pushed to their limits or experiment with procedures and new drugs. This of course, had terrible side effects.”

“By the Heavens…”

“That is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to NOSRAD. There’s no tellin how many other secrets they have. One of the scientists who worked with me made a machine that brought his own son back from the dead.”

“What?! Preposterous! No magic user here in the North can do such a thing!”

“It was not with magic, it was using a machine,” Sade interjected. “And if they can do that with science, there’s no telling what else they could be capable of. That is why we are trying to stop them.”

“Everyone, quiet!” The chancellor called loudly. Everyone’s conversation’s died down quickly. “The King wishes to speak!” At this, all talk ceased immediately. The King, by the name of Priotus, stood up with chalice in hand.

“Elves, noblemen and townsmen alike! And our guests…” He motioned to the trio of Sade, Zenapharr, and Alice. “Today we feast in celebration, not to dishonor our dead, but to honor them! That night of weeping has passed, and it is the morning now for us to rejoice! The perpetrator of our demise is dead, and though he has taken some with him, we will forego ceremony and tradition only to first secure our security. Many are without homes and we will reach adequate progress before we bury our dead.

“Usually this is not the case, but with the state of the damage done to our town it seems reasonable under the circumstances. I implore you to rest tonight, keep the thoughts of the departed and families of the departed in your mind, and we shall rebuild our fateful town. Progress is upon us. Now, as we have had plenty of time to celebrate, I must have a word with our visitors. Light of the Stars be with you.”

After a long waiting of chatter to subside as the other elves left, the trio soon found themselves to be left only with the King, Chancellor Sabring, and two of the Royal Guard.

“So what is it that you would request our audience?” Sade asked. “We would like to help you further with your reconstruction, but we really must be on our way to find Director Krane.”

“Well, it is for that very reason that we wish to speak to you,” the Chancellor started. “We understand that this Director of yours has been quite troublesome, and I’ve even found that he is also a hater of anything magical, including magically-endowed beings such as elves.”

“That would not surprise me,” Sade replied. “There were some elves found to be held in his facility. I don’t know exactly to what end but, I do know that he is not a fan of magic. He doesn’t talk about it publicly, but he’s very much a hemophile. Some intelligence suggests he tried to come up with a way to test a permanent mark that would block all magical abilities. He was unsuccessful.”

“Men who think that way are dangerous to our kind,” the King commented. “And that is why we wanted to talk to you. We want to offer you our help. We believe we can help you find the man you seek.”

“Really? That is great news!” Sade replied.

“But…we do have one condition.”

“What would that be?”

“There is an old ruin not far from here. There’s a priceless jewel inside a treasure room that you must retrieve for me. If you bring that jewel along with some other treasure back for me, I can use the treasure to find this wretched Krane fellow.”

“Why don’t you send some of your soldiers to get it for you?”

“Two reasons. One is because I need every able-bodied man here to help with repairing the village. Two, because I’ve asked you to do this if you want my help.”

“I didn’t mean any disrespect, it’s just…it seems so random. If this ruin is nearby, then why have you not already taken this treasure? You seem like someone who will take what he desires.”

“Are you suggesting that I am greedy?”

“No, I just mean that you go for what you want.”

“I am simply giving you a hard time, now. I don’t think there reason to be suspicious, but I understand your query. You see, there is an enchantment on this treasure that only allows a human to retrieve it. Apparently, someone only wanted a human to find the treasure. We found out the hard way when one of our knights went stark-raving mad trying to take it. Anyone else will suffer similar maladies before they can even touch it. So as you can see, this is a perfect situation to pacify both of our needs. We need the jewel, and you can use any remaining treasure for our informant.”

“You have me convinced, sire! When shall we leave?”

“At first light. The goblins are less active during sunlight. I suggest you two get some rest if you wish to embark on this journey.”

“You mean us three?” Alice stood up. “I can handle myself.”

“I’ve seen that in effect,” the Chancellor chided. “But, I’m afraid your abilities will not be effective against any goblins. You see, although their minds are simple they are also so warped that navigating them is not possible. I’ve known other elves with abilities like yours and I’ve seen it for myself. We cannot risk you getting hurt.”

“Zenapharr? You’re going to let me go with you, right?”

“Who said that I’m going?” Zenapharr stood up, and began to push in his chair.

“What are you saying?! You’re going to make me go by myself?” Sade shouted, and jumped up. “Do you wish me to die?”

“No. But you do not have to go.”

“Well of course! We don’t have to do anything! We can just sulk about all day in our room if we want to, but that’s not going to help us find Krane!”

“Do as you wish to do,” Zenapharr said flatly as he started turning for the door. “If we are done here, I’m going back to my room.”

“What is wrong with you!? Have you forgotten who your friends are?”

“No, I have not.”

“Then why? Why are you not going with me?”

“Because…” Zenapharr whipped around glared intently at Sade. “I do not wish to have other people’s lives in my hands again! Last time I tried to protect you, I was knocked unconscious and broke my ribs! What good am I injured, anyway? They can give you one of their men!”

“Zenapharr, the destruction and death wrought upon our town was due to the three of you leading the Rainmaker here. I cannot risk any more of my men’s lives on your account.” The King interjected.

“What are you talking about, anyway? I talked to the doctor, and he said your ribs have already healed. Yes, you’re not like before, but you still have something left! No normal person can heal that quickly!” Sade continued.

“Well, I don’t feel fine! Find someone else to protect you!” Zenapharr swiftly walked out of the hall.

“Zen!” Alice called, and ran after him, and Sade moved to follow.

“Leave them be,” The King stopped Sade in his tracks. “His mind is not well. Perhaps some time with Alice may be good for him. He must be relieved to see her in good health.”

“Could have fooled me. He’s been sulking since the moment he woke up.”

“Well, he is probably still in disbelief at what all has happened. His powers were mysteriously gone after his sword was destroyed and so he was defeated by someone for the first time in a long while. And in the process, his friends could have gotten killed. He’s blaming himself for what happened.”

“What about fixing the sword then? Would that restore his powers?”

“Let me ask you a question about that. Has he always had this sword?” The Chancellor pulled out the broken fragments of the Masamune sword from a nearby table. Sade inspected it carefully.

“No….this is a different one.”

“And he says this is the Masamune?”

“Yes.”

“Well then , if he had power without the sword before, then this sword is not the source of his power.”

“I hadn’t even thought of that. But how does that explain it restoring his memories when he got it?”

“I do not know the answer to that, but perhaps we can find out. I do know one thing about this sword though.”

“What’s that?”

“This is not the Masamune.”

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