Pathless: Outcast

Cintra, 6th of Suncrest, year 305 UC

Why?

Why did that man do that?

Bryan was upset, angry even.

Was it so wrong that he just wanted to be happy? To live a life like everyone else around him? Was it honestly, that bad for him to live at all?

He hated it. He hated them, all of them. They should go away, not him!

‘Ms. Kelly… No. No! Ms. Kelly!’

Anger seethed within him, an inferno of rage and pain that felt as though it would consume him from the inside out. His blood felt like it was boiling, coursing through his veins with an intensity he never experienced before.

‘Die, die, die.’

The blood pooling beneath him began to shift, rising from the ground and forming into the shape of a crescent moon.

‘Die!’

Six crescent moon-shaped blades of blood shot out toward the four men surrounding him.

The guards' faces twisted from smug satisfaction to shock and terror.

The first guard barely had time to register the threat before a crescent blade sliced through his chest, leaving a deep, gaping wound.

He stumbled back, clutching at the gash, blood pouring through his fingers as he fell to the ground.

‘Die.’

The second guard tried to raise his weapon in defense, but the blade was too fast.

It struck him across the face, the sharp edge cutting through flesh and bone.

He let out a gurgling scream, collapsing to his knees as blood streamed down his face, his eyes wide with agony. Another of the crimson blades pierced him through his forehead.

‘Die.’

The crescent moon-shaped blade targeted the third guard's legs, severing tendons and muscles in a swift, brutal arc.

He crumpled to the ground, unable to stand, his cries of pain echoing in the rain-soaked alleyway. A second blade ran across his back like a saw blade.

‘Die!’

The final blade struck the nobleman’s throat with unerring precision, cutting deep into the flesh.

His eyes widened in shock and horror as he clutched at the wound, trying in vain to stop the blood that poured from his neck.

‘How is this possible? How can a child this young use magic? Why could I not sense the attack coming?’

He fell to his knees, the life draining from his eyes, as he continued to clutch his throat.

‘How? A mere child…’

He couldn’t comprehend how any of this was possible.

All of this in less than two seconds.

Bryan's veins bulged out, turning an angry red, and he screamed in pain.

His body was wracked with agony, and he didn't understand why.

The veins stood out prominently against his pale skin, pulsating with each beat of his heart. He clutched his chest, tears streaming down his face as he cried out for the pain to stop.

"Why? Why did I do that?"

Bryan sobbed.

"I was upset, angry. Was it so wrong that I just wanted to be happy? To live a life like everyone else around me? Was it honestly that bad for me to live at all?"

He hated it. He hated them, all of them. They should go away, not him!

The pain continued to intensify, as his body convulsed with each wave of agony. He felt like he was being torn apart from the inside, and he screamed again.

Desperate for help.

‘It hurts…’

‘It hurts so bad.’

He didn't want to die. He didn't want this.

He just wanted to be normal, to be accepted. But now, he was alone, and the pain was unbearable.

Crying and screaming, his voice echoing through the empty streets as he clutched his chest, the veins standing out like angry, red snakes beneath his skin.

In the distance, faintly through his haze of pain, he heard footsteps approaching.

A woman with long black hair, clear milky skin, and light blue eyes emerged from the shadows.

She wore a dark cloak that billowed slightly in the wind.

Underneath, she had on a fitted black tunic with intricate silver embroidery that glinted in the dim light.

Her eyes scanned the area, taking in the carnage without showing a hint of emotion.

Her black leather boots, polished and sturdy, made no sound on the cobblestone street, and a belt cinched at her waist held various pouches and a sheathed longsword.

As she moved closer, Bryan could see the intensity in her gaze.

She muttered words that he couldn't quite make out, and suddenly, flames erupted around him. The fire licked at the bodies of the men he had attacked, consuming them in an inferno.

The smell of burning flesh filled the air.

‘Help me.’

Reaching out his small hand he tried to grab hold of the woman as everything started to blur in his vision.

"Help."

He whispered.

"Please..."

The woman knelt beside him, her expression unreadable as she looked at Ms. Kelly's lifeless body.

She shook her head, sorrow flashing briefly in her eyes.

Gently, she closed Ms. Kelly's eyes and murmured a few words, a quiet prayer or a farewell, before turning her attention to Bryan.

Placing two fingers on his forehead, she began to chant softly. Bryan could barely hear her over the pounding of his own heartbeat, which seemed like it was going to explode from his chest.

His vision started to fade, darkness creeping in from the edges.

A shock ran through his body, and the pain, began to recede.

The last thing he saw was the woman's calm face before everything went black.

The woman sighed, lifting Bryan's unconscious form with ease.

She carried him under her arm, his small body limp and unresponsive. As she turned to leave the street, she glanced back at Ms. Kelly one last time.

"Ignite."

She commanded.

“And thank you.”

The woman muttered.

Flames erupted once more, engulfing Ms. Kelly's body in a fiery embrace. The woman watched for a moment, before turning and disappearing into the night with Bryan.

**********

From the rooftop of a nearby building, the woman’s figure appeared once again, silhouetted against the night sky.

Her long black hair fluttered gently in the breeze, and her cloak fluttered.

Glancing over her shoulder, her light blue eyes reflected the flames still burning in the distance. The fire roared, and she could see curious townsfolk opening their windows, peering out to see what was happening.

‘Tsk. Where were you all before?’

She asked herself as none of them dared to open their windows before people died.

‘Cowards.’

Herself included.

The blaze would soon draw more attention, and she had to move quickly. With a final glance at the burning scene, she vanished from the rooftop, her form dissolving into the shadows as if she were never there.

The rooftops provided her a hidden path, away from prying eyes.

All of this is too soon, she thought, a pang of guilt stabbing at her heart. She should have done something sooner.

Leaving the city behind, the walls and streets giving way to the open landscape beyond. Her pace did not falter.

She had to hurry.

She should have moved before, but she didn’t.

Now a good woman was dead because of her.

Ms. Kelly had always been kind and compassionate, and her death was a loss that would stay with her.

The child in her arms, Bryan, was still unconscious, his small body limp.

He might die if he doesn't get help. The power he had unleashed was extraordinary, and without guidance, it could consume him.

She traveled through the night.

As dawn approached, she finally slowed her pace, the towering spires of a grand city rising before her.

The spires pulsated with green light, feeding into a magical shield that protected the city. Black walls with formidable turrets lined the perimeter, capable of repelling even the deadliest beasts.

Her footsteps were almost silent on the cobblestone streets as she approached the gate. Guards stood at attention, their armor gleaming in the first light of dawn. They were vigilant, their eyes scanning the small but steady stream of people entering the city.

Merchants, travelers, and early risers made their way through, the hum of activity already beginning to stir.

As she passed through the gate, the sound of a train echoed in the distance. Its black metallic body gleamed under the faint light, red lights glowing ominously along its length. The train sped by with a low, rumbling roar, a testament to the city’s technological advancement and efficiency.

Navigating through the bustling streets, her presence went largely unnoticed.

The early morning crowds were focused on their own routines, allowing her to move swiftly towards her destination.

Her estate soon came into view, an imposing mansion surrounded by high walls and lush gardens. The entrance was framed by ornate obsidian steel gates, which opened silently as she approached.

Entering the estate, she was immediately greeted by her butler, Edward.

His tall, stately figure and calm demeanor were a welcome sight.

Edward was an older man, in his sixties, with neatly combed gray hair that framed his dignified face.

His blue eyes, sharp and attentive, quickly took in the situation as he noticed Bryan. His white skin contrasted with the dark, tailored suit he wore, which was impeccably clean and pressed.

"Welcome back, Lady Emilia."

He said respectfully.

Emilia gently tossed Bryan to him.

"Heal him."

She commanded.

"He has ether poisoning."

Edward's eyes widened slightly as he noticed the red and purplish veins on Bryan's body, but he nodded without hesitation. Before he could leave, Emilia spoke again.

"Do you know what this means?"

Edward paused, looking at her with understanding.

"No one will find out he is here."

He answered.

Emilia shook her head.

"No one will find out that he awakened."

Edward raised an eyebrow, glancing down at Bryan's unconscious form.

‘Awakened? Him?’

"Understood, my lady."

He said, bowing slightly before carrying Bryan to the infirmary.

**********

Cintra, 10th of Suncrest, year 305 UC

Bryan woke up slowly, his mind groggy and his body aching. As he tried to move, pain coursed through his limbs, sharp and unrelenting.

"Don't strain yourself."

A voice said.

"You have not fully recovered."

Turning his head to he saw the woman who had rescued him. Her long black hair framed her serene face, and her light blue eyes watched him intently.

"Who are you?"

Bryan asked, his voice weak.

"Emilia."

She replied.

"Thank you."

Bryan said, his gratitude genuine despite his exhaustion.

"Don't thank me yet."

Emilia told him.

‘What’s that mean?’

He thought but quickly glanced around the room. It was just him and her, no one else.

"What about Ms. Kelly?"

He asked.

"The woman? She's dead."

She said plainly, thinking the kid probably didn't fully grasp what that meant but preferring to keep things simple.

Bryan's mouth opened to speak, but Emilia raised a hand to stop him.

"Just listen."

She instructed.

Bryan bit his lip and gave a slow nod.

"The reason for your pain is due to Ether poisoning."

Emilia began.

"Your next question would be asking what that is, so I'll explain. Ether poisoning happens when mages strain their core of its ether and try to use something they don't have."

Emilia picked up a glass of water from the bedside table.

"This is you."

She said, holding the glass up to the light.

It didn’t look like him in the least bit. But he felt like anything he said now wouldn’t matter.

Emilia did not look like the kind of person who’d care what he had to say. Her eyes were cold.

"Your body contains this water, and when you used magic..."

She turned the cup, allowing the water to spill out onto the floor.

"It emptied. But you kept trying to use magic without any water. Which is impossible, and instead of stopping, you continued, which not only strained your core but also caused you to try to refill the glass with water."

Bryan watched the water trickle onto the floor, his eyes following the droplets.

"The water you used was dangerous and it started poisoning you from the inside."

"But how?"

Bryan asked, his voice trembling.

"I'm not a mage."

He had always dreamed of being one, but never truly believed it would be possible.

Emilia smiled softly.

"You are a mage. What you went through was an awakening, a phenomenon that gifts a person with the ability to use spells."

Bryan looked at her in disbelief.

‘I can’t be a mage… can I?’

"I'm the youngest person in history to awaken?"

Emilia nodded.

"Yes, the youngest. The youngest person on record to awaken their magical talents was Cintria, and she was ten years old."

Bryan laughed, but then doubled over, coughing as the pain surged through his body.

"I'm a mage."

He said, tears streaming down his face.

"You are, but you also aren't."

She told him as she didn’t want him to go running off in some fantasy he imagined.

"You can't be a mage, nor can your awakening be recorded."

"Why?"

Bryan asked.

‘Is she…’

Emilia sighed.

"Do you recall what happened?"

Bryan's hand tightened into a fist as the memories flooded back—pain, anger, and the faces of the men he had killed.

"That is the reason you can't become a mage."

Emilia said, standing.

"You killed a noble, and if people were to find out, you'd be killed along with everyone in the orphanage. Not only that, but your body is not normal. If it were, you'd never have managed what you did."

Bryan looked up at her, bewildered.

That man was a noble? He didn’t act like one.

From the books he read, nobles were people who looked out for people like him.

They helped others, not beat them.

While what she said was important, his mind was focused more on two words. Not normal.

‘My body isn’t normal?’

"What do you mean?"

"When mages cast spells, other mages can tell. While they can't discern the specific spell, they know you're casting one, especially the closer they are to the source. The noble you killed should have been able to sense it and react, but he didn't. Even I, with my skills, barely detected your magic."

Bryan's eyes widened in shock.

"So, I'm different?"

"Yes."

Emilia admitted.

"If you were a normal mage, the noble would have reacted and you would be dead. But you're not, and I don't know why. When I sensed your magic, it felt... off."

Bryan lay back, absorbing Emilia’s words.

‘I’m still a freak, even when it comes to magic.’

“What happens now?”

He asked weakly.

“Nothing for now. You just need to recover.”

Emilia replied.

Bryan shook his head slightly.

“What happens to me? Am I going back to the orphanage?”

No. You’re not going back.”

“Really?”

Bryan asked, searching her face for any sign of deception.

“It’s true.”

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

He asked.

No one was nice to him, except Ms. Kelly. But, she wasn’t Ms. Kelly.

Emilia paused for a moment before answering.

“I have my reasons. But if you want, you can live here with me. If not, I can help you find a new family and get adopted.”

Bryan looked at her, trying to understand.

“What do you want?”

Emilia asked, thinking to herself that she shouldn’t be putting this decision on a five-year-old. He wouldn't know what he wants, but she couldn't force him to stay with her.

Bryan hesitated.

“Are you my mom?”

He asked, his question catching Emilia off guard.

She was stunned for a moment, then laughed softly.

It was the first time she smiled, and he thought she looked nice. It was friendly, better than the look she was giving him so far.

“No, Bryan. I’m not your mom, and I can never be your mom.”

She lifted her shirt slightly, revealing a long scar that ran up her abdomen.

“I’m unable to have children.”

He had no idea why she was showing him that, but it looked cool. To have a scar that long and wide.

But, she wasn’t his mom.

It would have been nice if she were, then he could ask her why she left him there.

Going back was out of the question, he couldn’t. Not after what happened.

Ms. Kelly wouldn’t be there, and all the others hated him. If he returned… once they learned what he did… they’d toss him out.

He had to stay here.

Away from them. That was for the better.

“What do I have to do to live here?”

He asked.

“Whatever you want. But if you want to live a normal life, you have to heal first. Then you can decide what you want.”

“I just want a life like everyone else. I just want a family.”

Bryan said quietly almost embarrassed to even say it out loud.

“Alright. Is that all?”

She wasn’t laughing at him. Emilia didn’t look at him funny. She was responding to him just like he wanted.

Maybe he could tell her.

“I want to be a mage. I don’t know if it’ll work, but I want to try.”

“Why do you want to become a mage?”

Bryan thought for a moment before speaking.

“I want to be able to protect the people I care about. I don’t want to feel helpless anymore.”

That was partly true, but he didn’t dare say what he truly wanted. Which was that if he became a mage, he’d be able to make friends and be accepted.

Emilia shook her head gently.

"You can do those things without being a mage. Do you even know what a mage truly is?"

His eyes lit up. Of course, he knew, he read so much about them.

"Mages are people who can use magic. They explore and fight demons. They protect everyone."

It was cute, his understanding of what being a mage was. A child’s fantasy that was told to them in story books or their own imagination.

Being a mage wasn’t so simple. She wished it were, but it wasn’t.

He might not even be capable of being a mage, a true mage that is. There would be nothing but hardships ahead if he went down that path.

Hopefully, he’d understand that if she explained it a bit more to him.

"That's what everyone assumes, and you're not to be blamed for thinking like that. But mages are weapons. The mages you're thinking of were from years ago."

She paused, considering her next words.

"Who's your favorite mage?"

"Anitta."

Bryan replied without hesitation.

He liked her, and read tons of stories about how she helped people. If she wasn’t his favorite then he had no clue who was.

Everyone should strive to be like her.

"Anitta is a good choice. She lived over a hundred years ago and did a lot for the people. She introduced advanced medical techniques and potions. The Scott family has produced remarkable individuals, not just mages."

Emilia glanced at a photo on the wall, a wistful look in her eyes.

"Anitta was one of the first mages to exist. Back then, mages were still discovering how to use magic and had more freedom. Today, that is not the case. Mages are weapons used in wars, and all mages are bound to the kingdom they serve. Unless you are a rogue mage, but there are many disadvantages to being one."

She turned her gaze back to Bryan.

"Do you know what war is?"

Bryan shook his head, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"It's when a large group of people fight for their kingdoms, their cities, to change the perspective of another, be it good or bad. When that happens, people die—mages, soldiers, and the innocent who have nothing to do with the war."

Bryan looked shaken by this revelation, his small frame trembling slightly.

"Is that what you want?"

Emilia asked.

"To be a weapon for someone else to use?"

Bryan shook his head vehemently.

"No, I don't want that."

Emilia sighed, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Being a mage isn't the romantic idea you have in your head. It's dangerous and comes with heavy responsibilities. If you truly want to protect the people you care about, there are other ways to do it."

Bryan looked up at her, his eyes filled with uncertainty.

"Then what should I do?"

Before Emilia could respond, Bryan's stomach growled loudly. His face turned red with embarrassment, and he looked away.

Emilia couldn’t help but laugh a little.

He was cute, and she could see a bit of her in him.

"We'll talk more later, but for now, you should get something to eat. I'll have Edward bring you some food, and you should rest up."

Bryan nodded, still looking a bit embarrassed.

"What's going to happen now that I'm not going back to the orphanage?"

"You don't have to worry."

Emilia reassured him.

"I'll take care of you."

"Is that true?"

Bryan asked, his voice small and hopeful.

"Yes."

She stood up and walked to the door, giving Bryan one last reassuring look before closing it behind her.

Outside, Emilia leaned against the door and breathed a sigh of relief.

Edward appeared silently, his calm demeanor a steadying presence.

"What do you plan on doing with the child?"

He asked.

"His name is Bryan."

Emilia corrected.

"He'll live here with us."

Edward raised an eyebrow.

"Is that a good idea?"

Emilia shook her head.

"I have no choice. I made a promise, and I intend to keep it."

Edward nodded.

He was glad she was going to keep whatever promise she made. It was the one thing he wanted her to take away from his guidance, and she seemed to have.

It made him proud.

"I understand. But remember, you still have the appointment with your family tomorrow."

"I haven't forgotten. You know they don't treat me like family."

She said, already dreading the day to come.

"I know, but we don’t want to get on his bad side… My lady."

Emilia felt like he added that last part just to tease him.

She disliked being called my lady, it was weird and made her skin crawl.

Edward normally just called her by her name and did so for the longest time. So, why was he acting differently today?

She’d let it slide for now, but hopefully, this wasn’t something he would continue doing.

Her gaze drifted towards the closed door.

"Aren't you going to ask?"

She asked, motioning towards Bryan's room.

"About him and why he's here?"

Edward shook his head slightly.

"Were you going to tell me?"

Emilia remained silent for a moment, and Edward took her silence as confirmation.

"That's why I didn't ask. A child as young as him awakening is big news."

"It is."

Emilia admitted.

"But I never wanted him to be a mage."

"No one chooses this path."

Edward said, making a mental note that she knew this child longer than he assumed.

"It just happens."

"I know. But now that it's happened, we have to deal with it."

She sighed feeling a bit tired.

"Edward, please bring Bryan some food and make sure he rests."

Edward nodded.

"Of course, my lady. Is there anything else?"

"How long before he recovers?"

"Bryan should be fine in three days."

Emilia nodded and walked away.

As she made her way down the corridor, she wondered why Bryan had awakened and why his ether felt so off.

It didn't feel corrupted, but it didn't behave like normal ether either. There was something strange about his ether core, something that set him apart from other mages.

**********

Cintra, 14th of Suncrest, year 305 UC

Three days had passed, and Bryan had made a full recovery.

Emilia led him down a dimly lit hallway, the scent of old books and parchment filling the air. She opened a door to a small room, revealing shelves lined with books.

There was one window that let in a stream of natural light, casting a soft glow over the room's centerpiece: a human anatomical model showing all the veins in a person's body.

Where the heart should be, there was nothing, just an empty void.

Bryan's eyes widened as he took in the strange and fascinating room.

"What is all of this?"

"This is where you will learn about magic cores, magic attributes, and how Ether works. But before you can use any spells, you need to understand how the process works."

"Sit."

Emilia instructed, pointing to a chair at a small wooden table.

She walked over to one of the shelves and selected a thick book, placing it in front of Bryan.

"You probably don't know how to read and write yet, so you'll learn that first."

A knock on the door interrupted them.

"Enter."

Emilia called out.

Edward stepped into the room, a warm smile on his face.

"Good morning, Lady Emilia. Bryan."

Emilia looked at Bryan.

"Edward will be in charge of your general studies. He'll help you learn to read and write."

Bryan nodded, glancing at the book in front of him.

Before leaving the room, Emilia paused.

"Bryan, what is your magical attribute? Is it wind?"

She figured it was wind due to the sharp cuts inflicted upon those men. However, it could also be water which was known to hold a sharpness to it as well.

Bryan scratched his head, clearly confused.

"What do you mean?"

"What kind of spell did you use on those men? Do you remember?"

Bryan furrowed his brow, trying to recall the event. Suddenly he heard the screams of those men and stopped.

He couldn’t do it, he couldn’t remember.

He didn’t want to remember.

"I was so angry and upset. I don't remember it that well. Everything happened so fast."

"Think."

Emilia urged.

Bryan closed his eyes, pretending to think. The memory was unpleasnt to him, so he’d just make something up.

‘It was blood… wasn’t it?’

He asked himself.

"Blood."

He said slowly, unsure.

"Blood?"

Emilia repeated, shaking her head.

"It was raining, and you were injured. It must be water."

She dismissed his answer, thinking he must have been confused.

It had to be wind or water, there was no such thing as blood magic.