Invitation I

Within a mindscape transformed into a terrain of floating islands and patches of green, a brown haired boy could be seen meditating atop an enormously tall pillar that pierced through the void of the inner world. Its crimson rounded edges bled waves and patterns that etched themselves upon the majestic staff, snaking its ashen body.

With each breath, the inner world would visibly palpitate, strong pulses of Aeter sending shocks that would quake the mindscape.

###

Inside my own domain, I feel like a god. Every action I take would affect this mysterious world at whim. But, no matter how much power I wield inside this place, out there I am still vulnerable; inside and out.

Leo kept coming every day after our small incident. He would always smile more frequently at me, unperturbed by my glares, unafraid.

No matter how strict I became during training, and mostly uncalled for might I add, he would not break. He is kind, I will give him that, but kindness won't save you in a fight, only strength will.

If that was not enough he would invite me for dinner every day. I rejected the invitation time and time again for weeks, but he would not budge. It got to the point that old man Clarence and Aunty Teresa came over and asked me all together, I just couldn't say no then.

And so I am dining with them tonight, yippie.

[Elias, it's time]

Eset's voice echoed in my inner world rattling the small islands. It seems it's time to go.

###

The night breeze was pleasant to the touch, the cold caressed my skin gingerly under the twinkling stars guiding my way.

The night in Eos is bazar, at times the darkness would even conceal the light of the stars, and at others, the spheres of energy would pierce through the night's cover like the sharpest of blades.

At the entrance of the town by the pass over the frozen river, a certain red haired boy waited for me shivering in the cold. He rubbed his arms frantically hoping the heat from the friction would shield his frail body from the bone biting frigidness.

His eyes gained a flame of life within the icy temperature wen e spotted me.

"ELIAS! OVER HERE!" he yelled at the top of his lungs.

His thin arm wrapped in fur waved in the air trying to catch my attention amidst the buzzing chaos.. .of no one around.

'Could this guy get any more annoying?'

Turning my head to the reason I was forced to stay true to my word and attend, I whispered into my head trying to convince her before it was too late.

[We can turn around right now you know.]

[No Elias. It will be a good change to be among other people, and no the goats and sheep don't count]

With a sigh I continued on with frustrated strides getting closer to Leo.

The dumb smile on his face was really irritating.

"C'mon Elias everyone's waiting. We're having turkey! Aren't you excited?"

My expressionless face stretched a sarcastic smile and my eyes remained without color.

"Yay"

Flustered, Leo's face changed into a color similar to his hair and coughed in embarrassment

"L-Let's go. They're probably starving at this point."

We walked in awkward silence only the muffled crunching of snow accompanying us on our short walk. Most of the houses were dead silent, no candle light illuminating their interior.

That was the way things were until we approached a house bustling with vitality. The chimney exhaled plumes of smoke and sounds of laughter echoed from within.

The small house seemed to come to life with its flame colored eyes and inviting brown mouth, luring us in with an aroma of a delicious home cooked meal.

I paused in front of the house, hesitating to take any advancing steps. The familial warmth originating from this small home was wounding. The gaping hole in my heart longed for such comfort, the comfort of family.

Leo walked with eager steps pushing the door open and inviting me in with a welcoming smile

"What're you waiting for?"

"N-nothing, go ahead I'm right behind you"

Leo nodded and went inside, leaving me to my thoughts, and my little sister's.

[We can't keep on shutting out people Elias. We have to make friends, we have to move on] she spoke softly into my mind.

She's right. I've not only been causing much unnecessary loneliness and pain for myself, but for her as well. She is supposed to be my little sister, my companion, not a psychiatrist catered to my problems.

'Enough is enough.'

[You're right. Let's go]

Eset was shocked at how fast I complied, she thought she would have to convince me a few more times, threaten me a little even

[Alright what are you waiting for? Step inside already.]

Chuckling to myself I decided to mess with her a little.

[Thanks Eset. You're the best]

[I-It's good you know who's the best. Now e-enough talking and go already!]

I walked into the cheerful home with some cheerfulness of my own, shedding some old problems and leaving them outside the door.