Avani's POV.
I could only watch in horror as the orb on Amrish Puri aka my grandpa's hand sucked the souls of the dead, their wails of agony making my scalp go numb.
I am… or would I say was a member of a small tribe in the east of the Xadia empire. We had everything… so we thought until that night.
Life was fun, the sound of children singing songs of joy, holding hands as the dark blanket covered the sky, indicating it was time for rest.
My tribe prided themselves as descendants of a God race "Titans".
In Kosmos, races were classified to show their superiority to others. Dragons gained the name of Godbeasts to show their superiority over other beasts, the same as Phoenix and other dominant species.
Since beast sounded like a name for only monsters, it was decided that the title of "God race" be given to any race that proves themselves worthy to receive such a status.
"I won!!!" A boy yelled, his pose haughty.
It was annoying, I wish I could smack his big head. He dared act smart for just a little victory; sneering, I looked to our mates.
Our nights were usually used for playing around, our elders watching us with smiles on their faces.
I kind of found it annoying, especially when I lose before my mom. My dreams revolve around making her proud, so she can see me one day and say, "I'm proud of you, dear."
Not because she feels it would boost my self-esteem, but because she deems me worthy of her praise.
"You can't say anything, right?" Said the male as he moved to me.
Maybe it's because I'm his biggest competition, but he always picks fights with me for no particular reason.
Today is different, I won't let a male make fun of me. "You cheated!"
I didn't see him cheating, but that's the way forward, especially when your opponent is a d*ck!
Smirk
"W-what?!" He stammered, pointing a finger at me. "I didn't do anything!"
As proclaimed descendants of a God race (Titans), cheating was not something we acknowledged.
Facing the elders, he complained. "I didn't…"
"Don't lie, Sahil," said a deep voice from behind. The voice was enough for me; my biggest benefactor.
"Grandpa!" I screamed in joy, heading for him. What else can I do? After my mom, he's the closest person to my heart. Maybe my dad would have gotten a place before him… too bad, all I remember is his voice… nothing else, ohh…! Maybe I can add his shadow to that equation.
"Come on, dad! You can't keep supporting her!" My mom said, moving toward us.
This is my point, but don't fret… I'll surely make her proud in the future.
"Hahahahaha! Don't be like that, Advika." He said, caressing her brown hair gently.
I won't lie, I get jealous at times, seeing him show so much affection for my mom. He was the only male figure I loved… ahem, Sahil also falls on that list… don't get weird ideas.
"Hmm?" Looking up, I could see the questioning expression of every adult watching our little drama, even my mates had an expression I didn't like.
"Why the serious blush," grandpa asked curiously, breaking the eerie silence.
Huh? Am I blushing? Touching my cheeks in an attempt to confirm his words… I'm really losing it, blushing is not something I can feel.
Burying my face on his chest in shame, I closed off my eyes and ears, not wanting to receive anything that will make me hide forever in shame.
"She takes after you, Advika. You always blush whenever he is around," he said teasingly, but not all took his words as a joke.
They all knew who he was referring to… my dad. Someone who all our tribesmen hardly talk about. I always got curious about the reason.
"Dad! Don't…" mom tried to say something, but was immediately cut off by a frail voice.
"Why must you reopen old wounds, Amrish," said the voice as an old man came to view. "Our community has moved on, I'll appreciate it if you do the same."
"You can't tell me…" grandpa seemed agitated, about doing something I didn't understand.
Boom
As the sound resounded, I felt myself falling; it was similar to flight, something I always got intrigued by.
"Keurg!"
Bringing me out of my reverie, was the sound of someone coughing, which I could pick out to be my grandpa.
Turning in that direction, I caught sight of blood dripping from different parts of his body. Slowly I turned to the old man, who's walking-stick was currently raised, pointing straight at grandpa.
"No!!!" I yelled as I moved toward grandpa at the highest speed my legs could take, also utilizing the earth's surface for easier locomotion.
Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder, turning back to confirm what would have been the right choice, but the sight in front of me told me not to.
"Let her go, Advika," the voice was frail but authoritative. "Youngsters never learn early… always waiting for mistakes before learning from them."
I could hear his footsteps as he headed further from our location, leaving behind his last word. "Who am I to stand against fate… if this is our future… so be it."
Feeling the grip on my shoulder loosening, I rushed toward him, kneeling. "Are you okay!"
Chuckling, he touched my cheeks. "I am." As he got up slowly, I could hear crackling sounds.
"That old man hasn't changed, still so vigorous."
"Your face?" I said in fright.
"Huh?" He looked surprised by my expression.
"It's scary," I said, my scalp going numb. His current expression was scary; similar to a predator who just sighted his prey.
"Hahahahaha!" He laughed, an arm on his stomach region. "You're a funny girl, indeed.
What do you say, let's go out?" He said as he got up, immediately stretching his arm to me.
Firstly, I looked at my mom who nodded in approval, then Sahil who harrumphed as he turned the other way. I felt somewhat hesitant at first, but I can't turn down grandpa's offer… no matter how scary he may seem today.
Taking his arm, I decided to ask. "Won't you clean up, first?"
Smiling brightly, he looked at me. "No!" Looking back at mom, a depressed smile appeared on his face. "It's nothing compared to my sins."
"..."
Old people are strange, fighting for no apparent reason, deciding to stay messed up for no apparent reason, and keeping secrets for no apparent reason.
Not like it matters. Not sure when I'll come back, but I should at least see Sahil's face one last time, that way I can sleep peacefully.
Maybe if I did not have such a thought… everything would have been all good… too bad, life is such a brutal thing… always leaves you despairing over something you had no power to affect in the first place.
[The story would be fast-paced from this point. Please bear with me!"