Emptiness

All was lost. The atmosphere had been overcome with a wave of stillness, displaying it with sudden tranquility. I walked along the frosty path, my pace fast and taking long, hefty strides. I met the eyes of many loyal supporters of mine, everyday, with a feeling of despair, knowing I had failed them. And knowing nothing could be done to help them. The war had taken its toll on my emotional state, reputation and ranking. From the most valiant warrior in the galactic world had ever seen, I had, presently, become nothing.

My cheeks burned hotly, the determined rage steering back to memories of the past. Three years ago, the greatest galactic war in history had taken place. Everyone had known my name. I was the courageous leader, the cogent warrior. I tried to stir back into focus as I made my way towards the thousand-step, the once glorious spiral and luxurious stairs. I had never gone back up there in three years. Part of me was longing desperately to see my people from up there, feeling the deep remorse searing in me. If only there was a way to help my people. I stared, my inhumanly, dull green eyes that were once full of fiery contempt fleeting wryly. My body posed tense. The stairs would lead to the endless imperial bridge. I contemplated this, my thoughts rushing in quickly. If I walk up the bridge, I would meet the place I had been defeated and relieve the same memory. Subsequently, I peered up at the glassy bridge which was several feet above me. Challenge had overcome me. The bridge was drawing me in, and I suddenly felt a sense of emotion that I could expiate what I've done.

A voice. It happened suddenly, calling out to me in a quiet, lilting sound. In a few seconds, my face glazed, blankly staring as I wondered about the voice. It sounded familiar but where had I heard it? Summoning my courage, I took the first step to the imperial bridge, finally stepping on it again. Panic slowly creeped in my chest as I remembered how I had laid my spangen helmet. I was carrying the same helmet. My helmet that had always haunted my memories. Thus, I wanted to get rid of it though I felt uncertain. Then, the second and the third steps followed suit. I took a deep breath. This was easier than I thought. Presently, I was sprinting up the stairs, taking two or three at a time, chuckling wildly. A grin plastered across my face as I thought once more, I never failed my own challenges. Fortunately, I was still young but due to lack of practice, after what seemed like eternity, I had managed to reach the place of my defeat. My emotions became calmer and an insecurity blanket wrapped around me tightly. For a spur moment, I had forgotten what had driven me to come up here until I heard it again. The sweet voice, gracefully rang out again through the imperial bridge. My head whirled for a second before I realised it was musical. The soulful music rendered my heart and sweet vibrations flowed throughout my body. Although I was known to be a harsh warrior, the only times I was gentle was when music was around, awakening my soul. An immediate thought struck me. The music was a childhood memory. The question was, who was playing it?