Page 85 of A Simple Truth

GIDEON

It was especially beautiful this early morning on Dragon's Island. I had woken up after only a couple hours of sleep, my shaken mind looking for some clarity, craving some solace. I found myself going to my old friend.

The surrounding ocean waves were nothing but calm, blue waters, as if they too hadn’t awoken yet. The blossoming cherry trees lined the slumbering village, as I made my way past the green pasture to a small, cozy cottage.

“Come in,” Xentar’s hoarse voice sounded from within after I knocked. I stepped into the dim room, climbing up to the attic that was built into a bedroom loft. “Since when do you knock?” Xentar attempted to sit up in his bed, but I motioned him not to as I took a seat nearby.

“Since that incident from a couple of years ago that I still can’t erase from my brain,” I replied, crossing my ankles on my outstretched legs.

“What can I say, Creators are not such sticklers for monogamy like Destroyers are. Some of us enjoy variety.” He chuckled, the sound missing its usual deepness as he wheezed.

“Is being near death and bedridden also something Creators enjoy?” I snarled at him, shaking my head at his sickly appearance.

“That’s one way to explain our rapid death rates.” Xentar laughed at me with his dull, gold eyes as I stared at my old friend.

“You shouldn’t have done it, Xentar.” My voice was serious, laced with apprehension.

“What, poison myself? Or sent Petunia instead of me to the council?” At my wince, he contently added, “Oh yeah, rumors travel quick. I’ve heard of your day yesterday. Is there any wine left for me? I’d kill for something strong right now.” He attempted to turn to the side, but flinched, unable to do so. I shot up, helping him adjust in his bed. He groaned but finally found a good spot in amidst a sea of pillows.

“Just so you know, Orest put precautions in place. Ignar is going to be coming to the council if I am not available. I swear, your Second never sleeps.”

“He truly doesn’t. How did Petunia take that?”

“She wasn’t happy to get demoted, but Orest did what he does best, and politely explained that it’s either that or there is a chance she’ll end up dead, and in your twisted Destroyer laws, her death would be completely justified.” He motioned for his cup near the bed, and I passed it to him, helping him take a sip of his tea. “Some days, I really question how you all haven’t killed each other with your bloodthirsty laws.”

“Oh, we try alright,” I replied. “Though, we all clearly lack the desire for death as much as you, my brother.”

“Oh, come on, mother goose, a little magnesium and mercury haven’t killed anybody.” He grimaced, putting the cup down.

“Actually, it quite literally has. Why, Xentar…” I rubbed my temples. “I thought we agreed, this was not the way.”

“You know exactly why, Gideon. The stone is not an option. Magnesium is also out, but perhaps if we tried a combination of two or even three elements, we could have a potential solution.”

“There are plenty of other people willing, Xentar.”

“So, poison other people, but not me? Spoken like a true Emperor-to-be,” he threw at me, rolling his eyes. “Is it love that’s turning you soft, Gideon? Or old age?” He gave me a crooked smile, but then stated with a somber voice, “You know I am the strongest one of them all, and the only one with a split soul. I’m the closest thing we have to Insanaria, though perhaps, even that won’t be enough. But I have to try.”

“We will find another way, Xentar, and this...” I motioned at his half-alive body. “This is not the answer.”

“You had no issue testing that on Insanaria’s servants. Am I that special to you, Bellator?” He attempted to chuckle, though a broken sound came out instead.

“If I say that you are, will you stop trying to kill yourself? Otherwise, I will assign a permanent watch with the mosttypicalDestroyers around you, if you are so desperate for my attention.” I narrowed my eyes at my friend.

“Nah, I’d have to become a freckled white woman named Finn in order to get any of your attention nowadays, and I very much enjoy being black.” Xentar laughed, though his face flickered with pain.

“No, what you really enjoy is being a pain in my ass. How many doses have you taken, Xentar?”

“Last one was two days ago and the largest dose of them both.”

“Never took you for an idiot, brother.” I let out a long breath, recognizing just how close he was to death.

“I guess being around Destroyers rubbed off on me. Plus, can’t leave all the heroics for you. Creators have stood on thesidelines for too long, and look how far that has gotten us? We might not be warriors, but we can still fight our fight.”

“Can’t lead your people if you are dead, Xentar.”

“There will benopeople to lead if we don’t figure it out. What’s one life against many?” he said bitterly.

“I have things in the works,” I countered.

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