Running From Eden - A Sky: Children of the Light Fanfic

Damage is Done

I wonder how it feels to permanently burn out.

I've lost my Light before, but I've never fully extinguished.

I wonder if it's painful. Losing Winged Light never hurt. It only made me feel weak. Getting slammed by rocks hurts, though. Would it feel like that? Or worse?

Or would it be painless? Would I just slowly, agonizingly fade out into the dirt? Would I melt into ash? Would I harden and freeze?

Would I become one of my fellow Winged Lights, my light shining in one spot where my fondest memory takes place? What would my fondest memory be?

I picture my soul sitting on Sanctuary Island, down by the beach near the corrupted geyser. Kids could easily find me there, leaning on my arms with my legs spread out, happily gazing upon the waves gently lapping against the shore. Most would collect my light without a second thought, but I know there would be others who would observe me before politely consuming my light. Others who would appreciate me. But for now, I am nothing but a burden.

A team of children was trying to dig out the rubble, hoping they could clean their way back into the Archives, but there was no use. There was too much pact in dirt and chunks of rock for their tiny hands to dig through. The Spirits stood huddled again, discussing what to do. They couldn't do anything. Only I could.

I finally leave my thoughts behind and slowly turn around. My legs are still wobbly from shock as I limp forward to the edge of the floor. I hop down, expecting my feet to at least work, but I end up falling harshly on the side of my legs. I'm practically in a ball now, my elbows resting on the ground with my head barely lifted as I'm shaking. I hear footsteps coming towards me, yet I stare at the ground. I expect it to be Monastic, looking at me with pitiful eyes, thinking how I'm too weak to walk, let alone redeem Sky.

"I can get up, just... please give me a second," I shakily speak up. I hear an old guffaw.

"I ain' helpin' ya! I'm standin' here laugh'n at ya!" Odolo's raggedy voice continues to mock me.

"Why don't you just leave me alone, you old bat? I'm going through enough already!" I lash, whipping my head around to scowl at him. I expected to see a rude expression, but I didn't.

"'Ow 'bout you stop feelin' bad 'bout yerself and do someth' 'bout it!" he reaches his hand to me. I stare at it for a moment.

"Why are you talking to me? You must realize what I've done... don't you hate me?" I question.

"Eh? Wot're you yappin' 'bout? I just see a broken child in my face an' m' tryna help 'er!"

"I thought you weren't helping me?" I stifle up a giggle and grab his hand. He's barely able to lug me up. Maybe he is really old.

"When'd I say tha'?" he blinked. I let out another giggle. My energy has come back, surprisingly thanks to him.

"I have to go now."

"N' do wha'?"

"Fix this."

"I'm comin' wit cha!" he announced, lightly banging his chest. I quickly shake my head no.

"You can't. It's too dangerous for someone your age."

"'EY! I been through Eden'n back, girly! I think I know what I'm doin'!" he defies, gripping my hand now.

"Odolo..." I warn.

"Nah, you ain' changin' ma mind! Where we goin'?" he eagerly wonders.

"Golden Wasteland. When's the last time you have been?" I head towards the exit.