Darkness inside the Light

2 John and Vladimir 2

The priest nodded at their answer. Its good to be cautious but one should also be decisive when he has to. For these two kids, this choice is probably the turning point of their lives.

" Very well.. Remember that this is the path that you two chose for yourselves. I wish you to continue your journey with the same determination and courage. May the goddess Maria bless your future. We'll set off tomorrow morning. Go and spend your day today with Antony. A lot of time will pass until you see each other again". The two youths didnt say anything. Instead they only bowed respectfully, kissed the priest's ring and exited from the temple.

* * * * * * *

The Moon Village was a place with a long history. It was said that the first humans of the continent lived there. According to the myths, thousands of years ago a big war was waged between humans and gods. The Moon Village was the place where the decisive battle took place. In the end, the gods triumphed over humanity. As for the reason of the war, many theories were published through the years, but the story that was generally accepted was the one that was written in the 'holy book' of the Church of Life. According to the 'holy book' humans betrayed the gods. They tried to steal their power and wealth and take their place in the heavens. In the end, because of their greediness they almost became extinct

Vladimir and John didn't return immediately to their house, but walked around the streets of the Moon Village.

" Has it been nine years since I came here? Time sure passes quickly!" The silver haired youth said emotionally. His eyes were watching frantically his surroundings, trying to engrave everything around him in his memory.

" Well nine years for you, four years for me. Unlike you I am not really attached to this place. Hell that, I would be happy if anyone remembered that I lived here" said the other youth with an indifferent expression.

" If instead of sleeping all the time you tried to communicate with others you wouldnt have problems like that" Vladimir said sarcastically.

John didnt answer, he was pretty much used to the reactions of his brother.Instead he moved his gaze at the sky. The wind was shaking his brown hair. With his sleepy face facing the bright sun he opened hesitantly his mouth" Hey Vladimir, you are really determined to do it, arent you?"

Vladimir didnt look surprised at this question. In the past few years John would often ask this, as if he was checking his determination, as if he was checking if he would waver under the pressure of the decision he took many years ago.

" Like I always answer, may the Goddess Maria be my witness.. I swear in the heavens that I Vladimir Erickson, son of Leonheart, will fulfill the destiny that my mother prophesied with the cost of her life and become the hero that will slay the Demon Lord and bring peace in our continent. I will stop this devastating war that brought so many calamities in our world. If I fail to keep my. . . hmmm stop closing my mouth bastard!" Vladimir compained with teary eyes. Two hands were trying to shut his mouth. Without relizing his brother had already moved behind him.

" Are you stupid? Unlike you I dont like to catch the attention of others. Look! Even the kids around us have stopped walking to laugh at us" John whispered grudgingly. Trying to hide his embarrassment he feigned a cool attitude, but he soon realised that the people that surrounded them didnt even notice his existence. They were watching dumbfounded his brother's 'perfomance'.

A mocking expression appeared on Vladimir's face " I say my dear brother, your ability to be invisible is unrivaled under the heavens. Even if you harass every girl you meet in the road, it is possible that ghost hunters around the world will come here to search instead for undead. You are really the biggest threat for the humanity". A cry of pain sounded in the air. Taking his fist back from Vladimir's face John walked happily to his home's direction.