I'm Not Who I Once Was

[Koal]

"Would you like to pray with me, Koal?" The young boy, stared up at his mother with wide eyes that mirrored her own. Both of their hues a haunting violet that forever stood them apart from the rest of their peers. Her face a was regal and carried the warmth and love of a thousand suns. He smiled up at his mother and nodded enthusiastically, his face split into a wide smile. She extended her hand to his, leaning drown slightly.

"Come on then, wouldn't want to keep the priestesses waiting, now would we?" Her tone was chiding and playful, but also carried an undertone of seriousness to it. Taking her hand, he felt himself gently pulled along the streets of the Fringe. While the inhabitants of this place didnot place their trust in idols, some chose at lease some form of worship. The temple in which they worshiped was far from perfect, but pals mother always told him that it didn't matter. Their intentions and hearts were what mattered when it came time to pay homage to the one who guided them. As High Priestess, his mother always found a way to teach Koal more about how worship applied to everyday life.  

Kneeling In the sepulcher, The water rising up midway to his chest, Koal bowed his head, and his violet orbs shut, mimicking his mother. She began to speak, her voice low and devoid of emotion at first. 

"Dear Goddess that watches over the cold and lonely night, we beseech your light and grace. We offer our lives in servitude to your light, and ask that you shepherds us in her path that we should take. As my son and I traverse the star-lit path that you guide us on, show our hearts your unending compassion, and pray that we strive to better ourselves in the hope that humanity is bettered by our efforts."

She halted her speech and unfolded her head, and gazed upon her son. His head wasn't still bowed and his lips were moving silently. Alexia's heart swelled with pride as she watched her son, her son, speak to a divine like an old friend. Koal's eyes snapped open suddenly, making her let out a minute  sound, akin to a squeak. Her son gazed with wonder at the carving of the moon on the tomb wall.

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Koal stared at the claw in the sky with that same wonder. The silvery light from the moon made his alabaster skin glow and his raging mind quiet. It was as if the Goddess remember the little child that had once possed the same devotion. It was almost as if she remebered him.

Koal tore his eyes away from the moon, looking at the forest around him. It was quiet, and no one was around here. Koal began to wrestle with himself internally, his eyes squinted and pained as he replayed that one memory again and again in his head. Falling to his knees, Koal bowed is he head and closed his eyes. His lips barely moved and the sound was barely audible.

"Dear Goddess of Light and Mercy, forgive my actions. I have given my soul to the darkness I once swore to shun. I have made a mockery of what you stand for, and deserve an according punishment. Please find mercy in your heart for a wretch such as I, and grant me the strength and resolve to do what is necessary."

Koal almost swore he felt a hand cup his cheek, and a whisper on the wind.

"May The Stars Clear Your Way, Child of Light."

[Koal]

When daylight first began to creep a few tentative rays on the horizon, Koal began to move. An early start wouldn't hurt, and Koal needed to find some form of civilization so he could get some answers. This world was confusing, and he would need all the information he could get if he hoped to survive. Knowledge is power, and power keeps you living another day. Throwing a glance to the rapidly fading moon, he said a quick blessing under his breath, and began to make his way through the underbrush of the forest. Not much light was present, but Koal didn't have trouble. 

He once again turned to the feeling of familiarity that seemed to pervade every inch of this place. He had been here before, Koal had no doubt. But he couldn't remember any of it. His head began to ache as his mind continued to search for memories that just weren't there. At least not anymore... Koal let out a pensive breath and silently vaulted over a fallen tree, continuing on his trek. He wasn't sure where to go. Maybe back to the Nexus... And then find another place  he would be more likely to thrive in. Maybe somewhere urban and crowded, as that where he could pick a few pockets and find information brokers. He ran a hand through his hair, his eyes squeezed shut and tears threatening to pry their way through the offending barrier. He drew in a deep, shuddering breath and opened his eyes. He had work to get to.
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The sun had crawled its way to mid-morning before Koal found the first sign of any civilized people. It came in the form of a small farm, and an old, wizened couple that tended to the small garden. The woman had a kind countenance and smile when Koal approached hesitantly. She stood and moved to greet him.

"Hello, young man, how can we help you?" Her voice was raspy but kind, and her eyes gave off an aura of acceptance. Her threadbare clothes and the small woven cap she wore attested to the poverty her family lived in, and a small part of Koal sympathized. 

"I was wondering if you knew the way to the Nexus gate...?" Her eyes widened in realization, and her expression immediately became guarded and hostile. "You one of them primes, ain't ya'?" Her lip curled in contempt, she pointed a crooked finger to the west. "It's that way, about half a days travel. Now leave us in peace, Prime." He felt a stab of pain at those words, and he nodded silently and began to head west, his footprints heavy.