"In principle of our universe, my existence followed a trail, it showed me a place of bright colors and warm smiles. The tenderness of the people, the kindness of their soul, they shone brighter than we ever could and were wiser than the brightest of our own. They called our names in prayers and wishes. As we worked miracles our existences had meaning beyond our names. In time, I came to my senses, for no dream is eternal."

  – The first dream of the first soul

  As the golden leaves fell from the trees, they reflected the light of the sun warmly, the wind sang melodies of old ages and stars danced around everywhere. Mesmerized, the boy's glaze followed the well-planned yet chaotic choreography the tiny stars showed him along the way. As they got deeper and deeper into the forest, the sky turned a dark blue, tinted by hints of purple and a dark greenish color of sorts, but the sun was still up and the stars, exhausted from their dance, rested in Archelaos's shoulders as they walked. Eventually, the boy asked:

  – Mr. Arch, where are we? – he looked up, admiring the tens of thousands of tiny stars quietly sleeping over the man.

  –This is a special place that'll answer all your questions while keeping you safe.

  – Safe? From what? – his steps stopped, his eyes looked deep into Archelaos's.

  – You'll learn when it's time. Don't worry, I'll be with you at all times. – His hand patted the boy's head kindly.

  Their steps followed a steady rhythm for some more time, the stars peacefully sleeping over Archelaos shoulders lit the way and his hair floated calmly with the wind.

  – Mister, why is your name so big?

  – Well, I suppose it was in fashion at the time. One of my colleagues had a name two times bigger than mine.

  – Wow! I wonder how he remembered it.

  – Ahaha yes, it was a challenge.

  – Uhm, once, Chaesol told me that her name was supposed to be Maria Clara Kim, like a super long name you know? Because her grandmother was, hm crystal I think? I don't remember, but she said it was something with C, – his gaze became serious – I just hope it wasn't a sickness, anyway, but you see – his tiny hands left the grip of Archelaos's and started to gesture excitedly as he spoke – her father was SO against it! he said it was... uh, what's the word? I think it was something like "colunized" or something, anyway, so her mother decided for "Chaesol" and her "baputism" name became maria, crazy right?

  – Oh, what an interesting story – a certain familiarity with the talkative nature of the boy sparked a slight smile to surface – We're here.

  In front of them stood a tall temple made in white marble, the walls adorned by gold and surrounded by the golden forest, the entrance was hidden by overgrown vines and the stairs leading inside were made of obsidian, a dark stone that looked as if someone had frozenall the stars in the sky in a crystal. Inside were numerous marble pillars and crystals floated around the altar in the middle.

  – WOW! It's so pretty! Can I go first? – his tiny hand pointed at the entrance as he spoke excitedly.

  – Alright, but be mindful of the stairs.

  The child smiled enchanted by the decorations as he walked past the altar, Archelaos followed right behind. Abruptly the boy stopped and his smile went away, his gaze focused in a big glass panel floating close to the altar, in it was projected an image of his mother.

  – Why is she...

  – You wished to learn of your passing, this shall help you.

  – How?

  – The closer your mind goes to the memory of your dismissal, the more risky it becomes for your soul. This place was created to protect you during this process – two chairs appeared close to the panel – let's sit, it may take a while.

  As they sat, the woman in the panel started to move. She paced from one side to the other in the kitchen, her hair messy, her posture crunched as she bite her nails and mumbled to herself unrecognizable words. Then, Saechan entered the room, still wearing pajamas and carrying his tiny blanket he asked, still half sleep:

  – Mom? – The boy rubbed his eyes, slightly confused by the scene.

  –SAECHAN! – she rushed toward him and abruptly grabbed his shoulders – What did your father tell you? – her breath smelled of alcohol.

  – Mom... Your smelling weird – he covered his nose with both hands.

  – TELL ME! – she began shaking him as she spoke – He went inside your room last night didn't he! Where that bastard went? – her eyes filled with a mixture of pain and hatred.

  – I... – his heart starting beating fast, his hands trembling – ...Don't know. – he couldn't bear to look in her eyes.

  – Fuck. – her hands releasing the boy from her grip as she walked back to the counter – I should've known... – her head pended heavily over her hands.

  – Mom, are you okay? – his steps approached as he grabbed the tip of her shirt – What happened?

  – Go get changed. – with her words dragged, and her voice stuffy – I'll drive you today.

  – Okay... – his tiny feet walked carefully through the stairs back to his room.

  While waiting, the woman rummaged through her bag looking for the car keys, as they were nowhere to be found she dragged her body sluggishly around the house searching. It took a while and the house became messy, but as soon as she found them, the boy came slowly down the stairs.

  – I'm ready mom... – his clothes were haggard, wrinkled and even stained at certain spots, but the smell of soap and shampoo made clear he showered and had no other option than those.

  – WHAT IS THIS? Don't you have clean clothes for gods sake? Stop being lazy and go change! We don't have the whole morning.

  – But Mom... You didn't do laundry yesterday,– he grabbed the tip of his shirt as his hands trembled and his voice cracked – this is the only uniform you gave me...

  – What? No way. Ugh, – she took a sip of her coffee – whatever. Tomorrow you won't go to school if don't have any clothes. Let's go.

  The roaring of the car motor increased as she drove at impressive speeds, ignoring all signs and cross walks, she barely managed to avoid the pedestrians. As the wheels made closed turns and the others honked at the car, Saechan held tightly to the armrest of the passenger seat in the back. She had always been a careful driver, so that was the first time he experienced such a thing, his heart racing as fast as the cylinders in the motor, his eyes closed in fear, it didn't matter if he got there late, as long as they were alive. Regardless, he kept quiet, not making a sound, as if his mere existence could escalate the situation.

  Soon, they got to the school, she only stopped for a second and didn't say much before leaving the boy at the parking lot. As he entered the classroom, already late, the teacher scolded him for his lack of time management abilities and not irresponsibility with his public appearance. However she allowed him to take his gym clothes and come back for class after the second period.

  When the classes were over, Chaesol approached Saechan and asked if he would like a ride home as her mother would come pick her up later. He happily accepted and while they waited she decided to strike a conversation:

  – Saechan, what happened to your uniform today? – she handed him some fruit.

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  – Oh... – he gladly accepted – I fell on my way to the school, as I was already late I couldn't go back home to change.

  – I see! But you should have called your mom to bring you clean clothes, you know how our teacher is strict with this stuff... – she munched an apple – but I understand, your mom must be busy with the professor stuff right? My mom's the same!

  – Really? How's she? – although they were close, Saechan had never really asked much about her parents as he was afraid the questions could come back to him later.

  – Hmm – another slice – well, she's usually busy with the broadcasts and when she's home who takes care of the chores is my dad, but she likes it though! I even gave him a cute apron to match his work around the house ahahaha he loved it too!

  – ahaha I see, it must be nice... – his eyes looked as his feet as he imagined a world were his family could be like that as well.

  – ...chan...

  – Sae....

  – SAECHAN!

  – AH sorry! What?

  – Didn't you hear me? Mom's here, let's go! – she took the boy by his hand and led him to the parking lot where they entered a white SUV with dark windows.

  – Good work guys! How was class today my sweetheart? – a woman in her mid forties, with short straight hair looked at them through the rear-view mirror as she spoke.

  – It was okay, the same as always. Oh, mom this is Saechan Lee! My classmate! Isn't he cute?

  – It's a pleasure to meet you Saechan! I'm Sarah Kim, Chaesol's mother!

  – T-thank you Mrs. Kim! I'm really grateful. – his hands grabbed the tip of his shirt as he spoke looking down, his face turning slightly red.

  Compared to the morning ride, Mrs. Kim's driving was calm and respectful, no rushing and no closed turns tossing them around in the back seat. As she drove, Chaesol put some music in the car radio and sang for them cheerfully. It was a wonderful moment for Saechan, for a moment he felt as if that was his life, as if he belonged to that world right beside his friend. However, they soon arrived and Saechan had to bid goodbye. Although Mrs. Kim insisted on meeting his mom to explain why he arrived later than usual, the boy was averse to the idea and strongly opposed, in the end she left the boy at the residence with the invitation of a future dinner between the families.

  As the door opened, the house was engulfed into a profound darkness except by the dimmer light of microwave left open. The only sound that filled the room was his mother's snoring coming from the sofa as she laid down still wearing the same clothes as before. Quietly the boy hid the sound of his steps and went upstairs. After cleaning himself and finishing some homework he went back down in hopes she had cooked them dinner, but the kitchen was empty and the woman had barely moved, only getting up to turn on the TV. As Saechan entered the room looking for some food, he noticed how the floor was covered in water. Apparently, she had forgotten the sink open and now the whole place was wet, so he tried to close it. However he couldn't reach it without help yet and before he could ask his mother, his tiny feet slipped and his head bumped against the counter edge.

  As his consciousness started to fade he extended his arm toward her, his voice wouldn't get out, and he was feeling cold, as his arm failed to reach her he thought to himself "mom, please... Help me".

  The glass panel dissolved and now the temple was left in silence. Archealos observed the boy as a dark matter began to emerge from his heart.

  – Mr. Arche what's happening? – startled he looked at the man beside him, then down at the shadows surrounding his body – What's this?

  – Don't worry, – He grabbed the boy's hands in reassurance – this energy won't hurt you. Look, accept and allow it to go. Don't obsess over the thoughts of pain and loneliness you harbor. – the stars awakened by the commotion rushed over and guided the child to the center of the altar.

  As the shadows moved, they started to take form, until they replicated perfectly Saechan, they looked like him, but at the same time one could tell they weren't the same. His heart was racing, and his hands sweating. As he tried to approach it, the creature let a high pitched scream, like a wounded animal being shot.

  – It's... scared? – The boy whispered to himself – It's okay! I won't hurt you!

  As the creature looked at him a cold went down his spine, but his resolve didn't waver. He tried again, this time slowly. The shadows yelled:

  – GET AWAY – it's voice was distorted, it sounded bizarre enough to make ears bleed and babies cry – I-I'M FIne... S-so I d-don't need any h-help... – it started crying, It's tears were dark as the night, but the stars dancing around it made them look like galaxies falling from the eyes of an ancient god.

  Saechan look deep into its eyes, outside, there was pain, betrayal, but when he looked for long enough what he saw was fear, of his mother, of others finding out, of not being enough, of being too much, of dying, of himself, in the end it was just him looking in a mirror. He hugged it. As tears rolled down theirs eyes, slowly the shadows dispersed, merging themselves with him, and the boy was left alone at the altar.

  As his tears dried, the boys clothes became adorned by patterns embroidered in gold, his eyes shone in hues of unknown colors. As he looked for Archelaos, between the marble walls, he saw a huge gate adorned by golden leafs with tiny stars dancing around it. The boy smiled as he walked towards it and whispered by himself,

  – Thank you Mr. Archelaos.

  As the boy dissapeared, Archelaos went back trough the forest, the winds now silent carried the golden leafs fallen from the trees. Soon, he was back at the room filled by scrolls falling from the skies, each slowly closing and the path began to dissolved as he passed by. Carefully he closed the mustard book, now a silver badge appeared at it's cover and shone with the boy's name engraved, his work was done.

  The sound of pens and the smell of fresh ink filled the tiny room, as he sat down the pen moved itself dancing around the page writing in details the story, it was short yet detailed report to be submitted at the archive. Having finished, he went back through the dark hallway, being followed by the floating book and file, as he approached the wall it turned into a door and he was back to his office.

  Calmly his steps followed toward the archive, only one moon was up at the sky and the silence filled the cold night, his only company were the floating book and papers right behind. As he reached the Archive's entrance, two familiar voices argued at the back:

  – Head deputy you know you can't put it there! That is supposed to go to the other section across the room! – Thomas begged from across the room looking at the figure sitting down hidden by floating books, actual books.

  –But it's way to far! – as the man stood up, the books followed him – Why is everything so far away here? Ugh.

  – Please Head Deputy! Where are you going?! You have to approve the reports of today's librarians! Come back here. – the boy rushed toward the bookshelves were the other was hidden.

  Archealos stood there for a while listening to the situation unfold, soon Thomas came to the counter where the librarian awaited.

  – Ugh swear, – his hands rubbing his temples, that night Thomas could feel the headaches coming back – he's gonna be the death of me!

  – I suppose that won't be a problem as we're all dead here – joked.

  – Head Counselor! – surprised the boy bowed respectfully – *Bless the* – before he could finish, in a flash someone pushed him to the side abruptly and took his place.

  – Mr. Archelaos, what brings you here today? – Vin's eyes were filled by expectations and excitement over the sudden visit.

  – This – the book and files danced toward the counter.

  – Oh, of course! Our trustworthy Thomas will take care of it, – he shoved the documents over to his side – now, please follow me!

  – Wait – before he could finish, they were already gone – Head Deputy!

  Vin's office was filled by trinkets and weird objects floated around, the floors filled by piles of books and papers spread across the room. A few globes, of the stars know where, could be seen and his desk was hidden by scrolls and unrecognizable objects. As Vin entered, followed by Archelaos, he started to dig in some piles as if looking for something.

  – Mr. Archelaos, you see, I was looking into what I told you about yesterday, you remember right? Wait, let me refresh your memory! – unsuccessful in his search between the piles, he rummaged trough his messy desk.

  – There's no need. – his hands carefully moved a few floating papers away as he avoided stepping on any notes – I remember.

  – Oh great! Then, – a drawer opened to his right and notes came flying – I was trying to translate more pages, – now to the left, this times pens of all colors and forms rushed around – then I noticed the last page indicated a location! Aha! – this time, the same thick book of the last night came floating, the pages turned until the very last were one could see scribbles and messy notes – And you know, – a map came rushing from the roof – I really wanted to look into it! But Thomas would scold me for leaving the Archive again... – he looked displeased toward the door, as if the boy was standing right there – BUT you just appeared, which must be a sign! Could you help me? I just need to check what's there! – he shoved the map in Archelaos hands.

  –... Vin, wouldn't it be safer – he folded the map gently – if you finished translating the whole book first? You don't even know what it's about.

  – But, I can't wait! If I could, – as he talked the pens floating danced in synchrony – I would already had translated it, – everything stop in a dramatic way, then went back to their wandering as he continued – I'm so excited, but there's so much work to – he assumed a shrimp pose and let a long sigh of agony – get done here because of the Soul's Festival! And Thomas would give me another earful for neglecting work again. – he crossed his arms and made a childish face to show his frustration – He's already fuming over the delayed reports! – his hands pointed at a huge pile of paperwork.

  – By "Delayed reports" you mean the ones you were supposed to turn in last week?

  –... Yes? – he avoided Archealos's gaze as he spoke.

  – Ha... – his fingers pressing his temples, apparently Thomas won't be the only one with a headache today – If I check the location for you, will you be able to finish your work today?

  – Absolutely! – the smile filled his face from ear to ear, like a child who just received the best Christmas gift.

  – Alright, I'll go. But don't make Thomas work by himself again, Bai Ling will complain about it later.

  – ... Mr. Archelaos... – his joined his hands shyly – You're not going to tell Mrs. Bai Ling about it right? She's way to scary to handle! – as the thought of being scolded by her, again, came to mind a chill went down his spine.

  – I won't, only if you keep your word.

  – Alright! Thank you! I'll show you to the door.

  – Vin.

  – Yes? – he stopped.

  – The location. – the map behind him unfolded in the air.

  – Oh yes! sorry, I forgot ahahaha!