The bustling city seemed so distant, even though Valtayvious was right in the middle of it. All the noise, all the commotion…all of it was blocked out in his mind. He lay there, staring up at the blue sky, outstretching a hand towards the clouds.
Foreman: Hey, Hughes, get off your lazy butt and get back to work!
Valtayvious turned his head to look at the foreman who was standing on the docks. The foreman was smiling at him and Valtayvious smiled back. He hopped back up to his feet and rolled the sleeves up on his shirt. Grabbing a crate he began to walk down the dock towards a cargo freighter that was waiting on this shipment before it could leave.
Foreman: With all these “added breaks” you and your brother take, I should start saying the two of you take a second lunch.
Valtayvious: Why? So you and the company could get a bigger salary at the end of the week? I don’t think so.
Foreman: Hey now, no reason to get hostile. You know I’m only kidding. Somehow you alone get twice as much work done as the rest of these dolts.
Half of the crew were panting and sweating, trying to keep up the pace Valtayvious set for loading the cargo. The other half were either sitting or lying down in the shade, taking a much needed hydration break.
Foreman: It’s amazing how a boy your age could carry out such a workload. An for your size…
Valtayvious dropped the crate several inches from the boat and ran after the foreman.
Valtayvious: Who are you calling small again?! So tiny and weak and pathetic that they should be doing paperwork instead of what real men do?! I’ll show you!
The cigarette in the foreman’s mouth fell to the ground as Valtayvious charged him.
Zejx: Brother, no!
Zejx stepped in between Valtayvious and foreman Tripp. He blocked his brother from taking a swing at the foreman.
Valtayvious: Let me at him! He thinks he’s so big, then he shouldn’t be afraid of me.
Zejx: You’ve got to calm down Valtayvious. Foreman Tripp didn’t mean anything by that remark. Nothing insulting anyway. He meant it as a compliment.
Foreman Tripp: He’s right Valtayvious. Take it easy. You’ll never make it far in life if you constantly let your temper get the best of you. You have to learn to control it before it controls you.
Valtayvious calmed down and let out a small sigh. A whistle blew and with it followed the cheers of all the dock workers. Foreman Tripp looked at his pocket watch.
Foreman Tripp: Hmmm…two minutes fast.
The crew let out a gasp and a groan. The cargo they just set back down on the docks was about to be picked back up when foreman Tripp closed his pocket watch and smiled.
Foreman Tripp: I guess we’ll get it fixed tomorrow. Go home and enjoy your weekend off men. I’ll see you all back here, bright and early, Monday morning.
The men cheered once again and all began to run home. All except two…Valtayvious and Zejx. They continued to load the freighter.
Foreman Tripp: Boys, didn’t you hear me? Go home, enjoy yourselves. This cargo can wait until Monday.
It was as if they acknowledged what foreman Tripp said, but disregarded it as they kept their heads down and pushed on.
Foreman Tripp: Boys, I said…
Valtayvious: We heard you Tripp. It’s okay, really. This shipment has been here long enough and like you said, with all the extra time me and my brother spend goofing off, we deserve to stay here and make up all our missed work. Call it equivalent exchange.
Valtayvious gave the foreman a quick smile as he grabbed another crate and headed back towards the ship.
Foreman Tripp: There you go again with that law of yours. I really wish others would abide by such a law. Maybe then there would be no more suffering in this world.
Zejx held his breath, hoping his brother would not go off on a tangent about suffering and the laws of equivalent exchange. He spoke before Valtayvious had the chance.
Zejx: There’s nothing in this world that can be exchanged that’s of equal or lesser value to atone one’s suffering.
Valtayvious: You can say that again.
The foreman didn’t say anything as the boys dropped the crates off onto the freighter. Instead, he reached inside his pants pocket for his car keys.
Foreman Tripp: You boys want a ride after you’re all finished?
Zejx: That’s okay, we’ll walk. Thank you for offering.
The foreman got into his car and rolled down the window after starting the engine.
Foreman Tripp: I appreciate this boys and I’m sure the boss will as well. Take care, I’ll see you both on Monday.
Foreman Tripp sped off on the dirt path. Zejx picked up the next to the last crate and as he turned, Valtayvious had his arm stretched out, his palm stopping Zejx.
Zejx: Hey, brother…what are you doing? I almost dropped the cargo.
Valtayvious: Where were you Zejx?
Zejx: What do you mean?
Valtayvious: Just before when foreman Tripp was telling me to get back to work. You weren’t here.
Zejx: That’s crazy. I was here, you just didn’t see me.
Valtayvious: I may be a lot of things Zejx, but naïve isn’t one of them. I saw you slip out the back door after lunch. So tell me, where did you run off to this time? Don’t tell me you went to go do more research on that silly school up north.
Zejx: It’s not silly brother. They could really help us and we might be able to help the people here.
Valtayvious: We don’t belong here Zejx. This isn’t our home. No one can help us. Even if someone could, it wouldn’t be anyone from that school. That place is a joke.
Zejx: Don’t say that. They really could help us focus our powers to get…
Valtayvious: Don’t say it Zejx. Don’t you dare speak her name.
Zejx: You still love her brother, you can’t tell me you don’t. I know you still love Miranda.
Valtayvious: Along time ago yes, but it’s been over a year now Zejx. I don’t love her anymore, not since she turned her back on me. On us.
Zejx: It’s all my fault that she did and where we are now because of it. It’s my fault you lost your arm and leg. I want to make things right again.
Valtayvious: You don’t owe me a thing.
Zejx: How can you say that?
Valtayvious: Because I should have known better. It was my own foolish thinking that caused all of this. If anyone should be apologizing, it’s me.
Zejx: Now I know you’re crazy. If it hadn’t been for me, you would still have your own arm and leg. You would still have Miranda. You wouldn’t be so cold and distant from everyone. You could feel what it was like to love again. If it wasn’t for me ever being born, you could have led a normal life.
Valtayvious slapped Zejx, causing him to drop the crate. Then he hugged him.
Valtayvious: Don’t ever say something like that again Zejx. What would Mom and Dad think of such talk? Without you here, I would have no one.
Zejx: I’m sorry brother. I just wish there was something I could do for you. I want to help you out this time, just like you have had tried so hard in the past to help me. Please let me help.
Valtayvious: If you want to help, then you’ll stop all this nonsense about going to Kamrin University. The only thing you and I can do is look out for one another. Each other is all we’ve got. No school can change that Zejx.
Valtayvious let go of Zejx and picked up the last crate. He stopped beside Zejx and waited for him to pick up his. A smirk spread across his face.
Valtayvious: You think can beat me?
Zejx: A race huh? What are the stakes this time brother?
Valtayvious: Loser has to make breakfast for a week.
Zejx: What kind of bet is that? Even if I win, I lose. You’re no cook.
Valtayvious looked angry and disappointed at Zejx’s comment.
Valtayvious: Hey, anyone can burn toast.
Zejx: A slice yes…but fourteen…loaves. That’s got to be some kind of new record.
Zejx had to shut his eyes he was laughing so hard. When he opened them, he could see Valtayvious already running towards the freighter.
Zejx: Brother! That’s cheating!
Valtayvious let out a laugh of his own this time.
Valtayvious: Then I guess you won’t have to worry about my horrible cooking after all, seeing as how you’ll be the one making me breakfast.
The carefree laughing of the two boys filled the sea side dock. The sun was just about setting, yet the relaxing dusk setting cast just enough light to have the boys appear as shadows to any passer by. They both felt at ease. Like young children again, back home where they belonged, with their parents. As they left the docks and headed home, night began to slowly settle in. Several street vendors began to close up their shops for the evening. Valtayvious and Zejx continued their charade of acting like children on their journey home. They skipped, played tag, hid among the various alleyways between them and their homeward bound destination. All of the things which reminded them of better days that they both wished to return to and live once again. As they walked up the road to their home, the light downstairs was off.
Zejx: I guess Alice went to bed already. She’s going to let us have it in the morning for not coming home sooner.
Valtayvious: Just as well. Now we don’t have to do the dishes.
Zejx let out a small sigh at his brother’s comment. Alice was an elderly woman who lived alone with her cat Shadow. When Valtayvious and Zejx showed up in the town of Barton they were looking to work for food. Alice, being the kind, old lady she was allowed the boys to work for her. At first, she only let them sleep in the barn, but over time she accepted them as her “children”. She gave them a room down in the basement and the boys were allowed to pursue work outside the daily chores she asked them to perform. It was like they were a family…sort of. The boys crept into the house and made their way into the kitchen, trying to be mindful of the creaky floorboards. Valtayvious turned to Zejx and shrugged, smiling.
Valtayvious: Looks like we’re in the clear.
Zejx: Um…brother…
A lantern could be heard being lit and Zejx was pointing nervously over Valtayvious’ shoulder at Alice.
Valtayvious: She’s right behind me, isn’t she?
Alice: With such knowledge for being right all the time Valtayvious, you think you would know by now what sets me off. Where were you the two of you? Goofing off down at the docks again? I hope you know that poor foreman Tripp can’t keep covering for you boys. He’s going to end up losing his own job and where will he be then? He’s got a wife and child you know. You can’t just go on thinking about yourselves all the time. Keep in mind the welfare of others once and a while.
Valtayvious: Are you done yet?
Zejx: Brother!
Valtayvious: What? Look Alice…
Valtayvious spun around to face the old woman.
Valtayvious: We were late coming home because we offered to stay and finish loading the freighter for Tripp, so he could finally mark off that shipment as being completed before Monday.
Alice: Is this true Zejx?
Zejx: Yes ma’am, we…
Valtayvious: Wait a minute, why are you asking him? Isn’t my word good enough?
Alice: Forgive me Valtayvious. It’s just sometimes you’re known for bending the truth to cover the hides of you and your brother. I’m sure foreman Tripp will be very pleased with the extra effort you put forth to complete the job on time.
Valtayvious: He should. I was the one doing most of the work while Zejx here was off doing more research on that ridiculous school up north.
Alice: You mean Kamrin University?
Valtayvious: Yeah, that’s the one. For some reason he thinks we should enroll.
Alice: It wouldn’t be that bad of an idea for the pair of you to check it out. I hear they’re having a lecture up there this weekend and a free stay for those who are interested in possibly enrolling. Maybe you boys should go.
Valtayvious: Oh please, don’t tell me you believe in this nonsense too Alice.
Alice: I’m not saying the school is the right path for you two, but it wouldn’t hurt to check it out. You’re both accomplished alchemists.
One day while working in the field, Alice had spotted the boys using alchemy to speed up their chores. It was the first time anyone where the boys were now that anyone witnessed such a feat. No one else had ever performed alchemy. It was spoken of as a myth. Alice promised to never speak of what she saw, but asked that the boys didn’t use it at their actual job. She believed that a hard day’s work was deserving of a well earned pay. Using alchemy to get ahead in life was simply unfair. The boys took the advice to heart and as far as Valtayvious being able to get his work done faster than the other men at the dock was thanks to his metal arm and leg. They weren’t visible to the other men he worked with. The only time he revealed them was on Alice’s farm and inside the house. No one else could be made aware that he and his brother were alchemists.
Alice: Maybe they could help you become even far greater with the skills you already possess.
Zejx: That’s what I’ve been saying, but brother doesn’t feel it’s necessary.
Alice: Oh?
Valtayvious: You’re damn right I don’t feel it’s necessary. What good would come of it? We can’t go home Zejx and you know it. Going to that place would be a waste of time. Even if we could get stronger, how would that help us or anyone in this town for that matter? We have a good job and a roof over our head, hot meals, and a comfortable bed to sleep in to look forward to every evening when we get home.
Zejx: If we go, I might be able to restore your body back to the way it once was brother.
Valtayvious: Why do you care so much about that?
Zejx: Because you lost everything trying to help me…
Valtayvious: We both lost something Zejx, not just me.
Zejx: That’s not true. I lost Veronica, yes, but I should have been able to deal with her passing in a more mature manner. You tried to bring her back for me. In turn you lost not only Miranda, but your arm and leg. An I…I lost nothing. My body is whole. It’s my duty to return to your normal body as well. Even if I can’t get Miranda here, I want to be able to put you back to the way you were. I owe you that much and you won’t stop me from thinking that way.
Valtayvious hung his head and let out a sigh.
Valtayvious: Tell you what Zejx…if we go check out this school for the weekend, will you stop this nonsense of trying to pay me back?
Zejx: You mean we can go?!
Valtayvious: Don’t get too excited. I said we’ll check it out. If they can actually offer a way to get my body back to the way it used to be, we’ll stay. If it’s what I think it is though, just a flashy school with a lot of smoke and mirrors, we’re right back on the docks Monday morning.
Zejx: Oh brother!
Zejx grabbed Valtayvious and hugged him close. Valtayvious squeaked out, trying to gasp some air.
Valtayvious: Zejx…I can’t breathe.
Alice laid out the boys supper on the table.
Alice: Eat up you two. I gave you a double helping of protein Valtayvious. You want to get as big and strong as your younger brother, don’t you?
Valtayvious struggled to break free from Zejx’s grip. Zejx was holding him even tighter now as Valtayvious tried to squirm away.
Valtayvious: Oh, so I’m small and weak and useless am I?! C’mere you old bat, I’ll show you a thing or two about how strong I am!
Zejx: Brother, no! She didn’t mean it like that!
Alice: Maybe I did Zejx. Aw, look at little Valtayvious, being restrained by his younger sibling. Some role model image you set. Perhaps Zejx should tell the people at Kamrin University he’s the older of the two.
Valtayvious: Why you! Damn it Zejx let me go! She thinks I’m so puny that an ant could take me out, I’ll show her that I’m stronger than half the men we work with!
Zejx: Brother, calm down…she’s only trying to get the better of your temper. Isn’t that right Alice?
Alice: No…
Valtayvious: I’m not a runt! You relic, get over here and say some of those things to me, eye to eye!
Alice: I’ll have a chair for you stand on when I do.
Valtayvious let out an angered cry and bit Zejx’s arm just hard enough to get him to release his hold on him. He began to chase Alice around the table, Zejx in hot pursuit. All the noise could probably be heard in town as the three of them yelled back and forth at each other.
The sun began to rise on the new day and a rooster on Alice’s farm let out a call to wake everyone up. The boys began to pack for their journey to Kamrin University and Alice made them breakfast. As the boys came upstairs, they noticed no chores list posted on the back of their door. They entered the kitchen and sat down waiting for Alice to finish scrambling the eggs she was making for them.
Zejx: Alice, did you forget to write down our daily chores?
Alice: No…
She turned from the stove and gave the boys each a hardy helping of eggs. She smiled as she set the pan down on the table.
Alice: You’re only duty, whether you choose to stay at that school or not, is when you do come home, to do so safely. I don’t want any harm to come to either of you.
Zejx: We’ll be fine, I’m sure of it.
Alice: Look after your brother Valtayvious.
Valtayvious spoke with a full mouth, causing the eggs that dropped on the floor to be quickly lapped up by Shadow.
Valtayvious: Suddenly I’m to play the big brother role now? According to you, last night I was too weak and small to even lift this fork I’m using.
Alice: I’m definitely going to miss that attitude of yours Valtayvious.
The boys finished up their breakfast and began to walk back towards the basement to finish packing when they heard a car pull up outside. Alice opened the door and foreman Tripp came inside.
Valtayvious: Foreman Tripp…what are you doing here?
Foreman Tripp: I’ve come to give you a boys a ride up to Kamrin University.
Zejx: What?!
Foreman Tripp: Alice called me and asked if I would be nice enough to give you two a lift. I figured the two of you deserved it after staying late last night to finish up that shipment.
Valtayvious: Alice, just what have you told Mr. Tripp here?
Alice: Not too worry…he doesn’t know why the two of you are going up.
Valtayvious: Is that so?
Foreman Tripp: It’s true Valtayvious. Alice held her tongue no matter how hard I pried for information. After a while I finally gave up and just figured that for whatever reason you and Zejx are going up, it must be a good one. I hope you find what you’re looking for. An if you don’t, you’ll always have your job at the docks when you come back home. With how quickly you’re able to complete a workload and your brother always sneaking off, I figured something was up. Don’t worry, I’ll just tell the boss you’ve taken a leave of absence for emergency reasons. He’s not too bright and even if you come back three years from now, he’ll think you’ve been there the whole time. So go finish packing and we’ll head out.
After the boys put their suitcases into the truck of foreman Tripp’s car, they gave a hug to Alice and promised to write if they had decided to stay. As the car drove off, growing smaller and smaller in the distance, a small tear ran down Alice’s cheek.
Alice: I hope you find what you’re looking for there boys. I love you both.
The car ride was quite lengthy. The windy road led up a snow covered hill towards the school. There was a sign on the side of the road that read “only students may proceed further”. Tripp stopped the car and let it idle in park as he helped the boys retrieve their luggage from the trunk. He reached inside his pocket and pulled out two envelopes.
Foreman Tripp: Here boys…
Inside was their two week salary.
Zejx: But sir, we haven’t earned this yet. We don’t get paid until next week.
Foreman Tripp: Think of it as an advance. Don’t worry about it.
Zejx: But sir…
Valtayvious: Hey, keep quiet will ya? The man said not to worry about it.
Zejx was still in a little shock of the generosity of foreman Tripp.
Zejx: Thank you sir. I hope this won’t set you back any.
Foreman Tripp: Nonsense, not at all. You boys take care of one another here and write if you ever feel the need too. You know where I live.
The boys shook hands with foreman Tripp who turned the car around and began the long drive back home. When he was out of sight the boys continued up the path to the school. The snow blowing around them made it difficult to see. So difficult in fact that Zejx almost slipped off the edge of the chasm that lay before them. Valtayvious reached out and grabbed his brother’s coat, keeping him from going over.
Zejx: Whoa, that was a close one. I owe you again brother.
Valtayvious: We didn’t even get to the front door yet Zejx, don’t start in with that already or I’ll turn around and walk home right now.
Zejx: Right…sorry.
Peering over the ledge revealed a drop that was at least well over one hundred feet. If one was to fall, there would be no way they could survive. The water below was probably freezing cold and it was shallow to boot. Several jagged rocks could be seen poking up from the ground, through the water. The entrance to the school was over this death trap.
Valtayvious: How do they expect us to cross with no bridge or anything of the sort?
Zejx was holding something in his hand. It was a note.
Zejx: Here brother, have a look at this.
Valtayvious snatched the paper, his eyes looking up at Zejx.
Valtayvious: Where’d you find this?
Zejx: Over there on that tree.
Zejx pointed over to the tree from where he retrieved the note. Valtayvious looked over at the tree, then down at the paper.
Valtayvious: Hmmm.
Zejx: What’s it say brother?
Valtayvious: It says, “Those who seek to enter this school must find their own path to the front doors. I assure you there is no bridge or secret passageway to get there. If you lack the ability, the knowledge, or the talent to find your own way in, then turn back now. This school is for those who see a problem and know how to fix it to the best of their abilities. Sincerely, the Dean”. Huh, this guy is pretty full of himself and this place.
Valtayvious looked around, not seeing anyone around them. There was no one across the way either watching them.
Valtayvious: You ready?
Zejx nodded to his brother.
Zejx: You bet.
They both clapped their hands and placed them on the ground in front of them. The earth beneath their feet began to shake as the boys manipulated it to form a bridge to cross over to the other side. They walked over and clapped their hands again, dissolving their alchemic bridge. No one had spotted them, which is what they were going for. Valtayvious smirked at Zejx as they walked up and stood in front of the doors that led into Kamrin University.
Valtayvious: If that’s their idea of a test, this place is going to be a piece of cake.
They pushed the doors open and stepped into the main hallway.
