Arkhan was once a powerful wizard. Like every other villain in the story, he was smart and handsome. His blue eyes and his long golden hair attracted attention wherever he went. He had a clear goal, to achieve immortality. His obsession led him to make a pact with an elder entity. A nameless shadow that promised him to fulfill his wish. With determination, after years and years of hard work, he used part of the energy of the dark entity to stop the corruption of his body. From the shadows, he worked quietly for the entity to pay his debt.

After arduous training, the entity was defeated and disappeared into nothing. Arkhamˋs power was sealed. When the entity died, Arkham was following his steps and was now stuck in a foreign country in South America. Lost and confused in a land that did not appear on conventional maps, a gruesome war erupted. His beautiful colonial-style mansion now became a military base of operations.

He couldnˋt handle so much loss. Overall the centuries that Arkham lived, he managed to gather all sorts of information all over the world. Spells, conjurings, everything that had to do with magic. All of a sudden, he was left with nothing. Not even a purpose. He would live the rest of his days as any other mortal.

Without a home nor magic, Arkham now wandered aimlessly through that forgotten town. He walked some miles of red clay roads. His boats were now full of that same red, sticky and thick clay that stayed with anything that came into contact with it. With a long unkempt beard and desperation fully embraced. He spent his last savings in a foolish attempt to fill the void of his heart.

When he tried to sleep at night somewhere in an abandoned wreck of a home, he cried. Not only because of everything that he lost but also because he felt nostalgic about his home. Because even if he had the money to go back, he couldnˋt because of the war.

The heavy burden of guilt weighs over his shoulders. As a result, he drowned in bad habits just to forget. His fortune quickly disappeared as if it were grains of sand that fell through his fingers. And when he had nothing more than misery, violence took even his dignity from him. He was beaten until he felt nothing more than pain and copper taste in his mouth. He used his remaining strength and somehow dragged himself until he found an old and simple house. A house that hasnˋt been painted in years and almost colorless, moldy Spanish tiles. There, he blacked out.

Rebbeca found him there. A once pride and powerful man was now reduced to a simple battered body. She didnˋt know if he was a thief or a murderer but she couldnˋt just let him there to rot. Her kind heart wouldnˋt let her. Rebbeca took him into her home. Her long, straight, black hair covered her face as she kneeled down to drag him in. She changed his filthy clothes, treated his wounds, and dressed him in modest yet simple clothing that smelled like coconut soap.

At the next day, he woke up in a modest bed that he couldnˋt recognize. Confused and disoriented he wasnˋt able to determine how he got there to begin with. Then, a young, beautiful woman with cheerful eyes entered the room and waved at him as she knew him all along.

- I am a stranger. - He said with a raspy voice. - ¿Why did you help me? I could have robbed you or killed you. - Said Arkham tilting his head to one side.

The young woman raised an eyebrow and sighed with patience.

- First of all\, good morning. Second\, you were in danger. It is my duty to provide help to those in need. My elderly father once taught me that maybe one day\, we would be the ones in need. - Said the woman with a calm tone.

Arkham felt a shiver down his spine. Even after all the years that he lived, he never fully comprehended compassion. The world that he lived in was ruthless, the ones with more strength or power ruled as they pleased. A world where kindness was perceived as a weakness and gratitude as an unimportant luxury. But, there she was. Looking at him as his worth was actually worth something.

- Are you going to just stay there? - said the woman with a warm smile. - Help me to arrange the table for breakfast. And hurry up! There are lots of things to do on a farm!

Arkham nodded and followed her without much thought. Feeling strange in his own skin. An elder wizard, one who once knew all about dark magic, was now blindly following the orders of a countrywoman. He laughed a little. But it wasn't a sarcastic laughter, it was because he couldn't believe his actual situation.

The strong smell of tortillas filled the home from an ancient cauldron. In another pot, cassava was boiling in water. The wizard smiled. A meal like that would give anyone from the city a heart attack. But, for someone from the countryside was a very needed source of energy for the heavy work in the fields.

From the windows, the warm and golden light came from the sun. The house itself felt warm and kind compared to his cold and distant body. He sat down and observed the young lady elegantly serve the food on the table.

- What is your name\, young lady? I believe that we haven't introduced ourselves before.

- My name's Rebbeca\, sir. - Without even looking at him. - I ain't your momma\, so you would clean up this mess when you're done. - She added with a tone that intended to sound severe but ended up sounding playful. Showing her true warm nature.

Arkham surprised himself by smiling at that situation.

Suddenly, a scream interrupted the moment.

- YOUNG LADY! - Grouled a voice deep inside of the house. - Where have you left my tools again? I need to go to the field before the sun burns me to death!

Rebbeca rolled her eyes, smiled softly, and shook her head.

- At the kitchen pa!

An older man whose face suffered through the years and years of working over the sun entered the room. His steps were firm and his stare was severe. Quickly, their eyes met. The elder looked at him up and down in silence. Is not like he needed to say anything else to show how harshly he was judging him. After all, her daughter hasn't mentioned any new guests.

- And you are?

- Arkham\, sir. - And instinctively softened his posture and voice. - Is a pleasure to meet you. - And extended his hand as a gesture of respect.

The elder looked away as he just heard a fly and looked at his daughter again.

- Hon\, please don' tell me you are goin' out with a pussy. Ya know\, we need a man\, someone who can work at the farm.

- Pa! don' be rude! - Said Rebbeca\, clearly ashamed. - Some real cowards beat him up and took everything from him! I couldn' just let him there to die! You taught me better!

The grumpy old man frowned but ultimately nodded.

- I apologize for the inconvenience\, sir. it wasn't my intention. As soon as I get back to my old glory\, you will be highly compensated. - Said Arkham\, trying to win the respect of that man. After all\, he just appeared there\, at his house.

The man raised an eyebrow.

- Why is he speaking like that? Are ya a king or somethin'? -Said sarcastically the elder. - Bah\, man\, come and help me feed the animals. Nothin' free around here. - He petted Arkham's shoulder and got out just as fast as he appeared.

Arkham didn't quite know how to react. For the first time in centuries, someone didn't fear him or treat him with false kindness because wanted a favor. He just wanted help, nothing more.

Rebbeca smiled as she watched his uncomfortable face.

- What? is Mr noble too good to deal with a grumpy ol' man? - Joked the elder with sparkles shining through his ancient eyes.

For the first time in years, Arkham looked down, sort of ashamed. If they knew all that he had done... if they only knew.

Once he got out, he appreciated the beautiful view. Behind were three blue mountains that barely let the sun get to them. The field was filled with colorful and fragrant flowers. This was a much better view than the bars that smelled like piss and vomit that he used to wake up in.

He took the time to really breathe that clean air and got to work.

What would Arkham do? Will he just live and work as a farmer or would his dark past catch up with him?

The old man looked at her daughter, worried, while he was slowly eating a piece of bread.

Hon, I am worried about ya. How you look at this... stranger. - He said with his eyes set on Rebecca, with a worried and tired stare.

Rebbeca playfully smiled. She grabbed some jam and put it on her father's plate.

Don't worry pa. I ain't stupid. I know how to defend myself. Here, take this jam, I made it specially for ya.

The old man finally raised his eyes and found her daughter's sweet face. A revel tear streamed down his face.

If I'm being honest... I feel guilty. You're so clever and beautiful. You could go to the city and achieve so much stuff. But you're here. Taking care of your ol' man. - Tears fell through his face while his shaking hands spread jam over the bread.

Rebecca stood up and wrapped her arms around her dad, gently resting her head on his shoulder by his neck.

Every single moment that I spend with you is worth it, pa. Every single one of them.

But sooner or later I'll die. Probably sooner. Are you staying alone then? What would your life be after that? - Said the old man, his voice breaking with sadness.

A noise interrupted their conversation. Arkham entered the kitchen. Upright posture and an intense stare.

Good morning. I hope that both of you had a wonderful night of sleep. Because a good sleep is quite necessary if you want to work efficiently. - Said Arkham while he looked at them both, maintaining the stare.

The old man coughed and smiled, a bitter smile.

My lord... man. You give me goosebumps. But my kid here says that you're a good person... I guess I believe her. Your way of... acting, is not from here, is it? I'll keep an eye on ya. If you ever do something to MY daughter I-

The old man started coughing, unable to stop. Rebbeca rushed to him and patted his back softly, with care and sweetness.

Arkham got out and sat by a tall, elder tree. He looked at the sky, lost in his thoughts. His name was so feared long ago. Now... He wasn't more than a man without future or expectations.

A soft, warm hand over his shoulder brought him to reality.

Arkham? You okay?

His soft, gentle touch took him by surprise. His warm and calmed nature was so... unknown to him.

Don't worry Arkham, I don't bite! - Said Rebbeca with a playful smile.

Arkham smiled too. He took a good look at her. It was the first person that paid attention to him without second intentions. In her eyes, he wasn't more than a wizard that fell into disgrace. Just a lost man.

I unintentionally heard part of your conversation with your father. I admire what you do for him but, he has a valid point.

Rebbeca frowned and shook her head.

I ain't leaving him. He took care me all his life, forgetting about himself. My ma died long ago. Pa never married again because he was afraid that a step ma would treat me badly. He sacrificed for me, ya know?

Silence. Only the whisper of the wind softly blew the fallen leaves around them.

And you? Tell me about ya. - Said the young woman, as she played around with a strand of her dark hair.

Arkham looked away for a few seconds.

I was an all powerful wizard once. The most powerful of them all. - Said Arkham with zero humility. - I was so close to achieving eternal immortality. But, the entity that allowed me to achieve that, was defeated. And with that, my destiny died too. - Whispered with melancholy.

Rebbeca laughed softly.

A wizard? Is this some type of classy poetry that I don't know of? I never understand when they speak in metaphors. Seriously though, where is ya wand? - And made a gesture with her finger, as if it was a magical wand. Moved it around in circles before bursting in laughter.

That is not how it works. - Answered Arkham with a soft smile. - There are spells, conjurings, magic objects, potions, and even cursed relics that can alter reality itself. If you work with a powerful entity, everything seems... easy. Actually, that's how I lived more than humanly possible.

She looked at him in disbelief. Then she laughed again, louder this time.

You're kidding, right? Or you lost your marbles because of your suffering. - Said Rebbeca with sweetness. - Let's suppose that I believe ya. Why would you wanna live for so long? Did you lock yourself at a tower making sinister plans or what? For what? - Said Rebbeca with honest curiosity.

Arkham looked at her in silence. He never bothered to think about that. He breathed the clean air from that land and sighed. Rebbeca looked at him expectantly. Her eyes locked on him.

He finally answered.

Long ago, families consisted of many members. All lived together in one big house. When I was just a kid, while I was away, an foreign army slaughtered all my family. Men, women, children, pregnant women and elderly people. Imagine how that impacted the life of a child, a pure child. - Said Arkham with his voice breaking.

I am so sorry about what you've been through. But, what does that have to do with your wish to become immortal? - Pointed out Rebbeca.

I swore that I would stop any and all wars. To achieve that I needed power. Destiny then took my side for once and a powerful alchemist took me as his apprentice. I learned a lot from him but quickly, he taught me all that he knew. So I left, traveled all over the world. I traveled through land and sea, rainy storms, cold winters and harsh summers collecting every piece of knowledge possible. I didn't just start as a powerful being without the hard work. And you young lady? What makes you go on every day?

Wow! Well, my motivations are way simpler. I breathe clean air and take care of Pa. He'll die soon, don't you think that I don't know that. But, that is why I enjoy every moment with him. I am happy like this. I do not wish to conquer the world or anything... yet. - Said Rebbeca with a playful smile.

Happiness? That word was almost unknown to him. He knew pleasure, power, ambition, but not happiness. When was the last time that he felt... complete?

You are really beautiful... your soul I mean. So pure. I have never met someone with one like yours. Not everybody would pick a stranger up from death's doors. Even worse, someone that looked like I looked that time - Said Arkham with a whisper, his eyes lost in hers.

Rebbeca blushed and looked away.

Pa said that you're bad news. Maybe he's right... By the way, Mr wizard, stop saying nonsense or you'll be taken to a mental asylum. - Said Rebbeca while laughing. - If what you say is true, then you're a villain, right? I don't judge you, I like villains. Villians are the ones that make the story continue. In real life, you gotta fight for what you want. Maybe all of us have a little of a villain inside of us, If not, nobody would advance in life. I think that when you are a filly, you imagine yourself as a hero. Only later in life, you understand why villians do what they do.

Rebbeca made a pause, the finally added:

In my case though, I wouldn't hurt a fly. It's just not how I am. Manipulating others is just not my thing.

Arkham looked away, ashamed. In the past, he gifted objects to important people just to take advantage of them. He made a pact with a dark entity to achieve his goals, and, somehow, he made it. He lived more than any human did. The price? Loneliness. Now, he felt weak and exposed. But, he knew better than anyone that he was just following his goal in mind. An idealist, after all.

I did hurt people, many people. - Said Arkham without looking up. - I cheated, betrayed and sacrificed others for my own selfishness. Everything that I touched turned into dust or a painful memory.

Rebbeca frowned and moved closer to Arkham.

But after all... you're here. You are not a villain any more. - Said Rebbeca with a smile. - Maybe your story isn't over yet. Maybe your true purpose is still out there.

Arkham sighed and started playing with a stick that he found on the floor.

The concept of redemption is for the weak. - But his voice lacked conviction. - The world only moves because of power. Is the only concept that it understands.

Suddenly, they heard a noise in the backyard. A teenager entered the property and was stealing fruit because he thought that no one was watching. When the wizard understood what was happening, he stood up, went towards the teen and punched him so hard that he fell on his back. But he continued. One punch after another. Unleashing all his frustration onto him.

Rebbeca tried to intervene but was accidentally hit while trying to stop Arkham.

I am deeply sorry Ms Rebbeca. I didn't mean it. - Said the wizard, full of regret.

These are the consequences of your actions, understand that. Not everything gets solved with violence, look at the poor teen and tell me what you see.

A teenager scared and trembling with fear. - Said Arkham, deeply ashamed of himself.

He 's just hungry. Look at his hair. His natural color is black but he has reddish strands of hair because he doesn't eat as he should. bring him some milk and cheese that we stock in the refrigerator.

The youngster, teary eyed, thanked over and over again and promised not to steal from her ever again. Arkham came back with the food that Rebbeca asked for. The teenager accepted happily and walked off slowly, with a mixture of fear and gratefulness.

Rebbeca screamed to him: " If you're hungry just come by! There's always some for the one who needs it!"

Rebbeca then turned to Arkham and looked at him in detail. She clearly noticed his shame. He just attacked someone way weaker than him.

First listen to the people, who know what they have to say. Life's as this field full of flowers, it can be pretty beautiful too.

I still see this world as a battlefield, not a garden. But, what am I now? Just a man sat in a field listening to a young woman telling me about the meaning of life in the middle of nowhere.

Rebbeca reached for a tangerine and peeled it carefully. Then she gave it to Arkham.

Maybe. But, don't ya think that life would be much easier if we all just share things with others? - She pointed at the tree above them. - There are more than enough tangerines for the three of us and more to share. Here, we learned to share, everybody here makes it somehow. Is just easier if we share.

Arkham accepted the fruit. He thought that, maybe, there could exist another life in which he could live without hurting anyone. And just when he was feeling safe, he felt a bad omen. Something had broken the power balance and the consequences of that could be fatal. With his powers sealed, he couldn't do anything about it. Just wait and pray that he wasn't right this time.

"You have the mark of a wizard, youngster," said the alchemist while searching for a plant that only appears early in the morning. A plant worked as medicine for people in the town.

"What does that mean?" - Said teenager Arkham.

"Normal people like me can create potions or manipulate certain spells. But you... You possess some magical energy. Do not put all your trust in that, though." - Said the alchemist as they climbed the mountain with great effort.

"What happens if I work only on that part?"

"A mediocre wizard. There are many ways to achieve more than magical power. Places on earth in which, if you meditate there, you can increase your power. Also, there are magical relics, you can track them, distinguish real ones from falsifications, and find the right people to advance in your journey. It takes patience, I can assure you that."

Then, the alchemist smiled and pulled a plant from the ground, roots and all.

"Arkham. Take a look at that plant over here. It seems almost identical to the one we are looking for, but its roots are white. The one that we need has black roots."

The old man took the plant and put it into his bag and continued walking. A few feet of walking later, he raised his eyes and saw a big, thick, and rounded tree full of spikes and red leaves.

"He, he! It is our lucky day, youngster! This tree can be really useful to create potions to protect many youngsters, such as yourself, from succubi. But I need the fruit from this tree, it is right over... there!"

"Young Arkham followed the old man's finger upward and saw the fruit—yes—but it was at least 70 feet above, well out of reach."

"How am I supposed to reach that? The tree is full of spikes. I cannot climb that. By the way, what is a succubi?" - Said Arkham, curious.

"They are the children of Lilith. According to Jewish Kabbalah, succubi obtain their energy from intercourse and children. Generally, they attack while youngsters like you sleep." - Said the alchemist with a mischievous smile.

"And this potion that you mentioned, repels them?" - Sais Arkham with a raised eyebrow.

"In the world of magic, things are never that easy, kid. I'll need some of that magical energy of yours to prepare it. Remember, I'm not a wizard — you are."

"But still, I cannot reach the fruit." - Remarked Arkham.

"That is where you help, kid. You are my backup plan! Close your eyes, concentrate on the fruit. Only the fruit must be in your mind."

Arkham closed his eyes and hoped for the best. But the best didn't happen.

"I can't." - Said Arkham, frustrated with his eyes tightly shut.

"You must relax first, kid. Close your eyes carefully and don't listen to anything else. Don't even think. Just... the... fruit."

Arkham nodded and closed his eyes. This time, he saw the fruit in his mind, just the fruit. Then, he heard a thud on the ground. It was the fruit.

Once he opened his eyes and saw the result of his effort, Arkham smiled and screamed: "I DID IT! I FUCKING DID IT!" - Arkham said, his clenched fist raised, pointing at the sky

"Thank you for helping this decrepit old man, Arkham. Let's get going. I will make you your favorite breakfast as a reward!"

Then, he expressed.

"You know, wizards exist because nature needs to compensate."

"Compensate what?" - Asked Arkham, confused.

"If we do our job correctly, there won't be magical creatures able to destroy humans. Once that happens, wizards will disappear as well. I have learned this from old texts that I read when I was an alchemist."

After they arrived home, Arkham practiced and practiced. Explored his magic and tested his limits. He learned to levitate heavier and heavier objects each time.

"You are doing it wrong, kid. Let me assist you."

The old man gave him a collar and said:

"This will amplify your powers, Arkham. Use it wisely."

Thanks, old man! - His eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Listen, kid. Do not fall in love with your magical power. Learn about spells, conspiracies, and books! I have hundreds of those for you to read. You can even make deals with powerful entities to achieve more power... But do not let it become an obsession for you. Remember why we do what we do. And please, I beg of you! If you become a powerful wizard, do not let arrogance consume you... Or that will be the end of you."

"Yeah, yeah. Help others and stuff," Said Arkham as he rolled his eyes.

Days passed, and Arkham learned little by little about his magic. Slowly getting stronger through meditation. Sometimes, the old man worried about young Arkham's destiny. And soon enough, those worries were proved right.

"I had a nightmare... I have seen fire and destruction. I could even smell the burned flesh and hear the horrifying screams of despair from the town."

He didn't even mention all the details so as not to disturb his master. Such as the burned land and bodies. It was so burned that even plants were obliterated. How he saw a small irregular circle of light as a shield close to the destruction. Only a survivor there. And, last but not least, some red eyes as blazes looking at the destruction.

The mood immediately shifted. The old man sat on a big rock with dark eyes full of worry and then covered his face with his hands.

"A wizard's dream, huh? Uhh, you... You can see unconnected pieces of the future. But they are always bad news and not only that, they are useless!" - Said the old man with frustration in his voice.

"Is it inevitable?" - Asked Arkham.

The old man didn't answer. He just stared at Arkham and shook his head. That answer made Arkham feel pure sadness. That silence was the worst possible answer.

I didn't want to ovelwerm you with too much text haha. So, I divided this chapter into two parts. I hope you enjoy!