Echo of the past

Act.2 Scene.1

Location set: The (Betthom) country before the fall, Otteja town hall District 2.

Main Actor: Ian (Focus), Badrey.

Mission: Trying to go home.

"Hey Ian, are you going home?", "Look upon me, as you sees the moon revolving 'round the earth, it ever followed the same path.", "Well, if you has nothing to do, why does you not come with me? You must be bored staying at home. What are you, a bear that taked a nap after feasting and decided to hibernate?"

"A man must be bored after eating the same fare every single day. Why will you not come and sample other flavors?", "A poor man should not be choosy about what the world has bestowed upon him." I am already weary with troubles; the children caused such a ruckus that it seemed a storm did come, striking lightning to the head and bringing a heatwave that does cause headaches.

"Just come with me, you should. Surely you will not regret this.", "Tell me which mouse in this world has been given cheese outside his house and has not been ensnared?", "A full-stomached beast has no desire to steal food from a stray and hungry creature."

Act.2 Scene.2

Location set: Inside the train.

Main Actor: Ian (Focus), Badrey.

Mission: Accompanying Badrey.

"You may not know, or you may realize, but I do care about you as I care about sugar.", "Does you know that salt is more needed and useful for humanity than sugar ever shall be?", "Yea, tell me what you will do with bitter coffee or tea that taste like a cat has peed on the bed.", "Scientifically, almost everything we eat and drink contain salt, as humans truly need it. What will you do about it? And as for bitter drink, it is merely your problem, no?" There was but the sound of the train track moving, and the announcement given by the commuter line express: "The next station will be Living Swamp, repeat, Living Swamp." The end of the commuter line. None of us spoke thereafter. 'That not my fault to begin with; I am already weary, and he desires my company.

We left the train by the door as it welcomed our exit. The air felt dry, as dry as the desert, and the pollution was thick. "This getting worse. I know there is war in the neighboring region, but I did not know it would be this dire.", "If you knew it was bad, then buy the things faster." I retorted. "You can not push a cat to go faster than its capacity." We walked, attempting to reach the exit of the train station, but there was no escape. The exit was blocked by an imaginary door; something had already bewitched us. We were forced, bound by magic! "Ah...!" The scream was so loud it filled one with fear. "In a lifetime, when you are at a train station, you should buy this bread; it taste so good!" said a voice. "Agreed, brother." another replied. After we had eaten the bread, we resumed the journey we had originally set out upon.

Act.2 Scene.3

Location set: Living Swamp, District 13.

Main Actor: Badrey (Focus), Ian.

Mission: Buy it as fast as you can.

Ian and Bradley were shopping in a very polluted district. The air was thick with smog, making each breath a laborious task. "Look here, Ian, this district seem like a wasteland." Bradley murmured, his voice muffled by a cloth wrapped around his face."Right, the war has left its mark upon this place." Ian replied, his eyes scanning the decrepit buildings and abandoned stalls. "We must be swift and gather what we need."

They moved from stall to stall, their eyes watering from the acrid air. The merchants, worn and weary, displayed their wares with little enthusiasm. "We need bread and dried meat," Bradley said, his voice strained. "The journey ahead is long, and we cannot afford to be without sustenance.", "You are right." Ian agreed. "But haste is needed; I feel the very air does flow my strength." As they continued, a figure cloaked in shadows approached them. "Strangers, I see you are not from these parts. What brings you to this forsaken district?", "We seek provisions for our journey." Ian responded cautiously. "Be wary." the figure warned, "for not all is as it seems. The war has brought forth more than just ruin; dark forces linger here." With a nod, Ian and Bradley thanked the figure and quickened their pace.

They gathered the necessary supplies, their movements hurried and their senses alert. Just as they were about to leave, Bradley paused. "Ian, look there." he whispered, pointing to a small, hidden shop. "May we shall find something of value." They entered the shop, the bell above the door tinkling softly. Inside, the air was cooler, and the scent of herbs and spices filled their nostrils. "Welcome, travelers." an old woman greeted them. "What does you seek?", "We seek anything that may aid us on our everyday life from two weeks." Bradley said. The woman smiled knowingly. "I have just the thing." she said, handing them a small pouch. "This blend of herbs will fortify against the trials ahead." Ian and Bradley exchanged glances, then nodded. They paid the woman and made their way back to the polluted streets, feeling a slight sense of hope. As they left the district, the thick air slowly began to clear. With renewed determination, they set forth on their journey back.

Act.2 Scene.4

Location set: Living Swamp, Train Station.

Main Actor: Badrey (Focus), Ian.

Mission: Go back to home.

Returning to the train station, Ian and Bradley were eager to leave the polluted district behind. The air, though still thick with smog, felt slightly more bearable as they neared the platform. They boarded the train, hoping for a smooth journey.

However, as the train began to move, it shuddered violently. Suddenly, with a deafening screech, the train veered off the tracks and plunged into a ravine. Bradley's heart pounded as chaos erupted around him. "IAN!" Bradley screamed, his voice raw with panic. Through the smoke and debris, Bradley searched frantically. His eyes finally landed on Ian, but something was amiss. Ian's expression was vacant, his eyes distant.

"Echo." Ian murmured, seemingly unaware of Bradley's presence. "Echo? Ian, what are you saying?" Bradley cried, shaking him by the shoulders. "I am Echo." the kid replied, his voice eerily calm. "I know not this Ian you speakest of." Bradley's mind raced. "Ian, snap out of it! This I, Bradley!" But the man before him showed no sign of recognition. "I know not this Ian." Echo repeated. "I am Echo." Desperation gripped Bradley. "Ian, does you not remember? We traveled together, we fought side by side!" Echo's gaze remained distant. "I have no memory of such things. My name is Echo." Bradley's heart sank. The friend he knew seemed lost, replaced by this stranger. "What has befallen you, Ian?" he whispered, more to himself than to Echo. In the distance, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the heavy silence. A group of men, clad in dark robes, emerged from the shadows. "Echo, you are needed." one of them intoned, ignoring Bradley entirely. Echo nodded and began to follow the men, his movements likes zombie cause the body were hurt. Bradley watched in helpless horror. "Ian, please! Remember who you are!" But Echo did not turn back. With a final, haunting glance, he disappeared into the darkness with the robed figures. Bradley stood alone amidst the wreckage, the weight of his friend's loss pressing heavily upon him. The journey that lay ahead now seemed more daunting than ever, and a sorrowful resolve settled in his heart. He vowed to uncover the truth behind Ian's transformation and bring his friend back, no matter the cost. With a heavy heart and a determined spirit, Bradley set forth into the unknown, the echoes of his friend's voice haunting his every step.

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