The Crystals

"I want to defeat the sleep haunter for good," said Zohaifa.

"What!" exclaimed Oar as his eyes almost popped out of his face.

"I know, you deem it as something untouchable. But I have fought him myself. I can feel that he is pretty beatable."

"Are you sure?" asked Oar with a little bit of confusion.

"I am. I came from the Crazy town fighting someone stronger than he is."

"Really?"

"Though there was some mystical interference."

"Oh," said Oar with a deadpan manner.

"Just think about it. What if everybody fights together against the Sleep Haunter? Can he defeat us?"

"We have already tried that," interrupted Mr. Sutton.

"Mr. Sutton!" exclaimed Oar, "What are you doing here in my house? Err… I mean… It's an honor that you came to visit my home."

"I came here hearing the news of Zohaifa's arrival. So, Zohaifa, I thought you knew that we already tried that," replied Mr. Sutton.

"No, you didn't. You only tried using the best soldiers of that time. But what about every fighter? No, what if every villager takes part? I am sure he wouldn't be able to defeat all of us," said Zohaifa.

"You think mere villagers can do what our best warriors couldn't?" said Mr. Sutton with a bit of threatening voice.

Zohaifa sighed and said, "I am sorry I was trying to be respectful but I need to tell you the truth."

Both Oar and Mr. Sutton made minuscule movements to face Zohaifa better showing some interest in his speech.

"I know, Smomb must be a great warrior. But after the Oranton's reign, I suspect there were any powerful warriors in Orange Village. I am sorry to say this but I don't see any powerful warriors in the village."

"How dare you!" said Mr. Sutton, "Such disrespect towards our village!"

"Honestly tell me. Who is the strongest in Orange village?"

Mr. Sutton kept quiet.

"Wouldn't that be the elders?" answered Oar

"No, the elders are just equipped with special moves," said Mr. Sutton.

"Then, who is?" asked Zohaifa.

Mr. Sutton shut up again.

"I have officially beaten all of the greatest warriors, haven't I?" asked Zohaifa.

Mr. Sutton said in a choked voice, "Yes, you did." But he got his seriousness back and said, "But what about it? What can we do now?"

"We can reveal the truth to the villagers and try one last time. Even if the whole village faces mass murder, it's better to die on your feet than live on your knees," said Zohaifa in a monologue.

"That would bring back the terror we were saving our village from!" said Mr. Sutton.

"You used lies for that. How many more years do you expect to save a lie? It will be exposed, and when that happens in the future, they will question your reasons for the lie. Just like I am questioning your ancestors now," Zohaifa continued his monologue.

"What lies? What happened? Can someone explain?" said stunned Oar as he grabbed attention after a long time.

"Stay out of this Oar!" said Mr. Sutton.

Oar didn't get anything about what is happening. But from looking at the agitation in Mr. Sutton's face, he knew Zohaifa has access to some secret of the village.

"I am going to raise some awareness," said Zohaifa.

"No, you mustn't!"

"He has the carte blanche to do whatever he wants," said Red-1 from the window beside them.

Everyone noticed him and stared at him with confusion.

"I have been learning some terminologies, you see," he answered their eyes.

"Red-1! What are you doing here?" asked Zohaifa.

"My pawn will be having a special fight today. How can I miss?" answered Red-1.

"Excuse me, did I hear pawn?" asked flustered Zohaifa.

"Well, I revived your memories so that you can fight this beast. This might be the last day of your life. But I am here for backup in case the fight gets offhand," said Red-1.

"Whatever," said Zohaifa.

Suddenly, the group heard the siren.

"Its time," said Zohaifa, "Come on, Oar."

"I am not sure about my decision," said Oar, "I will just stay safe and lead the life I have always led."

"What!" exclaimed Zohaifa. But then he sighed and said, "You don't know the truth. The sleep haunter actually-"

"Silence!" interrupted Mr. Sutton. Both Zohaifa and Mr. Sutton glared at each other in the eye.