Sin of Greed

“Someday I want to be a hero!” a kid with a grin on his face yelled. His fist clenched with pure innocent determination. Small waves of cold water beneath him dominate his small bare feet. “Why do you want to be a hero, Mago?” The kid was asked by an old man. The old man is sitting on the huge protruded root of a giant tree. His face is full of wrinkles and hands are shaky. “Because heroes are cool!” Mago beamed. His smile never fades as he went to his grandfather from the river where they currently fetching water. “Don’t you want to be a fisherman like your Gran-gran, Olei?” the old man asked and smiled to Mago. “But I don’t want to be like you, Gran-gran. I want to be like the heroes in the inner city. They can go to different places and see many things,” the young man said. “Most of all they save lots of people! Isn’t that cool?!” he said with his tiny voice. He’s waving his hands around emphasizing his enthusiasm as he plopped down beside his grandpa, Olei. “Yes… Indeed, they are.” The old man said. His sweet smile is now gone. “Hero… huh?” Olei muttered. He reminisced his youth yet bitter past. “What was that Gran-gran?” Mago tilt his head to the side and peeked from the beard of his grandfather. “I said I love you, okay? Always remember that. We should get going there will be a huge storm coming.” The old man smiled at Mago as he picked the bucket of water and slowly walk away. Mago also stood, picking up his little sandals. While he’s twisting his wet shirt a fresh breeze from the river gently kissed his face. He can’t help but think that his Gran-gran is getting senile. What storm is he talking about? The sun is brightly shining and the sky is clear not even a speck of cloud. And also, the freshest wind while the sun is setting is the best. Mago jog to where his grandpa is, he knew that his grandfather is old and is slow at walking; anytime soon he knew he will catch up to him. But why? Why does it seem like the faster he run the further his Gran-gran gets? But his young mind only shook at the thought and run. It’s already dark when they got home and Mago’s family is bundling up their things. “Oh! Father, good thing you’re now here. I was so worried, where have you been?” Magdalene, the mother of Mago and the daughter of Olei asked. “We went to the river bank. It was a very peaceful moment to be with my grandchild,” Behind his shaky voice the happiness is barefaced as he put his hand to shuffle the already messy hair of his grandson. “What are you doing? Where are we going? Are we going to travel?!” the little bundle of joy excitedly asked as he jumps up and down. “Yes, we are. There will be a short adventure and we will go to the inner city for a while, okay?” Gran-gran Olei smiled as he picks up on his arms the little Mago and poke his chubby cheek. The kid wraps his arms on the neck of his Gran-gran that make both of them shared sweet giggles. “Okay, take your things and pack up we will leave immediately.” Gran-gran put Mago down and he immediately rush to his bedroom and packed all his things that mostly toys. “Father, are you sure about this? There are guardian deities that can protect us. So, please! Just come with us.” Minato, the oriental husband of Magdalene begs his father to come with them. But grand Olei only shook his head on disapproval. “No, I won’t go with you. I’ll do what I have to do.” Olei said. His shaky voice is now stern and his eyes are deadly. The weak and old geezer appearance is replaced with a strong and experienced warlord. It seems like he is possessed by some kind of demon. That only his stare can turn the will of any dragon into dust. His mere glance can tell that he is old for a reason. “But father-” Magdalene was cut off when the cheerful child made his appearance. “Okay, I’m ready! Come on! Let’s go!” the innocent kid is excited because he has no idea of the lurking danger. “Okay Mago, be a good kid and obey your mother and father.” Olei said. He is now back to his old shaky self and for the last time he pats the head of his beloved grandson. Minato and Magdalene carry all of their heavy things while Mago only has his knitted backpack made by his gran-gran. The sun has set hours ago. And the only light in the dark moonless night is the flickering fire of torches, lamps, and lanterns. “Why are there so many people, Papa? Are they going to travel with us too?” Mago asked scanning everything with his big innocent eyes. They walk silently through the dark along with many people who will take refuge at the inner city. “Be quiet, Mago.” Minato hushed his kid and held tightly his little hand. The thick sickening atmosphere of fear is suffocating everyone. “Where’s Gran-gran? I thought he’s going with us? He said we will go to an adventure, then where is he?” Mago bombarded his parents with his hushed questions. Though they remain quiet, their eyes show fear and worry. Sweat is already building up on the sides of his parent’s face. All the citizens walk silently yet fast. ‘We need to get to the inner city before they arrive.’ That’s what all they think. Suddenly a very strong gust of wind blows that made even the trees bow down. A few seconds after that, the alarm roars telling that enemies are close. People started to scream and yell because of fear. Some are aggressively pushing their way through, not caring if they stomp anyone neither children nor pregnant women. “What?! It’s too early! Father Olei said they will be here by dawn!” Magdalene said in panic. She’s almost in tears. “Don’t worry okay? Grand Olei can beat them. He’s the strongest after all and he’s with the guardian deities I’m sure they can handle them.” Minato smiled and wipe the tears of his panicking wife. With his other hand, his held remain tight on his son. Though he has successfully lulled Magdalene, he can’t hide anymore the fear on his face as he looks back from where the battle would take place. ‘Please be safe!’ Minato thought, he said his silent prayers hoping anyone from above can hear his wordless plea amidst the loud thuds of footsteps, the deafening screams and cries of other children and the ear-piercing sound of frightened animals. “Let’s go, hurry!” Minato put Mago on his shoulder and held the hand of Magdalene. He ushered his family to the safe walls of inner city. “G-Gran-gran! Where is Gran-gran? What’s going o-on? Papa? Mama?” the confused kid asked. He didn’t know what is happening but the ambience is getting into him. Then cries of everything surround him, the roar of powerful wind, and the cold feeling brought by ‘them’. But his parents didn’t answer any of his question and run as fast as they can, not giving a thought about the heavy weights of their bags. “They’re here!” a man out of nowhere yelled his voice full of dread and everyone pause for a moment looking at the massive dark clouds circling above from where they came from. “W-What is that?” Mago’s eyes widened. In his entire life he never saw any of those things. The silence brought by fear is ripping by an ear-splitting cry of murderous thunder and the humungous slits of lightning. In split second everything went into havoc of running for their lives. “Run!” “Don’t look back just run!” “Hurry!” “Marco! Constantine! Where are you?!” “Annie? Annie!” “We’re dead!” “Ouch! Don’t push!” Every cry enters the ear of the young man and leaving from the other. Minato runs while holding his family and he never look back. ‘Where’s Gran-gran? Where is he?’ But Mago’s mind is full of the thoughts of his loving Gran-gran that he didn’t know the tears are already flowing from his eyes. Another scream of thunder brought him to his consciousness. He needs to save his Gran-gran.