ALKISAH: Prayer for the World [1001 Indonesian Fantasy Stories]
TALE/Time of Miracle: Distant Charges

Music, music, and music, that's all that's been in Eren's head since the tragedy that befell his life three years ago. Although both his parents did not like his hobby, but Eren was willing to let go of everything as long as he could still play music. In fact, even though music often inflicted suffering on Eren, still, he would not turn away from it.

“But... I can survive ya?” The sound just came out of Eren's mouth without his will. The young man sat on a hill with his pet dog, Onyol, observing the luminous night sky decorated with countless stars.

However, upon seeing that beautiful and magical sight, flashes of the past suddenly covered his gaze.

In the past, Eren had a twin brother, and his name was Eran.

Eran was born with a talent for playing music that is so extraordinary. Whether it's a guitar, piano, drums, or other musical instruments, he must be able to master it in a short time. It was as if he knew his tone just as he knew his own body. What an incredible talent. And the guitar, is the instrument he likes the most.

Yes, he was truly outstanding, and Eren himself was amazed at his brother.

But unfortunately, Eren does not have such great talent. He was just like ordinary people in general. No more and no less. He was just an Eren. But that's okay, he never took issue with it.

However, everything changes when they sit in High School.

In his school environment, there were many people who disliked Eran's talent, plus, he was also too intelligent, and that made him even more hated. Arguably, he was a perfect looking figure in the eyes of friends his age back then, and that was a big deal.

In first grade, everything seemed fine. Eran tries to survive, even though he is always bullied by his friends. But, the situation got worse after they rose in the second grade. His friends' treatment of him was truly already at an outrageous level.

However, strangely Eran persisted, and he was completely indifferent to all the suffering he endured. In fact, he also refused Eren's help.

He kept smiling, stepping, and playing guitar.

Eren had followed him when he went to this hill, where he had always been aloof. At that time, Eren actually thought that Eran might be crying, but upon arriving here, Eren was surprised to find him playing the guitar as usual. In fact, he seems very happy.

To the extent that, a strange thought arose in Eren's mind. He began to think that his brother might not be normal. But, Eren did consider it abnormal long ago, in a good sense of course.

But something surprising happened at that time.

Even though Eren was hiding far enough away, he could still see the figure. The figure of the beautiful young girl had long hair and was white like snow, wearing a graceful cloth dress, and her eyes were covered by the ties of black cloth.

That girl is absolutely perfect. He shines bright like a star.

From eight p.m., the girl appeared and sat down with Eran while playing music. They talked, laughed together, joked, and looked very familiar, like lovers. However, when the clockwork showed the number eleven, the girl finally flew back into the sky, and disappeared without a trace.

But the next morning, the young man found Eran had died in his sleep. Everything just happened, and all Eren could do, was to let grief rule over it.

It's really an unpleasant past, and it's time to go back to the present.

Eren smiled slightly as he looked at the guitar he had in his hand. The guitar that once belonged to Eran.

“I don't know what you're involved in, nor do I know which world you are in, but I'll definitely catch you there.” Eren said as he looked up at the sky. “I'll last until then. No problem, bro?”

“Yes, I'm waiting for you too. Just relax.” Eran replied whose voice sounded from nowhere. It was as if he was there, just in a different world. “Important, if you already know what the reason for your life in this world is, don't forget to tell me okay?”

“Iya, yes.” Eren stroking Onyol. The dog had been asleep on his lap since. “By the way, you're really great in hindsight? Can find out the reason for your life so soon.”

“Iya also anyway... From childhood, your way of thinking is very mature. In fact, I used to feel that you were older than grandfather. It's so strange anyway.” Eren said while laughing chuckling.

“Well, that's how it happens when you've realized the reality of the world.” Eran explained. “When you see the reality of the world, at that moment, you begin to feel that you are no longer a human being.”

“Eh... Meaning?” Ask Eren in wonder.

“Where ya? It feels like you already know everything, and it's not very tasty.” His word. “By the way, why do you still keep that guitar? Are mom and dad not angry what?”

“Eh? They were obviously angry, but I didn't want to throw this away either. This is your favorite guitar.”

“Hmm... Oh yeah, how's your guitar playing? That good? You should be able to play music if you want to be the World Voice like me. No need to be good at it, the important thing is worth.”

“Ah! Yes, I have a song for you.” Said Eren who had just remembered the reason for coming here tonight.

“Hah? Seriously? You made a song?” Eran sounded very surprised.

“Iya dong! Nih denger well, not long kok.”

“Mana, where!?”

Then, when Eren started his guitar playing, at that very instant, the purplish light in the night sky also slowly began to dim.

“This world, why is it so cruel and unspeakable.

This world, why is it so beautiful, without forgiveness.

I hope you know how much I wish.

I hope you know, my unstoppable pain.

Oh my... Please, let me rest. 

Just briefly. Just for a moment, because I can't anymore.

Oh my... Please, just let me go. Tuk.

Tuk forever... Please.”

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SC Image: Google