Art Chapter: The Weight of Shadows
The city gates creaked open, their weathered wood groaning against the cold iron hinges. Taka’s figure, clad in battle-worn armor, receded into the horizon, his steps heavy yet resolute. Florian watched him go, his brow furrowed with confusion and a flicker of frustration.
"Why is he like that?" Florian finally asked, breaking the silence.
Tyr stood beside him, his gaze fixed on Taka’s distant silhouette. "You know why," Tyr said softly, his voice heavy with memory. "That day in the dungeon changed everything, for him, for us. We lost five of our own, Florian. Five."
Florian shifted uncomfortably, his arms crossing defensively. "I know we lost them, Tyr, but we all suffered. We all grieved. Why does he still carry it like this? He made it out, just like the rest of us."
Tyr let out a slow breath, his shoulders slumping slightly. "He didn’t just make it out, Florian. He carried the weight of it. He blames himself for what happened down there. You know Taka, he feels responsible for every sword that falls, every life that’s lost. It’s not rational, but it’s who he is."
Florian’s brow furrowed deeper. "But he wasn’t the only one who cared about them. We all did. Why does he act like it’s his burden alone?"
"Because he doesn’t know how to let anyone share it," Tyr said, his voice tinged with both frustration and empathy. "He’s always been that way, hard to understand, hard to reach. But he cared more than any of us realized. Back then, when the guild was together, going on adventures, that was when he was truly alive. He didn’t show it the way we do, but he felt it deeply. I see it now. He was happiest when we were all together."
Florian’s gaze softened slightly, but his confusion remained. "I don’t remember him being like that. He was always quiet, distant. Are you sure we’re talking about the same Taka?"
Tyr glanced at him, a small, sad smile on his face. "He didn’t show it openly, but it was there. He’d ask me how the others were doing, subtle things that didn’t seem like much at the time. But looking back, it’s clear. He cared about all of us more than he cared about himself. He still does."
Florian turned back toward the gates, watching Taka’s figure grow smaller in the distance. "So why can’t he see that we care about him too?"
Tyr sighed, his voice heavy with regret. "Because he’s not just fighting the memory of that dungeon, Florian. He’s fighting the guilt, the demons inside him. He thinks differently than we do, sees the world differently. And that’s why he can’t move on like the rest of us. He’s still searching for something, redemption, maybe. I don’t know."
Florian’s voice lowered, almost a whisper. "Can’t we help him somehow?"
Tyr shook his head, his expression pained. "I wish we could. But I think he’s too far gone for us to reach him now. All we can do is wait. Wait for his return and hope he finds the answers he’s looking for out there. If he does..." Tyr’s voice softened, a faint glimmer of hope breaking through his somber tone, "I think we’ll see a different man. A better man."
The two stood in silence, the wind tugging at their cloaks as Taka disappeared into the wilderness. The memory of their fallen comrades hung heavily in the air between them. Neither spoke again, but the unspoken promise remained: they would wait. For as long as it took.
I wrote The Weight of Shadows about 1.5 years ago and posted it on Facebook. Taka is another mc of mine from different universe then Odin. A story i hope to tell one day.
Artwork credit: Kekai Kotaki, concept art for Guild Wars 2. All rights belong to the original artist and rights holders. Used here for visual reference.
i alwyas loved this artwork it was my wallpaper for years. check out his art if you like concept art