Faul: The Reincarnation

Chapter 10: The Journey Begins

“Wakie wakie.”

The voice sounded distant yet oddly close, echoing through the fog in Faul’s mind. As he slowly opened his eyes, the world around him blurred like a half-remembered dream. His vision struggled to focus, unable to make out any details. All he could see was the faint silhouette of someone nearby.

“Where... where am I?” Faul croaked, trying to sit up. The figure that stood before him appeared to be a young girl around his age, her voice carrying a light, curious tone.

“Dad! He’s awake!” she called out excitedly, turning toward the doorway.

Faul blinked repeatedly, trying to make sense of everything. His head throbbed with confusion. How did he even get here? What had happened to him?

A few seconds later, a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped into the room. His presence was strong, commanding, but not threatening. He stared at the girl with stern eyes.

“Anna, didn’t I tell you to stay away from this room?” the man scolded.

“I’m sorry, Dad,” Anna said, her lips pouting as she lowered her head in apology.

Turning his gaze toward Faul, the man’s expression softened slightly. “Kid, how are you feeling?”

Faul rubbed his temple. “I... I don’t know. Still a bit dizzy.”

“You’ve been unconscious for a week now,” the man explained, walking closer. “I was starting to worry if you’d ever wake up. Your body kept rejecting all the acupuncture treatments we tried. It was like your very spirit was fighting against the healing.”

There was something sincere in his voice that made Faul feel oddly safe, despite the lingering fog of confusion. The man let out a small sigh before continuing.

“I’m Alfred, by the way. And that little troublemaker over there is my daughter, Anna.”

“I know who you are, sir,” Faul replied weakly. “I saw you the day we arrived in town for registration. Thank you for taking care of me… but I need to go. I need to find my mother.”

He swung his legs off the bed, wincing slightly but determined to stand.

“Wait,” Alfred said, placing a firm hand on Faul’s shoulder to stop him. “At least tell your benefactor the name of the young lad he rescued, eh?”

Faul scratched the back of his head and gave a hesitant smile. “My name is Faul Scar.”

Ding. The sound of a distant bell rang through Alfred’s mind, but it wasn’t a real bell — it was the sound of recognition. His eyes widened in disbelief. That name. That face. He felt as if his soul had left his body for a moment.

Frederick. His old friend. Before the Red Death claimed him ten years ago, Frederick had spoken of his family, of his young son. And now, that son was standing right in front of him.

“You must be Maria’s boy,” Alfred murmured, regret thick in his voice.

Faul’s eyes narrowed, alert. “You know my mother?”

“Yes,” Alfred nodded. “Your father... he was a good man. A close friend. We served together back in Karaza. Before he died, he made me swear to find you and your mother and protect you both. I’ve searched for ten years and failed — until you showed up on my doorstep.”

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.

“Your mother… she’s likely the sorceress captured by the Pure Bloods. It’s no coincidence you survived and ended up here. There’s something greater at play.”

Anna watched the exchange quietly, her eyes darting between her father and Faul. This was new. Her father never trusted strangers, yet here he was, opening up to this boy like they were family.

Alfred’s voice broke the silence again. “Listen carefully, Faul. The Pure Bloods aren’t just targeting refugees. They’re targeting those of us from Karaza. The man leading them is Alfonsus — your father’s former chief servant. After what happened on the island of Shunga ten years ago, he’s made it his mission to eradicate your bloodline.”

“Why?” Faul asked, his voice shaking.

“Because he’s no longer the man your father once trusted. He’s been infected by the Red Death. But unlike others, he’s a true infected. He can control his aura, his appearance. To the world, he looks human — but inside, he’s a monster.”

Faul stood frozen. His heart pounded as he tried to process everything. His father. The Red Death. Alfonsus. His mother.

“You can stay here if you want,” Alfred continued. “You’re welcome. But if you choose to leave, I won’t stop you. I’m sorry I couldn’t keep my promise to your father… but don’t go after Alfonsus. Not yet. The current you doesn’t stand a chance.”

With that, Alfred turned and walked out of the room, leaving Faul to his thoughts.

Faul stood in silence. His fists clenched. What could a ten-year-old like him have done back then? Nothing. But now, though still not strong enough, he felt the stirrings of a purpose — a fire ignited by loss and love.

He wouldn’t give up. He couldn’t.

He believed his mother was still alive, that the Pure Bloods wouldn’t kill her — not yet. Because the real target… was him.

He turned to leave the room, only to find Anna waiting outside. Without saying a word, she began to walk, and Faul followed her.

As they approached the training grounds, Faul looked up at the sky, a vow forming in his heart.

“I will save you, Mother,” he whispered to himself. “I’m not strong enough yet, but I’ll wait for Billie to find me. And when he does… we’ll get you back. I promise.”

With determination in his step and fire in his soul, Faul followed Anna toward the training field.