The Fractured Mage

Chapter 2 - Topaz Oriole

"That...that sounds like a fake name. Is that a fake name? It's a fake name, isn't it? Yeah, it's definitely a fake name. What's my real name?" I frowned suspiciously.

"What? No, that's your name, I swear," He responded with a shake of his head, firmly meeting my gaze with an earnest look in his eyes.

Hm, I don't think he's lying this time...I mean, if he was capable of lying this effectively, I wouldn't have caught on to his initial lies to begin with. And since he's refused to tell me about my past, there's no reason for him to lie about my name, he could've just refused to tell me if he didn't want me to know what it is.

But, seriously? That's my name? Topaz Oriole...it sounds kinda, I don't know, pretentious? Like, overly unusual or rare names feel sort of...gauche.

"So, I take it you aren't going to explain anything to me?" I inquired, as I glanced at the man warily...he said his name was Ifeus, right?

"Oh, not at all, I'll answer any questions you may have. Well, besides any that concern your past, at least. But it you'll indulge me for a bit, let me start with my own questions...specifically, I want to know what knowledge you possess. So, tell me...what do you know?" He asked me, a serious look on his face.

What kind of question is that? It's so...vague.

"Huh? In case you forgot, I can't remember anything," I frowned in response.

"Yes, in terms of memories that relate to yourself and your past, but not in terms of knowledge. I mean, if that weren't the case, you wouldn't even be able to speak, you'd be no different than a baby," He pointed out.

Oh...yeah, I guess that's true. Also, based on what he said, he clearly knows the extent of how deep my amnesia runs. It's kinda unsettling to think that he knows infinitely more about me than I do about myself.

"Point taken..."

"Let's start with something simple, like geography," He prompted me.

Fine, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to humor him. Cooperating might be the quickest way to get some answers, after all.

"Okay, uh...I know that there are six major nations on the Central Continent, and then there's the five islands around it. There's Tartaros, Bedlam-..."

"Good, looks like your basic knowledge hasn't been affected. In that case...let's move on to Magic," He suggested, cutting me off.

"If you say so, I guess...I mean, I know that Magic is a fundamental part of life. All living creatures possess Ether in their bodies, which also exists in the surrounding environment, and those who can wield their Ether and use it to cast Magical Arts and Traits are called Mages. To become a Mage, a person has to meditate and enter their subconscious, awakening their dormant Magic System. After that, they have to select a Class they're compatible with. And then-...," I remarked, before trailing off as he held up his hand, signalling me to stop.

Now I get it, the reason why he asked me about my knowledge...he's right, I don't have any memories of myself, but I can clearly remember all this knowledge. Hm...I can't remember when and how I learnt any of this though...it's kinda disconcerting.

"Alright, that'll do. It looks like your knowledge is intact, I'll test your knowledge in greater depth later to make sure. For now, let me explain your current situation...for reasons I won't go into, I'm your guardian, Topaz. You're still only fourteen years old, which you probably don't know. Oh, here's a mirror, you probably want to know what you look like," He replied, as he gave me a small hand mirror.

Huh, I didn't realize it until he said it...yeah, I don't even know what I look like. As I took the mirror from him, I held it up in front of my face curiously, getting a look at myself.

My eyes are different colors...my right eye is blue and my left eye is red. And my hair is two toned, the left half is a dark blonde and the right half is jet black. My hair's slightly long too, going about halfway down my neck.

I then looked down at my body...huh, I'm kinda on the skinny side, though it doesn't look like I'm in particularly bad shape. And my face, it looks a bit...feminine? Yeah, if it wasn't for my chest, plus the, uh, dangly feeling between my legs, I might've thought that I'm a girl. And now that I think about it, my voice is kinda soft too, not overly feminine, but not exactly masculine either.

"So, this is what I look like...," I muttered to myself, as I continued to stare at the mirror in slight bemusement.

My own reflection is unfamiliar to me...it's a really strange feeling...

"Your name is actually based on your hair and eyes. The gemstone Topaz, it can come in both red and blue, like your eyes. And Oriole, your last name, is the name of a bird that has yellow and black feathers, similar colors as your hair."

"Yeah, you basically just admitted that my name's a fake one...my first name being based on my appearance is believable, but not my last name," I narrowed my eyes at him suspiciously.

"Well, I'm not going to elaborate...but I assure you, this is you real name, you have my word on that."

"Hm...okay, fine, I'll accept that. At least for now."

"Glad to hear it. Now, then, back to your current situation...we're in the nation of Sapio, more specifically, Skyrouge City. And I am a Guildmaster, I run the Magic Guild known as Solaris, named after an old word for sunshine. I named it that because I wanted my Guild to base its values on spreading warmth to people and shining a light where there's darkness," He informed me with a smile.

"Seems kinda overly optimistic and a little bit cheesy, if you ask me. I highly doubt most people would go out of their way to act so selflessly without any ulterior motives, I certainly wouldn't," I shrugged dryly.

"You're awfully cynical for an amnesiac, aren't you?" He responded in bemusement.

"Maybe that's exactly why I'm cynical," I countered with a sigh.

He's got a point though...without my memories, he's currently the only person I know, so why do I feel like I'm more inclined to see the worst in people before looking for their better qualities? Doubt he'd give me any answers to that if I asked...

"Maybe so. Well, anyway...you should decide what you want to do with your life. Like I said, I'm your guardian, which means I'll be taking care of you for the foreseeable future. Whatever you want to pursue, I'll support you. Although, if I might make a suggestion...why not join my Magic Guild and hone your skills as a Mage? Of course, there's no rush, you can take your time considering your options and making a final decision," He stated as he placed a hand on my shoulder.

I still want to know how I got here and who I am, not to mention why I can't remember anything, but...I think I can trust this man. Despite the fact that he's clearly hiding a lot of important details from me, I feel somewhat at ease around him.

That doesn't mean I'm not wary or suspicious of him anymore, because I very much am...but if nothing else, I don't think he has anything sinister planned for me. At least, I hope not.

If he's been playing me this whole time, then I'm in the hands of a sociopath. Okay, being cynical is one thing, but now I'm just being paranoid and overthinking things way too much...I hope.

"Well, okay...I appreciate it. I'll consider my options and-...," I began, before trailing off as I noticed a couple of pairs of eyes peeking in through the door curiously.

"Hm? What are you looking at-...?" Inquired Ifeus, following my gaze before trailing off and calling out with a frown, "Hey, I thought I told you two not to come in here yet!"

"Crap, we've been spotted! Abort!"

"It's too late for that now, stupid. I told you this was a bad idea, you idiot."

"Hey! You called me stupid AND an idiot, you big jerk!"

"Hmph, I don't believe I've said anything inaccurate, at least."

"Grr..."

"Honestly, why won't you two ever listen to me?" Sighed Ifeus wearily, before adding as he turned to me, "Well, since you're here, you might as well come in. Let me introduce you, Topaz, to my daughters."