The Vows

Chapter 5

“Enough of this talk,” Gun said sternly while walking towards the center table and sitting on the right side.

“We agreed before, for ten years, I will be with him, and if he still can’t get over you, then I will allow you to reunite again” he continued after taking a seat.

“Yes, I remember, but it hasn’t even been ten years yet, if I’m not mistaken it has only been three years, so why?” Sky agreed but then questioned because he wants to know the intention of meeting at a critical moment at the hospital.

“It has been 10 years in my timeline, I told you that the Coin I gave you will bring you in the future, exactly 10 years we agreed upon,” Gun said as a matter of fact.

“How could I believe that? Is it even possible?” Sky tried to deny it, but deep down he is already believing him, all he needs is confirmation.

Gun just stared at Sky with a look of pity. He grabbed the remote on the table and pressed the power button for the television. Sky looked at the screen and what he saw confirmed his suspicion that everything that Gun said was the truth. He saw the News, and the date and time convinced him. 

“OK, I believe you. So you are from the future, then why didn’t you just meet the future me instead” Sky finally accepted but was still puzzled over the reason why Gun went back to the past and brought him over. Won’t this overlap the timeline of the same person is what he’s afraid of?

“I know you're smart, and I know what you are thinking and worried about. But you don’t have to worry that you will meet the future you,” Gun said and heaved a sigh before continuing. “Because there was never a future for you”

“What do you mean?” Sky asked, afraid of the answer he is about to get.

“You died when you fell from the stairs in the rain due to blood loss, and since it was raining hard that night no one was outside and you ended up staying there all night with a concussion and high fever. It was already too late when someone saw you.” Gun explained calmly, afraid that this information will be too much for Gun to take and could break him further.

There was a dead silence, Gun gave him time to adjust. While observing Sky, he made a hand flicker and a pitcher of water and glasses appeared on the table. He went and filled one of the glasses and offered it to him.

Sky was too preoccupied with thinking that he wasn’t able to witness the magic that happened. When he saw the glass of water being offered to him, he didn’t hesitate and went to drink it all. All of a sudden it made his throat dry and drinking water was just the right thing to ease his dried throat.

“Alright, so basically I never had a future, and since I couldn’t fulfill the promise we made after ten years, you came back and brought me over here. So it means I will have to face the future Earth. Exactly what do you need from me?” Sky finally accepted his situation.

“All I need from you is to meet him. We are in Japan, our company moved here just last week. He will arrive here in Tokyo in a few days. The plan is that you will be working with us and rekindling the flame for Earth. The day we left was the day his heart died, and I need you to light up the hope for him” Gun explained truthfully the plan and both agreed to help Earth.

…

 Back to Earth traveling to the Year 2020 when he met Sky again at the beginning of the school year on the bus.

Earth still couldn’t believe that he is starting again his life in college, when all he could think of before was to graduate but all he could think of now is how grateful he is to be back. He misses the place, the food, and especially the person who holds his heart dearly.

He has never been this happy after transferring to another school. While on the bus, he kept on stealing glances at Sky’s face. You can see how happy he is as he keeps on smiling. Who wouldn’t be happy to be with the person you have been yearning to see? 

While looking at Sky’s face, he was also observing the scenery of the city. He can still remember the shops they went to eat, at and cafes whenever the exams are over. 

Finally, the familiar street came into his view. The street that leads to the University. At the bus stop and Earth stood up first and waited for Sky to exit first and followed him out of the bus.

A strong gust of wind passed by them. It felt good, just like being welcomed back. Earth made a momentary stop and had his eyes closed. Thinking that this will be the turning point in his new life. He pledged that he will do his best this time and live a different life with no regrets. 

Upon opening his eyes, he saw Sky looking him straight in the eyes. He felt wonderful and still couldn’t believe that he was looking at him.

“Are you ok? If so, then let us enter together. I have a good feeling that there will be good things happening.” Sky commented hurriedly after being caught staring at him.

“Sure, it’s my pleasure” These Were the only words that Earth could say as he was left speechless. He was caught off guard witnessing Sky getting flustered.

Earth made a run to catch up with Sky who was feeling ashamed and tried to escape even though he suggested entering together with him and he made a few chuckles.

They both walked silently with smiles on their faces. After entering the School Gate, there is still a long road leading to the School grounds. The walk is a pleasant feeling for everyone who comes to the school. The road is wide for 2 cars and the sidewalk pavement can fit two people walking side by side. The sidewalk is filled with big trees that serve as a shield from the Sun and rain.

Sky saw something from a distance on a field of grass. A wooden pole and different kinds of ribbons hanging. Since Earth’s focus was on Sky, he was able to notice where he was looking and also notice the pole. The location was decorated. There are other poles located on the field and the students seem to be attracted that they all started going there to check.

“Let’s go there and check,” Earth said and grabbed the shoulders of Sky to lead him. Surprised by the sudden embrace of Earth, all he could do was be dragged. He let himself be and just savored the feeling of the warm embrace just like the person’s name. 

Some people were taking photos with their friends, some were just laying down on the soft grass. Earth saw a pole with no students and he made a quick decision to occupy it first to solo Sky as it is a far distance from the other poles.

Upon arriving, they saw a description written on a stone wall noticeboard. 

“This is the pole of Ties. The ribbons are a representation of the emotions of a human. If you wish to be tied to a person. Choose the representation of the color you best describe them and grab the end part of the ribbon at the bottom of the pole. Wrap the pole using that choice of ribbon by going around it until it fully wraps the pole. Then choose a pin with your color of choice to seal the dreams and wishes. This will protect the ties of your wishes for that person.”

After reading the description, Earth was skeptical but then saw Sky heading straight to the pole and he chose a green ribbon. He saw Earth looking at him, again and in fact, he had always seen Earth looking at him ever since they met on the bus. Oddly, he didn’t feel mad or weird as he normally does when other people are staring at him. 

The reason why Sky chose the green ribbon was simply that this is his favorite color. Coincidentally it is the same color as Earth’s shirt. Sky still doesn’t know Earth’s name and he felt embarrassed for not knowing the person’s name. 

“You seem like a cool guy and I feel like we’re gonna be sticking together during the school year. Say, aren’t we friends already? Since we came here together and you dragged me over here. Let’s use this opportunity to make a pact and start our friendship” Sky formally said.

“I agree, and to start this friendship of ours. Let me introduce myself first. My name is Earth Anderson. I'm Scorpio and my date of birth is November 11,11,2001. The rest about me is for you to find out.” Earth introduced himself mischievously.

“Very well then. I, Sky Peterson, am of the age of 18, born on July 23 the year of the water horse.” Sky introduced proudly.

“To symbolize this friendship. I offer this Ribbon to Earth Anderson. The color green is my favorite. Green represents life, growth, harmony, safety, and success.” then sky made a suggestive gesture for Earth to follow his lead. 

Earth obediently followed and picked a ribbon and thought to himself. “ Isn’t this too formal for a friendship? It feels like we are getting married by promising heaven and earth our vows.”

“I accept this offer of friendship by Sky Peterson. In return, I offer this Ribbon of Sky blue. Sky blue symbolizes heaven and spirituality. Blue also represents Sky and the ocean with the meanings of depth, trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, confidence, stability, faith, and intelligence” Earth said his vows to complement Sky.

After hearing both of their vows of friendship. They each made a turn around the pole to start the wrapping of ribbons. From the top of the pole, each of the ribbons intertwined slowly, and as they circle, heaven and Earth acknowledge the sincerity of these two people and give their blessings. 

Upon reaching the end of the ribbon, Sky picked a pin with the color Yellow to tie the ribbon to the pole.

“By using the yellow pin. I now seal our friendship with the color of sunshine in hope that we obtain happiness, and positivity and honor our vows.” Sky finished and then looked at Earth.

“To seal my friendship with Sky Peterson, I chose the black pin. Black compliments Sky blue and it represents strength and authority. Black is a formal, elegant, and prestigious color” Earth concludes. 

Magically, after the vows they made, the Sky made an opening. The Sky was full of clouds but on top of the pole an opening showed up and rays of light showered them.