Stay with me, an eternal promise.”
“Master Lazachus, is it time to strike?”
Lazachus, dressed in his hooded-cloak, knelt down and smiled benignly at Shajou. “Shajou, patience is a virtue. You have done a good job locating Nullef Dragaina. You should take a rest now. Don’t overwork yourself, alright?” said Lazachus, stroking his head affectionately.
“But Master Lazachus, it is hard to keep track of him. It is better if we take him down now. He seems to be often on the move, as if trying to prevent others from following him,” told Shajou. He had just returned from his mission, still donning his black fighting suit.
“Shajou, my loyal one,” Lazachus began. The boy was almost certain his voice was hypnotic. “Everything will be fine. I’ll take it from here. Thank you…” His words trailed off as the pair of violet eyes gradually closed. Lazachus caught the boy in his arms as he drifted into an involuntary but sound sleep.
“My apologies to you, Shajou,” whispered Lazachus. “I really did not count on your capability of successfully finding Calith on your own. You have grown much stronger than when we first met.” He carried the unconscious boy in his arms.
“Then again, little Shajou, I might have to destroy you if you become too powerful for your own good. That is why; your devotion to me is now your only immunity.”
“Err… Sonia?”
“What, Kaneshiro?”
“I need to go.”
“Go where?”
Kyoden took in a deep breath and spoke with a brave face. “I need to go… to the loo.”
Sonia stared at him. “So?”
He tugged at the chain which was still clamped around their wrists. “Apparently, your beloved sister has not undone her hocus-pocus yet.”
The nineteen year old girl bit her lips. “Lorenne, could you please cast off the chain?” Kyoden looked at her with astonishment. She was actually using the word ‘please’! The younger Fierell was really something if she could make the hot-headed Sonia speak softly.
To his horror, Lorenne shook her head. “I’m sorry but I can’t undo that particular spell. It will break when the two individuals learn to appreciate one another.”
“Tell me she’s lying!” groaned Kyoden.
“The Yamist of Wisdom never lies,” said Lorenne bluntly.
“Oh, who cares? I’m desperate!” he surrendered, dragging a very reluctant Sonia along with him to the toilet shed behind the cottage. Sonia protested strongly and demanded to stay. She grabbed at the cupboard near the door, refusing to budge.
“Alright, if you won’t let me got to the loo, I might as well pee right here, right now, on you! I swear I can’t hold it any longer!” Kyoden threatened and pretended to unzip his trousers. She shouted for him to stop his attempt and was forced to agree to go with him to the washroom.
“I’m terribly sorry you have to witness this embarrassing scene, Mrs. Luwa,” apologised Lorenne.
Mrs. Luwa gave a small laugh. “I personally do not mind. It has been quite a while since I was in the company of so many young people,” she confessed. “You youngsters rest in the living room while I clear up the dishes.”
“I will help you,” offered Lorenne.
“No, no, that won’t be necessary. You are after all my guests,” she declined.
Raviex and his friends learned from her over dinner which she had generously provided them with that she was a widow who had lived in this part of the forest for almost fifteen years. Her husband, Mr. Luwa used to be a hunter. After he died during one of his hunting sessions, she continued living in this cottage. The animals and beasts were familiar with her presence, which explained why she had a dribeht for a pet.
“Lorenne, are you sure you can’t undo that spell off Sonia and Kyoden?” asked Raviex curiously.
“Ooo… do ponder on that, my Prince,” she replied.
Raviex leaned towards Christine, whispering, “Is that her sense of humour? If it is, I can’t say it’s a very good one.” An amused smile escaped her lips. He took a second and thought that she had a beautiful smile.
“You can undo the spell, can’t you, Lorenne?” pressed Christine.
Lorenne sighed. “Maybe…”
“You can create and destroy at will. A chain is only a breath away for you,” she pointed out.
“You lied, didn’t you?” laughed Raviex. He wasn’t sure if she was trying to prank them but if she was, it was a good prank for someone like her.
“The Yamist of Wisdom never lies,” she restated. “I wasn’t lying when I said the chain would break if they work with each other. One could have just stood still while the other slashes apart the chain with a weapon.”
“Instead, they chose to bicker!” Raviex finished her elaboration for her. “Lorenne, you’re brilliant!”
“Thank you, my Prince.”
Raviex laughed. “She has a unique sense of humour, don’t you think, Ryn?”
“She is the Yamist of Wisdom, after all, Raviex,” reminded Christine lightly. “But Lorenne, you were lying then. You said you couldn’t undo the spell.”
Lorenne chuckled, “Christine, technically speaking, I really cannot undo or rather, reverse whatever spell I cast. However, I can destroy the chain by reducing it to nothing. That is true, I won’t deny. Jerusyn’s Yamist would never lie!”
“Indeed!” he exclaimed. “Here they come! It would be so hard for me to keep a straight face in front of them after this.”
Sonia and Kyoden joined the rest. Sonia was red in the face but the other acted as if nothing ever happened. She dropped onto a chair without saying a word, looking preoccupied.
“So, how did it go?” Raviex sniggered.
“Oh, to Kaisen I swear it’s the best feeling when you are relieved from the urgency to pee!” commented Kyoden cheerfully.
Lorenne approached Sonia. “Are you okay, Sonia? Your face is red…”
“Ah, well, the only way I could do it was with her staying behind me. I figured out that solution all on my own while she was complaining non-stop,” he said, full of himself.
‘Kyoden, are you sure that’s something to be proud of…?’ Raviex thought to himself. He saw the main door of the cottage close out of the corner of his eye. Ryn?
Leaving Kyoden and the Fierell sisters, he decided to join Christine outside. As he stepped outside, Christine turned to see him.
“Mind if I join you?” asked Raviex politely. Christine shook her head. He sat next to her on the wooden bench placed in the porch, gazing up at the glittering stars hanging in the night sky. He enjoyed the quiet atmosphere; the crickets singing, the leaves dancing a secret dance, the wind singing a different melody of its own. Peace was with him but it wasn’t with the other.
“You look troubled, Ryn.”
She was not going to deny it; that she originally intended to be alone. It was one of those moments when her mind would dwell upon the thoughts of her impending death. She wondered if she was becoming morbid.
A sad smile etched across her lips. Yet, he is here now. It made her reluctant to prepare herself for that horrible day. Suddenly, she felt the need to cherish the times she was spending with him and her other companions more than ever.
“It’s been almost eight years since the last time we sat like this together.” Her words led him to set his eyes on her. She was sitting back, relaxed and at ease; her eyes were shut.
“Ryn, I’m really glad that you’re smiling more often recently, compared to my first few days in
“I don’t mean to be nasty to you, Raviex. I just wanted someone I could blame on for my father’s death and all the unjust which were done to me and my brother,” she let out honestly. “You came at the time when I have hardened myself towards the world again, just like when I thought everyone would only mistreat me when I was small.”
Raviex looked away. “So you don’t hate me?” he questioned uncertainly.
“Hate you?” she repeated. She let silence trickle between them for a second or two before answering. “Raviex, every time when I condemn the world for holding nothing else but evil, your presence always remind me, that there are still those who are good at heart.”
Her Highness, Queen Seraphina, and His Highness, Prince Raviex, were having their routine tea hour in the private dining hall meant for the Royal Family. The seven-year-old Prince looked dully at the plates of cookies and cakes served before him.
“Is there anything wrong, Raviex?” asked Queen Seraphina caringly. “I heard the Royal Baker’s latest work is excellent. Try one.”
“Mother, I don’t feel like having anything for tea today,” sniffed Raviex.
“I have never seen my son refuse to take at least one
“Mother, there’s nothing going on,” he insisted. After she kept looking at him patiently and meaningfully, he knew he couldn’t hide anything from his mother. It wasn’t in his nature to lie, which made it all the more difficult. He sighed and decided to spill the beans. “Christine’s sick, I’m just worried about her.”
Queen Seraphina smiled benignly. “Is she the girl you helped the other day?” He nodded. “Well, maybe you should go—”
She was interrupted by the knockings on the door. The mother and son saw the caller who stood beside the unclosed door. A boy of ten years of age with dark blue hair fidgeted awkwardly, embarrassed. He understood it was off limits to enter the
“Erik?” said Raviex. It was unusual for a person like him who followed the rule and regulations tightly to visit him at the time (though The Prince himself had assured him countless of times that it was fine to see him in the
“I’m deeply sorry for my intrusion, Your Highness. May Your Highness grant me the permission to speak to Prince Raviex?” spoke Erik respectfully. Raviex turned to his mother. She agreed easily. He then walked up to Erik who was almost a head taller than him.
“You speak like an old man, Erik,” he joked at his formality. Erik, however, was not laughing. He looked worried and uneasy.
“Your Highness—”
“Raviex.”
“Sorry, I forgot. Raviex, your friend, that Falcon girl—”
“Christine?” Suddenly, he became serious and disturbed.
“Yes, Christine,” Erik said breathlessly. “She— they— the bird—”
“Erik, calm down. Tell me what’s wrong.” There was an air of authority around Raviex despite his young age. Something had happened to Christine and he wanted to know what it was.
Erik drew in deep breaths twice to keep himself together. He summed everything up in three words. “Christine’s in trouble.”
“Where is she now?” he shot.
“She’s at the Fountain of Divinity.”
That was all he needed to know. Immediately, he rushed out of the dining hall.
“Wait! Raviex!” Erik called after him. He bowed regretfully to the Queen and left after him as well. Queen Seraphina bit onto a Floating Land Cookie and enjoyed its delightful taste.
A figure shimmered in the shadows of the thick curtains. “Your Highness, shall I follow Prince Raviex?” It was one of the Royal Family’s Shadow Guardians. Unlike the Royal Guards, they were individuals who were born into families with powerful bloodlines which were destined and named to serve as the guardians of the Royal Family. Their existence was not publicly known and they protected the Royal Family in the dark.
“A mother is always concerned for her child’s well being. Watch over him but do not interfere unless his safety is threatened. I believe Raviex knows what he’s doing.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” The figure shimmered once more. It was as though he was never there.
“Bless my child, Calith, god of Righteousness,” prayed the Queen in serenity.
Meanwhile, Raviex was racing towards the mentioned place by Erik. It was fifteen minutes away from the
“Raviex!”
Erik swerved in front of him using what looked like a skateboard. “It’ll take you forever to get there on foot. Do you know how to use a Skate-Dash?”
“Child’s play,” answered Prince Raviex.
“You are still a child,” remarked Erik, getting off his Skate-Dash and handing it over to him. “You owe me one, Raviex. Try not to get hurt. I’d be blamed by the whole Kingdom if you are hurt, you know that, right?” informed Erik.
“Thanks, Erik.” He kicked off the ground, activating the Skate-Dash’s small turbo which was located at the tail of the board. It dashed off speedily. Child’s play, like riding a bicycle, only easier and faster!
“Raviex! You didn’t answer me! You know that, right?!” yelled Erik. He sighed helplessly, scratching the back of his head.
Raviex heard Erik’s yell but he did not want to waste anymore time. His arms were widespread, balancing his body on the board. He rarely skated since the Queen disapproved of the extreme sport. Most of his fears were overwhelmed by his adrenaline. He had only one goal: Get to Christine before anything terrible happens!
“Give us the bird, you crazy girl, or the three of us are going to take it away by force from you!” threatened a teenage boy nastily, crossing his arm. He had been demanding for it for more than ten minutes and he was losing his patience. The bird was of a rare species and its sparkling and colourful feathers were worth a small fortune! He knew of its value and wanted it for himself.
“I’m not going to give it to you! It’s injured!” the girl with dark auburn hair shouted back at him determinedly. She was holding the bird in her arms, aware of the boy’s intention. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead and face. She felt her fever returning to attack her.
The boy gritted his teeth as he took a step forward. “Give it to me before anything bad happens to you. I know your maniacal power is already sealed. I’m no more afraid of you!”
“Nor am I afraid of you!”
“You asked for it!” he roared in annoyance at her boldness. A bright orange aura glowed around him. In response, a blue aura surrounded the girl. What he said was true. One of her fearsome powers was sealed when she was five, but he was wrong if he assumed she would obey him because of it.
“Erm… Billy, take it easy, man, she’s just a girl,” the boy who stood on his right tried to stop him before he did something regrettable.
“Yeah, didn’t our teacher forbid us to use our Sacred Energy on someone innocent?” reminded the other boy nervously.
Billy ignored them and snorted at their reminder. “I do not think of a girl who murdered nine adults a year ago so easily as someone who is innocent.” He held out his hand. Stones rose up into the air, aiming at her. He clenched his fist.
At once, the stones flew towards her. Her eyes widened, unconscious of her actions. Her will to protect and her will to defend herself initiated the massive discharge of Sacred Energy from her body.
I never wanted to kill those people! It was an accident! The blue aura swiped at the stones, causing them to fall onto the ground harmlessly.
“So you do have other murderous power besides Force Unleash!” accused Billy.
“Billy, don’t get her upset. She might be dangerous!” warned the boy on the right again.
“Shut up, Squile!” he snapped.
“That… was only pure Sacred Energy coming out from me,” she said quietly. Her anger was breaking loose.
“You monster! It’s about time someone fixes you up! Leaves of Blades!” commanded Billy.
Leaves randomly appeared out of nowhere, slicing the air like real blades. The girl’s body avoided the leaves effortlessly. She did it without even noticing it. It was as if there was an automatic defence system in her. All the summoned leaves left her unscratched.
Her eyes met theirs. The three of them sensed something was wrong about her. The hatred which burned in her eyes was immense. At the same time, her glare was as cold as mid-winter. They wanted to run but they were petrified by her presence.
She held her head with one hand. Her sickness was stirring a slight dizziness in her. “If I wasn’t sick, my Sacred Energy could’ve killed you off while stopping your stones just now. It doesn’t matter. I’ll make it a clear shot the second time.”
She is a monster! She’s going to kill us!
It was the girl’s turn to hold out her hand. Her blue aura shone brightly. She was going to let out another explosion of Sacred Energy at the three. They were too frightened to the extent of not being able to move.
Everyone is mean to me. Why? Am I really a monster? If I am, then… killing is not wrong for me… because I am a monster!
“Die!”
Before she could release her Sacred Energy, she felt a person holding her from behind. “Christine, that is enough! I’m here.” The moment she heard the voice, her rage and hatred died out. Her heart was calm and consoled. Her hand fell to her side, the killing intentions emitted from her being died out. Her eyes returned to the same harmless golden-brown eyes they used to be.
“It’s the Prince! Let’s go!” The three boys took the opportunity to run for safety and from punishment, leaving the two alone.
Now that she wasn’t as tensed, Raviex let go of her. He did not really know what he should do next. He understood her actions and it was a fortunate thing that he was just in time to prevent any unwanted tragedy.
“Christine, are you hurt?” he asked anxiously, stepping in front of her. To his surprise, she nudged past his shoulder and took off. “Christine, where are you going?!” he shouted. He dropped the Skate-Dash onto the ground and chased after her. He was about to catch up with her when a bright blue light radiated from her. Raviex was mystified, watching her disappear in a direction almost at the speed of light.
“Ryn, sweetheart, welcome home,” Iris Falcon greeted her daughter who came up to her in the Falcon’s mansion’s garden in a streak of blue light. Lady Iris always thought her daughter looked like an angel when she was engulfed in the blue Sacred Energy.
“Mummy, I found a bird with a broken wing,” said Christine. She laid it on the round wooden table for the mother to inspect it. “Can you make the bird well again?” she asked hopefully.
“Of course, Mummy would do anything to please her precious girl.” Lady Iris touched Christine’s nose with much adoration. Christine giggled fondly.
Then, she stretched her hands over the wounded bird which was chirping sickly. Her hands glowed a light green aura as the healing began. Christine watched in wonder as the broken wing recovered and the bird rose and stood proudly on the table.
“Wow, Mummy!” she gasped, watching the bird spread its wings and flew off. Lady Iris chuckled at her admiration. She saw the Prince enter the garden, heading for them.
“Good afternoon, Your Highness,” Lady Iris greeted him with an affectionate smile. Christine, on the other hand, remained silent with her head hung low. “Perhaps I should leave the two of you to play. Come in when you feel like it, Your Highness.” Raviex nodded. She quickly excused herself and started for the mansion.
Raviex stood in front of Christine. “Christine, what is it? Why did you run off from me like that just now?”
She refused to answer him.
“We promised we’d be really close friends, right? Friends wouldn’t hide things from one another.”
“What do you know, Raviex?! You don’t know how I feel. You’re the Prince. I’m a monster which has powers that kills. Everyone loves you but that’s not true for me. I’m always hated, ALWAYS!” she blurted out aloud. Raviex was taken aback at her words of fury.
I thought she wasn’t hurt, I was wrong. She’s so badly hurt inside.
“Christine, a monster will not try to protect a bird,” he reasoned. “You’re not a monster.”
“A monster kills. That’s what everyone says.”
He stepped closer to her, feeling the strains of pain she felt. “Then, let me ask you a question, Christine.” She looked at him. “Would you kill me?” Christine stared at him, shocked. It was uncalled for when a tear escaped her eye. She was speechless.
“It’s okay, Christine. I don’t believe you would.” He looked at her sincerely and gave her a smile of reassurance. At his words, she broke down and cried aloud. Everything stored in her little heart poured out in tears. She held him as she sobbed.
Raviex never really had to comfort anyone, not until he met a girl named Christine Falcon. It was odd for him to do so, but he did not mind. He slowly brought his hands to her back and held her comfortingly. He was her friend and he wanted to protect her from anymore sadness.
“Iris,” a deep male voice rang through the drawing hall in the
She nodded, her golden-brown eyes reflecting happiness and relief as she watched on. “Allegar, I was worried about Ryn but I know I needn’t be any longer.”
“Ryn has finally opened up. It’s been a while since I saw her cry,” he sighed, leaning with one hand on the window pane. “Not because she is truly strong, but because she didn’t want us to worry about her.”
“I feared Christine would lose hope in humanity and turn into a Child of Darkness. I have never thought, though, that it would be the Prince who guarded her from her own darkness,” said Lady Iris.
General Allegar laughed heartily (which immediately received severe hushing from his wife). He cleared his throat and apologised. “Iris, it’s not at all that surprising, don’t you think? They are merely inheriting their father’s friendship!”
“Yes, my lord,” Lady Iris good-naturedly wrung her arms around General Allegar’s and gave a small laugh despite herself, her long, beautiful auburn hair swaying freely behind her. He patted her hand and kissed her lightly on her forehead.
“Christine?” started Raviex when her sobs seemed to lighten up.
“Y—yes?” She managed through her sobs.
“Your body feels really warm,” he said.
She instantly let go of Raviex and stepped backwards. “I’m terribly sorry. You might get sick too if you’re too close to me.”
Raviex frowned at her remark and purposely stood closer to her. “I wouldn’t mind,” he grinned. “So, why did you go out when you’re still sick?”
“What?” she looked at him blankly.
“Why did you go out when you’re still sick?” he repeated, amused.
“I… I planned on looking for you because I was bored at home. I was feeling better until I met Billy,” she sighed. “My fever’s back again thanks to him. I better let my mum know about it now. Ugh! It’s more medicines for me. I hate medicines. They taste so disgusting!”
‘So she was looking for me,’ Raviex smiled at the thought. “Alright, I’ll go with you.”
“No, you can’t, I’m still sick!” exclaimed Christine.
Raviex took her hand and walked towards the main doors. “You went through all the trouble to look for me. I’d feel really bad if I were to leave now.” Christine smiled as they went into the mansion together. She was secretly delighted that he willingly wanted to accompany her.
Thank you, Raviex.
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