Chapter 16: Bitterness
When the ship made dock at the capital, Terrias and Manna where carried over to the castle. Valo came down to see them and found Manna’s still body. “What happened?” he said rage in his tone. Hiita was about to explain when Valo looked up at her and more anger built up. He moved his eyes to Nucilver and he finally snapped. Terrias moved his head up but only to get yelled at by Valo, “You b*****d! You teamed up with your enemies only to ensure Manna’s death?!”
“He didn’t even know-”
“You shut up! Hiita, I’m even surprised you’re still alive and are now going to be spending the rest of your life rotting in the dungeons.”
Terrias got up to his feet and said, “Manna is still alive…” “She might as well be dead! Just look at her!” Valo continued shouting. Saharah came down to see what was going on downstairs. She covered her mouth when she saw both Terrias and Manna. “What the hell happened to you?” Once again before Hiita could explain, Valo shouted, “Apparently Terrias can’t follow simple orders in retrieving the airship. He has forsaken my sister!” “Enough, Valo, you act as if you’re the only one who cares for her!” said Terrias loudly. “Well it seems that you don’t”, said Valo hotly.
“For you information, I took a deathblow for her. She’s still alive and she wouldn’t have been if I wasn’t there!” Valo punched Terrias sending him back against the wall. Hiita tackled Valo and he got up and slapped her. Saharah tried to intervene but was shoved. She was filled with disgust and slapped Valo sending him to the floor. “What’s wrong with you?!” she shouted with tears in her eyes. Valo got up and looked at Terrias. Terrias got up and picked up Manna. “Put her down!” commanded Valo. “My clan member…” replied Terrias weakly.
“My sister”
“I’m leader”
”I’m king”
The two gave each other hated looks. “I think Terrias is allowed to do what he wants with Manna”, said Nucilver trying to settle things. His cold attitude however did not make it so. “You have no say in this. Or shall I remind you that you are the cause of all this”, said Valo trying to hold on to the last thread of his sanity. “I’m not the one hurting my allies am I?” “You are no ally and neither is she”, he said pointing to Hiita. “Terrias happens to think so, and may I remind you that we both can overpower you”, said Hiita angrily. Terrias looked at Manna. Her still body was depressing and cold. “None of this would have happened… if I never came here.” Everyone became quiet. “If I hadn’t met Ryo, he would have never been killed. Manna would still be in Aroa living her carefree life. Saharah would have been traveling the water. Valo would be calm in his castle. Creed would not have been provoked to release Nucilver. Hiita would still be the top of the clans.” Saharah approached him. “Don’t say that”, she said putting her hand on his shoulder. Valo walked out and back to his throne. Hiita and Nucilver went in opposite directions of the castle.
Terrias sat next to Manna’s bed. Hiita walked and took a seat next to Terrias. “Hey, don’t feel like this is all your fault. I’m can be blamed for pushing you into getting stronger than my clan”, she said trying to cheer Terrias up. “Aikon says she was injected with shock poison. It will destroy all connection of her body making her brain dead in a month.” Hiita remained quiet. She has always felt remorse towards Terrias even when they were enemies. “Isn’t there a cure?” she asked. “No.” Hiita hugged Terrias, hoping that it would put him at ease. He sighed and accepted her arms. “Look, she died saving you.”
“Get out.”
“But…”
“She is not dead, get out.”
Hiita wanted to kick herself and got up and left. Terrias got up himself and walked out. He stood near the balcony and looked over to most of Vivica. Aroa was the first town he saw. More sorrow filled his heart. Saharah seemed to appear out of nowhere beside him. “I know it hurts, Terrias”, she said startling him. Terrias let out a stuttered sigh. He could respond to Saharah. “I don’t think she’s dead, I think there is still a way for her to come around”, she continued pointing her fingers together, “Remember when we were under a sleeping curse and she had a rare potion to awaken us?” It hit Terrias like a brick wall. Garner. Garner is a continent of forests and rare plants. A lot of the potions that would cure sickness were in that continent. He left Saharah by the balcony, giving her a twisted smile. He entered Manna’s room and held her body close. “It’s not over. Not yet.”
At dinner no one spoke a word. Silence. The bitterness between the team was incredible. Valo refused to look up at anyone and seemed to pretend no one around him, but Aikon existed. Saharah only looked at Terrias to see his appealing smile appear every now and then. Hiita and Nucilver felt out of place. They had once been enemies now switched to an alliance. Neither seemed to be accepted except by Terrias. Terrias was completely out of it. He was constantly spacing out, only thinking of Manna’s revival. He spoke out, “We head out for Garner.” Everyone looked up. Finally, someone had said something. “It’s the next continent on the list and I think we should get this treaty signed between us and them immediately.” Valo got up and left the table. Nucilver and Hiita once again headed in different directions of the castle. Saharah only gave a small nod and stood up slowly. She seemed to have gotten bigger and was near giving birth. It has been well over 7 months now. All this horrible tension; the clan seemed to be splitting up. Aikon left Terrias alone at the table to think on his own. After all, he had taken the greatest hit off the impact. Aikon made it all the way to the 6th floor west wing. She entered a room made of iron. “That’s unusual of you, sis”, said a man standing in the center of the room, “you normally don’t come here unless you have business with me.” “Seipher, the clan is falling apart”, said Aikon closing the door behind her. “And what do you want me to do about it?” Seipher asked, looking at her sister in the eye. “I need you to look up a remedy for Manna Aminus’ illness.” Seipher walked over to a bookshelf and pulled out an old, thick book. “She was cursed by the magic poison of the ryltz vine of Xiang-Hu’s forest. She is paralyzed to near brain death. The only cure can be found in Garner.” It now occurred to Aikon. Terrias new that such a cure existed in Garner. It was the reason why he wanted to head to Garner quickly. “So was it to you that she is to be cured?” “She is the last thread holding the clan together. She mustn’t die. If she can be revived, then the clan will be together once again. Seipher nodded and put the book back in its original position on the shelf. “You are aware that at the moment only three viles of that potion exist at the moment, correct?” Aikon looked up at him. “I don’t care how rare that potion is. Nothing is going to break the peace throughout this continent. I’ll go to the farthest of mountains to help out this clan. They have done so much for Vivica and the rest of Ghaelivon. Besides, I sympathize for Terrias. He loves her.” It became quiet. “Thing king of Garner is one the holders of that potion. I’ll see what I can do for him to give it to us.” Aikon smiled and bowed slightly. She opened the door and headed out. There may still be a ray of hope left after all.
