Chapter 18: A sacrifice
Manna stayed outside, her feet soaking in the river near by. It wasn’t cold, but it wasn’t hot either, just a slight relaxing temperature. She stared at the stream and watched it elegantly flow. Water. How majestic it really is and how dangerous it is. Manna kicked a few things in the around in the stream. She even found a gem, one she had yet to see. She picked it up and examined it. In the green gem’s reflection, she could see Terrias’ reflection. Terrias sat next to her and put his arm around her. She shivered slightly, not like the way she normally would but sort of warm. Maybe it was the change in being alone then having a warm body next to you. She held onto his arm and continued to stare at the river’s flow. Terrias stared at the water and noticed her feet soaking away. “Shouldn’t really keep them in there, you slowly get cold,” said Terrias looking into Manna’s blank eyes. Her amber color did not shine. It remained dull and sad. “It doesn’t matter. It’s just slightly relaxing,” she said looking back into Terrias’ eyes. Terrias took her feet out of the water and began to massage them. “There are more relaxing ways to loosen up then sulkin – I mean, soaking,” said Terrias, trying not to make Manna feel worse. Manna smiled and looked at Terrias, “You’re pretty good at this.” Terrias smiled and continued. He gently rubbed on areas that seemed to be tense. He moved in and kissed her soles gently and looked at Manna. She looked in amazement and felt truly loved. For the first time in over 5 years, she did. She slowly approached him, inches away from his face. Their lips only centimeters away from each other. Terrias kissed Manna lightly. Manna followed Terrias’ lead. He sent his hands slowly going down her back, teasing movements each more intense then the next. Manna began to let out slight moans of joy. She thought. Manna moved backed looked at Terrias. He was shaking lightly. Where what they about to – maybe… Manna held Terrias hand and said, “When all this is calm…” “We can be together,” said Terrias as he reached into his small pouch. “Close your eyes,” he said. Manna did as she was told, anxious to know what Terrias had for her. “Open them.” She did. Breath left her, she was staring at a ring with a ruby in the center of a crescent moon made of diamonds. “Manna, will you marry me?” said Terrias hold Manna’s hand. She put her free hand over her mouth and began to cry out of joy. “Yes, Terrias, I will.”
Terrias and Manna returned back to the castle holding hands. Manna’s amber shade returned to her eyes as lively as they had always been. The two have never looked happier. Terrias began to remember again. How he had never had such luck back home. Where the girl of his dreams really was just another fantasy. This was real, as far as he knew. He remembered back to 7th grade. The memory was slightly clouded. It seemed to happen a lot lately, at least when he thought of his former home. Jasmine Rivers. That was his old crush. He remembered how his best friend, or so he seemed, Nathan Wilson tried to match them up. Nate claimed she had like Terrias too. Of course it sparked his interest to go see her and tell her how he felt for her. She normally stayed after school by the track field. As he went to go see her, he stayed hidden because he could see Nate talking to Jasmine. He moved in a little to eavesdrop on their conversation. “Terrias still thinks I like him, HA!” said Jasmine as she approached Nate. Terrias couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw the two kissing. Terrias shook his head and came back to reality. “You okay?” asked Manna looking over at Terrias slightly concerned. “…Yeah, course I am”, said Terrias trying to maintain his stability. He couldn’t believe life for him on Earth was terrible. He wouldn’t know he would do if he had lost Manna for good.
The entered the castle in met up with Valo, who seemed to be waiting for them. He was reading a book, like he had always done when there was nothing to do. He placed it down and looked at the two. Hiita then stepped down the stairwell and said, “We were wondering when you were coming back. We’ve found someone who can put the megaveil on you.” Valo closed his book and stood up. He looked over at Hiita, sighed, and looked at the couple, “Believe it or not, Aoi’s youngest sister can perform it.” Terrias’ felt a cold volt shoot down his spine. Aoi’s name, something he has not heard since he came to Vivica. “However, she lives in Kryo, ruling the small clan kryce”, said Valo breaking Terrias’ nostalgic expression. He looked at Valo then at Hiita then Manna. All he could think about was the thought of asking help from an unknown enemy, if she was an enemy. Manna nodded and said, “Well, looks like we’re off to Kryo.” Hiita came forward and said, “Listen, Alessa is not a person to hold grudges against anyone, but Terrias may suffer slight revenge if she finds a way.” Terrias looked up and said, “What are you trying to say?” “I mean that it may be wise if only we go and you stay here, Terrias,” answered Valo. Manna looked at Terrias and then held his hand. She was slightly saddened by the fact that she was not going to be with him, even if it’s for a little bit. Yet the separation of Terrias seems long and hard to do. “No, I’ll go. I killed her brother when I really didn’t want to. Hiita, you know that I was the not planning on killing you, I just need to get around,” said Terrias looking over to Hiita hoping she would vouch for him. Hiita shrugged her shoulders than nodded and answered, “You’re right. I take it you want to go and apologize anyway,” she walked up closer to him and whispered, “what an excellent excuse to go.” Terrias smiled and looked at Manna. Both were going to go through with this. Off to Kryo, they went.
Perhaps it was the cold air of Kryo or the thought of Manna’s life being risked, forced Terrias into a shivering state. Then again, there never really was this kind of bad weather back in Henderson, Nevada. Perhaps he was just not use to bitterness of the cold, brisk air. It was not like that before. It was not like this when he visited Kryo the first time around. It must be the anticipation building up inside. What awaits. What becomes of Manna should anything go wrong. Or even an attack of revenge for the death of General Aoi. They landed. Terrias looked over at Manna and they both gave each other a faint smile then got off the ship. The land was remote and the air short. Not a single building in sight. Terrias scoped out the area and said, “Are you sure that we are to meet them here?” Hiita nodded and took out her sword. She let it glow red and dug it into the ground sending a scolding red streak to cut forward in the snow. The streak went out for about a good half a mile then froze over and cooled down the sword from blade to hilt. Seconds after that, a young girl in a short dress came into view. She had hair of white that reflected an aesthetic light blue shine in which one could almost mistake her hair color to be such, several parts braided in tribal patterns. Her skin was white and pale, which also illuminated. Her dress short and white with hints of purple at the bottom. She stood at about 5’6” and looked on at Terrias with gorgeous blue eyes. “You were the one,” she said pointing at Terrias, “who killed my brother. I figured you to be more rough but your spirit seems gentle.” Terrias could not speak. She resembled someone he had seen before. It struck him – Jasmine Rivers. “Alessa, do you plan to hold a grudge against us for your brother’s death at Terrias’ hands?” asked Hiita pulling out her sword from the snow and placing it back into her sheath. Alessa smiled and responded, “He has shown his face in front of me in my homeland. I respect such courage and more so, I believe he did not wish to kill him.” Terrias looked surprised. It was as if Alessa is setting up Terrias for a trap. ‘Alessa is not one to hold a grudge but she may have slight revenge on Terrias if she finds a way.’ “Alessa, it is true. Your brother was not my target to kill. At the most I wanted him to be imprisoned but never killed,” he said regaining his thought. “I figured as much. Its not like you had control of Ultima at the time so the results surely would have been unpredictable,” countered Alessa. She was not going to make it easy on Terrias. Alessa knew that in order to be sure of Terrias, he was not to slip even the slightest. “True. I was in a rage and I figured he had my teammates and me for dead. However, I am sorry that the result ended in death,” he said giving Alessa a serious look, one of remorse. Valo looked anxious at what Alessa would say next. Hiita and Manna were very sure that Terrias had put the game to a rest. Alessa looked at Terrias with a smile and nodded. “Alright, you win, for now anyway. You guys look cold, follow me,” said Alessa as she guided them to a small cave.
The cave was much warmer than the outside was. No wind was blowing to add on to the bitter climate. After a bit more walking, the team had reached a small warm area were other members of what seemed to be another Aoi ruled clan laughed and talked about. Alessa led them to her tent made of the fur of an animal. She had asked them to sit and they all did. Terrias was examining the room when he stumbled upon a portrait of what seemed to be Alessa, Aoi, and another women. “Alessa, mind if I ask you something?” said Terrias looking up at the portrait. Alessa looked up at him and said, “Sure, what is it?” Terrias pointed at the third women in the picture, “Who is she? Another sibling of yours?” Alessa smiled and nodded. Hiita looked up and smiled too. “Ramona. It has been a while since I’ve seen her too. How is she?” asked Hiita. “Unfortunately, unlike me she has lost control of most of her clan and it is due to the death of our beloved brother. She also has a wish to kill Terrias and has asked me personally to kill you if I ever find you. Obviously I’m more forgiving and lenient than she is,” she answered. Alessa pulled out a pot and 5 cups pouring out a strange colored liquid. She passed one cup to each and said, “It may look odd but believe me, its actually very good.” Each took a sip of it and found it tasting very delicious. “So, onto business. Manna, you need me to put a megaveil on you, correct?” she asked. Manna nodded. “However, I won’t do this so willingly. I need a sort of payment,” She continued as she drank from her cup. “Well, whatever the cost, I’m pretty sure we can cover it,” said Manna. “I don’t want you to pay it. I want Terrias to pay it,” she said putting down her cup. Alessa looked over at Terrias and asked, “How much do you value Manna?” Terrias quickly responded, “More than life itself. There isn’t a mile I would go for her.” Alessa smiled, “Really? In that case, as payment, I want you to leave her for me.” It got cold again. At least for Terrias. He had not even looked up and was aware that Manna had already set her eyes on him. His future marriage. No, Manna. Terrias was not willing to… He was. The only way to save the thing you love most, sometimes, is to let it go and continue. “I accept.” Manna got up and ran off.
Terrias found Manna weeping on top of a small rock close to the entrance of the cave. He got behind her and tried to hug her but she resisted. Taking that as a decent response, he sat beside her. The two did not speak to each other for a minute or so. Terrias said softly, “I have to. Don’t think I’m leaving.” Manna looked down then slowly began to weep. “Why, then? Why do you have to let me go,” she asked through her tears and cracking voice. Terrias could not give her a reason. As he saw it, he had to make all connections break in order for her to recover from this faster. “Terrias! Manna! C’mon already! I don’t have forever!” cried out Alessa coming towards them. Terrias got up but Manna continued to sit. Alessa had made it to them and tripped. Terrias quickly caught her before she fell. “Great reflexes,” she said as Terrias helped her. Alessa had felt an interesting warmness. It was not the distant warmness from inside but a type that she never knew existed. She felt call and easy in Terrias’ arms. This person, whom she just now meets, makes her feel different. “You okay?” asked Terrias. Alessa grabbed Terrias and kissed him where he stood. Manna looked up in disgust and headed back to the cave. “I don’t think she’s too happy about us,” said Alessa looking over Manna. Terrias felt the urge to stop Manna and forget about this but resisted for her sake. Alessa and Terrias walked back while Alessa held Terrias’ hand.
After the megaveil was set in place, Manna was perfect and ready to continue missions. At least, physically she was. Hiita had stopped by her cabin in the airship. “Just so you know I think you should brace yourself. Alessa has decided to leave her first in command to come along with us,” she said. Manna did not seem to react at all. In fact, the amber glow in her eyes had once again dulled. She seemed to be in between a trance of denial and anger. Hiita sighed and sat by her, “Listen, I know it’s hard but he did it for you.” Manna looked up and said, “I wish he didn’t. I wish he would have said ‘no’ but he didn’t,” she brought out the ring, “we were to get married… but it was short lived.” Manna crushed the ring in her hand. The gold had cracked and broken but the gem was intact. Hiita tried to soothe her, “That gem is like his heart. As long as you hold that, it will never break. He wanted you to live freely rather than in fear your whole life. He gave you a chance that I’m not sure I would give if I were him. He loves you, dearly he does. Don’t hold it against him.” With that she got up and walked out. Manna put her head on the window and began to remember all the memories with Terrias. Tears fell down her face yet she did not make a sound or a face other than neutral. At night, Terrias waited outside near the rail. Manna stood behind him. “Terrias, I will never get over this. My heart won’t stop breaking until I hear you tell me your reason,” said Manna. Terrias turned and looked at her. The amber glow had come back but drowned in tears. “Manna, I want you to continue without me. I have plenty to lose without the megaveil. I want you safe and alive rather than in constant fear and dead. I do love you, but we can only be friends. I’m sorry, I’m not risking you,” said Terrias. Manna bit her then approached Terrias. She stopped only a few inches away from him. She reached for him and brought him to her. “I love you,” she said began to kiss him. Terrias kissed her back and held her close. “Ahem….” The two turned around to see Alessa looking slightly upset. Manna turned to Terrias and said, “Well, now you know. Just promise me you won’t hurt her.” Terrias sighed and said, “For you, I promise.” She smiled and walked over to Alessa. “He’s an incredible guy, you’re lucky to have him.” With that she went back to her cabin.
