Heart of the Wind
The fire grew higher and higher. “Manna, tell me… do you love me?” Manna hesitated and looked at Terrias. “No, I don’t. Terrias, love isn’t what I can even call it, its far more than that.” Terrias smiled and Manna did too. If this were the end, then Terrias would have wanted it this way. “Terrias, I have something to tell you in case we don’t get out of here.” “What is it?” Terrias sat down avoiding the flames. “My story. You’ve opened up to me so now it’s my turn…”
I don’t remember much, but I remember my mom dying giving birth to me. Next memories I have were those of Valo and my father fighting. Valo ended up losing and could not do a thing about it. He refused for my sake. As I grew up I learned many things by Valo. I never went to school. “Manna, how aware are you of the other galaxies and dimensions beside our own?” he asked. “Not much, I just know of other life”, I answered. The books Valo had were so complex and very informative. One day I pulled out ‘Celven and the Serine Knights.’ It talked about Celven Altima and Rina DeLecour and how they founded the Serine Knights. Altima was the founder of Ultima and then the later mastered version known as Altima for he was the only one who accomplished such a feat. “Valo, it says here that Altima had gone insane and Rina along with the other Serine Knights imprisoned him to die in a different world. Why would two people who love each other so much turn on themselves?” Valo looked at me in amazement. “You’re only 8, how do you even know what love is?” he asked giving me a joking smile. “This book said they were. They were always fighting side by side, neither let each other down,” I said trying to prove my point. I flipped to a picture in the book of the two. Altima brought Rina up during battle with Altima holding a whole platoon back with Ultima. “Just because something is recorded and shown doesn’t mean it is true”, he said as he petted my head, “you’ll understand when you’re older.” He patted my head and let the room. I pouted like any child would and looked at the picture. Rina was a beautiful woman, with silky, brown hair. Her eyes sparkled amber like my own. Her physique was elegant even when in battle; her armor did not hide her slender appearance. Altima was the next I took a look at. He was strong and yet had a gentle look on his face. Even when in combat his nature appeared to be polite and loving. He was not muscular but it didn’t matter. Something about him was calling to me. “I’ll one day have my knight in shining armor like Rina. But I won’t let him go.”
Shortly after dinner Valo and father had gotten into another argument. This time, Valo left the house. I followed him, disobeying my father’s orders not to follow him. “Manna, go back. I don’t want you in trouble,” he said, but just as he turned around to send me back a group of bandit clan members emerged and said, “but we do.” Valo tried protecting me with some simple spells he knew but they weren’t enough. He was beat fiercely and tossed all around like a rag doll. I tried to escape but was held back by one of the bandits. “Let me go!!” I cried as I struggled trying to free myself from his grip. “Manna!” shouted Valo but was slammed to the ground. “And now to silence you two up. I’ll kill the boy, he looks like he’s worth nothing and will be our warning, the girl will be our prisoner for ransom,” said the leader as he handed the one pinning Valo down a sword. As it rose, I couldn’t feel a bone in my body. Everything slowed down. The next thing I remember was hearing a soft voice. “Graveyard Rose,” it said. Beautiful pink petals fell from the sky out of thin air. The petals glowed brightly and then followed up with the sound of wind and a blinding flash and bang. The bandits were all gone. Valo looked up at me in shock. “When… when did you learn that spell?” he asked with concern. “I heard it from here! It was definitely a forbidden spell,” said a group of voices. “Valo, I didn’t know what I was doing, it just…. happened,” I said. He silenced me and told me to go back with a simple gesture of his finger pointing to our house. “Go,” he said in a low voice. I was afraid of the people so I listened. I got home and father was there waiting for me. He grabbed my hair and pulled me into the house. He beat me furiously saying, “You ungrateful child. How dare you run off to that piece of s**t of a brother.” He continued for a while and forced me into the library and locked it. I cried trying to get out. In my endeavor to trying desperately to free myself, “Celven and the Serine Knights” fell from the bookshelf it was in. I picked it up and opened to the page where Altima and Rina where in combat. I looked around and sure enough I found one of Valo’s empty notebooks and a quill. I grabbed the ink jar and opened it and began to right down my thoughts. “….when will my knight in shining armor come rescue me?” Afterwards, I fell asleep.
When I woke up the next day my father had opened the door for me. “Breakfast, Manna,” he said moving out into the dining room. I got up and walked to the dining room. I sat down in my usual seat. “Come sit here,” he said pointing to Valo’s empty chair that was next to him. As uncomfortable as it seemed to me, I obeyed orders. “Your brother has been exiled,” he said in a cheerful way. I was stunned. “What for?” I asked wanting to get to the bottom of this. “Using a forbidden spell,” he said drinking down the rest of his milk. “He didn’t do anything…:” I mumbled. “Oh, in that case, what did happen? I suppose the spell came out of no where, huh?”
“I did it…”
“Ha, that’s a good one. Manna, your brother was a pest. I knew he was evil from the start.” I stood up and shouted, “He’s not evil!!!” Father looked at me with a mean glare. “After your chores, come to my room.” With that he got up and left me there alone. I have never felt so awkward in my entire life even until this day. When my chores where finished, I only tended the small animals and washed inside, I went to my father’s room. “Come in,” he said before I could knock on the door. I entered feeling rather bothered about why he had calmly invited me in and how he even knew I was there. He looked at me and came to me, “Manna, just like your mother, you know that?” He gently caressed my face and I felt even more uncomfortable. Lowering himself to my level I began to shiver. “Dad, please don’t. I don’t feel right…” He just smiled and brought me closer to him. “My sweet Manna, stay like this forever.” Before I could even respond he kissed me. It was no ordinary kiss, but a lustful one. His tongue slid into my mouth and I was defenseless. He began feeling on all over my body. When he reached my area, I tried to push him away but he refused. He stopped. For a minute I felt relief, but when he got up and showed me something I can never forget, I fell to my knees terrified. “You don’t have to do much, just grab and rub.” I can’t remember whether it was my own will or fear that made me do it. The smell I will never forget.
6 years later, this still continued. Now he had violated me in other numerous ways. To the point where I would so much remain with the taste in my mouth just looking at him. The day my innocence was taken was the day I would never forget. He left me there afterwards. His own daughter, he has been abusing and exploiting for 6 years. Enough was enough and I fled Aroa. I never wanted to recollect the ghastly memories of that wretched place. I didn’t care where I was going. I knew I had to go somewhere. The time I spent on my own in the desert and near the canyon I lost track of. It seemed to me like months. No food nor water to keep me alive. I began to slowly fade. I thought to myself that if I were to die right then and there, I would at least find some comfort in my death. I passed out. I could take no more, move on any farther. I thought it was the end. My eyes opened to a stranger’s voice. “…and she still lives?” The presence of water could be felt on my lips. I drank the revitalizing elixir. “She’s breathing, bring her in the carriage,” said the unfamiliar voice. I tried to see who it was but I had no such luck. I fainted from the fatigue. Again, the familiar voice spoke out and I awoke. My vision slightly distorted from the drowsiness. “Are you feeling any better?” he said. I finally was able to make out his face. He was quite handsome, and had a soothing smile. His hair golden, and his eyes shined blue. “How long have you been out there?” he asked. I gathered up enough energy to speak, “About a few weeks maybe, I’m not sure, I lost track of time.” He stroked my hair and I shivered. His touch was like that of my father’s I was afraid something would happen again. “Don’t be afraid, we’re here to help you,” he said with a voice that assured my soul that I could trust him. I don’t know what got over me, but I clung myself to him and began to cry. He didn’t push me away, but embraced me in his arms. He was warm. I have never been this comfortable with anyone since Valo was around. He stroked my hair again, yet I still shivered. “Calm down. You’ve been through a lot it seems. Just relax and we’ll help you to the best of our abilities,” he said, “By the way, my name is Cornelius Bronipere, and yours’ miss?” He was so polite, “Manna Aminus,” I replied. “You’re safe with us, Manna. Enjoy the trip to the castle, I’m sure you’ll find our kingdom quite enjoyable.”
The carriage had finally arrived at what Cornelius said was called Seranford. He kindly escorted me out of the carriage and into the castle. Inside was so elegant, I felt as if I had stepped into a historical book from Valo’s library. I was taken to the king and his daughter Princess Serenity. “Cornelius, I hear that you have saved this young girl from the desert near Spirit Canyon. What encouraged you to do so?” asked the king, his voice deep and commanding. “It is in my honor of chivalry. My knighthood’s code in which I live to serve and follow,” said Cornelius genuflecting before his majesty. “Well spoken, my boy, well spoken. And you, Miss Aminus, as they told me, what would you be doing out so far from civilization alone?” said the king now directing his attention to me. “I ran away, I wished to leave and seek my own joyous life. If I stayed in Aroa any longer I may have killed myself,” I answered with despair in my voice, despite me trying to fight it. “Judging by your looks, you are too young to live on your own, yet you still ran off to even more dangerous area’s in where clans or the harsh nature itself would have killed you than to stay home. Miss Aminus, how old are you?”
“Manna, your highness, I am still 14.”
“The same age as my daughter, Manna, you seem to have a lot of potential if you were able to survive on your own like that. What do you seek in life?” I froze. I had no idea what I wanted to do once I left home. “I guess I am unsure, probably something that protects the rights of other.” “It seems to me that you wish to join the knights of Seranford. Cornelius, would you be able to train her?” he said directing Cornelius. Cornelius stood up, “Yes, your highness, I will see to it.” “Excellent, oh and Manna, if you ever feel tired of all those men, you may visit my daughter anytime you please.” I looked over at Serenity. She smiled and winked at me. I smiled and gave a similar gesture. Cornelius led me to my room. On the way there he said, “14, so you’re close to my age.” I looked at him, “How old are you?” “16, turning 17 soon.” I was shocked; he seemed more mature in appearance and mannerism. “Did you really save me out of your code?” I asked just curious as to if that was the total answer. “Well, you were a cute girl in trouble, I don’t think my nature would have allowed for such, code or not,” he said smiling at me. I smiled back and held his hand. He looked away; still I knew he was blushing by watching his ears turn a bright red. “Um, if you’re uncomfortable with this… I-”
“Its alright…”
“Didn’t sound like it.” He turned around and brought me close to him. Everything stopped. “I can’t help but to feel some emotion for you so suddenly. Manna, you can trust me to protect you always. I’ll make sure you can defend yourself when I’m not around to,” he said softly. His warmness felt like a shield. I’ve never felt such joy in my heart before. I looked at him and he looked at me. I approached him and kissed his lips gently. He closed his eyes and got more passionate. As did I. We pulled back just a bit and gazed at each other. “Cornelius, do you believe love can emerge anytime?” I asked. “Love is forever. It can’t simply ‘emerge’ because it is always there, you have to find it on your own.” I could not believe how incredible he was. I felt that I had to reach for him. He took me to my room and wished me goodnight. I fell on my new bed and fell asleep feeling at home for the first time.
I woke up near dawn. I felt that he was coming to get me. Sure enough, he knocked on my door and I opened it for him. “Cornelius, good morning!” I said with glee. “Good morning to you too, Miss.”
”You don’t have to be so formal with me. You’ve proved to me that you are mature, just act normal.”
“But this is how I treat all my kinsmen. Its who I am, not what I have to prove.”
I felt like melting right there and then. This knight was perfect, I felt as if I had found that knight who would rescue me. “Let’s move, we have a long day ahead of us,” he said taking my hand. I followed him all the way to the knight’s training ground. All the men were rough, I only saw 5 girls. One approached us. “Cornelius, what have we here?” she said giving Cornelius a clever smile. “This is Manna Aminus, she will be one of our new cadets. I will train her as a squire and you may train her as a knight,” he answered smoothly. “So this is the young one you survived the desert that your team found. She’s very cute and looks soft, you sure she is fit for the job?” she said. Cornelius looked at me and smiled then looked at her, “Definitely. Manna survived the desert on her own and has a burning passion in her.” With that he patted my shoulder and left. “Manna, allow me to introduce myself, I am Sophia. As Cornelius said I will be your trainer into knighthood after you master the role as a squire. You will be my squire and serve me in any needs. My duty is to protect you but for that you need to get yourself out of trouble and obey all orders.” Sophia smiled at me and sent me to Cornelius, where him and I began basic training. After my day was complete I headed to my room. I saw Princess Serenity standing in the hall as if she was waiting for me. “Manna, was it?” she said softly. “Yes,” I replied just as shyly. “Um, would you like to come to my room just to talk and stuff?” she asked with a slight bit more confidence. I never had anyone aside from my brother to talk to back home. “That would be nice,” I answered. We went to her room and I was amazed at its enormous size. It was elegantly decorated with scarlet curtains and a rug to match. I took my shoes off as to not dirty a thing. “You seem a little tired and dirty, if you want we can bathe together in the washroom and I can give you some new clothes for you to wear, we are about the same size,” she said. She was really being hospitable with me. She was a princess and yet she was serving me. “Um, why are you being so kind to me, I’m but a squire in training?”
“I really don’t have many friends and well, I’d like to make a good impression. I’m sure we’d get along just fine, Manna.”
We went to the washroom and I entered the nice, warm tub with her. I felt extremely relaxed and wanted to stay in there for a long time. She entered next and sat by me. “I take it this must feel really good after all that training you’ve gone through,” she said giving me a look that brought comfort to me. “So, what’s it like being a princess?” I asked her. I was very curious, it’s not someone you normally befriend and expect not to ask. “Well, its quite boring. I don’t get to talk to people since they have to be of my class, or so they say. Luckily you happened to come around, so now I have you to talk to,” was the response, in the perkiest manner. “So, what do you think of Sir Cornelius?” she asked nudging me slightly. I blushed and tried my hardest not to look too obvious, “He’s alright. Very polite and kind. Knows when to speak. I guess, you can say he is quite the charmer to most ladies.” Serenity just giggled and winked at me. I rolled my eyes and she squirted me with some water. I splashed back and we laughed and played for the remainder of the bath. It was getting late and Serenity had given me some clothes I could wear. “Same time tomorrow?” she asked. “Definitely,” I responded and hugged her goodnight. Seranford had been my new home.
It’s been like this for the next year or so. I had become a knight after a long ordeal. I was put in a small group according to my rank. I was a 3rd class middle knight. We were always the ones who would do sentry breaches and such. However, I yearned to be a 1st class throne knight like Cornelius and Sophia. After a mission near a small frontier we settled down and celebrated. I hanged around Sophia; Cornelius was nowhere to be seen. “So how are you enjoying yourself, squirt?” asked Sophia finishing her pint. “Um, okay, I guess,” I said nervously. I wasn’t use to being around so many people. She passed me a drink and said, “Go on, it’ll loosen you up.” I took the pint and drank it. I could feel my ears flare up and I felt slightly dizzy. “Hey, Sophia, I’m just going outside for a little bit of air.” “Fine by me, babes, just be careful.” I stepped out of the large tent and walked off to a small hill. As I began to make my way up I noticed someone standing at the top already. Cornelius. He had been up there the whole time. He stood looking up at the stars above. What a view once can get too. I decided to walk over to him and said, “So this is where you’ve been.” He looked back startled and said, “Manna, didn’t think anyone would find me here. What are you doing here?”
“I’m getting some air from the alcohol. What are you doing here?”
“Touché. Well… I’m just tired of being in a crowded space.” He looked back up and kept a faint smile on his face. “But they were all looking for you, me especially, heard you were really great back at the attack”, I said getting closer. He looked down at me and smiled, “I’m not as great as they see me. You, why would you look for me?” My heart began to beat faster. I wanted to tell him why I truly was looking for him. How I yearned to let him know that I actually had feelings for him. “I… Cornelius, I…” no matter how hard I tried, it would not come out of my mouth. With only seconds in between he got up and held me tightly and close him as if he were saying his final goodbye. “Manna, I know you want to say it. It’s okay if you can’t,” his heart began to beat as hard as mine, “I love you. We’ve been through a lot and you’ve always been there for me. I made it my vow to protect you and see that your dreams are fulfilled.” Time froze for me. It was like a dream come true like that of a child’s pure hearted dreams. I embraced him calmly. I didn’t shiver as he stroked my hair. “I love you, Cornelius, I have for a long time,” I said and looked at him. His eyes were magnificent and calm. I trusted him and moved closer to him. The second our lips touched, we embarked on a long and passionate kiss. I never wanted this moment to end. This is how I wanted my love to be.
We stayed outside for about a few minutes more on the ground with him holding me. I gazed at him and he to I. “Let’s get back to the party before they really start looking for us,” he said with gentleness in his voice. I smiled and nodded. He helped me up and we walked to the tent. Upon entering, a crowd came in and took Cornelius away from me and began getting loud. I sighed and slowly made my way to where I last saw Sophia. I didn’t see her nor did I see her around anywhere. I then decided to just talk to other knights I knew and spent the rest the party like that. Morning came and we were to go on another mission. Our objective was to break into Fort Thackeray and force a treaty with Duke William Carol. My objective was to open the gate and keep a look out. I readied for the orders to continue with Rita Oates and Daryl Bell, my co-spies. Cornelius and Sophia rode their horses past us. Cornelius looked at me and said, “Good luck to the three of you, I hope break in with less trouble than the enemy gives.” Sophia nodded over to continue moving and took their position. Commander Jacob McDowell gave us the order in where we were to attack from. I was to invade from the east while Rita on the west and Daryl on the south. I was the first to climb in the stronghold and shot my rocket giving them the warning to prepare for anything. Only minutes happened when Rita and Daryl’s rockets shot out. The troops were distracted and began to investigate near our position and came to the top floor. I had already made my way to the now unprotected gate control. Rita had beat me to the gate and began unscrewing a few of the gate rivets to loosen up attack for a battery should we need it. I began to raise the gate and Daryl’s second rocket was fired. Cornelius led the group in and the knights began to raid. My mission was complete and was now ready for any combat. I wasn’t allowed in the main front because of my rank and fought along side of the east flank. Cornelius and Sophia made their was into the chambers of the Duke. It was only a matter of time, or so we thought. Sophia came back injured and alone. “Cornelius…. he’s in their alone…send in a few 2nd class throne knights quickly. Upon hearing those words everything stopped. I grabbed a second blade on the floor and cut my way into the main front. I entered the chambers and Sophia cried out, “Squirt, get the hell back here! You’ll be sent to your death bed if you go in there!” I didn’t care. I continued and supported the other knights. “What is a 3rd class middle knight doing here?! And a girl at that, not even of age”, was all I heard running down the corridors looking desperately for Cornelius or any sign of him. The troops went forward yet I stopped and looked to the right of me. There was a long, dark, and desolate hallway leading to only a door at the end. I approached it. I don’t know why, but I was sort of drawn to it. I opened the door and saw the Duke hold a sword over Cornelius. Without thinking, I sent my blade through him as he swung down. His blade hit me in the shoulder and I collapsed. “Manna!” said Cornelius as we both lost our consiousness.
A bird flew over my head. It flew close to a bigger bird close by. I gazed as the two danced in the air, but it was all too good. Another bird came in a knocked the little one down making it crash hard on the ground. The other two flew away leaving the little bird helpless on the ground. I woke up panting, as if I were the bird that had fallen down. No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t seem to relax myself and go back to sleep. It was too much for me. I couldn’t understand why. I felt alone. I tried moving around but felt a sharp pain in left shoulder. I took a look and noticed I was wrapped up and in a sling. A small fire was close in the fireplace. I examined my surroundings very closely and realized I was in the infirmary. When my eyes focused to my center, I noticed Cornelius sitting up patched up and a few scars on his back. “Cornelius…” I said softly hoping he would respond. “Manna, why’d you come in after me without help?” he said almost as if he felt horrible about it. “I…Sophia came out asking for help and I-”
“She wanted a higher ranking knight in there, not someone of your level to get killed off.”
“If you couldn’t take him down then why would we be any different?”
“Higher ranks have a better chance.”
I looked at him in disbelief. “Listen, I did it for you…. As foolish as it may have seemed, I only wanted you safe.” He sighed and gave me a saddened look. “I’m not worth it, Manna, you shouldn’t trouble yourself for me,” he said. I got up and walked over to his bed and sat next to him and leaned on him. “You mean a lot to me, Cornelius. It’s because of you I’m here. I was miserable before I left into the desert,” I said softly wanting to tell him had happened to me in Aroa. He gently put his arm around me and kissed me on top of my head. “Manna, all I did was saved you from a desert. You only know me so much even if it has been a year. Please do not get too attached to me,” he said gently. I moved up closer to him and whispered, “How could you say that? I love you. I can’t just get over you like it was nothing.” His eyes filled up with tears and began to fall from his face. “Manna, I love you. I want to keep what we have and expand it.” With that I kissed him and went back to my bed and fell asleep once again.
I stayed with Serenity as long as I was injured. I also was promoted to a 1st class throne knight. Serenity was just shocked that I ever did such a thing as to risk my own life for a small victory. “I swear, Manna, you are just a little to obsessed with Cornelius. But then again I’ve never felt love for someone who has love for another…” I wasn’t thinking too much at first, but it suddenly hit me hard. “Wait, Cornelius loves another?!” I shouted getting up too fast hurting myself in the process. “Geez, Manna, don’t go hurting yourself like that and yes, Wait, you didn’t know?” she said now a little frightened to say anything else. I looked at her on the verged of just crying right in front of her. “Manna, him and Sophia are together, they have been since a few months ago,” she said looking into my eyes about to cry with me. I grew cold again and began to head off to Cornelius’ room. “Wait, Manna, don’t do anything rash. Please, if not for me then for the sake of your honor as a knight,” said Serenity trying to stop me. “I won’t do anything I will regret but I am going to talk to him…”
I made my way down the corridors and entered his room. He stood by the window looking out into the training field. “Cornelius, why didn’t you tell me?” I asked approaching him. “Manna, what do you mean?” he said looking at me rather confused. “How long have you and her been together?” I asked yet again. “Manna, tell me what’s wrong…” he said looking at me rather scared. “Serenity told me you have been with Sophia for some time now… tell me that none of it is true and that you love and want me.” He hesitated and looked down. He sighed and looked up at me. “It’s true.” My world crashed hard. I felt a jolt attack my heart as if it was intended to kill me. I collapsed and began to cry loudly. “Manna listen-” he said trying to approach me but I cut him off. “No, you listen to me! You toyed with me and played with my emotions. You had all the opportunity to tell me that you were with someone else before I had to find out this way! I wouldn’t have cared if you had told me, I would have been a little crushed but this? Was that ‘I love you’ just a lie?” I shouted furiously backing away from Cornelius. I tripped and hurt myself again. “It wasn’t a lie. There is a reason why I told you not to get attached,” he said trying to recover. “Then why?! All my life I’ve been nothing but a toy to men and I’m through, you hurt me deeply and if you truly love me, why choose her?” I pleaded to know now growing hysterical. “…. Rank…. My family has been ridiculed and put down for centuries now. The Bronipere family will not take it anymore and I needed to up the rank. Sophia had always been kind to me and had found ways to make me talk.” I was disgusted by his answer and only grew even more furious. “Then just leave her and come with me, I am in the same rank as you two are!”
“Its not that easy, I’ve fallen for Sophia if not equal greater then and can always be with her in attacks…” That was the final straw for me and I shattered. He looked at me and saw the despair in my eyes that had dimmed the shine they once had. “Alright, you win. I’ll be on my way,” I said slowly getting up and heading towards the door. “Manna, wait, I want you to know that I really do love you, just see me any differently.” I didn’t stop and just left. I stayed back at Serenity’s room and cried. She cried with me and held me. “Manna, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have said anything about the two.”
”No, Serenity, I’m glad you told me, I wanted to know sooner than later and get crushed even more.”
We decided to bathe. Serenity said that a bath would relax me and keep me calm. The water helped ease the pain but it didn’t leave. Physically and emotionally destroyed… and yet, and yet I couldn’t help but to still feel something for Cornelius. I couldn’t get him out of my mind. I only continued to cry. Serenity offered to let me sleep with her in the room if I wasn’t feeling all myself. I took her up on the offer. She was my only comfort. My best friend.
A month passed and I was ready for battle again. Of course, the training was now far more vigorous and tiring. I looked over and saw Cornelius on the other side of the field. He looked over and looked down avoiding any eye contact with me. Sophia came up to him and talked with each other for a slight moment. They then kissed and she went on her way on horse out of the kingdom. I gathered enough courage and walked over to Cornelius. “Hey,” I said. “Manna, what’s up?” he said. “Wow, that’s a first,” I said not being able to hold in a smile. “What do you mean?” he asked smiling back. “You responded my greeting informally, that’s what I mean,” I said giggling. “I haven’t been myself lately. Manna, about that day-”
“Pish posh, it doesn’t matter. So where did Sophia go off to?” I asked him. “Well, she was sent the Kingdom of Morton to send news of a neutrality between us and any other kingdom in the war they are in now,” he said as he tried to pick up a few saddles up. I offered to help and grabbed a few. “I never knew that there was so many kingdoms in Vivica,” I said as I helped him toward the small shack. “Well, this country is in a feudal system and kingdoms can establish just about anywhere. Because the desert is closest to the capital its only common to see more kingdoms than clans around these parts,” he said trying to organize all of the equipment in the shack. He reminded me of Valo at that moment and I couldn’t help but to act so childish around him. I stopped and wondered what happened to Valo. “Cornelius, I want to tell you something,” I said rather sadly. He looked at me and his smile faded. “What is it?” he asked nervously. “I plan on leaving when I’m 16. I don’t want any of you after me or anything of the sort. I just need to go find someone,” I said looking down to the items I brought in. He stopped everything he was doing and got close to me and held my hand. “Manna… You have so much here and well, it just wouldn’t be the same without you,” he said trying to make me change my mind. “Cornelius, I wish it was that simple… I have nothing else here and it was just to get away. Now that I have an idea of where I want to go I must leave”, I said. Cornelius came down to my level and held me close. I didn’t push him away. I wanted him to try something like this. Maybe if he told me he would choose me then I would stay. “Manna, please don’t go. I vowed to protect you and if you go, I’m going with you. It’s just going to be hard leaving this kingdom,” he said softly. My heart leapt again. I couldn’t believe it. He really would leave her for me. “Cornelius, what about Sophia?”
“Manna, sometimes there are things more important than rank if the choices are inevitable.”
I grabbed onto him. I’ve felt almost revived again and my heart was slowly mending back to place.
It was nearly 3 months left until I turned 16. Cornelius stayed with Sophia as long as he remained in Seranford. We had another mission to attend to and I was leading this time. All the memories I have here are a blur. I remember going into battle. Cornelius and I were knocked off our horses and got back up. We were fighting warriors that were not human. I know it was intended for me, it was said it wasn’t but it was. An arrow pierced Cornelius and he fell down injured. He didn’t move. A swift arrow grazed me on my left shoulder. I came to my senses; at least I felt that I have. Again I heard the voice. “Release your love and I will save,” it said. Tears fell down my face. I couldn’t help but to feel total anguish in my heart and my heart felt shattered again. I somehow knew what to do this time. “Graveyard Rose,” I mumbled and the pink petals emerged again. I felt tranquil this time and felt as if I had a reason to do it. The wind blew behind me and a flash covered the entire field. When it cleared, all but our soldiers were dead. Cornelius made a small grunt and movement. I picked him up and he looked upon me. “Manna, I love you…” he said and fell asleep. I picked him up and moved him quickly to a carriage. On my way, everyone moved out of my path, whispering what has happened and what I have done. I placed him in the carriage and Sophia came rushing in. “Cornelius? Where is he?” she said panicking and making her way to the carriage. She looked at him and began to cry. “No…” she let out slowly and fell to her knees. I moved out of the way and let her mourn for him. I couldn’t shed a tear no matter how much I grieved this tragedy. Back at the castle it was found out that Cornelius was still alive but will die in a matter of hours. I watched as his skin turned green and he coughed up blood. Moving violently in torment. He raged on. I could no longer bare it and ran to my room. Serenity followed after me and handed me a box silently. “I found it in Cornelius’ room. It said it was for you,” at the same time she handed me a small letter:
To my Dearest;
Our journey will be long and perhaps endless. However, I wish
to stay with you forever. This set of clothes I give you is also a marauder’s
armor. I had it made for you, my love, to protect you always. I shall never leave
your side, through all hardships. Manna, accept it and this blade. My rose of the
wind.
Your Love,
Cornelius Bronipere
The clothes that I have to this day is the very same armor that Cornelius has given me. I always cherished it and his sacrifice for taking the poison arrow. Without a word I took the sword and armor and left.
I headed back to the one place I knew I could finally return to and find my brother, or at least some whereabouts. Aroa. I returned to my home and entered. It was not locked, it seems to still be in the condition it always was in. I heard someone come down the stairs. It was my father, the man I have not seen in over 2 years. “You… How are you still alive?” he said shaking in disbelief. “It is I, alright. I had better company helping me grow strong,” I said approaching him. “You have grown into a beautiful lady, Manna-”
“Cut the crap, you’re not using me again.”
He tried to bring me to him but I grabbed his wrist and broke it. He fell screaming in pain. I pushed him back and drew out my sword holding it to his heart. “Valo was exiled, where to?” He looked at the blade and then at me, “I don’t know, I swear it. It has been 8 years and I only recall the place once in a conversation.” I put my blade back and walked off. He got up and tried grabbing me again. Without thinking I ran my blade through him. “Your…. Your own father…” was his last words and died. “Your own daughter, you used for 6 years,” were mine and I placed his body outside. I went to the mayor and told him my current situation. He took my fathers body and threw it in the fires of the furnace. “Manna, I am terribly sorry about your losses in the past. But I ask you, where did you stay all this time?” he said offering me some tea. I took the cup and took a small sip of it and said, “I stayed in the kingdom of Seranford. I became a knight under them.” “Seranford? Impressive. I must say, Manna, to get hospitality from our governing kingdom is quite a feat,” he said pouring himself more tea. We talked a little more and he let me stay at my father’s house as my own. It felt strange at first. So many memories and yet I fell like only recollecting the good. My room has not changed since I left. All my toys and even my diary have been left there untouched. I opened up the diary and found the page that I wrote when I was locked in the library that fateful day. My stay was not for long.
About a week in Aroa, and no sign of my brother, I was ready to leave and move out to find Valo. Just existing the town I saw a small army approach Aroa. To my surprise, the person leading it was Serenity and Sophia right beside her. They stopped and looked at me. “Manna?! What are you doing here?” said Serenity in surprise to even see me after a week. “I live here, I was just out on my way to go looking for my brother elsewhere. I was hoping to find him at our hometown but I was wrong,” I said approaching her. I looked at Sophia who had a hateful look on her face when we made eye contact. “Now my question to you, what are you doing here?” I asked just curious at why she had brought the knights to Aroa. “We plan on destroying the place and taking everyone back to Seranford,” she said. I already knew that none of the villagers were going to leave easily. Many of them will try to fight back and get themselves killed. “You can’t. None of them will want to leave and all it will do is lead to a pointless massacre,” I said pleading for them not to go into battle. “What does it matter to you? From what you told me all you hated and all your troubles were here,” said Sophia approaching me. “Still, that shouldn’t mean anyone else should suffer because I hate Aroa.”
“And what are you going to do about it? All you know is how to run away when something horrible occurs.”
Without thinking I drew my sword and ran Sophia through with it. Everyone else gasped around me. Serenity gave me a terrified look and Sophia remained alive fell off her horse. “You witch… I’m going to kill you…” I brought my blade up to her and said, “Not before I kill you first. That goes for all of you. None will get into Aroa…” A brawl started and somehow I could feel myself flow with the battle. Arrow after arrow I dodged for others to get hit with. Others fell under the swift and agile control of my sword. It was only a matter of minutes where a whole army of 100 became 2. Sophia came in for an attack and I blocked quickly. Her sword was as swift as mine. Each time sparking orange when our swords met. I felt an arrow coming near and I moved out of the way. The arrow struck Sophia piercing her head. She stopped and fell down. I sent my blade through the back of her neck to put her out of her misery. “Serenity, this could have been avoided. Sophia and you could have left alive. Did you seriously think an arrow would kill me?”
“Manna, unfortunately for you, I have a skill passed down by my family. The week you left, my father died and I took his role. I have to make Seranford a protecting nation. You could have help make it better. Its over, Manna, I’ll miss you as a friend, the best I’ve ever had.”
She picked up a blade and her eyes began to glow periwinkle. She came at me with a rapid speed and nearly hit me. I heard the voice again, “Embrace me…:” I did. I felt a strong ominous presence surround me. I used that spell again. Serenity flew sky high and fell down hard. She got up with the help of her blade and tried attacking with a surge of lightning. I used the spell again and it reflected the attack with my own and disintegrated her. I fell and cried after it was all over. I could here the villagers crying and coming to my location. The mayor was stunned at the sight. “Manna…. It was you this whole time?” I got up and nodded. “I’m sorry… I am the Graveyard Rose user. I am aware it was a forbidden spell made by Rina DeLecour. However, I used it to escape until now.” They stared at me and moved back whenever I made the simplest moves. “Manna, we have to capture you. You destroyed the Seranford knights, your own comrades, and with that spell…” “You’ll have to catch me first.” I ran off and disappeared. I stayed near the outskirts of town and entered my house putting a fireproof charm on it to avoid it being destroyed. It was only a few days later that I decided to become a Grave Knight and continue where Rina left off. I was her successor and was ready for anything. It was only a few months later you found me. After that coincidence, Ultimatias captured me and well, you know the rest. You are the only one I’ve ever told this to…
The fires burned brighter and Terrias grabbed Manna. “Really should be more careful, the fire is getting bigger…” he said setting her down close to him and away from the fire. “What’s going to happen to us?” she asked him. “I don’t know, but we won’t die here…”
