Young Writers Society

Guys, sorry for the excessive spaces I used. I literally just copied this from the Microsoft document, and it turned out like this.

So basically, this is only the first part of the book. The entire thing exceeds 700 pages so I'm only getting a third of it on this.

The .jpeg files - it's difficult for me to edit the pictures due to the amount of words there are on my screen. It's too laggy for me, and I can't enter the correct pictures into the document - so I apologise for that.

So I've been trying to show my book to people for the past four years. I tried publishing it to several companies but, I needed a particular audience for myself to be able to be known once its published. I'm using this website now as a way for me to be known.

I know that this is basically late, but I hope you'll enjoy the book that I've been developing for so long.

Here's the blurb:

In the year 2013, Rion and Seobi find out the past of their races death and the truth of who’s behind everything. But how is she meant to do it, if Rion somehow lost all of his memories?

Why did he lose all of his memories? Is Seobi really by herself in this investigation?

And as soon as they’re segregated by the other three majestic human races, the two find out the dark past events of their family, and why they’re rejected by society.

In a world where science has jumped out of its own hierarchy and proclaimed as ‘magic’, Seobi and Rion find out that the ones who discovered science originated from members of their large family. As they fight their way through life, compelling themselves to the brinks of death, they find out that these scientists found the process of how demons posses humans; including the steps to control the central nervous system, stealing the memories of another from the hippocampus, and transferring them to yours, and even manipulating a persons’ persona through the distortion of the frontal cortex of their brain.

In this world, people may appear as you want them to appear, but inside, they’re possessed by someone who you’re yearning to obliterate with your own bare hands.

But as soon as Seobi finds out something inhuman about the behaviour of Rion’s skin cells, she’s gripped to unfold the truth to why he’s a completely different person.

Is he also being possessed by another human being?

Or did he simply forget his memories?

Though, with the help of their imagination and the unbreakable bond of love the two have for each other, nothing can stop them.

BRITONIAH’S GATE: PART 1- SAPPHIRE HEART

By Faiz Jitno

Chapter 1 – Seobi – Magic and Science

Its five o’clock in the morning now, and the sun hasn’t even risen yet. Rion leaves our hotel room, eager to seeing the sunrise, and I stay inside for preparation of my first day of school.

Pencil case – check. Exercise books – check. Clear water-bottle – check. Toiletries – check. Evidence of being human – check. Courage of suppressing anger – check. And... for my hair?

One tail? Or maybe two? Sometimes I can’t discern the difference, but sometimes I can! Agh!

Putting that aside, I have to look as pretty as I can before I go out. I can’t allow others to look down on me and push me through the fence! Everyone must have a good impression of me whenever I go out.

“Hey Rion, how do you think I look?”

“You look atrocious” suddenly I heard him mutter.

Surely – he’ll never change.

Rion - the only person he’s with now is me, and I treat him like my son.

I fed him like a baby.

I had to pay someone to toilet train him.

I had to rub his tummy when he was sick.

I had to read him night books before he fell asleep.

And that was when he was fourteen.

So actually, I’m pretty much like a mother to him – a sixteen year old mother – and I know that sounds weird in so many ways. It’s not much of a choice to live with another person that’s like you, particularly when the rest of your family is destroyed. We both lived in the same castle called ‘Brigadonia’ four years ago with the rest of our family. But after the incident that occurred, everyone died – except Rion and me.

It was atrocious, hell, devil-like and destroying.

And now, even after all of that destruction, I've been stuck with this baby for the past four years.

"Can you clean my undies?"

"Rion, you need to learn how to do it by yourself."

"But I don't like to! I do what I want to do."

Before the incident that murdered everyone, he was completely different – mature, patient, charismatic, soft-spoken and dependable. Something inside him changed after the incident – he became a rather immature, ignorant and rebellious individual.

He’s being getting into my nerves literally every day, and I wonder when he’ll change? Or, should I say, change back?

Most importantly though, I’m pretty sure he cares about me as much as I care about him, it’s just the way we express our feelings towards each other are different. It’s as if, we’re family, you know?

We even live and sleep in the same room.

Don’t get me wrong – I know that a boy and a girl shouldn’t be sleeping or be alone in the same room, otherwise some unwanted consequence can arise. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. But for Rion, it’s completely different. As I said, I’m like a mother to him, and he literally acts like a kid! It’s insane? Wait – is he insane?

And that’s why I have to act as the mature one – the one who’ll teach the kid about the fundamental aspects of life.

Even friendship.

"Hey, good luck for your work!"

"Mm." he murmured.

And now we both assist each other to earn money for ourselves. Rion works in the nearby market to sell fruits, while I usually help him or assist in hospitalising sick people. It’s the modern world, and the job I took wasn’t much of a job. The reward was priceless, since in this world magic is everywhere – or should I say – ‘advanced science’. After weeks of deciding, I finally chose to go to school because of this reason. Treating wounds with magic is what the doctors do – and that is surely my dream as well.

“Seobi, if you were to contribute yourself to the world, what would you do?” I remember my mother asking.

“Of course I’ll rid people from pain!” I responded gratefully.

I’m still grateful in fact, that I still have this ambition despite my mother leaving. I actually wanted to only impress her back then, but now I want to fulfil it.

Today is my first day of class! I feel so excited! The first time I’ll ever be taught how to treat wounds! I have to remember – I’m from the ‘infamous’ Shwanseah family. I have an advantage of curing wounds.

That’s odd, don’t you think? Just because I’m born from a different race, I’m better at this then everyone else in the world.

But I don’t exactly know how it’s easier for me to cure wounds! Haha! I guess by taking this journey, I’ll soon find out. But I wonder – do the rituals simply process faster? After I’ve went through the studies of health science, I’ll be able to help everyone else in need and earn my own income. It would be best if Rion were to come to school with me and study his own, but he needs to keep the funds for us going.

“Alright, Rion I’m going now.”

He looks out the window and waves without looking at me. No goodbyes, good lucks, just… wave. But who cares, as they say – look at the positive side.

As I leave the house, I see people staring at me, and then looking away like I’m an eyesore to them. It’s a thing I experience every time I go out. But honestly, I can’t care less.

I guess I can say that it’s probably because I look different from them - with my blue hair, incredibly pale skin and maroon eyes; I’m basically an alien towards them or something.

So yeah, basically the world I’m living now is split. That’s right – our race is being rejected and looked down upon; while the ones who look ‘normal’ as a human being are the dominant culture.

"Hey, you screwed-up freak, take a nap and rest your demon-red eyes." as I remember an individual I met alongside the chariot road nearby.

People think we're demons, people think we're individuals who are physically disordered and have the 'z' chromosome, or we're just chosen by nature to be 'retarded' as they say.

After a fifty minute walk or so, I’ve finally reached school – Falkenstein Health Institute – the school with the highest league within the entire island. I’ve heard rumours from others that if you misbehave just a little bit they’ll literally ‘throw you out’.

It all began because of a past student who was in fact, really smart, but was the lord of all the bullies in the school. Except, he's gone now – hopefully.

No one knows what happened to him.

And now since I've come, hopefully I’ll be able to listen to everything the teachers tell me. But I’m quite confident to stay in a school like this. I mean, I’ve done the test right? I think that’s already enough.

I see everyone accompanied whilst I walk to my class alone. They all have wonderful clothing and nice hair (I guess this is what you can do with a lot of money). I enter the classroom with joy and excitement, the teacher tells the class to choose any seat available.

"Yeah, just like, choose wherever your butt fits."

The front seats get taken instantly – probably by the smart ones, and the backs are empty. I stand clueless to where I’ll sit, until finally a decision rises to just simply sit in the back.

It’s pretty difficult to choose where to sit! It seriously indulges you into a dilemma, since the spot that I take is probably the seat I’ll have for the rest of the year. Luckily I’m not sitting next to any of those rebellious types.

Actually, I don’t think there are any.

Everyone seems so well educated, or am I just being less pessimistic?

“Good morning class. My name is John Flaris. Welcome to the first year of health studies in the Falkenstein Health Institute. Now, I’m pretty sure most of you know who Falkenstein is, right?”

Falkenstein Jeutonburg – the first ancestor of the Jeutonburg side of our large family.

Yes – he’s from ‘my’ family.

Well, technically, our family is split into three other families. But by the fact that he’s from our family, he’s special like me. The ‘Jeutonburg’s’ is one out of the three sides of our family. I’m from the Shwanseah, Rion is from the Bayerische.

I’m special in curing injuries and sicknesses.

And he’s... well...

In this world, the ones who discovered science were the Jeutonburg’s. Falkenstein was the head.

Despite them also being ostracised like us, they were known for discovering all the sciences in this world. Then somehow, all the hard work done by them was leaked into the normal, dominating nation, and now everyone studies it.

“So yeah, assuming you all know him – without him, we wouldn’t be here. In this subject, we’ll be focusing on the fundamentals of how the environment around us will be capable of curing hand-to-hand wounds.”

He then goes on about the other types of people who use magic as a role for combat, but for us – we use them for assisting. He then calls the roll, and at the moment he calls my name, he looks at me.

“Oh, someone from the Briteria family?” said Mr Flaris in distinct astonishment.

Everyone looks at me with an incredulous gasp.

Gah, am I feeling a bit left out already? It’s been only seven minutes of school! I look back at the teacher and completely shy to what to say.

“Yeah… I am.” I muttered with embarrassment. Does he think my blue hair is intimidating? Well, sorry then. As if I can change it –

“It really suits you – compared to those other rebellious folks who dye their hair in all sorts of blue, green or white colours. It just doesn’t look right for them; but for you, you look pretty.” After he spoke the last few words with such elocution, he smiles.

But so do I as well.

Except my mouth kind of ‘drooped’ open in happiness! Oh my gosh, I love school already!

He said I look pretty! He said I look pretty!

“Thank you so much sir!” I expressed my delight. I jump to my feet and give a bow.

Wait – was that too much?

I look around to see everyone smiling at me and keeping silent. It's as if one of them muttered -

"Teacher is kind of … creepy... and she’s weird."

After a few seconds, they all turn around to face the teacher again, except for one.

Except for this one person... I wonder who she is?

She has black hair, contact lenses and extremely pale skin (but obviously, I’m paler). We both stare at each other for a bit, until she waves at me with a joyful smile. I wave back cheerfully, and continuously thinking that she could be my first friend.

Black hair – and that pale skin of hers.

In this world, there were four main military factions denoted by their compass positions in the island, and by their particular physical characteristics.

The Eastern ones, who lived in the east coast of Britoniah, were called the Sheng-Quishi Empire. Their physical characteristics are predominantly of bright yellow, pale skin, and rather slightly squinted eyes and obsidian black hair. Millenia's ago, they were called 'asians' or 'orientals'. As for the one who waved at me, I’m pretty sure she’s from the eastern, asian faction. But her skin colour, it looks a bit too pale for their faction! No! I’m not being racist, but like… it suits her so well. Genes are just amazing – really. But for the only types of individuals, who are closest to having the same skin colour type as me, would probably be people who are albino.

As for the Northern faction – Algeria, they comprise of a darker skin colour, but with also the same hair colour as the Eastern’s. Millenia's ago, they were described as 'Africans', but now, 'Algerians' by their King's name as Algeria III.

The Western – the Schneizal Kingdom, bright white skin, red – blonde hair and green – dark brown eyes. They're described as the 'Caucasian' side of this world.

And finally, the Southern.

Yeah, we’re a new race.

That’s me – I’m from the Southern faction – the Briteria legion. Red eyes, pink, blue, red and lavender hair colour, and extremely pale skin.

I remember when all four of these factions used to fight for the one responsible for a catastrophe that shook the world.

But until now, racism in our society declined decades ago.

Well – for those three factions, at least. Not four.

So this doesn’t mean that we’re not still being segregated upon.

I mean, yeah, probably my family did do bad things back then...

Like, conquering the world. Since, we were literally the strongest nation in the world.

But, I’m not like them.

Despite all this, school is already enjoyable for me –the life here so far is much better than the outside. I just hope that I won’t perform anything hateful that would make me a target.

Finally, we were able to learn about the ability of healing others. The process takes place by manipulating the particles around us and causing them to increase in density.

Afterwards, by reciting some phrases, we’ll be able to submerge these dense particles in the rays of sunlight and thus placing it on a wound. It’s similar to how a plant performs photosynthesis, except this process is for only repairing tissues.

It’s so amazing isn’t it? Without magic, our world will be in destruction. Well actually, Falkenstein, the one who discovered magic used to call it ‘science’. He was the leader of the ‘Jeutonburg’ side of our family – the side who thrived in the discovery of science. But as time passed, Falkenstein discovered numerous abilities to manipulate nature as if they were mere tools. After so much study, it was far too powerful to be considered as ‘science’ that it jumped out of its own hierarchy and became ‘magic’. He even did some dreadful acts to our pets, and using them as experimental purposes. Surely, I can never forgive him for what he did.

We’ve decided to begin with practical work, and depart from theory for the second day. It’s to cure the wounds of various injured animals – cats, puppies, Chihuahua’s and chickens. I’m quite surprised they actually used these animals for test subjects.

But what if I fail?

What if anyone else fails?

This world is so weird – I mean, where are the animal rights? Aren’t there any ethical issues regarding this kind of stuff?

The class assistant arrives at my desk, and places the injured cat in front of me. It’s just lying down in pain, yearning (meowing) to be cured. Putting that aside – oh my gosh, it’s so cute!

But then, I suddenly feel a destroying feeling arise in my heart.

How can the school do this? Will I be able to do it? This is my first time ever performing a cure on something alive. What if I fail? Will the cat suddenly explode and have its organs splattered all over my face? Before this day, I’ve practiced the magic for healing – and only my hands appear fluorescent. I honestly thought it would’ve been more dramatic. But I can only find out if I were to try it on something alive, and wounded.

No, no. I can’t do this. It’s just an animal! How can I experiment my ability of magic to a living animal? This is outrageous!

Suddenly, a student puts their hand up. And in fact, she’s the girl who waved at me yesterday.

“Yes, what is it Annelie?” The teacher began.

Oh, Annelie, is that her name? It’s my first time ever hearing a name like that.

“I have a question; why are we using live animals for performing magic?” I heard her speak in a peculiar tone.

So everyone has the same perspective as I do? I guess it’s just the teachers then. Have they got used to this kind of stuff negatively? I hope we’re not the next.

“I know, but the wounds they have are only minor and this is the best way for you to learn. Plus, the worst thing you can do to them is not cure them. It’s rather cure, or not cure. If they aren’t cured, we’ll bring them to the main hospital of this country, which is like on the other side of the island.”

I guess it’s rather no cure or cure then... if that’s what he’s trying to say. But they’re in pain, they should get help immediately!

Annelie keeps silent, and elicits a rather disgruntled expression.

Everyone progresses on their practice. I watch everyone placing their hands on the wounds of the still animals, and reciting the magical phrases.

So far, no one is succeeding.

I guess it’s my turn. I wonder if these people even practiced.

Well… let’s just see what I can do.

But suddenly, a memory strikes my mind. It’s the memory of my mother curing a cut on my hand. Since we’re from the Shwanseah family of the Briteria legion, we’re capable of curing basically anything that harms the human body. I remember when she placed her hands softly on my wounded pale arm, and a blue luminous glow shined at the midst of her palm. Then when I looked at my arm again, the wound disappeared. Surely, the type of healing I’m doing now is completely different from what my mother did.

I just hope one day, I’ll be able to do the same thing.

I place my hands on the wound of the cat, preparing my mind and reciting the incantations.

Forcing myself to concentrate. Forcing myself to be in the 'mood'.

Just as I start reciting, my hand suddenly gets a cut. I didn't feel anything cut it, nor did I see it. But now, I watch my fresh, wine-coloured blood drip slowly out of my hand.

I look at it closely, and I wonder what caused this cut to appear… was it the cat?

I didn’t even feel anything pierce through my skin and engrave this cut on me.

Odd…

I recite again, but suddenly stop to realise that another one is being engraved on my hand.

What...? What's doing this to me?

…. agh! Who cares! I really need to do this now!

I need to cure this cat!

Hurry up, Seobi!

I continue reciting and ignoring the cuts, until a migraine obliterates my concentration.

No, I have to keep going...

… Or maybe not.

I stop the recitation and look at the animals in shock. I don’t get it, what’s happening? I try to continue reciting, but the headache keeps coming back. Alright, let’s do it. I’m going to ignore the headache and the cross-looking-shape on my hand. I continue the recitation once more.

This time, I'll do it. This time, it'll work. Regardless of what kind of things happen to me.

The wound on my hand grows bigger, and the headache becomes more intense.

Ignore it Seobi, you're going to cure the cat. I swear - you will.

I close my eyes for a bit, still with my hands on the wounds of the animal. Then out of the blue, a figure of a man and a small female child appears in my head – it’s my brother and I.

What’s going on? It’s this some sort of dream?

OUCH! Did something just go inside my hand? Into the wound of my hand?!

I find myself back in reality, looking at the wound on my hand in front of me, and seeing a concentrated amount of a blue-fluorescent fluid settling itself on it.

What's this?

I abruptly take my hand away off the animal, trying to take the blue fluid off of me, but feeling it to be as viscous as mucus. This is gross! Who put this here?!

I blink, and in an instant an ocean of blood bursts out of the animal.

The cat explodes.

… What have I done?

With the feeling of incredulity bolstering itself through my spine, I spin my body and see the splattered blood and organs of the animal scattered throughout the entire classroom.

Oh my gosh – what have I done?

Everyone is looking at me in disgust.

"… what an alien."

"So this was why the Schneizal Kingdom lost the war."

Oh no – please.

“Seobi! What were you reciting?” shouted Mr Flaris.

“I wa-was trying to perform the cu-cure!”

Embarrassment compels me – and I feel my body heating up.

“You weren’t reciting the right thing. Didn’t you practice before this day?” I heard him exclaim and taking a deep breath.

… More like... his sigh.

“Sigh, what’s wrong with people not doing their homework! Forget about the mess you made, just leave it to the assistants to clean up. Yuck, this place is full of intestines and muscle. Actually, go clean up your face first. You look like a murderer.”

No… I’m not a murderer.

… Don’t say that.

I do as he said. Exit the room in shame, run to the bathroom and drench my face with water. What have I done? I just did what they told me to do! I’ve done nothing wrong! I take my hand and slam the mirror that reflects my face.

… Oh no - I broke it.

The mirror is shattered.

Uh oh - I'm dead if they find out.

What am I supposed to do? Sticky tape it all back together? Glue it all back together?

Come on, come on, come on! I don't want this to happen! Why is it that all of these things are happening to me now?!

It's ridiculous!

I stand up, trying to line up all the broken pieces of the mirror together with my heart racing for fear of someone arriving.

And also, wouldn't the teacher be suspicious if I were to stay out of class for too long?

I need to hurry up!

Come on, faster, faster! I'll probably run to the closest stationery shop to get some tape. That'll be enough.

But then, my heart shocks my entire figure like an electrical bolt after I realise one of the cubicles opening.

Oh my gosh... someone was in there this entire time.

I'm so dead.

Don't worry, just explain it to her. Then tell her that I at least tried to fix it.

I keep my eyes staring at the floor, waiting for her to say "did you do this?".

… if only I have had fixed the mirror...

If only that cat didn't explode...

But – she’s just staring at me.

"Amazing..."

What?

"Yo-You were just glowing as soon as I ope –"

Wow... look at that braid. Look at that golden Caucasian hair.

She's really pretty.

"Oh-oh was I?"

Wait - what did she say again?

"Are you okay? Why are you crying?"

"Oh-Oh, I didn't - no, I'm okay."

"Are you sure?"

I begin wiping my tears, realising that I was actually crying. "Yeah, I'm okay."

She looks at me with a smile, walks closer to me with such an astonished look, and draws her face closer to mine.

... Is this weird?

"Your red eyes are beautiful..."

She complimented me. Hurry up and compliment her back!

"I-I like your hair." I sensed my hesitation.

"Oh, thank you."

She looks at me once more with that smile, then waving away as she leaves the bathroom.

Oh, I didn't ask her name.

Wait a second - she didn't even say anything about the -

… the mirror?

The mirror... is fixed?

Wait a second – what happened to the mirror?!

It's all back together! As if I haven't even broke it apart yet!

… It's just like the way it was...

What's going on? Did something happen? Who did this?

Who cares, I need to go back to class before Mr Flaris shouts at me again.

He shouted at me, I can't believe it. Whatever I did before was completely different. I wasn’t performing the cure at all. I continue walking back to the classroom, but my mind is grabbed by the reflection of a tinted window.

I look at my face through it, checking once more if there's any blood, then attempting to revise the recitation before I had back. But then suddenly, I suspect something on my hair reflecting light. A few strands of hair around my crown are hard as glass.

Is there a piece of mirror on my scalp?

It – it isn’t coming off!

No - it's a part of me. I can't pull it out, and my hair is blending into it.

I poke the tip of the strands, and finding that it’s sharp as a needle.

That’s odd – it’s never been like this before.

Come on Seobi, you're good, let's go.

I embark my feet to the motion again, and walk back to where I was. I step my foot into the room and instantly run towards Mr Flaris by the thought of wanting to rid his wrong impressions of me.

“Sincere apologies sir! I honestly did not mean to do that!” I said out loud, then subsequently performing a bow to manifest my apology.

“I understand your family. So don’t worry, you’re forgiven."

He understands my family? What does he mean by that? I'm pretty sure someone would be even angrier than him if I blew up a cat in front of his face!

But... look at the way he's expressing his words. It doesn't seem like he's angry, or even pissed.

Maybe he does understand my family?

I turn around, finding that the desk I was previously working on is now clean.

"Go join the other group in the back, they’ll probably tell you what you need to do.”

Thank goodness he forgave me. It feels terrifying for me to even hear him shout at me like that. I mean, the last time we spoke to each other was on the first day – when he complimented my looks.

Now when I think about it; that was pretty weird.

But oh well, I guess he was simply shocked to what he saw when I blew up the cat, and I don’t think anyone wouldn’t be.

He was simply eliciting his fear – and anyone would do that when they’re scared of something.

I followed his directions, and joined a group of black-haired students – perhaps from the Algeria or Sheng-Quishi Empire – or compared to a millennia ago, the African and Asian society.

“That was… weird what you did there. But, welcome to our group! I’m Annelie.” She spoke out in pure delight.

That’s right – I can tell how delight she is just by those words.

Just by looking at her eyes yesterday, I was able to tell that she was a person that I’ll be able to trust.

“Thanks Annelie.”

She then nods, and gives me the sheet and what I have to recite to perform a cure. I'm pretty sure this wasn't here before - I guess they decided to give it to everyone because of what I've done.

I look at it, and read it. But it was exactly what I’ve been reciting yesterday – and I think again now - what was I reciting to cause an animal to explode? I rushed to look at my hand, and the cross formed by cuts was gone.

“Are you alright Seobi?” I heard her say in such a soft tone.

“I’m… yeah, I’m fine.”

She then offers me a turn to perform the cure. I try doing the same thing, but now realising late that I’m now reciting a different verse. As I begin the incantation, I don’t feel any cuts forming on my hand, but a green viscous substance being produced on my palms.

What was that blue viscous substance that was being produced?

No - don't worry.

I close my eyes and concentrate…

No images were forming in my head, just a mind filled with the intention of reciting. The liquids produced from my palms then drop on the wounds of the animal, causing them to reform and regenerate. I watch the skin move together gradually, then completely concealing the wound.

I open my eyes, and I see everyone on the table express amazement. The puppy sits up, and runs out of the window in such joy.

Wait… we’re on the fourth floor of the building.

“Woah, Seobi, you did it!” I heard Annelie express her compliment.

I look around to see everyone in my class staring at me in wonder, and then Mr Flaris starts clapping.

“Good job Seobi!”

I feel… so weird but happy in the same time. But this isn’t how the Shwanseah family cures. It didn’t look like this the last time I saw, before my family was destroyed. Where’s that blue luminous light?

Chapter 2 – Rion – The Fearless Demon of Carnage

As I look aimlessly at the azure sky through the window, I dream about myself wearing all that cool fancy armour that the Knights’ of this world wear.

It’s going to be shiny, tough and strong.

I can imagine myself as a Knight in shining armour – wielding the hilt of the sword and butchering every bit of a villain. Surely, I will block the path of darkness from reaching the people who I intend to protect with my shield, and being a hero to save the day.

I’ll be so cool.

No, I’ll be far from cool.

I’ll be amazing.

I’ll be the hero that everyone wants me to be. Because I'll be so cool.

As I continue staring through the window, my eyes are caught by the vitreous reflecting armour of a Knight strolling through the streets. I can see a layer of steel shielding his chest, shoulder and both of his legs. Through the joints of the limb, the skin is surrounded by only a chain mail to prevent the restriction of movement. The helmet that he wears is concealed completely by the metal layer with vertical-shaped gaps in the front to allow vision.

I wonder if I can ever become a Knight in shining armour, and maintaining the order in this wretched country.

No. It’ll be impossible.

First of all, I’m from the Briteria family, and we’re looked down upon from society. Second, I’m poor.

Bet the cost to even be entrusted with those armours is the same as me working for a year without spending the cash I earn.

I wish Seobi would just finish school already. That fat cow is just too stupid to do anything else other than sitting on a chair and reading junk.

It’s eight o’clock in the morning, and it’s time for me to leave this wretched house to do my daily shifts –and that’s to work in the worst possible shop there is in the world.

I leave my house, and walk down the streets to find the usual – people staring at me so aimlessly. They’re so annoying – geez, I wonder if they’ll ever stop. Without even looking at their face, I exclaim with smug satisfaction (yeah, Seobi keeps telling me I’m smug) –

“Go away, you dog.” and then walking away as if I didn’t even notice them.

But I can’t even care a bit about the difference of my looks compared to them; I have lavender hair and maroon eyes, slightly similar to the fat cow, Seobi.

I enter the market and begin cutting up some bananas. One slice, two slices and three slices – oh this is rotten, yuck!

As I throw the banana in the bin, my eyes are caught by the only person who I can consider as a friend. His name is Britenzo Krieghart.

“Yo! Rion!” He said with joy, while I respond with a mutter.

“Sup bro.”

He cares for others surely and manages his customers very well.

“I heard a new student joined the top school in Junquious” he said to me in awkward hesitation. “She’s known for her odd phenotypes – blue hair, maroon eyes – well actually, she looks almost like you but with blue hair.”

Yep, that’s the fat cow, one-hundred percent sure. Do her physical traits really make her known throughout society? What about me? And plus, she looks atrocious.

Not pretty at all. She looks like a guy but with long hair.

But really, why can’t I be known that quickly? In order for me to be a hero, I need to be known. But probably through the hard way; I’ll have to kill a blood-lusting demon to be known throughout society.

Screw that, I’ll have to train myself before I get that far. Probably if I were to join a school too, I’ll be famous like Seobi.

Maybe even more famous! Since I’m like way cooler than her.

Haha, stuff you, Seobi.

“Oh!” I sensed his delightfulness again.

“I heard from my sister that she also performed a cure on a dog. Out of the class, she was first.”

Geez, is this guy obsessed with Seobi or something?

“Pfft.” I expressed a tone of annoyance. “Who cares? I can cure a dog with sticky tape.”

Suddenly, he laughs passionately. But as I watch him having his eyes shut and flexing his mouth up to the ceiling, an echo of sarcasm strikes my mind.

But, since its Britenzo, I can’t express all my anger at once. “Why so sarcastic for?”

“But it was funny!” He replied instantly in passion, as if he slightly suspected me to say that. “Okay, it probably wasn’t.” I heard him instantly change his expression as he continues organising and preparing orders behind me.

“I only laughed because I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

Wait, what? What kind of – did he just say? That’s the first time someone ever said something like that to me.

We both continue working on our shift; I stay in front of him cutting the fruits up while dealing with the job of a cashier. And then as I turn to handover an order to a customer, I see from the side of my vision, a man dressed in a suit of armour approaching me.

The light from the outside penetrates his armour, and the armour reflects the light back at my face.

“One watermelon please.”

So these types of heroes eat fruits? Seriously? Tch’ – screw eating fruits! I’d rather consume something like rice cake to keep my energy going.

“So sir – that will be two coins.” I replied with eloquence. Then suddenly, silence bewitched us.

“Oh really? This junk is worth that much?” I heard him reply with smug satisfaction.

Wow! This is the attitude of a person who I admire?

…

I nodded slowly.

“Haha”

That tone was so intimidating – I have to say.

“Alright then.”

I see him take a large blade from his back, slicing the watermelon straight in half, right in front of my face. “Do you think I can eat this? Throw this junk away before I tell your boss!”

What the heck did he just say?

Flamed – I’m so flamed. I want to punch this guys’ face.

I couldn’t care if he was a customer – I’m just going to release all my anger.

“Oi you fat cow. Get out of my market mate.”

He approaches closer, engulfed in adrenaline.

“You’re telling a customer to get out?”

Out of the blue, a lengthened cutting-edge blade brandishes the air in front of my eyes. Fear didn’t consume me – because nothing can break my bravery.

So what do I do? What would a hero do in a situation like this?

I can consider this person as a slight criminal, due to the way he acts. But this moment, is my golden moment. Time to show all the people who are watching, what a hero would do.

“I said, get out of my shop!” I exclaimed through a corrosive manner.

But then he smiles – and it seriously aggravates me. I’m going to get you.

I then put my right foot on the edge of the desk, propelling both of my feet and jumping over to get my furious hands on his shoulders.

But without even realising it, he performs a vigorous spin to instantly deliver a kick of his own at my chest. The force propels me a few metres away as I feel my back crashing down on the floor.

Certainly, the pain is rather destroying – my spine plunged itself to the floor, and I’m immobilised.

Damn it – he – he – he just ‘flogged’ me!

In front of me, the man approaches with a malevolent smile.

“You actually thought, that you can challenge me?”

As the feeling of terror possesses my bones, I can feel my body not wanting to move an inch. But – why? I want to butcher this guy with my kitchen knife! But my body isn’t reacting to the anger I want to let out! Honestly, this impudent customer has to pay for insulting us!

“Rion!” I heard a shocked manly voice from behind.

Britenzo runs between us and dissipates the feeling of rage inside me. “What’s going on?” he turns around continuously to get a view of all the shattered plates and cups on the floor.

“You’re little lavender haired friend here isn’t respecting his customers as he should!”

Gah! He’s so annoying! Not only that, but the way he rested his hand on his hips as if he controls this place freaking pisses the heck out of me.

Suddenly, Britenzo approaches my knocked-out figure on the floor and nears his head to mine. “Rion, what have you done?” he whispered with his eyes of disappointment. “Don’t you know what our boss will conclude out of this?”

With my anger yearning to be unleashed, I break the atmosphere of ‘whispering’ and raise my voice carelessly. “But he himself isn’t respecting us! So it’s time for me to treat him the way he should be treate-” As I get interrupted, he squeezes my cheeks to restrict the projection of my voice.

“Don’t take it, Rion.” He muttered.

Once I’ve cooled down, I watch him regaining his posture and taking a bow of honour towards the impudent customer.

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience delivered from my friend, and from the rotten watermelon we gave you. Please forgive us.”

Out of rudeness, the man shows his back –

“Psh, get an actual shop that would sell proper fruits.” He expressed with disappointed satisfaction as he leaves our shop.

It’s seven-thirty-five PM, and I finally arrive home after such a hectic day – but who knows? This day can get even worse once Seobi realises that I lost my job.

I simply want to follow my motivation – but no one allows me to! I want to save people; I want to be a hero!

But ridiculously, because of whom I am, and the ridiculous situation I’m caged in now, I can’t achieve that ambition.

I stop by the doorstep and take a long ‘Sigh’.

What would Seobi’s reaction be after I told her I got fired? Surely, she’ll be angry; and despite us already leading to a decision to only focus on Seobi’s future now, and mine after, will she actually kill me this time?

I go to the closest window that I can see from the hallway leading to my hotel room, and checking if there’s any blood marks on my clean, pale face.

Luckily, there are only a few – and I was able to get rid of them by simply wiping my face with my sleeves.

I need to hide everything that happened today. No traces of a fight, no, just nothing.

“I’m home!” I expressed a forceful tone of delight to diminish the evidence of anything happening – “Hello?”

As I open the door, I look at Seobi sitting on her chair, and lying her head down on her studying desk. She suddenly opens her eyes as soon as she realises the door opening and seeing my presence. “Ri-Rion!” She instantly regains her posture. “How are you? Why are you home late? Are you okay?”

Wow! What’s gotten into you all of a sudden? Stay away from me!

I react to her realising my presence with a rather surprised manner – backing away slightly and staring aimlessly at her eyes of wonder. She continues to wait for my answer; until I watch her turn her head back to the books in front of her.

“I know – I don’t usually react that way to you – do I?”

Oh – her emotion suddenly changed.

She just said that with her expression of joy instantly wiping out from her eyes.

Okay, I guess I have to admit that she is or was worried about me. But, we don’t share the same care for each other. I don’t really care what happens to her to be honest.

I begin walking pass her sitting posture carelessly and towards the bed, ignoring the question she asked me, as I lie myself down. But then, with me realising that I took the wrong move, she spoke through a vehement tone.

“You’re not going to reply? Can you stop being disrespectful.”

With tension filing up my spine, I fall into confusion to what I should do.

She knows that I ignored her – but the guilt inside me is forcing me to tell her that I wasn’t ignoring her. But then, I’ll be lying.

Plus – me disrespectful?

Wait – what does that even mean? Oh well, regardless, I know she is, she always is, so what am I?

“Oh, sorry, I was just, thinking about somethi-” I said with an itch of guilt for not being truthful again – but then, I get interrupted by her shocked expression.

“Did something happen?! Can you stop being silent?” she jumped out of her seat and began staring at me again with those eyes of wonder. Then now, I realise that I’m actually looking at her eyes fearfully as well.

“… I’m fine.”

Seobi continues staring at me, then lowering her head down back to her books.

“That’s good. If there’s something wrong, please tell me.”

The way she said it – it’s as if she was actually shy to say that to me.

Yeah – that’s just pure evidence of our so-called ‘connection’.

With that last phrase I just heard, I choose to not say anything. But honestly, how long can I keep this little secret for? Wait – little? I don’t think it’s a ‘little’ secret.

I mean – I just lost my job.

And without me, Seobi won’t be able to continue on her school life.

Chapter 3 – Seobi – Britoniah as it is

I can’t believe I was able to perform the cure on the dog before! Oh yeah (I suddenly regain my posture on the bed in joy)! I haven’t felt this joyful in like, how many years, ever since my family was separated?

Yeah, probably.

Could this be the start of the happiness in my life? But, no – no, I can’t think too ahead yet. I mean, I can’t go too extravagant onto expressing my own joyful feelings – or else it’ll kill me when the opposite strikes.

Alright, now I look around and Rion is gone.

His bed, it’s empty. I usually wake up before him to wake him up.

That’s odd.

Isn’t his work shifts today four hours from now? Why did he leave so early?

Suddenly, a feeling of content locks my posture to the bed.

I wonder what Rion’s reaction would be after he realises that I cured a dog?

No – he’s not the Rion before. The Rion before would probably buy me a gift for achieving this – but, this Rion – he’ll probably express his jealousy somehow. Though, Rion, I’m sorry for not embracing your future first.

It just, had to be like this. Our life is so abnormal – and I’ll certainly take it as a test.

I certainly believe that for me being with Rion, is simply a test of my patience. And I’ll have to continuously think of how lucky I am to be alive, while everyone else in my family is gone. Rion should also be lucky that he's alive. But … he doesn't seem like he's grateful. Oh, well who knows actually?

As usual, by thinking of myself going through these tests of life, it continuously fills me up with confidence to keep myself going in life – and finally, not having the urge to kill myself to rid of the feeling of anguish.

That’s what I believe in – life is a test.

I leave the house and walk to school in such passion, with confidence indulged in my heart. On the way, I spot a few gardeners in front of their homes staring at me with their usual alienating looks. I smile instantly, and I wave at them!

“Hey! Hello!”

With my bravery, I couldn’t care if they think of me as a weird individual!

They looked at me as if I’m some kind of freak – but who cares!

I continue marching in passion, and I hear a man calling my name through the alleyway. “Seobi Shwanseah!”

Huh? Did he just call my full name?

I see him walk closely to me with his undiscerning face. The passion departs from me, and the feeling of alertness engulfs my entire figure.

Who is this person? How does he know my name?

He stops a metre in front of me as I stay clueless to whom he is. I’m able to recognise that he’s from the same school as I am by his uniform.

Then suddenly, by realising that, the passion strikes back to me. But what makes him so unusual is his hat – a cylindrical hat that resembles a presence of a magician.

His sunglasses too!

They’re so… attractive for some reason. Its’ like… made of a luminous, reflective blue material.

“Why do you wear those glasses?” I questioned with wonder.

“To attract girls”

..

No, I didn’t get attracted. Yuck, they’re so reflective it’s blinding me!

“… So you’re walking to school as well?” I changed the topic.

“Of course I am! You’re too, right?”

“Yeah, why would I be walking in the same direction as you?”

We begin starting a conversation about how I performed the cure on the dog without him actually introducing himself to me. I just described the amount of concentration that I had to put on in order for me to perform it.

It isn’t that hard, actually. Just do your homework and you’re done!

“Don’t be too amazed about it” He focused a tone of vehemence. “All you did was curing a dog. Eventually everyone in our school will be able to do it.”

That’s true, performing a cure is only a basic form of magic. I shouldn’t be too surprised – or else I’ll surround myself with the arrogance of destruction.

“Oh, by the way, I’m Pheria.”

There’s his hand Seobi – go take it.

He took out his hand to manifest his introduction to me. I take it, shaking it with the guilt of not asking his name first. But wait –

“How did you know my name, Pheria?” I expressed in a tone of wonder.

“Everyone in class is talking about you.”

Wait – he’s in my class now?

Finally, we then enter the class with Annelie. I sit in between both of them, but suspect them both to be ignoring one another.

Do they even know each other? And by the way Pheria looks at Annelie, is quite...

... strange in fact.

Okay, let’s break the atmosphere.

I try to begin conversations to consider them both, but at least one of them would be left out. Mr Flaris starts the day off with a passionate “Good morning!” and begins talking about the history of Falkenstein Jeutonburg.

I guess this is what we do for the theory, while performing magic is what we do for the practical.

After the session ended, Annelie asked me to meet her in the school library regarding the history of Britoniah. Though, for some specific reasons, I’m kept in class after everyone left. Mr Flaris approaches me – grabs a chair and sits.

“Seobi, have you paid your fees yet?” He began.

Oh! I forgot that yesterday was the due date for the fees! How can I forget? I got too overwhelmed by performing the cure!

I guess I’ll have to ask Rion for the cash once I get home. But before doing that, I want to make him happy for once – I feel so guilty that I’m the one embracing my future first.

I need to find a way to thank him –

But how do I make a guy happy? What do guys like?

I can’t buy anything for him – because that’ll be using the money that he earned. Plus, we’ll also need that money.

Probably the best solution is to take him somewhere.

Yeah! That’ll be alright!

He doesn’t see me this happy often, so why don’t I just show him how grateful I am? I guess I could also do that without bringing him somewhere – yeah – but still, what if he gets the idea that I’m joking?

By bringing him somewhere, I’ll manifest my gratitude for him. And I’ll bring him somewhere that indulges so much of my memories.

And maybe, his too.

I find myself outside of the classroom, taking a step into the school library entrance.

“Seobi! Look at this!” I watched Annelie branch her right arm and waving her hands at me. She passes a large, rather new, dusty textbook to me with a picture of an island on its cover. The title is – ‘The Land of Britoniah’.

Annelie flips a few pages over and shows me a picture of what looks like an archway or some sort. “This is what catches my attention -”

Two-thousand-and-nine? That was four years ago! This information must have been taken on the year of the destruction of my home! How did they manage to get this kind of information back then?

Oh no – wait a second –

‘Vaxia Alexandre’

It just brings me back memories. There were two students who came to Brigadonia to perform their own studies before the destruction came. There were Shamiya Siglestria and Vaxia – and from what I know now – his surname is ‘Alexandre’.

So this is what he was studying? I didn’t even talk to him back then, but still, it turns out that he was used as a spy or some sort to steal information about us.

Or was he?

“So Seobi, don’t you find this interesting?” Annelie began by pointing her finger at a description of the picture.

‘The Britoniah’s Gate has the power to shift individuals to another dimension. But ever since the wretched Briteria family came to our world, the Gate has never been in function – Vaxia Alexandre, 2011.’

Another dimension? Did the Jeutonburg family really get this far in science? They even found out how to move from different dimensions? How can that be possible?

“Do you believe in this, Annelie?” I kept my eyes focused on the picture of the gate.

“Seobi, is this ‘Vaxia’ person, telling the truth? How did he get to Brigadonia? He isn’t a Briteria person like you. How are we supposed to know if this is even true? Doesn’t your race hate… us?”

“Actually, I remember that he had a professor from our family. His name was Reaperion Jeutonburg. It didn’t seem like they hated each other or some sort –”

Reaperion Jeutonburg –

I haven’t heard that name in years. He was in fact, one of the closest Jeutonburg members to us, until the destruction occurred. Did he somehow, help Vaxia sneak into Brigadonia? If only I remembered more, I would make better conclusions to this past situation.

Suddenly, Annelie points at a last paragraph –

‘This new dimension will be the place where the Briteria families will flee to. From then, we’ll finally live in a world where there will be nothing stopping us from tranquillity.’

What – excuse me?!

I find myself in flabbergast from what I just read.

We were trying to flee from Britoniah? Is this true? But how much freedom will this even give us, if we were able to flee?

Annelie begins again –

“But I don’t understand, the Britoniah’s Gate was used to save the Briteria family from a war.” She paused for a bit in confusion, then continuing again.

“I mean, the reason why everyone hates your family is because we’ve been shifted to another dimension different from our own. We were merely taken here by the problems caused by another war.”

“Do you mean, The War of the Britoniah’s Cataclysm?”

I’ve only heard that name recently from Mr Flaris. I’m not exactly sure what actually happened –

“That’s right. Everyone in Britoniah knows about it, and that’s why they’re all, isolating you.”

I’m quite flabbergasted after what she said – and I can get a speck of her nice heart because she diminished those last words with a mutter.

I can tell surely that she dislikes that we’re being segregated from society. Honestly, I can tell that she has a good heart.

“The war started by four miners disobeying the king during eight-hundred or so A.D. It seemed like the king wanted something from them, but then they hid it away by performing some sort of enchantment. I’m not sure; this is what Mr Flaris told me.”

Mr Flaris, Annelie, anyone – regardless of who they are I’m still obscure to this intriguing topic. Why isn’t it that I don’t recognise all of this? I’m a Southern, so shouldn’t I know about all that happened in the past?

“So, who were the miners who disobeyed the king?”

“There were Britelza Bayerische, Brizenska Shwanseah, Salzburg Neuschwenstein and Falkenstein Jeutonburg.”

Those names – I see three of their surnames are the names of the families – except for one.

Finally, people who I recognise; Brizenska Shwanseah is my ancestor – she disobeyed the king in order to take something from him – I guess that’s how it goes? But what did they take from the king? I’ve always heard from my mother that these four individuals were the kindest people in the world.

Why would they do such a thing to oppose the king in their times?

“Annelie, do you know the reason to why they disobeyed the king?”

“No. But certainly, the thing they stole from the king made themselves into Briteria-like-people. “

“Wait – then why did the king desire something that would turn us into these ‘things’ –” I gestured to myself to manifest my words – “that would make us look like pure aliens?”

“Probably to prevent you all from becoming what you are now. Then whatever the four did to flee, caused an entire part of an island to shift to another dimension – as Mr Flaris said. The innocent individuals in the island – like, the citizens - were taken in the enchantment, ripped off from the mainland, and now we’re here because of those four who started it all.”

Annelie then takes the book off me once again, flipping pages and scanning every one of them thoroughly until she stops at a rather small map.

“This is the map of the world. The rest of the planet is just plain sea.”

This is it..? That’s the world that we live in? It’s just that?

The scale that’s even stated is quite shocking too –

I’ve always thought that our planet will be surrounded by other islands beyond the oceans. Though, it seems like this is the only island that exists!

“So, this is all that the world has explored? Or did they somehow draw a picture while they were outside of the planet?”

“Well, we haven’t been outside of the planet ever. So the map is according to the amount that we’ve explored across the world.”

“Oh, then maybe there’s more?”

“Actually there is – at the top hemisphere there’s a continent that we haven’t explored yet. Though, it takes years to travel there by boat.” She ended those words with a mutter again.

“So you’re saying that sailors have travelled around the entire world looking for new islands?”

“Yep – that’s exactly right. The only island we’ve found is our own – and we’re still obscure to what’s at the northern hemisphere.”

I guess I have to reluctantly accept the size of our small island. All this time, I’ve been thinking our island to be much larger than it shows on the map. But from this, it’s enough evidence for me to believe that our island was transported from another, larger-scaled island. So in summary, the history flowed similarly to this: Four individuals took something from the king of the mainland of Britoniah, and decided to rip a part of the entire island to escape, then transporting it to another dimension with the use of the Britoniah’s Gate. This catastrophic event was called the Britoniah’s Cataclysm.

“Annelie – does everyone think of us as villains?” I began with intrigue.

What if those four individuals had no choice but to shift the islands for the own good of mankind?

“Seobi, everyone in this island have the notion that the Briteria family disobeyed the king by stealing something that he cherished. So I guess, they won’t think of you as a villain, but they probably thought the four who brought us here were.”

I hope she’s right. But by that vehement tone she was saying persuaded me well to believe what she was saying.

Since I’m a descendent of Brizenska, one of the four who performed the cataclysm to shift the island, then they wouldn’t think of me as a threat. But does this also go for Rion as well?

“… But, I don’t think the rest of this world knows about the whole story. There has to be more!”

I look at her eyes in amazement.

Annelie, you have such a pure heart. I can surely tell that she isn’t opposing the Briteria family in any way.

But if there’s more to the story, then the other races in this island will continue to have the wrong notion of my family history.

After her and I continuously searched the library for more histories of Britoniah, they all literally stated the same information that we read from the first book written by Vaxia Alexandre. I’m fatigued, and I decided to say farewell to Annelie and departing from school. As soon as I decide to meet Rion at his work place, I approach the exit of the library. But through the right side of my view, I see a large hat protruding out of the low shelves of books. The student wore a slightly attractive pair of sunglasses – wait, no! Not attractive!

It’s Pheria – he was here too.

Why is it that I feel slightly odd for his presence?

Chapter 4 – Rion – Holding the fury

Finally, after three hours of doing completely nothing in the centre of the city, I arrive home. Its four o’clock now and I stand in front of the door in such anxiety. I can feel the guilt building up as I continue keeping this secret from Seobi.

But I know that I can’t keep this secret forever – there will be one time where she’ll release all of her anger towards me because I kept it as a secret. She’s the boss of me, so I have to listen to her.

I branch my arm forth to the door knob in fear – while subsequently preparing to setup a proper, unquestionable mood. As soon as I begin twisting the knob, I hear the steps of an individual coming my way from behind.

Oh shoot.

“Rion!”

Suddenly, the guilt instantly bolsters itself and forces me to turn around to face her in such swift. With fear and guilt pinning my spine, I watch her branching her arm towards me and waving her hands as if we’re actually friends.

“Let’s go somewhere, Rion!” Seobi pronounced in such passion.

Wait, what does passion mean?

Wait – no, this is strange! Why is she this happy towards me? Oh, this just compels me to keeping my secret even more. She’s in such a happy state now – I can’t just break the chain by telling her that I lost my job!

But in the same time, I also want her to stay happy like this towards me…

Um – excuse me, what did I just – what?

Damn – what do I do?

“Rion, are you okay?”

Oh no, she’s suspecting something odd of my behaviour now. Shun! Shun! Shun!

Out of the blue, I perform a solute –

“... I don’t think that’s how you do a solute. Rion, are you okay?”

“Yep, I’m fine.” I pronounced in a way to let go of all my anxiety; but then, she strikes me instantly after I feel the warmth of her hand taking mine.

“Let’s go to a place where you might regain your memories!”

Why is she holding my hand?!

I rip my hand out of hers, and hide them in my pockets.

...

Awkward silence.

“... That’s okay.” She muttered.

With the dreadful feeling of guilt bolstering itself after each second of myself keeping the secret of me losing my job, the feeling of the happiness that I’ve been isolated from compels me to treat Seobi as if she’s my friend.

But, she’s still a fat cow. I just don’t want her to realise that I’ve lost my job.

The atmosphere of silence breaks as soon as we approach a cumbersome collection of rubbles covering kilometres of many thousands-of-mega-radius.

Wait, what does radius mean?

We both stand behind a fence that separates us from a deadly cliff.

“Rion, I’m so sorry for having myself to embrace my future first -” She dropped a sorrowful tone. “… and postponing yours in return.”

I feel even guiltier that she feels guilty just for that –

“… well, we’ve already decided it, right?” I continued to shun my guilt for her.

I subconsciously avoid eye-contact with her, but I hear a dismal sigh as soon as she begins speaking again –

“I just felt like apologising again, because my life is much better than it used to be. It’s better because of you, Rion.”

Excuse me?

Wait – what’s this new feeling?

A new feeling rises from my body – the feeling of content. I find myself instantly turning my head towards her in such swift; almost forgetting the feeling of guilt continuously building up. She honestly has so much limpafy for me.

Wait – limpafy? Impithy? Or was it ‘empathy’?

All this time, I’ve always thought that she didn’t – or I didn’t even bother considering her perspective of me.

Alright, before she gets happier, I should tell her about my secret. If I keep hiding it, I’ll have to suffer the severe consequences.

Reluctantly, I begin –

“Seobi…”

Come on, come on! I can’t keep this secret forever!

“Yes?” She turned her head as soon as she expressed a tone of seraph. “Umm -” I murmured in such impression.

I mean – apprehend (?) – ‘apprehension’!

And it’s just not working…

Come on! I have to tell her!

“What is it, Rion?”

“Do you know…?”

I suddenly feel myself scratching my back subconsciously despite myself not feeling a single bit of itchiness.

“Do I know?”

As soon as I turned my head to her eyes, I’m astonished to see them resembling pure happiness and joy.

If I were to tell her about my secret, all of this will disappear away from me. I continue staring my eyes at her, then watching her turn her head up to the sky, exposing her neck, and feeling the blow of the breeze.

“Do I know how we don’t usually hang around like this?”

Then here it goes again – I’m bewildered by that smile of hers.

. “… is that what you were trying to say, Rion?”

I keep myself silent, by continuing to look at her eyes of delight.

“I know Rion we don’t usually do these kinds of things together. It’s okay; I knew you were quite shy to say that.” She muttered in shyness, then turning her head to the rubbles in front of us. Oh my god – I just lost my chance. Geez – how long will this fat cow blabber about corny things I don’t give a cow about.

She should stop eating corn beef and use her time more on learning how to talk properly!

You’re so funny, Rion.

“This was our home – except, you only remember up to the time it was destroyed, right?”

“… Unfortunately.” I forcefully expressed care, despite me having no consideration of what she’s saying.

“So you don’t even remember our family? Our cousins? Or even… your ancestor, Britelza?”

“No… I don’t remember anyone, except for you and your brother.”

I guess I can admit that it’s strange how I only remember my life up to the age of fourteen. The first person I saw in my life was Seobi, then her brother Abrenite. It began when I woke up on my bed as if I started a new life – no memories of the past, no clue of what was around me. I didn’t know who I was, or even where I was, until Seobi came by. But not even Seobi knew what happened – and if Seobi didn’t know, I guess there’s a high chance that no one else knows.

“Seobi, who was I previously?”

Wait – did I just say that? My mouth must have spoke out uncontrollably.

Oh, wait a second! I’m actually indulged in the topic now.

…

Why isn’t she responding?

“… Before the tragedy, you were the kindest person I’ve met in my life.”

Yeah, I remember her telling me this. She used to keep saying this line over and over again to encourage me to do something that I don’t want to do. There were so many moments when I thought she was lying – but for the rest, I only remember myself not even taking it in.

I didn’t really know what to say – it feels kind of awkward that she’s said that phrase at this point in time, where we were just having a few happy moments together. Suddenly, I feel something warm touching me –

It’s her hand, and she’s grasping mine once again.

“I’m sorry – everyone knew who you were because of how kind you were! You were really charismatic, really cheerful, and a person that anyone on the phase of the earth can trust.”

But as soon as I sensed her eyes of delight diminishing away, an itch of frustration bolsters inside me.

I feel rather insulted about what she said; but I expected this answer, and I was the one who asked the question.

Then, she starts muttering. “And finally, you were there for Shamiya Siglestria.” She finally lets go of my hand.

Shamiya – who? Back in those days where I didn’t follow her ‘orders’, Seobi would always ask ‘what would you do if I was Shamiya?’. And now, I’m still obscure to who the heck she is.

“Rion, whenever a problem encompassed Shamiya’s life, you would always be there to help her.”

Are you guilt-tracking me now? But, honestly, after all that she said, I can actually feel my mind growing to care about… this fat cow. I guess I can call this the feeling of empathy. But why have I only realised now? I should’ve earlier –

“Hey, I’m sorry if that insulted you.” She muttered once again.

“It’s alright. I’m sorry that I’m not the type of person you thought I was.” I expressed an echo of the guilt that’s been building up in my mind.

Alright, it seems like her happiness transformed to a rather sorrowful one – it’s time for me to tell her and let all of the guilt out.

“Seobi.”

“Yeah?”

“I lost my job.”

Yeah – just look at those eyes of disbelief. Look at them focus on my face so intriguingly.

Wait – quick Rion! Look away!

I instantly face a different direction – avoiding her eye contact and feeling the guilt departing my body.

…

I can tell that she’s experiencing incredulity due to the silence that bewitches us both.

“… Wait, what? Say that again, I didn’t really catch that.”

With the fear compelling me once again, I speak out the terrifying words the second time. “I lost… my job, Seobi.”

I manifested those last words with dreadfulness by looking at her eyes of shock.

But a part of me wants to laugh.

She blinks for a few seconds in disbelief, until the words of sorrow depart from her mouth.

“… Ho-how?”

Okay, so her rage hasn’t bombarded her yet.

“I was in a fight with a customer. He didn’t treat the workers and me well.”

Yes, more guilt gone!

“But, you need your job so that I can –” She stopped, and I see her mouth twitching as if there was so much for her to say, but she’s holding it in for my sake.

Suddenly, in incredulity, her knees drop to the floor. The guilt is striking me once again, probably because I finally have empathy for this fat cow. Or do I?

“It’s all due tomorrow – the fees.” I heard her express a soft tone.

“Oh, how much?”

Seobi suddenly regains her posture, standing up and walking away slowly. “Don’t talk to me, we won’t have enough.”

The empathy I have for her strikes me once again; as soon as I hear her breathing heavily and… crying.

... Wait – what have I done?

Chapter 5 – Seobi – A new life

It’s the morning, and I don’t know where the heck Rion went. Sigh, just when I thought the happiness in my life has started, it turns out I was wrong. Why did Rion keep it a secret from me? Well, it’s too late to think about that now. But I guess I can’t be too angry at him, I knew that he felt guilty inside. It must’ve hurt for him to keep it inside his heart for so long. At least he was truthful and as long as we still have each other – I find everything acceptable. Plus, I’ll treat this as a test.

So, because of not getting the amount of cash I need, I’ll stop attending school. But, this is my last day today. I should probably spend as much time as I can with my friends, maybe. I mean, not that I have many – like, two?

I depart the room, carrying my bag with my right arm, and marching my way to school with such dismal.

For today’s class I sit myself next to Annelie – at least, I need someone proper to talk to for once.

We’re learning the factors that affect the way you cure – such as temperature, the atmospheric pressure around you, and your condition. It turns out that really energetic individuals perform their curing processes quite well.

I need to be like that – but, it’s just too hard. Particularly with Rion… it’s just too hard.

Suddenly, Annelie pats my shoulder. “Hey, are you okay?”

I look at her without an expression –

“Yeah…”

“Seobi? What’s wrong?”

Sigh. What am I going to say? My friend ‘dogged’ me? But, I should at least tell someone a part of what’s happening to me, and how I feel.

I take a deep breath.

“This is my last day, Annelie.”

“What?” she exclaimed so loud that the whole class looks at us, even the teacher. “Hey! Be quiet!” Mr Flaris raised his voice.

“I’ll tell you the rest in recess” I muttered.

The tree I’m under is really, really nice. But unfortunately, I probably won’t be able to see it again for a while. Despite that, I thought that I’ll be meeting up with Annelie?

Before I go to the office and tell them that I can’t manage the fees, I want to see her at least one more time.

I take another deep breath, lay my eyes down on the ground underneath me, and thinking about the past – back when everything was peaceful. I wonder how my life will be now, at this very moment, if I was still with my family.

Nah, I’ll probably be attending the same school but, life would be much, much more peaceful. I wouldn’t have to fight with Rion everyday – and no, actually, I would probably never even fall into a dispute with Rion. I remember those days when I had that feeling for him. But ever since he changed, they faded away. I don’t exactly know how much that feeling could have augmented if he still hadn’t of changed. I would probably be in love with him – ha!

But yeah, I miss the past. Though, I shouldn’t cling to things too easily. Who knows? This might be the correct path I’m supposed to walk through?

Suddenly, the shadows of a group of people appear in front of me. I look up in bewilderedness to see Annelie.

Wait – what’s going on?

“Seobi!” She expressed in delight. “Meet Priscilla Edenburgh!”

I look at the individuals face, with the luminescent golden hair dangling behind her ears, and seeing her cheerful personality diffuse into the atmosphere.

…. Western, Schneizal.

Wait a second! I’ve seen this girl somewhere!

“Hey, Seobi!”

“It’s you! I saw you in bathroom that other day!”

“Yeah! When you repaired that mirror with your cool powers!”

... my cool powers?

She branches her hand out, and I retrieve it for her to pull me up from the ground.

“So wh-what’s going on?” I muttered.

“So I heard from Annelie that you don’t have the funds to stay in this school?” she pronounced in such an eloquent voice.

“… That’s true.”

“Come on.” she takes my hand, “I’ll pay the fees for you!”

… Excuse me?

My bones suddenly freeze –

What? What did I just hear?

She’s going to – what?

Why would she do this? Is it because I ‘repaired’ the mirror?

Did I even?

My mind indulges in content after I heard those luminescent words. I look at her with such astonishment. And then, I hear it again –

“Are you alright? I’ll pay the funds for you.” Priscilla said again, with that pure eloquent manner.

What kind of – is this a joke? No – wait.

Should I? Should I? How can a person like this be present in this world? She’s so generous to give me an offer like that!

“Is there… a catch?”

“No! Of course not.” She laughed.

Instantly, I approach her even closer, and grabbing her shoulders. “Thank you!” I sense a slight tear of joy dropping from my eyes. I don’t care if there’s a hidden catch to it – regardless of what’ll happen, I’ll have to be believe in Priscilla.

And since Annelie’s the one who brought her, it just manifests my persuasion to stick to what she said. But still, I’ll keep an eye out.

“So, are you planning to pay for full-time, or just the weekly fees?” she asked.

“Just… weekly fees for now.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. Thanks though.”

I can’t let her pay the fees I need for the entire year – that’ll be crazy. The price is like ten times more than Rion’s previous income in that fruit shop.

As I run to the administrations’ office, I continue to ponder to the reason why she gave me the money I need.

I mean – why would she help me?

It has to do something with the mirror, and when I saw her in the girls’ bathroom.

Or is she just being ‘way’ too nice?

I sit myself on a chair, next to a desk with the cash that Priscilla gave to me. In front of me, I see a form that highlights the payments I need to keep me attending this school. But I guess I’m still so glad we can pay our fees weekly.

The office manager on the other side of the desk expressed such an intimidating look. As I write my personal details on the form, I can see from the side of my vision that she’s just staring at my face. I mean, can you just stop?

I finish the form, and I avoid keeping eye contact as I handover what I’ve done. She takes it from me, still maintaining her eyes on my face, then instantly looking down on the form.

“So, you’ve only filled in five boxes out of… seventeen.”

“Sorry, I don’t really have a family –”

But I mean, does it really matter?

“You didn’t collect this money yourself, did you?”

“No. I didn’t.” I release a part of my anger.

Is she trying to get on my nerves? I hear her take a breath, putting the form away into a drawer on the sides of a desk, and leaning her head close to mine. I finally have my eye contact on her, then withdrawing my seat slightly backwards.

“So, Seobi, what happened?”

Is she trying to know more about me? Oh no – am I getting the wrong idea?

I think for a bit – and wonder why she’s asking me such a question. Her dead-serious eyes keep looking at mine; keeping her hidden intentions so intriguing. I take a deep breath –

“My family-friend lost his job. We both live with each other – supply food for each other. Without him, I would be even more famine. But due to his careless reasons, he lost his job, and I wasn’t able to pay the fees. Then today, my friend suggested putting herself in my position, and giving me the amount of cash I need to pay the fees.”

Done – I’m done now – so can you stop annoying me?

She leans to her seat, folding her arms and wiggling slightly on the chair. I stare at the window behind her for a few seconds, and wondering what she’s thinking. Suddenly, she blocks my view and gives me the payment form back. “What?”

Wait – what just happened? Why did she give it back?

“You know, have your money back.”

What..?

“I’m like sucking your life. How about, I’ll give you a year to quickly find a job and suffice yourself with your own money. For now, you won’t have to pay your school fees – okay?”

A year?! That’s long! Oh my goodness! How much do I love life? Why is it, that only now, all the good things have started happening? Am I passing the test?

Joy fills my mind instantly – I take her hand, grasping it and shaking it vigorously. “Thank you so much! Thank you!”

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much!

I can’t believe this is happening!

Suddenly, with so much joy compelling me my head falls to the desk as I continue shaking her hand.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!” I repeated with such miraculous astonishment.

Alright, I should stop. She might think I’m a beggar, and I have to respect myself as well. I lift my head up again, and reveal my teary face to her. She smiles delightfully, and starts speaking –

“You’re family friend, and you, are the only Briteria individuals left in this world, right?”

“Yes?” Suddenly my mind traps itself again and wondering what she’s intending now. “What does he like doing?”

“He likes… fighting.”

Yeah – fighting. So what?

What is she intending to do?

“Haha – do you think he has a good imagination in designing?”

“I’m not exactly sure –“

“Let’s try it – yeah?”

Wait – try what? Bringing him to this school?! Are you serious? And isn’t this a health school not a drawing school?

I keep my eyes at her again, preparing for something big to hit my mind again –

“What do you mean by ‘try’?”

“Let’s try bringing him to the Graphics Academy –”

“Gra- what?”

“It’s our schools neighbour – some students do other subjects there as well, and comeback here to do their health subjects.”

“That’s amazing!”

“So yeah, bring him here, okay?” She sent me one more delightful smile.

Honestly, she has so much empathy for me. I thought of her wrongly.

I arrive at my hotel room, with my hand clenching on the doorknob. Okay, so why do I want him to join our school?

Because we’ll have a double chance of getting a better career in our future! With two of us studying without fees for one year, we can work to the best of our ability! And in that time interval, probably during the semester breaks, those could be the days we’ll use to earn cash for the fees!

I twist the door knob, finding Rion looking out the window as he usually does, and I run in such passion, towards the bed that’s blocking me from getting to him. He turns around instantly, watching me drop my bag and opening it with such haste.

“Rion! Rion! Rio-o-o-o-o-o-on!”

I bet he thinks I’m being weird now – but, he must know that I’m in a happy mood!

“What…?” I heard him say in such a peculiar manner.

I take out another set of my school uniform; but this time, it’s for a male. I place it on the bed in front of him, and rest my hands on my waist. I watch his confused expression as he examines the uniform.

Come on, please join me!

For the guys, the design is slightly different. They don’t have to wear their blue tie – only on winters. Their sleeves are short as ours, and another blue material protrudes from the tips of their sleeves. Their buttons don’t begin from their collar, but near the right shoulder, then progressing towards the centre as it goes down to the pants.

But out of their torso, their pants are grey – and the females’ uniform comprises of only a blue skirt. The similarities are… well, our shirt is dominated with black buttons about four centimetres in diameter, and a white texture surrounds the primary material, and we both have the blue, school ‘V’ symbol attached to our chest pocket.

“So what’s this for?” he began.

“Well – you’re coming to our school.”

Please agree with me!

Suddenly, he drops the school shirt in shock, and looks at me with agape.

Oh no.

“What did you say?”

I maintain my hands resting on my waist, and speaking to him like a superior. “That’s right! You heard me!” I expressed my passion. I wait for his response, and wondering why he’s stalling. I mean, to be honest, I kind of suspect him to disagree instantly, that’s why I’m forcing myself to be passionate about wanting him to join me. But… he’s actually stalling –

Meaning that, he’s actually thinking… probably thinking about my perspective, and thinking about joining! He’s having a ‘Theory of Mind’ for me – maybe.

But then, he makes his decision – and all my empathetic aspects that I just thought he has, suddenly disappears. “No, I don’t want to.”

The feeling of incredulity strikes me.

Well... I have to do something about it!

I repeatedly shiver and blink my eyes as if tears are beginning to be released. “Wh-wh-why?”

“Because I don’t want to.”

I detected the way he looked away, and perhaps, he’s telling the truth.

Just face it, Seobi. He doesn’t want to go.

And it’s true… probably he doesn’t have empathy for me. But what if I just try, get it out of him?

Without myself knowing, I drop to the floor.

Am I that sad already?

“Can you do it… for me please?”

… Wait for a response Seobi.

Probably by expressing this much sorrowfulness he might change his mind.

Then as I anticipate it, I instantly see his head turn around to face me through the sides of my vision. I look ahead to him with my eyes repeatedly blinking with incredulity.

“Please.”

He kept looking at my desperate eyes – until,

“What will I be doing?” He asked.

Yes! Nice work, Seobi! It worked!

Part of the tension that’s risen in my body suddenly dissipates away in seconds.

“Oh – um, yeah, you like designing things right?”

I remember back before Brigadonia was destroyed, Rion’s strength was in graphical designs of buildings and structures. He didn’t like Biology, Psychology, Chemistry, Physics, or any other science subjects. He’s more of the imaginative type. But I wonder if this interest has disappeared from his mind?

“Yeah, whatever, I’ll join.”

Yes! I instantly flex my knees and hop out of the floor like a frog, and branch my arms to Rion. He lifts his foot up, and I crash into it.

“Thank you so much, Rion!” I feel the drop of tears of joy.

I walk to my school, with Rion by my side. His school is in fact, right behind mine, so we’ll both be going the same way. “So are the people nice here?” Rion began with a slight excited mood.

“Yeah! They are! One of them even helped me pay the school fees.”

“Oh, so that’s how you got through with yesterday –“

“Yeah!” I turned my head around to express a smile of joy.

I’m not usually like this to Rion – I’m usually cold or rather slightly sceptical to him. But, I’ve never felt passionate towards him, and I’ve never felt passionate because of him ever in my life.

Chapter 6 – Rion – I won’t forget you

Aish, I’m only doing this because of what I did to Seobi. But yeah, I guess I do have a slight interest in designs. Though, what keeps me wondering, is that how did she know?

I arrive in my new classroom, with my bag still attached to my back. I only brought the things that Seobi told me to bring – a T-square, set squares, pencil and a rubber. We did a few drawing practices before today, and in fact, Seobi knew the things that I was drawing. They were just random pictures of buildings, but Seobi knew straight away what they were… she even named them, even though they came straight from my mind and I never had a chance to even talk about it to Seobi. It’s as if she knows me more than I do.

I knock on the class door and opening it slowly, and feeling shyness engulf my entire body. Psh, just look at them, they’re looking at me as if I’m an alien.

“Oh, welcome, Rion” he gestures to me to come to him.

I approach the teacher slowly, and looking at everyone in the class. The teacher places his hand on my shoulder for a rather, ‘good’ welcoming for me.

“Everyone! This is Rion…” he stops, and turns his head to face me while we’re in front of the class. “… It’s Bayerische.” I answered with slight annoyance.

It’s so easy to pronounce, how can he not? Ba-yer-ish-hee

“Sorry, your name is just too amazing for my mouth –”

Suddenly, everyone starts laughing, and the shyness inside me gets replaced by obnoxiousness. Subconsciously, I feel my arms folding instantly to manifest my annoyance. But honestly, that was the worst joke I’ve heard. Everyone here is a jerk. Plus, they all look like fat cows with that white uniform – oh wait, I’m wearing it too.

“Come on, Rion say hi to everyone.” I heard him say in a rather, intimidating tone.

… Fine. Whatever.

“Hey.” I muttered and suddenly lift my head slightly.

“Yeah, you’re really going to fit in.” He replied sarcastically, then hearing everyone in the class laugh again.

“So you’ll be sitting over there” he points to an empty seat. “There, next to Priscilla. Oh wait, here, take this worksheet.”

… That’s odd. Seobi anticipated me to be drawing on an A-three worksheet. It turns out she was right.

How did she know though?

As I look across the room where I’m sitting, I see everyone staring at me with those intimidating looks. I look in the distance and find my seat on the left of a girl.

Sigh, why do I have to sit next to a girl? I would probably be enjoying my time here more if it was Britenzo I’m sitting next to.

But seriously? Another girl, like Seobi? Sitting next to me? Far out! She’ll be the next person I’ll be shouting at, I bet.

I put my bag down, sit on the seat, and expand my legs. The desks are rather high, and the seats are high as well. Each of the desks have their own drawing boards, with two sets of clips to – which I’m guessing – to clip the drawing and preventing them from moving around and distorting the drawings.

But what’s bloody annoying me is the girl who I’m sitting next to.

That stare she’s giving is just so intimidating. It’s as if she thinks I’m some kind of delinquent or something.

“Oi, what you want?”

Yeah. Take that. Feel how annoyed I am.

She doesn’t respond, but looks away with a chuckle. I bury my hands in my pocket, and simply ignore her.

As I look around the classroom, I detect a few of the students still having their bodies turned and staring at me with that hypnotised look of my presence.

After school. Jerk. I do a gesture of slitting my throat.

Once they looked away, I gain my attention on what everyone else is doing.

I mean – I should probably start too.

I see everyone doing their own work – with a large A-three sheet of paper in front of them. With mine, I clip the drawing up and look at the shape I have to draw. The question is asking me:

“Draw the isometric view of the table – in reference to the dimensions given.”

Isometric…

According to Seobi, the isometric view is like a three dimensional representation inclined on a thirty-degree axis. I feel slightly grateful that Seobi prepared me for this. Probably this is the first time I’ve felt thankful for her.

I lock my T-square parallel to my desk, and start drawing my first horizontal line with the pacer. As soon as I start, a student in front of me rotates his body to face me, and leans his arm on my desk.

“Can I borrow your rubber?”

He wants to borrow my rubber.

I mean like, did he just ask a new student that question?

Freaking piss off you careless dork.

I deliberately stare at him with my vehement eyes as my body leans on the seat.

“No, you can’t borrow my rubber.”

“Please?”

Are you seriously kidding me?

Seriously? Is this guy a beggar or something? I already said, no!

I kick his seat, pushing it back to his own desk and finally say –

“I already said, no.”

Through my right, I see the girl who I’m sitting next to just stare at me as if she saw a ghost. “For crying out loud! Would you just stop looking at me?!”I exclaimed with such horror.

She looks away again, gets back to her work - but this time with a more serious expression.

Its recess now and I’m sitting by myself, on a seat isolated from everyone else. In the distance, I see a blue haired individual running towards my direction.

Why am I… not surprised of her presence?

“Rion!”

I’m not surprised that I have no happiness when I see her running at me like that. “How’d you go on your first day?”

“Boring.”

Yeah – totally.

I purposely look away carelessly. “Haha, usually you don’t say anything. So I’m guessing ‘boring’ could mean that you had fu-”

“No Seobi, it was literally boring.” I interrupted her.

Just remember, I’m doing all this for you. I felt sorry for you, so I’m doing what I think I should do.

I hope you might suspect it as well, because I’m getting sick of this…

Suddenly, silence diffused itself into the atmosphere.

…

“Thanks for coming again, Rion.” She finally spoke out.

I keep my eyes away from her, then standing up to walk off a different direction.

“Oh, wait up.” I heard her from my behind. Strange – she’s following me. “So what do you have next?”

“I dunno.”

“I have Neurobiology.”

She continues walking beside me in the same pace as I grab my bottle from my bag and begin gulping it.

“So, do you want to do something after we finish school today?”

“No.” I muttered with inconsideration.

I continue walking, then realising that she stops. “Rion, what’s wrong?”

Can you stop bothering me, please?! It’s getting so annoying!

Instantly, I respond with a slight tone of anger –

“No, I’m fine.”

I turn my head away, and continue walking away with such careless satisfaction. She isn’t following me anymore – well, why should I care?

This school really sucks anyway.

As I look at my right, I see a small field of grass with a tree on its centre. A couple of girls sit there and glare at me as they eat. I look at them as they do to me, looking away, and then looking back. These jerks are seriously annoying.

“Stop looking at me!” I exclaimed with pure corrosiveness.

But then, as I soon as I said that, I look straight back at the way I’m walking and find a group of boys in front of me. “So, it’s Seobi’s boyfriend?”

I stare at him vehemently, and slowly processing the words he just said…

Do you want to die, freak?

“You sir, look jelly.” I heard one of them say to the other.

“She’s a stick. I don’t like sticks.”

The anger topples up once again. I approach the man who said that in such a fast pace, grabbing his collar and carrying him upwards with such force.

Despite myself being angry, I guess I like how I’m using this anger to transform the feeling into strength.

Yes – it’s so invigorating and satisfying.

“Say that again and I’ll cut your head off.”

First of all, he commented on Seobi’s stature. Second, he said that I was her boyfriend. That’s the worst insult I’ve ever heard from anyone. I will never have a girlfriend as terrible as that bloody fat cow.

The man grasps my wrists tightly, making me release him. I guess I can say, I’m not scared of what’s going to happen in the next few seconds.

Because there’s nothing to be scared of.

The guys he’s with surround me with their hostile looks.

I guess they want to fight?

“Yeah, I also heard from others how rebellious this guy is –” I heard one of them mutter. “I can tell he’s completely different from Seobi.”

Why are they comparing me to Seobi? She isn’t that great –

“I’m going to count to five, and I want you guys to disperse. If you don’t I’ll ki –”

“Well I’m going to count to three, until you apologise for clenching my collar.”

Apologise? That word is not in my lexicon. Why would I ever apologise to someone who insulted me first?

“You aggravated me first – so why should I apologise?”

“I merely complimented you.”

“Compliment?”

I gather a bit of saliva on my mouth, and spitting it on the floor next to me. “If you ever ‘compliment’ me again, I’m going to kick you in the face.”

Oh – shi –

As soon as I said that, the ones around me grab all my limbs. Through my behind, I can feel someone head-locking me, and preventing me from being able to even look at the one I was talking to. “I guess, this is why the Briteria family has such a bad reputation.” He said with smug satisfaction.

Freaking hell. Once I’m out of this confinement, I’m going to bash you. I’ll destroy you.

Perhaps, rip you apart.

But then, my attention is caught by the presence of a figure on my sides –

A young teenage girl approaches him, and slightly extending her index finger to poke his shoulder. “Stop.” I heard her in such a soft tone.

Instantly, all the jerks around me back off, and so does the man in front of me.

Wimps.

“Leave him alone.” She spoke out again. And in fact, I recognise this person. She’s the one who I sat next to in my first class; but, I forgot her name.

“Priscilla, wasn’t he a bit mean to you in class?” The student, who I was arguing with, said to the girl.

“You just need to understand him.”

What the heck, did she just send a smile to that jerk?

She did it with such delight as well.

Oh my – this surely compels me with annoyance.

Subsequently, all the men walk away from me – keeping their eyes on mine, and then looking away as soon as they disappear into the distance. I’m alone with Priscilla now.

“Hello.” I heard her soft voice once again.

“What is it?”

“So you’re Rion?”

“Yeah – I mean, you saw my introduction in class.” I lose my eye contact with her, and looking out into the distance.

“I’m Priscilla Edenburgh – a friend of Seobi’s.”

Excuse me – what did I just hear?

I fall still, and instantly turn my eyes to hers.

What? Since when did those two know each other? “You know that fat cow?!”

“Fat… cow?”

“Seobi’s f-f-f-fat.”

She chuckles for a little bit as soon as I said that.

I don’t get it – everyone’s laughing so easily in this unbelievable place.

“She’s pretty skinny to be honest.”

“Ha – compared to me she’s fat.”

“So you’re saying you’re really, really skinny? But being too skinny isn’t good too, you know.”

Damn it – she just said it with such eloquence. It’s as if she just destroyed me verbally.

I guess words are my weakness, but my muscles aren’t.

“Shut up.”

Sigh – I feel like stopping. My mind is getting tired with all this stress.

I folded my arms to restrain my aggression, and feeling as though I’m getting sick of being angry. As soon as I said that, she starts chuckling again. I turn around in such anger and exclaimed –

“Stop laughing!”

“So yeah, and then, Seobi went to the office and gave the fees.”

“That’s it? Then how did I get here?”

“I’m not sure – go ask Seobi.”

As I continue walking and ignoring what Priscilla is saying, a ball suddenly rolls towards me. I look towards it, and find another individual running for it.

Oh, you want the ball? Jerk?

Well here it is!

I grab the ball, throwing it with such velocity towards them, despite them only two metres away from me. It strikes their head rigorously, and the man falls to the floor.

Ops.

“Hey! What did you just do?”

Bro – you didn’t have to scream your words like that.

“What? I gave the ball back to them. You got a problem?”

“Listen! You need to change –”

“Me? Change? What’s wrong about me? What position are you in to say that?”

I watch her look at me in agape, and blinking her eyes in astonishment. “Do you know why everyone treats you so badly?”

“Because they’re stereotypical jerks?”

“Wh- ho- it’s strange because, Seobi is the same race as you, and everyone looks positively on her, but… probably not you, because of the way you treat them. That’s the notion that everyone has I think. Do you think they’re ‘stereotypical jerks’ now?”

“Are you stereotyping me? Just from the way I was treating those idiots?”

What?! Everyone is different regardless of race! This person is so stupid!

“N-well- okay, look, not everyone is treating you well – that’s what I’ve realised, particularly from what just happened recently when you were with that gang of boys. And this reason is probably because of the way you treated them.”

“So you’re saying, I should treat everyone differently, so that they’ll treat me differently?”

“Well, I’m saying this because you should normally treat people nicely – regardless of them treating you badly or kindly. But if they go too far, then I guess that’s when you take your chances.”

“That how you roll?”

I look at her eyes and see her nodding slowly.

Damn it – here comes the aggravation once again.

I take a deep breath, to imply that I’m getting annoyed of her. But, I probably do need to change. Maybe, I just find her annoying because she isn’t minding her own business.

Finally, it’s three o’clock, and it’s time for me to go home. I begin walking, and realising that I don’t exactly know the way back; but then, I feel someone behind patting my back.

“It’s this way, Rion.” Seobi became convenient for once.

I begin following her, and keeping my eyes on the ground beneath me.

Priscilla… she kept telling me to be nicer to people. I’m just wondering about the benefits I’ll get if people treat me differently.

“So, how’d you go overall today? Boring?”

Okay, it’s your chance now to see –

If I’ll say something with a more kind behaviour to Seobi, will she realise and start treating me differently? Wait – once I think about it, ever since she came back to this school, she has in fact, been treating me differently.

Priscilla also said during my last class with her –

‘If someone treats you nicely, you should do the same.’

Here I go – I’ll try being ‘different’ to Seobi.

“It was fun.”

…

Is Seobi going to reply? I look back, and realise something odd. She’s stopped her walking pace, and she begins looking at me in agape with her eyes blinking in astonishment.

“… Fun?”

Yeah – it was fun (or should I say that she misheard me and I said fine?)

I guess this time I should just try smiling for once. I want to see Seobi’s reaction if I were to smile.

Maybe, it’ll make me actually feel better for myself? And probably rid a part of my anger as well?

I do the same, and look at her eyes to deliver a delightful smile. Priscilla does that every time – so I guess, I gave it a shot.

The sun sets and its night time now, and we’re both on our separate beds, sleeping. I lean to the left side – the side that faces the window, and I look at the glamorous moon in wonder.

Whenever I look at the window – I always think how I could become a hero, and become as bright as the sun or the moon.

‘Bright’ – that phrase somehow puts me into such intrigue. If a hero is ‘bright’, doesn’t that practically mean that they’re someone who beholds a good attitude?

Okay, probably my attitude isn’t right. Perhaps I should change it –

Through the reflection of the window, I see Seobi on the other bed changing her position as she sleeps, and facing the window as well. She slightly opens her eyes, and sees my awoken reflection.

“Are you alright, Rion?”

I close my eyes, attempting to ignore her, and removing the thought of becoming a hero once again.

“Just go to sleep.” I muttered.

A part of me wanted to wait for her response –

I probably shouldn’t have just said ‘Just go to sleep’.

I open my eyes again, feeling an itch of her feelings.

“I’m alright, Seobi.”

“Rion, if there’s something wrong, I want you to tell me straight away.”

A slight feeling of comfort hits me –

She’s never said anything like that before…

“Okay.” I muttered once again as I close my eyes, and put my body to sleep.

I wake up again, taking a shower, putting my clothes on and leaving for school with Seobi beside me. “Oh, I can’t believe I haven’t asked you this question yet!”

“What is it?”

“Made any friends yet?”

“Of course I have –”

Suddenly, she stops once again. “Serious?”

“Yeah” I turn around to actually keep eye contact.

“Who are they?”

“There’s one… Priscilla.”

I continue my walking yet again, and sense Seobi’s footsteps catching up to me. “What?! Priscilla?!”

Yeah – I would expect you to be surprised!

“What’s wrong?”

Jokes.

“… Nothing. I’m just so happy for you!”

I doubt she knows that I know Priscilla’s the one who paid her the fees.

As we both enter the school, I see a girl waiting at the front gate with her figure leaning on a nearby pillar. She stares up the sky, and I see the incandescent sun unveiling the true caramel colour of her black fibrous hair. I guess this is the way you can define dyed black hair, to Asian black hair.

“Annelie!” Seobi called out with joy.

“Hey!”

I watch her attention get caught by my figure, then branch her finger out to point at me.

“Oh, Rion! You’re here too!”

“Yep, thanks to Priscilla!” Seobi begins to chuckle a bit.

Annelie leans her head slightly closer to mine with intrigue –

Wow – hey, don’t get too close to me. Even if you’re a girl, I can still bite.

“So, how’s school going?”

“Alright.”

She takes her eyes off me, and then approaches Seobi.

“Hey, do you mind if I copy your homework?”

“Do you need help?”

“No – well – yes – I do, but we’ve only got five minutes till’ next period!”

I watch Seobi rush to her bag, then giving her an exercise book.

Are you serious…? Just like that? You’re giving your work to her, just like that?

Seobi follows her as she takes off to a desk, and preparing her workstation. She takes out a pencil, an empty book, and begins writing every single word that’s on Seobi’s book.

That’s cheating.

I even think so.

“Hey! Do I detect a ‘rule-breaker’?”

We all turn around, and see an individual approaching us. With her golden braided hair and blue eyes, I can tell instantly that it’s Priscilla. Annelie spins her head instantly, and I find her shocked of Priscilla’s presence –

“Oh – oh my god, you scared me!”

“Naughty – doing your homework five minutes before class!” Priscilla teased. Then, she saw me –

“Hey Rion!”

What? You expect me to say hi back?

Then, the person in front of me catches my attention instantly.

Seobi suddenly expresses a flushed face –

“Aren’t you going to greet her back?” She nudges me as she whispered.

“Fine –” I muttered. “Hey.”

…

Sigh.

All the people around me are girls.

I kind of wished I had a guy with me to accompany me.

I rest my chin on the desk. Annelie sits on the other side, while Seobi watches her as she sits next to me. Priscilla comes by, and sits on the opposite side of Seobi, next to Annelie, then reading over her work.

“Neuro?”

“Yeah.”

“Oligodendrocytes aren’t in the peripheral nervous system – they’re in the central nervous system.”

“What?” Annelie teased Seobi.

“Sorry! That’s my fault!” She suddenly takes her book and corrects the error. “Thanks for telling me!”

I don’t know what the heck she just said – but, I don’t need to care.

The group continues to keep quiet after that last sentence, and Priscilla and Seobi just watch Annelie continue on her copying.

But then, Seobi breaks the ice –

“So, Priscilla, do you have any brothers or sisters?”

… Priscilla?

… So do you? Are you okay? You’re not responding.

Priscilla looks at her, but then drops her face to what I think is sorrow.

“Um – nope.” She muttered.

“…. Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No – it’s fine. But it’s the rule in this world, to only have one child per family.”

Excuse me?

“Huh?!” Seobi fell into flabbergast. “There’s a one child policy?!”

Wow – isn’t a one child policy horrifying?

“Yeah – it’s been like this for decades. They probably have a different rule for the Briteria family though.”

… I hope so.

That actually caught my attention!

I can hardly believe it.

“…. The Briteria family is different. So this is society for you?”

“That’s right, and my little sister was taken away when I was six years old.” She rests her hands on her face in sorrow. “And I’ve never seen her since.”

Seobi takes out her hands, and then grasping Priscilla’s in comfort.

“But if you’re in an adopted family, it’s different.” Annelie began. “Britenzo and I have been living in the same family for years. Well, actually, it isn’t much of a family it’s just a facility where orphans are waiting for adoption.”

What?! So Annelie and Britenzo aren’t related?!

I spin my head towards her in curiosity –

“Wait, you’re saying that, you and Britenzo aren’t related?!”

“No – we’re not. But he’s my ‘brother’.” She muttered and gestured, then continuing back to copying her work. “An orphan ‘brother’ who I’ll always stick with.”

“Oh – I never knew that.” Seobi said.

“It’s all because of over-population – the reason why the one-child policy exists.”

“… over-population. No one in my Briteria family ever discussed that – but that’s probably because there aren’t many people in the family compared to your side.” Seobi said with eloquence.

“Yeah – maybe. But, I remember the story of an individual in your family, marrying a Schneizal like me.”

I don’t really care about much of what she’s saying, but, really? So a Briteria and a Schneizal?

“Oh – tell me!” Seobi spoke out with intrigue.

“Well – it began by the princess wanting to be married to someone.”

“Princess? Do you mean the Princess of Junquious?”

“That’s right. She wanted to marry someone, but she kept it a secret from her father.”

“Why did she keep it a secret?”

“Because that certain person was from the Briteria family.”

“No way…” Seobi pronounced in flabbergast.

“Then, there was a time when she asked her father – ‘if I was to get married, can I have two kids?’. But then, the king told her – ‘No. It’ll be unfair for everyone else.’”

“So even the king prevented his daughter from disobeying the one-child policy?”

“Well, in order to be a good king, you have to be fair to everyone.”

“But then, the princess thought of another solution, since she thought that the one-child policy was completely ridiculous.”

“What did she do?”

“It was completely insane...”

“What was it?”

“She wanted to destroy a large portion of the population with a uranium warhead. It would rid mothers from the pain of losing a child, and it’ll reduce the population greatly, and prevent the policy to come to existent.”

“I can’t believe it – that’s horrendous! And the uranium warhead? Didn’t the Briteria family use those in the war?”

“Yeah – but this took place years after the war. And I have a feeling that the reason why the princess wanted to be with the Briteria individual, is to make that statement come to existent.”

“You mean to make that Briteria individual she wanted to marry, produce the uranium warhead? And get rid of the policy?”

“Exactly…”

“How do you know…?” Seobi released her curiosity.

“Well, because if you read the entire story, you would sense a suspicion to the words she was saying. And reviews even pointed it out as well.”

“Where are those two now then?”

“The Princess was executed for being with a Briteria.”

Wow…

Just like that.

This world really is wretched.

“Are you serious…?”

“Yep.”

“But I have to say, this world really is over-populating. I wonder what we’re going to do in the near future with population exponentially increasing.”

“And… I don’t understand. Killing a large portion of the population, as a substitute for the one-child policy?”

“Well, I guess that was happening in the Princess’ mind – since she thinks letting the mothers die, is better than them experiencing the feeling of losing their child. I bet she also wanted to clear out the population so that the policy would be gone.”

“I can’t believe it….”

“We haven’t experienced ourselves losing our child, so we wouldn’t know how it would feel.”

“Did she have children with that Briteria member?”

“Yeah – she did. She had two. They were both half Briteria and Schneizal – but as soon as the second child was born, he was taken.”

“I wonder if, that was the reason why she wanted to go on with the population massacre in the first place.”

“Maybe…” Priscilla ended the conversation.

That’s so horrendous.

All that I can gleam from that previous conversation is that our world is more terrible than I thought.

But each culture has their own ways of living, and that’s merely because of the environment they’re exposed to and how they decided to adapt to it.

Or, everyone is just simply different. That’s what makes this world diverse.

Finally, I find myself sitting next to Priscilla again in our graphics class. Well, it’s basically the only class I have in this school. The teacher passes out our A-three drawing sheets, but I’m slightly startled as soon as he approaches my table –

“So, how was your first day yesterday?” He said with eloquence.

“Yeah, it was fine.”

“Made any friends yet?”

Fine, fine. I’ll respond.

“Yeah.” I muttered without looking at his face.

Damn it – I should have looked at his face.

From the side of my vision as I stare at the drawing paper, I see Priscilla leaning her head slightly closer to me. “So, did you treat Seobi well yesterday?”

“Go ask her” I responded with careless satisfaction.

I don’t know, sometimes I feel careless to respond to people’s answers not because I don’t want to talk to them, or I’m lazy, but it’s because of the questions they’re asking!

“… Really, Rion?”

What’s with that peculiar tone? You think I’m not telling the truth?

… Take your hands off your hips. It intimidates me.

“Well – because, if I agree, I’ll probably be depositing pride into myself. Don’t you think?”

Yes! Now she understands that I’ve been listening to her teachings!

“Yeah – I guess…”

Suddenly, the student in front of me who previously asked for my rubber spins his chair and faces Priscilla. “Dude – why do you hang around with this guy?”

The feeling of intimidation tickles my spine. I look at his ignorant eyes as they look at Priscilla’s, and I watch him speak negatively about me purposely in my presence.

“Why can’t I? He’s nice.”

…

What kind of –

Wait – no - she said I’m nice. She said I’m nice. She said I’m nice! Honestly, ever since I’ve joined this school, my life became full of surprises!

“He’s nice?” The student questioned with shock.

“Yeah! You just need to understand him more!” she turned her head and faced me.

I have to say, Priscilla’s probably the nicest person I’ve met in my life – well, not that I’ve met many people.

I look back at my drawing, and so does she.

… Dude – at least say thank you. Or else you’re ‘really’ a jerk.

Alright, fine. I’ll thank her. Happy now?

“Thanks, Priscilla.” I muttered with shyness.

“Haha! You’re welcome!” She chuckled.

I can sense the other student glare at me slightly, and then leaning back to his desk and pushing his chair back inside.

I place my feet on the bars that connects the legs of the chairs, and lifting my figure to get a better view of the entire drawing paper. I take my pencil out, preparing my set squares and reading the question.

‘Draw the perspective view of Object A’

I find it sometimes difficult to draw my lines in fact; since if I press too hard and perform a mistake, it takes quite an effort to erase it off – but despite me erasing it off, parts of the graphite still sticks to the paper.

I guess I have to just keep trying –

And actually, I’m quite amazed at myself to being able to understand all the basic topics there are for this subject. Despite this being my complete first time doing something like this…

In the beginning, before I even attended the class, we learnt how to draw the different views of shapes and objects. There was: Isometric, a three-dimensional representation of the object inclined on a thirty-degree axis; orthographic, a two-dimensional set of drawings that represent the top view, front and side view of an object; and an oblique view, which is another three-dimensional representation of the object but inclined on a forty-five degree angle.

Is it me, or I’m starting to like it?

It’s strange – when Seobi was teaching me how to do all this, I learnt it all in approximately one hour. It’s as if I already knew all this –

As I continue drawing, I’m stopped by Priscilla starting a conversation. “So, are you still keen to changing your personality?”

Am I still ‘keen’?

“I guess I am…” I muttered as I draw another line on my paperwork. Then suddenly – “Let’s hang out again this recess, yeah?”

Instantly, I snap the graphite on my pacer with shock.

… Did she just –

Quick! Respond! Or else she’ll think that you’re pondering about it!

“… Yeah, okay.” I expressed with a shy tone.

This is awkward!

“Hey, you know, there were times when I’ve met my best friend in random places –”

Wait – where did that come from?

It just suddenly spat out of my mouth!

I didn’t even mean to say that! Or – no – it must’ve been because I was so shy, that it came out. I subconsciously wanted to hide the fact that I was shy after she asked me that odd question…

Alright Rion, you successfully started a new topic. Good job!

“Oh yeah? Who’s your best friend?”

“… His name is Britenzo. I doubt you know him though.”

“Oh, isn’t that – never mind, keep going.”

“I guess I can say, he’s the only person who I respect in this world. But then, there were a few times when I’ve came across him, caught up with a conversation, then saying goodbye.”

“Oh.” She dozed off her eyes as if she’s wondering if I’m done yet. “… and then?”

“A few seconds later, we see each other again.”

Holy cow, I’m actually making a point of what I’m saying!

“Don’t you find those types of situations awkward?”

She suddenly spins her head towards me with a smile.

Yes! I’ve done it! Good job!

“Yeah! Those moments are the most awkward! That’s why I like, wait and make sure that they’ve disappeared, and then continue on what I was doing normally!” She expressed in such a joyful manner. “But, if you see them again, just smile!”

Well I guess her and I have something in common. As soon as I had that thought, the feeling of content suddenly strikes me.

Wow… I feel so, peaceful now, for some reason.

“Hey, I’ll buy you something at recess?”

B-b-buy me something? I’ve only met her yesterday, and she’s asking me if I want something to buy!? I have to admit it – she’s really nice.

“Wh-what’s there to buy?”

“Have you tried the Aloe drinks?”

Its recess now and I watch Priscilla queuing in the canteen with a few coins on her hands while I’m staying stationary outside. The boys in front of her are being rather rough on each other – playfully arm-wrestling each other with the barriers that separate the queues as a source of their stand. From the front of the line, I watch a student depart the canteen with the drink he bought in his hand.

The line elevates forward, except the students arm-wrestling each other don’t realise it, but stay stationary and block everyone else.

I see Priscilla just standing there behind him, and not retaliating.

What is she thinking about?

With a slight feeling of annoyance, I approach the individuals.

“Guys, stop playing and move forward.”

They ignore me, and I try holding my anger.

Priscilla doesn’t realise my presence, and focuses on the list of drinks that she can buy. But seriously, these guys are just ignoring. And I’m starting to get ticked off and losing my potential of holding my anger, since the people behind them are waiting to move forward.

I grab one of their shoulders, and speak out –

“Guys! Move forward!” I released all my annoyance instantly.

Okay – okay, calm down.

The men realise my presence, so do Priscilla and the rest of the students in the queue. “Rion?!” I heard her mutter with a rather tensioned tone.

“You want to go me now, punk?” The man grabs my collar with the barrier separating both of us.

Okay – never mind, you can let it all out if you want.

I can tell straight away from their eyes, that they comprise of a vexatious, delinquent personality. I don’t know, but anger continues to bolster inside me as they grasp my collar tighter.

These jerks should really be banished from this world.

I clench my fist, and plunging it into one of their faces, until I realise that my arm is stopped by someone’s hand.

“Stop Rion.” Priscilla muttered as she shook her head. I look at her in the eyes, then leaving the queue to sit myself on a stand in the distance.

“Don’t move. My spot’s saved.”

Alright – I take that back. They don’t deserve to be banished from this world.

After five minutes of waiting or so, she approaches me with the drinks. “Man, you need to hold your anger more when those situations arise.”

Psh, she’s lecturing again.

“I tried to.” and I’m doing that now.

“Yeah, I know, it’s kind of hard sometimes. But in those situations, you come across a dilemma where if you should suppress your anger or retaliate. I usually go for suppressing, and not causing any trouble.”

But isn’t it better to retaliate sometimes? Oh well, I’m just going to suppress it now – and if she thinks that deeply into my feelings, she’ll understand that I’m following what she said at this very second.

“I agree.”

“Alright, cool!” She looked at me with that smile once again. In the end, we both end up sitting on a chair and socialising the entire way. She tells me numerous methods to behave normally, and with an altruistic manner.

But the thing that gets me the most is this –

“You have to think more about people’s perspectives, Rion, even to Seobi.”

As I begin walking home, Priscilla’s words echo in my mind. Each time I hear ‘even to Seobi’ an itch of something odd begins to prevent me from moving.

That itch… it’s as if, something inside my body, wants to come out.

But in the same time, I get the feeling of content, for some reason.

It’s odd – Seobi is the person who I, basically, dislike the most. Why is it that I’m feeling contented when I hear her name?

Or is it because it was in Priscilla’s voice?

As I continue thinking about that particular girl, my arm tends to twitch even more, and the feeling of content continues to consume me.

Content – it feels good.

But, why Priscilla?

Why does my body react negatively, and positively when I think about her?

Suddenly, a wind blows towards me. The feeling of gust is enjoyable I guess – but it doesn’t relinquish me from the itch I get when I think of Priscilla.

Then without me realising, I take a deep breath, covering my mouth with my hand then sneezing instantly –

“Ha-choo!”

I return my hand, and find … something rather odd.

Rather odd…

Is it even odd?

The object on my hand?

That amethyst-like object, on my hand?

The sun shines itself on it, and the reflected rays blind me. Then in an instant, after opening my eyes once again, the piece of crystal disintegrates into the atmosphere.

…

What was that? What just came out of my mouth…?

“Rion!” I suddenly heard someone call out. I turn about ninety-degrees to my right, and see Britenzo running at me.

“Oh my god – how have you been man?”

“Hey! I’m doing brilliant.”

Wait – did I just say I’m doing ‘brilliant’?

“Wait.” Britenzo pauses. “Did you just say you’re doing ‘brilliant’?”

…

“And did you just smile for a second there?!”

“Yeah! I did.”

Oh – this new feeling – it surely makes me want to continue to act like this!

He steps in front of me, and we begin walking to the direction I was walking –

“Going home, I’m guessing?”

“That’s right.”

It becomes slightly awkward as no one talks for a few seconds. Topics – can we run out of topics to talk about so quickly?

What hasn’t he spoken to me about? What haven’t I spoken to him about, that I can use to start a conversation?

Maybe how school was today?

“You know – that I’m an adopted child?”

“… Yeah – Annelie told me this morning.”

“Wait – I already told you last week though!”

What…?!

“Anyway – I discovered that I’m a half.”

“Half Schneizal and … what?”

He keeps silent for a bit, and stops on his spot as we were walking.

…

“No – don’t worry.”

I remember Priscilla stating something about someone being half-half, but I completely forgot what she said.

I wasn’t really paying attention actually. I was in the beginning, but trailed off…

I’m at home now, eating dinner on the dining table with Seobi on the opposite side. “So, did you have a good day today?”

“Yeah, I did.” I pronounced with a slight sense of joy.

“Oh, what happened?”

“Priscilla bought me something from the canteen”

“What?! What did she buy you? Why didn’t you ask me if you wanted to buy something?” She expressed a slight tone of anger.

Wait – why are you getting angry all of a sudden?

“Well, she offered it…”

I watch her resting her fork on the dining table. “Did you even prevent her from buying it for you?”

To be honest… I actually didn’t. Now when I think about it, I only accepted what she gave me; and didn’t even think about her perspective as well.

“Rion!” She leaned her head closer to me with a frown. “You need to show more altruism! Don’t let people buy things for you, and taking it for granted! You should at lea-”

You’re pissing me off now.

“... Yeah. I’m sorry.” I interrupted.

You don’t even realise how much I’m trying to change now.

And you’ve just destroyed my motivation.

And now – something else comes to my mind.

“Why would I need to ask you if I want to buy something?”

“Um –”

“It’s my money we’re using anyway.” I muttered.

“... Yours?”

... Why did I say that?

“... Just when I started to think that you changed.”

I hammer the table hard with my fist; showing her how much anger she’s given me. With her fear, I see her instantly lean backwards to her chair in shock. “You don’t even know what I’ve been trying to do these past few days, have you?”

“What…?” Seobi expressed a tone of confusion and fright.

“I’ve been trying to change! And I hate people who underestimate like this!”

… So don’t say anything like that to me again!

I look at her shocked expression focusing on my face of vehemence. Then suddenly, I remember –

‘Man, you need to hold your anger more when those situations arise.’

Damn it – sorry Priscilla. But I don’t want your voice to echo in my head as if you’re some kind of ghost.

I rest back to my seat, staring at the food in front of me. But her muttering voice startles my anger once again.

“According to what you just did, I don’t think you’ll ever change.”

Suddenly, the words of Priscilla disappear from my mind. And instead, her soft spoken voice repeats. The soft voice that resembles the amount of purity she has in her heart. Though, it’s blatantly obvious that Seobi doesn’t have this trait.

“You know, sometimes I wished you were Priscilla.” I muttered with my tone suppressed.

“You – what?!”

I said it.

She leaps on her feet, and I see the shadow of her head on the centre of the table.

“That’s right – she would be much more of a family member than you” I continued to express my true perspective of her.

Actually, I’ve only started to think about it now. But honestly, Priscilla would’ve been a better person than Seobi. I would’ve been taught how to behave better earlier if Seobi was Priscilla instead –

I sense the tension in Seobi’s face. She instantly falls back to her seat and expresses a rather stunned look of shock.

Oh well, I don’t care. She’s been so terrible to me all these years. Treating me like a kid, disciplining me, and ordering me to do things.

I’m sick of this shi –

“After all that I’ve done for you – you think of me as someone as lower than a friend that you just met two days ago?”

Here we go. Gear Change: Release everything.

Alright, bring it on Seobi – let’s see who can become the angriest out of both of us?

She pushes her seat back, regaining her posture and taking such vigorous steps closer to me. “You don’t think of me as someone who’s always been by your side?!”

“Exactly! You’ve been that merciless fat cow that I’ve always thought of you as!”

Yes! That’s right! And it feels so good to repel the fury that’s been yearning to leave out of my mouth.

But then, my blood suddenly jumps as soon as I see something colliding towards my face –

…

She just slapped me.

“I’m… merciless? Well look at the one who has no pity for anyone!” she exclaimed with such a vitriolic manner.

How dare you slap me?

With the anger flamed up inside me, I stand up, clenching my fist and barraging at her face.

Then suddenly, silence bewitched us both again for a few seconds.

That’s right – take that, fat cow.

“Did… you just hit me?”

Didn’t you just hit me?

She walks a few steps away from me with her head still facing the resulting direction of my colliding fist. I watch her lean herself with incredulity on the wall of the room.

Okay – maybe I shouldn’t have done that…

“Get out.”

Then suddenly, the feeling of regret hits me. I probably shouldn’t have done that… I didn’t even suppress my anger at all…

No, I can’t leave. Where would I go?

The dilemma keeps me still.

“I said, get out of here!”

Oh – she even slammed the wall. I’m actually quite terrified.

Come on, get out. Get the heck out of there. Close the door, and just leave! LEAVE!

Wait – am I crying?

I’ve never done something as terrible as this before to Seobi. Actually, I’ve never done anything like this to anyone before in my life!

I actually feel really sad. It’s as if all the blood inside me lost its form of movement because of what Seobi did. It’s shocking –

Come on, come on, I have to get away from that place! Quick, I don’t want her to see me!

I find myself running away with my bones attempting to restrict as much movement as it can. My bones – they aren’t moving! My body doesn’t want to listen to me!

It just… wants to keep still.

Freaking run!

…

I mean – she told me to get out…

She told me to leave her.

I remember before how I wanted to not be with her; but now, to be betrayed by her, it’s totally different… and shocking.

I keep running, and running, and running until I approach an empty alleyway. Oh my god, what have I done? I actually had the audacity to hit her.

This is the consequence of letting all your anger out, and opening the gate that distinguishes a human being to a beast.

Why did I do that?

I’m so sorry Seobi.

Then unexpectedly, I hear someone calling out my name.

“Rion! Where are you?”

It’s Seobi.

I stop at the closest building that shuns me from her view. I peak my head out for a little bit, scanning the place in anxiety. I approach the source of the sound – closer, and closer, but then stopping as soon as I’m about twenty metres in front of her. The feeling of anxiety engulfs me, and I lay myself in the shadows, concealed.

“Rion! Please, come back!” she called out with her hands opened up around her mouth to somehow resonate her voice.

I can see her face… she’s also regretful for what she did. Every part of her eye is completely red – it’s not the red of her eyes, but the red of blood revealing itself from tearing too much. She’s been crying really heavily, and I can also tell by the amount of tears I see on her neck. Then suddenly, she drops to the floor, crying like a baby, with her face being controlled by so much tension.

Rion, what have you done?

She continues crying and calling out my name while her tears pass her mouth.

“Rion! I’m so sorry!”

She even apologised.

Should I like… approach her and apologise as well?

“You’re the only family I have left! Please come back!”

….

Her emotions hit me. Without me, how lonely will she feel? I’ve been too rough on her…

With her head being concealed by her arms, she lies on the floor in desperation… in desperation for me. But as soon as I approach her even closer, I feel anxiety manipulating my mind and pulling me back.

No. No. I can’t get near her. Not now!

I turn around, with the feeling of guilt, and running away to the distance while hearing the echo of her crying.

I’m so sorry Seobi! I’m so sorry! I promise I’ll apologise tomorrow! Yeah? Okay?

Without myself knowing, my legs fall into paralysis and I fall down to the ceramic pathway of the streets violently.

Where am I going…?

I look up at the sky, finding the light of the moon illuminating the dark night.

“Hero… I failed to become a hero…”

And then, my vision blackens out.

Without Seobi… my life will be empty. She’s in fact, like a family member to me. No, she is the only family member I have.

… Wait – what’s this itchy feeling I’m getting on my right hand?

Out of the blue, I feel someone shaking my shoulder. “Oi! Rion!”

As I open my eyes, the sunlight blinds my vision with its incandescence.

Who the heck is calling me so early?

Is it Seobi?

No – It’s Priscilla.

“Why were you sleeping on the floor?”

Wait, how did I get here again? And why am I at school?

Oh… I forgot – I had a fight with Seobi –probably the most fearsome fight.

“Rion…”

I regain my posture, and find Priscilla with a shocked expression. “You’re covered in blood.”

What? How am I covered in blood?

Seobi only slapped me.

In such a fearful pace, I scan my uniform and find it ripped apart numerously on my right arm, and, with the presence of blood.

How did I get this cut…?

How did I get these cuts?

“What?! How did I – I only remember…”

Suddenly, the feeling of sorrow and guilt strikes me once again. “… Seobi slapping me.”

Sorry – I have to be honest with you, Priscilla. This time, I actually ‘did’ hurt her…

Not just with words, but with my own fist.

From the top of my lowered vision, Priscilla leans away from me. “How did she… slap you?” I sensed her manner of incredulity.

“… I’d rather not talk about it.”

“Did you listen to anything I told you about controlling your behaviour?”

It’s as if the scenery of me fighting with her repeats again as soon as Priscilla said that. But, the state I’m in now, is a rather docile one. I don’t think I’m in the mood to getting angry again. “I tried too… but then, I guess my anger overwhelmed me.”

As the sorrowful mood diffuses into the atmosphere, I see students walking passed and staring at us with wonder. Damn it – this is embarrassing. How did I even get here? I only remember myself passing out on a walkway.

“Come on, it’s an hours until school starts, let’s have this conversation somewhere else. She takes my hand, helps me stand up, and we walk to the centre of the main oval of the school. It’s rather empty before school starts, but during recess and lunch, it’s packed with the athletic students.

We sit beside each other, and I detect her sorrow low-profile face as she stares at the grass in front of them.

“When I met you, I saw your behaviour, and I wondered how Seobi survived with that behaviour.”

She said ‘survived’ – I guess the guilt inside me bolstered itself once again.

“So then, for Seobi’s sake, I decided to change your personality to becoming a better person.” Priscilla said in a meaningful, eloquent tone.

I keep myself still, halting myself from dreadful comebacks –

“So, you did all this so I could be nice to Seobi?”

“A part of it...”

“So, you didn’t do this because I’m your friend?”

“No – you’re my friend; someone who I can trust; and because I can trust you, I told you all of those things about changing your personality.”

She trusts me?

“And so that... you would stop hurting yourself and getting into fights.”

I instantly take a deep breath, and feeling the invigorated feel of parts of the sadness inside me leaving my body.

Probably because I’m getting happier, a bit.

So, it’s time to be honest now…

“I told her that you were a better person than her, and that you’d be a better family member than her.”

Sorry – but, I’m expecting a scary response from you.

She suddenly turns around in shock. I look at her face of agape, then looking away with fear. “Ho-how can you say that to her? Hasn’t she been with you ever since you were born?”

“That’s what she said, and I think she’s right – but, I only remember being with her a few hours before my home was destroyed – which was in fact, just four years ago.”

“So, you lost your memories somehow? So she’s been with you for four years? That’s still horrible! How can you say that?!”

“Exactly…”

“So… amnesia?” She kept her eyes in contact with mine, then looking away slowly. “But anyway, you should be more grateful for how much effort Seobi put to supplying you and herself with food and shelter!”

That’s true. All that I used to do is get the money then Seobi deals with the forms that she has to complete, and all the talking. And when I mean by ‘talking’, as in, falling into desperation for me and her to pay for the hotel funds and seeking help from others who she’s obscure to, by even walking to another city in Britoniah by herself. Compared to me, she’s experienced tougher times.

“Not only that, but she raised me. I had no clue of life four years ago. She taught me everything.”

I have to be more grateful towards people. That’s what I’ve learnt from yesterday –

“Priscilla, thanks for everything.” I expressed my words with such a peculiar and shy manner.

“Thanks for telling me how many things that I need to improve on to becoming a better person. Now that I’ve felt this, I know that I have to be more grateful to Seobi.”

I stare my head on the floor, smiling, and expecting her to see it.

“Oh, you’re welcome.”

Suddenly, the feeling of content fills me up. I feel like moving around and expressing my happiness in front of her. Wait, not only just happiness, but I feel like showing her my bravery.

“Priscilla –“

“Yeah?”

“You’re my best friend!” I said it out loud and feeling grateful that I said it.

I know – it’s kind of ... corny.

But, yeah – you are. I had to say that. But – what’s this new feeling? It doesn’t feel good at all.

Unexpectedly, my body starts vibrating vigorously and uncontrollably. I can feel my entire body shaking so energetically.

“Um – Priscilla, what’s going on?”

I look at her delightful and chuckling face, then seeing it transform as she looks at my body vibrate intensely. “Are you okay, Rion!?”

Oh no – why am I scared all of a sudden? But still – this is kind of creepy!

What’s happening to my body?!

She goes to my aid, steps closer to me and wondering what she should do. Suddenly, my arm feels like... something wants to come out.

“M-my hand is lifting by itself!”

Priscilla goes to the side of my right arm, and holding it with the incredulous feel of not knowing what to do. And then… this is where I get scared.

I can feel something wanting to burst out of my muscle.

“Wait! Get away from my hand!”

Ouch – ouch! It’s – it’s – it’s coming out!

“Ugh!”

...

… What’s this?!

What – what’s this? What’s going on? What’s this object protruding from my hand?

A purple, vitreous, crystallised needle has gushed out of my right palm.

… What kind of –

I see Priscilla looking at it with such horrendous fear. She crawls backwards, standing up, and backing away slightly with her face of agape.

... You - you’re going away?

In the distance, I see one student watching the scenery – and then another, then another, until I see about ten people in shock.

Despite us being in the centre of the oval, the students who walk by can see the brightness of the purple object protruding metres from my palm through such a wide distance. And now, an audience gathers.

I look at Priscilla scanning them then falling to the floor to aid me once again. She grabs my right arm in haste while I try to resist –

“No, leave your hand alone.” She ordered. I do as she said, and find her grasping the needle tightly with her hands. Priscilla then starts reciting something – something that I’ve been hearing thoroughly back at home –like someone that’s memorising phrases to perform a cure.

I suddenly see some form of liquid leaking from her palms. She continues reciting, and the liquid on the needle, that’s also partly on my palms, starts emitting a luminous light. With amazement, I watch the needle start to crack – and then, on the liquid I see numerous red veins protrude grotesquely out of the needle. It takes over the light of the liquid, then moving onto the source – Priscilla’s hand. I watch her express a face of pain –

NO! PRISCILLA!

She releases her hand, and falls to the floor as soon as the needle disintegrates into the atmosphere.

“Priscilla!”

I regain my posture, and come to her aid instantly to find out what’s going on. I take her hand, and find it completely normal. I wiggle her shoulder, incredulously calling out her name.

“Priscilla! Priscilla!”

Luckily, she opens her eyes of purity and looks at me as if she was blown by some explosion. “… Huh?”

Silence diffuses into the atmosphere –

Seconds later, I see her turning her head to the audience then back to me. “I’m okay” She said with her soft voice yet again as she regained her posture. I do the same, and find a heap of people staring at us. Through the crowd, I see someone quite visible in the distance by her contrast in hair colour.

It’s Seobi.

She’s looking at me with such an annoyed look, and as if she’s been crying for hours, then walking off through the distance.

Seobi – can you come back?

Its recess and I’m again, sitting next to Priscilla; indulged in a conversation about what happened before school started. “So, you’re okay, right?”

“Yeah – I didn’t feel anything actually… but I’m obscure to what those red-vein-y things did to me…”

She’s speaking normally, as if nothing really did happen.

“Hopefully it didn’t do anything.”

“Yeah…”

I wonder what Seobi is doing now? How is she? Then as I thought about her, Priscilla begins a new topic.

“Rion, we’re going to meet Seobi, aren’t we?” she began.

Yes, I need to apologise to her!

“Of course…”

We both leap on our legs and I begin following Priscilla’s footsteps. “Do you know where she hangs around?”

“Yep”

Alright, I’m getting closer to Seobi, and every time I take a step closer, the feeling of anxiety topples up. Then suddenly, it gets mixed with the feeling of annoyance. I look around me, to see other students staring at me widely. Yeah, I’m probably like a monster to them.

But from what I’ve learnt from Priscilla, I need to hold my anger.

I seriously need to.

After dozens of metres of walking, I find myself in a small grassy field with a small maple tree at its centre. Under it, I see Seobi sitting there eating a banana, about ten metres away from me.

Wow – calm down Priscilla!

Unexpectedly, Priscilla pushes me closer to her, and Seobi realises my presence.

Well, here we go. Don’t be scared Rion, you’re more mature than you were before. You should do something different this time.

We eye-to-eye each other, and I watch her looking away instantly as soon as I decide to step closer to her.

I’ll probably look away as well...

… Should I back off?

NO. Keep going! Don’t leave where you are, and only approach her more.

And then –

What is she doing? She’s standing up?

I see her taking her banana, and fortunately, only walking to the closest bin. I approach her with a faster pace with my face lowered, and find myself right behind her after she tosses her banana into the bin.

She then turns around and expressed her shock to see my figure right behind hers.

“Wow!”

I need to apologise to her –

Suddenly, I grasp both of her shoulders with both of my hands, bringing her body closer to mine and cuddling her as hard as I can.

Wow – I’ve never done this before!

“Ri-Ri-Rion!?” I heard her flabbergasted voice. I close my eyes, grasping her body with mine even tighter, and finally saying it –

“I’m so sorry. I’ll never do what I did ever again!”

In that split moment, I feel a tear fall out of my eye. I’ve never felt this emotional about someone before. But suddenly, I can feel this object inside my arm wanting to come out –

Whatever it is, I have to resist it.

And I simply clench my arm even more to relieve of the feeling.

And then, her soft hands grasp my back –

“It’s okay.”

Now – it’s time to be honest with her, and how I actually feel about her.

“Without you, I wouldn’t be alive, Seobi. You’re the most important person I have in my life.”

Her body vibrates slightly in astonishment –

Well, I’m glad I said what was in my heart, right? I guess I was allowed to let ’that’ go!

“Oh, well, me too”

We give each other space to see our faces, and I detect her lowered eyes. “So, we’re good now?” I took my arms off her shoulders, and changing the atmosphere. I then detect a speck of nervousness as she looks away in shyness –

“Ye-Yeah, we’re good.”

Was that the right thing to ask her? Oh well. I’ve cleared it up at least.

I turn to my behind, and see Priscilla slowly clapping her hands with the eyes of joy. It’s as if she’s implying ‘you two are so cute’.

Thanks Priscilla, for making me be able to get this far. Because of you, I can tell that I’ve become a better person.

“Never leave like that again, Rion.” Seobi began as we continue journeying our way to the hotel. The feeling of content fills me up as soon as I hear her say that. Then, she continues –

“I’m sorry for making you go. I promise I’ll stay by your side.”

… What should I do? I have so many things to say to her too, but not all of it can come out of me once simultaneously.

I grab her hand, and clenching it to manifest the amount of vehemence I want to express without saying anything. Sometimes, words require some bravery – but gestures sometimes don’t. As for this particular situation, I think I’m comfortable by performing a gesture –

As soon as I did so, she stops walking, and stares at my hand holding hers.

I know – just, don’t feel weird about it, okay?

“Did you somehow get your memories back?”

The feeling of incredulity strikes me. She only thinks of me like that? Me? Getting my memories back? Is that the reason why I’m acting like this?

I approach her closer as we stand in the middle of the pathway. “No, I’m still the Rion who kept a terrible secret from you about losing his job.” I said with sorrow and guilt.

I watch her face transform with a smile – suddenly, it also fills me up with delight. She grabs my free hand with her other and approaching me closer.

“That’s okay. I have no caring whatsoever of you remembering your memories or not. I like who you are now, and you’re putting so much effort to maintain that state.”

Oh – thank you. I guess you also realise now, that I’m trying to change and be a better person to you.

Then unexpectedly, I feel something wanting to burst out of my hand yet again. I take my hand off her grasp abruptly, and clenching my left elbow with my free hand. I see her shocked and confused expression, causing me to lay my eyes down on the ground floor in nervousness.

“I-I’m sorry. Let’s go home.”

I begin marching my way back home, until Seobi grabs my shoulder and turns me around to face her. “What’s wrong, Rion?”

“N-Nothing” I expressed my anxiety.

“I’ll always be by your side, right? So can you tell me? Please?” I felt the words of comfort emit from her.

I lift my shy head up, and see her eyes of care. “I probably just can’t handle this new feeling.”

I rotate my body, and continue my way back home, hearing her mutter from my behind –

“O-Okay.”

She then let’s go of my hand unexpectedly –

“Rion...” Seobi lowers her voice.

Strange – the atmosphere suddenly became sentimental.

“What am I to you? Who do you see me as?”

What are you to me? Who do I see you as? That’s an odd question. If the question is asking, what type of person I see Seobi as – I know that I don’t see her as a friend.

Nor do I see her anything further as a friend.

Nor do I see her as a sister.

But probably...

“... a mother.”

She suddenly widens her eyes as if she was astonished from what I said.

“a – a mother? Really?”

“Yeah – because the level in which you take care of me; I think it’s what a mother would do to their son.”

“Then I’m happy that you’re grateful, my son.”

As soon as we arrive home, I find the entire house destroyed.

And what I’m seeing completely stuns me.

The chairs and the dining table are tipped over and the pillows, blankets, ripped pieces of paper are scattered amongst the floor.

She must’ve been angry. How much did I destroy her heart?

Rion, how could you?

“Oh… umm… give me a minute to clean all this.” She muttered.

Seobi… I’m so guilty for what I did.

“Seobi… I’ll treat you better from now on.” I muttered with overflowing guilt.

She suddenly halts, and silence surrounds the atmosphere.

It’s my entire fault. It’s okay, you don’t have to reply.

“Me too.”

I arrive at school again, waiting for Priscilla to arrive. As soon as she comes, I’m going to leap to my feet and thank her for everything!

I’ve changed because of her. She’s made the life of Seobi and mine so happy.

I retrieve the drawing paper from my teacher, clipping it on the drawing board once again, and hearing him call out the roll.

“Jose”

“Here!”

“Sally”

“Here!”

“Priscilla”

The door suddenly slams open –

“HERE!”

Oh! What an entrance!

The class stares at her in surprise –

She looks so fatigued…

“Everything okay, Priscilla?” The teacher asked.

“Yeah! Everything – is – fine.” She continues to take deep breaths.

I see her look at me, then delivering a small and faint wave as the rest of the students turn their figures to have a look at me.

Priscilla – I hope you’re okay.

From what happened yesterday, I wonder if that ‘thing’ affected you –

She sits on her seat next to me, and takes out all of her stationery equipment.

“So, what’d I miss?”

“A quarter of the roll.”

“Did you take any notes – oh wait, never mind.”

It doesn’t seem like she’s sick, or hurt, or anything.

Looks like everything is fine. So no need to worry, Rion.

“So, who here likes designing buildings?” The teacher announced.

Surprisingly, no one puts their hand up except for Priscilla.

“Well, that’s kind of depressing. Aren’t you all here because you intend to be architects?”

In an instant, everyone puts their hand up.

“That’s more like it!” The teacher called out.

The entire class heads over to the school hall with our exercise books. As I walk with Priscilla on my side, I look over to see other classrooms on my sides, and see other students staring at us as we walk pass.

Probably we shouldn’t make that much disturbance.

“Hey, everyone, listen up!” I heard one of their teachers call out. “So the microglia…” he continued teaching.

Wait… microglia? Isn’t that something from neurobiology?

I remember Seobi mentioning them to me briefly…

I take a few steps backwards and feel intrigue pulling me, and then I peak through the window once again.

Blue hair…

Maroon eyes…

It’s Seobi. She’s in this class as well.

I see her staring at the board with such concentration. Her pages are full of writing – with those blue pen marks scattered all over the lines in the book, I can be sure that she’s actually really dedicated.

Well, I mean, of course. Every day at home I always see her sitting on her chair with the same pen, drawing pictures of things which I think are organs.

Or – probably not.

“Who you lookin’ at?” I suddenly suspect Priscilla behind me. “Oh – it’s Seobi. She’s studying hard!”

Then without me expecting it, Priscilla takes my arm away as the teacher faces the students again.

Oh – well, I guess the reason why I wasn’t caught was because he was occupied by the board?

We catch up with the rest of the class, and I find myself and Priscilla in front of the school hall.

“So our first assignment will focus on the designing of a school hall. This’ll be the first task of urban planning that you’ll have to experience in the school of graphics.”

Urban planning, huh.

For some reason, I think this’ll be easy.

“So when you mean, urban planning, do you mean we have to consider environmental conservation factors?” Another student called out.

“Of course! Imagine you’re designing an actual building! Incorporate all your knowledge of the factors which affect the environment!”

That kind of thing, huh.

Alright, this will seem quite easy.

“Wow! Rion, what’s that arrogant look on your face?”

“Sorry?”

How does she detect arrogance on people’s faces when they haven’t even said a word? And me? Arrogant? Seriously?

“So for a reference to this project, maybe we can start by analysing the design of the school hall?” He began again.

With our books, we scatter ourselves inside the glassy, cube-like design of the hall. Priscilla instantly takes out her pencil and her exercise book, and begins writing and drawing vigorously.

Then for some reason, it seems like I already know the design I’m going to do.

It’s all already pictured in my head.

I take out the pencil, finding a place to sit, and then drawing my way through the entire session.

Scribbling, rubbing out and partially wrecking the paper, it seems like I’ve already gotten used to this. It’s like I’ve already done something like this before.

And it’s as if, the exact lines that I’m drawing, I’ve already done before early in my life.

It’s strange… why do I know all of this stuff?

“You know Rion, what do the male toilets look like?”

Damn it – she just broke my concentration!

Where was I again?

Oh yeah – female toilets, that’d probably be on the opposite side of the male toilets.

But, what do the female toilets look like?

“Rion!”

“Priscilla!”

“What do the male –”

“What do the female –”

…

“Can girls pee while they’re standing?”

Wait – can they? I’m pretty sure they can.

“… I’m guessing males can?”

We all arrive back in our classroom, and begin copying everything to an A-three drawing with clearer detail. I begin drawing the three-dimensional image of my design, and embedding anything extra which I’d like to put on.

The student in front of me (the one who initially asked for my rubber) turns his chair around and boasts his design to Priscilla.

“Hey! You like it?”

He gets off his seat, and approaches Priscilla closer. “Let’s see yours.”

Priscilla puts her pen down without saying a word, then giving him way to look at her design.

I wonder what her design is like…

I try taking a peak, while she stares at the other students’ drawing.

“Hey! It looks really good!” She complimented.

“Yours too!”

Then, the other student detects me trying to get a view of Priscilla’s.

Oh – it looks rather impressive – pillars are surrounding the cube-like hall, with a concave shape roof.

He turns around with those emotionless eyes, and walks over to my end of the desk.

“Let’s see yours.”

As that emotionless look turns into an arrogant one, I let him view my work with Priscilla.

…

There’s a slight pause, and I watch his face bewilder.

“…The heck is that?”

“That looks, amazing!” Priscilla exclaimed with such a joyful expression.

“Really? It looks like a spaceship to me – kind of immature to be honest.”

Seriously, what does this guy want?

“Come on – immature or mature, it doesn’t mean you can’t perfect designing!”

“Since when did you say something intelligent Priscilla?”

“… That wasn’t… intelligent at all!” She suddenly bursts into laughter.

The student takes off, and goes back to his seat. Priscilla continues staring at my design, and highlighting the features which I’ve bestowed on it.

It feels rather pleasant for someone to examine my drawing just like that.

This is my first time experiencing this feeling.

I feel like… I’m good at designing things.

It feels like, I should keep going.

“You know, by any chance, did you copy this design from somewhere?”

Then – the feeling of shock strikes me.

… What did I just hear?

She thinks I copied this from another source?

“No! I didn’t!” I spoke out vehemently –

“Wow!” She reacted to my expression. “Okay – okay, I believe you!”

I just… don’t want anyone to think of me wrongly, that’s all.

“It’s just that, I think I’ve seen this design from a book. You can go ask Seobi about it, if you want.”

Someone… already used my design?

“... Uranium warhead...”

... Excuse me? Did she say something? Uranium warhead?

“... What did you say?”

“Oh – I didn’t say anything. It just ... looks like something.”

How can that be even possible?

I got it straight from my mind, nowhere else.

“That’s odd – all of this was from my own ideas.”

Priscilla chuckles a bit, to calm me down I guess –

“I believe you, Rion! Don’t worry!”

“… Thanks.” I muttered.

“It’s just that, it looks exactly the same. I wonder if the designer is somehow related to you?”

“Who knows – I’ve forgotten everything, remember?”

Actually – I don’t know why, but I think I shouldn’t have brought that up.

She lets down her head after what I said, then looking back at me with a sorrowful look.

Yeah – I can really depend on this person.

I want to always be, by her side.

“Ouch!” I exclaimed. I clench my right arm and feel it slightly vibrating –

No…It wants to come out again.

“Rion, are you okay?”

“No! Don’t get near me!”

I don’t want her to touch me. Or else that needle will somehow cause trouble to her again. I don’t even know what that did to her, but honestly, it won’t make her feel any better through any way.

I think.

I sink my arm into the underneath of my thighs, and begin grasping my elbow as hard as I can.

Don’t think about Priscilla.

Don’t think about Priscilla.

Don’t think about her!

Come on, what’s the last thing that made you happy today?

OTHER THAN PRISCILLA?

I have to think –

What has? Seeing Priscilla compliment my design?

No – think about the feeling of pleasure from when she complimented your work.

But, not the words that Priscilla actually said – just think about the fame you think you got yourself into –

Priscilla even likes it right?

And Priscilla is famous, isn’t she?

And even if someone like her complimented your work, don’t you find that kind of amazing?

You’re good Rion.

You’re awesome.

You’re the best Rion.

No one can beat you.

No one is better than you in designing.

You’ll save the world from its destruction –

“Rion! Ar-Are you okay?!”

Wow – what’s going on? She said it with such astonishment it catches my mind. Then I realise that all this time I had my eyes closed.

“Rion! You’re glowing!”

And now, in front of me…

I see a sapphire light engulfing the A-three sheet, blinding everything on the sides of my view and forcing myself to only concentrate on that particular image. I see small particles in the air, and they congregate together followed by the luminescent light.

A wound on my palm begins to be revealed – probably from yesterday when that weird-looking needle purged out.

I’m glowing! My skin is glowing! And sapphire-coloured particles are gushing out of the wound!

... The particles – they’re converging together! Making a solid object!

…

“Rion… that looks amazing.”

No – we’re not looking at the particles. It’s the thing in front of me, and it looks amazing.

It does… it really does look amazing.

I continue looking at the object forming in front of me, then seeing it take the figure of my three-dimensional A-three design of the hall.

But this time… it’s a physical object. A crystal blue physical object derived from exactly what was on my mind.

… I’ve successfully created the physical form of my design with the sapphire particles.

I stare at it with such amazement. The sunlight penetrates its reflective figure, causing the diffraction of the beautiful rainbow colours to scatter across the entire classroom.

“So this is the power of the Briteria?”

“Is that a prism?” I heard another comment from the front of the classroom.

Everyone is looking at me with such peculiar expressions…

I wonder if they’re thinking of me negatively, or positively?

What about… Priscilla?

She continues sitting next to me, with her eyes and face of agape struck by the image.

“Do you mind if I touch it?”

“G-Go ahead.” I said with an itch of shyness.

Slowly, and with slight fear, Priscilla branches out her long pale arm and places her hand on the blue sapphire object.

“It seems pretty tough. It’s truly like crystal!” I sensed her delightful tone.

But honestly – what did I just do? What’s this sapphire material in front of me?

Is it, really, the power of Briteria?

The reason why I knew how to draw such a design off of my head, was it because I’m from the Briteria family?

I don’t get it, and some of it just doesn’t make sense.

“I think Seobi can do the same too – but it’s for something else.” Priscilla muttered.

“So you’re saying this design I did, which I literally took off from my head, was also something that Rion designed in the past?” I eloquently said to Seobi.

“Exactly!”

“To be honest – I don’t even know what I designed – can you tell me?”

“... it doesn’t look like hall. That thing at the top, at the centre, do you know what those are?”

“No – but I just drew that because it matched the overall design.”

“Rion, you showed this to me six years ago, and those acicular spikes at the centre of the roof of your design, are warheads.”

“... warheads? Uranium warhead?”

“... Yeah, that’s the uranium warhead – the second generation types. I know because you asked so many questions about it, and if it looked menacing or not.”

“... I drew a weapon, without myself knowing, that has already been designed by myself that was planned to be used for murdering people?!”

“It means that you’re getting your memory back!”

My memory… back?

“I wouldn’t say so… but I guess, I wished.”

Yeah – I wished I got my memory back. Because if I did, I can…

I can…

…

What can I do?

So what if I get my memory back? I kind of like who I am right now…

“Rion, what’s wrong?” She caught my attention. “You look like you’re pondering about something.”

Should I tell the truth?

Or should I not? She said to me a million times that Rion was much more of an incredible person than I am.

Or I was…

Perhaps, I’ve changed?

“Seobi – do I really need to get my memory back?”

I mean, do I? Was Rion really a kind and impressive person? Was he better than me, or better than ‘I was’?

She keeps silent for a bit, not uttering a word.

“Everything okay?” I asked to make sure that I didn’t promote any hurt in her heart.

Seobi’s eyes continue to be in dismal, until she looks back at me with her clenched lips.

“Seobi, is there something you want to tell me?” I expressed my intrigue.

“Yeah. There is.”

Through Seobi’s lowered face, I can tell that she’s experiencing something rather sentimental. I wonder if she’s reminiscing about the ‘me’ in the past, actually.

“Well, I want you to remember who I really was, Rion.” She muttered out of sorrow. “I want you to remember, how much I was to you.”

What is she trying to say…?

How much, she’s to me?

“I don’t want you to think of me as a mother anymore, or like a big sister. I want you to treat me as your best friend, once again.”

… What?

What did she just say?

Me, as her best friend? Can a guy and a girl even be best friends?

What kind of – no. No. It’s totally fine. Why am I finding it rather deleterious for her talking to me like that?

I should be softer to Seobi. Haven’t I forsaken my old self?

“Then hello, best friend.” I pronounced with an extremely soft tone.

…Haha – corny.

Seobi keeps her eyes at me with such amazement. Slowly, her mouth opens in agape, until she jumps towards me to wrap her arms around my figure.

No – please, don’t.

As soon as my shirt comes in contact with her arm, the itchy feeling of something bursting out of my arm comes back.

It’s the needle… again.

Then with a sudden force, I grasp Seobi’s shoulders instantly, then pushing her towards the chair she was sitting on.

No – what have I done?!

Seobi falls on the chair, and the chair tips over backwards on the other side and falls to the floor violently.

Shoot – that was totally the wrong move!

With her knocked-out figure, her hair dangles everywhere on the floor.

Dude – what have I done?!

No – I hope she doesn’t get the wrong idea! I hope she doesn’t think that I’m angry at her or anything – just like last time when I punched her!

I run to her aid, but stop as soon as I see her attempting to regain her posture.

Wait – can’t I just continue to her aid? Why did I stop?

“Rion? Wh-Why did you do that?” She lets out a low, but serious tone.

Oh – I’ve realised it. That’s why I stopped to her aid.

I can’t grab her hand. Or else, the feeling will come again. The feeling of the needle wanting to purge out of my hand.

It must have something to do with touching girls, or maybe the feeling I get when Seobi touches me.

Since she… never really… expresses her emotions physically towards me before.

Well, not often.

And now, it’s a new experience for me, and maybe my body can’t adapt with it, so it reacts negatively.

With what’s near me, I take the pen which Seobi uses for school, then using it to take Seobi’s hand as a substitute for my hand.

“He-here.” I tossed my hand over with awkwardness.

She looks at me bewilderedly and probably wondering why I’m using a pen. Her eyes catch mine with a rather odd look, then taking the pen.

“Seobi, I’m so sorry!” I exclaimed in such guilt, followed by a diminishment of my face.

“Do you care to explain…?”

… Well, let’s start off with the truth, shall we?

“Seobi, you’ve been touching me a lot lately –”

Yes – that’s true! And I’m sorry about saying it! But, it’s true! And – it’s not that I don’t prefer it, I actually like – NO – it’s good for you to express your feelings like that, but can you lead it to a halt please? Because I’m not used to it!

Suddenly, she expresses a shocked and disgusted look.

Probably not like that, Rion.

“No-no! I mean…” I take a slight pause. “… you didn’t usually express your feelings through actions, Seobi. And now, it feels like my body still doesn’t suspect you to do such things, so it automatically rejects it.”

Sorry… but I think that’s what I’ve gleamed from all my experiences with this ‘itch’.

“Well, that was kind of harsh.” She muttered.

“Sorry…”

I stand still on my spot, facing the ground in guilt.

I can’t believe I actually pushed her.

She wants to be my best friend, and the first thing I did was to push her!

It wasn’t just a normal push, but I basically plunged her to the floor!

“Truly… I’m so sorry.”

I hear Seobi recover her figure slightly, then catching my attention as she speaks –

“No, Rion, it’s completely fine. I understand you.”

…Thank you.

Sigh, it’s another day again at school, and I wonder if I should tell what happened last night to Priscilla.

I want to try ask her, why I’m acting odd towards Seobi.

Maybe she knows?

The teacher calls out the roll again, and I wait for Priscilla to arrive.

Strange… she’s starting to come a lot later now.

“Jose”

“Here!”

“Sally”

“Here!”

“Priscilla”

…

Priscilla…?

I wait for her to burst out of the door, just like she did last time.

“Priscilla?” The teacher looks around the classroom with his still legs. “Oh, probably late.”

Priscilla, where are you?

The entire class looks around the room, until a few begin looking towards her empty seat. “Priscilla?”

Where’s Priscilla…?

There we go – I sit on my seat for the entire lesson not speaking to anyone. She was in fact, the only person I spoke to in class and recess. I can feel how abandoned I am when I realise how important someone is.

The student in front of me suddenly twists his figure with that same, emotionless face.

“You didn’t do anything to her, did you?”

… Why is he asking me this?

…

“I don’t know…” I spoke with honesty.

I actually don’t know. Did my needle hurt her?

“If it turns out that she’s sick, because of you, I’m going to call the mob again.” He expressed his words with vehemence. “And I don’t care if you can create crystals on your own.”

… I don’t know what to say, really.

Because, it might actually be my fault that she’s absent from school.

I guess I’ll just, continue on my project again.

Without Priscilla here.

In recess, I meet up with Seobi, discussing about how I’m going in my subjects.

“Yeah, it’s fine. Drawing lines over and over again then finally forming a shape. The difficult part is just to maintain the stroking of each line.” I attempted to respond with the best of my ability.

Should I tell her about that sapphire-like crystal I created the other day?

No, she’s going to think of me as the original Rion once again.

I don’t want her to think that…

“I understand – that does take time to master.” She nodded as she consumes another piece of a banana.

And then, a question that I’ve wanted to ask rises. “Oh, how did you know how to do the things that I’m doing now?”

“You mean, how did I know the things that I taught you before your first day?”

“Yeah – exactly. Back then, did you used to draw too?”

“No, it’s because you taught me.”

What? Excuse me? I taught her how to do all of this?

“I did…?” I expressed a tone of sorrow. “Before I lost my memory, right?”

I honestly wonder how I was like before I lost my memory. Was my personality like how I am now?

“Hey, but don’t let that get you.” Seobi faced me with such a seraphic smile. “I like how you are now, Rion.”

Corny.

But despite that, Seobi has a nice smile. And why do I only realise now?

Is it because, I don’t usually see her smile?

Particularly… towards me?

But I’m still so sorry for what I did to her. Probably it isn’t best for her to hug me or touch me at all.

“You know, last night, I’m so sorry.”

“Hey – forget about it, alright? It’s totally fine, best friend!”

Then, that feeling strikes me again.

The feeling of something wanting to burst out of my hand.

I stop, and realise that I’ve felt this feeling before when I called Priscilla my best friend.

Oh no. Not again!

I back away from Seobi abruptly, and she looks at me in such devastating confusion. “Rion?”

In shock, I focus my eyes on my palm, being ready for the needle to pop out once again. Seobi suddenly stands up, and approaches me in shock. “Rion, what’s –”

“Don’t get near me!” I interrupted her with a fearful shout.

Freaking hell, it bloody hurts.

I fall to the ground in pain, with my left hand grasping my right.

“It’s happening again, isn’t it?” I heard her exclaim in worry.

Wait – she probably knows about the needle. Probably because, she saw the event in the school oval.

But does she know the cause of it?

My face tenses, resisting the pain as much as possible. As soon as Seobi approaches me closer, I turn around, standing up and fleeing away from her. She chases me, but as a guy being chased by the opposite gender, I run to the male toilets.

I run into one of the cubicles, sitting on the seats and grasping my right hand as hard as I can.

Don’t go out. Don’t go out. Don’t go out or else I’ll have to put Seobi’s life at stake. Because I’m sure such a thing is dangerous towards others.

I just know it.

As soon as she leaves my mind, I can see the needle disintegrating away in the atmosphere, just like what it did last time. With amazement, I realise that it doesn’t need to be cured by anyone. It only depends on me – and probably by the way I’m feeling.

Or maybe, it finds some of my feels as a hostile to its existence?

This ‘needle’ thing started bothering my body ever since Priscilla taught me how to behave into a better person. What if this has got to do with my personality? Or am I destined to become an un-empathetic person, and live a different life without this needle affecting me?

Then, I hear her echoing voice.

“Rion, I’m sorry if I’ve done something.”

… Seobi, I’m sorry for making you worry!

You didn’t do anything.

“Seobi, why are you peaking your head into the male toilets?”

… Do I recognise that voice?

“Hey – sorry, I’m just, worried about something.”

“… Everything okay?”

That voice.

I know whose it is! And I’m so grateful to hear her fine voice again!

I burst out of the cubicle, running to the entrance –

“Priscilla!”

The feeling of happiness engulfs me once again – but in the same time, the feeling of the needle bursting out comes back.

“Oh – wait.”

I run back to the cubicle, hearing a few chuckles, and then grasping my hand again to think aimlessly once again.

I just… have to stop thinking about her.

Those girls, it’s because of them that I’m like this.

Damn it! Britenzo, where are you?! I’m sure that this wouldn’t happen if those two girls were… guys!

Wait! That’s right! Imagine those two individuals as guys!

Yeah – okay, Seobi with short hair, and muscular arms; Priscilla with a tank-top, a beard, chest hair and…

A six-pack.

Yeah – I know, girls have them too. Don’t be sexist!

Finally, the needle disintegrates yet again, and I come out of the cubicle, and back to the entrance to find Seobi and Priscilla having a conversation. They realise my presence, probably by the large footsteps I was taking as I exited the cubicle.

“Wait – did you wash your hands?”

“Um – no…”

“Yuck! Go wash them!”

But – I didn’t need to wash them!

Oh well, just listen to her, Rion.

This is embarrassing.

“Did you get it all out Rion?” Seobi began.

“Hey! You’re not supposed to ask that to a guy!” Priscilla exclaimed, covering her embarrassment.

“No! You don’t understand what happened!”

“… Sorry?”

“It’s the needle – he went to the toilet to hide himself from me, and basically letting the entire needle out, I’m guessing.”

Thank you Seobi – you made her forget the wrong idea!

“You know what I mean… about the ‘needle’ right?”

“Yeah – I do. But, I don’t think he’s learnt a way to taking it out…”

I emerge out of the toilets for the third time in a calm mood.

Finally… calm.

“So, did you, Rion?” Priscilla asked with eloquence.

“Yeah… I did.” I muttered back. “So, where have you been lately?”

“I was late, as usual. So, how did you do it?” She changes the subject.

I don’t … really want Seobi to know for some reason.

If I say, ‘it depends on what I think, and how I feel’ it would hurt Seobi.

Since it seems like, she wants to get close to me. But I don’t want to hurt her.

“Sorry, I don’t really know.”

Priscilla begins staring at me intriguingly –

Maybe she knows that I’m hiding something. Maybe she knows that I actually know how to stop the needle from bursting out of my palm?

“Anyway, I have to go meet up with Annelie. So I’ll see you all later, okay?”

“Okay.” Seobi and I said simultaneously.

Now… it’s just the two of us.

“So, everything all okay now?”

“Yeah, luckily.”

“Rion, tell me what’s wrong with your arm.”

For some reason, I feel as if Seobi doesn’t think that the needle is related to the reason why I pushed her.

I think, she thinks of it as a separate issue actually.

I walk over somewhere else, other than the toilets, and sense Seobi emerging on my right.

I kind of want to stay away from her. It’s not because I don’t like her, but it’s because of the needle! I can’t adapt to the scenario when Seobi is here!

“I think my body is just having trouble adapting to the scenario here.”

“Adapting to the scenario? You mean you’re not used to roaming around in a place like school?”

“No – as in…”

Damn it – what do I say?

“… As in, I feel less comfortable at school, but as I continue to fight it, the needle gushes out of my palm as a sign of me pushing too hard.”

… What did I just say?

“But, what is that needle? What is that?”

“Seobi, I don’t know at all.”

What is that needle? I don’t think any other human being would have such a thing inside their arm!

“Do you think I should bring you to the doc –”

“No! Don’t! It’ll – it’ll do something…”

“What’s – What’s wrong?”

“Priscilla tried curing it, and I think it somehow affected her!”

“It – It did?” She takes a long sigh, and she begins scanning my arm. “Whatever that is in your hand, I hope it’ll go away soon. I’ve never seen anything like that, and I can tell that it’s harming you like a parasite.”

I agree, it is harming me like a parasite and I want to get rid of it as soon as possible!

… Suddenly, our attentions are caught by the bell.

Oh, it’s the bell. But I feel like that I want to stay by her side…

I detect her low-staring face, and she lifts it back up with her clenched lips.

“Well, alright then, I’ll see you after school, best friend.”

Damn it – the feeling is coming back. I would prefer it, if you’d stop saying that...

It’s passed a week, and I’ve created quite a well bond with Seobi. Now that she and I understand each other, we’ve decided to halt our disputes and misconceptions. And now, it seems like she enjoys getting closer to me – but not to the brink of physically touching me at least.

Despite that, it’s really a new experience to be honest. I’m also glad that I’m now not hurting penetrating her heart anymore. I’ve become prone to wanting to protect it.

Finally, I arrive in my class, pinning the next drawing sheet and taking out my pencil yet again. I’ve been basically repeating the same process over and over again; just the shapes that I’m drawing are completely different.

Suddenly, the class is alarmed by an individual knocking on the door. I turn around, seeing it opened and experiencing the feel of astonishment.

It’s Priscilla.

“Priscilla! Why do you keep coming late?” The teacher asked through a joyful tone.

“Oh, in the morning, my flu is intense.” I heard her soft weak voice.

“Are you fine now?”

“Yeah! For now...” She jumped and expressed a smile.

I face her and deliver a small wave. And honestly – I hope nothing terrible is happening to her. I hope she’s actually telling the truth of what’s happening to her…

She does the same, and I watch her walk to her seat.

“So, that’s the reason why you come late? You have a cold?”

“Yeah! I do! I’m serious!”

“Isn’t it summer now?”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean I can’t get a flu. Haha.”

Oh well, I don’t need to ask if she’s okay. Straight away, I can tell that she is by her behaviour. But out of everything, her skin is much paler than before.

“You look really pale.” I stared at her with a slight worry.

“Oh, do I?”

She then takes out her hand and examines her arm. “Looks normal to me.”

Whatever is going on, I want you to tell me. Honestly, you’re my best friend. And I cherish you so much.

Out of the blue, another student emerges behind us, followed by the voice of Priscilla. “Oh, hey Jose!”

“How are you? Are you okay?”He asked with a tone of nervousness.

“Yep! I’m happy!”

“Are you busy afterschool today? Do you want to hang out?”

At that moment, I clenched my fist tightly.

I can feel jealousy deluding my heart.

In fact, this could be the first time for me to have this feeling. It’s rather painful…

I look at Priscilla’s surprised expression, then turning her head back to her drawing. “Sorry, if I knew you more I would, and just as friends.”

“Oh, what if I say, Annelie will be with us too?”

“Haha, then that’s going out with you and Annelie, not just you.” She laughed with delight. The other student performs a high-five to represent his gratitude right after Priscilla nodded. As soon as he leaves, silence indulges both of us.

I feel hurt that she’s going somewhere without me. I guess I can say clearly, that his is the feeling of jealousy that everyone talks about. I wonder if this is my first time ever having this feeling?

I take another stroke of my drawing, then breaking the lead of my pacer as soon as I think of the other student.

“Are you alright?” she asked me softly. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Seconds later, Priscilla spins her head to the opposite direction of me, instantly covering her mouth with her right palm, then coughing in such a vigorous manner.

I watch her aimlessly, and I can tell straight away that she isn’t alright. I wait for her to recover herself, then leaning slightly closer to her –

“You’re not alright, Priscilla…”

She lifts her palm and I watch her looking at it with a slight face of frown. But then, her expression changes instantly to a joyful one as soon as she realises my presence. “Na, I’m fine Rion.” Priscilla delivered another smile at me.

I can tell that she’s still sick, but she’s covering it up! And seriously, I don’t know how I’m going to let it out of her… how am I going to make her tell me her true condition?

I’ll just think of something up –

“Priscilla, if there’s something going on – can you please tell me?” I began with nervousness.

“Oh? Yeah, okay I’ll tell you…”

Suddenly, incredulity fills me up despite her not even telling me, and then –

“… When there’s something going on.”

Sigh.

I can feel my shoulders hanging themselves again.

My feelings then rest, and I retrieve myself from the frightened mood. She really doesn’t want to tell me.

For some reason, now when I sit next to her, I feel so nervous to say a word. In these situations, my subconscious takes over and I express my feelings physically than with words. I’m just scared if I might do something like that in a few seconds time…

“Hey Rion,” I heard her begin with a high-pitched voice.

“Yes?”

“So, how are you and Seobi?”

“Yeah, we’re really close because of you. I’m her best friend now.”

Abruptly, she spins her figure and wacks my shoulder with such passion. “Yes! I’ve done it!”

Seeing her like this slightly amuses me. But it also indulges me with a segment of sorrow – since it really feels like, she’s hiding something from me.

“Yep, you did, and thank you.”

Out of the blue, I find her eyes staring at mine in the sides of my vision. I turn around and face her eyes of incredulity.

Incredulity… but why? I can just tell from her eyes that there’s something she’s deluded about.

I don’t keep my eyes at her, or else the feeling of anxiety will arise once again, just as it did before the needle came out the moment before. And then, I realise something soft on my hand.

I’m holding Priscilla’s soft hands.

“Rion, are you okay?” she muttered.

I turn my head around in slight fear, until the feeling of content fills me up. As my nervousness engulfs me, I speak –

“Umm –”

…

Silence bewitches us for a few seconds. From the side of my vision, I see her turning back to her own work.

I then release her hand, and continue on my own work.

Whenever I think about her now, I get a new feeling. It’s as if, I want to be with her.

Then for the rest of the day, neither of us speaks a word. She ends up tagging along with her original friends instead – with her friend called ‘Annelie’. By not telling me about it, it obviously means that she’s trying to avoid me for some particular reason.

But it’s okay – there must be a good reason behind it.

I’m probably getting too close to her? And she doesn’t feel comfortable?

I probably shouldn’t have grabbed her hand.

Damn it.

It’s the afternoon, and I arrive at my hotel rooms’ doorstep. Today felt really lonely without Priscilla – and the only person I can interact with now is Seobi. I grasp the handle, twisting it then suddenly feeling passion fill up my mind.

”Happy birthday Rion!” I see Seobi extending her arms to me to give a card.

The muscles in my face forcefully deliver the smile of cheerfulness to Seobi.

It’s… my birthday. How can I forget? So many things have been happening that I’ve forgotten my birth date! I take the card, and opening it to see a paragraph written by her.

I look at her one more time, and seeing her fists clenching on her chest. From what I can depict, I think she’s really hoping that I’ll enjoy what I read, and that she’ll suspect a wonderful reaction from me.

Well, whatever it is, I’ll for sure give you the most pleasant reaction, Seobi.

And I can’t believe you devoted this birthday to me – I’ve never had anyone else do something like this.

Probably I should do the same as well when it’s her birthday. Oh well, I’ll ask when it is after I read the card.

I scan the first few words –

“Rion, read it out loud, haha!” She laughed delightfully.

I nod, and do as she said.

“Dear Rion Bayerische, AKA my closest family member, AKA my only family member, AKA the person who I cherish most in my life.”

Wow – that was unexpected!

I lift my head up, and thank her for what she said, then continuing on reading. “You’ve become such a wonderful person to me, Rion. Whatever happens, I want you to remember that I’m always by your side. If there’s anything wrong in life, please don’t hide it from me. I want to protect you, and be together with you until we die. I promise I’ll never separate from you again.

Best-friend-love, Seobi.”

Damn it – that itch is coming back.

I finish reading it, and finding that my entire head is filled with the heat of gratefulness.

Despite my hand hurting, I guess it wouldn’t compel me to not even express my vehement words? I mean, I’m actually really, really, really thankful for what she said!

It makes me really happy, actually. And I want her to know that I’m happy…

I don’t want to go away from her just because of this ridiculous needle in my hand!

I approach her slowly, with the feeling of content consuming me. “Thank you so much Seobi. I want you to tell me as well, if you have problems in life.”

As soon as I get this close, she grabs her exercise book and begins patting my head. “I will. And I promise I’ll be a different person to you, Rion.”

... different person? Why am I implying something else?

And then… I can feel its strength bolstering inside me, the feeling of the needle wanting to purge out of my palm.

Even if she’s patting me with a book, the itch still comes.

“Oh!” I barged out her hand that was literally floating on top of me. “So when’s your birthday?”

“My birthday?” her emotions expressed a slightly awkward and confused tone. “It’s the same day.”

I take a moment to blink with a slight surprise. “Same day as mine?”

“Yep. We were born on the same day!” I saw her delightfully branch her arms out as the feeling of happiness engulfs me.

“That’s quite a coincidence.”

With her joyful smile, she drags my arm and sends me to the dining table with the cake in the middle.

She’s… touching me again.

I thought she knew clearly, to not touch me?

Just resist it. It’ll break the atmosphere.

…

Oh! I can’t believe it – she devoted all of this for me! Haha!

I look at the cake in such amazement; and losing my eye-contact with Seobi as I speak. “Seobi… thank you so much.”

I’m mesmerised by the cake. And the letter she gave me. Suddenly, she takes something out of her pocket.

“This is your letter!”

My letter? Wait, what? What did I just read previously?

“Oh, I thought the one I read before was the card-”

“Haha!” She laughed passionately. “That’s the introduction of today!”

I take the card, and feeling myself so indulged with all the things that she gave me. I can’t believe she’s doing this!

Oh my god, Seobi, thank you so much!

I have to repay you back, somehow!

“Seobi! What do you want for your birthday?” I began.

“Haha, no don’t get me anything. Thanks.” She expressed her altruism. “No! I have to get you something!”

And there we go – the never ending chain of altruism.

“Hey, you said you lost parts of your memory, but you’ve been to your actual home right?” Priscilla began with intrigue.

“You mean Brigadonia? Yeah, I have. Of course.”

“I’ve been quite curious to where all the science in this world originated from…”

So what is she asking?

Does she want to go to Brigadonia?

.. Oh – alone, with me?

“Say, do you want to go to Brigadonia after school?” She rests her jaw on her palms.

Did she just – ask me to hang out with her?!

Then, I feel the tickling pain again of the amethyst needle wanting to burst out of my hand.

This thing is seriously bewitching me. It’s restricting me from doing so many things in my life!

I grasp it as my hands stay under the desk, and I try to represent a joyful face towards Priscilla –

“Yeah, okay.”

“But please…” She muttered. “Don’t think of it the wrong way. I’m just trying to go there for my own curiosity.”

… I’m sorry Priscilla.

It seems like you don’t want me to feel that way towards you.

“Because, there were another two individuals who used to stick with me a few years ago.”

Two individuals…?

“Who were they?”

I watch her lower her eyes in depression –

“They were Vaxia and Shamiya.”

Vaxia…?

Shamiya…

Have I heard of her before? Oh – wait.

Seobi used to continuously state that name to me in order to ‘open my eyes’.

‘Rion, whenever a problem encompassed Shamiya’s life, you would always be there to help her’ I remember her saying.

… And till now, I’m still obscure to who that individual is.

“Those two were your friends? And they went to Brigadonia?” My tone trembles with intrigue.

“Yeah, same grade and same class, but I’m not sure what happened.”

I can’t believe it, that ‘Shamiya’ girl came to this school too? Was she also part of our large Briteria family? Or was she also a Schneizal just like Priscilla?

“They haven’t come back for four years.”

Four years…?!

“Priscilla, four years?!”

“Yeah… Four years, Rion.”

I’m guessing there were another two individuals just like Priscilla. I wonder if their personalities were similar – but how am I supposed to know? Priscilla is famous throughout the entire school.

Though, just because someone’s personality is pure, it doesn’t mean that their friends’ hearts are. People can choose who they stick with, and shield those influences with their walls of principles.

But for Shamiya – considering how much Seobi mentions her name to me in that disappointed manner, it seems like Shamiya might actually be someone worth protecting.

Or someone with a personality that’s worth cherishing.

As for Vaxia, I’ve never heard of that name before. Who could he be? What’s he like?

“That’s why I’ve always been waiting for a chance for me to go to that city.”

“So you haven’t been there yourself?”

“No – I’m too –” I watch her continuously staring at the desk her arms are leaning on. She grasps her palms tightly, shutting her eyes, lowering her head even more and even closer to the desk –

“I’m too afraid.”She pauses slightly in hesitation –

“That’s why I want you to go with me.”

She wants me to go with her, because she’s afraid. Could this mean that, she’ll feel braver in my presence?

Would my presence make her feel stronger?

“Why didn’t you go with Annelie, or someone else?”

That’s right, why didn’t you choose someone else? Why did you choose me, Priscilla?

“… Rion, don’t get this the wrong way but – the first time I saw you, I could tell straight away that you’ll be able to take on anything.”

I wonder if it’s because before, she saw me as a rebellious and deviant individual who would pick a fight with anyone. Yeah, I was like that – I would get annoyed so easily, that I would battle my way through anything that passes me to rid of the feeling.

That strength and audacity is what she thinks of me positively of. And that’s the reason why she chose me to come with her.

“Alright Priscilla, let’s go.”

I want to tell her that this strength of mine can also be used to protect the one who I care for as well – and not just my attitudes.

After our last class, we departed west of Junquious, and towards Brigadonia. Who knew that an hour walk would feel so fast when you’re accompanied by the person you cherish?

Certainly, I want to grasp her hand as I walk through these fallowed lands. But, she’s keeping them inside her pockets.

Probably so that I won’t take it without myself realising – just like I did last time.

“… Osmium, Iridium, Platinum…” I overhear her reciting the elements from the periodic table. “… Thallium, Lead and Bismuth. Done, that’s eighty-five elements. And that’s all the elements which we know.”

“I can’t believe you’ve memorised all the elements on the periodic table.”

“No, I’m reading it from my book, Rion.” She said with a slight chuckle.

Well, her left hand is in her pocket, hidden from me. But actually – now when I think about it, I don’t think she’s actually thinking about me taking her hand.

Sigh – I’m thinking too much.

I have to stop pondering about all of this useless stuff.

“I copied the periodic table from a book I borrowed in the library. I’m going to use this to compare with how many elements that the Briteria family knows.”

“Maybe, there’s a chance that they’ve discovered more.” I muttered.

“Exactly!”

We arrive passed the castle wall gates, and see through the distance an enormous field filled with rubble. Some of the structures are still intact in fact, such as the three which probably breach the height of twenty metres. Their shapes are slightly triangular – with a sharp tip at the tallest part of the structure. As it goes down, the width of its base increases from a centimetre to probably about twenty metres. Certainly, these architectural designs are completely different to the ones back in Junquious.

But… the design, and the types of patterns of the bricks are quite similar to the one I drew for the project.

There are two of those on the eastern and western most of the field, but at the distance in front of me, there’s an even larger one.

The biggest one.

The tallest one.

The one that rises up to the clouds.

“Come on, let’s check it out!”

She takes off instantly, leaving me behind until I catch up, and we find ourselves in the gate of the tallest structure of what’s left of Brigadonia.

Or maybe, it has always been like this?

“Jeutonburg Tower. Is this what it’s called?”

“How is it that you know everything, Priscilla?!”

“It says on the sign.” She muttered while scrubbing off some bloodstains on the sign. “Jeutonburg Tower – Building 1 - The Citadel.”

She dashes off to my left as if she’s not scared at all if a zombie will jump out of the ground and grab her foot. I catch up, taking about two minutes to run to the other side, then towards the next triangular-shaped structure.

“Building 2 – Bayerische.”

“Building 3 – Shwanseah.”

“Alright, I’m tired of running Priscilla. We probably just ran a kilometre distance back and forth.”

“Wait! Why don’t the Bayerische and Shwanseah buildings have their own label like ‘The Citadel’?” I sensed her intrigue.

“Didn’t the Jeutonburg’s have the most power in Brigadonia?”

“They did?”

“According to Seobi…”

“I see.” She paused slightly. “Then you’re from this building” Priscilla points to the Bayerische building. “And Seobi is from the Shwanseah one. So all the families have their own building?”

“Yeah – only the three families that existed in Brigadonia.”

“Oh okay. I remember Seobi mentioning about the three families, and Annelie too. But you weren’t exactly biological families right?”

“… No, we’re not. How were we meant to expand then?”

I seriously doubt.

“That’s true. Hey, I think that was the first intelligent thing you said!”

Wait – what was that sound I just heard?

As my mouth opened a centimetre, both of our figures lose our voluntary movement by hearing the sound of a door opening. I maintain my posture in front of the gate of the Bayerische building, but see Priscilla slowly trailing off to the source of the sound.

“The door to the Jeutonburg tower… just opened.” She points with astonishment.

Wait – what’s that?

Taking a few steps of fear to Priscilla’s hypnotised figure, I realise that she wasn’t staring at the door anymore. But, at a silhouette of what looks like a man through the windows of the Jeutonburg building.

It’s moving. They’re looking for something.

“Hey, don’t you think he would’ve noticed our presence?” Priscilla began with intrigue.

“Yeah. Of course he would. He probably just ignored us.”

“Rion…” I heard her soft voice. “That’s…”

“That’s…?”

“That silhouette is of Vaxia.”

Excuse me? That was Vaxia?!

Instantly, she took off to the Jeutonburg tower with such haste and curiosity of his presence.

“Vaxia?! Vaxia!” I heard Priscilla repeatedly call out his name.

Vaxia..? Is that him? Why would he be here?

I follow Priscilla from her tail – running through the automatic gates of the Jeutonburg tower, dashing through a hallway and finding myself through the stairway to the second floor.

“Priscilla!” I step in front of her to block her path.

“… What is it?”

“Look, you can’t exactly judge a person from a silhouette! What if he’s someone else?”

“No. I’m dead-certain that it’s Vaxia.” She spoke vehemently, and walking right passed my still figure.

With obscurity, I follow her slowly, down another hallway and find the figure of the man at the end in a larger and expanded room. There were desks, chairs, and numerous garden pots on its sides. Directly from the hallway, you can see the enormous rectangular series of windows encompassing the entire building.

And I guess, through these windows, is where we saw the figure of the man.

“It’s… Vaxia.” Priscilla elicited her astonishment.

The man realises our presence and turns around to face Priscilla. He wears the same uniform as us, surprisingly.

Except… it’s covered in blood. And it’s been ripped excessively.

Then in seconds, I detected Priscilla’s nervous aura –

“Hey, my memory states that you’re Priscilla Edenburgh.”

That blatant smile of his, and the way he just said that…

It sounds inhuman.

“Vaxia – wh- where have you been these past two ye-years?”

Surely, I can tell that there must be over a hundred words in Priscilla’s mind right now that just want to go out all at once. She’s probably also bewildered to why Vaxia wouldn’t be telling her without asking…

“Vaxia, you never came to school! You never messaged Annelie or me!” She bolsters her ultimate wonder and intrigue once again.

But what’s with the way Vaxia is acting? It’s as if he doesn’t even care about Priscilla’s presence…

Vaxia keeps silent, doesn’t speak of a word and simply continues wondering around the room we’re in. Approaching a desk, flipping some papers and placing them back – I can surely tell that he’s hiding something from Priscilla.

Of course he would be.

Being missing for four years, and inhibiting every form of communication?

Well, I don’t know the relationship between the two well – but by Priscilla’s stunned expression, it seems like she’s shocked to the actions he took.

“Vaxia! Why aren’t you replying?”

He continues trailing off to the right-end of the room and nearing the window. Takes a piece of paper, and scrunches it up with his bare hands.

I see his face through the reflection of the glass, and realise that his eyes have caught mine.

“Rion Bayerische.”

Did he just call my name? He knows me? Since when? “One after the other, one has to submit themselves to his command.”

“Wh-Who’s command?”

Vaxia brings out his arm, throws the piece of paper which he scrunched up towards me. I succeed in catching it, but become uncertain to what I’m supposed to do with it.

“Open it.”

I do as he says, and I find a black and white drawing of a rather tall and slim man.

But his expression…

With that smile of his and those eyes, he looks like a diabolic reaper with the aura of malevolence.

He wears a lab coat and a rather large astral shaped earring on his left ear.

“Who’s this?”

“He’s your creator – but failed to retrieve you after that jerk Britelza took you away from him.”

… I don’t get what he’s saying.

I don’t know what I’m supposed to say.

Priscilla steps forward, snatches the piece of paper from me and rips it into shreds.

Wow – Priscilla, are you sure you’re not aggravating him by any way?

Vaxia looks at her with a slightly disgruntled look as she approaches him in a fast pace.

“Vaxia! You haven’t answered my question yet!”

“Just when I’ve finally found you Rion, now you’re telling me you’re with another girl?”

“I’m with another girl?!”

“WHY ARE YOU WITH THIS SCHNEIZAL?!”

Schneizal? Why are you calling her by the name of her race?

Call her by her name, you idiot!

Instantly, I run to Priscilla’s aid –

Oh no – what is he doing to her?!

Vaxia grabs her neck and chokes her violently. Her feet set off to the air while her hands try to prevent the choking helplessly.

Anger burns my blood, but I’m in a dilemma of what I should be doing.

“Va-Vaxia, what ar-are you doing?”

“… After all that I’ve done, you’re still calling me with that horrendous name?”

“Let go of her!”

If you hurt her, I’m going to kill you.

As soon as he realises me preparing my fist, he flexes his arm and throws Priscilla at me. Her figure strikes me ferociously – causing me to plunge to the floor with my head crushing the tiles.

“You were assigned to be with Seobi, not her!”

I still… Don’t know what he’s saying.

With both of our stunned figures, I find Priscilla severely injured by the blow. I attempt to assist Priscilla and regain my posture – except, it doesn’t seem like I have enough strength to do so.

“Wh-Who are you then?” I heard her soft voice reach out.

“I’m not Vaxia Alexandre – and I thought it was pretty obvious.”

He walks towards our immobile figures and begins pulling the end of my shirt to drag me away from Priscilla.

“Look, this is the reason why he chose me as a backup to fulfil his plan. You were meant to do it, but it seems like you left that job and moved on to liking a Schneizal.”

… I don’t have an idea of what he’s saying.

“Stand up!” Vaxia exclaimed violently as he carries me by my collar. “Listen to what I’m saying!”

“I don’t get a single thing of what you’re saying!”

After that last reply, it seems like he’s cooled down a bit. He stops his lifting, letting my feet reach the floor once again, and looking straight towards me with such sinister eyes. “Tch. Britelza took you that early, that you don’t even have a memory of why Reaperion bewitched your mind?”

Wait – a second, what did he just say?!

“… Is this the reason why I don’t remember anything?” I said with anxiety.

Then I feel the gripping of fear as soon as Vaxia lets out an unbelievable laugh.

“Yeah! I think so! I think this is the reason why you’re wasting your life right now with this Schneizal.”

…

“Then tell me, why have I lost my memory?”

Finally, Vaxia lets go of my collar. I take a deep breath, taking a few steps back just in case and finding himself doing the same.

But instead, he fell to a seat behind him.

“Reaperion Jeutonburg needs someone to produce a key to the Britoniah’s Arc. This key can only be produced by the mind of a Bayerische member.”

The Britoniah’s Arc… What’s that?

Who’s Reaperion Jeutonburg?

“That’s why he created you – a Bayerische member with the power to manipulate Carningrenate and Briteria with your own will, and constructing something depending on what you think of.”

“I don’t know what you’re say –”

“THINK RION!” He clenches my collar again. “Has there ever been a time when you produced a crystalline sapphire textured object ever in your life?”

… Have I?

Wait – now when I think about it, I have.

When I was designing the look of my school hall for my project, I produced the physical image of it.

The physical image that was derived from the mental picture of it in my mind.

What was pictured in my mind was produced in front of me as the exact same picture.

“I know. I can tell – by that look in your face, you have experienced it before.”

“Yes. I have.” I finally admit.

“And that’s because you were thinking of it so much that motivation compelled you and your neurons passed the point of the Britoniah’s Gate, and that the Briteria cells around you converge to your body, and replicated the image that was projected in your mental framework.”

… Is that Briteria?

Briteria cells?

The thing that constructed that physical, blue object was Briteria?

“Those are Briteria cells. They are the sources which mediate the true feelings of a Briteria user into a physical form. When I mean feelings, it means any feeling.”

“… What are you trying to tell me?”

“The feeling you have there, for that girl behind you. That’s meant to be for someone else.”

… How can you say that?

You can’t tell me who I should fall in love with.

“You think that I can’t tell you who you should be with, right?”

… What did he just say?

Did he just read my mind?

“Haha, yes, I read your mind.”

“Ho-How?”

“The Briteria cells around you completely changed its behaviour after I said that. They were circulating your figure with such heat before I mentioned about whom you should be with, then when I said it they began scraping my skin microscopically. Possibly signifying that your mind is somewhat around the rejection of what I said.”

Tch – Damn it! He can predict the behaviour of the Briteria cells!

Then I guess these cells are a darn giveaway of how we feel!

“And now – the feeling that’s supposedly for Seobi was meant to be expressed as a certain object. This object is the key to the Britoniah’s Arc! And it can’t be produced if you’re with that Schenizal!”

I don’t care what object that I have to make – but I’ll only stick to the feeling that I have for Priscilla.

But you know what? I’m just going to release it all.

I don’t even know why I’m needed to open this ‘Arc’, but it doesn’t seem like it’ll promote any goodness.

“Let’s just say that this is revenge for making me lose my memory”

Instantly, I plunged my fist to his surprised face – causing him to take a few steps backwards by the impact.

“Certainly, Reaperion doesn’t deserve to make me produce this ‘key’ if he manipulated all my memories. I don’t care if I’ve agreed on it before, but I’ll make sure this time that he can’t treat humans and their feelings like mere objects.”

My fist strikes his abdomen violently, causing him to fall stunned by the impact and dropping to the floor.

I can tell that he’s in agony by the way he’s cuddling his tummy. But then, I watch him change his expression into a rather …

Malevolent face.

“Yeah, I know. This body I’m in is really weak.”

With shock, I couldn’t really understand what he was saying once again.

“But the type of personality that this body beholds is something special.” He continued talking with eloquence.

Something special? Wait a second – could a person’s personality change how the Briteria cells mediate a persons’ feelings?

I watch him wiping the blood off his lip and regaining his posture while I’m hypnotised with what he’s saying.

“From all the things I’ve done to your friend there, my body strains itself with guilt. I can feel the bond that my body has with Priscilla, and I know all the memories this body had with her. Now the bond and my action plunge together, causing my brain to continuously think of what I’ve done, and how I can fix it. It’s like a poison.”

It seems like he’s talking like a ghost that controls people’s bodies.

Just like in those performances we see in the centre of town – people doing plays and acting as if they’re controlled by a ‘ghost’.

No, not ghost.

A demon.

“So you’re saying, you’re like a demon possessing the body of a human?”

“Exactly. We scientists found a similar way demons possess the body of humans. And now, we’re manipulating that.”

Ho-How is that even possible?

Aren’t demons supernatural entities that even hardly people believe in?

How did they go this far for science?

Or should I say… magic?

“So what are you trying to do with Vaxia’s body?!” I heard a weak voice from behind.

Priscilla – don’t come near us! You’ll get hurt!

“As I said – whenever I do something regretful, this body continuously thinks about what I did and it becomes an obsession.”

‘This body’ – he certainly is like a ghost, or a demon.

“It’s so annoying, it’s killing me. I don’t even choose to do this, it’s just the obsession that’s bewitching my mind. And with this obsession, the strong feelings are at its peak. When they’re at this peak…”

..

The floor around him breaks into numerous bits, followed by a sapphire light.

“… My neurons begin releasing Blesphamine – a neurotransmitter that gives a signal to my surface skin cells, and telling them to radiate light of a specific frequency.”

I suddenly detect Priscilla’s voice.

“So Rion, the reason why you were glowing the other day when you formed that physical object, was because of the neurotransmitter, Blesphamine.”

What’s a neurotransmitter?

“From what he said, I can gleam that these neurotransmitters are released when you’re body is feeling motivated to do something...”

I can’t believe it – this is all so complicated. These things – is it only specific for Briteria people?

“And then, the Briteria cells in the atmosphere detect those specific frequencies of waves from your glowing skin, and mediate those feelings by crashing into each other, and forming a physical object by the optimum level of motivation. This is the point of my neurons passing the Britoniah’s Gate.”

The floor in front of me begins to crack, so do the desks and the chairs surrounding me. I run off with haste and flee away from Vaxia, taking Priscilla’s arm and rushing down the hallway.

“Briteria cells are crazy. Since when did my family become this strong?” I express my shock.

“I-I-I don’t know! Don’t ask me!” I sensed Priscilla’s terror. “Let’s just get out of here!”

We run down the stairs in haste once again, exiting the tower and back into the centre of Brigadonia.

On top of us, the windows obliterate itself - probably by the presence of the Briteria cells – and reform together into… into… I won’t look.

I’m just going to keep running.

Luckily, behind the tower there’re remnants of residential units which we can hide in. I find one with a rather fixed form, and plunge the door with my leg.

“Come on, let’s hide in here!”

As soon as I entered and shut the door, I find us in a rather clean living room. There were couches, tables, desks, and basically anything you would have at a home.

Wait – Priscilla, are you okay?!

But my mind is caught by Priscilla suddenly releasing my hand, and instantly dropping to the floor.

“Pr-Priscilla!”

I fall to her aid, catching her head as it almost falls to the tiled floor.

“Priscilla! What’s wrong?”

Sh-She’s trying to talk! Her mouth is open, but it seems like she’s struggling to talk!

She’s choking.

Her neck is flexing as if something is stuck between her throat.

She’s clenching her neck, and coughing vigorously.

“Priscilla!”

Damn it! What am I supposed to do?!

Then suddenly – she regains her posture abruptly and spits to the tiled floor in front of her.

It’s as if she just spat out sputum.

But no… it’s not sputum. It’s a mixture of saliva and amethyst-like crystals.

Without me realising it, one of her hands grab my arm helplessly. She leans her body forward abruptly, nearing her head to the floor and suddenly …

Suddenly…

Vomiting.

She’s vomiting crystals.

…

… What’s going on? Briteria cells, a demon in Vaxia’s body, and now this?

I just look at her expelling all those amethyst crystals out of her body.

It’s not a good scene… but I’m just watching her.

Helplessly…

She continues grasping my hand in pain, having her eyes shut and continuously being restrained by the reflexes of her body.

Those crystals… it’s what makes the needle that protrudes out of my arm.

That’s right… I gave this to her.

I did this.

It’s my entire fault. I’m so sorry.

...

Oh – Priscilla?! Are you okay?

Then finally, she stops and begins breathing heavily. As soon as she releases my arm...

No...

Her face drops into the pool of amethyst crystals that were spouted out of her mouth.

I just sit there… watching her immobile figure on the tile floor in front of me.

Then from my behind, I hear a large object piercing through the building walls.

But… I don’t care.

I only cared about the thing in front of me.

“I’ve finally found you.” I heard a familiar voice.

I learn my body forward, taking her from her shoulders and resting her head on my laps.

She isn’t… breathing anymore.

I can feel it now – that tears have been falling from my eyes this entire time.

Could it be that, it’s the end of her? She’s not breathing anymore… What’s happening?

“Pr-Priscilla?”

No, she wouldn’t respond. She can’t respond.

Because, she’s dead.

That’s right. And I haven’t even told her how I feel for her.

I wrap my arms around Priscilla’s still face as she lies on my laps. Yeah, I can’t feel her breathing at all, and nor can I feel the blood pulsing on her wrist.

She’s definitely dead, Rion.

But – this can’t be true! How can this happen to her?! She’s dying at such a young age, because of me!

“Hey Priscilla, you’ve been such a good person to me. And I guess, you’re the one that changed me too.”

It seems like, by talking casually to her as if she’s awake, it doesn’t make me feel any better.

Then again, I hear footsteps behind me – marching closer and closer.

“But, I want you to know that…”

… It’s my time to say it. I don’t care if that needle plunges out of my hand again.

“I wa-want you to know th-that –”

My body is crying so heavily – releasing its tears rapidly and even restricting my words.

…

Priscilla –

“I lo-lo- I LOVE YOU PRISCILLA!”

That’s right! I’ve finally said it!

Now, I can feel that invigorating feeling of acicular needles protruding from my arm! Yep! It’s not just my palm! But my ENTIRE ARM!

EVEN MY SHOULDER!

EVEN MY CHEST!

HA! THIS FEELS SO GOOD!

THEN, THEY DISAPPEAR!

… Wait, disappear?

I look at my arm again, and I can actually move it now. And all those needles suddenly vaporised…

And actually… the temperature around me is so different then what it was when I actually hid myself inside this building.

Is it … the Briteria cells? It’s the sapphire light once again!

Suddenly, the entire building obliterates into microscopic pieces. An object strikes the ceiling and plunges itself into the tiles metres in front of me.

It’s a sword. A rapier.

What? If these are Briteria cells, how do they relate to how I feel?

Or how I feel about Priscilla?

The feeling of love and a sword. Yeah. That’s right. I’ll protect her with my life.

The rapier I see in the distance suddenly vaporises and regenerates on my palm as I grasp the hilt.

“The Rapier of Brigadonia!” I heard Vaxia’s voice of incredulity.

I scan over the shiny blue see-through blade, and find the following engraving:

‘Rapier of Priscilla Edenburgh – Siglestria’

“Siglestria?”

Wait – why is it shaking and –

Without expecting it, the blade suddenly brightens and becomes engulfed by an extremely bright white light.

Siglestria? What does that mean?

Oh well, I don’t care what it means. And despite Priscilla being already dead, I’ll still protect her body – because she’s the one who I love.

I rest her head slowly on the tiles with a rather depressed feeling itch my spine.

“I’m sorry for what I did. But I hope you’ll live in peace now.”

‘Sorry’… is that really enough?

I regain my posture and find Vaxia staring at the blade I’m holding. I wonder if this is actually the ‘key’ he was looking for?

No. The ‘key’ was meant to be generated if I were only with Seobi.

Probably… if only I had these particular feelings for Seobi.

As for Vaxia, it seems like the shattered glass pieces from before coagulated into a rather large sapphire blade as well. But for him, the formation of the crystal begins on his wrist, and then thins out as it departs from the arm.

And as I said, I’ll find and take revenge for the one who made me lose my memories.

Not only that – but could this also lead me to the culprit who destroyed mine, and Seobi’s family?

Who annihilated the Briteria family? What happened?

I flex the rapier I have on my hand and swing the rapier with one violent blow.

As I swang it, I just realise now that it expanded by metres. It plunged Vaxia straight into the structures behind him – locking him in position and merging him with the sandstone bricks that he’s trapped in.

But then suddenly… the world around me begins to change.

The skies reddens, the rubbles around me fade away.

The ground transforms to clear water, and I see the complete reflection of myself as I stand on a wooden boat.

Yeah – it’s just like a liquidised mirror. But, where am I?

I know for sure, I’m no longer in Brigadonia.

Through my back, Priscilla’s gone, and all I see is a complete clear ocean reflecting the red sky.

I’m in the middle of nowhere – but what’s in front of me, is a man with lavender hair maintaining his position on another wooden boat.

Lavender hair...? And he looks no longer like Vaxia!

This is the true identity of the one in Vaxia’s body!

“You finally found it. Just one more step, and you’ll possess Vaxia’s body.”

The man… he had lavender hair like me, but a bit more thick. He also had maroon eyes like mine, but his jaw seems a bit more defined.

Actually… the dimensions of his face looks exactly like mine.

He looked slightly taller than me as well, and more muscular.

“Who are you?!” I raised my voice to ensure he heard me.

He takes a few steps forward on his boat, and a sapphire floor generates on his ground as he walks on it.

“That key you’re holding isn’t the corr –”

I don’t care whatever key I’m holding you son of a bi –

I swing my arm instantly and have the blade expand until it reaches his face.

“I said, who are you?”

“I’m Noir Bayerische, and I’ve failed.”

He suddenly takes the tip of my blade with his bare hands, generating those blue crystals once again (which actually, I think are Briteria cells) and bonding the two together. The Briteria crystals consume my blade, and reach my hilt. I let go instantly to prevent myself from being taken as well, but then finding myself dropping into the clear ocean beneath me.

The ocean was completely clear – and it’s as if I’m swimming in an ocean of freshwater. I swim vertically to the surface, and finally peak my head out –

I don’t know where Noir went, but I find something else.

Where he was standing, on top of him was a large formation of clouds spelling out:

‘Central Nervous System’

Wait a second – I’ve heard of this before.

It’s from back then, when Annelie, Seobi, Priscilla and I were sitting on one desk. And Annelie was copying off Seobi’s work.

“Neuro?”

“Yeah.”

“Oligodendrocytes aren’t in the peripheral nervous system – they’re in the central nervous system.”

The central nervous system.

I look again to my right, and find something else catching my attention –

‘Entry to motor cortex’ and to my left ‘Entry to somatosensory cortex’ – and under them, were large islands which seem like they’re inhabited.

I don’t know all these terms, but they seem like things which you would learn in neuroscience.

Could it be that – I’m in the brain of Vaxia?

…

My mind suddenly shuts down, and I feel a needle pierced right through the back of my head, and out of my forehead.

I wake up again in a place consumed by rubble. Yep – I’m back in Brigadonia, and I have no idea where I just was.

I regain my posture and find Vaxia standing right beside me, and looking at me with such a sinister look.

“I’ve failed the Jeutonburg’s.”

Suddenly, the temperature around me begins to cool down, and the sapphire crystal begins reappearing and consuming Vaxia – no wait, Noir - Noir’s figure.

That’s right, that man called ‘Noir’ was possessing Vaxia’s body.

Now I can surely clarify that that wasn’t Vaxia at all…

The true Vaxia must be somewhere else, but his body is still alive, and it’s right next to me.

The Briteria crystals consume him, and he becomes caged.

… Is it finally over? He just froze like that.

I take a step forward and find a rather emotionless expression on his face.

He said that he ‘failed his master’. Was he meant to make me produce the ‘key’ with Seobi?

Why not Priscilla?

Would I create something else other than a rapier?

But why would I care now? This rapier probably signifies the feeling I have for Priscilla.

But she’s dead.

I turn around and find her corpse a few metres behind me, and see the figure as if she’s sleeping peacefully.

Look – she’s sleeping Rion. Wouldn’t it be better now, that she won’t be feeling anymore pain?

As I take my steps of incredulity and sadness, I fall to my feet and grasp her hand.

“I’m so sorry for what I’ve done to you.”

Tch – what am I doing?

Sorry? Will that really suffice for what I’ve done?

I know you weren’t with me for so long, but I’ve really grown a strong bond with you.

If only I hadn’t have stuck with you so much, you wouldn’t have been like this.

But I guess all that I wanted was to have you always be by my side.

That’s right, always by your side…

The ambient temperature around me begins to chill, and I feel a large solid object forming on my hand.

The sapphire Briteria cells converge on my hand to form a solidified bond between the hilt of the rapier and my hand. I couldn’t really care what was going on, but I watch my hand carrying itself to the air.

But then – this is when my attention is caught.

The rapier points directly towards Priscilla’s heart.

“Wh-What’s going on?”

Why is my arm moving by itself? And why is it placing the tip of the rapier at her heart?!

And then suddenly, it pierces through it.

“N-No!”

The area around me begins to dissipate once again, and my surroundings transfigure into a garden of vermilion flowers. Pillars of caramel sandstone surround the field, and branch up to the orange sunset sky with tens of thousands of metres. In the middle, is an elevated platform produced by a white, luminous material.

A temple rests at the spot, and I see an individual with golden long hair sleeping on a throne.

It’s… Priscilla.

Priscilla Edenburgh, why are you here?

I run with such velocity and astonishment of her figure –through the gardens of vermilions, and straight up the sandstone stairs. After about a hundred steps, I find myself finally in front of Priscilla’s corpse.

Corpse… or… what?

Her entire figure is consumed by the amethyst crystal, and I can just see a segment of her left hand protruding out.

Those things… those crystals… it’s what did this to her.

If they weren’t her, she would’ve been normal, and she would’ve been alive!

“CURSE YOU!”

I take my rapier once again and attempt to break off the crystals which such anger and hatred. This is what killed her.

These crystal, are the ones responsible for murdering the one who I love.

I’ll obliterate its existence.

Destroy it.

Pulverise it.

Eradicate it.

As I repeatedly slash the crystals consuming her, I fall into quite a surprise after I see them breaking off so easily.

If I were to plunge the blades anymore, it would strike Priscilla’s innocent figure.

They shatter into microscopic bits after each strike – and instantly revealing the pale skin of Priscilla.

Priscilla – can I at least take all of these crystals off of your body? Can I at least free you while I’m here?

This body of her that’s in front of me – what is it? Is it her corpse? Or is it something else?

Even so – I want to take this body and place it where it should be.

I don’t think it should be in this throne, and I don’t think it should even be encaged by an amethyst-like crystal.

So I begin taking off the crystals slowly, and accurately –

It’s as if I’m skinning a potato with a knife – but this time, it’s different. I’m peeling the crystals with my blade, slowly and carefully, and making sure that I’m not touching Priscilla’s actual skin.

In the same time, despair burns my blood – followed by the gripping cold of depression.

It’s quite difficult to trim these solids off; I have to keep the blade at a certain angle to prevent it from touching her.

Priscilla, I’m so sorry for what I’ve done. Please forgive me!

Please!

…

Done, I’ve taken all the amethyst crystals from her left arm. But, I don’t even feel relieved in any way. I mean, why would I?

Now for her entire body.

It doesn’t feel right to be doing this to a dead body. I’m on my knees cutting the crystals off her skin with my blade as if I’m ‘exploring her body’.

But no – I’m not doing that. I’ll never do that. But then again, for some reason, my body wants to persist in what I’m doing.

Maybe… this’ll change something?

Wait – what’s going on? What did I just hear?

After finally trimming off the last bits of the crystals settling on her neck, I find the field around me to suddenly change.

The vermilion flowers begin growing metres high up and the sunset sky clears off to change into a rather clean and blue azure sky.

From the distance, I hear the movement of machinery operating. The pillars settle, and I see numerous residential units revealed –

“Central nervous system.” I read a large billboard in the distance.

It’s just like before – when I was in Vaxia’s body.

Or should I say ‘brain’. Could it be that I’m in Priscilla’s brain now as well?

What if the place changed because it’s got something to do with Priscilla?

I see another billboard in the distance, and find –

‘Reticular formation (ONLINE)’

“Rion.”

…

What did I just hear?

I slowly turn my head, and feeling the itch of obscurity climbing down my spine.

I couldn’t twist my body properly. I couldn’t even breathe properly by the voice I just heard.

As my incredulity traps me, I find myself not being able to even say a word or even change the expression on my face.

The figure stands up and looks at me with such an innocent smile –

The smile that I’m always yearning to see.

“Thank you, for saving my life.”

She grasps my hand, and a bewitching light consumes the both of us.

I find us back in Brigadonia, and the night sky has shown itself.

Wait – what the heck just happened?! What did I just do?!

“Rion, I feel better!” Priscilla exclaimed with joy.

She catches my hands and grasps them thoroughly –

“Thank you – thank you so much!”

Huh? I don’t understand what I just did? But… it somehow saved Priscilla!

Priscilla falls to my chest and rests her head under my chin. I begin feeling her tears going through my clothes, and I wrap her figure slowly with reluctance.

But then – I inhibit myself. What if the amethyst crystal gushes out of my body once again?

Actually, when I think about it now, it hasn’t been coming out ever since I said my true feelings to Priscilla.

I wrap my arms around her, hoping for nothing negative to happen, and slowly sensing her warm back. She lifts her arms and does the same to me – and it feels like we’re both sharing the same feeling towards each other.

But… it only seems like it. I can’t be too hasty about how she feels about me.

The air around me begins to feel rather warm, and it feels like the Briteria cells are sensing my feelings as well.

She sets herself back, revealing her teary face and releasing my hands.

“Uh-uhm, so yeah, thanks.” I sensed her shyness.

She maintains a lowered glance; shunning her face from me while I look at her with happiness compelling me.

I’m actually really happy right now, particularly that she just did something to me which she doesn’t do normally, but I just don’t know if I should be expressing it or not.

I mean… she probably still wants to stay away from me.

But, is it okay if she doesn’t? I mean, the needle isn’t coming out anymore.

Plus, wouldn’t it be better if I were to have these feelings for Priscilla instead of Seobi?

What if they were for Seobi?

Would that ‘key’ produced be of a different form? Wouldn’t Noir’s ‘master’ use it for something malevolent?

But… I’m not even sure if it’s for a malevolent purpose!

I don’t know what to think now, but from all the things that I’ve learnt from school and this, I don’t want to perform anything rash decisions.

“It’s good to see you again, Priscilla.”

She delivers that loving smile once again, and I guess it causes me to do the same. Priscilla continues to look away from my face, but it’s completely okay. I mean, she probably doesn’t want us to be this close.

“Come on, let’s bring you back home. Seobi’s going to be worried.” She muttered.

True that.

Its night… and Seobi’s going to ask me what I was doing.

“So Rion, what’s that on your hand?”

“It’s the key – the key which the person inside Vaxia mentioned.”

“The person inside him? Who was that anyway?”

“Someone who looked exactly like me; but a bit older. His name was ‘Noir’”.

“Noir… I’ve never heard of that name before.”

Not surprised that you wouldn’t know.

“And I guess this key I’m holding is meant to be of a different form if I were with Seobi. His master ‘Reaperion’ wanted me to behold a different object on my hand.”

Wait – did I just bring up something about Seobi which I shouldn’t have?

“I see, but you produced that rapier instead, because…”

“Because I can finally confirm … “

“Finally confirm?”

Well, I’m going to say it. I’m going to say it before I lose her again. I want her to know how much I feel about her –

“The loving feeling I have for you...”

That’s right – the loving feeling I have for you, and how much I want to cherish your heart with my own.

… Silence bewitched us.

She stopped, and began lowering her gaze back to the grassy floor.

I stopped in front of her, slightly in regret, and approached her slowly.

“This is probably something you wouldn’t want, and… I’m sorry.” I muttered with guilt.

“No, why are you sorry?”

… What?

“It’s okay for you to have feelings for me. I don’t mind, and I guess it just makes me feel even warmer when you’re with me.”

… Warm. She said ‘warm’.

“I just hope that, I wouldn’t expose you to any danger if you were to be with me. But if you’re feeling for me would expand as much as your rapier, then I feel so protected to be with you, Rion.”

Oh my god – Priscilla, thank you! Then I shall always protect you!

The feeling inside me bolstered itself, and I find myself staring at her eyes with such content from what she said.

“Come on let’s get you back home before Seobi worries, okay?”

“So you were at Brigadonia? Doing what?” I heard Seobi’s soft and worried voice.

“Priscilla and I went to look for signs of her friends in Brigadonia. It turns out that her, Vaxia and Shamiya were all good friends. Except the two went missing.”

“Vaxia… Shamiya…” she muttered.

“You’ve heard of Vaxia, haven’t you?”

“Yeah, I have. He was the author of all those books relating to Brigadonia that I read.”

“He was studying there and…”

“Well, were you looking for him? And Shamiya?” She pauses, then suddenly recovering her posture instantly. “Wait – did you find them?!”

… Did we?

No. We didn’t find Shamiya.

And I guess… we also didn’t find Vaxia, right? It was just his body. I just have to mind with my honesty…

“Sorry, we didn’t find either of them there. But I saw Vaxia’s body.” I muttered.

“What? His body?! A corpse?”

“... yeah, a corpse.”

A moving corpse that was possessed by someone else.

Sorry – I don’t what to continue. I guess I have to be slightly untruthful for now. Because, it’ll lead me to talking about all the events that took place.

I don’t want her to know – she’ll overreact.

She loses her startle, and sits on the bed once again.

“Oh okay.” I sensed her calm voice.

What would happen if they were found? Wait – what am I saying? Vaxia and Shamiya seemed to be close with Priscilla, and Seobi seems to be close to Shamiya. It would be some phenomenon for them if they were found. But I just feel rather disappointed that I don’t remember them at all, or any memories I had with those two.

It’s as if, whenever I even state their names, I’m just exaggerating the only speck of feeling I have for them. As if, I’m talking like I knew them.

And it’s as if… I’m lying about my feelings to the people around me.

“You know, I’m just happy you’re back. I was really worried about you.”

… Empathy is such a beautiful thing.

And it was something which I didn’t have back then, and I probably do now.

Yeah, it is. Just by seeing Seobi say those words to me, it makes me want to stay with her for longer and protect her.

If she’s having the same worry as me, I feel as if I’m worrying about her as well…

Even though, there’s nothing even happening to her right now.

“You should change Rion – your uniform is all dusty.” She muttered without eye contact.

I can tell she’s sad about something. Why is she speaking so calmly? What’s with her down face?

I sit myself next to her with an itch of shyness – and yes, I know that when there’re two people on a bed, of the opposite gender, it may expose to some regretful circumstances – but, honestly, she’s like my sister.

And that’s why, I don’t feel awkward when I’m here sitting next to her.

It’s like our relationship is too close for that.

I turn around and grasp her shoulders abruptly that she expresses her shocked eyes.

“Seobi! Are you okay?!” I released my passion.

She pauses slightly, turning her eyes to look at both of my arms.

I know… I’m touching you.

And look, nothing is happening to me.

“Rion, you’re touching me.” Seobi muttered.

My hands let go of her soft shoulders, and I rest them on my knees. “I know, I’m not supposed to touch you. But, something changed inside me, and I would prefer to express my feelings physically if I can’t do so verbally.” I said with eloquence.

I continue detecting that down expression of hers – still lowering her eyes away from mine and not even keeping eye contact.

“Doesn’t it mean that – no, never mind.”

Doesn’t it mean that… what? What was she going to say?

“You still haven’t answered my question yet.”

“Oh – sorry. I feel tired Rion, that’s all.”

She pulls the blanket that I’m sitting on, gesturing for me to get off the bed. I do so, and pull out the shirt I’ll be wearing to go to sleep.

I walk my way to the bathroom and get one more stare at Seobi.

I wonder what’s going on in her mind. I just hope she’s fine… That’s all.

Sorry if I’ve been thinking too much about my perspective, and disappearing just like I did, Seobi.

I won’t do it again.

As soon I finish changing and washing up, I find Seobi to have already been deeply asleep. I can hear her breathing heavily with her face buried in the blanket.

All this time, what ‘was’ in her mind?

… I’m so curious to find out, because I want to eradicate my worry for her. There is a way for me to find out, but I’ll be intervening with her privacy.

Intervening with her sleep.

If I were to go inside her mind while she was sleeping, in order for me to find out the reason why she’s acting strangely, I wonder what would happen?

Let’s see and find out.

I call the rapier once again and branch my hand out. It materialises on my hand, but I suddenly stop –

Wait – how did I do it again?

Didn’t I just stab Priscilla’s heart with the blade in order for me to go in her mind?

I did the same thing with Vaxia’s body, but it was when my blade collided with him after I swang it.

What if, this time, it doesn’t do that?

… I’ll just poke her, and see if my surroundings will dissipate like they did last time, and transport myself into a new realm.

I watch the tip of her blade, and slowly have it touch her still forearm.

… It touched her, and my surroundings aren’t changing.

Not only that, there’s a drop of blood on her arm where I poked the blade.

Damn it – I’m so stupid. Why did I do it from the tip of the blade?

Gosh – I’ll never do this again. I’ve been thinking too much on what I did to Priscilla.

Seobi’s hand suddenly emerges while she’s asleep, and begins scratching the microscopic wound on her arm unconsciously.

“Ugh! I’m so stupid!” I begin scratching my hair vigorously.

Wow – luckily I whispered that!

I drop the rapier, hearing it subtly dissipating into the atmosphere –and searching in the drawers for a bandaid to seal the wound. I follow it up with some cream to enhance the healing, then pouring and placing both on the wound without her knowing.

There, that’s better.

Finally, all the guilt is gone.

…

But wait, something isn’t right. What if she wakes up, and asks about the bandaid?

UGH! I have to do something!

What am I going to say? I stabbed you with a rapier?!

Abruptly, I peal a bit of the bandaid, and rip its entire off instantly with such anxiety.

“Ouch!”Seobi exclaimed in pain.

Oh no, she’s awake.

I’M SO STUPID!

She rotates her figure towards me, and looks at the wound on my arm.

“Oh, Rion?” I sensed her drowsiness.

I look at her eyes, and find me holding a bandaid. “Sorry, it’s just that…”

Damn it, what am I going to say?!

I poked you? With a rapier? A RAPIER?!

“You’re… bleeding.” I muttered with such an anxious voice.

“Oh, I dreamt of scratching my back in my dream. Probably I was actually scratching my arm.”

… Oh, yeah, she was scratching her arm. For some reason, I find it quite amusing.

“Hey, why are you smiling?”

“Oh – nothing!”

Then, that’s when I feel my body finally filling itself with content. Seobi, she’s actually smiling now. It makes me feel much better.

“You were putting a bandaid on my arm?”

“Yeah, I was…”

Because I was the one who did it.

“Thank you, Rion.” I heard her seraphic once again, and that luminous smile of hers.

So yeah – I’ll do the same thing.

I’m just relieved that she didn’t ask what caused her arm to bleed. If I were to tell her, I’ll have to tell her that I was trying to interfere with what’s going on in her mind. And honestly, that’s quite immoral of me, and quite immoral for anyone, and now I’ll have to hide it from here.

I really hate hiding things. I can feel the sin bewitch me, and gripping me with the hatred I’m trying to run away from.

“Jose”

“Here!”

“Sally”

“Here!”

“Priscilla”

“Here!”

The teacher raises his glance and expresses his joy to Priscilla –

“Hey, you’re not late!”

“Yeah… I’m not late.” She muttered.

As the teacher continues calling out the roll, Priscilla leans her head closer to me as if she’s going to start a conversation.

“What’d you do with the rapier?” She whispered.

“As soon as I wanted it to disappear, it disappeared instantly from my palm. But for some reason, I have a feeling that it’s still with me.”

Yeah – that’s right. As long as I have this feeling for you Priscilla, the rapier would stay with me.

“And when I need it, it’ll come to me”

Just like it did last night, when I called for it.

“I see. That’s some convenient thing you have there, haha.” She chuckled slightly. “Did Seobi get angry at you last night?”

“No, she didn’t. She was really worried though, and I’m really glad to have someone care for me that much.”

Wait – Priscilla, what are you doing?

Priscilla rests her elbow on the desk, and then her head settles on her palm with an expression of delight as she looks at me.

“You’ve certainly changed, Rion.”

“It’s because of you, Priscilla.” I muttered without a single speck of shyness. Sometimes I just have to be honest – and sometimes, it really does feel good to be honest with how I feel.

She leans her back to her seat and folds her arm as if she’s trying to avoid a sentimental moment.

“Well, I’m glad that I’ve been by your side.” She muttered.

Oh – thank you. I know that sometimes, people get sick of being sentimental. But, it’s better to be truthful with what you say than diminish it.

“So, who’s Reaperion?” Priscilla begins a new conversation.

… Reaperion Jeutonburg. That was his name right? And why is it that I know his full name so well?

Whoever this person is, I have a feeling that he’s still out there.

And probably… looking for me.

“Didn’t Noir say that he’s his ‘master’?”

“Yeah, I remember that he did. But out in the Briteria family, there’s still a situation going on that hasn’t ended yet; even after the destruction of Brigadonia. I’m sure of it.”

I agree, I mean, a Briteria user inside the body of another? Vaxia – his physical characteristics represented those from the Sheng-Quishi Empire, or Asian for short. Hence, he’s not from the Briteria family, but Noir – who’s from the Briteria family – was controlling his body.

There must be other Briteria members still out there, and not just Seobi and I.

And I can guarantee – considering that Noir just controlled the body of another person not from our family, I can guarantee that the other Briteria members aren’t planning something pleasant.

But rather, malevolent.

Still – who knows who annihilated the Briteria family?

Will I ever find out? It looks like if I progress on, I’ll find out who the culprit is?

“I agree. There’s someone out there that’s planning something dark. And Seobi and I are probably not the only Briteria left.”

“Exactly– and didn’t you say this morning that Noir looked like a bigger version of you?”

“Yeah, that’s right. He does.”

I remember Noir’s physical characteristics were dead-similar to mine. His facial dimensions were similar to mine but with a rather defined jaw. And from the looks of it, he seemed much taller than I am – mixed with much more masculinity.

“So now, he’s encaged in Briteria. I wonder if his ‘master’ will let him out.”

“Who knows? Maybe the Briteria cells around him will mediate his true feelings of getting out.”

“Yeah… those Briteria cells are truly amazing, Rion.” Priscilla muttered. “So don’t you dare hide anything from me! Haha!”

Yeah, now these Briteria cells have bolstered my will of being honest. If I were to hide my true feelings, the Briteria cells will express it out of my body without me even wanting it to.

“I agree with you.” I said in a calm and soft voice.

I really enjoy that feeling when people have the same perspective of you about something. It’s as if, the connection between you and the person continues to be toppled up. Not just that, but by accompanying them when they don’t even ask of it, or even inviting them to accompany you honestly strengthens the friendship bond between you and the person.

And I guess I’ve learnt all this from the girl sitting next to me.

She’s a ‘legend’.

Then with just my curiosity, I wonder if she also gained a pleasant feeling of me agreeing with her?

Despite it even being something so trivial, would it affect her expression?

Then there it was – she was smiling. Folding her arms, having her back leaned to the chair with her eyes glaring downwards with a smile.

I just don’t want to lose this precious person. I want to protect her.

I fall to the grassy floor and stare at the blue azure sky. The clouds position themselves dispersed away from the view of the sun, clearing up the skies and bringing out such a relaxing weather. It’s not too hot – I can feel the breeze – and it isn’t too cold.

“Rion!” I heard a familiar voice.

I stand myself up, lifting my legs abruptly as if there was an emergency. Priscilla arrives in front of me with a rather confused face –

“Rion, why were you outside of the school grounds?” I sensed Priscilla’s disappointment.

“Outside of the school grounds? Me?”

What is she talking about? I’ve been lying down here ever since she ditched me!

“I was here this entire time, since class ended.” I said with a perplexed face.

“Really? Oh –”

… Hey, what’s going on? If she saw me outside of class, she couldn’t have mistaken me for someone else, since there’s only one person out there who looks like me, and that’s me. Or, she saw another Briteria member?

Unless… it must’ve been… Noir? But, what are the chances of that?

“You were looking at me with such an emotionless face over the school fences. I was calling your name, and you just walked away…”

“Me, walking away? I would reply to you, Priscilla!”

“Oh – yeah.” She muttered.

But then, who must that person be? If Priscilla did call out my name at that ‘someone’, then he must’ve looked like me.

What are the chances of making a mistake with a person who has lavender hair, maroon eyes and extremely pale skin? Particularly when everyone in this school is practically not looking like that?

“But what’s weird is –” I sensed the feeling of fear emerging –

“You wore a shirt completely covered by blood.”

“Shirt? This shirt?” I gestured at my chest.

“No, a different one. It was white with black tips on its sleeves. Are you wearing another shirt underneath by any chance?”

“Only a tank-top.” I checked just in case.

“That’s odd. Just when I started to think that you were at two places at once…”

… Then if I’m not at two places at once, that person must have been someone else.

“And that also means that there’s another Briteria here, right?”

“There must be someone else here.”

I knew it. They’re looking for me. I bet Noir’s master, Reaperion, is probably looking for me. I wonder what he actually looks like. I saw him through the drawing Noir gave me, but it had no colour.

What if he also had lavender hair?

What if he also looks like me and Noir, and probably we’re all related somehow?

But if we’re related, why is his surname ‘Jeutonburg’?

Isn’t that surname derived from the most majestic family in the Briteria nation?

I don’t know – there isn’t much I can speculate about who’s who right now.

Maybe that person Priscilla saw might’ve been Reaperion – or someone else, who’s working for Reaperion.

I mean, who would dress as a Briteria these days? Aren’t we being segregated from society?

“They must be looking for me, Priscilla.” I muttered,

“Don’t worry, you can fight them off! Right?”

Fighting them off – yeah, I guess. But what will that achieve? I’m not really even synchronised with what’s going on.

I just want to have a normal life you know? Not with all of these people chasing me.

“If they ever interfere with my life, I’ll do what it takes to ward them off.”

“Yeah! That’s the Rion I know!” Priscilla expressed her joy. “By the way – how did you remove those amethyst crystals from my body?”

Oh – what a difficult question to answer.

I stared at her with wonder and obscurity – not exactly knowing how to answer the question.

How did I do it? I cut off the entire crystal formation from her body, and made her free?

I sense her looking at me with awkwardness, probably because I’m not replying to her. I’m sorry – I’m just thinking about how I should respond to you.

“We-Well, you did say that we were in my ‘central nervous system’ right? You saw billboards of the things in my central nervous system too, like the other parts of my brain.”

As Priscilla said this morning, the central nervous system is the primary point in which nerves across the entire body converge and process information with the brain, via the spinal cord.

I guess it’s one of the most fundamental parts within the human body – which probably was the reason why when I entered Priscilla’s body, I found myself there. Within the central nervous system, there are numerous sites which control the functioning of the human body.

This includes movement – via the motor cortex; feel – somatosensory cortex; word production and inhibition – frontal cortex. There are more, but those are the only ones which she told me.

“That’s right. It felt like that world was a much deeper physical representation of those parts in your brain.”

“You saw residential units there, didn’t you? Were they part of the cortical sites in my brain?”

“What are cort- never mind, and yes I saw residential units there which may also have been a representation of your central nervous system.”

“What if we were to destroy those residential units? What will it do to me?”

… another difficult question. What will it do to her?

Why did I hear machinery in the back right after I obliterated the crystal formation encaging Priscilla?

It’s as if I just restored the functions of a human being, I guess. But in real life, that would merely be the operating of organs and neurons, but what I heard were machines moving by themselves.

They must have a correlation with her waking up. And if I were to destroy them…

Then…

“I think you’ll lose something in your central nervous system.”

Is that right? Did I say the correct thing?

She glares at me with a slight astonished look, then looking away as if she expected it. “I thought so. Then once that happens, I assume I would be closer to retardation.”

“I think the Briteria cells are representing our mental framework as a physical form towards us. Just like how they mediate feelings as a physical form.” I attempted to make an accurate assumption.

“And that’s why we saw buildings and residential units in my mind?”

“That’s right.”

“But you told me before that you also saw vermilions? Why wou –”

… Why would she?

Wait – did she pause?

“Don’t worry. I know why the gardens we saw in my mind were full of vermilion flowers. It’s because I’m curious about the Briteria family.”

Wait – Excuse me?

Then doesn’t that mean the things we see in our mind are related to our attitudes and beliefs?

“If that’s true, then Briteria is that amazing.”

The bell finally rings to indicate the coming of the next class. In the distant clock tower, I fall slightly shocked that it was already ten-forty.

And when the clock hits ten-forty, it signifies the end of our break.

“Rion – later on, how about you’ll go inside my mind again and explore more of what it actually is?” She continues as if she didn’t hear the bell.

“To be honest, I don’t know how I went inside your mind.”

I become quite hurtful after I see her frown face, then seeing it clearing up by an emotionless one.

“I even tried going into Seobi’s mind last night while she was sleeping.”

“­Yo-you – what?!”

“When I got home, she was really depressed for some reason.”

“Probably because you came late?”

“I think it’s the reason that made me late, she’s worried about.”

“Well, what did you say?”

“I told her that I was with you in Brigadonia looking for signs of Vaxia and Shamiya’s existence.”

“Well, that’s quite a big thing to stuff in someone’s head in a few seconds.”

“It’s as if Seobi knows that I did more than that in Brigadonia.”

“You did, didn’t you?”

“Yeah but – I don’t want to tell her…”

“So I’m guessing you’re feeling bad because you’re hiding something from her, isn’t that right?”

With guilt and regret, I nodded. I’m doing it again... hiding something.

That’s the factor that consumed me with so much intrigue. I actually didn’t know myself – but I think I was just scared that she might suspect me to hide something from her.

And probably, she does suspect me.

And her speculation is right then.

“Well, what would happen if you were to tell her about what happened? Like, everything?”

… Why don’t I tell her?

That’s true. What if I tell her what happened in Brigadonia?

I guess the only thing stopping me last time is if she’ll be too worried about me.

Too worried about me, that she’ll prevent me from going with Priscilla to anywhere around the world. Yeah, that’s the main reason.

But I guess that ideal of her actions were probably derived from the ego I had with her when I thought of her as a parent.

“Then I guess I’ll tell her everything when I get home.” I gripped myself with bravery.

I’ll even tell her about Noir suggesting me to make this ‘key’ with Seobi.

But I wonder how that’ll work out.

I mean, should I say –

‘Seobi, we’re meant to love each other. But we don –’ alright, no. That’s wrong. I’ll probably do my best to avoid that topic.

“So sir, may I know why I’m kept in class? It’s been twenty minutes ever since school finished.” I did my best to avoid disrespect.

My teacher digs into a large folder and places several A-three pieces of papers on the desk.

It’s my project for the school hall.

“Is this your work, Rion?” he begins with a speck of disappointment.

But, why is he asking if it’s my work? Doesn’t he trust me?

“Of course it is. What’s wrong with it?”

He lifts himself back up and digs into a nearby drawer to collect a large black folder filled with A-three drawings. I read its label and find something rather shocking –

‘Noir Bayerische – Class Eleven D-Two Two-Thousand and Nine’

Noir?! He used to study here as well?

I sat there in shock – despite me not really knowing why I should be in shock.

I mean, he used to study at my school too. But, so what?

No – wait, why is my teacher going to show me Noir’s work?

… This can’t be true.

As soon as he opened the folder, my entire figure compels itself with trauma –

“Look, your design is exactly the same as this students’.”

… No.

What - ?

I trace every line of his drawing with mine, and detect it to being exactly the same.

I compare it with mine one again, and find that each particular perspective of the drawing is done in the same angle and in the same exact dimensions.

Everything is the same…

“I wouldn’t be sceptical if the dimensions were different. I mean, at least your incorporating a bit of knowledge and creativity by changing someone else’s design. But from this –” I heard his voice temper rise, followed by –

Damn it – that startled me.

Followed by his hand slamming on the desk in front of me.

“But from this, it’s complete evidence of plagiarism!”

N-No. This isn’t possible. How can my work be exactly the same as his, despite me getting all my information from my brain?

“No, this isn’t right!” I tried my best to persuade him.

“There’s no point lying, Ri –”

Suddenly, both of our attentions were caught by someone knocking on the door.

Tap. Tap – tap – tap – tap.

The frequency of the taps started to increase, followed by the forcing of the door knob to open.

“Hey – what is it?!” My teacher called out.

“Help me!” I heard a familiar voice.

I jumped out of my seat, ignoring the presence of the one lecturing me and letting Priscilla inside.

She instantly locks the door and places her index finger in front of her mouth as if she’s gesturing –

“Sssshhhh!”

Why is she telling us to be quiet?

“What’s going on?!” our teacher spoke with slight worry.

Seconds later, she suggests us to lean our backs to the door -

Quickily… and silently.

Sir and I do what she says – and I’m quite surprised that he would follow her instructions.

And then, as soon as I detect a figure, my spine begins itching with fear.

I rise myself up slightly with curiosity, and through the small see through glass on the door, I see a man with blue ha –

‘By the door!’ I read her voiceless movement of her lips.

….

We keep silent.

Pinning ourselves to the door once again, and hearing the footsteps of a tall man on the other side of the door.

The door leads to the hall way – and I can assume that Priscilla was probably being chased by this person.

Tap…

Tap…

Tap…

I continue hearing his footsteps until they stop.

The last tap I hear compels me with the feel of air rushing into my back.

He’s probably right in front of the door.

On the right of me is my teacher, and on his right is Priscilla. We’re all pinned to the door, hiding, and waiting for the person on the other side to walk away.

... This is actually... scary.

I can feel fear collecting into my heart, followed by sweat flowing down my forehead.

I can also sense the fear of the two on my right. Sir continues to shiver uncontrollably, while Priscilla continues to hold her breath with anxiety.

Tap.

I heard the footstep once again, causing me to feel my heart vibrating horrendously with scare.

He’s right behind us.

I can tell.

He hasn’t disappeared yet, and he’s probably peaking into the glass above us right now.

If he looks down a bit – he’ll find us.

I’m not even sure who the person is, but I’m still compelled with such a terrifying feeling.

Suddenly, I feel an intense heat source on my right.

It’s on my shoulder. Between my teacher’s shoulder.

I twist my head and find…

Fire.

“UGH! IT’S HOT!”

We all jump, and blood splatters all over our faces.

No! This can’t be true!

Priscilla and I turn our heads to the teacher’s body.

… An enormous blade… is protruding out of his chest.

I can’t believe it.

He’s dead.

The sapphire blade suddenly dissipates into the atmosphere, and I leap to my legs to grab Priscilla’s hand –

“We have to go! Noir is probably back!”

She instantly clenches my hands and we approach one of the windows on the opposite side of the door, and attempt to break it.

Oh my god – we need to get out!

“Come on! We need to get out of here!” I sensed Priscilla’s horrification.

Thoughts of fear continue encompassing my mind, and I’m pulled to the brink of desperation –

I branch my hand out – thinking about the rapier which I produced the last time a situation like this came.

Priscilla Edenburgh – the one who I’ll protect for the rest of my life.

That’s right. I won’t let her go.

I’ll be with her forever!

I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her!

Yes – here it comes!

Suddenly, I feel a coagulation of matter occurring on my palm. I grab the hilt of the rapier and cut the window into numerous bits.

“Come on let’s go Rion!”

I propel my legs and leap off into the air, through the window and to the outside of the building.

We’re all alone in the fields of this school… with Noir.

I continue grasping Priscilla’s hand as hard as I can, and venturing ourselves away from him.

I’m not even sure how he found Priscilla and me as well in this school, but all I can think of now is running away from him and bringing Priscilla away.

After that, I’ll fight him off.

“Rion. Stop.”

… What?

She let my hand go! What’s wrong?

“Look, I’ve gleamed something from all of this...”

You’ve gleamed something? What have you gleamed?!

“Rion, Reaperion’s after me! Not you!”

“REAPERION?!”

“Yes! Reaperion!” She looks at my eyes of shock. “… And now, I think I should let myself go before he harms you.”

”What are you talking about?! This rapier is here because I’m going to protect you!”

What the heck is she thinking?! If she thinks she’ll leave me and get herself killed, I won’t let that happen! I’ll do whatever it takes for me to save her, and help her!

I pull her aside from my view, and find the figure of a tall, blue-haired man with crimson eyes emerging from the destruction of our classroom.

Oh my god – is he even human? His eyes are those of a demon…

I can just tell…

All of my bravery completely dissipates away.

Then, the tsunami of fear condemns me with immobility, and the intention to run away.

Is that… Reaperion Jeutonburg?

I see him with that diabolic figure –looking at me with those eyes of Briteria.

But no – I have to protect Priscilla. If he’ll kill her because I’m merely not following what ‘I’m created for’, then I’m going to vanquish him with my blade.

I take a step back, branching my arms slightly to protect Priscilla –

“Don’t you dare get near us!” I prepare my blade and attempt to fill myself up with bravery.

But then, the bravery begins perishing away, followed by my body constricting –

Suddenly – he lets out a malevolent laugh –

Flexing his neck and having his head facing the sky; as if he really is indulged with his own laughter.

“You really think someone like you can defeat me?”

“… I don’t care who you are. But with this rapier, I’ll stop you!”

Come on Rion! Regardless of what he does, you have to stay fearless!

The man takes a step forward, taking a bow and delivering an odd gaze to me.

“My name is Reaperion Jeutonburg, or also known as ‘the chef’.” He said with complete eloquence.

I take another step backwards in fear, and feeling Priscilla’s arm grip on mine.

But then, I’m frozen by his actions yet again –

I watch Reaperion branch his hand out and expanding his fingers towards me as if he’s asking for my hand.

“Come on – get yourself away from that Schneizal. You’re supposed to be with Seobi.”

“I don’t care who I’m supposed to be with! And I might as well prevent you from producing the key!”

He retrieves his arm back and represents a rather emotionless look.

“Tch. Creating the Chains of Brigadonia will only promote me to saving the Briteria race from any more pain.”

“S-Saving us from any more pain? What do you mean by that?”

“Our lives were sentenced to the dreadfulness of the world. Now it’s my job to butcher the culprits until they’re consumed by their own blood.”

Suddenly, the temperature around me begins to heat up, and his skin begins glowing.

His figure begins to emit a luminous white light, and his eyes appear as redder than blood.

The sapphire crystallisation of Briteria begins to collect on the floor around him – changing the texture of the grass from green to blue.

“… Just like how the uranium warhead did it.”

“Priscilla, look out!”

I turn around instantly, grabbing Priscilla’s figure from her shoulders and falling violently to the grassy floor.

“Wh-What was that?”

I look to the distance, behind Priscilla, and find a large chain with a blade at its tip plunging itself into the ground. I track the end of the chain and find it generating from a holographic incantation circle floating around Reaperion’s figure.

That’s odd… the colour of the chain is the same as … that amethyst crystal that protrudes out of my arm.

I regain my posture instantly, preparing myself for battle.

Priscilla does the same and I continue to hold her hand as tight as I can.

Then, I grasp it even tighter when I see Reaperion ready to kill us both.

Another barrage of chains attempts to strike our figure with vicious velocity.

I do my best to plunge those chains with my rapier – slicing them bit by bit. I step forward numerous times and continue slashing them vigorously to protect myself and Priscilla.

But then… as soon as I did that last swing, I sense Reaperion’s figure flying right past me.

And ignoring me…

No…

No… this can’t happen.

…

“RION!”

I turn around instantly, preparing my blade –

But Priscilla is about three metres behind me. Will I make it? Will I save her?

I run to her figure with such fear, taking every step and feeling the striking feel of a chain plunging my back.

I ignore it, and find something rather … terrifying.

No – Priscilla. This can’t happen to you.

No – I can’t accept it!

With incredulity compelling me, I continue taking my steps of devastation, and finding the figure … consumed by blood.

And what I see through my eyes.

Makes me just want to…

… Say sorry to her… Cry… Hold her hand… Hug her… Kill myself… Kill … Murder… Butcher… Massacre … OBLITERATE.

PULVERISE.

DESTROY.

“DIE REAPERION!”

I’m going to freaking kill this guy. I’m going to torture him, I’m going to butcher him – I’ll kill him, I’ll kill him, I’ll kill him!

I plunge my murderous blade straight at the spinal cord of the reaper in front of me.

Twisting the blade.

Pushing it in.

Feeling his blood gush all over my face.

Taking the blade out, and plunging it again to one of his bones – twisting it again rigorously and enjoyably, rotating it like a drill, and feeling the softness of the muscles that keep his arm intact, with the bloody edges of my butchering blade.

“I’LL KILL YOU. I’LL OBLITERATE YOU. I’LL BUTCHER YOU WITH MY BLOODLUSTING BLADE!”

The figure releasing that agonising pain suddenly turns abruptly and attempts to plunge a bright crystalline blade of Briteria straight at me –

But with my incredible agility, I avoid it and brandish the tip of my rapier back towards his figure.

Though – it collides with him, like a blunt rock.

… blunt? The tip isn’t as sharp as before – but blunt?!

I look back at the rapier, and find out that the sharp edge is somewhere else…

And that what I’m holding is no longer a rapier...

But it’s a scythe. The flat top is what has collided with him.

Cool. Let’s seriously pulverise this jerk, shall we?

I swing the scythe vigorously toward the still and fatigued figure. He begins leaping backwards, avoiding every slash that I deliver to him.

Come on – freaking hell, hit him already!

He begins running away with blood dripping from his behind –

But, who can run away from a grim reaper like me?

I clench my scythe, preparing and flexing my arm to throw the scythe rigorously and attempting it to finally slice his demonic head off.

But without me realising it, I find it coming back to me –

“SIGLESTRIA!”

Wh-What? What did he just say? Isn’t that –

I feel it strike my chest –

… What’s going on…?

I find myself on some solid white tiles, and I look up to find a large bridge in front of me with a sign saying – Schneizal.

“Schneizal..? Priscilla?”

No. This can’t be!

I turn around instantly and find that I just fell off a large throne. I look above it and find –

‘Central Nervous System’

How did I get here?

Who made me come here?

Damn it! I remember – whatever is distorted in this world will distort my actual existence in life. I regain my posture instantly, and finding me not wounded a single bit.

I look around the place, wondering if the one who made me come here, is still in here.

And then – I hear a gate creaking behind me.

I sprint passed the throne, and find a gate with a sign saying ‘Hippocampus’.

Hippocampus? What’s that?

… How is that important to me? What would happen if I were to lose it?

And then, I see Reaperion running straight through the gate and entering a realm full of large…

Moving.

Animating.

Pictures.

Of… what I’ve seen before.

I stare at it with such shock – and realising that all of this could be the memories that my brain has recorded.

Then in the distance, I see Reaperion producing a lock around one of the large holographic-moving images.

And in those images… I see myself holding Priscilla’s han –

Ouch – what was that? It seems like my brain just got hit by some rock from the sky.

I continue looking at the moving pictures with such devastation – but… hardly being able to remember what I just saw.

I remember, I was holding Pr –

Ouch! What was that? It happened again! Is there a rock slide on top of me?

Wait – no, what’s happening? Who was that person I was holding hands with?

It was something like P… ‘P’ something.

P… P… No. I can’t remember it.

I can’t even remember her name now.

Wait – who? There was a girl who I used to be with?

And where am I? I’ve never been to a place like this before.

Then suddenly – it came to me. There’s a Briteria person in front of me! I thought Seobi said that we were the only ones left!

“Hey!” I wave with such passion. “You’re like me! A Briteria member!”

The man with the blue hair looks at me oddly, and I see him moving to a series of more moving pictures.

Wow! Those moving pictures look incredible!

But… I think I’ve seen those before!

No.. wait, somehow, could those be… something that I’ve seen recently in my life?

Me putting a bandaid on Seobi’s arm? What – is that for real?

Ouch! It seems like a rock just hit me from the sky!

Ba-Bandaid?

Ouch! Damn it! Is there a rock slide on top of me or something?

Ouch! Not again!

Ouch!

…

Suddenly, I hear the voice of a nearby man.

“Now, it’s time for me to change your amygdale back to how it was before you met Priscilla. Then I’ll reset your central nervous system and your entire brain.”

Amygdale…? Central nervous system…?

What’s that?

Who’s Priscilla?

Chapter 7 – Seobi – You’ve changed… Why?

I take a deep breath, sitting on a seat next to the entrance of the hotel and waiting for Rion’s arrival. It’s been four hours already after school finished, and I’ve left the hotel continuously to look for him – through streets and even to Brigadonia.

My worries have already bypassed its limits…

I’m shivering in anxiety now; uncontrollably flexing my legs over and over again to somehow ‘shake’ the feelings all off.

I just feel like moving around… that’s all.

But, if I leave the hotel, what if he arrives later on in my absence?

Sigh – What do I do?

It’s getting cold too… I should probably at least take my sleeping blanket from my room, and wait for him outside. I regain my posture, finally being able to stand up, then re-entering the hotel.

But then, I hear the sound of footsteps behind me. I turn around, and through the darkness, I see a man drenched in blood.

It’s Rion.

“R-Rion!”

Wait – it’s so late! Why is he late again?!

I begin running at him with such haste then expanding my arms to give him a hug.

He’s here! Finally here! He’s finally here!

... Wait – what?!

Then, the feeling of horror brandishes my heart. With such force, I fall to the floor and roll my figure vigorously.

He… pushed me?

“Wh-What?”

“What the heck was that?!” I heard him exclaim vehemently.

What…?

I stay on the floor, with the feeling of destruction as the blood in my body begins to heat up in fear. I can feel my body shaking of incredulity in such a rapid pace.

He walks towards me, leans his head forward towards me as I lay on the floor. “Never do that again. Fat cow”

He… just called me… fat cow.

What…?

No…

I can’t move – I’m completely still.

He called me ‘fat cow’… Fat cow… Oh my god, what’s going on? Didn’t he say he changed? Why would he push me to the floor again and call me that?!

No.

No!

Carelessly, he walks away from me and back into the hotel.

Oh no… what just happened?! Rion… what happened to you?!

I can’t believe this.

I can’t believe what I just saw!

Then suddenly, from my sides, I see him peak his head through the entrance. “Can you like, open the door for me.”

WH-WHAT?! H-he just spoke as if nothing happened!

He pushed me to the floor! That’s almost immoral for him to do! What happened to him? He was completely different a few hours ago! What just happened?!

Then from this, the anger inside me is triggered. I regain my posture instantly, flexing my legs and finding myself back on my feet. I approach Rion as fast as I can, then grabbing his shoulders vigorously. As soon as I’m next to him, I couldn’t think of what I should say; too many things are jumping up and down in my head.

“What happened to you!?” I let out all the anger that’s buried inside me. “How can you just walk pass me like that while I’m on the floor? And why did you come home so late?!”

… Come on, answer me!

He expressed a face of flabbergast – as if a huge rock was just thrown at him.

“Rion? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong…” he muttered with carelessness.

I take a step forward with disbelief, looking back at his eyes to see if they were still the eyes of the changed Rion I knew.

“Don’t look at me like that!” he exclaimed.

Shock endows me, stimulating my neurons and freezing my figure with hatred.

And maybe… betrayal as well.

“… You’ve changed…?”

“Changed? Why would I ever change? I’m not going to be like that ‘Shamiya’ chick!”

The surge of blistering anger topples up again.

“I can’t stand it! I can’t stand it! Why are you being such a jerk now?!”

It’s as if he lost his memories again! What the heck is happening?! This is unbelievable!

Just when my life started to become so pleasant, why do all the negatives barrage at me all of a sudden!?

I weakly propel both of my palms towards his chest slowly with my eyes shut by the uncontrollable tears.

Then suddenly, my body drops to the floor. With the echoes of footsteps, I hear him walk back into the hotel, and leaving me there… carelessly.

It’s passed about an hour now, and I’m still out in the cold, thinking about how much he changed. He called me a fat cow again, and he left me as if he had no consideration in his surroundings. Fat cow, fat cow – no! Shut up! I suddenly find myself propelling my leg up in the air in anger.

Did something happen to him today? Why was he covered in blood?

But with the grasping feel of incredulity, I can’t move an inch, nor can I lift myself up. If I come to the room, and see him not caring of my presence, I don’t know how much my desperation will exceed.

Straight away, when I saw his eyes and the tone he spoke, he’s a completely different person. Compared to the changed Rion, he would never leave me like that…

Only the Rion who lost his job, would leave me like that. Something happened to him… but what?

Why did he come home so late?

Why is he drenched in blood?

Why is he… back to his rebellious personality?

My strength finally returned. I stand up, running to my room and opening the weak, wooden door in such a fast pace. I watch him sleeping on his bed peacefully as if nothing has happened. I approach him closer, and find a large bruise engraved on his forehead, with partial marks of blood leaving his scalp and ears. What could this mean?

Did someone do something to his head?

Who must have done it? Could this be the reason why he’s acting differently now?

Instantly, with fear and intrigue dominating my mind, I unsheathe a part of his blanket as his body leans to the side of the bed that’s closer to me, to reveal his pale blood-covered arm.

... He didn’t take a shower. Gross.

Should I try curing him? Maybe not? He might explode?

But wait – there aren’t any wounds engraved on his arm – it’s just full of blood.

Then if there aren’t wounds, what if the blood on his hand is from someone else’s body…? By any chance?

That’s it…

I give up.

It’s the next day now, and I’m alone in recess. Rion didn’t want to go to school, since he completely didn’t know what he was meant to do in school. He completely had no memory of going to school, and no memory of all the things I taught him about graphics.

It’s as if, he’s a completely different person again...

We had a small fight, but due to his stupid comebacks, he wasn’t worthy for me to keep asking him to go to school. I sit under the tree in the centre of a grassy field and chewing on my favourite food – banana. But as soon as I gulped the last bit, a group of students approach me. Surprisingly, they’re all guys.

“Well if isn’t Seobi.” they expressed a tone of vehemence and stepping right in front of me as if I’m going to be bullied.

“Wh-What’s wrong?”

“Do you feel satisfied?”

What’s this person talking about?

“Satisfied? Satisfied of what?”

The group suddenly keeps silent – but I still suspected an itch of anger urging to burst out of all of them.

“Hey, didn’t they confirm that Seobi wasn’t a culprit?” One of them broke the silence.

“… They did. But, what’s their evidence?”

“Those purple-mineral fragments were found all over the wounds of her body – inside and outside. And… don’t you remember Rion having that, instead of Seobi?”

“You mean that needle we all saw?”

What are they talking about? It’s as if they’re implying that Rion did something to Priscilla.

“Wait –” I interrupted them. “May I know what you are all talking about?”

…

I sensed them inhibiting themselves from telling – intending to look away and keeping silent.

Until one of them steps forward…

“I didn’t think you were involved, Seobi. But Priscilla is dead.”

Priscilla is – what?!

… Excuse me? What did I just – what?

I stand up instantly with intrigue and a speck of disbelief engulfing my heart.

“… Sorry, what?”

I take a few steps back in shock after what I heard –

What? Priscilla’s dead? And, it’s because of Rion?

“It’s because of that purple needle that she’s dead! Now where is he?”

Then suddenly, a forgotten memory strikes me –

The time when he was in the main oval with Priscilla, a day after he threw his fist to my face. Why did all the audience gather around him?

It’s because, something came out of his hand.

And I think… the reason why Rion didn’t want to get close to me all this time, or even touch me, was so that the needle doesn’t reveal itself.

But what is that purple texture? I’ve never seen it in Brigadonia, ever. And why is it originating from Rion?

But Priscilla… she’s dead. How can she be dead? I just saw her a few days ago!

Oh no… Priscilla…

“Oi! Tell me where Rion is!” I heard one of them exclaim with pure anger.

“Why should I tell you?”

“Damn it – since I think you’re hot, and that you’re pretty famous in this school, I’ll let you go.”

Sorrow suddenly trembles my every movement.

Priscilla’s dead.

But I don’t understand. There must be a misunderstanding to this. Rion couldn’t have killed Priscilla, even if he’s back to his rebellious personality now!

But – I can’t even really confirm that.

Rion… why were your arms covered in blood last night? Were they of someone else’s’?

The group of boys walk away from me, until one of them come back in a hurried pace. “I’m just saying, you two are kicked out of this school.”

… Sorry? What did I just here?

My head flexes instantly to face the student who told me that.

“What?!”

How can I – what? Me? What did I – No! Is it because of Rion?

“Just go to the office and see for yourself.”

I propel my legs and run to the school office with anxiety. I approach the entrance, knocking on the door vigorously and hearing the manager call out “Come in!”

I enter, and find her leaning on the chair in calm. Alright – let’s get to the point.

“Am I… kicked out from this school?”

I watch her stare at me for a few seconds, then pushing her chair back and regaining her standing posture. “Look, your friend killed a student. Straight away, that told us that we shouldn’t even have any Briteria members in our school.”

Excuse me? What did you just say?!

I look at her in disbelief. She just… blatantly stereotyped us.

“Your race is completely different from ours! We’re normal, and you guys are like aliens to us.”

Damn it. Stereotypical jerks – as Rion says.

I hammer her desk to express my furiousness.

“How can you say that?! We’re humans just like you!”

“Look!” She expressed her anger through the same way. “It’s my responsibility to protect the students in this school! If you don’t abide with my rules, then you should talk to the Knights of Junquious about this issue!”

“Then I wi-”

“Yeah, do that. And I’ll tell them that your friend murdered one of the students in this school! Do you know what they’ll do? They’ll banish you from Junquious!”

Oh my god…

I stay still in incredulity – shocked at what I just heard. We’re back to where we started…

Being marginalised, and looked down upon by others.

“Now get out of here!” the manager exclaimed once more. Slowly, I depart from the room, taking my bag with me and just marching my way away from the school. I’ve had enough of this. First it was Rion’s changed persona, then us being kicked out.

... It’s all part of my test.

I depart from the school grounds in the middle of recess – walking in such a vehement pace. I see the people around me in the sides of my vision, staring at me as the silence diffuses into the atmosphere.

Goodbye… everyone.

Goodbye, Rion and Priscilla…

I arrive home, feeling fury tremble throughout the blood of my body. I approach Rion in such a vehement pace, and slam my hands on the part of the table in front of him.

“Rion…”

I’ve got too many things to say to him right now…

I don’t exactly know where to start.

“Rion, where were you last night?” I tried muttering and holding my anger as much as I can.

What’s with that look you’re giving me?!

He delivers a peculiar look at me as he stops drawing pictures on an A-four piece of paper.

“I woke up in some grassy field.”

“Why were you drenched in blood?”

“I have no clue.” He continues on drawing.

… Oh my god. He seriously doesn’t know what’s going on.

“RION! YOU’RE ACCUSED FOR MURDER!”

Yeah – that’s right. Show me that shocked look.

“My entire career is destroyed because of you! And it’s all because you murdered a girl!”

“Murdered a girl…? Who? You’re the only girl I talk to.”

… What? Why does it seem like he’s confused to what I’m saying?

Why does it seem like he’s back to the Rion who lost his job? Could he have actually lost his memory somehow? He doesn’t even know who Priscilla is?!

“Rion – who’s Priscilla?”

“Priscilla?”

He pauses slightly, and I detect him dwelling into his memories.

“I’ve heard someone mentioning that name before, and I remember myself in a really, really weird place.”

… Huh?

“Weird… place?”

“Yeah – there were huge moving pictures everywhere. But, I had this intense migraine and I wasn’t even able to open my eyes properly. And then this guy…”

“… Who? A guy?”

“I heard a voice of a man saying – ‘Now time for me to change your amygdale back to how it was before you met Priscilla. Then I’ll reset your central nervous system and your entire brain.’”

… What? What kind of person would say something like that?

How can you reset the amygdale? And the central nervous system?

What’s going on?!

“I don’t even know what all those terms mean, so can you just leave me alone now?”

You don’t even know how much destruction I’m experiencing.

Careless jerk.

But still, I’m sure something odd happened to him. Someone is manipulating with his life – and that’s probably the reason why he isn’t like the Rion who knew Priscilla, and the Rion who was back in Brigadonia.

He’s different… he changed again.

Something happened to him – and I have a feeling that someone is responsible for this change.

What am I going to do now? There’s no way we can get a proper career in the future through school work. And the only thing we can do now is to work in a job that doesn’t require much training, or skills.

I take a deep breath, intending to clear all the anger that’s been buried into my body. What kind of things can I do though? I guess I’ll go outside and search for something.

By reminding myself continuously that I’m back to where I started, it just indulges me with such sorrow. It feels like the beginning again – where we were segregated and known for our unusual acts in the Briteria family. But now, we’re known for murdering an innocent person.

I take another deep breath.

Priscilla… I’m not even sure if you’re still alive or not. But if you are, it would be quite pleasant to see you again.

I guess… I still can’t accept the fact that she’s gone.

So now, if there’s anyone who would stop me just because of my physical appearance, then I’ll certainly kill them.

I’ve already had enough – seriously.

Right after I stand up, Rion, who was sitting on the dining table, calls out.

“Where are you going?”

“Going to get a job.”

“Let me come with you!”

I didn’t feel like saying anything to him, so I simply walk off by myself as if I ignored him. But still, this question deludes me – has he forgotten who Priscilla is too?

Well, regardless if he has or not, I’ll still remember you, Priscilla Edenburgh.

As I step out of the hotel, I see a sheet pinned to a poke next to the door.

‘Britenzo Krieghart – MISSING – you’ll be rewarded!’

Britenzo…

Isn’t that Rion’s friend?

I have to go back and tell him!

But as soon as I turn around, his figure is already behind me. I watch him walk closely to it in incredulity, and reluctantly ‘taking it in’.

“Britenzo… what happened to you in my absence?”

Despite myself not knowing him too well, I still feel rather shocked that a person like him is ‘missing’.

It was Priscilla… and now it’s Britenzo. What’s going on in this world?!

Suddenly, I feel the presence of a cold hand pulling on my left arm. “Seobi! We’re going to find him!”

Did he just ask me to find him? And help him?

I guess, it slightly reminds me of the Rion back then. But I have to remember, that he’s now a different person.

He might’ve even forgotten about that birthday present I gave him.

Oh well…

As for what’s in front of me, I’ve never actually volunteered to do these kinds of things – volunteering to help in an investigation and being rewarded – but can’t we just let the Knights of Junquious perform the investigation? Despite him being Rion’s friend, do I have to help?

Plus – I’m already tired from all the things that just happened.

I don’t exactly feel like moving on just yet…

My motivation was just destroyed yesterday, particularly after seeing Rion behave like that.

I guess I can say that, I feel rather bad for choosing this way. But, I’ve literally already had enough… I want to do something else that does not involve Rion.

“Rion, you do it yourself. I’m going to look for another job.” I represented my carelessness. Instantly, I turned away from Rion, departing from him and beginning to walk on the main street.

But a part of me wanted to turn around and see if he had a response.

In order for me to suffice for the guilt I have for him, I turn around and see him folding his arms with a rather dismal expression. “You hate me that badly?”

What did he just say? I hate him? That’s funny Rion.

Rion completely has no clue how much I’ve been through. Yeah, I actually do hate you – but – why – because he’s treating me dreadfully like normal? Most of my anger is focused on how he lost his memories again…

And perhaps, he isn’t actually responsible…

I run up to him in haste, watching him tilt his head towards my direction. “Rion.” I began with a vehement tone. “Do you remember who Priscilla is?”

Instantly, he replies –

“No.”

As expected. He lost his memories again. And that’s something that he can’t change, so I don’t think he deserves to have myself hate him because of that.

For his rebellious personality, I’ve been with it for four years already – hence, it doesn’t compel me with anguish.

So then, I’ve made up my mind –

“Alright, whatever, I’ll help you.”

Happy now? Huh?

I look at Rion’s face, but then he only locks his view at me expressionlessly.

No gratitude at all?

He then walks away to an office nearby. I follow him, and find a large sign on its roof saying:

‘The Hall of Heroes’

Heroes? Oh, I guess what I’ve agreed to do with Rion is a rather, heroic act. But it’s simply finding a missing person – though, then again, what if that missing person was kidnapped?

Hopefully Rion will enjoy this investigation, since he has an ambition to becoming a hero. It’s his turn to embrace his future. I’ve already tried mine, and I failed. Maybe I’m here now because Rion will be successful in the future?

‘Everyone inside the ‘Hall of Heroes’ is here to accomplish mysteries and investigations for a substantial amount of cash’ I just read on the noticeboard.

It’s kind of like ‘Bounty Hunting’, I guess.

On my right is the counter, with an officer with yellow, wavy hair. I’m guessing he’s the one who prepares the investigations for us.

On my left, there’s a large hall where people are socialising, eating-up, drinking, and looking at the numerous ‘wanted’ posters there are. Who knew that there will be so many criminals in such a small island!

I see Rion coming up to the counter and asking to begin the ‘Britenzo Investigation’. The man takes out his drawer and searches through a never-ending amount of A-four papers. He flips almost every page until I hear him mutter –

“Britenzo Krieghart”

He takes a sheet from the drawer and places it on the desk in front of Rion. “So –” The man began with such a lazy and indolent tone.

“Do you both fill in these criteria?” he gestures at the sheet he’s holding. In order for us to begin the investigation, Rion and I have to be above eighteen for safety-sake. But with Rion’s compelling urge to find Britenzo, and the indolent mood of the man, we find ourselves signing up for the investigation.

I’m not sure if by persuading him we were lucky or unlucky –

“Alright, so the reward is two thousand coins, guys.”

Two thousand!?

“TWO THOUSAND?!” Rion imitated exactly what I said in my mind.

Wait a second! How much can we do with two-thousand? Rion’s income per-week is only one percent of that!

Wait – this might actually be the next path of where my happiness may lie!

Okay – let’s take this new path, and let’s perform this investigation!

Seconds later, Rion grabs my hand and takes me out of the door. The officer looks at me with a delightful smile –

“Don’t die.”

Priscilla – maybe this will be my chance to actually save myself from being poor?

Thank you so much for supplying the money I needed the other day.

I’ll always remember you.

Well, Rion seems rather enthusiastic.

“Alright!” Rion releases my hand and branches his hand out to the sky. “So, where are we going to start?”

Exactly, this is an investigation. How the heck will we start?I’ve never experienced myself solving a mystery like this.

“I don’t know. How am I supposed to know? You’re also the one who initially decided that we should get through with this investigation – so why ask me?”

Rion folds his arms and dozes off to the sky. I lean my back to a random wall and waiting for his response.

“I know!” he flexed his index finger to gesture an idea. “Let’s find clues!”

Clues… is he just referring ideas from a board game that we’ve played when we were kids?

So ridiculous. Yeah – we’ll find Britenzo soon.

Wait –

How can he refer to ideas from the games we played back when we were kids?He forgot his memories.

Wait a second –

An idea suddenly rises to my mind – though, this has nothing to do with the Britenzo investigation, and I should’ve thought about it years ago.

“Rion, the Knights of Junquious, do you think they’ve halted their investigation of the destruction of Brigadonia?”

A few days after our home was destroyed, the Knights from this city came by to investigate what happened.

“I don’t know. Do you want to see?”

The General is really familiar with Rion and me. He has a kind, generous personality that can transform into a manipulating and corrosive one. Ever since our home was destroyed, he kept mailing us about the evidences found that proves that a Briteria user was the one responsible. I remember him saying in a letter –

“… a few of our Knights found strange, blue fluorescent coloured crystallised stones scattered around the castle…”

And in fact, that’s true. Because I still remember that tragic day, when everything was being obliterated by an unnatural storm of blue-coloured stones. It seemed like a meteor shower.They crushed the lives of so many of my family members – wrecking havoc,by as well, crushing the castle structures with weights of numerous tonnes.

But I wonder – who could’ve done that?

By taking this journey, will I somehow find out?

Rion and I finally arrive in the Knights’ academy. Despite the General being a General, Rion and I have the authority to interview him when it’s necessary.

Suddenly, a Knight approaches us. “With honour, Miss Briteria –” He bowed with politeness. “Why are you here?”

“We’re here to see General Kepunzel. It’s regarding a certain investigation.”

“Which?”

“The Destruction of Brigadonia?”

“Sorry, that investigation was cancelled years ago.”

What? Cancelled!? How can Kepunzel do that?

“What?! Why?”

He’s someone who’s always persistent in his investigations! How can he just… cancel it?

That’s it –

I run off up the stairs with Rion behind me, and hearing the alertness of the other Knights. “He ordered all of us to let him be!” I heard another exclaiming vehemently. I don’t care if I can’t see him! But I know that this isn’t right!

Desperation surrounded my blood, and I continue ignoring the other Knights chasing me from my behind. I crash in the General’s door, and attempting to force myself to get in. “Seobi! You’re crazy! Do you know where we are?!”

I don’t care how scared you are and I don’t care where we are, Rion.

I continue pushing my figure at the door, with a tone of weakness –

“General! Why did you stop that investigation?!”

Suddenly, the door breaks open.

Uh – what? What’s going on here?

The feeling of sorrow transforms into confusion –

The room is empty.

Due to the silence in the atmosphere, I can tell that all the others Knights behind me realise the same thing. With their shocked faces, they barge into the room like I did.

“What is this nonsense?!”

Something obviously isn’t right. The General of the highest level of Knights in this whole island, is missing? I decide to look around if there are any notes or such. But, there isn’t. First the death of Priscilla, then Britenzo, now Kepunzel?

Is this world okay?

I turn around in haste; running down the stairs and feeling my body halt itself once I hear a familiar voice on my right. “The investigation of Brigadonia was cancelled because it was insignificant. We had to halt it in order to search for the missing individuals across Britoniah.”

It’s the Knight from before – the one I spoke to earlier.

But what he said – is it true? Did they really cancel the investigation?!

Without my eyes even looking at his, I fall disbelief possess me and I fall to the gound in shock.

They all forsook our family.

But remember, it’s to save other people Seobi – I attempted to regain myself with righteousness. With fury filling my heart, I ram my figure to the exit and finding myself on the footpath of Junquious yet again.

But then, an annoying voice echoes from my behind.

“Hey, don’t do that again! If the General was actually there, what would he have done to you?” Rion released his rage.

He wouldn’t have done anything to me you imbecile.

Rion forgot his family due to his odd memory loss, and now he wants me to forget it by making me stay away from the General?

No, I will never forget my family. I don’t care if you want to stop me Rion, but I actually have care for the ones who nurtured me ever since I was born.

So shut up, Rion.

With my continued fury, I rotate my body vehemently in the direction of Rion.

“Shut it. You don’t know anything.”

I turned back to the direction I was walking –

Wow! What was that?!

Then, I accidentally ram into a woman carrying numerous instruments.

“Hey! Look what you did!” she expressed her shock.

Oh no – what have I done? Everything is on the floor, and I feel somewhat embarrassed for what I’ve done…

The feeling of anger transforms into empathy –

“Sorry, I’ll pick it up for you.”

As soon as I branch my hand out and laying myself to the ground, she whispered corrosively. “Don’t touch it”

What? You don’t want my help?

She repels my hand while I continue watching her collect all the instruments, then seeing her walking away with a slight murmur – “Stupid Briteria users.”

She just… leaves me on the floor. Can this day get any worse?

I continue staring emotionlessly at the floor with incredulity, until Rion blocks my view. For some reason, I’m not surprised, but he offers his hand. “Here, grab my hand.”

I stare at him dreadfully and slap his hand away. “I don’t need your help. I’m not that weak.”

Chapter 8 – Rion – Are we friends or enemies?

Tch, is that how you want to play Seobi? I’ve been trying to be nice t you, and this is how you react? To be honest, I can’t care less about the destruction of our home. Would it even give me a clue to the reason why I lost my memory? Because, honestly, that’s the only thing I care about, other than the reason why Britenzo is gone.

I walk ahead, leaving Seobi about ten metres behind me. She deserves to be left –

I mean, she doesn’t want my help so, that’s fine with her.

I won’t help you then. That’s fine with me – it just makes me know that you’re not worthy to be helped by me.

… Singing? Do I hear singing?

Suddenly, the anger I have for her shifts into a rather astonished mood. I overhear the sound of cheering, as if a performance is going on. I continue following the source of the sound as it leads me to the centre of the city. An audience gathers around a stage in front of a large fountain.

And there she is – my favourite performer, Emelseah Thompson.

She’s a famous celebrity known across Britoniah. I love her voice and her extraordinary looks. There was one time when I attended another performance of her, and she was offering a guy to dance with her. With passion, I was chosen. The audience continues cheering for her with such joy, as if there’s no sadness at all in this world –

“You go Emelseah!”

“Thanks guys!” I heard her cute voice.

I stand a distance away from the audience and feel myself being entertained by the song she’s singing. Through my sides, I hear an individual sitting herself down on a chair nearby.

It’s Seobi.

She doesn’t like music for some reason. All that she told me was – ‘… it hinders you from your religion. Except, you completely forgot everything, so why would you care?’

Religion… to be honest I have no clue to what that is.

Suddenly, I hear Seobi mutter something. “Is she really that interesting?” she expressed it in such careless satisfaction.

After I told her that I lost my job, I had this new feeling for her – a feeling of empathy. But due to the way she reacted to it, I don’t think she deserves it at all.

Meh, who cares about that fat cow?

I look away from her carelessly, and continue watching the amazing performance. Surely, when a dance is performed in synchronisation, it just looks so fantastic! Have I ever have an ambition to becoming a dancer? No, no, that will be horrifying. Plus, I won’t be able to help people when they need it. Being a hero is my first priority.

The music unexpectedly leads to a halt, and then Emelseah begins speaking out. “Hey guys!” She announced with great passion. “I’m getting married!”

Huh? She’s getting married? To whom?!

In an instant, the guys in the audience fall to the ground in flabbergast, while the girls cheer for her. Out of the crowd, one of the guys ask her who she’s being married to –

“You all know him – he’s name is Jeon!”

Jeon! He’s that other male singer who’s always performing solo-songs!

Now, the girls fall to agape, and the guys cheer for him.

But then, something else through my sides catches my attention =

“… Dogs...” Seobi muttered.

Dogs? The closest thing to a dog is you, Seobi. When you get angry, you act like a dog taking down its prey.

I avoid Seobi’s figure, and ignoring what she said. I watch a man from the crowd emerge and approach Emelseah to deliver a kiss on the cheek.

Wow! That guy is lucky!

A slight feeling of jealousy hits me, but I’m sure I’m not fit for someone like Emelseah. She’s in a completely higher league than I am.

Yeah – it’ll take years to get out of this league I’m in…

The crowd falls into a mixture of shouts and cheers, while I just stand in my spot, keeping silent.

I guess by standing here, I’m not progressing on helping Britenzo.

Well – I’ve put it on a lower priority, and I know that the Knights of Junquious will find him soon anyway.

I turn around, looking for where Seobi went, then finding her about ten metres ahead of me. “Wai-wait up!” I began chasing after her.

Why is she leaving me? Does she want to go look for Britenzo now? If she does, why doesn’t she work together with me?

Did we confirm that we would?

Then when I finally catch up, I grab her shoulders and express my annoyance. “What’s wrong with you?”

Wow – why are you so mad?

Instantly, she spins her body rigorously to my direction. “Can you just stop bothering me? God” She expressed her words vehemently.

Then, the dilemma hits me –

Should I stay watching the performance, or go after Seobi? Come on man –

I turn around, and take a few steps forward for Seobi. “Hey, wait up!”

I find myself in Brigadonia by following Seobi. She takes a deep breath, and lies down on the grassy floor. “… So, we came all this way to take a rest?”

Obviously, she ignores me. Oh well, I think girls are like that. Ignore, ignore, ignore, ignore all day!

“Yeah, that’s right Seobi, keep ignoring me.” I muttered sarcastically in annoyance.

Wait – when I think about it, the only girl I’ve spoken to is Seobi. I’m sure there are nicer girls out there, like Emelseah, but Seobi is just retarded.

Hmm, there aren’t many things to do here. Doesn’t she know that I’m here to comfort her? I mean, just yesterday I lost my job, didn’t I?

And I was just hanging around in the city for hours, not doing anything!

I did that, because I wanted to avoid her and continue hiding the secret…

It turns out it was a bad move, so I thought it would be okay for me to comfort her after she realised that I lost my job!

Well, she probably doesn’t realise it. So – oh well, I’ll just go. If she doesn’t want to get comforted, then I’ll just go.

“Alright, I’m going to stop comforting you. Bye!” I said with careless satisfaction.

And then, I hear her muttering. “Tch, comforting? Go away, imbecile.”

Did she just call me an imbecile again?

Oh well. Stuff her.

I take a step forward, rotating my body, and journeying my way back to Junquious. Ha, I wonder when Seobi will ever grow up.

Ignore me aye? Yeah, do that. In the future, I bet you’ll do that to your husband, imbecile.

So, I’ll probably watch the performance again once I get back to Junquious. Emelseah is so pretty! I wish she was my wife! But, she’s like, twelve years older than me.

Haha, that’s kind of scary!

The atmosphere suddenly gets so silent once I leave Seobi.

Oh – well, is she following me now? What are those sounds from my back?

Out of the blue, I hear footsteps behind me. I turn around, thinking that it’s Seobi, but realising that no one’s there.

That’s odd.

I find myself shrugging, and continue my journey back to Junquious.

I arrive in the eastern district, but finding no one around.

Strange – why is it empty?

Wow! What was that?!

I feel the wind of an object fly pass my face and pinning the ground. It’s a knife –

With fear and compelling shock, I look at the dead-sharp blade once again and consider how lucky I was for it to have just missed me.

That was indeed, really close.

But, can this person take me?

I mean, take on someone like ‘me’?

“Hey, wherever you are, I’m not an easy target you know!” I said with such eloquence to diminish my fear.

Then instantly, more of those knives pierce the air around me from all directions.

Okay, screw that! I’m running!

I run to a random direction ahead of me, avoiding them and finding myself in an alleyway randomly. What’s going on? Geez – those knives certainly can kill!

Oh wait – I think they were meant to kill me.

As I stick my body to the wall, a feminine figure runs towards the alleyway I’m in and hides inside like me. Wait a second –

“What are you doing here, Seobi?”

“What are you doing here?”

“No, I asked first.”

Suddenly – the both of us are hypnotised by the sound of running footsteps.

The sound dominates the silent atmosphere, and it gets louder and louder – closer and closer. As Seobi and I pin ourselves to the walls of the alleyway, a small group of people – including Emelseah, surprisingly – run in such fast pace pass the entrance of the alleyway. Strange, why isn’t Emelseah doing her performance?

“Come back Reaperion!” I heard Emelseah’s voice of vehemence. I wonder what’s happening. I release myself from the walls of the alleyway, while Seobi watches my every move.

“What are you doing?” She muttered. I depart the alleyway slowly and find myself on the clean concrete path. Those guys… I have to follow them.

“Seobi, let’s go.” I grabbed her hand and running rigorously through the same tracks as Emelseah and her group took.

But then, something else takes my attention –

My hand, I’m no longer holding Seobi’s.

“Seobi, let’s go!”

… She isn’t responding. And for some reason, she’s looking down on the hand that I grabbed.

Why? Did it hurt when I grabbed you? Well someone needs to work on their muscles!

But as soon as I put myself back to my running pace, they disappear into another alleyway. Damn it Junquious, why do you have to have so many alleyways?

We both begin following their tracks again, but halt at a Y-intersection.

“Do we go left or right?”

Suddenly, we both hear the sound of screaming from our right. I take a step forward, until Seobi pins me to the wall.

“What?!” I expressed my astonishment. “Shh –”

I wonder a bit – why did she pin me to a wall near the entrance of the intersection?But then, I realise that there are two individuals at the right side of the intersection that we were going to run towards.

And now, we’re eavesdropping.

There’s a girl on the floor with vermillion hair, probably in the same ages as Seobi and I. In front of her, I see a black-haired male adult resting his hands on his waist and leaning his head close to the girl on the floor.

It seems like, she’s being interrogated.

And luckily, they can’t see us. We’re still hiding ourselves behind a wall on the entrance of the intersection. They were still about twenty metres away from us.

“If you ever escape again, I’ll truly shed your blood on my blade.” The man expressed a tone of vehemence.

“What’s the point?” We both heard the girl in desperation and fear. “You’ll still kill me if I stay where I am!”

Wow! She’s really helpless! We have to help her!

Suddenly, Seobi and I both jump in shock after hearing the sound of metal falling to the floor. “I want to go home…” I heard her echoing one of fear once again.

We both continue standing on our spot silently with guilt building up in both of us.

Who is that man? Could he be the reason why people are missing, by any chance?

That’s just a simple guess – but despite that, I have to help this girl. I’m a hero, so shouldn’t I have the protection of the girl as my first priority? Suddenly, we both hear the sound of a manly scream.

Seobi and I turn around in shock, and find the young girl placing her mouth on the man’s hand, and biting it as hard as she can. The man exclaimed his horror, he releases his hand, finding it bleeding, and let’s go of the young girl as she flees to our direction.

She’s coming to our direction.

Seobi and I look at each other in a fast pace, and planning to take action as soon as possible. “What do we do?”

I don’t know! What do we do?!

“Damn it, where are the Knights?”

Instantly, the young girl passes us without even realising we were there. “Seobi, go tell the Knights.”

Oh – that felt pretty good saying that!

“I’ll stop this guy for now!”

Okay, I’m screwed.

Seobi instantly nods and disappears to the central district.

Alright – just do your best, okay?

I prepare my fists, and being ready for a barraging.

“Oh no! Duck!”

The teenage girl continues running, until I see an object suddenly fly through the air and striking her back rigorously. She falls to the floor, and I stay in my position, preparing to deliver my first strike to the man. Without thinking, I stick my foot out and successfully tripping the man –

Wow, aren’t I lucky?

As I see the man hit the floor violently, I jump on his back with haste and disarming the swords he was holding. I take one, and locking his head with my right arm to the floor. I gesture at the young girl, and exclaimed.

“Run! It’s your chance!”

As soon as I said that, the man throws a chain to the young girls’ leg, and locking her in position.

No you don’t!

With his other free hand, he pushes the ground to lift himself from the immobilised position I caused. I fall off his back, with a slight expectation, and seeing the man turning around to kick my figure at a random direction.

Damn it! That hurt! How did he recover so quickly?

He strikesme vigorously on the bricked wall; feeling myself slightly stunned by the impact.

At this moment, I know that I’m not being a hero. I’m just being an idiot – or as Seobi said, an imbecile.

The man walks up to me slowly with such a vehement look. On his hand I see a chain leading to the ankle of the young girl being pinned to the floor.

He picks up one of the swords that I disarmed from him earlier.

And now, when I look at the blade, it looks rather… unusual.

The material is made from such a purple, luminescent colour with numerous red veins engulfing it.

Rion! You’re stalling for too long! Get back to your guard!

As I attempt to regain my posture from the bricked wall, I feel his hand clench my neck and lifting it up to the air.

“… Are you really a Bayerische?” He muttered silently.

What the heck are you saying…?

Then instantly, he drops me to the ceramic floor as if I’m a stick.

Am I Bayerische? What’s that supposed to mean?

Suddenly, he prepares the sword with the odd, crystallised purple texture, and plunges it into my –

…

I scream in agony.

My shoulder is experiencing so much pain –

It’s just so excruciating, and I’ve never felt a feeling like this before.

It really hurts – it hurts so much!

The pain is immense! And I can feel it piercing my bones and my muscle!

Oh no – what is he going to do?!

As the purple crystal blade stays inside my shoulder, I suddenly scream in pain –

He strikes the blade vertically downwards slowly, and feel as if my parts of my arm have been lashed off –

“It hurts! It hurts! Stop it!”

Please! Seobi, help me!

Then, as he bestows immense strength on his hilt, he plunges it downwards abruptly –

AGH! IT HURTS!

It caused my right arm to – no, and I can’t feel it anymore – I can’t feel my right arm!

My arm… my arm…

Please, someone help me.

It hurts so much! The pain is excruciating!

I open my eyes, and find blood sprouting rigorously out of my right shoulder – and fear bolsters inside my heart.

As I look beside the foot of the man, I see my right arm separate from my body.

He slashed my arm off.

I look at it with such compelling fear and pain. Screaming my throat out with the muscles I still have left in my body.

My vision starts to blur out, and I can feel a strong migraine emerging from the back of my head. I think… I’ve lost too much blood.

Oh – have the Knights finally arrived?

In my blurry view, I see two individuals in the distance –one with red hair and the other with blue. I hear one of them call out my name, but I can’t even distinguish whose voice it is.

I see the man’s face right in front of mine – except, it’s all blurry. I close my eyes again, leaving my body to recuperate itself –

Until –

His face flies off metres away by a kick.

“Don’t you dare touch Rion!” I heard Seobi exclaim vehemently.

She comes to my aid and I hear her gasp dreadfully.

She probably saw my shoulder.

I can feel her hand on the part of my arm that’s still left, and it’s as if she’s blocking the loss of blood.

Then suddenly, she grasps my other hand tightly –

“Don’t worry, I’m here for you. Please don’t die.”

She’s here for me…? Please don’t die? Seobi, you don’t usually say those things to me.

“Please work! Please work!”

Suddenly, I hear the rapid, incredulous breathing of Seobi. It’s as if she’s hyperventilating, for me.

For me… she’s putting all this effort for me.

I can even feel her tears falling to my shirt.

I continue to hear her reciting verses of some sort, and finding her to burst into tears after each one.

I guess…it isn’t working?

“No! Why?!” She expressed her incredulity. “No! Not now! Please!”

Then suddenly, she halts her recitation and begins murmuring calmly.

“Mummy... how did you do it?”

Mu-mummy?! I’ve never heard that from her before!

As my eyes continue to be closed, I feel the splatter of blood pounding on my face. I start to regain my view, and seeing Seobi’s figure covered by blood. Though, the blood wasn’t from my shoulder, but it was from her hand.

There’s a large wound on her hand.

It looks like some sort of symbol –

Chapter 9 – Seobi – I’m more than a doctor

Why can’t I at least seal the part of his shoulder where his arm came off? Why did it work on a dog, but not on an actual human being? Just the moment when I needed it most, it doesn’t work!

Damn it – is it because the last time I did such a thing, was almost a week ago?

If I hadn’t of left school, I guess I would still be quite sure how I was to do the cure.

What did Annelie tell me in those classes? What did Priscilla tell me?

Come on, despite it being sometime ago, I should still remember how to perform the cure!

No, this can’t be happening! No! I can’t lose Rion, he’s the only person I have left in my family!

Even though he’s lost his memories for the second time, I still need to protect him! I don’t’ care if he’s lost his memories! He needs to be alive with me!

Despite him being a jerk, he still needs to be with me!

… He’s still a human being and he’s someone who I’ll never leave behind!

There must be a way for me to cure him!

I don’t care about anything anymore now! I don’t even care if the man who did this to Rion is right behind me!

I know that Rion is currently losing too much blood, since his face is pale as a sheet of paper!

Does the curing only seem to work if there’s a certain amount of blood in the human body? Damn it – if only my family was here, this wouldn’t have to happen. If we actually lived a proper life, this wouldn’t have to happen. I want them all back – I want my family back! I want to relive those times I had with everyone!

And why is that symbol appearing on my hand again?

It’s the same symbol that caused the cat to explode on my first day of school!

No. I don’t want Rion to explode!

Please!

I find myself slamming the ground in anguish –

“I WANT MY FAMILY BACK!”

…

Wait – what did I just do?!

A blue fluorescent light suddenly engulfs me, and the ground around me disperses into atomic bits.

I also find my skin glowing so brightly.

Wait a second – I don’t feel angry anymore – and it’s as if all of my fear and anguish disappears instantly by these beautifying luminous lights surrounding me.

These illuminating particles merge together on the part of Rion’s arm that’s cut off, and forming a bright blue coloured stone.

… Oh my god – this is amazing…!

I stare at it; and feeling as if I haven’t blinked for the past dozensof seconds –

“That’s incredible…”

These particles then reassemble and take the shape of –

“My arm… it’s coming back.”

His arm… I’m reconstructing his arm!

It’s amazing!

I watch Rion moving the arm that was created by the luminescent particles – rotating, flexing his fingers and lifting his elbow repeatedly. And then suddenly, his pale skin colour takes over the blue texture.

Oh my god – what did I just do?

“Seobi… thank you.”

Surprisingly, Rion regains his posture in front of me.

I did it… and I think that, this isn’t the power of curing, but it’s the power of Briteria.

And Rion thanked me again. Just like, how he was, before Priscilla disappeared…

Wait – Rion! Don’t be too hasty!

Rion runs towards the unusual man who’s still in devastation from what I did, and plunges his fist straight into his abdomen. By the impact, the man releases the chain that was pinning the young teenager from her freedom and takes a few steps back with devastation. He stops as soon as his behind strikes a wall – then digging into his pocket and smashing a dark stone to the concrete floor and pauses for a bit.

“… Briteria users.”

A dark gaseous texture surrounds him and dissipates through the atmosphere, leaving no remains.

…

We’ve done it.

I stay on the floor, engulfed by the pure amazement at what I just saw.

I’m a Briteria user – and yes, I agree. But is that what it meant?

Could it be that, those particles roaming in the air before were Briteria? And I was the one controlling them?

I’m part of the Shwanseah family – and this is what I’m good at!

This was the talent that Brizenska Shwanseah – the first ancestor in my family – had!

And now, I have that talent too!

Oh my god! Rion! I’m so happy!

I regain my posture and find myself subtly expressing a delightful smile to Rion. He scans the arm that I reconstructed, and approaches me in haste.

“H-How did you reconstruct my arm?” I sensed how bewildered he is.

I examined his arm once again, and finding that it looks as if it’s supposed to be a part of him.

I take his other arm, and finding them to be both identical. I’ve finally done it. This is my profession!

Seconds later – I find myself jumping on my feet repeatedly.

“I can’t be still from what I did!”

Oh my god! I’m so happy! Could this be the reward from all of those tests I came across?

Ha! I love myself! I can reconstruct Rion’s arm, finally! That means I can almost cure anything! Anything!

I feel so passionate about what I did that I find myself pushing Rion to a wall and running off to an opened area, with my eyes closed and my arms branching out to the sky.

“I reconstructed someone’s hand!”

Am I okay?

As soon as I regain my sanity, I find the young red-haired girl standing in front of me.

“M-M-My back –”

I wonder why she was being pursued. Why was that man after her?

Oh no! Are you okay?

Suddenly she falls to the floor, and I find a small blade plunged into her back. I come to her aid –

“I’ll have to take it out first, alright?”

“Y-yeah, okay.” I sensed how weak she is.

As soon as I grasp the hilt of the blade, she grabs my arm in fear.

Don’t worry – I’ve got this.

“Do it quick…”

In an instant, with the fastest pace, I take the blade out, feeling her repel the feeling of pain intensely by shaking abruptly. I toss the blade away from her, onto the floor –

“Th-thanks again.” She expressed such a weak, soft voice as I fill up the wound on her back with the blue luminescent particles once again.

See? I’ve got everything under control! And that’s all because of these particles!

I grab her hand to manifest my care for her, and looking straight into her eyes of purity. “You’re welcome.”

Rion emerges from her behind, happy for his health, and crouches beside both of us.

“So, who was he?” Rion began.

The two of us stare at each other for a few seconds, until the girl beside us begins to speak.

“He’s the reason why people are missing in Junquious.”

That man… is the kidnapper.

Could he also be the reason why Britenzo is gone as well?

If so, this is a good start to the investigation!

Out of the blue, Rion takes her shoulders and looks at her eyes vehemently.

“What’s his name? Was Britenzo with you?”

Damn it Rion, give her a break! He didn’t even ask her about her welfare at all!

“Rion! Stop, she needs to take a rest.” I manifested my empathy for her.

“I don’t know his name… and I don’t know who Britenzo is.”

Well of course! How is she meant to know who Britenzo is, even if the kidnapper was actually the man who we encountered before?

“You have to be kidding me!”

Seriously Rion? Just stop already!

Regardless of how incredulous you are about this, you should hold what you say!

With the tension building up on my spine, I take action once again –

“Shut it, Rion.”

I turn my head again to the girl as she begins to speak once again. “I’m Frilldert Lurina, by the way.”

Frilldert Lurina…?

A door opens in my heart, welcoming the new bond of someone –

“I’m Seobi Shwanseah” I take out my hand and shaking Frilldert’s to enhance my introduction. “The guy behind you is Rion Bayerische.”

“Oh, hello.” She greeted Rion politely. “So, you two are from Brigadonia, right?”

Is that… an issue?

“Yep.” I agreed as I shun my slight annoyed feeling. To be honest, I don’t know how I’m feeling annoyed. “So that means, you know about the destruction as well?”

“Yeah, I do. I researched quite a bit of it before I got taken by that freak.” She ended her phrase with a rather serious tone. “Then, once I saw you reconstructing his arm, I kind of expected it from you.”

What? She expected it?! She knew more about me than I do!

Well actually, that’s quite understandable I guess –

Since the Shwanseah family had the special ability to cure wounds. She must’ve suspected something out of the ordinary to come from a Briteria individual like me. Though, I’m still obscure to what the Bayerische and Jeutonburg family can do –

I just, forgot.

“So you know that I can already manipulate Briteria?”

“Yep, exactly. All Briteria users can, right?”

Briteria users... I’m one, but why exactly are we called ‘Briteria users’? Is it because we have the Briteria in our blood, that it makes us have these phenotypes?

Is it because we can use these Briteria?

“Frilldert, what’s Briteria?” I began with intrigue.

“Briteria is the ore that the whole Britoniah fought for in The War of the Britoniah’s Cataclysm.”

That name… I’ve heard it. Annelie’s mentioned to me when I was in the library with her. It’s basically the reason why we Briteria individuals exist. I remember her stating that the four individuals – Brizenska Shwanseah, Salzburg Neuschwenstein, Britelza Bayerische and Falkenstein Jeutonburg – stole an artefact from the king. We didn’t know if they did that for the sake of mankind’s safety, or they did it to lust for power; but now, according to Frilldert, the artefact was Briteria. Since she stated ‘ore’ then I can conclude that it’s a material.

“Do you know why they fought for it?” I kept my tone still and steady with intrigue. “All I remember is that the king back then, wanted it because it looked… beautiful. It was more of a demand than gold, considering the blue luminescent light that it emits when it absorbs sunlight.”

I stare at her eyes in astonishment. The king wanted it for only its looks?

I guess I can also assume that the four individuals took it away from him because it beheld some sort of deadly power – and that deadly power were the abilities of the three Briteria families; where I know now, that the Shwanseah family are able to manipulate it to cure sicknesses and wounds.

Could it be that, this is also the result of our physical characteristics?

“So the bad guy, was the king?” I sensed ambivalence in my words.

“I think so…”

Oh – so then my family were heroes, then?

She suddenly then focuses her eyes onto mine – as if she’s prepared to ask something big. “Would you like to help me save the others?”

Saving the others…

So, there must be much more people who are missing, I’m assuming.

Well – even the General as well…

“Please! With your ability to cure, we’re unbeatable!”

Hmm… I’m not exactly sure yet –

She even has her arms branching out like that. I mean, maybe we might have a chance.

I guess that if we’re able to save Britenzo and the others, Rion and I will be in for a big reward. But, how can we even accomplish it with just us? The kidnapper, the man whom we just encountered, literally ripped Rion’s arm off. Plus, curing takes a while to proceed – and I guess that’s a hindering factor. And maybe, he’s already thought a way to counteract my ability.

Between Rion and me, and Frilldert as well, I’m the only one that can heal the wounds of them both. If I was to die, or fall into a severe pain strong enough for me to not even cure myself, we’ll all end up losing our lives.

So, why don’t we just simply call the Knights over to help us?

“How about we seek help from the Knights of Junquious?”

“No, we can’t. If we were to bring a large group of people towards where they are, or even soldiers as visible as they are, the culprits will flee and hide themselves somewhere else. That’s why I preferred for only us four to go.”

Wait – did she just say ‘four’?

“… Four?”

“Yeah, the reason why I was able to escape from that captivated place was by the help of another individual. I don’t know his name, but he had quite high-class arsenals to fight off the one who kidnapped me.”

“Do you know where he is now?”

She pauses for a bit, then looking away as if something is bothering her.

“I don’t know… but I know he’ll come. He was professional enough to free over ten hostages out of thirteen.”

I express my amazement and subconsciously covering my mouth with my hand.

Ten out of thirteen? There were thirteen people kidnapped?

That’s outrageous!

But as for that person, he must be incredible! That’s a true hero!

“That’s quite a bit, isn’t it? And he’s the only person?”

“Yep. That’s right.”

But, those last three – I wonder who they are? Hopefully Britenzo is there, and maybe Kepunzel too. Where did Kepunzel go, actually? Did he really get kidnapped?

… But as for performing this investigation –

I wonder if Rion will want to join us – actually, no doubt about it, he’ll want to.

Yeah – lets’ do this. I have the courage, and I’ll have it when I do it.

So let’s do it as soon as possible before I lose it.

With my vehemence, I take Frilldert’s hand –

“Alright, let’s do this.”

Its sunset now and we all agree to meeting up tomorrow in the morning outside of Rion and my hotel. As soon as we all disperse back to our homes, I think continuously about how I reconstructed Rion’s arm.

Without knowing, I turn around and face the area where Rion lost his arm.

Wait – what’s that?

I find Rion’s old, rotting, previous arm still lying there on the floor – dried up, dissipating away and surrounded with his blood.

... It’s disgusting. But, there’s something that catches my mind...

I approach it with no one else around, and see it deteriorating and dissipating slowly.

It’s like its reacting to the air around it. As if, the particles around it are taking parts of it away…

But then… I remember something…

Why was Rion always holding this arm whenever I got close to him back then? What happened when I saw Rion with Priscilla in the main oval of the school?

… Is it the needle?

I look closer at the arm and stare at the part of it that’s been cut off. With all the blood dried up, I see a cross sectional view of the insides of his arm.

Yuck – I guess it disgusts me slightly – but I’m compelled by intrigue.

I find another two layers of muscle before it reaches the skin surface –

Wait, that’s not muscle.

One layer is bright blue, while the other takes a dark-purple texture.

It looks like rock.

Then instantly, the arm vaporises into the atmosphere –

I arrive home with Rion already eating his dinner. As soon as I take my shoes off and lying down on my bed, I’m caught by Rion suddenly turning his face to my direction.

“Seobi, umm...”

“Yes?”

“You’re truly amazing. How did you reconstruct my arm?”

… He just complimented me. And, I can tell he was quite shy to say it.

It reminds me of the Rion when Priscilla was around.

And it also reminds me of the time when we were both together in Brigadonia.

Other than that, it’s strange to see him complimenting me now. It feels weird to hear Rion do that.

But I guess he might be changing again? What if so?

Then again, what if he changes back to the rebellious Rion as soon as I form a good relationship with him?

I can’t keep my hopes up.

I lift my legs off the bed, and approaching him to examine his new arm once again. I don’t know what to say to him – but a compliment back will be sufficient.

“Rion, you’re truly amazing too.” I muttered. “You have so much courage to save others. You’re truly becoming a hero.”

Suddenly, he represents an awkward expression, and looks away instantly. “No, I’m an imbecile who doesn’t think before he does something!”

I feel slightly regretful for not denying he isn’t an ‘imbecile’.

Chapter 10 – Rion – The Impeccable Strength of a Team

Its ten AM in the morning now and Frilldert still hasn’t arrived yet. In the meantime, Seobi waits outside while I come back into the hotel hall to read some kid-stories to pass time. I look around the hall to see others registering rooms, and parents reading books to their young ones. I approach the kids-corner and take a random book to read.

Honestly though, I’ve never read these kinds of books in my life. They’re used to educate young children right? Am I considered as a young child if I’ve forgotten my memories?

The first book I take is called ‘The Bully Reaperion – written by Vaxia Alexandre.’

Wait – Reaperion? I think I’ve heard that name … yesterday, when Seobi and I were fleeing for our lives into an alleyway, and hearing Emelseah run pass us with a group and calling his name.

I flip the first page, and start reading. It’s a cardboard kid-style book about a group of kids being bullied by the magician Reaperion. The book resembles him as a man with red eyes and a magician hat, while the kids are completely innocent. It starts off with two of the kids visiting an individual’s house, doing the ‘trick-or-treat’ (as its Halloween in the book), then running off back to their house joyfully. In the glamorous night, an individual with a black magician hat approaches the kids from behind silently. “Hey, kids!” I felt the grotesque feeling. “Here, have this! It’s tasty, tasty! Take a bite that’s bright! Taste it as much as you can, because you know what’s right!”

The kids accept it and replace their candy with Reaperion’s. “Yum – yum – yum! Sure, it’s tasty – tasty! Can I have some more?”

“Sure – sure – sure! You’ll just be a little sore!”

Reaperion watches them with a grotesque smile and sees them doze off in the dark night. They consume it even more, and more vigorously, until they end up falling asleep. Reaperion then goes through their bags and takes the candy that they had initially, and leaves silently.

... What did I just read?

The message basically prevents kids from taking candies from strangers, despite it being Halloween. I don’t even know what Halloween is, but surely, I will never receive any candies from people who I don’t know.

Because they’re all fat cows.

Finally, I hear Frilldert arrive. I exit the hotel and see Seobi and her together, looking at me delightfully.

Well, Seobi looks happy today. Shouldn’t she be scared?

“Oh, hello Rion.” Frilldert greeted passionately.

I look at the contents behind Frilldert’s back from the distance, and see an arrow quiver and a large wooden bow.

“Archery…?” I suddenly blast in laughter.

“What’s wrong with that…?” Frilldert expressed her puzzled tone. “I stole it from an old archery school on the southern district. You should be proud of me!”

“Wait – do you even know how to shoot an arrow?”

“Yeah, you just pull the band back and, ka-bwem!” Frilldert gestured an explosion with her hands.

Bows were a weapon used years ago in the traditional times to hunt down animals. Now everyone has guns and projectile-launchers.

How can a single bow be sufficient to take down someone like the kidnapper?

“Come on, let me use it! Please! I got nothing else. Without a weapon for myself, I’m useless. I’m not strong as you, Rion.”

“I only have a kitchen knife.”

“Yuck! Rion, make sure that you don’t use it again for cutting the vegies if we do end up coming back!”

Come on Seobi – I’m not ‘that’ dumb…

“You also got your fists! And my fists are soft as pillows!”

Frilldert suddenly brings her fist up to the sky and represents her passion.

These two are so happy today. What if we… die?

Or are they bolstered with confidence because of that ‘fourth’ member?

Despite the effectiveness of her bow, the way Frilldert dresses totally suits it. It perfectly resembles her as an animal hunter.

“Alright guys, let’s go. I know the way.”

I watched her dash ahead of Seobi and me. We catch up with haste, and try to adapt to her fast walking pace.

“Can’t you slow down?” I complained.

“Sorry. There’s a bear on the loose kidnapping people!” She called out without even turning her head to look at me.

Finally, we walk pass the north gate of Junquious and see the full fields of green. I can feel the compelling fear amplifying as I continue following Frilldert.

Will I be able to do this?

Numerous trees make way for the path in front of us as if they were Knights giving way for their king. I fall into amazement by the amount of green present in the grass as it moves with the incoming breeze with such peace. I hear the sound of leaves moving about the trees, and the feeling of the breeze is so purifying – it’s as if all the fear that’s compelled on my mind suddenly fades away.

Like a leaf being taken away by the wind.

I branch my arms out, closing my eyes, and diffusing my figure into the wind and looking up at the sky of azure. I lay down my view, and see Seobi staring at me with a smile.

“… What are you looking at?” I muttered in suspicion.

I used to find it annoying when people looking at me like that. But, for Seobi, I think the feeling is a bit different.

“Haha” She laughed for a split second. “Nothing.”

We continue following Frilldert until she randomly reaches a stop in the middle of the forest. She turns around towards us as if she saw a ghost. “Guys, do you know how I said that it wasn’t a good idea to bring the Junquious Knights along with us?”

… Why am I feeling scared all of a sudden?

Seobi and I nod in intrigue. “Another reason was because – there’s a person who scouts Junquious and these forests.”

If there’s a scout in this heavenly forest, then I can assume that he’s the one that indicates whether or not the kidnapper should stay put where he is, or move about. And if it’s just us three, it would be harder for us to be recognised by the scout.

Wait a second –

“Frilldert, where’s the fourth person?”

Oh no – why is she lowering her head? Why does it seem like she’s not sure about what we should do?

“He’s – well – I don’t know.”

“What?” I expressed my incredulity. “What do you mean?”

“He’ll come. Trust me.”

He better come, or else my arm will be ripped off just like a chicken wing if I meet that guy again.

We continue following Frilldert, until she stops again close to a large bush. She steps over it, and I hear her footsteps to be soft as grass, then hard as wood. “It’s over here – the entrance.” I saw her hop continuously to manifest the presence of a wooden trapdoor leading to an underground area.

“Guy...” I called out slightly.

As soon as Frilldert attempts to open it, I see something flying towards us in seconds –

Fear inclines my spine –

“Duck guys!”

The next thing I see is a man emerging from a high tree. He jumps off with immense strength on the soft grass, and revealing his figure.

Wait a second – what’s happening here?!

Why is he – no, this can’t be true!

I stare at his eyes, and find them to be vermillion like mine and Seobi’s.

“Bri-Britenzo, what happened to you?”

Since when did he get vermillion eyes? The last time I saw him, he was just… normal.

Oh – what’s with that stance he’s taking?

Suddenly, he takes out his blade, as if he’s preparing to challenge me.

“If you go through that trap door, you wouldn’t be able to leave.”

That tone he said it in...

It certainly sets a serious atmosphere.

Wait – was is he doing? Why is preventing us from accomplishing our mission?

I don’t want my best friend to be my enemy!

What’s going on?! He was taken, and now, he’s like this?! What’s with those eyes? What’s with that pale skin he has?! He’s not from the Briteria family!

“Rion! Why is he like this?”

“I don’t even know – he’s turned into one of us?!”

Without me realising, Frilldert takes a step in front of me and my attention is suddenly bestowed on her.

“Don’t try and stop us, or we’ll tell your boss that you’ve failed your mission.”

“Tch – either way, I’ll fail my mission.”

Wait – mission? What mission?

Is Britenzo the scout?!

“All I’m trying to do is help you, Rion!”

… Excuse me?

So he’s not my enemy?

“Don’t listen to the girl, she’s a maniac!”

Silence diffuses into the atmosphere, until Frilldert’s tiresome voice surrounds all of us. “Rion, this man” she points directly with her index finger at Britenzo. “… Helped in the kidnapping.”

I suddenly blink by Britenzo’s abrupt move –

Britenzo tosses a blade instantly at my direction, then leaping into the air to deliver a deadly kick to Frilldert.

No Britenzo!

As soon as I see her realise it, she jumps off to the air, searching the quiver for an arrow with haste, pulling the band back and releasing it to brandish the arrow straight towards Britenzo with incredible velocity.

He grunts, and falls to the floor by the striking impact. He rips the arrow out of his bare flash, then suddenly closing his eyes as if he’s performing an incantation.

“With the Bio-tite replica, I call for you –”

Wh-What is he doing?

A dark energy engulfs Britenzo’s figure, until it collects onto the hand with the arrow. His pale skin begins to glow, and his red eyes begin to appear as crimson as ever. Suddenly, it disperses into atomic bits, and reassembles to form a purple-textured blade.

As I continue staring at it, I find red veins twitching repeatedly as if it’s taking pulses – as if it’s alive.

What did he just do?

He just reassembled the arrow into a weapon of his own!

That was pretty neat man! But what’s with Seobi’s and Frilldert’s bewildered expression?

“Since when were you a Briteria user?”

… Excuse me?

Briteria user?!

Isn’t that the same as Seobi? But it’s odd – because, he’s not from our family.

Why is he able to do this?

Oh no…

What’s he going to do with that blade?

Frilldert, stand back!

In haste, I run towards Frilldert’s aid as Britenzo approaches her closer. I take her hand with haste, tossing her away from Britenzo and using myself as a human shield.

Come on – you’re a hero! Endure the pain for her, in order to save her life!

Instantly, Britenzo spins at his spot and leaps about a metre into the air to perform a charging kick at my face.

I duck with my reflex, and attempting to plunge my fist straight onto his abdomen as soon as his left leg falls to the ground once again.

No! How did he –

He catches my fist, crushes it with his bare hands, then striking my chest with the tip of his foot.

“You can’t beat me, Rion.” He said in a tone of rigor.

Why is he saying this? He’s my best friend!

I blink my eyes by the devastating impact, and drop to the floor with the excruciating pain.

But then – I find something rather hypnotising on his front –

… there’s an arrow.

“It-it burns.”

“I dipped the tip with Hydrogen Cyanide.”

What’s Hydrogen Cyanide?

With his eyes death-staring the arrow that’s plunged into his chest, he marches backwards in shock. “Neither of you can beat me –”

No Britenzo! Don’t get the wrong idea – well, with me, at least…

But then my guard is compounded by Britenzo charging a fearsome attack –

He strikes the ground by an impeccable force, causing his skin to glow and his eyes, then generating another layer of dark energy surrounding him to deliver parts of the Earth around him to crack. I see pieces of dust around him elevating itself slowly into the air, until they reassemble again into a round, three-metre radius shield.

That was… amazing. Can Seobi do it too? She’s a Briteria user too!

Wait – why am I amazed?! He made it to take us on!

Oh no – it’s coming! Guys, duck!

Without us realising, the shield jets through Frilldert and I. I watch her instantly rolling to the sides as if she dodges a meteor, while I find my body not moving an inch.

Huh? Why aren’t I moving?!

Am I bewitched by hesitation?

As I stare with amazement at the shield charging at me, Seobi takes my hand from my sides and tosses me to the floor violently. “Be more careful.” She muttered.

Seobi! Get down!

Suddenly, Seobi gets pushed by Britenzo’s figure. He takes my hand to forcefully regain my posture, then pinning his arm at my neck –

Britenzo – what are you doing?

… And head-locking me to prevent my every movement. “I’m telling you! Don’t go in there! He’ll kill you all!”

I’m for sure that he’s now trying to help us from reaching our danger. I guess I can say that I was scared to accept it, and I didn’t know what to do.

Frilldert also encouraged me to draw an attack.

As everyone focuses their attention on Britenzo, we all hear a sound coming from our behind.

The trapdoor is opening.

“What’s going on here?”

Who’s that…? And, why is it that I recog –

Wait a second – isn’t that the KIDNAPPER?!

Seobi and Frilldert focus their dead-set eyes on him, and reuniting in front of me. Britenzo lets go of me and pushes me with his back to join Seobi and Frilldert. “Britenzo, I thought we had a deal?” The kidnapper expressed through a peculiar tone.

“I can’t let you touch my friends! I had to stop them myself!”

… That malevolent laugh. It’s freaky.

The man starts bursting out in laughter, slapping the ground in front of him vigorously to manifest the so called ‘amusement’. “What a stupid man – but I guess, I suspected this from you.”

Suddenly, we all see an object flying to the sky, then encaging Britenzo’s feet. They’re shackles.

“Curse you!” Frilldert exclaimed her fury.

She takes my kitchen knife and charges it towards the man.

“No! Frilldert!”

With such strength, he strikes Frilldert’s neck effortlessly and begins to choke her. But through my sides, I see the shield which Britenzo brandished at me previously, and watch it colliding towards the kidnapper.

Frilldert is released instantly from her confinement, and then the shield strikes his figure dreadfully.

I guess that wasn’t anticipated…

The next second without realising it, I find the shield coming towards our direction –

“Watch out Seobi!”

I propelled my feet to push Seobi out of the way with haste. Though, the shield just hovers on top of us, and I hear Britenzo’s feet propelling from the ground.

… What is he doing? Oh –

He flew away with the shield.

Now, it’s just us four.

Suddenly, the kidnapper approaches us fearlessly. With confusion indulging my spine, I see him taking an honourable bow. “Good morning users, I’m Vaxia Alexandre. The so called ‘kidnapper’, and researcher.”

Vaxia…? Doesn’t that remind me of something?

I fall into flabbergast, and reminding myself of that name.

Wasn’t he the one who wrote the kids book of Reaperion?

Out of the blue, I hear Seobi exclaim.

“Vaxia! Priscilla was looking for you!”

Wait a second – why has Seobi’s emotion suddenly changed?

“Where have you been? Where’s Shamiya?”

“… Excuse me? Do you dare be so impudent to ask those questions?”

Wo-What? Impudent? Does he deserve a single bit of respect?

“Answer me!”

“The name Shamiya echoes in this body of mine – trembling the blood and causing it to act so vigorously. But Priscilla – I’ve never heard of that name.”

Who’s Priscilla? I guess I can say that I heard that name somewhere…

But I remember myself being a really odd place – a place with huge animated pictures.

Except, I think that was a dream. And dreams and imaginations can honestly ruin actual memories of the past.

“How about the book of the Britoniah’s Gate. Did you write that?”

“Indeed, I did. Except almost everything there is a lie.”

What are they talking about?

“A lie…?” I heard Seobi mutter in incredulity.

“That’s right. I wrote it in order to trick every single researcher in Britoniah, so that no one would know the true intentions of the Briteria users.”

It becomes silent, as if Seobi and Frilldert are processing the information so thoroughly. Though, I don’t even get what they’re talking about.

“What true intentions…?”

“Haha! We Briteria users will take revenge on all those people who rejected us!”

The ones who rejected us? Doesn’t that basically mean everyone in this world who aren’t from our Briteria family?

And that clearly means that Vaxia was from our family as well, right? According to what he’s saying.

Seobi and Frilldert exclaims in shock. Then, he approaches me slowly with such a grotesque smile.

“Looks like you had no ability to manipulate Briteria when I first saw you, Rion Bayerische.”

Manipulate Briteria? Just like Seobi? And how does he know my name?

“Or should I say…” I watched him deliver a sinister look at me. “The one who gave me the rotten watermelon.”

Huh?! Is that you?

I fall into shock – focusing my eyes straight into his with such vehemence. “You’re the one who got me fired.”

“What?” I heard Seobi from my behind. The man suddenly bursts into laughter of malevolence once again. “All I wanted was to see how you fight. I was surprised that you didn’t use it”

“Use what?”

“What else? You’ve got some similarities with your sister here.” He gestured at Seobi.

Huh? I can also reconstruct someone’s arm as well?

I stand there in wonder. What does this mean? Is there some hidden potential inside me too?

“Wait!” Seobi begins.

What is it Seobi? What are you planning to say?

“Last week – Rion saw your corpse in Brigadonia.”

What? No I didn’t. Well – I don’t remember.

“Rion saw you there! He told me! And now – why is it that Rion has forgotten all of his memories? I know you have something to do with it!”

What...? I told her what? Since when? And will this really let me find out why I don’t remember anything?

The man keeps silent, and rests his hands on his hips.

“I can tell you I wasn’t at Brigadonia, and nor was I in Junquious.”

“Then tell me who you really are. You’re not Vaxia – because only Vaxia would have been in Brigadonia at that time! There’s only one Vaxia – and you must be an imposter!”

“But he didn’t even see you there...”

“Rion and Priscilla were at Brigadonia at that time – he told me, he saw your corpse. If you’re saying that wasn’t yours, then you’re someone else!”

... He’s someone else? How did Seobi gleam to such a conclusion? What’s happening in that girls’ mind?

“That’s right – I am. And I’m quite amazed how you believed everything that jerk said, particularly when you weren’t even in the crime scene.”

“Of course I did – everything he said was truthful.”

“Well – I wasn’t there when he was at Brigadonia, I’ll say. The man, who saw Rion, and probably Priscilla, was there though. He put so much effort into that picture he drew of our master, and yet Rion never knew who it was.”

I don’t remember all of this! There was another man? Who drew me a picture? I don’t get it... I’m missing out on so many things! What’s going on?!

“It’s quite depressing really, I bet, for him. But other than that, I’m glad you weren’t in the crime scene or else the plan would have been destroyed.”

I see Frilldert jetting her legs towards Seobi to step between her and the kidnapper. “Why did you kidnap the others?!” She exclaimed with vehemence.

“You won’t understand – only the Briteria users will.”

No – Frilldert! Don’t take the wrong move!

All of a sudden, Frilldert prepares another arrow and strikes it straight to Vaxia. Without even realising it, he stops the arrow by catching it before it touched his face. “You lack precision, lady.”

I suddenly detect her eliciting a disgruntled expression.

Frilldert pauses for a bit and then folds her arms in obnoxious satisfaction. “Close your eyes, Rion and Seobi.”

Oh – okay. She’s got a trick up her sleeve, I’m guessing?

And then, there it is –

The arrow emits an extremely bright luminescent light that caused Vaxia to fall into a temporary blindness.

“What did you do!?” I heard him express his fury.

I leap to my feet, running pass Vaxia and aiming to dive into the trapdoor. But then, he grabs my leg and restricts my movement, causing me to fall straight to the ground.

Far out! Let go!

I grunt in pain, and watch Frilldert and Seobi in front of me with astonishment.

But behind them, in a distance of a few kilometres, I see something else that catches my attention.

Something else that catches my attention…

It’s the presence of blue hair.

The presence of another Briteria member!

He positions himself up a high mountain, and I see him preparing some sort of device at me. Suddenly, I hear a violent roar coming from there, with Frilldert and Seobi turning their direction to the source.

Oh no – is it aiming for me?!

A projectile was just shot from the device.

I duck, wishing that he would miss, and opening my eyes again until I feel the impact of it strike the ground behind me.

Vaxia’s arm is pinned by some sort of blue, diamond object.

Finally, I’m free. I regain my posture and reunite with Seobi and Frilldert as they watch the diamond object halting the movement of Vaxia. Seconds later, Frilldert takes both of our hands away to a distance, and we both hear a violent explosion caused form our behind.

Holy cow that me jump!

The diamond object exploded –

“You again.”

Did Vaxia just say that…? With that weak and damaged tone, as if he’s actually hurt?

“We’re saved…?”

Suddenly, more of those diamond-shaped bullets jet through the sky and striking Vaxia repeatedly in such a vigorous manner.

I think this is the cause of the ‘fourth’ member that Frilldert mentioned previously.

Vaxia had to do whatever he needs to protect himself – running up trees with such impeccable speed, jumping from tree to tree and finally striking the ground and attempting to catch the projectiles with his bare hands. The shooting leads to a halt, then Vaxia jets through pass us and into the trap door. We begin chasing after him with haste, until a man with bright red ribbons, and red, white and black suit of armour runs pass us instantly.

Wait a second – he looked rather familiar. With blue hair like Seobi’s it seems as if I’ve met him before despite me losing my memory.

My movement is suddenly stopped by another hand –

“Rion, did you see who it was?” I heard her soft voice.

“He looked familiar, didn’t he?”

Seobi then expressed a face of confusion. She’s probably confused that I knew who it was. Maybe she thought I forgot about him due to my memory loss? Unless, I met him after I forgot my memory –

“Come on!”

Oh – let’s go, Seobi!

We all jump into the trap door, and find ourselves in a dark and damp underground hall. To the sides, we see three individuals tied up to a wall by numerous chains.

It seems like there were heaps of people living here, due to the amount of chains pinned to each space of the wall.

I scan through the individuals who are captured – one’s a random individual in a formal suit, the other is a chef, and the final is –

“Kepunzel!”

Yep – thanks for defining it, Seobi.

Behind us, we all continue hearing the blasting of the diamond-shaped projectiles, and the rattling of chains. Suddenly, Vaxia leads to a corner by the ‘fourth’ member –

“… you got me.” Vaxia exclaimed in tire. “… Abrenite Shwanseah.”

Abrenite Shwanseah?! Yes! I remember him! He was with us when we escaped!

… But he’s alive? Didn’t he die saving us?

“Abrenite! That’s you?!”

Wow – Seobi, you’re tearing up!

Abrenite focuses his eyes on Vaxia and takes out an alien-like weapon studded with five diamond-shaped, sapphire-coloured stones. “I’ve got you.” He finally prepares his blade with his free hand.

“I give…” Vaxia muttered. “… Up.”

Wait – Abrenite! He’s lying!

Despite what he said, he suddenly picks up his blade instantly and charges it towards Abrenite. I watch his figure leap into the air and successfully avoiding the slash. I see the two in amazement – the way they fight is totally incredible.

Will I ever achieve this level of combat?

I see Vaxia’s vehement eyes still focusing on Abrenite’s flying figure. With the ability to move freely on the air, he suddenly performs a flip and prepares his alien-like weapon.

“… Brigandign!” I heard Abrenite mutter.

The diamond-projectile loads up, and he pulls the trigger to deliver a violent roaring sound that blasts my ears off to its limits. The projectile he shoots jets through the air and pierces Vaxia’s shoulder violently, causing him to be fully immobilised and gripped by the excruciating pain.

He falls to the floor in desperation, reacting to the torment of an object through his shoulder. “To think – I lost against you.” He muttered incredulously, then dropping his entire figure to the floor as if he falls unconscious.

“Abrenite! You came just on time!”

Oh – Frilldert and Abrenite might have a decent connection.

I mean, just by seeing Frilldert branch out her arms like that, what could it imply?

And well, he’s alive. And I thought he died.

… I don’t get this.

What’s going on in this world? It’s like, the things that you see in your eyes, are merely illusions.

Suddenly, we hear footsteps behind us, and it’s the three who were still confined by chains before we arrived.

“Thank you, all.”

Yes – I guess I feel slightly relieved by hearing that voice again, despite it being soft and weak

But don’t worry General, we’re here.

But as soon as he said it, Seobi didn’t care about his presence. Instead, she runs towards Abrenite to expand her arms and wrapping them around him as well.

“Abrenite! You’re still alive!” I heard her crying of joy.

.. Uh – why do I feel hurt? Those arms around Abrenite – why do I feel hurt?

Suddenly, a new feeling strikes me –

I can’t describe it.

But I feel alone after what I saw.

I couldn’t do anything to express it – but for some reason, my eyes begin blinking repeatedly, as if I fell into incredulity from what I saw.

Without realising, I hear Frilldert approach me from my sides. “Thanks, you two” She performs a bow. “Let’s call the Knights over.”

I guess, everything is finally done. But, I still feel hurt after seeing Seobi…

… Do that.

Anyways, once we hand in Vaxia, what kind of reward will we get? How much cash was it again, Seobi? Was it two thousand?

… No I can’t stop thinking about Seobi.

What’s going to happen to me now? Now that Abrenite is here, Seobi’s spending more time with him than with me. I’m just, tagging along from behind.

We exit the Knights’ Academy and celebrate the reuniting of Seobi and Abrenite.

So I guess we weren’t the only Briteria individuals left. Maybe there are more?

To be honest, it doesn’t feel like a celebration at all – I mean, I’m left out. Seobi isn’t talking to me. But I guess I could say that it fills me up with content to see her continuously laughing and smiling passionately.

Wait – content? Am I feeling in content? Are you serious?

This doesn’t make sense. Not –a –single –bit.

While for Abrenite, he seems more talkative around Frilldert and Seobi, instead of speaking to me.

But… why though?

The only words he said to me were:

“Do you still remember me?” And,

“I’m glad you’ve been with my sister all this time. Thanks for taking care of her!”

And also – there were a few times when he expressed a sinister look towards me. Why though? I haven’t done anything, have I?

Unless he’s been watching me treat Seobi like trash all these years.

But despite how silent he is towards me, he doesn’t seem like a bad guy. I can see how much he cares about his younger sister, actually.

Oh, there goes Seobi again, doing her ghostly laughter.

She’s really passionate about her brother – like a hyperactive fat cow.

Fat cow…?

…

Seobi isn’t a fat cow. Come on man, that’s ‘sad’.

Well, I’m glad she’s happy now. Though, I guess a normal person would feel quite joyful to see someone who has been separated from them for the past four years, particularly when they’re a siblings.

And I have to admit, the bond between the two is blatantly incredible.

They must’ve had enjoyable memories together back in the past – and that’s what’s important.

Except, I don’t remember my memories.

I don’t think I can ever experience the feeling that Seobi’s experiencing now.

And I don’t even have a brother. I think.

Chapter 11 – Seobi – Long Lost Brother

After four years, I’m finally reunited with my brother. It turns out, that Rion and I weren’t the only Briteria individuals left from our family. Maybe there’s more? Who knows?

Strange, I thought Abrenite disappeared after the destruction of Brigadonia? It happened during the day we were fleeing for our lives. Chunks of stone were falling from the sky and plunged every object it collided with.

It can be confirmed that the catastrophe was not done by nature, but by someone.

I mean, come on, rocks falling from the sky?

Brigadonia isn’t even near or on a valley, it’s up a large mountain in the southern hemisphere.

So what could have caused that unnatural destruction? Why were there rocks falling from the sky? Could it be, from the fall of the tallest structure within the Briteria region?

The cit-cit- something – or was it – citadel? But who knows – it might’ve been something else. So, I’m still left clueless to what caused that rock-storm.

That’s the thing that’s been deluding every bit of brain cell ever since it happened four year ago.

I remember that it was just a normal day – we were all doing our thing; studying, training for combat, celebrating the birth of children and even playing board games! I was fourteen years old, and so was Rion. From what I remember, I arrived to his room casually, and in fact, without knocking.

Actually, I used to knock on his door before I entered his room, but until we got close, that bit of dignity just dissipated away. That’s what I mean – we were close. I guess we still are, but that’s due to the catastrophe’s that happened – the death of everyone brought us together.

But back then, it’s as if nature brought us together to be close.

Then when I entered Rion’s room, I asked him if he wanted to do some activities to pass time – such as playing board games, doing the laundry, taking out the trash or even fishing. With my casualness, I woke him up after entering his room, then shaking his shoulder to get his attention. As soon as he opened his vermillion eyes, he looked at me with such confusion. The first thing he muttered was –

“Who are you…?”

Just by reminding me about those words he spoke still fills me up with anxiety - because, that’s the split second when my heart was destroyed.

He continued avoiding me and backing away as if I was some kind of demon. Though, I simply stood there in shock on that split second of time, and confused to what I should’ve said to him.

So with such a peculiar tone, I began introducing myself to him. “I’m Seobi…?”

Then, he spoke out the question that manifested a twist in my fate.

“Who am I?”

Instantly, I knew he wasn’t joking. With his clueless face, I knew straight away that he was being serious about his lost identity. I remember him scanning his hands, arms and limbs, and then looking towards me as if I was a stranger to him.

It hurt me so much, because the bond that took eight years to create suddenly disappeared in eight seconds.

I was severely shocked to what I saw, so I brought him to his parents to consider the situation more deeply. But then –

Before even reaching his parents, the storm of stones began.

The storm that twisted my destiny.

As it hit, the tranquillity that dominated Brigadonia disappeared instantly. The storm stroke every bit of object present on the ground, and splattering it vigorously – walls, roofs and every structure collapsed as each piece of rock obliterated its form, and family members falling to their deaths by the crushing weight.

In that instantaneous point in time, I was in the hall with Rion. Panting and panting as I look for an exit for the both of us. The walls around us were shattering, and there wasn’t much time left –

We ran vigorously with my hand stuck with Rion’s in fear, and finding any exit available. All the exits in the hallway were blocked by the obliterated rubble of the castle walls –

Until my brother, Abrenite came to save us.

He cleared the way with the drastic strength of his Briteria-formed weapon called ‘Brigandign’.

With his hand grasping mine, and mine grasping Rion’s we left the hallway and found ourselves in the grassy floor of Brigadonia, surrounded by the obliterated remnants of every structure that was standing before the storm.

Including the three family towers, the school and all of our homes.

With the strength that Rion and I had left, we approached the final gate that led us to the grassy fields; free from the violent carnage of the stones.

But without us knowing, and before even reaching the gate that day, a stone bombarded our tops. I screamed in shock, afraid that the weight of the rock would crush every skeletal bit of my body. But then, I felt that astonished feel of being lucky that I was alive.

Then suddenly, we were pushed through the gate.

I turned around and saw Abrenite being crushed by a large, five-tonne stone with all his limbs immobilised.

And I still remember that gripping feel of shock that caused my blood stream to tremble.

“Leave me, and live your life!” I remember him exclaiming in such a serious tone. I felt so guilty at that point in time. Not just because he’s rescuing my life for his, but because everyone rejected him in the Briteria family.

He was isolated from everyone else.

Everyone thought of him as a jerk that made stupid decisions.

Everyone knew him because he didn’t think before he did something.

Everyone knew him because he had no empathy for anyone.

The alien-like weapon that he carries is the formation of a rock – now that I know it’s Briteria – that beholds the soul of a dog we cherished long ago with our lives. But ever since Abrenite subjected him to an experiment with one of the members of the Jeutonburg family, he was turned into a weapon.

Back then neither of us knew the objectives of the one who performed the experiment on him, but Abrenite almost killed himself after seeing what he did. From then on, our entire family rejected him to the brink, except for me.

They all blamed it on him.

Despite myself having the feel of hatred clinging on my spine when I saw him back then, I still wanted to be by his side and continuously reminding him that he’s not alone.

And now, all of those dreadful feelings I had for him disappeared after realising that he’s still alive.

Yes, the last time I saw him was the split second when I left the remnants of Brigadonia.

He was crushed by one of the rocks that splattered from the sky –

So how did he escape? How did the gun-shaped object help Abrenite escape from a rock that was crushing, and immobilising him?

According to Abrenite, the gun-shaped object transfigured itself into a beast, a beast that the Briteria family calls the ‘Guardians of Brigadonia’, or the ‘Hyperdrillion’. Back in the days when we were bombarded by the striking power of the super faction during the War of Brigadonia, these things helped us.

I remember – in the history of Brigadonia – there were two wars.

The War of Britoniah was also known as ‘the Britoniah’s Cataclysm’ – where part of the island of Britoniah was transported to the new ‘dimension’ as they said, in order to run away from their malevolent king to protect the ore – which I know now is Briteria.

But then… The War of Brigadonia was completely different.

After the Britoniah’s Cataclysm, the three factions – Algerian Union, Sheng-Quishi Empire, Schneizal Kingdom opposed each other as majestic dominions. But as soon as the Briteria emerged, and after they realised that the cause of the Britoniah’s Cataclysm was because of the Briteria legion, the three factions joined together into a ‘super-faction’ and called themselves the Heiligen-Jaeger to fight them off.

With fear compelling them, they ravaged the new enemy called the ‘Briteria legion’ with never-ending aggression.

But all that the Briteria faction could do was to defend and fight back.

They’ve sent countless messages to them notifying that they don’t mean any harm, but the converged super-faction continued to ravage Britoniah until it was consumed by death.

But then …

Since the Briteria legion were the ones who discovered science in this world, their knowledge of technology was much more advanced, and on a different hierarchy than the ones that the Heiligen-Jaeger super-faction used.

I guess – one of these sources of defences was to put the death of people’s souls into weapons.

But they didn’t just have that – they also had the uranium warhead, and also the Hyperdrillion.

We used these Hyperdrillion’s to assist in overcoming order in society, and defending the Briteria family from those who rejected it.

From those who rejected it – the Heiligen-Jaeger.

The Hyperdrillion’s have the capability to manipulate themselves into the air by the roaming Briteria cells. They can also jet through the skies with uncontrollable thrusters embedded on their behind. Both wings and their neck are all connected by a centre body called the ‘shell’. At this point, the vertical stabiliser (the tail that points vertically upwards) is positioned at the very middle of the shell, where an individual grasps this part of the Hyperdrillion as they target their opponents with bow-and-arrows.

Then finally, after a few years of fighting, the war quelled by the victory of the Briteria legion.

It’s all because of the first ancestor of the Jeutonburg family – Falkenstein Jeutonburg.

Seriously, doesn’t he have a single bit of consideration for the life of our pets?

Their wings brandish the skies like birds, and their faces behold such a grotesque mask –

In our family, killed beloved pets of individuals are turned into these Hyperdrillion forms right after they experience death. It’s a tradition which the Briteria family practiced in order to fight back with the kingdom of Heiligen-Jaeger. So basically, even our pets were used as weapons of mass destruction by dismantling its corpses and somehow forming the Briteria beast – the Hyperdrillion.

They say, the soul of the pets are bestowed into the body of the Hyperdrillion –

I’m not sure if this is true or not, but how else did these animals manipulate themselves in the sky without any control of anyone?

They’re alive – and there must be something inside controlling its every move, because this is what saved Abrenite from the destruction of Brigadonia.

I find myself chewing on a piece of cheese cake while Abrenite finally takes a deep breath from the story he told. “Then yeah, thanks to Brigandign, I can see my sister again.”

Strange, he never said those kinds of things to me before –

“Thanks.” I muttered as I place my spoon on the table in front of me.

“Seobi, I’m not the only one who survived the destruction of Brigadonia.”

Oh – excuse me?

And then, the feeling of astonishment and intrigue crushes my mind. “Who else survived?”

“Reaperion.”

Reaperion Jeutonburg –

That name overcomes me with comfort for some reason.

Without realising, I find Rion’s eyes of intrigue focusing on our conversation.

Does he remember him by any chance?

He was a rather generous and modest individual who had so much empathy for others. Though, he had a terrifying reputation for performing experiments.

Then suddenly, a memory hits me –

“Wasn’t he the one who experimented on Elza, and failed?”

I can’t believe it. That was depressing – and it still is.

“That’s right.”

“Who’s Elza, Seobi?” Frilldert expressed in a peculiar tone.

“Elza was…” Suddenly, I realisemy eyes moving to Rion’s. “… Rion’s cat.”

“… I had a cat?”

“Reaperion Jeutonburg” Abrenite began. “A scientist who followed the traditions of Falkenstein Jeutonburg to fight off the Heiligen-Jaeger’s by producing weapons of mass destruction. But instead of using animals which have already experienced its deaths, he used the living for tools of murder.”

… What? Reaperion did such a thing? I mean, he did more to other animals other than Elza?

Wait a second – I knew that he had malevolent beliefs of casting experiments on subjects, but other than that wasn’t he a man endowed by the attitudes of righteousness?

Wait – why did Reaperion decide to make these weapons of mass destruction, if the war of Brigadonia took place hundreds of years ago?

“Abrenite, why would Reaperion want to fight off the Heiligen-Jaeger’s?”

“For some unknown reason, he still has a strong form of hatred to fight off the Heiligen-Jaeger’s.”

… Why would he have hatred to them? Is it because they ostracise us in society?

I can’t believe it, he must’ve been marginalised to the brink to even have the mind of making weapons of mass destruction for the Heiligen-Jaeger’s.

“… The process of turning them into such tools was to maintain the life of their soul and using it for a purpose of protection.” Abrenite continued. “But don’t be surprised with animals –” he paused slightly. “… Falkenstein did the same for two of our first family members – Britelza and Salzburg.”

What?! So this time, its Falkenstein, and Reaperion merely followed his attitudes?

“That’s atrocious!” Frilldert expressed her shock.

Falkenstein – he’s the head leader of the Jeutonburg family. I’ve never actually seen him in real life, but according to what Abrenite is telling me, he used the souls of dead people as weapons…

Though – despite all that, Reaperion copied these teachings despite the absence of no war.

He used them just for experiments…

But now – look at what he’s done.

He’s put the souls of animals into weapons – and who knows if he’s done that with other people who existed before…

I wonder – was there a dark past that he experienced?

I’ve never thought of it before…

Oh my god.

Oh my god.

We finally arrive at the previous investigation office and receive our prescribed reward!

Oh my god.

Oh my god.

Two thousand cash!

“Two thousand cash!”

Ouch – my throat! Wh-What did I just do to my throat?

I screamed a bit too much – and now everyone is looking at me

…Like, literally.

But it’s not surprising that Vaxia’s head is worth that much – I mean, it turns out that he kidnapped so many people, and in fact, he murdered ten of the people he kidnapped.

But as soon as we ask the officer about the reward, we didn’t earn anything from the Britenzo investigation, since we didn’t retrieve Britenzo.

And instead, we’re earning twenty million cash.

Oh…

Twenty…

Million…

Is this some kind of ridiculous joke?

Suddenly – I can feel wind on my tongue – as if I’m opening my mouth so widely.

Twenty Million…

Oh my god! Are you serious? How much can I spend with that amount of cash!?

Then suddenly, my hyperactivity is forcefully quells by Frilldert –

“Hey Seobi, you wouldn’t have been able to stop Vaxia without Abrenite.”

“That’s true…”

Damn it – what would Abrenite think?

“Abrenite, do you mind if we share the reward?” I asked him through such a soft and calm tone.

I mean like, Rion and I have been suffering for the past four years because of our low income rate. We need money!

How much can we do with even a thousand cash? Or an income of at least five hundred cash weekly? We’ll be able to shop for food weekly, instead of a month period. Plus, I’ll probably be able to join another school somewhere in Britoniah to study, and also focusing on the ability to curing. I’ll be able to help in the hospitals across Britoniah and contribute to society! Oh, and for Rion too – he’ll be able to embrace his dream as well, other than working with indolence. Didn’t he say that his dream was to become a hero, and protecting mankind?

Well guess what, Rion? We might be able to embrace both of our dreams and help the society!

And then, with hesitation, I suspect something out of the ordinary –

Abrenite is looking at me with my eyes of hope.

“Of course you can!”

Oh.

God, thank you so much.

I find myself running up to him instantly, my arms branching and wrapping them around his figure so tightly.

“Thank you so much!”

I shouted his name repeatedly with me caging his movement, and recognising that I completely have no shame for the ones staring at me awkwardly.

My life is complete!

‘Our’ life is complete!

I can’t believe it – I can’t believe it – I can’t believe it!

Wait – what would Rion think?

COME HERE, RION!

I ‘cool’ down, and approach Rion with such a delightful expression.

“Hello there! Knight in shining armour!”

YES! I actually mean it now!

Then, I find myself now hitting him playfully on his shoulder.

Haha – look at that awkward face he’s making!

Surely, I can tell how awkward he’s feeling now about the way I’m acting. As he may know, that I don’t usually act like this – but, if he hadn’t have lost his memories before Priscilla died, I would at least be seeing a delightful smile on his face.

Priscilla – I remember when you also gave me money. And I didn’t even have a chance to pay you back.

… My blood, everything is cooling down.

Priscilla – I miss you.

As soon as I think of Priscilla, my mood rests and turns into a rather solemn one. Through the sides of my hearing, Frilldert questions Abrenite about the reward.

“Wait, I contributed too. So, can’t I have a bit?” She said with a rather shy tone, as if she doesn’t want Abrenite to think that she’s taking it for granted. With Abrenite’s generosity, he nods his head with a luminescent smile. “You know what; share the reward between you three. I won’t need any of it.”

What did he just say?

My face falls into agape once again.

Despite the reward we earned, Britenzo is still out there. It didn’t seem like he intended to harm us at all – but in fact, as he said, prevented us from reaching the kidnapper. Surely, he still has a good heart, and he was simply being manipulated by him.

But the question that deludes me is to how he manipulated the particles on the Earth, and reassembling them to construct an object he desired? It’s quite similar to what I did – but instead, I reconstructed Rion’s arm.

Could it be that he also holds the power that I have?

But how can he? He isn’t from the Briteria family –

Well, I’m not too concerned about Britenzo. But probably Rion is…

For now, we all decide to disperse into our homes –

We wave our farewell to Frilldert, and thanking her for initiating the investigation and allowing me to meet up with my long-lost brother. It’s just Abrenite, Rion and I now.

Just like old times, except with the absence of one more – Rion’s brother. Or actually, for the sake of the sympathy I have for this other person, I would say: ‘except for another two individuals.’

So there was Abrenite, Rion, Rion’s brother, me and Shamiya.

She wasn’t from our family in fact, but she stayed in Brigadonia to study about the world. Despite me being left out when she was with us, and taking the attention of the boys, I still want to have a slight memory of her.

No, she wasn’t taking the attention of the boys. How can I say something like that?

I guess I can say I was slightly jealous of how pure she was. Shamiya had all the best aspects a person can have – a charismatic, caring, considerate and calm personality. She probably had more.

In fact, she reminds me of Priscilla.

Yeah, those two teenage girls were the purest people I’ve met in my life.

And I’ll never forget them.

Abrenite follows us to our hotel, and expressed such a joyful manner once he realises that we’ve been together and protecting each other ever since the destruction of our home. Well, I wouldn’t really say ‘protecting’ when it comes to Rion. But, there were times when he ‘did’ protect me…

But from all that he experienced, he deserves that label.

“Yeah, the place is pretty small.” I muttered in disappointment.

“Size doesn’t matter!” Abrenite replied joyfully. “I’m really glad you’re safe, strong and still smiling.”

He suddenly pats my head – in shyness, I take his hand off and find Rion staring at us with a bewildered face. But, surely, Abrenite and I are both having the same positive feel for each other. Other than having the urge to see the rest of the Briteria family, my second desire on the line was to see my brother. It’s a new feeling to actually ‘want to see him’ because I didn’t think positively about him one bit when our home was still in existent. But since he’s the only one I got left, and the regret I have for letting everyone treat him like trash, I have no choice but to release the desire I have to depend on him.

And I don’t mind if he depends on me too.

In the sides of my vision, I see someone rotating their head instantly, and towards a window. It’s Rion.

Oh, I almost forgot about Rion.

He continues looking at through the window aimlessly, as worry for him compels my heart. I hope I haven’t been leaving him out –

“So, have you also found your ability of a Briteria user, just like my sister?”

True, when will Rion find his power to manipulate Briteria like me?

Will it be the same – or different, since he’s from the Bayerische family?

“No, I haven’t.” He replied with contempt as he continues looking out the window. Suddenly, Abrenite wraps his arm around Rion’s back in comfort, and also looks through the window. “Don’t worry, you’ll find it soon.” He replied in such an eloquent tone.

… Wait – Rion, what are you doi –

“Don’t treat me like a kid. I’m more mature now.”

Rion! Calm down!

But with the feel of astonishment, I can see Rion expressing an indignant arousal and flexing his elbow to forcefully be free of Abrenite’s hand.

Rion, he’s comforting you like a brother. He isn’t treating you like a kid!

“Aren’t you already mature? What’s wrong?”

Obviously, Abrenite is oblivious to Rion losing his memory. So he’s quite similar to being a new born child within a sixteen year-old body by losing his memory – and hence, the aspects that shape his personality are still similar to a child. But what Rion means about ‘being mature’, is that he’ll change from the Rion who lost his job to the Rion I cherished back when Brigadonia was still in existent.

And probably, the same Rion who was changed by Priscilla Edenburgh.

In fact, Rion’s personality back then is exactly similar to the personality he beheld when Priscilla existed.

He changed back to his ordinary self –

But lost it again –

By any chance, does Rion have an amnesia disorder? Or, is someone ‘really’ manipulating it?

And since Abrenite is oblivious to all that Rion’s experienced, he won’t understand the reason to why Rion acts differently at this very second –

“No, I wasn’t already mature.” He expressed a tone of disappointment. Is Rion acting this way because he hates himself for not being ‘mature’ towards me? Or not treating me as pleasant? Why is he treating Abrenite like trash? He should surely welcome him as my brother, or ‘give thanks for saving our life four years ago’.

“Rion, I know you and I never had a pleasant bond. But, with me here now, can’t we just get along?”

Oh – why do I feel so hurtful when I hear the dissatisfaction in his words?

Wait – what’s Rion doing?

Why did he suddenly run to the corner away from Abrenite?

And why do I detect an itch of indignation in his face?

“I don’t know who you are!”

Rion! You don’t need to shout!

“I only remember that you saved Seobi and me from the destruction of Brigadonia!”

I see… he’s probably angry at himself that he doesn’t remember anything of his past before the incident.

But I can’t make any assumptions – because I’m clueless to what’s going on in his mind.

I don’t know what it feels like to know that I’ve lost my memories…

It’s the next morning and Abrenite is forcing me to re-attend my previous school – the Falkenstein Health Institute. Memories in my mind playback from the past – reminding me of Priscilla’s pure heart and Rion’s pure heart.

“But then, how else will you embrace your future, Seobi?” Abrenite continues to insist.

“They banished me because …” I paused, and continuously reminding me that Rion killed Priscilla – or so they said.

“They banished you!?” I heard him express his shock.

Damn it, I understand that he’s my brother, but can’t he at least understand that there are some things that I’d rather not state?

“Come on, let’s go and see the principal. I’ll put you back into the school.”

Abre-Abrenite! Let go!

He grabs my arm forcefully and drags me towards the school gates. As soon as I began resisting, Abrenite stops.

Not because he didn’t want to threaten me, but because he has his eyes on a sign –

‘Bowemen’s School of Archery’

Excuse me?!What happened to the school?

No – it can’t be.

The school is gone…

This can’t be happening.

Go Seobi – do what you think is right.

With the feeling of astonishment propelling my legs, I run vigorously to the main office of the school and barging at the door impudently. “What happened to the Falkenstein institute?!”

The lady behind the counter backed off her seat in fear of my presence – probably due to myself being a Briteria user. “It-it-it got moved to Ma-Mayatopia!”

…

Wh-what did you say?

With horror, I fall to my feet.

The school got moved…

Even if I ever decided to move back, I’ll have to travel to another city.

This is just great.

“Uh-uhmm” I heard the lady mutter in nervousness. “… It was moved because of the amount of criminalisation here in Junquious.”

That’s right, the students and families must have been frightened by numerous victims being kidnapped throughout the city. Then I guess, I’ll admit I’m quite happy to hear that they were moved.

They took action to maintaining the protection of children.

Simultaneously, this encourages me to move my home to another city as well for the same reason.

And then suddenly, a dark-skinned individual approaches Rion, Abrenite and I. He’s from the Algeria union – the northern part of Britoniah – probably was used to be called “The African Region”.

As he tightens his tie and lowers his hands on his pelvis, he stops and expresses a delightful smile.

“Oh, hello there.”

The lady behind the counter suddenly regains her standing posture and performing a bow. “President!”

With a glamorous look, I continue looking at her bowed posture, then turning my eyes to the person in front of us. I do the same, showing my respect, and expressing my words of honour –

“President –” I lift my body back up to its original position. “The Falkenstein institute – was it moved to Mayatopia?”

“That’s correct.” He replied instantly. “Sorry if it’s a bother for you to travel there.”

“No, it’s fine.”

“It was my decision alone to move the school there. With Vaxia being the worst criminal he is; as a Knight of Junquious and a President of this school, I’ve ordered the Falkenstein institute to escape from the horror.” He pronounced with such eloquence.

Well I guess, just by hearing his words, it compels me to believe that he made the right move.

“Well, a lot of the parents also devised for an idea like this. They feared their children may be in danger.” The lady on her seat said with, surprisingly, no nervousness at all (probably due to the presence of the president).

“Don’t worry, Briteria.” I watched the President staring at me without a blink. “You’ll find your destiny there.”

Excuse me? What did he just say?

What did he mean by ‘you’ll find your destiny there’?

That’s an odd thing to say to someone.

Particularly when it’s the first time they’ve seen you.

… Or not?

He then walks off into the office and disappears out of our sight.

Chapter 12 – Rion – I think I miss you…

I lay on my bed, thinking about Seobi, and the last few words she said to me before she closed the door were –

“Good bye Rion.”

Yeah, I’m thinking about Seobi.

Ever since Abrenite came, she didn’t talk to me, except for those last words she said in a sorrowful tone. Since it was sorrowful, I guess that could mean she’s sad that we were being separated?

With another person for Seobi to talk to, and I guess, to cling to, I feel as if there’s no one out there that will accompany me.

But, it’s my time to become independent. I don’t need Seobi anymore –

I can live by myself now.

With the reward we all earned from finding and imprisoning Vaxia, I can finally embrace my future and become a hero.

So here I am, in Junquious, now preparing myself to stack myself up with armour once I enter the academy. I approach the door, feeling myself flamed up, and twisting the door knob. As soon as I open the door, I see two individuals in front of me.

Wait –what?!

What kind of ridi –

“Oh –” Seobi takes a few steps backwards in surprise. I do the same, and almost tripping myself by the chair behind me. As I see her presence, the feeling of joy fills me up.

But, what’s Seobi doing here?

“Hey-” She began with nervousness. “Where are you going?”

Wh-Where am I going?

Are you actually asking me? Because I feel so happy to hear you say that for some reason…

As I try to move my mouth, the same nervousness grips me. “I-I-I’m going to the Knight’s Academy.”

Wait – why do you look sad all of a sudden?

I watch her lower her head to the floor in sorrow, then looking back at me with a delightful smile. “I hope you’ll have an enjoyable time then!”

Just by looking at her eyes, I can tell she’s trying to shun her sadness.

Shunning the sadness for me.

“Enjoy yourself in…”

Seobi – I’m going to miss you, I have to say…

“… Mayatopia.”

She delivers the smile once again. Filing my mind with the space left for joy, and approaching me slowly to bring out her hand and extending her pinky.

What is she doing?

“Pinky-promise me that we’ll see each other again, and that you’ll be safe.”

I didn’t know what to do, but I grasped her entire pinky with my hand. She giggles slightly, moves aside to give me way, then extending her free hand to do a wave.

After we found Vaxia, this is the first time I’ve felt happy.

Well, goodbye Seobi.

I’ll see you later.

As I exit the hotel, I find Frilldert running in such a stressful manner. “Hey, have you seen Seobi?” She said in such a hasty tone.

“She’s inside the hotel.” I muttered with wonder of what’s going on.

I hope nothing bad is happening…

Frilldert looks behind me, waves at me, then propelling her legs away in such incredible velocity. “Thanks.”

…Why is it that I’m feeling nervous about something?

Anxiety fills my heart –

Do I sense danger?

…

No, it’s my time to leave them.

The three can deal with anything by themselves. If a killer approaches them, they’re unstoppable – particularly with Abrenite.

Rion… just leave them. Don’t worry about them…

Don’t worry about Seobi.

With the feeling of ignoring that specific issue, I continue my way to the Knight’s Academy. But as I try to ignore it, I can feel anxiety bolstering itself in my mind.

Maybe I should just check?

No. Don’t.

Instantly, I bypass these horrendous feelings by thinking about the positive things that happened in the past.

Except, I don’t remember anything.

I mean, there haven’t been any happy moments I’ve experienced, that I actually remember.

…

Seobi, I want to see you again.

I want to make you smile more.

I want to do something that’ll make you happy.

Because I miss you, and I should’ve done all of this when I was with you.

I continue walking with dismalness restricting my locomotion, but then…

Well, here I am.

I feel it disappear instantly as soon as I see a large castle in front of me.

‘Academy of the Knights of Junquious’

I approach the gate, with two Knights in the armour that I’ve been craving for years, standing beside the gate. I look at their swords prepared on their hands, and watch their honoured, still postures. “How can we help you, sir?”

Suddenly, the other Knight on my left takes a bow of respect –

“You must be Rion Bayerische –” He began. “Thank you to you, our General is recovered.”

“Oh – it was nothing.”

“The General would like to see you.”

Oh – okay. That’s quite on honour, I guess?

I didn’t really anticipate this…

The Knight approaches the large gate, opening it then performing one more bow. I do the same, since I’m obscure to how I should reply.

As nostalgia halts my movement, I remember that I was here with Seobi.

I treated her like trash.

But I also remember that she ran to the highest floor to see the General. I guess that’s my lead to the path of where I should go…

Once I arrive at the door, nervousness compels me yet again. How much respect should I show to him? Two bows? Three bows?

I knock the door with anxiety. Instantly, I hear the General call out –

“Come in!”

Well, there he is, Rion.

I twist the door knob, and see him staring at the window on his leather seat. Instantly, I bow to him to represent my respect.

I bow again, then again, then again, then again, until he exclaimed –

“Stop!”

Damn it! I was probably being like a chicken pecking instead of showing respect!

“From now on, you’re my brother!”

…What? Me, a brother? The only person who addressed me as a brother was Britenzo!

I’m his brother…?

What’s that supposed to mean?

He’s like Abrenite to Seobi?

I feel my muscles tense, and it’s as if my eyes are gripped on his by…

… Passion.

“What’s with that look? It’s meant to be a compliment!”

I’m completely obscure to what I should say.

He stands up from his seat then begins walking around the desk to get closer to me. With my still expression, I see on the sides of my view that his hands are sliding around the table in front of me as he walks.

With shock, I feel his hand position on my shoulder. “Hey, thanks for saving me. I’ll always be in your debt.”

“Th-thank you.” I expressed my nervousness once again.

“You know what? I’ll show you a good view of the entire castle.”

A good view of the castle? What does he mean?

We leave the room, and I follow him through the castle as I expect him to surprise me. We journey through various stairs and doorways, and then finally reach the top.

Wow – the breeze of air is so nice.

It’s as if I can feel everyone’s happiness just charge at me with winds of freedom – the azure sky, the clouds that act as white shields of the Earth from the incandescent sun.

I watch the General leaning himself on the bricks which prevent us from falling, while the wind cools down my nervousness.

It’s as if he’s preparing something…

Preparing something big to say –

“Just look at them, they’re so loyal to me.” He began as he stares down at his soldiers on the ground floor. “This is why I enjoy this world, Rion. And thanks to you, and your friends, I was able to live longer in this world.”

With my heart in a dilemma to show respect, my mouth moves casually as if I’m speaking to Britenzo. “You’re welcome, General. I was just doing my job.”

“You’re job?”

Ops, was that the wrong word to say?

“You want to be a hero, don’t you?”

Hero? DID HE JUST SAY ‘HERO’?!

With the feeling of astonishment filling me, I feel my words let out in a slow pace. “… Yeah.”

Really? Am I going to be a hero? Can I be the one who’ll be able to protect people?

Protecting them with justice and my own strength?

Is this a dream come true?

… If it is – then thank you Seobi, for allowing me to get this far!

Suddenly, he brings out his hand for me to shake. “How would you say…”

Come on… say it.

Say it.

I want to be the one who’ll bring justice to this world.

And be the police of mankind.

“We’ll start training you today to become a Knight?”

Yes.

I knew he would ask me that ultimate question.

I didn’t need to undergo so much reasoning to lead us to this question!

With passion, I find myself grabbing his hand and shaking it vigorously, then completely losing the fact that he’s the General.

“Yes, please!”

Finally, I can embrace my future.

Just wait Seobi I’ll be a hero soon.

I have to fill in a form of registration. But most of the things I’m asked of, I can’t answer due to me not remembering what happened back in the past. Though ‘its’ okay’ said the General. He’s an understanding person, and I can’t imagine anyone who would bypass his barrier of kindness. As soon as I finish the form, I’m given a manual of the codes of being a Knight.

“As time passes, there’ll be classes and lectures held across Junquious. Your job is to attend all of them without being indolent.”The General ordered.

This time, I’ll have to take it seriously.

This is my future –

Once I’ve done the examination, I’ll be taught the combat basics.

After such a happy day I arrive home, and realise that the happiness hasn’t ended.

Seobi left a note on my bed.

Enjoy being a Knight in shining armour! Who’s going to be the person that you’ll rescue first, aye? Anyway, come to Mayatopia soon! ^^

Okay, Rion?

Seobi

Oh – Seobi did this for me?

Seobi – thank you.

I feel content filling me up with motivation to embracing my dream – compounded with care.

And this care is for Seobi –

Thank you so much.

Of course, I’ll be there for you in Mayatopia. Once I see you, I’ll treat you as best as I can.

I’ll be different.

I’ll be nicer.

I’ll be more empathetic.

Honestly, I’m glad I met someone like her. I’m glad she was with me all this time.

I put down the note, intending to cherish it as much as I can, and then opening my textbook on the desk that Seobi used to sit when she was studying.

And when she still had school to attend to.

Once I complete all these trials, I’ll be able to save people’s lives.

I’ll be a hero.

Everyone will like me.

It’s passed about two months, and now it’s time for me to take my examination. I’ve tried sending letters to Seobi numerous times, but she hasn’t replied.

It’s quite odd… and I feel rather alone.

I hope everything is okay, and I hope she isn’t avoiding me for any reason.

No, she can’t be.

She’s too nice.

Anyway, I should forget about her for now –

It’s time to look at the exam, and sense the presence of a feeling arising…

With the feeling of nervousness compelling me once again, I look with shock to see the amount of pages present within the exam paper.

Why the heck is this so thick?

With our desks scattered across the hall, everyone keeps silent.

“You may now begin the exam.” The supervisor announced.

Instantly, everyone turns over their papers and begin writing. According to what I’ve read over during perusal, I find out that it’s a written essay that I have to write within a two-hour period, plus a list of multiple-choice questions. The first few questions they ask are the values of a Knight, and what they’re expected to do during certain situations. Only certain circumstances I have to take out my blade: if the enemy is offensive, or if they’re persisting on disobeying my orders in contributing peace in society.

As a Knight as well, I’ll have to be available at any time during the day – whether it is day or night. I’ll have to be prone to being deprived of sleep in order to maintain the protection in our city, particularly in Junquious.

The next question asks me the topic I’m most confident on – The Knight’s Chivalry.

The chivalry is our code of morality that states that all Knights must protect others who cannot protect themselves. As a Knight, I must vow to be a loyal, generous and noble-bearing person. Whenever a comrade is in danger, I’m required to assist in the situation and guard the honour of all fellow Knights. We must always have to obey those who are placed in authority, and must never refuse a challenge from an equal. Should an opponent was to tell me their name, it’s an order to answer by telling them mine, or else I’ll be labelled as an assassin.

After an hour and twenty-two minutes of multiple choice, I’ve finally finish the exam. Should I feel lucky that I’ve finished early? Or should I feel guilty? What if I hadn’t of written enough?

Sigh. Uncertainty compels me and I find myself rereading my work.

As soon as two hours pass, the supervisor announces for everyone to stop working. Instantly, everyone in the exam hall hears an individual call out with disappointment and stress –

“It-can’t... end-like-this!”

Well – that just makes me feel even better that I edited my entire work and wrote an extra one page. But quantity does not define quality –

I have to be careful with what I’m confident about.

I exit the exam hall, and find myself back in the Knights’ Academy at the highest floor.

“So, how’d it go?”

I don’t know – how did I go?

“I’m not sure –”

Did I do well? Do I have to redo it?

I seriously hate this gripping feeling of nervousness…

He regains his standing posture and we continue on the next phase to becoming a Knight. I find myself at an empty dojo alone with the General, and watching him swing the blade vigorously through the air. “At all times, you can confirm a threat by preparing your blade for a parry with theirs.”

Suddenly, he stops and puts down his sword.

And then, there it is.

He’s giving me it.

“It’s yours now.”

As we train through the night, he teaches me methods for countering attacks and dealing pain to the opponent, such as blocking an enemy’s strike then instantly thrusting the blade while they’re immobilised by their own impact. A few notes that I have to remember in protecting myself, is the way the blade must be held before preparing myself for their strike. Despite me already knowing how to use a kitchen knife, I still have to show him my strengths in carrying a weapon.

Finally, I’ve begun the test for my combat, patience and bravery skills. I’m now here in a maze filled with bricked walls, and probably twenty floors underneath Junquious. My mission is to find and retrieve an individual trapped in the maze.

Well, of course, they’re not actually ‘trapped’ – but I have to simply progress my way through and find her as an objective of the test. My companions say that the individual is in the second underground floor – and within that floor wolves will be unleashed to hinder me from my objective and taking me down. I guess it’s quite convenient for all the tests for each student to be the same – I’m glad that we’re able to seek advice for this from our companions.

Alright – Rion, let’s begin. Let’s finish this test and get this all over with.

The area is engulfed by pure darkness, until I take a step and find numerous candles lighting up by themselves. A path is revealed, and I do my best to keep my eyes at the correct turns.

It’s damp and dusty.

There are even spider webs blocking the path way in front of me –

I have to even use my sword to slice them up.

I run continuously in circles, until I come across various dead ends. After about an hour of walking and running, I find the staircase leading me to the second floor. I march deeper and deeper into the city of darkness, with candles lighting up the pathway once again and unveiling the invisible dusts.

And then, I remember, there’ll be wolves here.

I prepare my sword and ready myself for anything that’ll be running my way to eat the flesh out of me. But then, the first twenty steps I take, I realise something rather…

Unexpected…

There’s blood stains scattered across the maze walls around me.

I stare at them in shock, then assuming that these marks of blood could’ve been due to past situations dealt by other Knights.

But that’s just what I assume –

I continue following the blood stains, and then –

“What?!”

Wow – did I just say that out loud? Damn it! Pick up your blade! And keep quiet Rion!

B-But, what’s this in front of me?

…

There’s a dead wolf in front of me.

It’s split in half.

But I can’t let these things make me lose my bravery! I have to keep going!

Probably that’s just what I’ll do – split them in half with my blade. I just hope that I won’t be taken by a whole herd of wolves.

One-by-one won’t be much of a problem.

… Wait – what was that?!

And then, a sound of horror frightens me. I hear the barking of wolves coming my way. With pressure compelling me, I hold my sword tightly on its hilt then leaning on the maze wall. From here, I can now see whether the wolves are coming from my behind, or my front.

But then, I hear the wolves whimpering all of a sudden.

Then the sound diminishes.

With fear restricting my movement, I continue walking and seeing the candles lighten up my way. I continue travelling through the maze and looking for the one whom I need to rescue.

But… it’s too quiet. I expected the sound of running feet to echo throughout the entire maze.

As I continue walking, I can feel the atmosphere changing. Through the bricked walls of the maze, I see more blood scattered through the walls and floor.

Seems like there were a lot of fights here in the past.

I keep following the blood tracks –

With my astonishment, I take a gasp to see a wolf on the floor expanding its diaphragm repeatedly and taking heavy breaths as if it’s about to die. I see numerous wounds engraved on its body, and on its neck.

Wait – who could have done this? It seems pretty recent…

I approach it closer with fear, then finding blood gushing forth from the wounds engraved throughout its body.

Slices… sword marks….

Due to the look of the blood loss and shape of the wound, I think there’s another Knight in here…

… or someone else.

And I thought it’s my test.

Unless, the person who I’m supposed to rescue did this?

I continue following the blood stains, then finding large double doors in front of me.

She must be in here.

With both of my hands, I twist both doorknobs and pulling them to the opposite directions. … Don’t worry Rion, be brave. Why should you even feel scared at this point? You’re not alone now!

I find myself in a large hall, but then finding the person, who I’m meant to rescue, pinned to a pillar by ropes.

But wait – something doesn’t seem right!

Her feet stay stationary on the ground, and I see blood dripping from her agape mouth.

“Hey! Are you okay?!”

Instantly, I run to her aid with haste –

I grab both of her shoulders and shaking it as much as I can. And then suddenly, she mutters –

“You finally took your mask off. Thank you –”

What?

Huh? Mask? I don’t get it – why is she thanking me?

“We’re not out of here yet!” I exclaimed in fear for her to die.

No! Don’t go!

Suddenly, her eyes doze off slowly, until her head hangs aimlessly from her body with blood dripping from her mouth to the solid floor.

She’s dead…

I failed my mission.

How can this happen? Was I just too late? Did the wolves do this?

“No! This isn’t meant to happen!”

I find myself picking the blade which I just plunged to the floor by anger, and finding it blunt.

Damn it! I couldn’t save her!

What kind of hero am I?

What will the General say about this?

What about her family?

With the bravery I have left, I carry the body on my shoulders and intending to show the General something unexpected once I arrive back. I walk down the hall, away from the giant pillar that the woman was pinned onto, then approaching the exit.

“I’m sorry…” I attempted to rid of my guilt.

As she hangs on my shoulder, I use what’s left of my strength to grasp the two doorknobs and opening the large door once again.

… What?!

And then, my muscles are jolted.

Instead of finding me in the bricked maze as I should after opening these doors, I find them leading me somewhere else…

… In a house.

An abandoned house.

What happened? Are these doors bringing me somewhere else?

With fear and intrigue compelling me, I find myself stepping forth through the two large doors. A hallway appears in front of me, with openings of numerous rooms throughout its walls. A red vermillion colour dominates the wall texture, while the carpet contrasts through a brownish dark colour. But the aspect of this place that keeps me curious is the slight memory of me being here in the past.

Was this my home back in the past?

With myself urging to know the truth, I continue walking to find a room that prompts my memory.

That’s right – this was the place where I woke up, and finding that I remember nothing about the world.

I was here on the day everything was destroyed.

I was here when Seobi was standing right in front of my bed, wondering why I lost my memory.

I was in Brigadonia when the storm of rocks hit –

And I’m in Brigadonia now.

I can see a bed, a sword hilt leaning on a wall, a closed window, a mirror and a desk with a picture frame placed on it.

The picture frame – I’ve never seen it there before.

No – I don’t think I even looked around this place when I woke up, realising that I lost my memories back then.

I approach the picture, and realising that I’m so gripped of its presence.

I see three individuals – Seobi when she was young with a rather dismal expression, another teenage girl with black hair, and another wrapping his arm around her neck with a scribbled face.

Scribbled face?

… why is his face scribbled?

Wait! What was that?!

I swear I just heard a footstep!

And then, I feel myself jumping in shock as the walls on my right bursts with a grey, cumbersome blade protruding through it. The man with the unusual suit of armour stares at me with such a grotesque mask, and drops his cumbersome blade on the carpeted floor.

“Wh-Who are you?”

… Of course he won’t reply.

With my feeling of fear, I watch him crack his knuckles repeatedly, as if he’s gesturing for a fight. I put the one who I was meant to rescue on the bed close to me, then preparing my sword.

Who knows, this could be part of the test?

I guess I still have to stick to my ideals of being a Knight –

“Who are you? Who sent you here?”

Oh well, since he isn’t complying, I’ll start off with –

“My name is Rion Bayerische!” I called out as he stops approaching me. “As a Knight of Junquious, if you don’t tell me your identity and the land you’re from, you’ll be marked as an assassin!”

…

The man appears silent, until through the mask I hear –

“… Why is –?”

… Excuse me?

“Ad-Adrenaline… I feel angry by your presence! Why?!”

Wait, I can see his figure shaking all of a sudden.

I wonder what’s going on inside him.

I prepare myself for a fearsome battle as he runs at me, with my fists ready and clenched-up. I attempt to thrust my fist towards his face, but he dodges it in such a vigorous manner. With my body still recuperating from the blow I delivered, he plunges his fist to my abdomen, making me grunt and fall into pain.

… Agh. Damn it.

“… You’re nothing like me.”

I’m nothing like him?

I don’t even know who he is, and he’s saying that?

Suddenly, he charges his leg and strikes it to my face. With blood splattering out of my mouth on to the walls, I find myself desperate to regain my posture.

Is this the end…?

Is this how I’ll die?

What if it’s just a test?

Well, I guess I failed it. I’m not competent enough to become a hero.

He kicks me one last time, until I find myself immobilised on the floor. With the energy I have left, I watch the man walking away from me, picking up the cumbersome blade which he placed next to the wall, then approaching me again. With his behind facing me, I hear him mutter.

“Carningrenate, Briteria, or both. You’ll never be as strong as I am.”

… No, this can’t happen.

My entire body is immobilised, and I can see the man approaching me slowly as he grasps the hilt of the sword he’s carrying. He begins swinging it through his top, then charging it straight at me.

Why can’t I move?

Good bye, Seobi. I close my eyes in sorrow, thinking about her for my last few seconds of being alive.

…

Then suddenly, a blue light engulfs me.

The man’s blade stops as it collides with the blue blazes of fire surrounding me. Through the distance, I also see the remnants of blueness coming from the bed. It’s as if the one who I’m supposed to save is experiencing the same thing.

“Wh-what?!”

The fire consumes me, and I find myself back in the empty dojo of the Knight’s Academy with the woman next to my figure of tire. Through the window, I realise that I’ve been in there for almost four hours.

It’s dark already –

“Rion! What took you so long?” He looked at me with a bewildered expression. “And why are you drenched in blood?”

… I’m drenched in blood.

He scans my body, then the woman’s.

“… Fei.” I watched the General examining her emotionless face.

“Wh-What? What happened?”

Suddenly, he cuddles her with his arms and falls into silence.

“Her last words were: You finally took your mask off. Thank you –”

… Mask? Wait a second. Why did she say mask…?

Well, I wasn’t wearing a mask.

The man that tried to kill me was.

The General raises his head to face me vehemently as he continues wrapping his arms around the woman.

“… Did you say ‘mask’?” I suddenly heard his voice change into a deeper one.

“Yeah.”

…

“Someone obviously destroyed the system. The wolves would only attack Fei if they’re infuriated enough by an interloper. In this case, this wasn’t you.”

… An interloper?

“I saw another man.” I said as I watched his eyes of fury. “… He held a rather cumbersome sword, and I found myself in an old abandoned house.”

“… Cumbersome sword? What colour was it? Abandoned house?”

I take a memory of what I saw when it was leaning on the wall –

“It had a grey texture –” I replied with uncertainty. “And it had a lot of spikes.”

“… Salzburg.”

Wait – Salzburg?

That name prompts me slightly – but who was it again?

Oh - the masked man, his name was Salzburg?

Suddenly, another Knight emerges through the doors, to our behind. I see him with a rather joyful face, then opening his arms to something. As soon as he finds the corpse of the woman, Fei, I see his expression instantly changing into a solemn one. And then, he drops to the floor dreadfully, and crawling up to her face that’s hanging from the General’s shoulder. He realises the Knight’s presence, and passes the corpse carefully to his arms.

“… Wha-what happened?”

That tone he said that in…

He must be hurt.

“I’m sorry…” is all I can say.

“You didn’t save her…” I watched him suddenly turn at me with his sorrowful face.

“I failed. I’m sorry.”

And then, I’m startled.

The Knight suddenly jumps to me in rage, plunging both of his hands around my neck and choking it with fury. “Because of you, she’s dead! You didn’t protect her!”

I feel like I deserve to be punished like this.

… This should happen to me.

Or should it not?

I try to take control of his hands and preventing them from even touching my neck. But the fury he’s unleashing on me is overwhelming the strength that I have left. The General suddenly regains his posture and taking his figure off of mine. “Ferion, get to your senses. We were all oblivious of an interloper.”

It’s the next day, and I arrive at the academy with bandages scattered throughout my body. Despite me still healing, I’m still up for some combat. The General told me that I wouldn’t need to get through the maze once again, and that I’ve still got one more examination to do. This final test is the challenge to oppose a real Knight. Should it ever happen in the future, this test focuses with ‘the Knight’s Code’ and the chivalries that we have to bestow on one another.

I find myself in the centre of the academy, in a large hall where all the other Knights sit as audiences. My objective is to challenge the Knight that strangled me yesterday – unfortunately.

I bet he’ll express all his rage on me.

I stand on my spot, ten metres away from my opponent with the referee between us.

“This will be the final test for you both!”

I suddenly catch his sinister eyes facing mine.

“In order for any of you to pass this test, you’ll have to show the audience and your opponent the chivalry. Whether it is win or lose for any of you, you’ll still pass the test if you fight fair and square.”

That’s right. I have to fight fair and square, and so does he. But I don’t understand how you can’t? I mean, what else can you do other than swinging your blade towards your opponent?

Then, the referee begins the countdown.

“Three.”

The audience suddenly begins cheering.

“Two.”

Instantly, nervousness compels me. Damn it, I felt normal a few seconds ago!

“One.”

And then, the bell rings and I start with the Knight’s Code.

“My name is Rion Bayerische!”

“I’m Ferion Reglasta!”

“ … And we both challenge each other in honour, as the Knight’s of Junquious!”

We approach each other with a rigorous pace and our swords on our hands. I perform the first slash, piercing the wind and finding it colliding with his shield. The force I plunged with my first attack rebounds to my body and feeling partially immobilised. He then spins vigorously, and performing a slash through my waist. I jump myself to my behind and attempting to prevent it from touching me, but unexpectedly I hear the sound of clashing metal.

Parts of my chainmail broke off.

As I lift my head to see his, he chuckles slightly. Come on, you’re supposed to be showing honour!

Instantly, I parry his second strike. With our blades brawl each other like madness, I protect myself from every attack he deals to me.

All I’m doing is defending.

I should be more offensive!

With my mind in a dilemma, I end up defending his slash with my shield, and charging it towards him as an offense. As he’s temporary immobilised, I spin energetically on my spot and plunge my blade towards his. Suddenly, he overpowers my strength and I drop to the floor violently. With only my sword in hand, he strikes it with incredible strength, and blowing it off to the distance.

I’ve got nothing on both of my hands now.

Instantly, he approaches me and points the tip of his blade to my face.

“As a Knight of Junquious, I, Ferion Reglasta, proclaim…”

I’m locked.

I can’t move any of my limbs.

I see the tip of his blade right in front of my eye of fear.

If only I had my blade, I would be able to release myself from this misery.

If only I had my blade – if only I had my blade – if only I had my blade!

…

Pain is focused on my hand.

Suddenly, blood gushes from its top – revealing an odd looking ‘cross’ with sapphire-coloured particles being emitted like jets. My skin begins glowing uncontrollably, blinding Ferion.

The ground beneath him and I obliterates and elevates to the air on top of us. I become free once Ferion lets go of his blade.

What’s happening? Has someone saved me?

“Vi – what?!”

I’m glad this came on the brink of time – because if he said those last words, I would’ve lost.

But still – it would be fine if I still lost, right?

The fragments of stones on top of us shatter into atomic bits, causing a luminous blue light to blind the eyes of Ferion and me. With the vision I have left, I see numerous particles of blueness reassembling together to form a sapphire, crystalline object, and slowly hovering down towards me as if I need it most.

It’s my chance.

I take the blade and running towards Ferion with his bewildered expression.

It’s my chance – and I can still proclaim victory for myself!

With the slight feel of guilt of not being quite ‘fair’ I strike him one last time and clashing my blade with his.

Wait a second – maybe I shouldn’t have done this?

Suddenly, his blade breaks by mine, and he falls to the ground in shock.

I point the crystallised sword towards his face like he did to me, and finally proclaiming my victory.

“As a Knight of Junquious, I, Rion Bayerische, proclaim victory!”

…

No one is applauding.

I look around to see everyone standing from their seat and looking at me with such horror.

I guess they all knew I didn’t play ‘fair and square’.

Then, I hear the whispers from the audience.

“He used Briteria!”

“What a freak.”

“He shouldn’t be a Knight at all!”

“He’s an alien!”

… I took the wrong move.

I put my blade down in shame, watching Ferion regaining his posture with such a sinister look. He looks at me with horror, and continues to walk away with his eyes still on mine.

“You alien…” Ferion muttered.

“I’m sorry!”

I’m sorry! I knew I shouldn’t have done that!

Wait – what did I just do, actually?

Unexpectedly, I feel two other Knights grasping both of my arms with such fierce. They drag me off the field, until I see the General approaching us.

“Let go.”

He suddenly grasps my shoulder, turns away, then we journey our way to his office.

“General, what’s wrong?” I sit myself on the seat with fear while he does the same, except he’s turning through the window.

“Kepunzel… did I pass?”

… Wait a second – why is he smiling at me?

“Nope. But you passed in impressing me!” I suddenly heard a completely different voice.

Huh…?

Without me knowing, he puts his hand in front of me. “Join me, Rion.”

Oh, he’s offering me to become a Knight!

But wait –

A feeling of intrigue keeps me hanging.

“In what…?”

…

“In becoming immortal.”

“… I’m sorry?”

“We’ll become invincible! We’ll kill all the ones who rejected your family!”

“What do you mean…?”

He chuckles slightly, and putting his hand away.

“We’ll kill all the ones who aren’t Briteria users.”

What? Why would a Knight do that?

What’s going on through his mind?

“But, that disobeys the will of a Knight!”

In an instant, he blasts into laughter and dropping his head to the desk in front of me. “You’re funny! You think they’re that great in this world?”

Huh…?

It seems like he’s a different person.

Then behind the door, I hear the sound of a large group of men. “That Briteria man, I knew I couldn’t trust him!”

“We have to get in there before he does the same thing to the General!” I heard another exclaim with ferocious might.

The door bursts open and the Knight’s reveal themselves. As for the General, I see him keeping his eyes straight to mine. He’s hiding something from everyone…

“Bring him to the prison!” I heard him announce with the General’s voice once again.

Oh no! He’s trying to frame me!

I gesture my vehemence by swinging my arm and exclaiming –

“Get away from me! It’s the General you want!”

But unexpectedly, as I swing my arm, I’m boiled by tremble.

… It’s back. The sapphire texture –

Not only that... but I’ve split the walls around me in half. I just casted an enormous blade from my right hand.

I don’t know how big this blade is – but it’s heavier than a few tons. I shouldn’t have swang my arm.

They all fall to the ground by the instant flash of blue light, and unfortunately, some sliced in half. I’m sorry guys – I didn’t mean to do that!

“What an alien!”

I run my way through the exit of the entire academy. I avoid every other Knight that attempts to take my arm or lock me in position. As I exit the academy, I see another on a horse in front of the gate.

“Stand down!”

I point my crystalline sword towards him –

“I’m an alien – you should get away from me! Now get off the horse!”

But as soon as I pointed it towards him, I watch it expand instantly to plunge his chest right through.

In shock, I drop my weapon –

It’s just like what happened before…

But this time, the blade is protruding right from my hand – without a hilt.

Just like a gauntlet, but with an enormous blade protruding out.

From my behind, the previous squad of Knights who were blinded appear.

With the feeling of intrigue, I feel like I should swing my hand once again.

And so, I did.

Then the same blue crystalline blade appears on my hand once again, expanding dozens of metres instantly and crushing anything that stood in my way. Without myself knowing, I realise that the blade also slashes right through the actual academy –

This is impossible…

I can’t believe I have a power like this.

… I did this?

I’ve caused so much destruction.

Then behind me, I hear the sound of a horse beginning to gallop away. The feeling of fear disappears from me, and I jump on its back to find myself escaping from the destruction. As I pass the centre of the city, a man with a magician hat and rather, ‘unappealing’ set of glasses stands in front of me with his arms spread out.

He’s in my way – or – wait – what is he doing?

“I’m a friend of Seobi’s! Quick, go to Mayatopia! The city is in destruction!”

In destruction? Seobi is in danger?!

With fear and incredulity compelling my spine, I grasp the collar of the man as I hang from the horse. “Wh-what do you mean!?”

“There’s so much criminalisation in Mayatopia that it’s crazy!”

What..?

Wasn’t Mayatopia the city of peace?

That’s Seobi’s school!

“You can’t be serious…”

I don’t care if he’s lying or telling the truth, but I have to make sure that she’s safe. Because, she’s the most important person I have in my life. I can’t lose her.

I gallop my way through the streets of Junquious, and find myself leaving through the east gate of Junquious. A few Knights tag on my trail, but I brandish my arm out once again and destroying the gate behind me.

I’m alone now, and I’ll save you Seobi. Because whatever happens, I’ll always be there for you!

Chapter 13 – Seobi – The Briteria legion

I find working in the hospital and helping the ones in need really enjoyable for a person like me. The income is enormous, and I’m famous throughout the entire city for my ability with Briteria. Everyone’s perspectives of me change all of a sudden – as if, they think that it’s actually good that I’m from the Briteria family.

But I’m still wondering where the Falkenstein Health Institute went? Where did my school go? I remember the President of the Archery School back in Junquious, President Bowe, said that the Falkenstein Institute moved here?

But, I couldn’t find it anywhere.

There’s no health school in Mayatopia at all.

Despite that, I’m really enjoying my life here. But, I guess it would’ve been better if Rion was here with me. We’ve experienced so many hardships together, and it feels rather nostalgic that now, we’re off to where we’re contributing in society instead of suffering in our house and contemplating about useless topics.

I hope they’re accepting Rion too, back in Junquious. But I’m still obscure to the reason why he hasn’t replied to my letters. We haven’t spoken a word for the past two months, and I feel rather worried for how everything is going for him.

During my break next week, I’ll be going off to Junquious to visit Rion. From then, I’ll be able to know how he is, and the reason why he hasn’t been replying to my letters. But I have to finish off my work first –

Every time I’m off for work, I’ll have to put on my lab coat before I attend a patient. I guess I can say that’s the most annoying bit, since tying the knot behind is so frustrating sometimes. But despite that, I really love it here.

Suddenly, my alarm rings.

Alright, it’s time to get back to work.

I regain my standing posture and say farewell to the nice view from the balcony I’m at. I sit next to my desk and scan through some of the diseases that I’ve cured – Malaria, Tuberculosis, Alzheimer’s, Ischemic Heart Disease and the plague, or should I say small pox.

With my ability to cure, my patients won’t even need a single pill to reframe from any sickness. It’s just like how I reconstructed Rion’s arm, and seeing him use it freely.

Just with the power of Briteria, I’ll be able to help everyone in the world. Without this power, I’d probably be nothing.

I also remember a time when someone’s leg was amputated from a war that raged out against the Briteria family. I reconstructed his leg, just like for Rion, and he was able to move it at his own will as if it was actually his leg. So with curiosity, I decided to inspect microscopically the cells I used to reconstruct his leg. But surprisingly, they were ordinary skin cells.

It’s weird because, with my power, I can manipulate any form of matter and turning them into… skin cells.

I guess it’s just some kind of science that only the Jeutonburg’s know – or should I say the magic that they know.

It’s now four o’clock and I’m on my way to home. After eating a bit of dinner, I’d go back to a parent’s house to do some babysitting. I was asked to take care of three sick children for a night – from seven PM to seven AM in the morning. And of course, it’s my duty to help these people and stay by their side.

I board off my chariot and wait for the next. I sit down on the closest chair I can see, then watching people stare at me aimlessly. I wave at them passionately with the best smile I can give them, and basically implying that I’m not harmful at all.

But, what if they’ll think I’m weird?

Nah, who cares!

As I wait at the edge of the ceramic road, I see the silhouette of a man in a horse galloping his way behind the moonlight. He catches my attention because I see everyone else so focused on him, and a few seconds ago they were staring at me.

But as soon as the figure emerges, I fall into astonishment –

I regain my standing posture, looking at the man with agape. He stops his horse next to me, and mounts off with a passionate expression.

…

Wait – excuse me? Is this really him?

“You’re alright!”

Rion suddenly grabs my shoulders and forcefully pulling my figure towards his.

He’s … here. He’s hugging me. And he’s all sweaty.

… But I’m so happy that I can’t even move.

“Ri-Rion…?” I muttered.

“It’s me, Seobi!”

I can suddenly feel a tear falling off my eyes, and then I carry my arms slowly around his back. “I missed you so much, Rion.”

He allows me to see his face. I instantly try to wipe the tears off. But then –

“You’re crying!”

It’s too late.

“You’re crying, for me?”

Oh dear – I’m so happy!

“Of course I am. You never even replied to my letters!”

“Huh?” He expressed a confused face. “You never replied to my letters!”

Wait – we were both sending letters to one another, but we never received them?

“I don’t get it – neither of us retrieved them!”

“Oh well! I’m here! And we’re together again!”

…

He said ‘together’.

“Mm – yeah.”

“Seobi!” He began another topic. “… where’s all the destruction?”

Excuse me? Did he just say ‘destruction’? How can he assume that?

I express a puzzled face –

“Destruction? This place is so peaceful!”

“Oh” He paused for a bit. “I was told the contrary by some… man.”

Strange, is there someone who would want this place to fall into destruction?

As we both wait for the chariot, we sit next to each other on the seats behind us – except he suddenly backs away slightly from me as if he’s shy to see me. It’s strange – a few minutes ago he was quite passionate to see me. Now he’s backing away like usual.

But I guess it’s because we haven’t been seeing each other for the past two months, he’s expressing some shyness towards me.

… I understand.

Also, he doesn’t usually act passionate, so he’s probably taking it in an awkward manner for my first time seeing him like this. He must’ve realised that he’s acting different after he boarded off his horse, then his body forced him to act the way he did in the past.

As in the past with Priscilla, and before the destruction of Brigadonia…

With the silence bewitching us, I choose to lead it to a halt by starting a conversation. “So, according to the suit of armour you’re wearing, you’ve finally embraced your dream?”

He lays his head facing the floor, and finding a rather dismal mood compelling him.

But I instantly detect his answer –

“No.” Rion muttered.

Wh-what?” I find myself repeatedly blinking.

“I was doing the final test, but then I accidentally used Briteria.”

He used Briteria!? Like me?

“Oh! What was your ability like?” I expressed my intrigue and forgetfully disregarding that he didn’t embrace his dream.

“I don’t know… but I kept constructing swords. Big ones, particularly.” He looked at me bewilderedly.

Swords…? What kind of ability is that?

I’m from the Shwanseah side of the family, so my profession is for medical situations. For the Bayerische, what was their profession?

“It started when I was just about to lose; my opponent was claiming his victory, but I was in denial and thinking that I could’ve only won if he hadn’t have disarmed my sword.” He suddenly turns his head to face me. “… and then, as I kept thinking about myself holding a blade, it came true. The ground demolished and a crystalline sword appeared on my hand.”

… as he kept thinking about himself holding a blade…

Is it imagination?

Despite what the ability is – poor Rion; people in Junquious hate him for using Briteria. But for me, in Mayatopia, it’s the total opposite. Everyone in this Algerian region is so nice.

But, shouldn’t he be grateful that he discovered his power?

“Don’t worry.” I intended to comfort him. “Let’s just treat it as a test. Maybe great things will come to you if you wait?”

Suddenly, he takes a long sigh.

“I agree.”

I really wanted to comfort him because he wasn’t able to embrace his dream in the same time as I was. So with my instincts, I pat his back to satisfy my feel of sympathy. He looks at me awkwardly, then looks away –

“Are you shy?” I embarrassed him.

“N-no.”

But honestly, what can comfort Rion? I never knew I would even feel like this towards him – I mean, all those other days, we fought together so much.

I can never understand all that he’s experiencing in his mind.

I can’t understand what it feels like to have a blank mind of no memories of my past at all. That’s probably the reason why he doesn’t also know how to express his feelings well.

But, I’m sure I can tell that he’s become a better person compared to the time he lost his job. And, I want to show him that I know that he changed.

What if I treat him as the way I used to treat him before our home was lost? Will that comfort him?

… Or before when Priscilla still existed?

I think this is the only way.

I look at Rion’s sorrowful expression as he continues staring at the floor. I approach him closer with him realising, then I place my hand on his –

“Rion, are you alright?” I expressed through a soft and low voice.

He suddenly turned his head to mine, taking my hand away then chuckling a bit.

“What?” I reacted to his sudden emotion.

Well, I guess I tried. Or, what if that slight action I performed comforted him?

It might have comforted him, considering the way he reacted!

And then, he smiles –

But, he might be hiding his emotions as well.

Silence bewitches us both and I realise that something else rises to Rion’s mind.

“Should I go back to Junquious?”

Poor Rion, he went all this way to see if I was okay.

It’s kind of sweet I guess…

And I’m happy that he’s like a saviour…

I think I prefer if he were to stay here with me – plus, didn’t he say that the Knight’s of Junquious are after him?

“No stay here. What if they do bad things to you?”

He turns his head away and keeps calm. I continue staring at his emotionless face as I sit close to him. Then with the empathy I have for him compelling me, I satisfy myself by patting his back.

“If there’s a problem, tell me, okay?”

I remember when I said that to the Rion that knew Priscilla.

Who knows, maybe this Rion could become ‘him’ once again?

But despite that – I think there is something in Rion’s mind. What if, there’s actually more that has happened in Junquious than the things he’s telling me?

“Seobi...”

“Yes?”

“There’s something I’m not sure of –”

“General Kepunzel wouldn’t bring about destruction, would he?”

“Of course not!”

... He suddenly keeps silent.

I arrive back at my motel to bring Rion a place to stay. I insert the key in the keyhole, but then watching the door open by Frilldert.

“Rion! You’re back!” She pronounced passionately. As for Rion, he keeps silent by only nodding – probably because Abrenite is staring at him from the behind of Frilldert.

To be honest, the two never got along.

Not even before our home was lost.

They always fought with each other.

… It’s just weird.

Ever since our group split, Frilldert also embraced her ambitions here. She became a fashion designer – and a rather splendid one as well. Despite her being the same age as Rion and I, she’s more ahead in her career than we are. But this could be due to her having a sufficient amount of funds for supplying the things that she needs. Unlike us, we had to attain our things the hard way – simply because we were looked down upon, and our family was dispersed.

As soon as Rion steps into the motel with a rather shy expression, Abrenite breaks the silence between the two and passes his hand for a handshake.

“Welcome back, Rion.”

I take a breath out – phew – luckily he accepted it. Or else a fight would probably have emerged. But despite him accepting it, I can still depict the shyness he has towards him or Frilldert, or both. He continues staring at the ground beneath him, and not uttering a single word. I’m still not exactly sure what caused Rion to be like this – was it by the fact that he couldn’t embrace his dreams? Or maybe he’s dismal because I did?

All three of us sit on the dining table and consume our meal. Frilldert grasps both the knife and the fork, while I only have a spoon on one hand. As for the boys, they enjoy using their hands.

“Did you cook this, Seobi?” Rion kindly asked.

“Haha –” I chuckled a bit. “No, I don’t cook as well as Frilldert”

“Aw – thanks dear.”

As soon as I finished my meal, I decide to leave an hour early for my babysitting. But once I close the door, Abrenite opens it. With my expression of confusion, he keeps silent, then pulling me slightly to the distance under the dark night as he closes the entrance. Now, we’re isolated from Frilldert and Rion.

“So, did Rion find his Briteria ability yet?” he spoke with eloquence.

“No – he only told me that he accidentally transfigured the ground into a weapon.”

Abrenite then begins telling me the reason to why he investigated Vaxia, and that he’s signed up as a ‘Bounty Hunter’.

Honestly, I didn’t know how to respond to that. But with my bewildered expression, he instantly replied –

“I believe that the culprit who demolished our family is still out there.”

… Again, I don’t know how to reply –

But how am I even sure that all the Briteria members in my family are gone?

Maybe there are a few left other than Abrenite, Rion and I.

“So, the reason why you’re asking about Rion, is because you want him to join you?”

“I want you to come with us as well.”

… he wants me to join him too?

What kind of dangers will I face?

And I’m already enjoying my life here in Mayatopia!

“… I don’t know.”

We both pause for a bit, unsure to what to say to each other. I think Abrenite thought thoroughly about me joining him. But, I’m already at the point where I’m really living well – and, I don’t want this peace to get away from my heart.

I want to finally rest and become a normal person.

“You know surely that only Briteria users, like us, can manipulate Briteria?”

“Yeah –”

“Did you find anyone else not from our family, but manipulated Briteria?”

Now when I think about it – I’m not exactly sure if the ‘purple-crystallised-like’ material is Briteria.

Briteria usually denotes itself with a crystallised, blue/sapphire, luminous texture right?

“I’ve seen two individuals using a purple-coloured stone. And it seemed like it worked exactly like Briteria”

Yeah, exactly like Briteria. Destroying the floor and reconstructing whatever they like by manipulating those purple-crystalline particles, followed by their skin being illuminated and particles gushing out of their wounds.

“Purple material -” I saw his questioned face. “… because if it wasn’t a purple material, someone must have been spreading the ability of Briteria throughout the world – through to people who aren’t from our family.”

… Giving this ability to ones who aren’t from the Briteria family!?

That’s preposterous!

“And clearly, Briteria is extremely dangerous for those who can’t manipulate it properly. Truly, the three abilities from our family of Briteria have the power to destroy the world.”

And then, I remember Vaxia quoting something –

‘Haha! We Briteria users will take revenge on all those people who rejected us!’

He blatantly stated that he’s a Briteria user as well.

“Abrenite, is Vaxia in our family?”

“Psh, no.”

No? Then what’s this?

“I remember him claiming that he’s a Briteria user.” I muttered.

“What…?”

“But, I remember him carrying a purple-like crystalline blade – instead of blue. Also goes for my friend who worked for Vaxia, sadly.”

I ended with a sigh, and then stared at his face of intrigue.

I mean like – Britenzo – he had the same ability as well…

He changed…

“He transfigured the ground into a purple-coloured shield which looked exactly like Briteria, but purple.”

“… I have no clue to what the purple material is.”

And then, there we go, silence surrounds us. Though, there are still questions that delude me –

“Abrenite, can you tell me about the Britoniah’s Cataclysm?”

I’m still obscure to the history of my own race, unfortunately.

I need someone to enlighten me about it…

“Thought you would already know?”

“No – I don’t.”

“It started off when Britoniah was still intact with its main island – an island much larger than the one we call ‘Britoniah’ now.”

Wait a second – I remember the island of Britoniah being quite small on a book that Annelie showed me…

Then I guess the reason why we call this island ‘Britoniah’ is because it’s the only aspect of Britoniah left on this world.

The history starts off with the largest city on Britoniah – Brigadonia – which is actually, our home now. Abrenite states that the city was larger than the island we’re on now, and our island only considered one part of Brigadonia – which that part, is the mining industry.

But before Brigadonia was separated from the rest of Britoniah, there was a King who ruled Brigadonia and the entire island. His name was King Junquious III. From the perspective of our family, Abrenite states that we all knew him as a tyrant instead of an actual ‘king’, and that he classified millions of slaves across the island as criminals without representing such evidence. The King manipulated the Knights – ordering them to shun the one who have a negative impression of him, and then turning them into slaves.

“These slaves were then ordered to mine the gold present within the South-Western side of Britoniah – which that side, is now classified as the island we’re on now.”

I guess I can say that it’s quite depressing to hear that the island we’re on now, or probably the only island present in this planet, is only considered to be a part of a larger city.

Though –

I can’t believe how much power this ‘King’ had back then?

Just from the way Abrenite is explaining it, I have an itch of anger toppling my spine when I hear the ‘King’ being stated.

Then, after forcing the slaves to mine, the King thought of a question –

A question that dominated the lives of the slaves –

‘How is the planet holding itself together?’

Several assumptions were made by the geologists back then – such as the planet being held together by an extremely dense material in the core. This amount of density must be so high that it contributes to the strong gravitational force that’s keeping every bit of matter on the planet together. With his ravaging intrigue, he ordered the slaves to mine until they reach the centre of the planet.

Now, with the technology we have now, that’s absolutely crazy – particularly when the only tools they have were, and are still a pickaxe and a shovel.

Though, without a choice, the slaves accepted the order of the King and eventually found something unusual –

They found something with a higher strength of molecular bonding, higher density and incredibly more beautifying than gold. And for this reason, it bolstered the King’s urge of grasping it within his hands.

They called it ‘Briteria’.

But, considering how tough the rock was embedded onto the ground, the miners weren’t able to pickaxe-it-out.

“I don’t care if you’re not able to! Use your bare hands if you have to!”

Then, out of all the millions of slaves, four of them were previous scientists who knew thoroughly about the world.

But in nowadays, they would be called ‘magicians’, instead of scientists. These four scientists were professions of certain skills –

Britelza Bayerische –imagination and creativity.

Brizenska Shwanseah – manipulation of such chemical compounds to devise methods of healing.

Falkenstein Jeutonburg – creation, conversion of particles and atoms through the basis of Quantum Mechanics.

And for the last one, Salzburg Neuschwenstein, he had the ability to control peoples’ thoughts through the knowledge he knows of hypnotism and his knowledge of psychology.

As years passed in the mines, numerous amounts of slaves around the four began to lose their consciousness by being exposed to the ‘unusual air’ around them.

This unusual air was being produced by the shiny, blue Briteria material.

Parts of it were being diffused into the air around them, and changing their physical characteristics slowly…

They were able to depict the individuals to have changed in their hair colour, some in skin colour, and some in eye colour.

Though, only the four were left in the mines after a total of five years.

From what they were able to see, their skin colour was the only physical characteristic that was altered – nothing else.

That’s what made them different to the other millions of slaves who died because of the air around them.

But this was already enough evidence that the Briteria should not be exposed to the population throughout Britoniah – and shouldn’t be used as a material for being exported and used in daily life.

Though, with Salzburg’s selfishness, he had the opposite idea – simply because, he didn’t want the King to execute him.

“So why can’t we?” he suggested.

“What do you mean?! It’s blatant that if this ore was to be exposed to the cities, it would kill humanity!”

“Look what it did to everyone else that used to live in the mines, Salzburg!”

But with Salzburg’s selfishness and the ability he had to hypnotise others, he manipulated the actions of Brizenska and Falkenstein to devise a way to remove the Briteria from the ground. As for Britelza, he wasn’t hypnotised, and had to acquiesce his way through – abstaining himself to outrage a fight with Salzburg because of the fear he had for him.

And then finally – Salzburg succeeded.

By having their will manipulated, they successfully removed the ore out by the combined knowledge of Brizenska and Falkenstein knew of the world.

This was called magic, and the Briteria ore was transported to the King.

“Ha! Excellent work, slaves! Now, get me more.” said the King.

As Falkenstein and Brizenska regained their sanity, they question the reasons why he had such an urge to having the ore – and yes, it’s because of its incredibly attractive looks. They then denied the King to do such an act – as by grasping such ore, they fear that it can deliver such a terrible effect to the human body. The change in the skin colour wasn’t much of a change that the King was able to actually detect for the four. So they thought the best evidence to show the King were from the people who died by the changes from the Briteria air. The other millions of slaves who had their physical appearances altered similar to some abnormal viral infection.

But it turns out, that those bodies already have vaporised through the change – and no evidence was procured.

As Salzburg felt guilty, he continuously rejected the orders of the King, also persuaded and followed by Falkenstein, Brizenska and Britelza. They became wanted fugitives throughout the entire island.

By being absent from the mines, the King ordered batches of Knights and warriors to rip the ore themselves out of the ground. After weeks, they decide to protect the Briteria ore for the sake of mankind.

With the four resisting to the King’s orders, he declares war on the four.

Exactly – only four people, verses an entire army. I don’t think you would describe it as ‘declaring war’ but more like ‘hunting for the fugitives’.

Then, they realise themselves changing in physical appearance as time passed – and becoming exactly like the other slaves who died.

Their eye colours were changing to a blood-like vermillion texture. Their hairs distributed from red, blue, lavender to pink.

But, actually, not only the physical appearance changed, but they were given supernatural abilities that beheld the power to destroy mankind.

It turns out that the gas being diffused from the Briteria ore released microscopic moving cells that roam the atmosphere.

And these ‘move’ depending on what’s inside the person’s mind and what they’re thinking.

The King saw how much they changed in looks, and then turned the wanted label of ‘fugitives’ to ‘aliens of mass destruction’.

This then compelled the King to have a better reason for him to ravage a war on the four individuals. “Remove them from the phase of this world!” The King ordered.

But obviously, the four couldn’t take an army of an island, and treasured the Briteria.

The four wanted to escape…

They yearned to escape from that island…

They yearned to flee from an army…

Since these Briteria cells ‘move’ depending on what’s inside the person’s mind, they simply grant anything that’s being thought in one’s mind.

Falkenstein – the one who can manipulate literally any form of element or atom – desired to flee from the country so much that the Briteria cells granted his will…

And made it true…

The Briteria cells ripped the part of the island that the four were standing on, carrying the rest of the city as well and everyone on it, somewhere else…

This event was called the ‘Britoniah’s Cataclysm’ – it carried the entire mining institute of Brigadonia through to another dimension, where they were far away from the King.

In the other dimension, where we are now, as time passed, so many individuals within the part of Britoniah that’s left started to be ‘taken away’ by Briteria.

Just like the individuals who died in the mines.

As later generations pass, and after living in a separated island for years, Falkenstein discovered the reasons to why the slaves were murdered by the ‘unusual air’ in the mines – and that’s because of the over exposure of Briteria cells throughout the atmosphere. Their bodies weren’t able to adapt to the change in air, and the low quantity of oxygen, that they started bursting out blood from their mouths, noses and ears and suffering from the rapid change of their body. This caused a quarter of the human population to disappear – and caused some people who successfully adapted to the exposure of the Briteria air to separate themselves from those who didn’t acquire an adaptation. Those individuals are now considered as the majority of the human population – the normal humans, and named themselves with their own factions – Algerian Union, Sheng-Quishi Empire, Schneizal Kingdom.

These factions wanted to find the ones responsible for splitting their country and causing the Britoniah’s Cataclysm…

So numerous wars raged out, and ended at World War Nine once a new enemy was discovered by the Schneizal Kingdom.

The true people who performed the Britoniah’s Cataclysm.

They were called, and we were called the ‘Briteria’ because we’ve successfully adapted to the change in conditions of the atmosphere by the microscopic Briteria cells.

Except for me – and most of the members in my family, we’re born from a Briteria parent. So we didn’t need to adapt to anything.

Hence, some people turned into a Briteria member by adapting to the atmosphere and changing physically by themselves, while others were born with the particular genes.

Then, after hundreds of individuals beholding themselves with the genes of Briteria, we isolated ourselves away from the rest of the society and forming a ‘family’ on top of the centre of the mining industry that found Briteria.

We called this Brigadonia.

After years, we were distributed to three families according to our Briteria abilities – Bayerische, Shwanseah and Jeutonburg.

All contrasts by the way we manipulate matter, but I’m completely obscure to all of them except mine –Shwanseah.

Since our island used to be connected to a much larger one – this could also be the reason to why everyone in Britoniah despises people from the Briteria family. If the island was still intact with the entire, then the economy could have been more stable and less people would be famine.

And that is why a new order was placed to restore the economy in this world, and that was by initiating the war – also known as – The War of Brigadonia –

Once our faction was discovered, the other three attempted to take us out for us performing the Britoniah’s Cataclysm and united as one super faction called the ‘Heiligen-Jaeger’.

But our family only sought peace, while the others urged for our destruction – so members of the Jeutonburg family devised a plan to finally stop the war by making weapons of mass destruction, and forcefully causing them to ‘fear us’. We had a higher knowledge of technology, and we were able to bombard our enemy with uranium warheads that instantly pulverised them. We also had the supernatural powers that allowed us to manipulate matter according to our desire because of our exposure to Briteria.

To be honest, it escalated quite quickly – and the Briteria family were victorious, and they had no chance at all against the Briteria legion. We won, but the entire world still despises us…

Even now, people still hate me because I’m from the Briteria family.

… But that’s not the end.

Our family was wiped out by an unknown phenomenon, and now there are some individuals not from our family, who intend to behold the same power as us Briteria users?

An example is Vaxia – but I don’t understand, he isn’t from our family, but I remember him stating that he wanted to take revenge for the ones who rejected us?

Taking revenge…?

For the ones who rejected us?

Wait – I’m going to generalise for a bit, but Vaxia isn’t even from our family and is from one of the other three.

One of the other three who hated us…

And now he’s addressing himself as a Briteria member?

He looks more like an Asian and a Caucasian – hence, half Jiang-Xi and Schneizal.

Abrenite and I are completely obscure to which side he’s from, but according to the way he spoke, it’s as if he’s from our Briteria family.

But now, I remember –

Britenzo had the power to manipulate something similar to Briteria, despite him not even from our family at all.

Rion and I knew him in the first year we arrived in Junquious, and he’s from the Sheng-Quishi Empire.

… But once Abrenite said that, I was quite shock.

“Yep, I’m completely sure now.” I heard Abrenite mutter. “Your Britenzo friend has the replica of Briteria engraved inside him. It’s called ‘Carningrenate’.”

Replica?!

“An artificially made version of Briteria?!”

“Oh – I’m not sure, unfortunately.” He paused for a bit. “But what I’m going to say it’s my speculation of who the culprit is.”

… Already? He’s this far?

Honestly, I’m quite amazed that he jumped to an assumption of the individual who destroyed our family. Through all the things he told me, I can be sure that he’s experienced more battles and fights compared to Rion and me.

“Some members of the Jeutonburg family were arrogant of their knowledge in magic, that they produced weapons that can wipe out the entire universe.”

I remember the day when Rion’s cat Elza was experimented on by one of our close scientists –

“Was Reaperion one of them?”

“Uhmm – I don’t know. But I’m sure that someone is out there, from the Jeutonburg family, who caused such a horrifying storm that wiped almost the whole population of the Briteria family. He might have also replicated the Briteria gene and made a copy.”

“But, isn’t there also a chance that someone who don’t behold Briteria genes did this to us?” I paused slightly. “I mean – wouldn’t it be understandable that they would choose to obliterate our family, because we won the war hundreds of years ago?”

I watch Abrenite rest his head, and staring at the floor beneath him. I can tell he’s going through some thorough thoughts.

“That can be true – but, sorry, I didn’t exactly think that they would be that smart.”

“Abrenite, you’re not different to those who reject us if you continue to think that way.”

“I know…” He muttered with sorrow.