Bab 1: Our Backstories
#Marcus Laurier#
Dull dreary light shone through the dusty curtains. Specks of light pierced through ragged holes and pinned against our blanket covered bodies.
"Mother, wake up!" It was winter, around 6 am where the sun began to rise. Water leaked through the corners of our shed, some dripping on our foreheads, performing an unintended ostinato. I prodded my mother whose back was facing towards me. Five minutes she said. With exhaustion.
I headed to our small bathroom, looked in the mirror, and saw cracks on my face, cracks in the air. I touched my face with reassurance and got my toothbrush. I brushed with utmost care, making sure the wood wouldn't snap and the wool at the end didn't come off. I washed my face with cold murky water and felt it run through my body. Wet leaves stick to my body like slime. I waved my hand to brush it off. I dried myself with a sheet of cloth. I closed my eyes and chanted. I pray: Oberos, I beseech thee, lend me warmth. A rush of heat waved through every inch of my small build. Wet, soggy hair became dry.
Our line was a family of knights from the Sacredeye Order. A knight order formed by the fallen kingdom, Lia. However, the country we served had been invaded by another. We escaped to a neighbouring country, and my mother and I were on the brink of being slaves. Barely scraping pieces to stay alive. As a result, she sacrificed everything to nurture me. My father sold himself to slave traders to pay off debt.
The egg in my small pan made sizzling noises as it touched the molten hot metal. I adjusted the heat slightly, making sure not to burn the precious egg which we only had 12 of left.
If only I was good at magic… I'm only 12 years old now. I'll surely develop some aptitude.
"I'm up!" A voice echoed through the alleyway.
"The egg's nearly ready!" I announced. I turned my attention toward the baguette. Still as hard as usual. I heated the inside gently with low heat, my palms radiating red energy. Then I lightly toasted the outside and cut it into 4 pieces. The egg, which was now fully cooked, gave off a familiar aroma. I stacked the egg on top of the bread and put it on a worn-out wooden platter. "Served!"
A baguette would cost about 100 Aures.
I put the plate ever-so-carefully on the hard concrete. We both sat down and ate. We savored every bite. Each one gave off a loud crunch before chewing
"This is good!" my mother complimented me.
"I'm glad you like it," I stated triumphantly, I had been cooking since I was 8.
She holds the bread with her trembling hands and engulfs the last bite, leaving no crumbs left on the platter. Her body, sapped from energy, lies back down, keeping her eyes open. "I'm sorry," her mouth mumbles, barely making the words out.
Outside our little abode, the shuffles of people can be heard. The town square was lively today.
I wolfed down the remaining piece of bread and stood up. "I'm off to work" and I waved. She waved back. Her eyes squinting against the bright light and she closes her eyes to rest.
⁜⁜⁜
I walked calmly out of the alleyway, assimilating into the large crowd that was always present in the city square of Luxom. Today was hot, yet I wore a short-slim jacket, full of pockets. I walked in circles, daily waiting for eye-catching objects.
I was a pickpocket. Lowest of the low. But it wasn't something I was ashamed of. It's to survive. I told myself. No-harsh feelings.
Then a glimpse of light shone through the mass of humans. A flicker. An opportunity.
Observing closer, the object was of metallic quality and had an orange-tinted coating.
"Zircon…." I gasped in bewilderment. One of Sarion's most precious gemstones that possessed supernatural qualities. And of course, was worth quite the sum of money. And it was in the hands of a merchant. A bracelet.
Impatiently, I rushed into the crowd, eyeing my prey. With a calm heart, I trailed the merchant into the busiest section of the square and followed up closely.
I've done this many times before. I recollected. Today is the end of all my fears.
The unsuspecting merchant unbeknownst of his shortcoming continued walking. Luck stroke and I proceeded with the plan.
Oberos, grant me warmth. A pulse of energy ran into the merchant's arm. I've distracted him! I then swiftly yanked the bracelet off his skinny arms and calmly walked forwards, stuffing the treasure into the deepest depths of my pocket.
I looked back, the merchant flailed around, looking for his probably most valuable item in his collection.
I walked away, giddy. "A good catch today," I said to myself. Probably the best since I was 6.
Bump! I ran into someone and I was dazed for a second but I had to keep running. Even if my legs give out.
⁜⁜⁜
"I'm saying! There's no way a grubby lil' brat like you could get yer hands on somethin' like this!" The owner was mean. Since I started, the pawnshop was my only means of trade.
He was tall, burly with muscles, and reeked of alcohol. Spoke in a drunk manner even if he didn't have his swig of alcohol by the end of 7 pm as he would drink till day.
"It's fine. There are always other places" I bluffed.
He eyed me for a solid 10 seconds before reaching out his hand to identify the bracelet. Muttering about how kids lie as he begrudgingly walked into his room with examination tools and came out a minute later looking bewildered.
"Marcus you sneaky little brat I won't even ask you how you got this but do you think I would have enough to pay for this?"
"Just give me a 4 billion Aures." I blatantly said. That would be enough to last for the rest of our lives, "to be honest, a gram of Zircon would be worth about that much."
The owner glared at the bracelet for a long moment. I could tell he was contemplating whether or not to buy the luxury.
He huffed and put his hands up as a sign of giving in. We shook hands and I was walking home with 300 notes worth 3 billion. I was overjoyed.
The night sky seemed to slow, and the stars began to dance around. Silence filled the empty streets of the city and only the barefoot feet of a child could be heard running around. Lights emanated from windows of houses shone on the street.
The alleyway came into view. Our house is gonna be ten times bigger and cleaner than this. Is what I thought. But when I crouched under the ragged cloth of a roof, my mother was laying in her bed. Sleeping.
But not breathing.
I checked her pulse. Nothing. I pressed against her frail chest. Nothing.
I was panicking.
She seemed blue, worn out. The life in her body gave out, limp as if she was ragdolled.
I held her in my shaking hands. This is not happening. This is not happening. This is not…
I repeated it.
And again.
It wasn't meant to happen. Why me? What did we do wrong?
It's the world.
I opened my eyes.
Everyone is against you.
I looked around, cautious.
They don't need someone like you.
Footsteps approached. Shouting. Search the area!
They are in your way.
I looked back at my mother. Who sacrificed so much for me. What had she done wrong?
"It was meant to be me!" I howled. My heart screamed. I wanted to break free of the chains. "Why!"
It hurts. It hurts so much. It hurts so so much.
I hugged my mother and for that moment. I broke free. I could feel the strangling chains that imprisoned my heart snap. Energy surged through me; intense heat filled my veins. Hot.
"There! That was the boy!"
People? What do they want?
"You thief! I will make sure you will never see the light of day again!"
I felt a shadow of doom above me. It came high, fast, and downwards. It was too hot to react.
Thwack!
⁜⁜⁜
#Clara Aether#
I've always learnt fast, whatever I did, I'd remember it and understand it. Etiquette or dancing, whatever, I'd always get praised for being diligent, not like I've ever been diligent before but accepting their praise made them quiet. I was content with living my life normally. Maybe meet a decent guy and live together happily ever after?
But there were no endings like that. Since young, my father had told me countless stories and every time he'd end on a cliff-hanger and just tell me the moral of the story. When he would leave my room, he'd say, "there are no happy endings," and close the door.
I'd learnt to take his advice very literally.
And second thing is that I have a secret. A magic that is not mentioned in my books. It is not tangible like other elements but I found out that it travels at high speed. If I concentrate, I could cluster the beams together at a piece of wood and it'd set on fire. A type of fire magic that no one has heard of. It's second use was producing light. At night when I was scared, I'd use it to brighten my room, though that made sleeping with a light a habit.
If anyone knew, I'd be studying as a mage in no time.
I'd rather take it easy and enjoy my life. All the books about other places seem fun and exhilarating. It's be my dream to travel and lead an adventurous life.
"Lady Clara, it's time to wake up. Your parents are expecting you". My maid alerted me.
I quickly got dressed and rushed downstairs with the caution of tripping. I slid my hands across the smooth concrete wall and entered our large dining hall. A long rectangular table lined with chairs with a chair on each short end. There were only 5 of us, having both parents and 2 snobby younger brothers, yet there were about 30 chairs. I've never seen them all full. There were 3 chandeliers, each was made of picturesque glass that looked amazing but could drop so at any time.
"Morning sweetie," mother greeted. I nodded and took a seat. In turn, father spoke up.
"Happy birthday," father said and stared at the two boys.
"Happy birthday sister!" they chuckled, "we all got you a present today! We all took a lot of consideration aaaaand we've decided on something that we all agreed upon."
I was surprised. I've never seen them so happy before.
I guess I could smile. "Thank you, mother, father, thank you, Jack, Owen, I can't wait to see what's inside," I said, curious about the source of their happiness.
"You're not allowed to open it until the end of the day!" father spoke out, "That is all, feel free to spend the day as you like."
An impulse of excitement flourished within me. My first time going out by myself.
"Just make sure to change into normal clothes unless you want to be recognized!"
"Yes, mother!"
⁜⁜⁜
It was a sunny day, full of light. I could feel the sun speaking to me, that today would be a wonderful day. What else could I do?
I snuck away from the manor and walked inconspicuously through the sides of the street. Wearing a pink dress like any other. Who would notice me? Today would be the day I would be free. No more work to do!
I skipped downhill to the commercial district of the city, Luxor. Luxor was a small city that my parents partially govern, with the jurisdiction of his and her majesties.
I'm going to get the best dress and eat the best food!
I checked my purse to make sure I had no shortage of money.
The town square is at the center, which means that I just have to take a right after this to get to the commercial district if I'm correct. Now I just have to turn left-
Bump! A surge of pain makes its way to my shoulders.
I looked at the guy that bumped me but couldn't find him.
If I ever see him again, I'll give him a beating!
Short black hair with a weird coat. Short black hair with a weird coat. Short black....
I continued walking to the commercial district in search of better dresses with a limp shoulder.
⁜⁜⁜
"Mother, Father! I'm home!" I exclaimed, it was night and I was tired, "I had so much fun shopping! There was this dress and this dish…."
"Ok. But now, it's time for your present," father says.
The two troublemakers entered the room, each holding two sides of the present from the bottom, and they put it down softly.
"Open it," my father said kindly.
I sat on the ground and untied the finely laced ribbons on the present. All that was left was the lid. I opened it carefully and peered into the darkness inside.
What laid was a sort of stick. But it was ten times as beautiful as any other. It had an azure tone to it, it had a sharp, pointy end and handles. They were a work of art. I picked it up, it was as light as a feather. I distanced myself and tried cutting the air. It cut cleanly through.
"It's a rapier," said father, "with this, I hope you become a swordsman."
I froze. A swordsman? Me? A fragile girl like me can't possibly compete with force and pressure from others.
"Hey father I don't think-"
"It would do you good, especially considering your future as the embodiment of light." Father cut
There's no way. I knew now why their smiles were genuine.
"I can already see a bright future ahead…" father spoke.
I didn't want this.
"From now on, you will take swordsmanship lessons. You are now dismissed. Good night Clara."
My family exited the room without looking back.
※※※
The black world sheds itself to reveal a warm yellow light. It blinds me as I wake up from a sudden interference. The light… Who switched it on?
My blurry vision recognises a man. The man who is my father.
Immediately suppressing my emotions, I greet father.
"Although it was abrupt, if not for now we may never discuss this," he says in his lower voice. I listen attentively.
"I should have been more considerate. But there was a reason that we gave you the rapier."
My heart dampens.
"Clara, I know you may be unhappy but you have to understand that it is to your own benefit."
I sit quietly.
"We may not be the center of society, but your amazing talent has caught the eye of many people. I... Do not want you to live the life of an imperial fiancé."
"F-Fiancé? Where did this come from?"
"The royal family wants you and at this rate you'll have no choice but to become the crown prince's fiancé." After hearing those words, my vision of a carefree life vanished. Had I hoped for nothing, then this situation would be of no impact. Had I not stood out, would I be able to explore this world?
"Remember what I always tell you after a story?" Father stops my thinking, "There are no happy endings." He takes out an envelope, "I will give you two choices, each one I will respect."
"Do you choose to accept this?" he proposes as he places the envelope on my bed, "Or do you choose your own path?"
He pulls out an old book labelled Aether. Our family treasure that held the ancient techniques I had heard about. "Isn't this given to the heir?"
He stays silent.
"If you learn the sword well, you not only have a chance at escaping from the royal family's grasp, but if you become stronger, they'll have no choice but to accept your opinion. I only considered this because of your excellent talent, although female knights are usually discriminated against, this is the best way."
He places both objects on my bed.
"What will you choose?"
I look at my father straight in the eyes. His look was that of concern but also stern as if bracing for any sort of reply. It does make sense if he puts it that way.
If I just go with the engagement, it'll be an easy life. Wealth fame and power.
But I'd rather be in control of my own life.
I want my freedom
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
KylePower
KylePower I'll just say it here...
I wrote this two years ago. This was like, year 8 and I was kinda chunni but I was really *like really* determined to make a story. I'll probably rewrite this chapter later.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone