My story isn’t very tragic compared to the others I have met before; but to me it’s bad. You see, my life is just a series of unfortunate events that dramatically changed the course of how I live it, and how I see it; Though probably the best thing that ever happened to me, was being chosen to be the owner of the most powerful magic item in the world, but in the cost of a person’s life, who I loved. This story will be told by me, and only me. I won’t call this a memoir, or a biography, or even a confession, I just want to tell what had happened to me, and why I’m telling it. So, without further adieu, I’ll start this off with a simple sentence:
My name is Lycoris Ataraxia, and this is my story…
The war didn’t show any sign of stopping, and my parents did not show any sign of returning. I asked twin brother if they were coming back, though I knew the answer already. He just looked at me with the sad face that usually made our mother feel bad and squeeze the breath out of him when he did something bad, but this time, it wasn’t on purpose. So I just shake my head and walked back to my chair and continue to read one of the various spell books we had in the house.
Oh yes, I forgot to mention, I am from a small village called Terrier. You probably haven’t heard of it, mainly because it’s now completely gone, but it was a prosperous little village filled with magicians and warriors. Everyone in the village was either one or the other. My family was no exception. I was a pure magician, learning magic at a very young age, but I was still taught some basic combat skills as a requirement. My twin brother didn’t show much potential in the magical arts, so he went took the warrior’s way, and was one of the best, though that didn’t stop him from learning the basic magic. Our parents were the masters of both melee combat and magic combat. So it was fitting that their children was either one or the other.
There was a war going on between the two main continents: Tidan and Archea. My parents were called by a military bureau called the Protectors. With how the war was going on, they needed all the help they can get since the enemy was getting too close to the capital.
They left several months ago, sometimes communicating with us using magic. But that didn’t last very long. I wasn’t strong enough or trained enough to try to scry them in order to see if they’re still alive, and my brother just simply given up. So we had to figure out a way to survive on our own, though back then we were only seven years of age.
After the war ended a year later, my twin brother, Aurican learned the Blacksmithing trade by becoming an apprentice for one of the best blacksmiths in the town. With some of his magic abilities, he was able to forge various weapons and enchant them with various elements and abilities during the process. Of course I assisted whenever I can or whenever I was needed, though I mostly sat in my room studying with my tutor who came from the university that was located in the capital of Tidan.
His name was Par-Salin. Nothing else was known about him, except that he always smelled like spices, like cinnamon, but other than that I didn’t mind as long he taught me magic. He was rather young for his status of being an archmage, only about three years older than me and my brother. But because of his love of reading, and being some prodigy, it was to be expected. He was assigned to me after I attended to the university for some time, but stopped because of the distance and because my brother needed me around the house. Apparently, the Protectors were interested in me, but were either waiting for the right time to recruit me, or was waiting for me to say yes. Par-Salin lived with me and my brother in our house, since we now had an extra bedroom, it wasn’t a problem at all. There were some days where he was bedridden from the sickness he was suffering, which no one knew the name of the affliction, though when he was feeling good, he was always on the move, always willing to teach me new things or to simply help around the house. It was almost as if he wanted to savor the time he was feeling normal.
About nine years later, our little Blacksmith shop was doing even better than expected. Aurican’s weapons outlasted any other blade that was made in any other weapon’s shop, and his enchants always gave that warrior the upper hand in combat. He built armor that will complement the weapon’s element or ability, and crafted shields are will counteract almost anything any warrior will experience in any battle. He was very gifted in his skill, and he knew it, but never gloated unless there was someone who complimented him about his work. I always came up with new ways to make his weapons better. I even taught him that engraving an inscription into the blade will give it not only and element and ability, but it can harness the power of the warrior too. The first two weapons he made like that were great successes, and where both claymores, which he kept and wielded both.
I personally thought it was overkill, wielding two claymores, but he insisted. Luckily for him, he was strong enough to wield them both with ease. One claymore had the element Fire, and the other was Dark. At first I told him it was a silly idea to have those two elements combine, but he quickly proved me wrong after a few good demonstrations of how Fire and Dark can be used. Ever since then he always go to the woods that are nearby and train there for hours or even days on end. I always complain to Par-Salin that he was missing work, and that we don’t have money just flowing in, but all he did was laugh and continued our session.
Everything was going great, I was getting close to becoming an archmage, Aurican mastered his dual-wielding fighting style and mastered blacksmithing, and Par-Salin even showed signs of improvement on his sickness. I was as happy as I can be, and I could tell Aurican was too. We always looked at our parents’ picture and smiled together, just like how they did. We felt as if nothing can go wrong anymore.
Aurican became an official soldier and Protector, being one of the most powerful there is in his sector. Of course he will be though, he dual-wields two claymores! Both are enchanted and have elements that complimented each other! I say that’s overpowering no matter what someone says, and he tries to shrug it off as if it’s nothing. At least he’s modest. Or is the word humble? I’ll just say modest and humble then.
I merely became an apprentice of Par-Salin, becoming more and more skilled at the arcane arts. I specifically chose to master Darkness mainly because it just seems fitting to me. It wasn’t because my brother wielded a dark sword, but because I just simply liked it. Par-Salin wanted me to join the Protectors like my brother, and so I can learn the Fire element, the standard magic of their ranks. I had no personal interest in joining, and I didn’t want to join. But if I wanted to become an archmage I had to, but I still refused the offer of joining, and stayed under Par-Salin’s wing.
One day, everything seems mysteriously slow, and quiet. Aurican was working on a short sword, and I was outside tending to the herbs that we grew at the back of the house. Par-Salin was sitting on a chair outside with me, reading and jotting down some spells. When I stood up straight to rest my back, I instinctively looked up into the sky, expecting to see clouds and probably some birds fly by. But all I saw was helicopters flying towards the village, holding massive crates below them. One of the helicopters turned slightly, showing its side. I gasped and sharply turned to my mentor and yelled, “Frontline is coming this way!”
Par-Salin immediately stood up and grabbed his staff, which was called the Staff of Magus, an ancient staff apparently created hundreds of years ago by an archmage named Magus. He adorned the staff with endless amount of energy and abilities, supposedly one being able to open and close a portal or portals, but no one was sure about it. After Magus died, he told he staff to choose its own owner, and when it did, that magician was considered blessed. I was lucky to have a mentor who was chosen by the staff.
He ran into the house and turned to me, “Lycoris! Grab your spell book! I added some spells that will sure to be helpful.”
He then ran out through the front door to meet up with Aurican at our weapon’s shop. I ran up to my room and grabbed a white leather covered book with blue binding. It was my spell book, a book I worked years on, and will continue to work on until it was time for me to meet my parents. I ran down to the living room and peer out the window, I saw Aurican wearing his custom Protector Armor and his two claymores being held on both hands. Par-Salin stood next to him, holding the staff in front of him, in a defense position. I looked around and saw the other mages and warriors running out of their houses armed to the teeth, peering towards the sky, seeing the enemy flying closer and closer to their humble village.
I ran outside to join my brother and my mentor. I opened my spell book and held my hand out, readying a spell. We all watched Frontline land at the town square and saw the soldiers dismount the helicopter after they dropped the crates. The soldiers aimed their guns at us and began to open fire.
They must think we’re idiots for leaving ourselves open, but we weren’t. All of the mages already had a barrier spell casted, which deflected all the bullets. Immediately after those Frontline soldiers figured they weren’t dealing with a normal village, they began to go full force, using whatever arsenal they had. They even used the machine guns that were on their aircrafts.
Using that as a cue, all of the warriors and mages of the village began to fight back. There were lightning bolts flying through the air, fire bolts causing fires where ever they landed, earth spikes erupting from the ground, knocking over some helicopters and instantly killing some Frontliners.
Aurican growled and charged into battle, swinging his claymores with great skill and precision. Par-Salin raised his staff, making the crystal on the top glow as bright as the sun. He created multiple ice spears floating above him, and sent them all flying towards the enemy, exploding once landing, sending deadly shards into many soldiers. I mumbled a spell and sent dark lances flying through the air, stabbing any soldier I saw.
I heard Par-Salin growl as he sent a fireball flying towards an incoming helicopter. I turned to him and saw his face contorted with frustration and worry. I had to ask, “What is it Par?”
“I know why Frontline is here. I have given a report that Frontline is gathering civilians from urban villages and towns, such as ours, for their morbid experimentation of creating some soldier creature.”
I stared at him for a good long time, and turned to where the crates are, seeing some innocents being pushed and dragged into them like they were some animals. I growled and ran into the fray, hearing my mentor yelling my name. But I didn’t care, I needed to save these people from a fate that will mostly likely end in a very painful death.
I ran through the fires, the thunders, the ice, and whatever else there was in the battlefield, and reached the crates. I could hear the cries of those who were captured, and I could hear some mumbling magic, some punching, and some children crying. I growled and tried to use a fire magic spell Par-Salin taught me that melted objects. The issue was that spell took too long to cast, and time was not on my side.
I heard a grunt behind me and saw a Frontline soldier. I gasped and began to mumble a quick spell until I saw a sword stuck him from behind, cutting the man cleanly in half. I blinked and watched the corpse fall to the floor with a thump, seeing the blood seep into the soil below. I looked up and saw Aurican yelling something at me. For some reason I couldn’t hear him. Perhaps the battles were too noisy, I don’t remember, but I never understood what he said.
I then saw the crate beside me began to lift, feeling the downdraft of the helicopter above me. I pointed at the blade of the aircraft and began to mumble a spell. I slowly began to see the blades melt, causing the machine to crash back into the ground, the crate slamming onto the ground, landing on top of some Frontline soldiers. I smiled and turned to look around to see if there were anymore.
There were too many, at least six more crates and eight more helicopters. I was about to run after another crate until I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen. I cried out, falling to my knees, dropping my spell book into the muddy, bloody floor. I looked down and gingerly touched the wound. I flinched in pain once I felt something small inside. I carefully held it in between two of my fingers and took it out. I opened my hand saw a medium sized bullet rolling in my hand and onto the ground.
I then heard a familiar voice yell my name. I turned to where I heard it and saw Aurican being hauled into a crate. A rush of adrenaline flowed through me as I quickly stood up, grabbing my book from the floor in one motion. I dashed towards the crate as fast as I could, seeing it began to fly away. Aurican was trapped behind the bars of the crate, reaching his hand out from between them. I saw his swords on the floor, and noticed his body was riddled with cuts and gunshot wounds. It was a no wonder why he got captured, he was growing weak.
I ran as fast I could, reach my hand out to grab his. I saw his mouth move, yelling my name continuously. I yelled his name, running faster and faster until I finally reached him. I grabbed his hand and held on tight, feeling his anxiety, his pain, his anger, and his love. I held his hand tightly, knowing it might be the last time I’ll see him alive. My heart began to slow down, and it felt as if it was melting. My vision became blurry, everything around him began to swirl and contort. I no longer heard the screams of people, no longer I heard the gunshots, the blade of the helicopters slicing though the air, no longer did I hear my name being called somewhere behind me. All I heard was my heartbeat and Aurican’s voice, yelling my name. Our grip began to slip, and I began to panic. I didn’t want to lose him. He was my only family left, the only one I have left in this world. I held on tighter, but to no avail. Our brief moment together was going to end, the last time we’ll ever see each other was going to end. I still could hear my heart, and I could still his voice which said, “I love you, my dear sister, Lycoris.”
Once our hands slipped from each other’s grasp, I yelled his name as loud as I can, hoping in some stupid naiveté that he’ll just be summoned back to my side. My hand was still out stretched towards him, and I could see his hand still reaching for me. I fell to my knees and again saw my vision began to contort and blur. My body grew weak, and my heart felt as if it was ripped out and taken from me. I felt a warm liquid roll down my cheek, and land on my robe. I looked at the droplet, and looked around. Everything I saw was a blur, everything I heard was muffled. I didn’t feel anything anymore; I only felt a sense of being alone and lost. My brother was gone, and there was nothing I could do.
I sat there, crying quietly to myself, hoping Frontline will take me too. I felt something or someone grab me then lifted me off the ground, holding me close. I let my head lay against the shoulder of the person and sighed deeply. As I closed my eyes, I smelled the scent of cinnamon…
I heard voiced mumbling my name and my brother’s name. For reason I felt comfortable, and safe, but not happy. I didn’t know where I was until I heard a familiar voice mention my brother’s capture. Right then I knew what had happened: The battle at Terrier, the kidnapping of innocent people, and my brother’s capture. I slowly opened my eye, being blinded by the brightness of where ever I was. I began to slowly sit up, feeling nauseous and felt a small pain on my abdomen. I touched my stomach, and remember that I was shot by a rather large bullet. I opened my eyes and saw myself sitting in a bed. I looked up and saw a window, showing a peaceful scene of a bustling city. I turned and saw Par-Salin, smiling brightly and holding my hand. I looked down at my hand and twitched it. I was amazed I couldn’t feel his hand. I looked up and moved my mouth, but no sounds came out.
Par-Salin nodded his head and said, “Don’t worry you’re safe. You’re at the Protector’s Headquarters. Luckily they came when they did. But they couldn’t save the villagers that were taken, or the village itself. Let’s just say, the village is now in ruins.”
Normally a person would feel great sadness and remorse, but I didn’t. I guess I was still traumatized from my brother being taken away. I looked away from Par-Salin and saw a long table. I observed the table closely and noticed placed on top was Aurican’s claymores. I began to tremble and felt tears roll down my face.
Par-Salin wiped my tears and told me that he would be fine, but I knew he wouldn’t be fine. Frontline took him away, why would he be fine! They’re a terrible organization that needs to be destroyed. I began to ignore Par-Salin and resent his touch until he said, “I had to pull some stings and do a lot of favors, but I managed to make you a member of the Protector’s Intelligence Center. Being there will allow you to access their database and have a chance to find Aurican.”
I turned to him in surprise and saw him holding a robe. I released my hand from his grasp and took the robe. I unfolded the robe and saw the Protector’s emblem on the front. I turned to Par-Salin, seeing him smile I smiled too, but only managed a small one.
“You still have to go through the tests, but you’re guaranteed a spot,” he said, patting me on the shoulder.
“Thank you…. Par…,” was all I managed to say.
Several months later, I was working in the database of the intelligence department. I wasn’t very liked because I was always snooping in the classified documents and reports pertaining to Frontline and their location. I was still Par-Salin’s pupil, but not for long. There was a rumor that he would finally allow me to become an archmage and take the Test all soon-to-be archamages take. Then suddenly a messenger came up to me and bowed and said, “You’re needed at the quarters of your mentor.”
I gasped and nodded, and began to run to his room. It must be the day he’ll let me become an archmage, I thought.
Once I reached his room, I paused and took a deep breath and opened the door. The scent of cinnamon attacked my nose, making me cringe and rub the burning sensation. I looked up and saw nurses standing at the sides of the room, and Par-Salin lying down on his bed. He looked deathly pale, almost to the point of transparency. I quickly walked towards him and held his hand tightly, “What’s wrong!? I thought your sickness passed!”
“We were mistaken to believe such thing. My dear Lycoris, my time has come. I know it’s sudden, but we all knew it was to be expected,” Par-Salin managed to say, his voice weak and broken.
I began to tremble and tears began to flow. I sniffed and said, “Y-you can’t leave me too! Y-you’re the only one I have…”
“Had you mean…”
“Don’t say that!”
“Lycoris, you have grown significantly during the months you have been here with the Protectors. You have mastered the Dark element, and the Fire element, just like your brother. Your knowledge of the other elements is outstanding, and your power has improved. You have indeed proven yourself to be an archmage,” Par-Salin said weakly, holding my hand, and then wiping my tears away from my cheek.
“P-par…Salin…”
“I love you, Lycoris.”
I saw his eyes, once was full of life, fade into empty windows. His hand slipped from my hand and landed softly onto the bed. With trembling hand, I reached over his head and slid my hands down his face, closing his eyes.
“I love you too, Par-Salin…”
I stood up to walk away, and saw the Staff of Magus leaning against the wall. I noticed its crystal glowing brightly, and saw it began to shake. I looked at the staff curiously and walked towards it. Suddenly the staff dashed towards me, instinctively I caught the staff, holding it tightly, thinking it will try to push me back. I looked at the crystal and saw it glowing brighter and brighter until it was almost as bright as the sun. I heard the nurses in the room gasp and shift, shielding their eyes, as was I. When I no longer saw the light penetrating my eye lids, I opened them slowly and saw the crystal glowing still, but inside it I saw an image of an old man with a long grey beard and a rather large purple hat. He nodded and smiled and disappeared along with the glow. I gasped lightly and stared at the staff realizing what had happened.
“The staff chose me…”
I smiled and looked at Par-Salin. He looked so at peace and looked as if he was finally resting. I walked over closer and kissed his forehead. I then turned around and walked out the door and head towards where the Test was being held for archamages, holding my new staff next to me.
“Don’t worry Aurican, I’ll find you and I’ll save you. And thank you, Par-Salin.”
And the rest is history...
