FALINE could see the uncertain stares of the Krysts gave her as she walked through the Krystalline army camp. She tried ignored them.
The Krysts' uncertainty of having a female high general - and a very young, at the age of seventeen at that - in their midst was just one of their doubts at this moment. The other was the presence of the tribe members chosen by the high general herself to accompany her and lead the battalion of Krysts against their foes. Faline understood their squeamishness.
But that wasn't relevant at the moment. The blue-eyed Water Kryst was focused on her only destination: General Dana Rein's tent and command tent.
The guards bowed at her, stepping aside as Faline pushed open the fabric and stepped inside. The red-haired young general, and the rest of the chosen Knights were gathered around the table in the middle of the room in discussion about strategy.
"Faline," Iwaoka greeted with his warm smile, "How was Ailene Ricca?"
"Eri
FALINE took a deep breath when Eric spoke up. "What if... What if we lose?"A wild glint lit Faline's blue eyes that gleamed with iridescence as she glanced at Eric. The Krysts around them involuntarily flinched seeing it but Eric met her glaze with understanding as fire flared in his sky blue eyes. It just occured to Faline that they were both blonde and they both had blue eyes.They were both considered weaklings. She tore her gaze from Eric and looked back at General Dana's figure who was already wreaking havoc with both her sword and her Blood Element."There's no option here but to fight."“I see why Dana chose you," Eric chirped cheerfully. “You will surely turn the tides of this battle.”Faline blinked in surprise as her blood rushed through her and made her face flush with heat. Whatever she had expected that was not it. She unconsciously fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve.“Sh-shut up."Eric laughed, bringing him out of his n
LEVI had managed to gather the nine Knights of Shaula for a group training that afternoon. Faline had never left the training grounds after he invited her over and just lurked around where she wouldn't be seen by the new recruits so they could concentrate.The Lightning Kryst was cranky in training, she observed. He would shout at the idling trainees. Thus, he was intimidating to the point that Faline wondered if she would survive he rtraining with him.They grouped into three. Levi decided to personally train with Eric and Faline first. The three of them were gathered in a private grassy area of the palace garden tucked away by large bushes.With a practice sword on her hand, Faline watched intently as Levi demonstrated the basic sword stance and strike. The position of his arms and feet, his center of gravity, and which muscles were being used were all noted. The Lightning Kryst finished the demonstration and glanced at his two companions who were gawking at him.
FALINE spent the rest of her days in the Krystalline palace grounds, training nonstop under Levi and, sometimes under Hunter Lornn. She hadn't seen General Dana since then, and the Knights of Shaula, particularly Iwaoka, Siri, Ailene, Levi, and Hunter were busy training newly recruits. Faline could see who the strongest among the Knights when it comes to face-to-face combat, just by looking at the tight schedule her companions had.Astora, her Halequin, grew into a fine young eagle. It would stay by her side but sometimes, it would disappear. Faline had a hard time looking for that adventurous Halequin and so she planned to let him be.Only to find out one night that Astora was with General Dana.Faline was strolling the large garden of the Palace at the side of the northern wing when she heard a familiar squawk. She quickly followed the sound and to her astonishment, Dana was there standing under the light of the moon without her usual armor. She was wearing white
"HOW are you doing?" Faline asked Iwaoka as soon as she pushed the tent's opening canvas aside and stepped in. She found him staring at the ceiling of the tent, looking so deep in thought.He turned his head to her and smiled. "I'm fine. Just being burdened with these splints," he answered. His voice was raspy.Faline set down the food tray beside his bed and proceeded to help him sit up. Iwaoka was heavier than before so she struggled. Even so, she managed to sit him up. Iwaoka chuckled under his breath but he didn't say anything."The men decided to scout the perimeter before going back here," Faline said, talking about their fellow Knights. "General Dana seemed missing. But there's nothing to worry about, I guess."Iwaoka nodded his head. Faline began to feed her childhood friend and they were silent for a little moment. He was staring at her, she knew that, but she couldn't bring herself to look at his eyes."Fal," Iwaoka called.She looked at
THE death of Kai Liu of the Liu Tribe spread across the land of Vestia. The leader was gone, and many of his subjects were in grief, devastated because of the loss. But none was as devastated as Iwaoka and Faline.For many days idling in the Krystalline Palace as commanded by King Seiki, the two members of the Liu Tribe and closest to the late Tribe Leader carried on with their duties. Every day, they acted as they were expected and every night they cried.Faline found him on the fourth day at the garden of the palace where she had talked with Dana. He was sitting there alone and in trance. The young lady stared at him, debating within her whether she would go and talk to him or leave him be. Before she could come up with a decision, he stood and turned to walk away.Iwaoka stood frozen as they gazed at each other. Both pair of eyes were puffy and red. Faline knew he had been crying just as much as she did.Kai was his father figure, in the first place.
IN the heart of Demetrian army camp was the command tent. It was still the High General's tent even though the young general was currently not present with them. None of the remaining Knights could bring themselves to officially take residence in it, though all four of them spent more time here than in their own tents. Ailene had just returned from scouting and was sharing what she had seen with the other Knights as they stood around the small table.Neptos was called back to Vestia right after General Dana and the other Knights left. The leadership was passed on Levi who was getting cranky the longer the days that General Dana and the other Knights were absent.They have been fighting for almost two weeks now. But there was no positive outcome as the enemies kept on pouring out from the large portion of the Land of Karhan.“Ten thousand foot soldiers and half strong witches?” Hunter repeated in a grave tone. “To be so outnumbered and with our army’s morale low bec
FALINE swooped her hands down, bringing the lake of water from the surrounding areas into the battlefield. The Illinorae were drowned and those who were able to escape were caught in the trap of sharp water bullets raining down.She could feel the strong connection with the water. Her anger, her frustration, and her despair of losing her father strengthened her control over her original terrain making it more deadly.Ten first rank witches blocked her path with their weapons high in the air. Their faces were always ugly, she thought to herself as she noted their pale translucent skin. She could basically see their black veins through their thin skin."You're too persistent," Faline told them with a knowing smile. The Water Kryst raised her hands. The water on the ground began to rise higher behind her with her hands guiding it. Even the Krysts stopped fighting and looked up.The ten witches attacked with a screech that rang against her ears. She gritted her t
KING Demetrius must have been waiting for this for so long, Faline thought to herself as she avoided a perilous attack from the Black Shaol. He must have overlooked the lands of Eriya and Karhan from the highest mountain in Vestia. What could have been the view from up there? To be surrounded with the Kingdom of Illinor, the mistress of witchcraft.The battle was like a slow motion in front of Faline's eyes. Allies and enemies alike, fell on the ground over and over again. Each one of the Krysts were specialized with various elements. Vestia had the main nature Earth and Water. The recently acquired land of Deirdre had the Wind. Fused together, they became stronger. Faline wondered why Eric Travis' tribe, who holds the strongest Fire element, didn't show up yet.It took her a moment to notice that there were no tribe members involved in this war except the Knights of Shaula.Her gaze went to the spot where her comrades were fighting with endless vigor. The Knights
The ceremony was short and rushed as everyone were exhausted and distraught. They paid tribute to every single fallen Kryst and then buried the Knights of Shaula in their own monuments. Neptos was buried in the cemetery for the Rein Tribe while Vivien Li in her own tribe. Kieran Lornn was brought to the Lornn Tribe in a closed casket, never to be opened.Those who led in the war were given rewards. Barbie Lewelyn, Lucian Liu, Zabdiel Lewelyn, Clive Travis, and Jared Dale were hailed as the new Knights of Bellatrix."I know it's late. But this is how I wanted to honor her," Queen Elisa told them in a hushed voice.Barbie regained her strength two months after and it was enough for Zephrain to make some sentiments with the Krystalline Palace.Zephrain was standing right in the middle of the vast graveyard, the horizon looming ahead and the Mountain Ranges surrounded him, as if looking over on what he had been gazing at for many times in a day... everyday.He heard a rus
When the Knights positioned outside the barrier, Chloe removed her armor from her body. She wore a plain red shirt with gray pants. The young Blood Star sat on the ground, her legs crossed under her.Lucian positioned behind her, standing with his right palm pressed behind her head. "Are you sure about this, Chlo'?" he asked."I must be asking you that, Lulu-chi." Chloe smiled. "I never had the chance to thank Demetrius for this."Lucian gritted his teeth to control his tears. He didn't say anything at all, afraid that his voice might give away his sorrow.Jucel brought the Bellatrix sword to Chloe. The latter shook her head. "You must do it."The freckled woman let out a deep breath. "You're cruel."Chloe just smiled. She stared at the back of a familiar duo. "Mē, Zē." She swallowed. "Thank you."Outside the barrier, Faline Liu and Iwaoka were trying their best not to cry. They neither answered her nor looked back. The three inside wouldn't hear them, anyway.
Meanwhile, Barbie ducked under Kirsten's staff and swiped her leg under the latter. Kirsten lost her balance but regained herself, and flipped away before she could reach the hard ground.Barbie stood and twirled her sword while her dagger was positioned in front of her. The electricity from her body was back, recharging her energy through the wrath that she felt.Kirsten charged again and swung her sword before giving Barbie a side kick. The latter crossed her wrists to block another kick but grunted when Kirsten's high heel dug on her flesh. She gripped Kirsten's ankle, electricity ran through the Great Witch who screamed. Barbie hurled her away, the heel ripping her skin in the process.Blood oozed from Barbie's wrists and ran down her fingers then dripped to the ground. She could feel her nerves shaking on her right wrist where a hole from Kirsten's heel dug into. An open wound near her large vein."Tch," Barbie said as she wrapped her left hand around her righ
Snow endlessly falls down from the cloud-covered sky. But despite that, the whole land of Markus was not freezing in cold. The Fire Land was warmer below at the same time colder in the surface. Although the surroundings were frozen in ice crystals and covered with snow, it was not enough to freeze a Demetri.Chloe Liu walked for a few meters to the center and stopped under the tree. Her golden eyes roam around and saw that she was surrounded by Black Shaols.The young Blood Star smirked. "You really brought them out for your gain, Liege."A large man with a black armor emerged from the crowd of enemies, a triumphant smirk etched on his face. He had a golden crown with the symbol of Illinor at the center. He's holding a large sword with broad blade. Chloe thinks he could cut a large tree with it.But, not her.She figured out that the Southern Region has a tunnel underneath it, used by the same enemy fifty years ago to infiltrate the land of Markus. It doesn't fa
The time had been ticking that moment. It runs around the clock day and night. Not even the prince I served, Særi ust Trūx Ciaran, can stop the time all at once. There will be choices to make. There will be memories of pain.The Great Witch, with Kirsten Zūng as its vessel, has ordered a massive hunt for our deaths. The Kingdom of Demetrius, my home, experienced its biggest war in history.Once again, many shall lose their lives for the peace we so wanted. Witches from Illinor began to make their way to the Eastern Region where they will be able to invade the city of Markus.The whole population of the bloodlust witches and traitors of Demetrius bounded off around the Ahn Mountain Pass and made their way to the city of Markus, the city which the great General Dana Rein conquered. The Land rich of Fire Element. There's no mercy, no holding back.I haven't been into this kind of war. None of us have. Bellatrix of Orion, will you save us from sure death?Only I, a Mnemos
Jared landed on the ground face-first. He pushed himself up and sighed softly as he opened his now blazing dark green eyes. He pushed out of the way in time to avoid the axe of the enemy. Jared picked up the fallen soldier's sword and swung it blindly in front of him, cutting deeply on the skull of the enemy.He grimaced as he stood limply, his injury now bothering him than before."Red!" Clive's voice rang through the noise of the battle. He turned and raised his hand to catch his sword. Jared didn't waste time swinging his blade across the approaching enemy's chest.~O~O~O~"Damn it! Where the hell was Kirsten?" Tara asked as she kicked away an opponent and swung her spear to another Illinora.Vivien swung her two white silver swords across the Illinora's face and whirled around the enemy's side before bringing her blade down their injured necks. She put her blades together and ran the blades across each other. The blood was quickly wiped off the blades, clean
Clive and Celine stepped back as another explosion occured at the boundary.Huge dark brown ugly-looking beasts were roaming around; snarling and shaking their heads furiously as blood were oozing from their faces and body.Clive whirled at Celine who was standing calmly beside him. Celine began to bark orders in a calm voice. Fire began to float all around them, courtesy of the Fire Element Krysts."Archers!!" Celine shouted. Clive raised his hands and the fire enveloped him. It made him smile with joy. Being enveloped in fire made him think about the time he discovered his power as a boy.The archers notched their arrows and aimed at the borders. Clive brought his hands towards the arrows, the fire began to lick the tip of the arrow notched.Celine smirked at him and nodded. She looked at those beasts that managed to enter the borders. "Hold!!"Silence enveloped the whole area. Five kilomenters. Four. Three. The archers didn't move an inch.Celine pulled an ar
The Krysts began to follow Ciaran and Zephrain's instructions. The Travis Tribe and the other tribes from the Markus City vowed to help in the war against the Great Witch. They prepared traps everywhere. It took them a whole day to prepare.Lucian and his friends decided to get over the grief they had over Kieran. With Jucel and Celine's efforts, Zabdiel's consciousness came back.Upon hearing about Kieran's death, Zabdiel didn't know what to say. He started to blame himself, but there's no denying that no one wanted to lose Kieran Lornn."Where's his body?""Chloe said he's at the palace back in Vestia," Lucian murmured.Zabdiel could only nod his head and then he went back to his trance, mourning for his older friend. He clenched his jaws and his fists. Zabdiel vowed that he will seek revenge on Kieran's death.Three days came and no Kirsten Zūng appeared. Celine brought Lucian, Barbie, Zabdiel, and Clive to a storage room."What are we doing here?" Clive aske
Queen Elisa stood at the first steps outside the palace. She was covered with wool coat to prevent the freezing cold from seeping through her body. Her white hair cascaded on her shoulder and her crown sat atop her head.The soldiers are already positioned, all of them sitting on the Pegasi - another type of horses used for battle. These horses have the wings of eagles they can fly the soldiers towards Markus and pass the Dark Forest. Because of the vulnerability of the Pegasi under the sun, they had to wait under the weather was colder so they can use them for transportation.Chloe was sitting on her own Pegasi, a jet black horse with stronger, wider wings than the others. Her golden eyes looked up at the Queen and found her staring. Chloe just nodded at her which she answered a small smile and a nod. The Blood Star then took hold of the reins and bounded to the front lines.Jucel and Jared went out of the palace. Jared still looked emotionless as before. Ever since Jucel'