Whee the first project I've shared since last Easter Disclaimer: The following story is, for better or worse, E10+ (That's the best term I can think of) There are no graphic descriptions of wounds, no inappropriate language, and is romance free. Disclaimer part two: Romance free doesn't mean there wont be married characters, it just means it likely will not be mentioned and it will not be touched upon at all. Disclaimers part three (I swear this is the last one): The entire thing has some very dark tones throughout it, so if you don't like sad stories, or like protagonists the Deux ex Machina their way out of any situation, then you might not enjoy this. Okay, disclaimers over, enjoy the story! Prologue: Goodbye “Don’t go.” Jjai said, grabbing his mother's arm. “Something’s going to happen… I know it.” She smiled at him. Her dark gold hair seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. “It’s going to be fine, Jjai. You stay here with your sister. We’ll be back tonight.” “Please, mother! Don’t-” His mom put a finger to her lips. “Jjai, I know it’s scary. But we have to go to the Inkwell Bridge. If we don’t, who knows what will happen with the Icarians?” She asked him. The Icarians were the rival clan, who had separated from the Relians over a century ago. Over time the relations between them only got worse and worse. Relians hated the Icarians, and the Icarians hated them right back. To keep peace, another clan to the north of them established a meeting point, the bridge over the river that divided the Icarians and Relians. The meeting took place every five years between the two clans, and the north clan’s head oversaw it, and gave out terms that would keep peace between them. This northern clan, the Fels, were said to be able see the future. Many people believed this to be the case, although the Fels had never said anything to prove or disprove the theory. Outside their home (a large wooden manor at the edge of the Relian territory), there were a few white stallions waiting to leave. Jjai’s mother got on one, and his brothers got on the others. His brothers all had the same golden hair his mother did. The two oldest ones, Signis, his twin brother Asaka, and the third, Tounjo. “Are you three ready to go?” She asked them. They all nodded, and got on their horses. Their guards had already gone ahead that morning. As they rode off, Jjai got a sick feeling in his stomach, and knew that his mother wasn’t coming home. *** “The bridge is in sight.” Tounjo said to his mother, who rode next to him. Over the river in front of them was a huge bridge, made out of a very dark wood. On the other side of the bridge were the Icarians, standing, waiting. (Cont)
In the middle, towards the edge of the bridge, sat a man named The Seer, wearing a mask to disguise his identity, He was a Fel, but which they couldn’t tell. They got off their horses, and walked on to the wide bridge. “So, the Relians are here.” The Seer said in a somber tone. “We might as well get things underway. As you all know, I am the man known as ‘The Seer’. I am a Fel, and I will be officiating this meeting.” “As is customary, although I'm sure you all know, I will tell you why we’re here today. We’re here because over one hundred years ago, there was a man. He was known as the Outcast.” “He was a vile and wicked man, and was the King of Relia. He saw the Icarians as a useless asset, so he made them leave what was known as the Land of Relia at the time. He had a son, and then years passed. Eventually, in the place the Icarians had settled outside of Relia, the Prince came seeking their aid. He needed to overthrow his father, and become the next head of the clan, and the King. He offered the east of relia, divided by this vey river.” “The Icarians accepted, and helped the Prince overthrow his father. As promised, he gave them half of the land of Relia. But not all ended on good terms. The people of the Kingdom of Relia, and even those in his own clan looked down on the Icarians, and even said that the Prince was a fool for going to them.” “The Prince, unfortunately, passed years later. He was succeeded by his son and daughter. Neither of them had Inherited his kindness for the Icarians. The Relians wanted their land back. Before a war broke out, My clan, the Fels, proposed a more peaceful way than the way of war.” “Every five years, we would hold a meeting, on this bridge, and each clan would sacrifice something. This continued for years after years until, unfortunately, five years ago, when war broke out. Still, each clan sacrificed. The Relian’s lost their King, and the Icarians lost their Queen.” “Yet we stand here today, after that terrible war. Hopefully repairing what had been lost.” He finished. “Now, for th-” He was interrupted by something flying past his face, he turned to see what it was, and when he looked, one of the Relians was on the ground. Tounjo’s mother kneeled over him. “Where is it?” She asked in a broken voice. “My… Back…” He croaked out. She looked, and there was a black coloring in the middle of his back. “You’re going to be okay, alright, Tounjo? You’re gonna be okay.” She said. Asaka had rushed over and his palms began to glow green. He pressed his hands to the wound, and the pain began to leave Tounjo. Their mother looked up. “Who did this?” She yelled to the Icarians. “Who tried to kill my son?” She drew two of her swords that were strapped to her back. The Icarian King began to walk forward, and he had his sword drawn too, a massive black blade. He had dark brown hair, as did all of his children. His eyes suddenly seemed to dilate, then he toppled forward. The black coloring that was on Tounjo had spread through him to his hands. “Father!” One of the Icarians yelled, running to him. He put his hand up, signalling for her to stop. He stood up, his breath shaking. “I won’t make it.” He said to her. “Listen here you Relians! Your hate, anger.” He said, his voice shaking. “This is what it leads to!” He outstretched his hand, and a small flame began to grow in his palm. It grew and grew, until it was a huge ball. “Fire style, Raging flame!” He gave a short laugh, then continued. “This won’t stop until it hits something. Who will it be… I… Wonder…” WIth a flick of his wrist, the fireball shot towards Tounjo, and he collapsed to the floor. The Queen of Relia, in that second, made a decision. Tounjo couldn’t move, and Asaka was keeping him alive. She moved in front of the ball of flame. She held her swords out like an x to block it, but that only bought her a small amount of time. “Goodbye, my children. I’m going to join your father now.” She whispered. “Goodbye Tounjo, Jjai, Asaka, Signis, Shikan. There’s so much left for you. I’m afraid… I’m not part of that.” Her swords dropped to her side, and the ball of fire continued. “I… love you all." Credits: Technically Naruto @Chavis79 and @Allykitcat for inspiration and other things. Song: Isabella's Lullaby- Violin Ver.