Memory [3] Tragic Fate Of Heroes


Lady Karacule once told me that the fate of 'heroes' are always tragic.

I did not understand what she meant by then, as I was still young but I knew she was not lying, as I can clearly see in her eyes her pain, her regrets, and her broken spirit.

Lady Karacule was someone who I always admired, even as a child.

Heck, every magic-user in Lagendia idolizes her.

She was one of the legendary Six Heroes, the sorceress who along with her companions (Argenta was apparently one of them too) successfully slayed the dreaded Black Dragon with her outstanding prowess in harnessing the power of magic, eventually leading the Fairy Star Magic Institute after the Dragon Raid, mentored numerous sorceresses and under her wing, all of them gained the titles 'Master Sorceress' in their own right.

But she is now gone.

'Like Argenta...' I thought.

I begin to wallow in despair. They're all annoying. They all leave me. Geraint, Argenta, Lady Karacule and even Iona they're gone. They're gone after trying so hard to protect this wretched world that they all came to love. But I reminded myself, that I must not give up. It would be a disgrace to them if I give up, though the idea itself seems to be really tempting.

I closed my eyes for a moment.

I begin to calm down and I eventually realized that the Monolith had trapped me in the past and was replaying some of the Silver Dragon's memories. Argenta already mentioned this to me once, that random illusions of the past suddenly appears out of nowhere in the Monolith and most of those illusions are her memories, since most of her powers are used to sustain the Seal Stone, a magical artifact that seals the gates of the Monolith. I never get to experience that until now.

Argenta would always ask me if I get to experience something weird, while I venture in the Monolith and now I realized that weird thing she was referring, is about her memories suddenly replaying themselves on Monolith. She doesn't want anyone to have a glimpse of those memories of hers. Maybe it was the reason that she always feels relieved whenever I answer her "No, I haven't experienced anything weird,"

It made me realize something though, I did not know much about her. Even if I consider her as my friend.

I anxiously watch as Argenta's past continues to unfold in front of me.

"What on the earth have you've done, Arno! Even if it's you, this is way going too far!"

The scenery changed to that of the Praying Heart's Innermost Sanctum, where the very gates of 'Monolith' stood and the 'gate', which has been always sealed was opened.

I feel my heart as it begins to pound. I was already aware that this was just an illusion, only a fragment of Argenta's past memories, but to think that the Monolith was already opened once strike fear into my very being.

"Argenta, please let me explain! I-" Arno seems to try his best in explaining himself to her, but it seems that the Silver Dragon is too angry to hear his reasons.

"I just realized how despicable you Ancients are. You claim to be the goddess' chosen people and yet you treat the elves and humans like they were nothing but trash. I am a fool to let my guard down at you. If you really loved the darkness so much then why just you don't go to that damned Mistland, nothing is stopping you now as the gates are wide open!" Argenta angrily points the open gates of Monolith as she continued to open her mouth, word after word spilled as she speaks, each word spoken was filled with hatred and disappointment.

Arno stops trying to reason out to Argenta, he just stood there, realizing that the Silver Dragon was right.

He was despicable.

No, they were utterly despicable.

"Silver Dragon, we will atone for our sin. We will close the Monolith," Arno replies, his voice was full of resolve.

Argenta's angered expression suddenly morphs into a serious one.

"We will create a 'Seal Stone' that will bar the Monolith itself,"

Argenta did not answer for a moment, but when she answers, her voice was full of disappointment.

"Arno..." Argenta slowly says. "What you're saying is impossible- pointless even."

"We can do it Silver Dragon," Arno replies with resolve in his eyes.

"You don't understand can you Arno! How are supposed to create a Seal Stone so powerful that you could actually craft it on time before Lagendia crumbles into nothingness! Do you actually think you or all the Ancients combined powers are enough to seal the Monolith! Hah, don't give me false hope Arno," mocks Argenta.

"We will do it."

Arno replies, refusing Argenta's dismissing remarks towards him and his attempt at sealing the Monolith once again.

"There will be no need for that. I will do it myself." replies Argenta dismissively.

"But how?" Arno asks, he is apparently curious on what course of action the Dragon will take.

"Simple, I will just use my 'Jewel' to seal up the Monolith..." Argenta replies.

Arno's face suddenly morphs into utter disbelief and horror as he realizes the consequences of Argenta's plan.

"But that would mean you'll be sacrificing yourself! Your own 'Jewel' will melt and the Silver Dragon's existence will be completely extinguished from Lagendia!" He exclaims.

"Yes... but protecting this world is my duty, my life... it would be all meaningless if I falter and let Lagendia crumble into nothingness just because I cling to my own life," The silver haired woman sadly replies but with conviction.

"Argenta! You don't need to burden yourself for the consequences of our mistakes!" The old Ancient reasons out.

"Too late for that Arno, the burden has already been passed to me,"

"Don't worry, I'll be what humans call a 'hero' after this," Argenta states, smiling at the old Ancient as she suddenly vanishes into the air.

Arno was left visibly shaken.

"But heroes always have bitter ends and all who have called as such are all dead, is this is what you truly wish for Argenta?" he whispers silently in the air.

Then the memories faded into nothingness and I was left...


Author's Note:

So this story actually told from the point of view (POV) of the Sorceress in Dragon Nest. In the main quest storyline she is known as 'Angelica'.

Just saying this though. Hope to see ya once again~

Ryuu von Einzbern