21. The Lost Memoir
Chapter 0 - Prologue
I have lost everything. Yet I have won.
The secret power... after so long...
Do I deserve such power...?
Just kidding, OF COURSE I DO! After hours of fruitful searching, after everything that has happened, who's to say that I don't?!
But nevertheless, I shall start from the very beginning...
Even though I was told to write this, this is a story that must be told.
The story which will reach a thousand souls for what it's worth, and to make them realise... that all is not lost, no matter what happens.
A story to change many others.
But enough dawdling. I shall start from the very beginning.
The story you are about to read is one of my personal past. My personal struggles, my terrible losses and how I came to defeat all of them, and rise up to what you see today.
It may inspire you, it may strike fear into you, but whatever happens, I am not responsible, and you have been warned.
Very well...
If you are ready... then we shall begin.
This book is the property of -
Chapter 1 - Enrollment
I have heard of many tales in my time, but none so more than that of the Skalari. My father when I was young had me enroll at a special school. He had warned me about the dangers of the Skalari, and about how only people of a certain age or after a certain time being exposed to their presence can see them. I was helping him and my mother out on the farm we lived in at the time, and both of them felt that I should do something more with my life. To this day, I do not regret what they have done.
The special school was named for an animal and was in a crudely-named but serene little town. It struck me, when I first entered the town with my father, how weird some of the wildlife looked. It puzzled me that he couldn't see them, yet I could. But since he did not mention anything, I did not ask. All we talked about were my ambitions, and as we walked into the entrance of the main school I was shocked to see many students using guns, claws, hammers and, most strange of all, magic. I had firmly disbelieved in magic right until now, but with the proof in front of me I could deny it no longer.
My father told me that there were in fact two schools, which were rivals. Every now and again one school would 'play' with the other, and it could get incredibly brutal, but because of the safety precautions, hardly anybody died. This was somewhat reassuring, but still very unnerving all the same.
As we walked into the doors of the gym, there stood two people. One had a very large gun on his back, and the other a spectacular staff. They introduced themselves to me as the Headmasters of the two schools, Owl and Dragon. It was at this point that my father turned and walked back through those gates, leaving me in their care forever. I still wanted to visit him sometime, and I had thought about doing so after I had graduated.
Anyway, the Headmasters explained the procedures of the schools to me. They worked on a similar basis in that there are typically six grades. Students wishing to advance a grade would have to take a special test, and therefore, it was not determined by their time at the school. They then told me about the entrance exam, a simple battle to demonstrate my abilities. If I was good enough for them, then they would let me choose which School I would like to study at.
I don't remember much about that first battle, except that I was incredibly nervous and scared, but the monster they had used was a dummy, in a safe environment, just to test out my abilities. Well, you must know what happened next. I was deemed good enough, and I chose a school for my own. However, I didn't stay in it as often as I should, because, since I liked the sound of both schools at the time, I would often go to classes between the two schools, and knew people on both sides really well, but I did not reveal to either side that I was attending classes at the other School.
The student bodies of the two Schools were nice towards me, but hostile towards each other. If they passed in the gym then a scuffle would normally break out. I couldn't do anything to stop them since I didn't want to reveal my allegiance to any of the others, but it pained me quite a lot to watch friends fight between each other. After speaking to the Headmasters, however, I realised that they had done this on purpose, to the mutual benefit of both sides in that students could hone their skills further. And since nobody actually died - they were stressing this point a lot - the feeling was soon quashed within me.
The mechanisms of auto-revival were explained to me as this: The students have an invisible shield around them, which decreased in duration as they were hit, with the duration of the shield referred to as 'life points', or 'HP'. If the HP of the shield was to fall to zero, then a device implanted in the armour of the student (coincidentally, over their heart) would activate and the student would be forced to fall to the ground, the better to prevent any cheating. After this has happened the student would automatically be teleported by the device to their 'save point'. However, the shield only protects the body from harm, not the armour. Damage to the armour would still have to be manually repaired at special staff members, called 'Mechers', for a small fee for their time and materials.
The Headmasters then told me that the Nurses also had these special revival devices, and the device in the armour of the student could be synced with one possessed by a Nurse. The student would therefore be teleported to the synced Nurse should their shield's HP fall to zero, who would then restore some of the HP of the shield, enabling the student to stand up again. These Nurses became known as 'save points' and the devices became known as 'respawn devices' amongst the students.
And so began my journey through the school. Those first few days would remain in my memory forever.
Chapter 2 - The Secret Power
Nothing much went on as I ploughed through the Grade Exams. I found it relatively easy, and pretty soon I had achieved the Fifth Grader status. I had heard from rumours that the Sixth Grade exam was very hard, and as of yet nobody has been able to finish it solo, which unfortunately was the requirement. Fortunately, it was not required for graduation. The Graduation Exam was a separate exam which could be taken at all grades, but was a harder trial than most.
I also found it progressively harder to keep the secret that I was still attending classes in both Schools. Duels between the schools would become more commonplace as my classmates and I progressed in grade. I was, as far as I knew, the only link between schools. I was the only one who was pretty much guaranteed safety, yet somehow I managed to not reveal a thing until after my graduation. I will not bore you with the details here, for they are highly irrelevant to the purpose of this book.
It was not these exams which I wish to bore you with. What really happened during my time at the School was not the friends I made. It was not the secrets I had to keep. It was a conversation between the Headmaster and an archaeologist whom he had invited to the office from Mara desert which intrigued me the most. He had called me to his office to have a conversation with him about my progress in the school, and quite by chance I overheard him talking to the archaeologist. I only heard the last few sentences, but those sentences changed me. For better or for worse... well, I'm about to find out.
What he said was precisely this. I will remember it forever:
"Well, of course I don't know the source of the power," I heard the archaeologist say.
"But if you know where to... ah... dig, I heard that it will make its presence known to you," he finished.
"Thank you, that information has been highly relevant," was the Headmaster's reply.
I had been listening through the keyhole, and barely had time to dwell on things, before suddenly the door opened and I was forced to leap aside. The Headmaster then beckoned me in. The archaeologist was still in the room. He discussed with me about my plans for the future like any other teacher would. I left the room with the knowledge that he wanted me back in there as soon as I finish the Graduation exam. He told me that not just anyone can search for that kind of power. It would take extreme skill and stamina to find out where it is. He also said he would give me more information after I graduate.
"Why aren't you telling this to everyone else?" I asked him, curious.
"You're the only one with links to both schools. Almost everyone else would not cooperate with the other school. It was intended that the schools be rivals, but never to this extent. You're the only one suitable for this job. I wish you the best of luck in your future studies, and I look forward to entrusting you with this information after your graduation."
So I headed back to my room, lost in thought. After a few more years, I took the Graduation exam. A very difficult trial, if I say so myself, but nonetheless I finished it with flying colours - the first, apparently, to ever do so.
I found my Headmaster and told him of the promise he had made. He did not hold back.
"Very well. I congratulate you on graduating from the School. This power I am about to discuss with you is one that can be used to the advantage of both schools. It is hidden somewhere in the depths of Mara. I will supply you with the equipment you will probably need for this purpose when the time comes. Your success or failure in this mission will determine the future of both schools, so no pressure at all."
No pressure... hah!
"You passed the Graduation exam with flying colours. I congratulate you again and wish you the very best with your life. Until we meet again, -, for the future of both schools will depend upon that moment."
A thought suddenly occured to me...
"I would like to request to stay here," I replied.
"Oh? Why, may I ask?" the Headmaster asked, more out of curiosity than anger.
"Well, I was planning to visit my parents after I graduated, so I was hoping... after I've done so... if I could... stay here?"
"Well... that's highly irregular, but I'm sure something can be arranged."
"Thank you very much, sir."
"There is no need to address me as 'sir' any more. I am no longer your teacher."
He had a point, yet somehow I couldn't help it. After so many years, it was, to me, more of a title because I was used to it, as opposed to respect, although it would be wrong to say that respect played no role at all.
Chapter 3 - World's End
So I returned to my house after so long away from it. Fond memories immediately rushed to my mind - all those times playing with my parents, helping them harvesting crops, and many others, all rushed to my head. When I saw the familiar fields with those same plants, I couldn't help but quicken my pace.
After knocking on the front door, an unfamiliar face greeted me - that of a woman, roughly the age of my parents. I had never seen her before in my life. Behind her I could see someone who must have been her daughter, who appeared to be a few years younger than me.
"Hello," she greeted me. I felt quite odd, standing in the doorway, face to face with this unfamiliar woman. I gave her an awkward greeting back.
"You must be the son of Mr. and Mrs. told me to give you this letter when you arrived..."
She handed me a letter, which I took.
"Where are they now?" I asked, dreadng the answer.
"I'm sorry... they were involved in a freak accident with the machinery... I was a family friend of your parents, and I was also present at the time... I'm sorry."
The words washed over me. Amidst her constant apologies I heard nothing. All I had left now were those memories... and the final letter...
"Feel free to come in... this is your house, after all," the woman said, still apologetic. I had nowhere else to go, after all, so I decided to take her up on her offer.
Her daughter was quite cute, and I stayed there for several months while my other house was being built. Before I was due to return, I asked for her hand in marriage - the daughter, I mean - and to my immense relief she agreed.
So, we moved back into the house on campus. We lived a more or less peaceful life and made lots of friends. We even had a daughter. The occasional crossfires in the gym didn't damper our peaceful life, although there were a few close shaves, nothing really happened to threaten our lives. I was summoned occasionally by the Headmaster for missions, and always returned with a souvenir from some Skalari or other for my daughter.
If only those days would last...
One day, a few years after the birth of my daughter, I decided to engrave these times into something more materialistic, so I decided to draw a portrait of my family. I still have it on me to this day, as a reminder of what happened... and the cruelty I was subjected to...
A few days after I had drawn the portrait, the Headmaster called me to his office. He gave me a sword, spade and a metal detector.
"It is time. You must head to Mara, and find this power. It is of utmost importance that you do."
I returned to my house and said goodbye to my wife and daughter, promising her another souvenir when I came back.
Little did I know that would be the last time I saw them both...
I found nothing in Mara. Yet, on my return, I learned that a crossfire had happened between the two schools. A stray fireball had ignited my house, and that as far as they knew, there were no survivors.
In that moment my world had turned upside down. I ran to the scene clutching a cow plushie, a gift from a farmer in Neo Kansas on my way back from Mara. It reminded me of my childhood, and I was planning to give it to my daughter... but now...
I remember collapsing in front of the house, unable to hold back tears... I wanted compensation...
I quickly confronted the Headmaster.
"What is the meaning of this?!" I recall myself shouting.
"I'm terribly sorry. It was beyond my control. The students occasionally fight each other in the gym, and very rarely spells do fly out at awkward angles. It was a very tragic, very rare incident. I'm sorry."
"But you encourage this rivalry! Surely you should be responsible then?!"
"Yes. I take full responsibility for this. The gym is monitored at all times, you can be assured that the person responsible will be caught and punished appropriately. Meanwhile please accept this as a small token of compensation, as well as my condolences and everyone else from both schools."
The Headmaster handed me a large bag of coins, which I accepted.
"Now, did you find anything in Mara?"
The nerve of that guy! He's still talking about the mission?!
"No." I replied, turning away.
I felt the portrait, folded in my pocket. It was all I had left now...
Chapter 4 - The Secret of Mara
The next few days passed by in a haze.
I couldn't tell reality from dreams any more...
The portrait was my only source of comfort...
I knew what I had to do...
In a rage, I ran back to Mara and renewed my search. It was night when I arrived, but even so, the journey made me sweat profusely within seconds. As I combed the Knight Shelter with my metal detector in one hand and sword in the other, I remembered what the Headmaster had told me... what the archaeologist had said all those years ago...
I made up my mind. I had to find the power no matter what... but not for the sake of the school... and the Headmaster can also go and die somewhere too... I need to find it for myself... to avenge my family... to stop the fighting... and most of all to restore everything to what it was... what it should be...
My aim...
is...
Restoration...
Unification...
Vengeance...
The three words circled around my head...
I searched every area above ground, but couldn't find a thing. The Skalari fell under a single blow by my sword imbued with my rage...
The Ice Scorpions took my interest somewhat. It seemed odd that they would thrive in the desert... yet... they must take form as the temperature falls and then melt at daytime. Somehow I felt that that must have been the case, yet it didn't seem they did... maybe something else is at work keeping them in their frozen form...?
Still wondering about the Ice Scorpions, I began to systematically comb through dungeon after dungeon. Even though I found many treasures, the source of the power did not reveal itself...
Day broke.
Curious, I went back to the Ice Scorpions.
Sure enough, they were gone.
I remember shaking my head solemnly. To lead such a vampiric existence... I wonder what it must feel like...?
I must keep going...
Cave after cave... Skalari after Skalari... all fell to the power of my rage.
And still nothing showed themselves.
I felt tired, I wanted to stop, yet I could not...
I entered the final temple... Shadow Valley. If it didn't show itself here... then...
Taking a deep breath, I entered the gateway...
...into a familiar landscape, and yet so different...
Its rooms reminded me of three tombs I had faced before... but the Skalari were not familiar at all...
No matter how different they were, I still cleaved through them with ease...
That is, until I reached IT.
Lele.
The Lord of Shadow Valley.
I had the upper hand throughout the battle...
But it pushed me back before I could deal the final blow...
I remember falling into the electric pit...
And everything faded to pitch blackness...
Some time later, I awoke on the cold floor of the final room of Shadow Valley. After gaining my senses again, I looked around and saw Lele, dead in a corner. A chest had also appeared from somewhere deep below, waiting to be opened.
I also saw a shadowy figure in a cloak... raspy words from it rushed over my ears... "untimely death"... "cruel"... "talent"... "greater purposes"... "a choice"...
Was this it?
"I will give you ultimate power. The power to rule all of Kasmari."
I jumped. Finally, it had revealed itself... my efforts up to this point were finally fruitful...
"Your end of the bargain?" the creature thought for a moment, "Write a book."
I looked puzzled. "What sort of book?"
"A memoir. Of everything you remember of Mara. It may... help you."
So here I am, writing this book. I hope it will inspire others that all is not lost and that there is still hope for recovery. The story of a man who has lost everything, and won despite the odds.
As for me, I need to claim my reward...
But before I do, remember - restoration, unification, vengeance...
Chapter 5 - Epilogue
This is the memoirs of a brave and valiant explorer, who was cursed with the spirit of the Scorpion shortly after the book was finished. The explorer's skills matched no other; he could cleave through a wall of Skalari with one swipe of his sword. However, despite his skill, a careless moment saw him pushed into an electric pit whilst in combat with the Lord of Shadow Valley, Lele. I showed myself to him and offered him a deal moments before he would have otherwise perished. He gladly accepted, and thus became the creature which is now the most feared in all of Kasmari, unleashing a curse upon the whole of Mara in the process. Mara is now no longer what has been described in this memoir, but a place of eternal night. To those who discover the book, you hold the most powerful object ever created in the palm of your hand.
Signed: The Wraith Lord
The mysterious book ended there. It was late. The other Owl students had joined StrangerD3RK and Magics to interrogate Sturm. The Dragons were filling in the Headmasters on what had happened during the battle outside the Red Desert Ruins.
Cristina sighed. Even though she could not make out the writer's name, she had read enough.
It felt strange... the epilogue seemed to be in a different handwriting than the rest of the book...
The book also described things she had never seen before... especially the last chapter... was it really that old? It didn't look its age at all if it was...
She sighed again, turned the last page, and closed the book, setting it down on the ground beside her.
She was about to join the others and tell them of what she had read...
"Cris! Put that book down NOW!" a panicked voice shouted from the main building.
It was already too late.
The book flicked open as if in a strong wind...
It turned to the last page...
The signature of the Wraith Lord began to glow...
Cristina was thrown backwards by a tremendous explosion. The cherry blossom tree was nearly uprooted, and the main building shook. Sturm fell out of a window from the second floor and into the bushes below.
The book threw itself into the air...
Cristina could only watch from the ground in horror...
Everyone else in the main building stared at the book...
Sturm picked himself up and started laughing like a maniac...
...as a jet-black vortex formed around the book, swirling faster and faster...
The signature of the Wraith Lord was still glowing...
A pair of glowing eyes shone through the darkness of the vortex, its intensity muffled by a black hooded cloak...
The white flash of the blade of a scythe being drawn...