18th of Dew Month
Sun Castle, Warden's Quarters
I really wanted to say that it was going to be a typical day but unfortunately, a single knock on the door this morning changed everything.
I opened the door and saw the towering figure of Dylan Levon, just beyond the boundary of my door.
"Good morning, Colonel Levon. How may I help you?" I nonchalantly greeted him as I gave a mock salute.
Fortunately for me, and everyone else for that matter, he tolerated such manners. If I were to do that to anyone else, I'd be running around the entirety of the Capitol for fifty laps or more.
"We have important matters to discuss, Private Von Zayne..." Colonel Levon's voice commanded authority as it echoed through the East Hall, even as he was merely standing in front of my quarter doors.
"Okay, I understand..." I said, taking two steps back before walking toward the fireplace where I was making tea for myself. I found it nostalgic to be making tea after so long, and after what happened all those years ago.
At least I've gotten better at it, I suppose...
"Come in, Colonel, make yourself comfortable." he mumbled something before stepping inside and closing the door behind him. He settled his giant shield near the door and made his way to the dinner table.
Reeling back the chair from the table, he sat on it whilst holding a stern expression. He looked on edge. What could he possibly have for me?
Is it that? Is it already time? I wonder...
I took the pot of tea from the fireplace and immediately placed it down unto the dinner table above a damp cloth. "Would you like a cup of herbal tea, Colonel? I made it myself..." I wasn't taking a 'no' for an answer as I placed one of the tea cups down in front of me and pouring a bit of tea in for him.
He tried his best to hide his expression, but he accepted the tea either way. His face relaxed once he took a sip and immediately faced me as I sat down on the chair in front of him, taking a sip of the tea for myself. "First and foremost, I suppose I'll need to inform you of the latest news."
"Latest news?"
"Sione Aldric will be returning to her post here by tomorrow morning. You will depart for your next post once she arrives. I have already told Her Majesty of this news." Ah, so I was right all along.
"Understandable." I answered after a long pause. I wasn't exactly surprised since I had already expected it would happen. But to think it would happen so soon? I wasn't ready for that. In any case, what would Angelia think of this? I sincerely hope she wouldn't be upset with my sudden leave.
"You're not the least bit surprised?" he raised an eyebrow.
"I suppose not. I did expect my leave here once Dew Month had arrived. It was only a matter of time..."
"You're taking this awfully well. I'm quite impressed." he crossed his arms as he wore a small smile. However, I don't think he was happy for that matter.
I sure was hell wasn't...
"I appreciate it, but I was merely wondering 'when'. As for the 'where'..."
"I know, I know... but before that, there's something else I've been wondering all this time. Or, rather, what the army has been wondering all this time..."
"The entire army itself?"
He ignored my question and began speaking as normal. "I take you already know this but I'm going to ask for clarity: your condition did act up during The Hunt, yes?"
"Yes, it did..." I answered, trying not to be upset over something trivial.
"How was it? Did you lose control? Or rather did you experience anything major?" his eyes lit up as he pressed further, leaning forward a bit. It was strange seeing him give his undivided attention to my words, but I shrugged it off.
"Surprisingly, I didn't..." Looking back, I was in full control all the time. Even though the horde was large in number and that void season was nearing, I was surprised to even think I didn't fall into blood lust that time.
"I see." he sat back. He looked relieved, yet he was still on guard. I couldn't blame him, I'd be paranoid as well. However, even though I would start to think that this was a good thing, the possibility of me falling into it once again is still present.
"...but I can't risk it happening again. I need to do something about this, and quick." At this point, there would only be two options left for me: either I try to take control of this curse, or I would be cured of it.
I'd rather be cured than live with this my whole life...
"Ah, so I see you're thinking that as well." the Colonel nodded, looking somewhat satisfied.
Wait, you don't mean...?
"The cure for my condition?"
Much to my dismay, he only shook and hung his head in disappointment. "It's not so much as 'cure' since I have little knowledge on rune and soul magic, but some form of training. For others, it's life and death, but for you, it could be the key to taking control of that condition of yours..."
What...? What does he mean by that? From his words, this should be an opportunity for me. Although I had every right to hope for a way, any method that will help me in the long run, I didn't understand most of what he just said.
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch all that..."
"It's fine. The army's rune sorcerers have studied your condition all this time, and they have found a possible way to let you take control of that unnatural magic in your blood."
So this is an opportunity, but not in the way I'd hope it would be. To think I hoped for a cure just a moment ago. Even just thinking about it is making me feel silly. However, I'd still take this. If there wasn't a cure, then at least make the pain stop.
"I'm listening..."
"Since you've already proven that your condition reacts when there are monsters around, we just need to put you in a place that has an abundance of such creatures." A high abundance of monsters in a single area?
Wait...
"You don't mean... Atlas? So you'll be sending me to an Atlas Operation...?"
The infamous Sun Kingdom Atlas Operation. Sending many soldiers to fend off monsters in a 15 month long expedition to research the true nature of said abominations of life. So far, it has little success, and the only ones that go there had nothing to lose.
It was the single, most dangerous operation the Kingdom of the Sun had ever come up with to the point where it was officially banned during King William's rule. Now that Regent Theodore had temporarily taken up the throne, I'm guessing that the operations continue without the knowledge of the public.
Colonel Levon begrudgingly nodded as he narrowed his brows. "Yes. The rune sorcerers' theory suggests that if you were to be exposed to a high number of monsters, there is a chance you'll be able to force your own will into the curse and make it act on your will alone."
"I'm sorry, but that's too risky... I don't even know if I can do it, or what will happen if I fail." I spoke my mind. There's simply so much I don't know that it's not even worth risking my life over.
However...
"Better in Atlas than let you sit in the middle of a company line and cause massive casualties because you couldn't control it."
"But-"
"I understand that there is a possibility of you going berserk, but it's the best chance we got. It's not just the safety of the entire Sun Army that's on the line, but your own well being..."
I remained silent. I think this is the time where I sit down and listen to reason...
"I treat every single soldier in the army as if they're family. We look out for each other, and seeing you struggling with yourself only makes me want to help you conquer your own dilemma."
I see...
"If there's any way that I can save you, this is the best possible way of doing it. I trust your abilities as a swordsman, and I trust that you're strong enough to survive this. If I didn't, I wouldn't have appointed you as Her Majesty's substitute bodyguard."
I wanted to argue, claw out of the hole I've dug myself in, that this wasn't the best possible way. But I couldn't. Why? It's because the Colonel spoke the truth. He read me like an open book, and laid all my intentions on the table. I want to make my own decisions, but this time, I think it's safe to follow his lead.
Or rather, I believe his way is the appropriate way.
There wasn't much argument to be had, after all. If I stay here, I'll be risking Sharice, Doran, Armando, Naya, Angelia, and everyone else because I can't control myself. If I go to Atlas, the only thing that's at risk is my own life.
It was a small price to pay to protect people you know.
It's a scary thought, and so much of myself doesn't want to be part of it. However, I'm willing to give it a shot.
"However, I'm not going to force you into this, Von Zayne. It's all up to you to-"
"I'll do it..."
"Pardon?"
"I'll do it. I'll go to Atlas. I may not get the chance like this again. I'm done running from this curse." I said in an air of confidence, although I was still scared from the bottom of my heart. A long silence had passed between us, until Colonel Levon broke it with a gentle smile.
"Then it's settled. Pack your belongings and prepare for departure tomorrow morning. A rune carrier will arrive by then." the authority returned to his voice as he gave off his command.
"Yes, sir!" I gave him a firm salute, only to be gestured to be at ease.
"Also, I believe it's best you tell the Princess herself that you'll be leaving for tomorrow."
"You didn't tell her yourself, Colonel?" I couldn't hold back the surprise in the moment, but he merely shrugged it off.
"No. I just think it's more appropriate if you break the ice with her."
"Understood..." I don't know what he meant by that, but it seems I've got no choice.
"I'll be on my way to inform the higher ups. Best of luck, Von Zayne, and may the Sun light your way." with a bow, he took up his shield and swiftly exited my quarters.
Silence greeted me once more. The embers from the fireplace had already died long ago, and I was soon left with a pit in my stomach. The peace that was supposed to be hanging above me was now replaced with a feeling I couldn't quite describe.
At long last, the silence left me with my thoughts yet again...
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Angelia was running through her wardrobe. Dresses were splayed across her room from the floor, to her furniture, everywhere for that matter. Meanwhile, I was sitting on a chair near a pile of rejected dresses as she held two dresses in each of her hands.
"Roxas! What do you think? Is this one too much?" she held out the one of her right. To be frank, it does look a little bit too exaggerated with all the loose laces on the top half compared to the one on her left, but considering it's Angelia, I'm sure she'll look great.
"Does it matter if I pick one? Everything looks good on you, either way..." I merely shrugged as I pointed at one of the rejected dresses from earlier.
Angelia narrowed her brows as she pouted. "Come on, Roxas... I need a better critique than that! Now, which one of these look good on me?" she held out the two dresses once more.
At this point, I completely ignored her question and began wondering out loud. "Would you mind telling me why you're doing all this? Aren't you always in the castle?"
Angelia only gave me the same disappointed look from just a few seconds ago. She heaved a heavy sigh before answering in her usual, sweet tone. "I'm eighteen, Roxas. Now that I'm an adult, I should be more involved with things happening around me. I can't just sit in my room and let uncle do all the work."
"And what does that have to do with your clothing choice?"
"I'll be making more public appearances, Roxas."
"Ah, I see, I see..." I nodded at her explanation. I have to give her credit. She does have the most convincing reasons. Even if I don't understand the real meaning of changing clothes, at least she sounds like she's being somewhat reasonable.
All I have is my uniform and I'm already content with it.
"Well, I'd pick that one. That looks nicer than the rest." I pointed at one of the dresses from the wardrobe that I was staring at for quite a while. If I had to choose one for her, that would be the one.
Angelia gave me a quizzical look before placing down the dresses in her hands and reaching in her wardrobe for my pick. She effortlessly pulled it out before presenting it to me.
It was a thin dress that accentuated the curves of her body. It was a white dress with the usual engravings of the Sun on it along with a long, transparent, jewel encrusted knee length skirt that supported the look of her fine legs and thin veiled forearm sleeves. Though it looked somewhat skimpy for her, it sure as hell was comfortable to look at, and I'm confident that it was comfortable to wear too.
"You think so? This has thinner cloth..." she said as she ran her fingers through the dress. I felt a smile curl on my lips as she was surprised by the touch of the cloth, followed by her own smile shortly after realizing that fact.
I stood up and went to her. "I'm sure it suits you. Besides, you might as well wear comfortable clothes since you'll be going out your room more often now." I decided to run my fingers across the dress as well.
I took in a large breath as the cloth really was comfy. It had the same qualities of the very scarf around my neck, but it was thicker as it was a full dress.
"That's true..." all the doubts that she had earlier were no longer present in her voice as she stared at the dress in her hands. "Hold on, let me try it..." she turned around and swiftly entered her dressing room.
Various loud noises came from her dressing room, but I dutifully did my best to ignore them all. I'd be invading her privacy if I just came in there worrying about all the noise. Looking around the room, it was an absolute mess. It's like this all afternoon, and I doubt sorting out all of these dresses will be quick.
I'd have to help her clean up afterwards.
Angelia came out of the dressing room wearing the very dress I've chosen for her. I'm not going to lie, she looked beautiful. Actually, she looks beautiful in every single dress she wears, but that's besides the point. To accompany her current dress, she wore a pair of thigh high black heels.
"How does it look?" she spun around shyly. I think she's conscious about her look.
"Looks pretty great to me..." Even though I gave her my honest opinion, she still looked anxious. I couldn't exactly tell where she was shy about. It really did look great on her; better than any casual attire she wore so far.
However, I couldn't shake the feeling that something is off about her appearance as a whole.
"You don't think it's revealing on this part...?" she placed her hands on the exposed area around her collarbone to her bosom. The only thing that held her dress up like that was the single transparent piece of clothing that was connected to a cloth around her neck.
And that's where it hit me...
"Hmm... You're actually right." The dress revealed most of her skin across her collarbone, and I guess that's where she's most conscious about. Looking around there wasn't much to cover it up.
Except, of course, for one thing...
"How about if we use this...?" I then took the same red fur cape from when she visited the orphanage and wrapped it around her shoulders. It was big enough to actually cover both her front and back without much of a problem.
Angelia looked with starry eyes as she spun around excitedly. "Oh my... It actually fits the look! Roxas, you're actually a genius!" she beamed at me with eyes filled with wonder as she reveled in her look.
"What? What are you even talking about? I'm no genius! I didn't even finish my schooling!" I immediately shot down whatever she said. Whether it was my sole desire to deny it or my bashfulness at that very moment, I wasn't going to casually take that compliment and allow it to slide.
This, however, only granted me an Angelia who left her mouth agape in horror and shock. "What!? I didn't mean that!"
"What did you mean by that, then?" At this point, I wasn't exactly sure why I was even upset at her, but I was.
I have to admit, it is fun teasing her this way...
"W-Well... You were quick to think and... GAH! Never mind!" her constant stuttering made her stomp the floor in frustration, moaning in complete distress as she was unable to make out whatever she wanted to say.
"Honestly, all I did was place a cape around you..." I mumbled.
"Moving on!" Angelia shot me a glare before settling down with a long and deep sigh, returning to her normal self in just a matter of seconds. "So, what else do you have in mind?" she asked, the sweetness of her tone had returned.
That said, however, I didn't exactly think that the cape would work. Now that she's asking me after it apparently worked out like some sort of miracle, I felt like I was playing a game I couldn't win.
In the end, all I could do was wonder out loud once more...
"Hold on, what even is our goal for your look?"
She merely shrugged before curling her lips awkwardly. "Well, like you said... Whatever makes me comfortable, I suppose."
"Let me think..." Judging her from head to toe, she's pretty much set. There's not much to do or change. She looks actually presentable.
Unless...
"Is there anything you'd want to do with your hair?"
"Is there anything wrong with it?" she mumbled, taking a strand with her finger and playing with it.
"I didn't ask you that, Your Highness..." I replied as I ran through my hand through her locks. Her hair was unusually soft, even for a woman. I felt that I was defiling the purest head of hair in the world just by simply touching it with my commoner fingers.
"Hmm... There is one thing I'd like to do." she said as she gently removed my hand from her head. I kept the disappointment to myself as my fingers left her golden locks.
"Which is?"
"This..." she went to her make up drawer and got herself a silk hair tie. She then awkwardly tied her hair in a messy ponytail, with several strands of hair still sticking out all over the place and flowing from where they stood.
However...
"Oh... Oh my." I didn't feel my hand being brought to my lips as I expressed my genuine surprise. I know what I said earlier that she looked set, but now, the entirety of her appearance now looks absolutely perfect.
"What? What is it? What's wrong?"
"Kindly look at yourself in the mirror, Angelia." I held her by her shoulders as I guided her through her dress swamped room to her wardrobe mirror.
"Is it that bad...?" her tone fell quiet and her face became worried. However, little did she know that I was screaming in my mind on how beautiful she looked.
"N-No... It's..." I couldn't find the words, but I simply placed her in front of her mirror for her to find out for herself.
Angelia's eyes widened, slowly but surely taking in a good look at herself in the mirror in front of her. Her mouth was open, but no sound came out. "I look... I look...!" she finally spoke out, but she, too, could not find the words to describe her joy.
"Amazing? Yes, you do."
"Oh, Roxas! Thank you so much!" she didn't even try to hold herself back as she jumped at me, giving me one of her warm embraces. She buried her face on the crook of my neck as she squealed in happiness.
"It's nothing, really..." I returned the hug with one arm, smiling as I did so.
When she finally let herself go from me, her excitement didn't end there. Instead, she enjoyed and insisted being that way for as long as she kept staring at her attire in the mirror. "No, really! Just take a look at me! I think I've just found my Princess look..."
"Well, I'm happy to help..." I felt my lips curl to a smile the longer I looked at Angelia.
Honestly, it's just an attire...
"This is just too good..." However, her excitement came and went sooner than expected. Silence greeted the room, and the air became heavier. With an audible exhale, she took a hold of her crown and a solemn expression on her face soon followed suit. "Also, Roxas...?" she asked, every bit of joy she had one moment ago was now gone.
"Yeah?" I was beginning to be scared of what's to come next.
"I've heard from Sir Dylan earlier this morning that Dear Sione will be returning tomorrow..." I could tell from her voice that she didn't want to say it, but she did. It was reality, after all, and I don't blame her for being afraid of the truth.
Even though I don't want this to end...
"I see. I do hope you won't miss me too much, Princess." I joked, but I wasn't hoping for her to laugh. Instead, her gloomy expression only gotten worse as her brows narrowed.
"Have you decided on where you ought to go after here?" her tone was almost breaking.
"I have. Why? Are you curious?"
Her expression turned from sad to determined in an instant as she nodded. "Indeed, I am. Please tell me where..."
"I am off to Atlas tomorrow at dawn." my words echoed through the eerie silence of her room. Angelia's eyes slowly widened. It seems she's realizing the dire situation I put myself in. I know I don't have a death wish, but for anyone else, it seems it would be the case for me.
"A-Atlas...? Wait! You don't mean the Atlas Operation!?" her now vicious tone echoed through the room.
"It is, and I am going." I calmly said. However, it wasn't going to be enough to calm her down.
"You can't!"
"Why not?"
"Why not...? Why not!? Not a single one has come out of there alive! Ever! Don't go, please!" her hands were now clutching the front of her chest as if she was holding something back. Panic was written all over her face, as well as a heavy dose of worry.
"Don't worry, Angelia. I don't plan on dying any time soon..." I sighed.
"Are you really going...? Can't you stay here?" she gestured around her. As much as I wanted to stay, I'm just not going to sit quietly and risk even her from myself.
"I am. It's better for everyone that I go. I'd be putting everyone at risk if I stayed here."
She shook her head vigorously. She was desperate to deny reality that it was almost pitiful. "There has to be a another way! Why send more to Atlas!? Why does uncle want people to go there so badly!? I'll go talk to Sir Dylan! I'll convince him to let you stay here!"
"It's no use, Angelia. I told you, it's better for everyone if I went to Atlas!"
Her hands found themselves on my shoulders. Her grip tightened and her eyes were now welling with undeserved tears. I don't have a choice but to stand here and take her tantrum like a man. "This is outrageous! Roxas, please! How can you say such things!?"
"I have already agreed to go, and I won't be swayed by anyone."
"You'll die, Roxas! I don't want that to happen! I'm begging you, don't go...!" Angelia's voice was breaking. She hung her head in silence as she whimpered, her hands still gripping my shoulders and already on the verge of crying.
"I'm going, Angelia, and that's that..." I gently whispered to her. I needed to stand with my own decision, even if it meant hurting Angelia like this.
Two, three teardrops had left her face. Her grip on me weakened and I gently held both her hands. However, she held back her own tears as she raised her head to face me. This time, she did not look pleased. "Please... Out."
"Angelia...?"
"Out... Out! Get out of this room this instant!" she threw my hands off of hers. She did not hesitate to get behind me and push me towards her door. I don't know what's going on, but if I can fix it, I'll fix it.
However, looking at Angelia, it seems she's past the point of reason.
"Angelia, wait!" I resisted only a bit; I didn't want to hurt her any more than this. However, she kept pushing me towards her door, and I couldn't do anything but simply let her do it.
"Get out! Get! Out! I'll fix this myself! I won't let you die! NOT WHEN I'M STILL BREATHING!"
Her quarter doors were already wide open by the time I was in front of them. "WAIT! ANGELIA!" I tried one last time.
"THIS IS AN ORDER FROM YOUR PRINCESS! GET OUT NOW OR ELSE!" she pushed me out the room, and it didn't take long for me to realize that I was already staring at the gilded white door outside her quarters.
Was my decision really that bad...?
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I didn't need to be a genius to know that it was already midnight.
I spent the rest of the day contemplating on whatever I should do to at least please Angelia before leaving. I had some ideas, like writing her something or giving her one of my belongings, but none of them actually stood out. I only sat down in my quarters until it was already nighttime and I had to start packing all I had into my single trunk.
It took me quite a while to get all my belongings in check. My once heavy trunk was even heavier now that I own the regal infantry armor Regent Theodore himself gave me two days ago.
However, I only packed the leggings since they were the most vital out of the armor set. Besides, they looked pretty good when combined with the standard infantry armor, even if it was just the greaves and sabatons. For the rest, I simply threw in there without much regard to organizing them.
Though I know I should already be sleeping at this hour, even after finishing up packing for Atlas, I wasn't able to fall asleep comfortably. I did all I could. I tossed and turned, even made special tea for myself, but none of these things worked.
After making Angelia upset, I doubt I'll be able to close my eyes for the rest of the night.
I grabbed my pillow and began fluffing it. Even though it was pretty much the most comfortable thing in the world, it still wasn't enough for me to fall asleep. However, just as I was about to groan from the lack of sleep for the hundredth time tonight, came two soft knocks on my quarter doors. I wanted to yell 'go away' or 'it's the middle of the night', but I didn't expect her voice to come out from the other side of that door.
"Roxas...? Are you there? Are you still awake...? Please, I want to talk..." even if it is Angelia, I doubt anyone would have a good reason to knock on anyone's door in the middle of the night. Regardless, I grunted and I begrudgingly made me way to the door. "Even if it's for a moment. Please, Roxas, I want to speak with you..." her soft tone cooed through the wooden door.
I let out an exasperated sigh as I unlocked the quarter door. Opening it, greeted Angelia's small stature in the darkness of the East Hall. Sharice was evidently shorter than her, but she was still short regardless.
"Is there anything you need from me, Your Majesty?" I whispered back at her. I couldn't see every detail of her face, as it was both blinded by her messy golden hair and the darkness coming from the shadow of moonlight.
Looking around, no such candelabra or lantern was in place to light up the halls. Indeed, it was time for sleep and no one was stupid enough to wander the dark corridors of the Sun Castle at night. No one could see a thing, and the only thing that could help was the moonlight shining through the windows of the castle.
Angelia didn't answer immediately, but she raised one of her hands to take a hold of my own. "Come with me for a moment..."she pulled, my arm yielded and followed. Soon, I was dragged out of my room and into the darkness before beginning to walk down the hall.
"What? Where exactly are you taking me in the middle of the night?" I asked her through my breaths.
"Just... please follow me." was her only answer as she silently guided me through the castle.
Even though some parts of the castle were illuminated by shining moonlight, everything else was pitch black. It felt like I was walking with a blindfold on. However, Angelia walked and walked without hesitation. She moved as elegantly as she was precise, and weaved through the darkness like a well oiled rune machine.
It would seem that she already committed the entirety of the castle to her memory. She knew the layout of the castle like the back of her hand, and it was pretty impressive seeing her like this.
As for where exactly we were going, I had no clue. For me, it was blind guess work from when we left the West Hall and went into another part of the castle I didn't recognize. That said, however, I could even barely recognize anything through the darkness.
We stopped somewhere as she gripped my hand tighter. "Through here..." she said. The sound of a creaking door rang through the eerie silence of the darkened castle. She pulled me through what I would presume would be a corridor of some sorts. Angelia stopped again several minutes later. She fell silent for a moment, which made me worried.
"Angelia...?" instead of a decent reply, all I could feel was her hand getting an even tighter hold on mine.
"Don't let go of my hand, please..." she whispered into the pitch black darkness. "Feel the steps of the spiral stairs, Roxas..."
I gulped down a lump on my throat. This is what we were doing now? "Which way does it turn?"
"To the left..." I slowly brought my feet forward until I felt something bump my toes. The cold stone of the stairs was enough to make me shiver. Slowly but carefully, we climbed up the spiral stairway.
After what felt like forever, we were finally at the top of the stairs. Moonlight had shone through an exit and Angelia finally let go of my hand. She was the first one to pass through the moonlit passage, with me following her from behind. As we did, however, both a bright light and a cold gust of wind had greeted us as my eyes began to focus on what's in front of me. After finally being able to look around after being in the dark for so long, I was presented with a view unlike any other.
"Wow... This view." was all I could say while my eyes darted around the place. Below us was the poorly lit Capitol and the Prairie Edge just near the horizon. Mountains were on the left and a wide desert was on the right. Above our heads was the dark blue, star painted night sky with a bright full moon hanging above them all. Cutting through the twinkling starlight was a slash of crimson stardust that laid the path of an ongoing star storm.
Just thinking about it makes my jaw drop in awe.
"This is the very top of the castle. Do you like it?" Angelia sat down onto the cold stone steps of the castle turret. I sat down beside her once she gestured me to her right side. I wasn't going to complain on the sheer coldness of the stone on my bottom, though. The view was all I could ask for.
"Simply amazing... It's even more beautiful than when we were in the garden..." I can't believe all of this was just above my head when I was desperate for sleep just a while ago.
"I'm glad you think so, Roxas." I didn't turn to look at her, but I'm more than willing to bet that she's smiling from ear to ear.
"It's just breathtaking... but aren't you cold?" this time, I did turn to her as I gave her a worried look. Despite the view, it really was cold up here. With me wearing such thin clothing, it was easy to get colds after a few hours here.
However, Angelia merely shrugged it off and moved closer to me. "Then can I hug you?"
"Of course..." she immediately wrapped herself around my left arm. Warmth emanated from her like the Sun. However, I know that we weren't here to just simply enjoy the wonder of the world. "What is it that you wanted to talk about?"
"The Atlas Operation..." her voice was now nothing more than a mere whisper.
"I see... I'm listening." I instinctively moved closer to her, earning me a light flinch from her.
"I've already spoken with uncle about it, but it was no use..." she spoke after a long and dubious pause. The look on her face says it all; she really didn't want to accept the truth. However, the mellowness of her face proves that she was starting to come to terms with it. Even if it did hurt her for the worst.
Because I understand that she's too kind to let that happen to me...
"I suppose even begging you to stay will not change your mind, right?" she tightly embraced my arm.
"Unfortunately, yes..."
"Then, at least tell me the reason why, Roxas... Why do you have to go to such a place where you'd have no chance for survival?" her voice muffled by my own clothing as she buried her face in it, covering the fact that her voice was breaking.
"It's because I need to. I need to go there because of this curse. If I wasn't born with this curse, then I'd be living a normal life back in Paradise Prairie. This is my chance to be free from this nightmare, and take control of my own life." I said without a hint of hesitation in my tone. This was my will, and I was going to do everything I can to stick with it until the very end. I am taking this, and I am not going to turn back. I am done being a coward and hopelessly yearn for a normal life.
It was fruitless to begin with, for I was not born normal in the first place...
"Is it that important?" she raised her head, our gazes meeting.
"It's a selfish dream, but I want to make it a reality... This curse is what made my father so guilty, so pained, and so desperate for release." I remember the face my father made when I took his life that very night. Of all the memories I had with my father, Althalos Von Zayne, his death was the one I wasn't the most fond with. And who the hell would be fond with it? But looking back, his saddened yet determined face was all I could see. That very look upon him was the answer to what the Eclipse had done to him.
And it was heartbreaking...
"I see..." she turned away, sadness filling her expression.
"But, despite all the pain this caused me, this curse has a gift..." I said. It was about time I tell her what this accursed condition of mine can do.
"A gift...?" she looked back with curiosity.
"A gift that can help other people and heal my own injuries, all through blood. And it is just here..." I raised my right hand for her to look. The ringed mark on my palm glowed a golden gleam as it pulsated with my blood. "...begging to be taken control of."
"If I can control this gift... Then maybe I'll be strong enough to protect people from harm." Blood rushed through my body. I couldn't stand the thought of losing those close to me again. St. Paula's death, the nameless bodyguard's death, and may be even Sharice one day, I wasn't going to let that happen again.
Not when I had people I hold dear on the line. Tighter and tighter did I crush my right fingers, the very thoughts made me furious...
However, Angelia gave my left hand a gentle squeeze. I turned to her, her face wearing a gentle smile. "I don't think it's a selfish dream, Roxas..." she said through her lovely grin.
"Do you honestly think so?"
"Mhm... you simply want to be free and protect people. What's more noble than that?" her smile was bright enough to cut through the darkness.
"I suppose..."
"That is your fight, Roxas, and I will pray that you win..." the gentleness had faded, and then came the determination that was seeping through her. She took both my hands, and held them in hers. All my doubts, all my fears, I could feel them melt away at her touch.
But why...?
However, I was only curious about one thing, and one thing only. "May I ask, Angelia?"
"You may... What is it?"
"Why are you so adamant in making me stay?"
"I simply do not wish for people to die. Even when I was young, the pain of losing my father was too much for me. And when I found out that people around me were dying and I couldn't help them, I was devastated..." she looked glum as she reminisced her past. Yet despite that, it was clear that she was struggling to keep her emotions in check, as if she didn't want to cry.
"Life is precious, and I thought you're throwing your life away..." she said, strengthening her hold on both my hands. Even though hers were so soft, her delicate fingers still steeped in strength I never knew she had in her.
Ah, I see. So that's what you thought I was going to do? "I've already said it to you, but I'll say it again: I'm not planning on dying any time soon." Reassuring her is the least I can do. The most I can do is to survive, if not for myself, then at least I'll do it for her. If I didn't, I can't even imagine the heartbreak she'll have to go through.
She's too kind for her own heart to even handle...
"Are you certain of your survival? I will not forgive you if you don't come back..." I chuckled internally. Even she, the Princess of the damn country, shares the same thoughts as me. I find it strange, but I don't really mind.
It just feels nice knowing that she is worried for me.
"No... But I'll make sure it's possible. I have no choice but to make it possible. Trust me, Angelia..."
"Then I have no choice but to trust you with every fiber of my being..." bringing one my hands, she planted a kiss unto it. That alone sent a wave of cold down my spine. To have her do that, I was pushed into a corner.
I had to live.
"I am honored, Angelia."
"Don't you disappoint me, okAy!?" with her voice cracking like that, the tension between us was parted as she broke into laughter, bringing my own chuckle with her. Soon, our giggles filled the cold night air. Though the pressure was on, I was confident in myself. If living was to make her this happy, then I will live.
However, I have to leave all that for the next dawn. Right now, the clarity of the future meant I could enjoy this moment with her under the shining starlit sky. The Sun has always shone with passion, but It never did once shine this beautiful.
"For now, I'll sit here and watch the stars with you. It's the least I can do before I'll leave for Atlas tomorrow..."
With that, Angelia moved to sit beside me and stare at the stars above. "I'm happy you're enjoying the view. Not many people have the chance to see the night sky this high up, you know..."
"Yeah... I'm glad I got the chance to be here and meet you, Angelia. To think a mere soldier like myself would befriend the Princess of the Kingdom, I truly am honored..."
"I do, too, Roxas. I did not regret making you my dear friend..."
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Dawn came as soon as we have returned to our separate rooms. A part of me didn't want to go right now, but what sort of choice do I have? It's time, and I'm going to be the first to answer the call.
After taking a quick bath, I donned on the mixture of the standard army uniform and the regal armor. Again, the only notable parts were the greaves and sabatons. Everything else was ordinary. As much as I hated to admit it, I didn't bother packing the royal bodyguard uniform, as it wasn't really mine to begin with.
I'm sure Lady Aldric will be pleased to find some parts of her uniform still in tact within the warden's wardrobe.
I only made myself a perfectly toasted piece of sourdough bread and finishing up the remaining herbal tea from last night. All of these served as my last breakfast here in the castle. It's disappointing how unreasonably bland it was for a parting meal, but beggars can't exactly be choosers. I made one last check of the entire warden's quarters for anything worth before finally deciding to bring myself and my belongings outside. Taking out the warden's keys, I simply inserted them into the keyhole and left them there before dragging my entire trunk down and through the castle and into the courtyard. The Sun was rising from the horizon, and my body was begging for any sort of warmth since last night.
I'm sure Angelia was exhausted from our adventure a few hours ago. It's saddening to think she'd be unable to see me leave, but I think it's for the best. It would hurt her more than it should, I believe.
As I stood on the royal courtyard, Colonel Levon came into view alongside a fairly tall girl with short silver hair. She was wearing the feminine royal bodyguard uniform judging from how similar it was to mine. The colonel perked up to where I was and began walking toward me whilst stiffening my body to give him a full salute.
"At ease, Private." he gestured me while the rest of my body complied.
"The carrier should be here shortly. Aldric, you may proceed to the castle." he said to her. She did not say anything but only returned the order with a salute before briskly turning around and walking to the main hall.
It seems that woman was the fabled Sione Aldric.
"Have you said your goodbyes to the Princess, yet?" he turned to me, giving me a warm smile in the process.
I firmly shook my head in response. "I'm afraid not, but I'm sure she'll understand."
He merely chuckled before looking at the eastern horizon. "I do hope so..."
It didn't take long until the rune carrier had arrived to pick me up. Thankfully, Colonel Levon was, yet again, gracious enough to lift up my own heavy trunk unto the compartment of the large vehicle.
"Is that all!?" yelled the conductor from the front row of the carrier., his head sticking out the window.
"I only have one trunk, kind sir. Everything else is on my body." I answered sardonically, taking slow steps toward it.
"Then, get in! We're leaving for the others immediately!" he yelled again before bringing his head back inside.
However, just as I was about to climb aboard the carrier, a faint voice was calling out to me. The familiarity of said voice made me look back outside.
And that's where I saw her.
"Wait! Stop! Hold on!" Angelia was running towards me, clutching the silken scarf on her right hand. Behind her, followed Sione running at the same pace as her.
"Angel, you shouldn't be running outside the castle!" Sione held her up to support her as Angelia herself was out of breath from all the running she did.
"Princess? What are you doing up so early? I thought you'd be fast asleep."
"I'm... glad... you're concerned... Roxas... but you... aren't leaving... without saying goodbye to me..." she said in between pants. She took one decisive inhale before walking forwards to face me, crossing her arms whilst glaring at me with malicious intent. "I'm thoroughly disappointed in you, private. You dare attempt to leave your post in the Sun Castle without saying a proper farewell to your Princess?"
"My apologies, Your Highness. I didn't want to wake you." I bowed to her.
She merely groaned in response. "Raise your head, soldier..." she said, rolling her eyes to the side. "I see you're also wearing the 'uncomfortable' leg armor from three days ago." she pointed at the sabatons.
"Hehe... I liked the appearance." I chuckled as I scratched the back of my neck. "Besides, I'd like to think of it as a remembrance of my time here in the Sun Castle."
"In that case..." she stepped forward, tightly clutching the scarf in her hands before wrapping it around me neck. "Take this. It's a memento from me to you."
"I'll keep it safe. Thank you, Your Majesty." I brought up a part of it to my nose before inhaling. The same comfort was there, but it had the scent of lavender.
"I pray for your safety, Roxas."
"I'll be taking my leave now, Angelia..." I bowed down with the elegance from what I've learned before turning around and walking toward the carrier.
"I'm not done yet..." Angelia was holding the end of the scarf, forcing me to turn back to her. "Roxas, promise me one last thing before you leave..."
"Sure. Ask away..." I said, the rays of the morning Sun had already graced our faces with sunshine. With her eyes glimmering with the glory of the Sun, Angelia murmured in the softest tone she had to offer.
"Live, please..."