Hold On

Chapter 2: Start of a New Journey

Author's Note: The idea of Angela's favorite meal being Rabbit Risotto came from Star Ocean 2. It's Celine's favorite meal and since Celine reminds me of Angela, I just thought I'd make their taste the same. Anyone recognize General Rush?

A peaceful sun dawned upon Altena castle, slowly changing the sky's dark indigo color into a light cerulean. The townspeople began awakening, strolling outside their homes to greet the morning sun. The pine trees' lights' glow was faint now, just as the haze in the atmosphere.

Light shined through Angela's bedroom windows, tickling her cheeks. She stretched her arms and yawned. Then, with the snap of her fingers, three female servants, each about 16 years old, immediately dashed into the room. Their clothing was identical: hair tied with hankercheifs, long brown rags that could be passed for as dresses, and pure white aprons.

What do you wish for us to do today, your highness? one of them asked in a timid voice.

The usual, and make sure your hands are clean. I don't want dirty hands touching my hair! Angela replied. Immediately, the three girls got to work. One of them applied black eye shadow and scarlet lipstick onto Angela's face. The other brushed the queen's straight, long, violet hair into the usual hair style. The last one picked a dress out the queen's royal closet and started helping her get dressed into it.

Finally, the servants' jobs were completed. With no other task to accomplish, they left the room in search of more work. Angela gazed at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a strapless crimson dress that had two sashes reaching from her waist to the floor. She wore the Spectral Diamond on her neck and two ruby earrings on her ears. Instead of tights, she wore jeweled thigh-highs, also red. Her perfume smelled of freshly picked roses. Pleased with her appearance, she started posing to the mirror.

Once again, her kind blonde friend, Victor, came running up the steps.

he paused, Queen, you look beautifulI know I do, Angela replied, still posing to the mirror.

There are investigators down at the throne room waiting to see you. They aren't very patient, your highness. You must hurry or else they may leave. Victor said.

Fine, I'll go the queen sighed. Hey, Victor, are the investigators cute? she asked, as they sauntered through the extensive hallway. Victor didn't answer, he just chuckled. He was happy to see Angela back to her former, spoiled, flirtatious self.

The hallway in which the queen and her friend were wandering through was literally full of open doors. The smell of Angela's favorite meal, Rabite Risotto, was coming from the kitchen and spreading throughout that small portion of the castle. Every single individual that passed by bowed and greeted the queen hesistantly and fearfully. In response, Angela thanked them, dispassionately, as she didn't care very much for their presence.

It took many steps, but the two finally reached the throne room. Ever since former Queen, Valda, began loving Angela like an actual daughter, possibly the whole castle had been remodeled. Now, the former stone floor was now made of dark blue marble. The throne, too, had changed. It was now sparkling silver, embroidered with sapphire jewels on its arms. There, beside the almost-glowing chair, stood three men with fuzzy white beards, dressed in long gray robes that were tied with rope at their waists. Their hoods overshadowed their blind eyes. Although they were investigators, they looked much more like monks, only a bit more disturbing.

Also beside the throne, stood the great Military Leader, Rush. He was young (around the queen's age), his armor still keeping its shine. His blonde hair was spiky and shiny, with a few strands falling to his eyes. He was a very impatient fellow, but good in battle, none the less. Despite his participation in former rebel groups, the queen trusted him more than any other soldier. Although his job as general required much work, all he really did was make battle strategies and order around his assistant. Originally, Rush was supposed to be a weapon shop owner, but once he saw the position for general open, he took it with pleasure.

Next to the general, stood his assistant, Mooshio. He was constantly nervous, sweaty, and always eating something. He was a rather chubby fellow, and was rarely allowed into the throne room, but since Rush was there, so was he. He always completed the tasks that his idol, General Rush, gave him, no matter how difficult they were.

Now was the moment for Angela to change her attitude. She elegantly walked up the sapphire carpet and onto her throne. After she had positioned herself on the throne, the three men bowed in respect. At that exact moment, Victor left the room, as he was not to get involved in these political affairs.

I'm unbelievably sorry for keeping you waiting for such an unreasonably long period of time. Now, I understand you are investigators. What have you discovered thus far? the queen announced, in an unusually proper tone that didn't suit her very well.

Well, your highness, we believe we may have a clue as to who murdered your mother. At the scene of the crime, we found poison needles. The only classes of warrior that use the poison needles are Nightblades. The first one spoke.

The only places where these assassins can be found are in the Cave of Darkness, Mana Holy Land, and Navarre. one said.

Last time we checked, Mana Holy Land and the Cave of Darkness were empty of all the evil. This leaves Navarre to be the only answer. In conclusion, your highness, we are quite confident that Navarre soldiers killed your mother. The last one said.

Navarre?! What could that kingdom possibly want from us?! This makes no sense Angela shouted, shocked. It doesn't matter. General Rush, give me my staff and get the soldiers ready. We're going to war.But your highness, how will we get there? According to our latest research, there aren't any ships that go to Navarre. And there are no dragons around here willing to fly us over. Plus, the airship that Koren once used six whole months ago is no longer functional. The General announced.

That's why we're going to Forcena first. I have a friend there; maybe you can even call her a form of transportation. While I'm gone, I leave you, General, in charge. Now, get the mages ready before I lose all my patience. Angela ordered, as she left throne room, her high-heeled-shoes banging on the marble floor.

"Mooshio, you heard her highness, get the mages ready. And send messengers out recruiting soldiers, pronto!", the general ordered as soon as he was sure the queen was gone.

The messengers themselves used teleporting magic, just as the castle's mages. In a split second, the two messengers disappeared.

Using their swift teleporting magic, mages from all over the kingdom assembled outside the castle walls. Guided by one of Altena's greatest sorcerers, they marched single-file into the castle to get their battle gear, which included staffs and battle uniforms.

A short man with a thin black mustache, most likely one of the castle scribes, chased after the queen as she entered her bedroom. His striped green and yellow robe was slightly flowing through the air as he ran to the queen, carrying a paper and quill pen.

Please, your highness, you must sign this document declaring war against Navarre.

Angela turned around, frustrated. She grabbed the quill pen right out of the man's hand and signed the paper, without even giving it a second thought. The scribe ran away as soon as he could, afraid of the queen's frustration.

That was it. War had begun because of a single signature.

Just like the mages, Angela, too, was getting ready for the war. She packed some clothing and a few snacks into a bag, which she would fill with more items once the army reached Navarre. It was her second day as ruling queen, and she had already declared war. Was this the right thing to do?

Of course it was. She had a reason to seek vengeance. At least she thought she did. She didn't want to seem as evil and wicked as the people who killed her mother. She dared not to think about it. After all, it was already too late. She already signed the document declaring war, and there were already thousands of soldiers outside, waiting for the command to strike. Reconsidering her decision was pointless now.

There was one more thing she intended to accomplish before leaving. While a servant carried her travel bag to the ship, Angela confidently walked through the busy hall to the empty courtyard. The trees weren't decorated at all, nor were they glowing, but the area was still immensely beautiful, in a natural sort of way. It was something rare to find in Altena - just regular scenery. Leaves falling off the trees danced in the breeze, like careless children playing a game.

Angela remembered that before the whole "Save the Mana Tree" quest started, before her mother died, before she was ever banished from the kingdom, she would always find Victor here. Now, he was here again, sitting under the same tree as always, humming the same tune as always. She sat down beside him.

"I'm leaving for Navarre right now. Goodbye, Victor. I don't know when I'll ever see you again," she said, wanting to get this over with as soon as possible. She didn't want to get too emotional around anyone, not even her best friend. She hated saying goodbye. Angela hugged Victor for a short moment and left, not even allowing him to reply to her untimely farewell. He continued to sit there, whispering the typical words that someone in love says while plucking petals off a daisy.

"She loves me."

"She loves me not."