Ascend
By: blue lady
Chapter Two – Caught unguarded
I know I should stop this, but I can't. For the past three days, I find myself ending up in the exact same place. Everyday, after I finish everything that needs to be done, I find myself back here again, lying on my back in the middle of my father's bedroom. I breathe in deeply; the scent of my father still lingers in the air. A mixture of sage, sweat, and a smell purely my dad's, fills my senses as I slowly commit it to memory. I slowly sat up and went over to my father's bookcase, letting my fingers trail along the spines of the many books, as memories begin flowing back to me.
Ready Amelia. Remember with passion now. This is the scene where Lux, moved by Veritas' speech, decides to become a champion of justice. Now go!
As a true champion of justice I cannot let this go unpunished. Surrender now, villain or face my hammer of justice.
Oh, great champion. You have made me see the errors of my ways. Please let me follow you so I may learn how to walk down the path of righteousness!
Wow! That I was so beautiful daddy!
Amelia!
Daddy!
What's wrong Amelia?
I can't go to sleep…Can you please tell me another story?
Okay, but one more and then you go to bed promise?
Promise!
I promise I will not let anyone take me away from you, my daughter.
Pit. Pat. I watched as the droplets of water soaked into the carpet, the wet spots disappearing almost immediately. I could now understand why Gracia had run away from all of this. There was something so suffocating about home now that if I were just a little more selfish, I would have tossed my crown aside and ran away as well. However, I am not Gracia and honor demands me to stay here to protect and uphold Seyruun law. However, how can I uphold something I don't believe in anymore? My vision blurred once again at that thought. How was I supposed to believe in Justice, when Justice killed an innocent boy? Now the young boy's death stains my family's hands, as well as mines. Everything seemed so simple before, when the world was black and white. Now the world has suddenly turned into a sullen shade of gray and I did not know how to get out of it.
I clenched my hands tightly, the pain of my nails digging into my palm comforting me, "Oh Lina-san, What am I suppose to do?"
"Amelia…"
I turned away from the ambassadors from Atlas City, as I smiled brightly at my Uncle Christopher, ignoring the look of worriment in his eyes.
"Yes, Uncle Christopher?" I chirped.
"Can I talk with you for a minute?" He asked pointedly.
"Sure, but right after this okay?" I answered cheerfully, disregarding his hidden message.
Uncle Christopher frowned at me, "Okay then, meet me at the library."
"So where were we?" I asked with a smile, turning my attention back to the people before me.
I stood outside the library, trying to convince myself to enter. I knew what Uncle Christopher wanted to talk to me about. I had notice him watching me more closely during the past few weeks. I sighed to myself; I could just walk away right now and avoid this whole conversation. However, I knew I would never let myself do that. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open.
"Uncle!" I said as I enter the room, "Sorry to keep you waiting. What was it you wanted to talk to me about?"
Uncle Christopher stood there studying me for a while, his eyes seemly trying to read my mind. I just gave him a bright smile in return.
"Amelia, hold out your hand."
I held at out my hand, puzzled at what he was trying to get at. I watched as he placed my father's dagger in my outstretched palm. Tears immediately began to flow down my cheek. This was the dagger that never left my father's side, the dagger he always carried with him when he was out defending justice, the dagger that was given to me last time we thought he was dead. However, this time he WAS dead, and the sudden realization made the tears flow anew.
"I knew there was something wrong and this proves it." Uncle Christopher said, turning away from me, "So I have decided to send you early to Cretis, for your Prugare."
It was an old Seyruun tradition (since only female members seem to posses the special ability of magic)that at the age of eighteen each royal female was to undergo special spiritual training under the great sage Cretis and become one of Cepheid's chosen. Thus amplifying Seyruun as the White Magic Capitol of the World and as Cepheid's chosen city.
"I just turned seventeen four months ago…" I answered, not knowing what to say.
"I know, however given the circumstances I have decided to let you start early." Uncle Christopher said, resting both of his hands on my shoulders. "Go and rediscover yourself."
Uncle Christopher held out a piece of paper to me. I shakily took it and read the words written in his handwriting:
Lukas Ralieu
Solaria
I looked at my uncle, confused.
"That is the young boy's name and where he came from. It is for you to decide what to do with the information. Just come back before your 20th birthday for your coronation."
"But Seyruun…" I said my eyes starting to tear up.
"Don't worry, I will rule temporarily until your return." My Uncle answered smiling gently at me. I knew my Uncle would have no problems, since many people respected him and would follow him whether he had renounced the throne or not.
I ran into my Uncle's arms, hugging him tightly, not knowing what to say. From that moment my heart felt a little lighter.
Who would have knew that fresh air could smell so sweet. Being carried in a white carriage, I looked out the window to stare at the looming city ahead. Zefielia, Lina-san's hometown, is well known for its delicious wine and it's reputation as the place where many heroes and legendary people came from. This was where Cretis resides, in a small temple just outside of Zefielia. I played with the hem of my dress nervously, as the carriage finally came to a stop.
As I entered the small temple doors I was greeted with the sight of a room, fully decorated with white marble. There were already people waiting for me and four of the five was standing behind what I assumed must be Cretis. I blushed at the sight of him, goodness he was handsome. I guess he had obtained Cepheid's gift of immorality at an early age. He looked about in his early twenties, however I knew for a fact that he had been Priest here when my great-great-great grandmother had came for her Prugare. With short, unruly blond hair and the clearest blue eyes I've ever seen I couldn't help but admire them. The only time a pair of eyes captivated me so much was when…I shook that thought away quickly.
"Welcome, Princess Amelia," Cretis give me a bright smile, before bowing gracefully. "I finally get to meet you after so many years of anticipation."
I curtsied back, suddenly forgetting all my etiquettes at the sight of his smile.
"Come, let me show you to your room."
I looked around the room again, remembering that I hadn't noticed any doors or any other hallways earlier. The only thing occupying the room was a large, detailed ivory statue of Cepheid. I was baffled; I was right there were no doors or stairs suggesting an entrance into another area. I guess my puzzlement was clearly written across my face, since Cretis started chuckling with amusement. Cretis clasped my hand, mumbling silently to himself. All of a sudden a bright, white light blinded my vision. When my eyes cleared, I noticed I was in a circular room surrounded by corridors.
"All the circular rooms in this temple are enchanted," Cretis explained. "Just whisper your destination and it will take you there. We basically have six floors: the main entrance, the kitchen and common room, the library, the baths, the sleeping chambers and the lab. Come, Princess. Let me show you to your room."
He showed me to a small, simple room, with a white futon on one side and a washbasin the other.
I turned to him smiling, "When do you want me to report to you, Cretis-sama?"
"Don't be silly, you just arrived here, I will let you rest for today. You can explore our humble temple a little. Tomorrow, at sunrise we will begin your Prugare."
With those final words, he left me alone in my bedchamber. My eyes then immediately fell to the only possession I had with me. Following tradition, I was not allowed to bring anything to my Prugare, but the clothes on my back. I could feel my eyes sting as memories once again came flooding back. My father had always been excited about my Prugare and here I am wearing the result of his enthusiasm. I fingered the pink edgings of the simple, white long-sleeve dress, as droplets of water begin to appear on its cotton surface.
"Daddy, I'm finally here."
Author's Note
Here it is as promised. I will try to update weekly! Sorry, I know this chapter is kind of short =P. Oh yeah, the whole Prugare idea was just something I made up, I hope you guys don't mind me pulling some "writer's license" on that. I hope I have explained it clearly enough. I'm not really going to send to much time on Amelia's Prugare especially since…well… you'll see. I basically plan to write about Amelia's ascension to the throne and my own spin on the Z/A relationship. I know not much Z/A because I don't really see Amelia as a kind of person that would dwell on that subject too much, especially since she does have a lot of other things to worry about. Well, anyway see next Saturday! Thanks to all those who reviewed, it really gives me the drive to write more. Also to Fire, I'm sorry but the boy did die. Also to Winged Dancer, much appreciate your e-mail, I agree internet cafes in other countries are ridiculously expensive. Anyway please read and review, constructive criticism is something I will gladly receive.