Rini - Hey everyone, I'm back with a fresh chapter :smiles: Longer than my first, but I plan to keep it a good length. Trying my best to keep this updated as often as possible. Before we get to the story, I must give out my thanks to my reviewers :waves:

Starlight's Delight - Thanks the the comment and criticism. I shall try my best to proofread my work several times and make sure it sounds right. I'm glad you like my story, and I'll try my best to be more of your liking. Umm...here's a cookie! Hope you enjoy :smiles:

Disclaimer - Again, I do not own Saga Frontier nor any character ... so far, I might add. (Ideas)


Chapter 2

'Reality'

By early morning, the sun had risen and shone over the streets of Koorong, lighting up the small, funky city. The sunlight crept slowly through the windows of the inn, slowly reaching Asellus' bed and face. She groaned as she felt the warm sun wake her from her beauty sleep, but before she could do anything to get rid of the unwelcomed awakening, the warmth and light disappeared. Asellus tiredly opened her eyes and yawned, sitting up and stretching as she saw White Rose walking away from the window, the curtains blocking the sunlight. Rose smiled at the young girl's awakening, sitting onto her bed.

"Good morning, my lady. Did you sleep well," she asked in her usual soft, kind and caring tone. Asellus couldn't help but smile back, her green bangs falling over her eyes as she got in a more comfortable position before replying.

"It was wonderful, Rose. I feel so much better than yesterday." She stretching out again and got out of the bed, walking over to the mirror that hung on the wall. She stared at her reflection, noticing her hair was tangled slightly, so she ran her fingers through her hair. As she combed her hair, she saw White Rose putting her hair up gently, envious of the mystic's beautifully styled hair. She also lived up to her name, which made Asellus smile, how the white roses that adorned her friend always looked so pure and fresh. After White Rose finished with her hair, she gave Asellus a small smile before turning to her bed and making it. She didn't want to alarm the young girl with the nightmare she had that night, deciding it was best to forget it. Although, Rose just couldn't forget it; to her, it seemed like it was reality, yet it was only a dream. Just a dream; she shouldn't worry over a silly dream.

"Rose," Asellus' quiet voice asked, breaking her friend out of her trance. Realizing she had made the bed, she nodded in approval and turned to Asellus, her blue eyes meeting with green eyes, seeing a hint of sorrow and want. Rose walked up to Asellus, placing her hand onto her shoulder, still looking into her eyes.

"What is it, Lady Asellus," Rose asked, genuinely concerned about her friend. Asellus hesitated, feeling emotions wave throughout her body as she looked down, feeling the intrusion of tears attack her eyes. Trying her best to control them, Asellus looked back up with courage.

"I want to go to Shrike. I want to go home..." The young girl's voice trembled as she spoke, and instantly Rose felt sorry for her, taking her in her arms and hugging her closely, rubbing her back. Asellus sniffled and hugged back, closing her eyes as to not let the tears fall. After several moments of comfort and hugging, Asellus pulled back, wiping her eyes. Rose felt for Asellus and understood her feelings, smiling warmly.

"I shall get you to Shrike. I promise you, my lady." A smile appeared on Asellus face, and she hugged Rose tightly, and after a few moment's cleanup, they left the inn, thanking the innkeeper as they left. Walking through the punk-like streets, the pair carried their items, which consisted of a small bag that held their items and money and Asellus' weapon, the Asura. The blade glowed a bloody red under the light, the first sight terrifying Asellus greatly. Now accustomed to the eerie glow, Asellus held the sword proudly, serving an amazing use in battle, she had made a small promise to always keep the sword in mint conidition, or at least very good. Rose's weapon was inside herself; the Mystic magic. Able to bring forth monsters of all sorts, as well as elemental powers, Rose had no use of the special sword she owned, which at the moment, consisted only of the handle, held inside the bag. This sword, created with Mystic magic, is able to produce a sturdy blade made completely of Mystic aura, able to cut through nearly everything.

Soon, Asellus and Rose stood before a large building, the neon sign PORT glaring down at them as it hung over the glass doors. Stepping up to the doors, they swiftly moved open, amazing Rose greatly with such technology. Walking up to the counter, the pair paid for their trip to Shrike, Asellus becoming giddy with excitement as they boarded the small aircraft, sitting in the seat and preparing for take off.


Asellus whimpered quietly as she fidgted, her excitement turned to feelings of uncertainty and nervousness. Trying to relax, she rested her head against the head rest and looked out of the window. She watched the clouds shift and go by, making a small space to see the strange but dangerous monster, Tanzer. Its blue and black water-like body moved slightly, the black streaks growing bigger, then smaller, almost as if it acted as a breathing mechanism. Asellus shuddered at the sight, watching as the clouds blocked Tanzer from her view, but only momentarily, coming back in sight. Remembering the news of the monster that swallowed ships, she silently prayed that it wasn't hungry, and that she could get to see her aunt again. Looking away, she noticed the flight attendant telling everyone to buckle up, that they would land within minutes. Feeling the excitement build again, along with her nervousness, Asellus looked over at Rose, who was smiling as she rested, her hands clasped onto her lap. Taking in the scene as perfect beauty, the young girl couldn't help but smile, her body relaxing at the sight.

Almost as if on cue, Rose's eyes fluttered open, blinking a few times before covering her mouth and yawning softly, looking over and smiling. Asellus smiled back, and soon, the two girls, along other few other passengers, exited the port building, Asellus' eyes wide with excitement. Almost reading her thoughts, Rose nodded and followed her friend down the road, taking in the sights of the beautiful city as Asellus explained everything. Knowing the town by heart, the girl said everything rather quickly, Rose becoming lost part ways through and smiled, telling Asellus she didn't need to know all of it. Remembering something suddenly, Asellus grabbed Rose's hand and lead her down to the Research lab, telling how she loved visiting one of the caged animals. Sneaking into the lab, they only found and empty cell. Saddened by the sudden disappearance of her favourite animal, Asellus and Rose slowly walked through the lab when a small voice was heard. Recognizing the sound, Asellus and Rose helped the animal named Cotton escape the lab and cruel scientists, Cotton running free among the town, coming back down and then to chatter, then leave again. Laughing together, they reached Asellus' home quickly, much to Rose' disappointment.

"Lady Asellus..." Rose said quietly, not wishing to make the goodbyes any worse. Asellus stood on the door step, several feet away from Rose, turning and looking at her with tears in her eyes.

"Princess White Rose. I didn't know you for a long time. You are a genuine, loving person, who I would love to have as a best friend, or even a sister. If we go our own ways...I'll always think of you," Asellus whispered, her voice quiet but meaningful. Tears grew in her own eyes as her pale face exposed a happy smile, giving a nod.

"No matter how much I would enjoy staying with you, I must go back home. And I, too will have you on my mind. Hopefully, we shall meet again, Lady Asellus...my sister." Happy with their exchange, White Rose turned to leave, only to see a small, elderly woman give her an odd look before walking past her and towards Asellus. Rose watched silently as Asellus ran down the steps, calling out to her aunt, who stopped dead in her tracks.

"W-who are you? Why do you look like her," Asellus' aunt asked, staring at Asellus strangely. The young girl blinked, walking now, her arms out.

"Its me, Asellus! Don't you recognize me? The hair...I can't explain but-"

"You're one of those msytics, aren't you! My niece Asellus as been dead for 12 years! Someone get this mystic away from me! Help," the old woman exclaimed, running away from Asellus. Rose watched with horror and shame as Asellus finally realized what her aunt said, turning to Rose.

"12 years? I've been gone for 12 years!" Asellus voice had risen, filled with panic, fright and anger. Rose held her head in shame, trying to find words to explain why everything went wrong. Looking back up into tear-filled eyes, Rose felt horrible for keeping such a thing from such a fragile person.

"In Facinaturu...time isn't a factor. We did not know ourselves how long it has been...nor thought to tell you..." The tears started falling down Asellus' cheeks now, her body trembling with emotions.

"12 years...I'm a monster...that's why she didn't recognize me...my Asura...probably didn't help either," Asellus sniffled, suddenly remembering her beloved sword she owned for only a short time. Before Rose could protest, a loud laughter boomed through the air, both girls jumping with shock.

"I was told to bring you back, Princess White Rose. And I shall, no matter who I have to kill. Only if they are in my way," the voice exclaimed, a tall well-armored Mage appeared out of nowhere, his blue and silver armor showing an illusion of moving water. Rose gasped at the intruder, backing away slightly. Asellus whimpered at the sight, gripping the handle of her Asura in fright. The Water Sage held up a blue sword, the blade glowing shades of blue when he yelled out, charging at the pair. Rose cried out and held her hands out, creating a whirlwind of fire and firing it at the Mage. Stopping, the Mage started twirlinghis sword, water suddenly spraying out of it and extinguishing the flames quickly. Asellus 'eeped' at the action, holding the Asura shakily as Rose continued to attack him with her magic.

The battle wore on, and the Sage became furious, sending a pulse of water at White Rose and grabbing Asellus. Being distracted with the water, Rose cried out when she saw Asellus struggling against the hold when loud cry was heard, Cotton appearing out of nowhere and clawing at the Water Sage's face. Dropping Asellus and throwing Cotton off her, the two landed safely on the ground, Cotton jumping at him again as Rose did an attack of Solar Rays. Screaming from the burning pain, the Water Sage fought off the animal and turned to Rose, blasting her with a pulse of water. Asellus cried out as she brought her Asura down on the Water Sage's chest, forcibly driving the crimson magic-emebbed blade through his body. Recovering from the attack, Rose gasped and watched as Asellus roughly pulled the sword out, the Water Sage screaming in pain as he tried to close his wound in vain. He looked up, glaring at the half-mystic with pure hatred.

"Damn you...I swear I will kill you, damn half-mystic," he spat with disgust, blue blood spilling from his mouth and wounds. With his last ounce of strength, he threw his spear-like sword at Asellus, pulses of water spraying from the sword. Asellus screamed in horror, holding the Asura up as a shield, knowing nothing else would be of any use. When the sword was only a mere few inches away, a loud cat-like screech echoed throughout the area as the summoned panther beast jumped at the sword, knocking it off course to strike the ground. Having pushed itself off the sword with great momentum, the panther glowed a bright green and jumped through the Sage's body, who cried out from the searing pain, the magic burning his body inside-out. With one last swing, Asellus pierced the Water Sage's chest with the Asura, who shrieked from the combined pain of the Phantasim and Asura, his body disappeared into nothing as his cries echoed throughout Asellus' mind. Breathing heavily, the young girl fell to her knees, her mind racing.

"Lady Asellus, are you alright," White Rose asked quietly, her and Cotton cautiously walking towards her partner. Tears were falling down Asellus' cheeks as she dropped Asura to the ground, her body shaking uncontrollably as she breathed heavily.

"H-how...could I possibly be alright," Asellus whispered, staring at her hands as she silently cried from the shock. She then looked up at White Rose, her face drenched with her tears and her purple and blood blood. "I'm a monster, Rose. A pure heartless monster!"

"N-No, my lady. You're not a monster. You're a wonderful person who has a great potential! You're not a monster," White Rose exclaimed, hoping to convince her mentally fallen friend. Rose knelt down beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, but Asellus shrugged it off, staring at the bloody sword before her.

"I am a monster...I haven't aged in 12 years! I'm supposed to be dead! And I just killed someone," Asellus whimpered, trying desparately to wipe her hands clean of the blood. White Rose grabbed her friend's hands, and looked her in the eyes.

"You are NOT a monster, lady Asellus! Mystic's do not age, and he was attacking us! It was perfectly alright to defend yourself! Believe me, Asellus. You aren't a monster..." Tears had started to fall down Rose's cheeks as she hugged Asellus closely, Asellus trembling and hugging back.

"I don't have anything left...I can't go home...Rose...stay with me...don't leave me alone in this horrible world." Rose held Asellus tighter, gently rubbing her back as she comforted the young girl.

"Of course, lady Asellus. I shall stay by your side. I will help you find a home. I will help you with whatever you please." Cotton whimpered quietly and crawled up to the pair, nuzzling them gently. Asellus couldn't help but smile, pulling away from Rose and petting Cotton gently, who 'myued' and purred quietly. Rose smiled, wiping her eyes as she got to her feet, holding her hand out to Asellus, who gladly accepted her help. After standing, Asellus sighed, looking down at her sword before picking it up, suddenly getting an idea. Smiling, she turned to Rose, her eyes gleaming with delight.

"Oh Rose, I just thought of the greatest thing ever! I shall live my life as a half-mystic, and become Charm Lord! Then I'll prove that mystics and humans can live together happily!" Rose looked at Asellus with wide eyes, her mind reeling at her words, a small smile playing at her lips.

"T'is a wonderful idea, although to become Charm Lord, you have to defeat him...but whatever you choose to do, I shall help you." Asellus smiled more, hugging Rose tightly, whispering a quiet 'thank you' before taking one last look at her past life's home. Smiling, Asellus picked up Cotton, and together, her and Rose headed for the hotel for a much-needed rest, trying to figure out what to do next.


Rini- Ummm...yeah...after writing this, I realized it was a Fire Sage they fought first...but I like what I have. So...Flame me over the FireSage if you want, haha. I promise he'll be next. And if you have any...'suggestions' on the next fight, be free to tell me. Thanks! Ja ne.