空とロマンス
Sola to Romansu (Sky and Romance)
Important side-stories
Book 1: The House of Memories / Part 4
Darven Islands, Savarin Orphanage, Chocolat´s Pov:
15 Years ago, Clawstone, Capital of Valhalla:
It was strange..., to be honest I never imagine to myself how a dive into my memories might look like, but surely, I never thought it was like this.
As I walked through the streets of a city which previously was unknown to me and yet familiar again, I came across many memories from a life I had lost.
One such was that this Town was called Clawstone and the Castle which adorned its middle point, was called Jormungandr, the all-seeing Eye.
The Name came from the Valhallian word for `the Eye which repels the evil´, since the King in the Castle ruless like a guardian deity, which watches over Valhalla.
However, the actual reason the Castle had that nickname, was because two large Rivers flowed along both sides of the circular town, swinging out like the lids of an eye.
And the castle in the towns middle point was made of white marble and stood out like the pupil of an eye from above.
At first everything was grey, black and white, but whenever I came across a building I had a clear memory from, the same began to gain back its color and it even came to life..., I could see scenes of my childhood playing off in the windows.
There was for example a pastry shop in which Anastasia and I often went to, to look at the goods they had crafted each and every new day.
My younger self looked cute to say the least, light brown fur and that unusual pinkish hair, blue eyes I had too and a smile, which made the knees of every grown man buckle.
While I wandered the streets, I saw more and more such things, houses of friends from school, the big plaza which I often visited with my sister, the huge statue of the Saint Panmora Pandaria, First Queen of Valhalla and her Husband, King Odrim Garontrias.
I remembered the stories I heard about the Saint.
She had been the one to fight side by side with King Maranell Wolvenra and King White Savage the 1st, to end the Feuds and Wars of the Era of the Belligerent States, she was it, who united the divided Clans of the Kumears and drove them against their oppressor Donduros Bearfrost.
She took over the rule and encouraged the folk, men as well as women alike, into helping the army of both King White and King Maranell, while their army did all the fighting, the Kumears were mostly helping people, offering medical treatment and first aid and evacuating the towns which had been invaded and razed by the warmongering and plundering forces of the Tyrant Kings, King Anubis and King Taniel.
It was a story of a single female showing strength, courage, compassion and true leadership through inspiration and a clear and justified goal in front of her.
She established the believe in all of the Kumears that not only Men but also Women could be strong enough to fight if it was required.
Through her teachings, the Sisterhood of the Orion Valkyries came to life and the Clockwork-Tradition of the reign-shift every 10 years was established.
In 40 years only, the Kingdom of Valhalla, which was established several years after the end of the Era of the Belligerent States, had 4 different Kings, one of each of the supreme four Kumear Races, in the following circle, Panda, Grizzly, Polar and Brown and then the circle was repeated.
Here in Clawstone many different Kumear races lived and all of them appreciated and strictly kept the Tradition.
4 years ago, the Rule of my Father, King Zeus Kodiak Garontrias, had begun after the rule of the Previous King, King Zentrix Gelatorias, the father of my Mother, ended, and after Father was concurring for the right of ascension to the throne, with four other candidates of the Brown-Kumear Clan.
The Clan had many strong warrior-families within it, but also scholars and wealthy merchants, one each of them had theoretically the right to become King, but a competition was made to choose the best one, to represent all of the Clan´s wishes.
This vote was done by all the races on Valhalla, the Candidates were to visit one each of the 4 realms of Valhalla, Bamboori, Lakefort, Snowfall and Walden, to present themselves to the entire Kumear Folk.
The best suited candidate was then elected by vote, this vote was done twice, with a week of reflection time between, this way a cheating and betrayal in the election could be prevented.
If the result was widely the same, the new King was elected, who then gave his vows to the folk and the kingdom a day after the election.
The other candidates then often took positions within the government which were open, or they were elected as Clan Chief and Vice Clan Chief of Lakefort.
With my Father being elected he was to rule for 10 years, before a new King was to be elected.
It rarely happened, that a new election remained unprofitable for the majority of Valhalla´s citizens, in that case the rule could be extended to 5 more years, by now this had happened only thrice in all the time the Reign-Shift Tradition existed.
Either way, Clawstone flourished perfectly, it was a busy town for sure.
The more I walked through the streets of the inner city, the more the same came back to life and let me tell you, the town in my mind was a beautiful one, you really could feel the happiness and joy in the air.
Everywhere there were people greeting me with friendly smiles, and although I was not sure if myself, as I was, was even truly existent to them, I greeted back.
My path was only blocked by pieces of the town I might see, but most likely never had been to, in the years I lived here.
As the Castle stood atop of a hill overlooking the circular town around it, it was evidently that I had not been in every corner of it, even when I was able to see them from above.
The streets I could not pass were either blocked by carts, people or other things, sometimes friendly guards redirected me back to where I came from before I could enter the streets, out of whatever reason.
But something told me that I would see these places someday, but not for now.
My stroll led me up to the castle, where I was heartily greeted by the people and the guards.
One thing was for sure, my former self must have been a lively and sweet self, getting everybody to like me.
Platinum Silver and Crimson Red banners waved in the wind at the castle sides, one each of them was showing a different crest.
The silver one showed the crest of a lone howling Wolf, the red one that of a Lion next to a Wolf.
Next to them waved the banner of our Valhalla, which was Emerald Green with a White Crest of an attacking Kumear in its middle, black letters within a band were written underneath.
"In bellum, omnis pugnat.
In War, everybody fights.
This means that in a war not only soldiers and men fight, but also women and Children, and not everybody fights against another person, causing bloodshed.
Everybody who tries to survive, fights a battle against Death, that's why War is wrong.
No one should have to fight, just in order to live.
There is a saying, a true king never seeks war, but he has to always be prepared for one." A voice in my mind stated, a warm and soothing voice, I thought to remember a woman sitting in a rocking chair, myself on her lap, listening to her attentively.
"Anastasia..., whose are they?" I heard a voice asking loudly, louder and clearer than the voice before.
Right next to myself I saw a little girl of light brown fur with bright pink hair, barely 1 year old, next to a taller figure with clear white fur, purple eyes and long wavy dark green hair, about 3 years old.
It was myself as a little child and my Sister who had taken me by the hand, behind us I could see two Valkyries and Two Royal Guards, with neutral expressions on their faces, following us.
I seemed to have been so in awe with all the stands and places in town, that I never noticed them all walking next to me the whole time, maybe that was why the people greeted me..., they were greeting them.
"The Silver Banner represents the Lupycans of Aurora, their representant, King Shanuk Wolvenra, has arrived this morning with his oldest Son, Crown-Prince Kamui.
The Red Banner represents the Felidions and the Lupycans of Shamballa, their Representants, King Iranuki Savage and their Prince White Savage the XIII, as well as King Shanuk´s Brother, Lord Nanukano and his Daughter Lady Nanooka, have only recently arrived.
They are currently on a visit to the Cathedral of Saint Panmora, during their sight-seeing tour." Anastasia stated as she pointed into the direction of a couple of huge towers not far from the Castle, or so it seemed to me at least.
The Cathedral laid in the west of Clawstone.
"That's why we had to head back to the castle, once they arrive Father will hold an important conference with them, regarding our Bond with them both, also due to the attack last month, at the SkyRider Base near Valhalla.
Mom and the maids shall take care of us Children, we are to meet her in the garden soon, it is an opportunity for us to get to know the future Rulers of the two Islands." Anastasia explained as we walked the stairs to the large door of the castle which was opened for us.
As we entered the Entrance Hall and made our way through one of the many vast corridors of the castle, we came across many maids and butlers who ran around busily preparing anything for the conference, soldiers of every Kumear-race and all of them in full armor passed us by, as we made our way towards the Garden.
The halls and corridors were richly decorated with gold ornaments on white marble, many portraits of former Royal Families hung alongside the walls.
The Big Portrait in the Entrance Hall showed Queen Panmora, King Odrim and their Children, Prince Rorin Garontrias and Princess Asora Pandaria, who each kept the two Bloodlines running.
In the middle of the Corridor which ran an entire round around the castle, we walked through another Heavy and tall wooden Door, which lead us behind the Castle, into the garden.
The same was a huge plain with Ornaments and hedges in perfect symmetry, several different flower-sorts existed here, from all of the four Realms.
Right in the middle of four huge flower beds stood a circular Pavilion in which a large round table stood, surrounded by circular benches, on two of these Benches sat each a person.
One was without a doubt a middleaged woman, the other one was a good-looking Lupycan man, a young adult.
"Dear Mother, we have arrived from our excursion to the town." Anastasia stated in a clear and mannered voice, as we arrived at the Pavilion.
The woman and the Lupycan looked up from the chat they had.
"Ah, Anastasia, Choco-Vanil, it is good to see you, may I introduce to you, the Son of King Shanuk Wolvenra of Aurora, Crown-Prince Kamui Wolvenra." Mother stated as she stood up to introduce the young man who too stood up and bowed infront of us, one hand on his uniform the other one behind his back, just as it was often seen with Royals.
Just as we were always taught, we curtsied infront of Prince Kamui, both thumbs and index fingers gently grabbed the hem of our dresses on each side and slightly lifted it a little, right foot back and to the side of the left foot, both knees evenly bended, our heads bowing, before we rose back up, hands folded together infront of us.
It was royal manner and many aristocratic houses saw it as a great deal, of holding such traditions in.
"It is an honor to meet you Crown-Prince Kamui, I am Princess Anastasia G. Garontrias, first Princess of Valhalla, and this is my little sister..." Anastasia explained.
"My name is Princess Choco-Vanil G. Garontrias, second Princess of Valhalla." I stated in a shy way, as my younger self, or should I rather say, as I curtsied infront of this foreign man, just as Anastasia did it.
"It is an honor to meet you." I continued and Prince Kamui smiled a friendly smile bowing to me as well.
"My name is Kamui Wolvenra, Crown-Prince of Aurora, at your service.
It is truly an honor for me as well, to make your acquaintance, young Princesses." Prince Kamui replied.
"I hope you had not to wait all too long for our arrival, Crown-Prince Kamui?" Anastasia asked, taking the initiative while I hid behind her, I was not really all that fond of strangers, even though the man infront of us had a kind smile full of compassion and charity, as well as a friendly, almost calming, aura.
"Oh don´t be worried, I do not mind it at all, I just arrived in the garden a while ago and had quite a nice chat with your dear Lady Mother.
And please by all means My princess, call me Kamui, I might be a prince and an Adult but we in Aurora do not see things that strictly, as long as the respect before the position is still existent.
I like it to be more casual, of course only if you allow it?" The Crown-Prince exclaimed and I nodded eagerly after mother gestured me to decide for myself, after a questioning glance from our side.
"We would love to." I replied and Anastasia nodded eagerly.
"Oh that's really good to hear, Royal etiquette can be a little stifling every now and then, especially when you wish to address someone casually, because you wish to become friends, rather than mere acquaintances.
However, that always depends on the conversation partner, sometimes upholding a strict etiquette is indispensable." Kamui stated and I knew what he meant.
"I can totally understand you, there are not often visitors from the outside coming here, which are around our age, so we do not often have the opportunity, to talk to people from other islands, without things becoming stiff and boring.
Most of these people only ever talk about politics." Anastasia stated with a relieved sigh while mom smiled from ear to ear.
It was not often that we participated in any royal gatherings, or special events, so her image of such a party was not that farfetched.
Even though we were Royals were we still warriors at heart, if offered to talk casually, we Valhallians rarely refused, that was one of the first things, we were taught after mastering the royal etiquette.
As long as we stayed nice, mannered, friendly and respectful, we were allowed to talk like normal kids do, instead of mimicking adults.
While we idly chatted under the Pavilion, our Mother stood up as she looked in the direction of the door.
Just like expected of a noblewoman she showed excellent and flawless behavior and etiquette, the way she curtsy was amazing and let our way of doing so, look like the clumsy attempts of peasant-children.
As she stood outside of the Pavilion, the sun illuminated her figure and for the first time I was able to truly look at her.
Snow-white Fur, dark green long and flowing hair, Leaf-green eyes, a pale-turquoise dress and an imposing size.
The dress was just wide enough not to show too many of her muscles, to be honest I bet she would look far better in an armor.
But it was my mother and my younger self seemed to admire her and love her dearly and I could plainly see why.
"Ah I see, we get some more Company, Crown-Prince Savage, Lady Wolvenra, it is nice to make your Acquaintances, my name is Queen Tereza G. Garontrias and I will be your caretaker for the day, I hope you can spend a pleasant day." Mom stated towards our newcomers, a young Felidion and a Lupycan girl, which seemed a little older, around Kamui´s Age.
We turned around and just like mom curtsied as well, as we greeted them both.
"It is an honor as well as a joy for us, to make your Acquaintance, Queen Tereza, Crown-Prince White Savage the 13th at your service." The Future King of Shamballa, whose ascension was only about a year away, stated, as he bowed deep and gave mom an old-fashioned hand kiss.
A gesture he didn´t had to do, as it was not anchored in any of the Valhallian Royal Etiquette Rules, but which told of great respect from his side.
Maybe it was also a gesture of gratitude, as it were the Valhallian troops which helped the incoming Sky Riders, to fight back the Lycanian Attack several Months ago, after one of their bases was destroyed by the enemy, only a few Felidions and one Lupycan of the Base survived the attack , but even he died not long after in the Hospital.
It was a truly sad affair.
"Once again you have the gratitude of my folk, for the way you helped us in the battle against the enemy, and how you treated our injured soldier during that incident.
Some of the Soldiers which were saved that day I know personally, so you can be assured that you have my gratitude." Prince White explained as he bowed once again, before turning towards Anastasia and myself.
"Prince White Savage the 13th, at your service, it is nice to make your acquaintances." He stated to us as we curtsied before him, with more grace than before.
We had a future King infront of us, it was surely not wise to get him to dislike us, it was unsure if he was as lax with the rules, as Kamui was.
"Likewise, my Name is Princess Anastasia G. Garontrias and this is my little sister..." Anastasia stated still standing infront of me in a half defensive manner, just like an older sister had to.
"M-My name is Princess Choco-Vanil G. Garontrias." I replied and the Felidion boy smiled at me with a radiant smile, making me blushing deep red.
"You sure are a princess, and it is really nice to meet you." The Crown-Prince of Shamballa stated as he came down on my eyelevel and showed me a coin.
I was a little confused by this.
He slowly traced his hands around the same and before I even knew it, a flower made of crystals appeared within his hand.
"A flower of my Kingdom for the little Princess.
And for her sister, a necklace of the finest platinum and gold, which our kingdom has to offer." He stated, as he offered a small box towards Anastasia.
"T-thanks." I stated shyly.
"Sigh, I guess you frightened them with your sudden action White." The Lupycan Princess explained.
"No it´s nothing, they are just a little shy around foreign people, especially important ones, like you are my Princes." Mother explained with a smile.
"Of course, that´s just normal, remember how we have been as our fathers took us out of Shamballa the first time, Nanooka, we barely go a word out during our conversations with the people of other islands." Prince White explained with a chuckle.
"Well we have enough time to get to know each other." Prince Kamui explained while Mother nodded.
"What do you think, let´s sit down and talk a little, Asumi, would you be a dear and get us some hot water, a few Tea-sorts and a few snacks, I bet you kids must be hungry and a little tired after the long travel and the sightseeing tour." Mother explained as she ordered a maid, which stood nearby, before the same curtsied and quickly walked into the castle.
"I think that is a good idea, I would love to get to know what has happened in Shamballa, ever since my last visit, don´t you think so dear cousin of mine?" Prince Kamui stated while Lady Nanooka nodded wordless, blushing deep red, but most likely not out of any amorous feeling for the young- and good-looking man.
If my adult self isn´t wrong, Lady Nanooka looked more like she was embarrassed of herself, infront of Crown-Prince Kamui, I wonder why..., was it an inferiority complex before her older Cousin?
"huh, what the...?" I wondered as suddenly the colors bleached out until my entire surroundings were white again.
It lasted only for about 5 minutes, before I felt a warm breeze and the smell of various flowers filled my nose.
As the colors came back, like paint on a white canvas, I found myself upon a hill, on one side I was able to watch over Clawstone, on the other side I saw a huge plain with forests and lakes and the vastness of the sky.
Somehow i just knew that some time had past, maybe a year.
I admired how tiny the huge town looked from here, the Cathedral in the west, the Castle in the middle, the Military camp behind the Castle to the north and in the east, the Citadel of the Ancient Bond, which apparently held treasures from all four Realms, to symbolize the peace and allegiance between them.
The same were protected by several Guards of all four Realms, to make sure no shady mind came on the idea of trying to steal these treasures.
The south was left open and lead to the Great Gate, the only way to enter Clawstone on the ground.
The South was mostly consisting of Offices and the Bazar for the Merchants.
The Barracks for the Gate-Guards were there as well, most of the Town guards had their houses or barracks in the Military camp.
Most of the citizens lived on both sides east and west of the Castle, due to the Citadel and the Cathedral, which were both used for the Sunday prayers and whenever a citizen had a problem, they needed heavenly advices for.
Up here on the hill, underneath a huge cedar, you had the best view to the horizon and the vast space between.
"Children, shall we start the Picknick?" I heard my mother´s voice calling as Anastasia and my Younger self sat in a meadow of flowers, admiring the rich colorfulness and the little bees buzzing all around on the search for nectar.
Kumears had a fable for honey and the one from Clawstone was the best to find anywhere.
Without having to be asked twice, Sis and me stood up and crossed the distance between us and our parents in mere seconds.
The sky was blue, the sun was up and a warm breeze flew over the hill, it was summer and the perfect day for a Picknick.
"Did you bring the honey?" Anastasia, barely changed from the previous memory, asked our mother, if anything she looked maybe just a year older from before.
"Of course, what is a Picknick without honey?" Another voice replied as a shadow fell over us, before we were pulled backwards and cuddled as well as tickled.
"Ahahahahaha, Daddy please stop, my stomach is hurting!" I shouted in joy and fun, it was plain to see that this was a happy memory and for once I was able to see all of my family.
My Mother was just as Beautiful as she had been before, slim, not too much, maybe even a little on the chubby side, with a few muscles showing, a fighter as well as an elegant lady.
Today she was dressed in a more casual way than before and she showed her emotion more than in the previous memory.
Our Father looked so completely different than I have met him to our current times, maybe it was because he still looks like a tall Caninu.
Here he looked like a dignified middle-aged Kumear of the Brown-Clan, he had exchanged his royal armor against casual clothing as well, but the royal aura still followed him wherever he went.
"Alright I stop but only if I get a kiss from my darling?" Father asked with a bright smile.
"Alright." My Younger self exclaimed a she gave her father a big wet smooch on the cheek.
"Awww thanks a lot, my little princess." Father stated as he nuzzled her.
I admit, although I knew it were my own memories, made me the same a little sad and quite jealous.
My younger self had anything I ever wanted, a home she truly belonged to, a family which loved her dearly and a wonderful future ahead.
Yes, I was jealous, but also full of sorrow as I knew that all of that was to be over far too soon.
If I would have known back then what would await me not so long from then, I don´t know if I would have still been able to smile like this, even knowing that right in that moment Peace still was uphold in Valhalla.
I was at a loss of words, as I watched my younger self and the family I always longed for sitting together, chatting, laughing, enjoying life.
All I could do was to let the tears in my heart roll down like a waterfall.
"So tell me young lady, are you ready for tomorrow?" Father asked me after they were done eating and chilled a little in the sun, my younger self sitting on my Fathers lap, while Anastasia leaned next to mom under the giant tree.
"Of course, then I can see White again!" I stated cheerfully with the biggest smile I had ever seen.
"You really have taking a liking in him, don´t you?" Father smiled and I smiled back.
"I like him soooooooo much!" I stated aloud.
"oh so you do..., more than daddy?" father asked.
"Hmmmm, no, I think I still like daddy more." My younger self exclaimed.
"Oh really, but you had to think about it didn´t you, you know daddy's going to be really hurt if he has to hear, that Little Choco, likes White more than him, but Daddy is a big Boy, he can handle it, so if you truly like White more than daddy, then you must tell him that tomorrow, you hear." Father stated while mom looked at us with a smile.
"But what when White doesn't like me as much as I like him?" I asked.
"Oh I am sure he does, I have seen it in his eyes, he is totally enchanted by you." Father explained while I looked confused.
"Enchanted?" I asked.
"That means that he cannot take his eyes of you and might decide to steal you, take you away and make you his queen." He replied and my Younger self squealed in delight.
"Yay, I will become a Queen, just like Mommy!" Young Chocolat smiled a smile so radiant, that even I had to admit that it almost shone brightly.
"Yes, a queen..., just like mommy..., oh Daddy is going to miss you so much if he comes to take you away one day." Father stated theatrically making mom rolling her eyes.
"If daddy is sad..., then I won´t go away." I said.
"Hnnng, you are too good for this world my sweety, but you have to go, as daddy is a grown man he knows that he has to let his little princess go, so that she will one day become a beautiful queen and find her own happiness, just like you and your sister are my happiness, my joy and my luck in life, all of you." Father stated.
"Oh so mommy´s included?" Mom asked.
"Of course she is, how would we ever forget her, she is essential for our happiness, a mommy has to be there..., and one day Little Choco, you will become a mother to your own children and I am sure they will love you just like you love mommy.
And we, Mommy and I will love them just as much." Father replied with a bright smile of his own.
"Daddy...,how are children made?" My innocent younger self asked and suddenly it was grave silent on this meadow, expect of the natural sounds, even the guards who stood at some distance were silent, although some tried to stifle a laugh.
But to the pleading and questioning eyes of my younger self, Anastasia´s added hers as well.
"I wanna know as well, Daddy, don´t just tell Choco anything?" Anastasia stated with a childish huff.
"Oh...,uhhhmmm..., well..., you see..., maybe mommy can...!" Father stated as he looked at mom for help, but she just signaled him that she would not, as it was him who provoked the question.
While our father tried to figure out a solution to the predicament, which he has driven himself into, the landscape infront of me, as before bleached out, getting paler by seconds, before returning to the wide whiteness between two memories.
As before I lasted a while before the Canvas of Memories was painted once again.
The View I had after everything came back to life was a different one than the one I had from Clawstone, I even doubted that we were still in Valhalla.
There were far too less Kumears running around, instead everywhere you could see Felidions and Lupycans, I bet this here was Shamballa, maybe the visit Dad talked about in the previous memory, so this here had to be one day after the memory of that Picknick with the awkward end.
The last day that I was still in the Savannha Archipelago, the last time I saw White in 14 years.
"Ah King Iranuki, it is an Honor to meet you again, you have my outmost gratitude of helping me organizing this Little party, a day before my daughter´s actual birthday in Valhalla.
I think she really has taken a liking in your son, I hope this relation might turn out even more positive in the future." Father explained as a group of Felidions and Lupycans arrived, King Iranuki and his Son, Crown Prince White Savage the 13th lead them on.
Although there were Lupycans, their leader was nowhere to be seen, so also Nanooka.
"The honor is mine King Kodiak, I too hope that my son and your daughters might become good friends in the future, having good relations with the other Islands is a must have in our current times, even more so in the near future." King Iranuki explained.
"Indeed, well then children, as you know your parents have an important conference to uphold with the other Royals of the 10 Kingdoms, you are free to roam the town, but please I beg of you to stay close to Banmori and the others, King Iranuki was friendly enough to offer us an additional group of guards from his side which shall work together with our guards..., they take their work serious, so please listen to what they tell you, all they do is in order to keep you kids save, have you understood?" Father explained to Anastasia and my younger self.
"Okay!" We both stated excitedly.
"But Daddy..." I stated in question, looking around.
"Yes, my dear?" Father asked, as I looked at him with a questioning look.
"Where is Nanooka?" I asked him.
"Well you see, since Nanooka is already 18 years old she has to participate in the Conference as she will be the heir of the Lupine de Shamballa sometimes, the last time we barely had much important things to discuss so she did not need to participate, but today´s conference is important so she will have to.
Coming next month, White too will have to participate in such conferences, as he will be the new King of Shamballa by then, that fact will be announced by tonight´s Party, as today is also his coming of age party." Father explained and I nodded with astounded eyes.
"You are already that old?" My younger self asked in childish innocent towards White who chuckled.
"Indeed, I am, coming next month I will be 15 years old and officially take on the title as new King of Shamballa." White explained and I looked in confusion.
I looked from him and his honest eyes over to his father.
"But isn´t your father King..., Can there be two kings in one land?" I asked and made everyone chuckle which in return made me blushing in embarrassment.
"No need to be ashamed, it is a little complicated, I will tell you about it on our stroll through the town, okay?" White explained, as he patted my head and I nodded with a smile.
"Well then, me and your mother as well as King Iranuki have to go now, Banmori as we discussed before, do I leave you in charge, understood?" Father stated as he looked at a young Valkyrie, younger than most Valkyries I have seen by now.
"Of course, your Majesty, I won´t disappoint you!" The young woman explained as she kneeled before Father and Mother.
"I trust your skills as I was the one to have taught you, so excel in your task, these kids are the future of both our islands!" Mother explained as she laid a paw on Banmori´s shoulder.
"Yes, my Queen!" Banmori Gongmeng, Valkyrie of the Orion Sisterhood exclaimed with clear and loud voice, bowing her head.
As the Sisterhood of Orion was originally founded by the first Queen of Valhalla, which ultimately had been the main ruler next to her Husband, King Odrim, the Orion Valkyries respected their Queens even more than their Kings, not that they did not honored their Kings as well.
However, since Mother had been an Orion Valkyrie herself, not to mention her Mentor, it was of course something entirely different again.
Banmori Gongmeng had been my Mothers Student, before the same became a Queen and she was a real prodigy as much as I remember, the best Valkyrie of her Age and she even managed to hold herself against various veterans of both Valkyries, as well as Royal Knights.
With a fist to her heart, one arm behind her back and her head bowing she saluted infront of Mother, it was the famous salute, solely used in the Sisterhood.
"My Knights will be under your jurisdiction as well, use them in what way you see fit, I entrust you with the life of my son, but he is a strong fighter himself, despite looking harmless." King Iranuki explained.
"Yes Your Majesty!" Banmori saluted before King Iranuki who nodded with a smile.
"We are 9 guards, 2 for each of our sides, you, you and I, we will act as main guards of the children.
If the other 6 fall, we three will be the only ones left to fight, one each of us will fight for one Child until our last drop of blood, understood?" Banmori ordered as she spoke to the guards, 2 Valkyries, 2 Valhallian Knights, 2 Felidion Guardians and 2 Lupycans as well as herself.
Our personal Guardians were consisting of a strong looking Valkyrie for Anastasia and a Female Felidion Guardian for White, Banmori herself stood next to my side smiling with a well-willing expression.
"Have no fear my Dear Princess, I will defend you, all of you, with everything I got." She explained with pure confidence in her expression.
With the guardians chosen and placed, White encouraged us to start our tour through the town.
While we walked around, him showing us the best sight-seeing points of his hometown, we came back on the topic of him becoming King.
"So how was that meant before, that you become king next Month" I asked and he nodded while Anastasia gave us a little room speaking with Banmori about the different fighting-styles of a Valkyrie, she was quite interested in that stuff as she wanted to become a Valkyrie herself someday, next to her wish to become a famous singer.
She had an amazing voice for sure, but I was unsure if she really would be allowed to do something like that, as a Princess, I think becoming a Valkyrie was more possible than the alternative.
But I would surely wish it for her to be able to follow her passion, who knows maybe she can become both, a Singer and a Valkyrie.
"Well it is actually like this, Dear Princess Choco-Vanil..." White stated but i frowned.
"I don´t really like my entire name, there were some children on the parties i had to attent who made fun of it, so i don´t like it, and only listen to it if it is used by strangers but not by friends...
I hate it..., even though I like the Chocovan Ice Cream from Snowfall, call me Princess Chocolat or Princess Vanilla..., or simply Choco." I demanded and he nodded with a smile.
"As you wish, my Princess, then please allow this humble prince to adress you as Princess Choco." White explained.
"Choco is just fine, after all we are friends, aren´t we?" My younger self asked.
"Very well, Choco..., anyways, my father, King Iranuki, is actually my Uncle..., my real Father, White savage the 12th, died during the war, leaving my pregnant mother and his folk in the care of his younger Brother, Uncle Iranuki Savage.
As I was still unborn and too young anyways, to take on the throne, the High-council of Shamballa introduced my Uncle as replacement King, until I was old enough to take upon the throne myself, which happens once I reach my 15th birthday, next month.
As I never truly knew my biological father, Uncle Iranuki has always been my father to me, but that does not mean that I do not honor my real father, White Savage the XII.
There are times that I wish I could have gotten to know him for real." White stated.
"I see, so how come that you and your father have the same name?" I asked and he chuckled.
"I know it is silly..., this is some kind of tradition in Shamballa dating far back in the past..., ever since our first King, the next kings to come always bear the title of White Savage and are also mostly know under such.
However, and that is something only the least people know, do we all actually have an own name given by our birth, but as I said, that one is mostly unknown and even if, unused by our folk.
For everybody else, even my own half-siblings, I am but White Savage." White explained.
"So what is your real name, I mean if you have one, it would be sad if no one ever uses it, so if you want me to I will use it, just as you call me Choco." I stated and he smiled brightly.
"You don´t have to do so in public, we can do it if we are in private, it would only confuse the others if you would call me that way now, but since it is you I will tell you my real name." White stated, before he came close to my ear.
"My real name is Cereus Melizera; my Father's name was Candor Melizera." White whispered and I saw how the eyes of my younger self lightened up.
"That is a beautiful Name." I stated and he nodded.
"But keep it for you, as I said it will only confuse other people anyways, the only people who actually know about it, are Uncle Iranuki, my mother and the High-priestess, Lady Savurella Armin and now you." White, I mean, Cereus, explained.
"I only know the names of my Grandfather, Cinis Melizera and my great-grandfather, Creta Melizera, all of the other names have been lost in history, I also only managed to get to know about them from my teacher who had been the High-priestess several decades ago, Lady Cassandra Melizee and after asking Lady Savurella." Cereus explained.
"I see, well at least you have a beautiful name..., Cereus..., I like it." I whispered smiling brightly.
"I´m glad you like it, but this will be our secret, okay Choco?" He asked and I nodded eagerly.
"Okay but then let me at least call you in a nickname of your official title, after all you call me Choco." my younger self demanded
"And how would you call me then?" White asked.
"How about..., Whitey?" I asked and I could see how White blushed deep red.
"I-If it is your wish." He stated after a while.
"Then from now on you are Whitey for me..., it was actually the name I used, as i heard yours the first time and was unable to pronounce it rightly." my younger self snickered evily, while White smiled in a forced way.
Though he was a little embarrassed wasn´t there much reluctance in him after seeing my radiant smile at him.
The Scene changed after a new bleaching out of my surroundings.
the memory that came struck me as not long after the previous one, most likely later that day.
White and I sat together in the Garden of his Castle in Shamballa, Anastasia sat on a table not far from us with Banmori while our guards stood in close vicinity.
Somehow i knew this Memory..., yeah i had seen it before hadn´t I..., the day i met White the first time, as i slept after treating his wounds.
"Whitey…., you see…., you know what I want to do when i´m an adult!" My younger version asked.
"No, what do you want to do Choco?!" White asked me.
"I want to become your bride!" My younger self snickered.
"Oh, but are you sure, I mean I am quite older then, do you really would like such an old man like me then, maybe one of your Kumear friends becomes your husband then, isn´t that more possible?!" White stated smiling.
"No…, I want no one else but Whitey, Whitey is cool and strong and the best, he is the one I love, I love you Whitey, please let me be your bride!" My younger self pressed herself on the smiling boy.
"Alright, alright Hahah, then let´s say that as soon as you become an adult, I will marry you and only you!" White stated with honest eyes.
"Promise?!" My younger self asked.
"But of course, I swear it, by a unbreakable oath if you want!" White stated.
"…No I trust you…, and…., I don´t like pain, I rather want my Whitey without pain!" I stated snickering.
"Well then it´s set, when we are adults we marry each other, I, Cereus Melizera, White Savage the XIII, Crown-prince of Shamballa, swear this to you, Choco-Vanil G. Garontrias, 2nd Princess of Valhalla!" The White of my memories stated and there was no mockery but real honesty in his eyes.
"I Choco-Vanil G. Garontrias, 2nd Princess of Valhalla, swear this to you, Cereus Melizera, White Savage the XIII, Crown-prince of Shamballa, as well!" My younger self stated, before she kissed White bluntly on the lips, taking him fully of guard.
It was brief and it made me getting caught in a fit of giggling.
"No cheating Whitey, you belong to me now." I stated in all seriousness.
"I would not even dare, my Princess." White exclaimed as he kneeled and kissed my hand in an old fashioned manner, Red did that too somtimes, whenever she showed some outmost respect, he did it the day we left the Orphanage to the Director, as much as i can remember.
"Chocolat!" I heard it from somewhere, I looked to see Mother walking up to us alongside Father, their presence drove me a bright smile on my young face and a devious grin appeared on it not long after as i glanced at White.
"Mommy, mommy, Whitey just promised to marry me when I am an adult!" my younger self shouted with joy, as she ran up to her mother, before WHite could do anything agains it, in the end he simply smiled.
"Oh is that so…, well I hope he remembers that a onetime given promise like this, means a binding promise to us Kumears, there is no backing down from it anymore!" The woman stated with a bright smile.
"Of course I know this fact, Queen Tereza, and if you allow it to me, I really would love to ask for the hand of your daughter in marriage, as soon as she has her 16th birthday!" White stated with a polite bow and honest voice.
"Hmm, I will not forget that request, Prince Savage, just so you know, the next time we will meet i will make sure to remind you of it for sure.
We, myself and my Husband King Kodiak, will speak with your parents about it, the next time we meet, I´m sure we will make a contract about that, to make it official!" Queen Tereza stated and White nodded with a neutral smile, not at all indicating if that was in his intention as well or not.
Maybe he was joking before but something told me he did not, but i would understand if this developpment went far too fast for him.
Was Mom really that eager to secure me a potential husband for the future, that she did not minded him to be of an entirely different Kingdom, even the future King of that Kingdom.
Would she tell his parents after the accession ceremony?
Was Mother truly serious about this?
"Dear, are you sure we should...?" Father asked unsure, but was hushed by Mother.
"Indeed we shall, as I said there is no backing down from this promise.
Crown Prince White himself has asked for the hand of our Choco in marriage and o it will be done!" Queen Tereza G. Gelatorias, mine and Anastasia´s Mother stated.
My younger self had the brightest, most non-chalant smile on her face.
"Nothing lies further from my intention as to break this promise, I really love Choco, she´s just the cutest little bundle of power alive and it would be an honour for me to marry her!" White stated honestly again and I barely could trust my ears.
I remember that he did told me that he loved me even though i was barely 2 years old, but back then he was unsure if he himself had been 3 years old and if i was missing from the Savannha Archipelago for 13 years or only almost 2 months.
To hear him confessing his love and proposing like this, made me blush deep red.
Dad and Anastasia looked as though as they were at a loss of words, due to Mom´s behaviour, but i could see how Anastasia glared at White with an angry stare before turning back around, which the same accepted without reluctance.
"So shall it be then…, but now we have to go, or else your Daddy and Sister will be angry and might commit a crime they would never be able to undo!" Mom stated snickering, as she saw the mines of Father and Anastasia.
"I don´t like Daddy being angry and I don´t like Anastasia to dislike me!" My younger self stated shyly, as she looked at them both with puppy-eyes, making both trembling .
it was as though i could see the fight between their protective instinct and their love for my younger self and their wish for me to be happy.
"That's why we need to hurry sweetheart, say goodbye to Prince White!" Mom stated, still trying not to smile too brightly infront of her husband.
"Goodbye Whitey, you are my sun with the heart of a lion!" My younger self stated.
"Haha, it´s the other way around Choco, it´s called a Lion with the heart of a Sun, it means that he bears leadership and loyalty, righteousness and charity, as well as kindness and compassion in his heart!" Mom explained amused.
"Maybe but for me he is the sun, because every day with him makes me happy, just like when the sun is shining, therefore he is my Sun!" My younger self naively but truthfully said, believing every word of that claim.
"My dear Choco, I am whatever you want me to be, if I could make you happy with it, I would even got to the end of the world and back, just to bring you the treasures I would find!" White stated, as he took my hands in his, very gently, and looked deep into my eyes.
"I Love you, but now you have to go, I´m sure that soon we will meet again, I look forward to it!" He said smiling but his eyes were a little sorrowful and every single word burst with honesty.
"See you next time, Whitey!" My younger self stated aloud in joy and tears before the memory suddenly became blurry.
Once again the Colors before me bleached out and this time it lasted quite a while until the next memory emerged.
However already from the beginning, I understood that this memory was not a nice one.
The entire place around me got black, I saw a dark lit paved ground underneath my feet, embers flew in the night as the light of fire illuminated a dark alley.
I was carried by someone running, the wind whipped into my face, the stench of fire and other things filled my lungs, making me choking and coughing.
"Please hurry, Princess Anastasia, we must make it to the secret dock as fast as possible, the Ursa Grande is our only chance to get off the island." I heard the voice of Banmori stating breathlessly.
I saw how my younger self contorted her face in pain, her knees bleeding, but she stayed strong and kept quiet, silent tears rolled down her eyes.
Anastasia ran next to Banmori, pulled along by her wrist, stumbling forward with a terrified expression on her face.
"B-but the others?" She asked.
"They are beyond help my princess, they have died to protect you, I am the only one left and I have sworn to protect you girls from all evil, until my last drop of blood and I will keep that oath, no matter what." Banmori stated with eyes full of grim determination.
"I cannot believe that all of this is happening." Anastasia stated.
"Neither can I but unfortunately, I does happen and that right now, so we have to get you in safety.
Your parents ordered me to get you off this island, by all means necessary, they told us to meet up with them at the secret docking station, but Mr. Guarando is the only one who knows where the same is." Banmori stated and now I saw that we ran after someone.
It was another Kumear with gray-black Fur, he did not look at all like a Guard, but he still wore a royal uniform.
"Say Mr. Guarando, the Ursa Grande, is she as operational as the Ursarion?" Banmori asked the man infront of us.
"Indeed, the two Royal Airships were built with the same technology, the only real difference is their armor and weaponry.
The Ursarion is strong but more designed for defensive measures.
The Ursa Grande on the other hand, has a strong defensive system but an even stronger offensive weaponry.
It was constructed for extreme situations , such as bringing the citizens, Royals and diplomats into safe exile during war-times, as an ark, and it is therefore far bigger than the Ursarion.
However it has never before been used, ever since its creation several decades ago, still it gets controlled once every month by its crew, to be prepared at all times.
You can be lucky that my father helped building the Airship and that I am part of the 5 Pilots who actually can fly it."
I just hoped I could take Mayuri, Sunako and Seichiro with me, as well as my still unborn Mei-Onda, my little Butterfly-flower." Mr. Guarando explained, as he looked at a photo in his locket, as we stopped at a crossroad.
From up here on Banmori´s arms, I could see that it showed his pregnant wife and his 2 children.
"If only we would find some more Valkyries, it will be hard to fight an entire hoard of Lycanians while simultaneously defending three people." I heard Banmori mumbling while we made our way through the streets of the once so beautiful town, which was now but a scorched battlefield.
"Banmori do you think it looks like this everywhere or just in Clawstone." Anastasia asked.
"Considering how many fiendish warships have already appeared, it is safe to say that it most likely does.
That the Ursarion was shot off from the ground, is an evidence how far the Lycanians have already spread.
There is also basically no resistance anymore which means that they must have known where to hit first, the military campus and the barracks.
They then razed the entire city, without anyone able to effectively fight back.
No matter which way we turn it, this here was an insider job, they knew exactly where to hit us to get a free passage to unleash their destructiveness upon us." Banmori stated.
"Oh no, someone is coming, someone evil." I exclaimed as suddenly a chill ran down my spine.
"My princess, your hair, can it be, do you mean the enemy has found us?" Banmori asked in shock, as she looked at my hair turning red, it was some strange phenomenon I could not explain.
"Indeed, it is as you say, dear Valkyrie." Suddenly a voice stated behind us.
"Who..., oh my god..., Bunbart!" Banmori exclaimed gasping as she looked at the old Shaman, who stood with a pack of Lycanians around him, at the other end of the alley.
"What is the meaning of this?" Banmori asked as the Lycanians went in an offensive position.
"I would say this is the end, dear Valkyrie, if you hand over the princess, we might be able to let you go, King Lycan can surely use such an exceptional warrior like you in his ranks." The Old Shaman stated.
It really came like a shock, in my memories I always saw Bunbart Pandaria as a lovable old man, who loved to tell tales of the past to us children, he often came to the palace as he was also the High-Shaman, the spiritual counselor of the Kings and the so called Lore Keeper of Valhalla, whatever that meant.
But to see him betraying his King, his land and his People..., what could have driven this man to commit such a heinous crime?
"Why?" Banmori asked as she sat me down in the arms of Anastasia, which was shielded by Mr. Guarando.
"Speak up, why did you betray us, Bunbart, aren´t you supposed to be the Lorekeeper of Valhalla, what is the reason for you to commit this crime?" Banmori asked in a threatening tone as she unsheathed her sword.
"I honestly don´t know..., I just kind of felt like doing it." Bunbart replied and something was strange about that excuse, it did not sounded mocking or in any way down-playing anything, if I would describe it, it sounded like he was telling the truth.
"I see, then it is useless to talk about it any longer, for such a betrayal there is but one punishment.
In the name of the Orion Valkyries, I, Banmori Gongmeng, shall punish you for your crimes, your sentence is death by my hand." Banmori shouted as the Lycanians attacked.
She punched and kicked those away who came too close towards us, while slicing her way through the attackers.
"Stay here I will defend you." Mr. Guarando explained as he hovered over us, shielding us with his body.
While all this horror played off, the sight of it was practically burned into my mind, flames burning bright, dark silhouettes with red, blazing eyes coming closer and backing away again, their sharp fangs gritted, laughing and howling in the Moon, in a way which froze the blood in my veins.
"Anastasia" I cried in fear and I clang to my sister´s arm, while she held me close shielding me from the sight, but I still could hear anything.
"You soon tire out little Valkyrie, isn´t it about time for you to give up, I still have a lot of men in reserve.
Once I killed the princesses, I will destroy the entire island, you have lived in peace and forgotten how to fight.
Your fate was extinction and it was inevitable." Bunbart stated but something was still strange about him, the look in his eyes, this was not the same old Shaman I knew, to be honest his eyes looked strange, this was not Bunbart, someone else was speaking now.
"A Puppet, he is like a marionette." I exclaimed loudly.
"A marionette, you mean he is possessed, his mind controlled..., are you sure little princess?" Banmori asked while fighting.
"It is but an assumption, but being in his surrounding does not feel the same way Bunbart´s presence has always felt, it feels far more sinister, nothing familiar at all." I replied.
I don´t know what it was, but Dad always said that it might be some kind of hyper-sensibility to evil intentions and Mom always stated that I was smarter than most children of my age, especially so because I understood things and words, others would not even be able to pronounce.
But right now, all I knew was that I was but a little girl who was terrified, from what she witnessed and felt.
My current self, had to watch the scene my younger self was in, without being able to help her in anyway.
Everyone just passed through me, as if I was a ghost.
It was beyond frustrating.
Still during all of what happened I wondered about something..., why didn´t my hair change during all the dangers, which I encountered with Red here in the Shepherd Republic..., was it because I instinctively believed that Red could solve every such problem and take on every threat.
Was it because Red radiated an aura of reassurance, which told my mind which panicked, that everything was going to be alright, because Red would solve it, because he was there with me, always...?
Red had always been my hero, my love for him ran deeper than a mere siblings-bond.
I felt for him, physically as well as sexually, I might keep on saying that the night we once spent together was but an accident, but deep down I always knew, that I just waited for the opportunity to sleep with him, to feel his own lust scorching my skin with a sweet sensation.
In the end I was never able to make him mine, but I was able to fulfill myself a dream, to show Red what I truly felt for him.
I might have told Elh that I let go of my feelings for him, but who am I kidding, I still love Red..., his presence helped me through many dangerous times and through many sorrows.
I wish he was hear with me now, in this second.
But I was sure that the touch of his hand, which I somehow still felt, was enabling me not to lose my own mind, while witnessing all this.
Having to watch without being able to help was truly gruesome, especially as Banmori fell to the ground exhausted, a Lycanian held her arms back and sat on her back to keep her from escaping and resisting.
"You are strong, I give you that..., but at long last you had to give up, in the end even the mighty Valkyries are no match to King Lycan´s forces.
Now, that this is out of the way we can get back to the task at hand.
Hand them over, fatso!" Bunbart's voice exclaimed.
"Only over my dead body!" Mr. Guarando shouted, as he still defended us.
"Oh is that what you want, we can surely make your wish come true, either way you going to die, fatso!" Bunbart shouted.
"Don´t you dare call my Husband that way!" A new voice shouted, as suddenly several arrows landed in the backs of the Lycanians.
Before I knew what happened, several Valkyries and Warriors appeared out of the dark Alley and engaged in the fight.
Banmori was freed and Bunbart's forces were slain back.
"I don´t know who the hell you are, but you are definitely not Bunbart!" Another voice stated, as two women appeared in Valkyrie-battle-armor.
"My Husband would never betray his home!" One of the Women, an elder lady, shouted.
"I will find out who you are and what you have done to my Husband, as true as my name is Taluvien Pandaria!" The lady shouted and I recognized her as Bunbart's Wife, the Shaman and Orion Valkyrie, Lady Taluvien Pandaria.
She stood next to her son, Boka Pandaria, who helped Banmori up.
"Are you alright, dear, i´m sorry that we are so late, we still had some citizens to safe, do they hurt you much?" The same asked as he looked at Banmori with a glance full of worry.
"I am alright sweetheart, but it seems as if someone is controlling your father like a puppet, at least that's Princess Choco´s assumption and her intuition is rarely wrong." Banmori exclaimed as she stood back up, supported by her fiancé.
"I don´t really care about him being controlled or not, but I hope that through him we find the one who has mocked my beloved husband, no one is left unpunished who calls Pablo names." Another woman stepped next to Lady Taluvien, another Panda-Kumear Valkyrie in battle armor.
"My love, did you just came back to save us?" Mr. Guarando asked, as he looked with pure admiration towards his wife.
"Of course, me and the Kids were saved by Lady Taluvien, after they attacked Bamboori and burned the same down..., mom didn´t make it, but I had sworn I would not lose anyone else of my family.
With the Lady and other survivors of Bamboori, we made our way towards Clawstone, picking up other survivors from various tribes along the way.
They attacked the Villages simultaneously, this was a planned assault and if we assume that Bunbart had been controlled since at least yesterday, they knew exactly when and where to attack, since the King and the Queen were away with their family.
I just still don´t know, how they managed to get Bunbart in their claws." Mayuri Oonda, Pablo´s Wife, explained as she and a few other stepped infront of Pablo, Anastasia, Banmori, Boka and myself.
"By the way where are the Children?" Pablo asked.
"They were evacuated by the remaining Royal knights and Valkyries in town, led by her Majesty and the Queen, they should meanwhile have reached the Ursa Grande.
After we saw how the Ursarion was shot of we made our way towards the crash-point but were unable to find you or any corpses which belonged to you or the kids, thank god you all survived." Lady Oonda replied.
"Yeah we surely had luck back then, as the steering systems were destroyed I really though we were all goners." Pablo explained with a sudden shuddering.
"Anyways I think we should focus on more important things now." Lady Taluvien exclaimed as we recognized that the fighting was almost over, the last one to stand was Bunbart.
"So what are you going to do, if you attack you will only hurt your friend, I myself will stay fully unharmed by that, so come and try to get me out, if you can make it, hahaha!" The sinister voice laughed.
"Dammit what now, if we do as he says father might die." Boka exclaimed unsure.
"Your father would rather die, than to know that innocent lives would be lost through his hands, we try our best to safe him but if there is no other choice, we will have to stop him at all costs, a broken puppet is useless to the puppet master." Lady Taluvien stated with determination.
"Bunbart has always lived and breathed for the future of our Land and he would tell us the same, our focus has to stay at defending Valhalla at all cost, even if this means sacrificing someone.
Still..., I would prefer it if we do not have to trade in any lives for that, but as things stand that won´t be allowed to us." She continued.
"Valhalla forever!" She shouted and the other Valkyries and Warriors nodded.
"We already lost our Son, we won´t lose another child, that's for sure, we from the Gongmeng Family will fight to protect our family and friends and the people of Valhalla." An elder lady stated as she and another man at her side stepped next to Boka and Banmori, who looked up in sorrow.
"Shuvra..., is dead?" She asked in sorrow as tears rolled over her eyes, it was the first time I saw her like this.
"Yes, unfortunately he died..., but he died honorable, defending the people who had sought refuge in the Cathedral, his courage will never be forgotten, we make sure his sacrifice was not in vain, as true as we are the Gongmeng Family!" Banmori´s Mother, Sorelia Gongmeng, exclaimed next to her husband, Shanru Gongmeng, who nodded in pure determination.
"I won´t let the teachings of my master go to waste, I will defeat the enemy with all I have learned, I am Bjearn, Student of the real Bunbart Pandaria, and I will make sure to make you pay, puppet master." A Polar-Kumear, standing next to Boka, exclaimed.
"By our honor as Valkyries and Royal Knights, the Lao Family and the Greyback family, as well as all of the here present warriors, will fight to save and protect our kingdom and citizens, Valhalla Forever!" Another pair of Valkyries shouted in unison and a group of Kumears from all four realms followed.
"Valhalla Forever!" They shouted as they engaged the new incoming Lycanians.
As we were surrounded by them, there still was no escape, but I felt myself a little les frightened than before.
Each of the Valkyries and Royal Knights, or the overall warriors themselves, were strong and skilled in combat, the Lycanians held strong against them but ultimately, they were no match to them.
Not for the least for Boka and Bjearn´s manipulation of reality, an art they called elemental magic casting.
Bjearn managed to use fire and ice attacks, while Boka manipulated the wood of some trees in the vicinity to capture the Lycanians or beat them down with strong wooden vines.
"Dammit, this isn´t working, they are all too strong for the average Lycanian and taking control over this body was a waste of time as well, guess our informant was wrong, he does not know about the Nature Sphere." I heard Bunbart stating as he tried to run away.
"Not so fast, where do you think you try to run with my husband under your control." Lady Taluvien asked, as she arrived on a branch she had enlarged, right infront of the path Bunbart wanted to run to.
"Dammit." The same exclaimed as he looked around but quickly was incapacitated by vines and the rest of the Valkyries and Warriors, after they rounded up with the Lycanians.
"Hah, if you still want to save him, I advise you not to kill him, unless you don´t care about him?" The voice of Bunbart stated with malicious glee.
"We long know who you are, Beowulf, the wretched but loyal warrior of Lycan, you might hide yourself behind the body of my Father through dark magic, but that won´t help you.
My father has always said that he would rather be killed then saved, if he ever would be controlled by the Lycanians, his knowledge as Lorekeeper of Valhalla should not fall into your hands, and as desperately as you are right now, it is evident that you haven´t yet extracted the information you wanted, you still need my father, alive." Boka stated with grim determination.
"Also it seems as if you need time to detach yourself, from a host you have taken control over, otherwise you would have already left his body the moment we captured it.
Am I right with the assumption that you, when you are connected with a host, feel what he feels, even when you are physically not present?" Lady Taluvien asked and you could see how Bunbart´s face contorted in wrath.
"So what, are you going to torture him, I surely can handle a little pain and I won´t die on it for sure, even if it would hurt, but are you really willing to do that to your Husband, Kumear." Beowulf's voice asked with a wicked smile.
"If it makes you leave then yes, I am willing to do so, I think we have told you so often enough, my husband had strict rules for when he would be captured by you.
Kill or make them suffer, until they go away.
I might be his wife, but I am still an Orion Valkyrie of Valhalla, and the wellbeing and the future of Valhalla goes over everything for us, even love and family.
So if you ask me if I would torture my husband, to make you leave his body, then yes I would do so, without hesitation!" Lady Taluvien stated with grim determination and you basically could see, how Beowulfs entire conviction from before crumbled to dust in a matter of seconds, as Lady Taluvien pierced her sword right into her husbands shoulder.
"Aaaaaaaaahh, you damn woman, how dare you!" Beowulf shouted in anger.
"Still there, guess I have to do more than just that, forgive me my love, but it is only for the best." The Leader of the Valkyries stated as she stabbed her sword in Bunbart's other shoulder, making Beowulf screaming again.
The others around us simply stood by looking at it, no one moved, not that Lady Taluvien would allow anyone else to do it, not even her son.
She was the wife of her husband and had the conviction for doing all this, in order to save her husband and if there was no helping anymore, she would even go as far as to kill him, she wanted to live with that burden herself and would not allow her son to take on that burden for the future.
"You are nuts woman, you going to kill him, are you Kumears really that loyal to your King and your home that you deliberately kill your family?" Beowulf´s voice asked before Lady Taluvien stabbed both her husband's knees.
"The next one will be the stomach, if you are unwilling to feel that kind of pain, then you better leave him!" Lady Taluvien shouted.
"Nuts!" Beowulf's voice shouted in her face out of Bunbart´s body.
"Rest in Peace my love!" Lady Taluvien stated aloud and for once I could see tears in her eyes as she readied her sword with outmost conviction, ready to stab his stomach.
"Wait!" I shouted and I heard my younger self shouting as well.
"Princess please, I beg of you, let me do this, I cannot allow this evil beast to defile my Husband´s legacy any further!" Lady Taluvien stated aloud.
"Don´t do it, I know now how to safe Bunbart!" My younger self shouted.
"What..., how?" Lady Taluvien asked.
"His chest, before I was feeling the aura of evil all around him, but the more you stabbed him, the more the aura subsided, as if it was trying to detach itself, and now I can clearly feel it, the origin of the aura comes from his chest!" My younger self shouted.
"His chest?" Lady Taluvien mumbled as she went to look.
"Tsss, dammit, guess that means game over for me." Beowulf´s voice stated unamused but panting in exhaustion, as Lady Taluvien revealed a black crystal stuck in Bunbart´s chest.
"If the Crystal is destroyed, Bunbart will be free!" My younger self stated aloud.
"I see, but it is really deeply embedded in his chest..., how did this happen..., and when." Lady Taluvien asked unsure.
"That Lupycan..., don´t you remember, back then as the Sky Riders Base near Valhalla was attacked, there was but a few survivor.s, some Feldiidons which were mostly alive and one survivor which was at the brink of death.
A Lupycan that had been found on the battlefield, it was sheer luck we thought..., but what if he was left there on purpose, by the attacker?" Boka asked.
"What do you mean by that?" Lady Taluvien asked.
"He was brought to the hospital due to massive injuries, but they could barely safe him, so Bunbart was asked to look if he could do more with healing magic.
That must have been the moment, he was infected with this crystal, maybe it was but a tiny little stone at first, but ever since it must have grown without him noticing and once it was big enough it took control over him." Boka explained.
"Dad had been strange for a few days prior to today, but I played it off as him being in a bad mood, out of whatever reason, maybe because the Lupycan had died in the end." Boka continued as he went to help his mother.
It lasted quite a while but in the end, they managed to get the crystal out, but what came with it, was beyond disgusting, it looked as though some kind of insect was attached to the crystal, or vise-versa, the crystal was attached to it, and had grown in size along with it.
"What in the world was that?" Bjearn asked after he quickly incinerated it, turning it to dust, as it tried to attack Lady Taluvien.
"A parasitical-receiver, I only ever once saw such a thing during the war, they are used to control the Lycanians and ghouls through dark magic." Lady Taluvien exclaimed with a sigh.
"It had been latched on Bunbart´s Heart and took over his nervous system ultimately taking control over his brain in the process, but I think detaching it might have caused Bunbart´s death." She stated as she caressed the cheek of her husband in a loving matter.
"I´m sorry honey, I was unable to safe you, maybe I made things worse." She whispered.
"Y-you did nothing wrong sweetheart." A voice exclaimed and everyone was silent.
"You did everything I wanted you to do in case I was possessed by the enemy and for that I thank you, if anything all of what has happened was but my own fault, only due to my own carelessness I was overtaken and basically invited the enemy into our home.
I am so sorry, to all of you..., Boka, my son..., I must apologize, for your father was too weak to resist, I tried to fight but I was too weak.
I have defiled the name of Pandaria for future generations, all of those who died today, they died through my own hands, I beg your pardon." Bunbart exclaimed as he coughed blood.
His life force was almost visibly draining and it was sure that even with the healing arts which Lady Taluvien used on him alongside her son, Bunbart´s life was not to be saved anymore.
"I am sorry that I have to leave you like this, but at least I was once more able to see the faces of my beloved family.
But I need to do something before.
All of you, do not ever speak of what you witness now, it is best if you all forget it, or even better, all of you but you Taluvien, turn around and cover your ears.
Princess Choco please come to me, it will also be important to you to hear this." Bunbart asked and my younger self was released by Pablo.
Anastasia brought me to Bunbart and then on his wish, turned around and covered her ears, same as all the people here, minus myself and Lady Taluvien.
"Taluvien I will now bestow you with my right as Lorekeeper of Valhalla, I am sure that you are far stronger than myself, with this..., I will give you all of my knowledge." Bunbart exclaimed as he grabbed the hand of his wife and I saw a green shimmer around his hand mixing with Lady Taluvien´s magic.
"I see it, I see it all..., Bunbart, why did you...?" Lady Taluvien asked in shock.
"It was the best way to keep it safe, all of us Lorekeeper have done it in the past.
As the royals are the ones defended the most.
Princess Choco, I will now seal a memory within your mind, it will awake only when the time is right when you reach adulthood, I don´t know what will happen to you in the future, but you need to keep believing in Valhalla and it possible future.
Valhalla is not only a place in this world, Valhalla is in all of us, it are the people we have to save, to ensure that Valhalla will stay alive, no matter what happens.
Even if this island would one day be destroyed, as long as there are Valhallian Kumears around somewhere, Valhalla hasn´t died yet." Bunbart stated as he ruffled my hair.
He held my head in both hands and suddenly they began to glow in a green shimmer.
"There will come a day in which the treasure of Valhalla has to be used, the spell I give you shall be only used in this moment, it will not hurt you, but until that moment you have to stay alive at all costs.
One day the King of Felidions, White Savage, will appear before you and ask for your help to defend our world against the Lycanians and their dark Master.
He will need the Treasure of Valhalla, the Nature Sphere, one of 10 spheres of Abyssinia, which has been sealed within you upon your birth through magic, as your mother was still pregnant with you.
Its previous host was the Queen of Valhalla 98 years ago, which died at the age of 100, through my own Master, whenever the previous host dies, the Sphere has to be relocated by the current Lorekeeper.
The Nature sphere is protected by many spells and so also protects its vessel, one spell for example warns the host from extreme danger by showing in a physical trait, in your case it even worked twice, as you seem to feel the aura of evil, as well when your hair turns redder it tells others around you.
The Sphere will keep you safe as long as it stays within you, but that also means that you need to keep this secret to yourself, until the moment I have spoken of will come.
Do you understand?" Bunbart asked.
"Yes..., but how do I know when this moment comes?" I asked.
"It might come unexpected, but you will surely know when the moment has come, but make sure to understand, that the sphere shall never fall into the hands of evil, as it would mean that the last few Kumears fall under Lycan´s Mind control, like I did.
Valhalla is deeply rooted with the Nature sphere, in its first centuries since its existence it was kept in an ancient vault deep within the island underneath the castle.
Its influence affected the stone and the ground of the island we live upon and which we use for building the walls of our houses and everyday life, it is stuck in the groundwater and this way all of who ever ate from natures fruits or drank its water, have gained the influence of the Nature sphere.
Understanding this process and being able to harness this born force is what makes a shaman able to cast magic." Bunbart explained.
"Taluvien, when the time is right, you will need to teach the princess how to use magic, how to harness the immense power within herself.
I don´t know if you are going to be safe, there exist people who are sensitive to the power of the spheres and who can feel their might, one of them might try to steal the sphere from you, extracting it out.
However if it is forcefully extracted, the consequences to you will be nothing but death." Bunbart stated and I froze.
The hell..., why in the world did you put something so devastatingly dangerous inside of my body?
"I don´t know who you might meet in the future, but try not to trust anyone right at the start, get to know them and if you are sure to trust them, then do so, but do not trust them too much.
To get to live you sometimes have to use people for certain purposes, but only sometimes you hear, do not make it a habit, you hear..., only when there is no other way.
Although I do not wish it for you in the slightest, but should the circumstance come, that you die earlier, prior to the extraction, the Nature Sphere will turn your body into a large tree, with its pure energy centered in its trunk.
It happened only once, the host died on a heart attack outside of the castle on the hill, the large Tree up there has once been a Kumear-Princess." Bunbart explained as I remembered the picknick I had with my family only yesterday, under that same tree.
By all means, it was a beautiful one but the prevision of turning into a tree, if I die without getting this Sphere out of me, was anything but nice.
"A last thing, the force of the Sphere gives our folk its ability to shape shift, so it would be a good idea to disguise yourself until you are back in safety.
The ability of shapeshifting only works in a vicinity of 100 miles to the Sphere and its host, unless you are already transformed, then you can only turn back to your original form, if you use a big amount of magic you have stored up over the years.
Shapeshifting means that you transform into another form, but so does you physical force, alone your mind remains, however the form must be compatible with the size of your original body.
For example you can´t turn yourself into a member of the Ratto- or Racoguma-folk, a tall and large Caninu or a Felineko however would still work.
..., This is unfortunately all I can give you on your further journey, but I hope you will make it my princess." Bunbart explained after coughing hard, blood spilling from his mouth.
"My time is soon up..., Taluvien, I have always loved you and Boka and this island, tell the King and the Queen, that I am most sorry about what I have done while being possessed, it was never my intention to cause harm." Bunbart demanded as he looked deep into the eyes of his wife.
"Of course, I will tell them, your name shall not remain in shame, I won´t allow that." Lady Taluvien stated and Bunbart nodded before gripping his chest tightly.
"You have to get out of here, you have already spent too much time in this place, the enemy might send reinforcement, get towards the Ursa Grande underneath the Cathedral and get of the island with anyone.
Once the enemy vanishes, you can go back to build up what we have lost." Bunbart stated as Taluvien cradled him in her arms.
"My Life is fleeting..., I don´t have much time anymore..., Taluvien, I loved being a citizen of Valhalla..., and a member of such an ancient and honorable Clan..., I loved to tell my stories to the children..., but most of all I loved the shimmer in their eyes..., when listening to me..., because I am sure..., that one each of them will surely create a story of their own someday..., and I hope you will find a worthy heir of this task, Taluvien..., but for that you must live, so leave now, leave and live my wonderful wife and all of you children!" Bunbart exclaimed aloud as he let go of me, the green shimmer subsided.
Before anyone could say something, Bunbart stopped breathing.
"Goodbye..., Father..., I won´t ever forget you." I heard Boka stating.
"Everybody, we need to get moving, Bunbart was right, if we stay here, we might be tracked down easier, we need to get towards the cathedral." Lady Taluvien stated, while we all nodded and so our small group made its way into safety taking the body of the old Shaman along.
Infront of me the scene froze and the colors bleached out again until I stood back in a white room.
"I wonder what come´s next?" I wondered as I saved the seen in my mind, especially what Bunbart told me about the Sphere of Nature.
I now knew that I had to survive at all cost and I had to go with White when he would return back to his task of searching for the Spheres.
"But that means, that I will have to leave Red and Elh and the Shepherd republic, I have to leave everyone." I mumbled as colors began to paint a new scene, it was none I knew.
But it seemed painfully familiar..., familiar and sinister.
To be continued...
A/N: Cereus, Candor, Cinis and Creta are words in Latin, cereus means wax, candor means brightness, cinis means ash and creta means chalk, as some of you might know, is shiro the Japanese word for white, so all of these names have something to do with the color White.