A/N: Backstory Chapter! I guess you all know that it's for Escanor though, I mean it was obvious. Also the update time was shorter this time! *celebratory cheers* That's a Christmas miracle XD. Cause ya know, it's Christmas time? Jingle bells and all that jazz? Speaking of that, I hope you all have a great holiday! ^w^ (but I'm like two days late so...)
Anywho, I'll just let you all read on now... *nervous chuckles*
Silver - Yes Ellie is back with the Sins UwU. Meh, I kinda just threw this backstory in to be honest (cause I'm finding opportunities where they fit I guess). Anyway, thank you for the kind review :)
Till next time,
D.L.D
Always Average: Baby stage
"A second heir!"
"I know, such good news."
"Let's hope that he's as intelligent as his parents."
"Yes, we must. It'd be a shame for them to have an average child."
Average. The one word that was never allowed within the presence of my family. Never could you say the word average and get away with it unless you were insulting those beneath you. Insulting those that lacked the intelligence to be above average. To float above the scum of the common. As a result all children born to the royal family of Castellio were expected to be more than average. To be well above, if not excellent, instead of just average. Being average was something that they loathed.
Something that was frowned upon.
"My, his eyes are definitely a purer blue than most..." The first voice spoke again, something seeming to touch my face. It poked and prodded for a while, lifting my eye lids and studying my features. "Very blue indeed."
The thing was beginning to grow annoying as I couldn't swat it away. Right now I couldn't see much, not when everything was more grayish blurs than actual shapes and colours. Babies are born with a wonderful type of sight, seeing everything different from the matured adult eyes, but it wasn't very useful to me at this moment. No, not at all. I couldn't even identify what people were doing around me, let alone who they were. Something that wasn't so settling when I could hear what they were talking about.
"You think he may be blessed by the goddesses then?" The second voiced mused, it was close to the first suggesting that they were talking. It sunk into a thoughtful tone as the owner seemed to join the first in their prodding. "Many of them are born with blue eyes like these. Have you seen those of the high-ranking status?"
A pause. A very uncomfortable and thick pause as the touching stopped for a moment. Instead they rested in my hand, humoring that I could catch them only because they had stopped moving. However soon the thing started moving once more, a thoughtful hum added to it. The person poked and prodded some more before speaking again.
"Yes, but blue eyes don't mean much these days," The owner sounded thoughtful, their words followed by a slight chuckle. The things then moved and a light tapping was heard. "Although...it is an entertaining matter to humor. we must simply tell the King and Queen of it."
Another laugh joined at that, hearty and rich, as soon I found myself moving, most likely being carried off somewhere else. Struggling, I attempted to make out my surroundings through the blurs and few colours, but nothing could give me a clue. So instead I settled for falling asleep, soundly blocking out the rest of the conversation.
Brutish Big Brother: 5 - 8 years
"You're weak, you know that?"
My older brother, Daymond, scowled as he glowered in my direction.
As per usual he was picking on me, calling the usual label of weak as our parents coddled me due to my young age. Before I was born he was supposedly spoiled with endless trinkets and riches, taking pleasure in being basked with attention and time. But with a new addition, those things were cut in half. As a result Daymond was envious of the attention I gained and so took it out through cruel words and harmful punishments.
For years I had endured this, doing nothing more but silently suffering and keeping my head down. However over time I had progressed to notice that Daymond's behaviour was entirely wrong. In fact it was borderline mistreatment, resulting in me avoiding him as often as possible.
However I couldn't run away from him forever. Fate was only a reminder of that. As a result I was stuck with my brutish brother during study hours, locked away in the library with only books as my defense. Something I saw no use in, as I was just an over average student that didn't see a point in studying. I wasn't excellent like my brother or parents after all - just above average. Not moronic, but not super brainy.
Yet I liked it that way. It allowed me to find an interest in sports and so I dedicated some time towards it. Found a way to bury my family's endless expectations in favour of something I enjoy. Something I find useful and fun.
I'd found an escape.
But of course Daymond found it too and insisted on joining me during my activities. Yet another reminder that I couldn't avoid him forever.
"Yes, I know," I say the words without any shame or remorse. Instead I own it as I focus on getting my work done, copying out the equations before solving them. A task that my parents had set since I was lacking in mathematics. "You tell me every day and so I've learned to just accept it."
A low growl and I know that I've struck a cord. I can tell from the way my brother's jaw clenches slightly and how his permanent frown deepens. It only contrasts with his hooked nose as he sinks into his own world. A book lands close to my hand, the large thud breaking my concentration as the object connects with the table.
Yet another reminder of what I cannot avoid... Is fate trying to tempt me today?
"So you like being weak, huh?" A darker tone this time, although I try not to be disturbed by it. Not even a shiver is willed to form when I feel Daymond's shadow looming over me, menacing as always. A sign that he was going to do something cruel yet again. Something a lot like a school yard bully, despite him knowing what it's like to be on the receiving end.
But perhaps that only added to his fuel to harm me...
"I can't complain about it," I respond simply, watching as Daymond seems to get even more ticked at this. In fact he's beginning to pace about, his footsteps creating an even rhythm as I try to focus on my work. Like a lion in a cage and lions don't like to be locked up - they're proud beings after all. "Being weak means that you can become strong. To become strong is real strength they say."
That's when he snapped. A second later my arm was pinned behind my back, and I was forced against the table. Work was scattered everywhere, no doubt another sign of how much force was applied into that one simple action. That one simple move. My arm was beginning to numb being pinned in such a weird position, not the mention that I could barely breathe with my chest against the table. It constricted my movement, and my brother wasn't helping as he seemed to push me further into it. Further towards the pain. I tried to indicate that it hurt, yet Daymond didn't yield. Instead he took the opportunity to gloat.
Like the brutish bully he is.
"If you like being weak, then you sure do like this," His voice hissed in a low tone, watching as I struggled. "It shouldn't hurt if you enjoy it."
His words only get to me further, my arm having lost its feeling and my chest feeling tight. I wanted to move; I want to escape; I wanted to do something other than sit there and take the constant mistreatment.
"Let me go!" My voice comes out in a roar as I wriggle and squirm, trying to get out of Daymond's iron grasp. I give a final shove against him and suddenly his weight is gone. Like a weight lifted from a scale, I instantly sit back up. I could breathe again, the feeling welcome as I check my arm. However the most damage wasn't done to me. No it was to Daymond.
My brother was on the floor grimacing in pain as his arm was bent at a weird angle. A really weird angle, similar a question mark. No blood seemed to fall, but I could tell that his arm had been bent quite a lot. Perhaps a joint dislocated with it - not mention a clean break or fracture. The injury was nothing short of monstrous. Worrying. I should've gone up to him and asked if he was ok, but I couldn't. I just couldn't.
Instead of helping my brother, I find myself staring at my hands in amazement. Wonder. Incredulity that I had just done that. That I had just fought back against my bully of a brother. Not only that, but fate was trying to tell me that I would overcome this adversity. That I would finally show him not to treat me so ill.
And yet I still couldn't believe it. My hands were shaking, the limbs seeming strange and foreign as I turned them in wonder.
Did I really just do that?
"I knew you were freaky," Daymond was in tears, face contorting with pain as he began to position himself. A cruel smirk seemed to fight this however, a contrast to our situations. "Good luck explaining this to mom and dad."
He then begins to cry, his wails gaining the attention of the staff and soon my parents are there.
Monstrous Child: 9 - 11 years
"He's a monster!"
My mother was close to tears, her face seeming distraught as she couldn't even look at me. She clung onto my father, burying her face away from my sight and therefore blocking hers of mine. Something I didn't blame her for as I was a freak of nature.
"No doubt about it..." My father agreed, sinking into thought as he study me closely.
That's always how it was these days...
Whenever I saw my parents, both of them wore deep set frowns as the regarded me like some sort of specimen. I wasn't something they were proud of after all. I was weird and unusual. Freakish. I wasn't a smart brainbox like my family often passed me as when others inquired. In fact I was just above average, scoring enough to be classed as smart but not intelligent. However in sports I had a natural prowess and was therefore allowed that little freedom after the library incident.
The library incident.
It's been around a year since that incident has occurred. Around a year since I've actually felt like a part of this family. Really. My mother, father and brother avoid me like the plague - the servants having brought me up within my own private quarters. However even they and the guests feared me to some extent. After all, the only thing I'm known by is 'the monster'. The creature that hurt Prince Daymond and is inhuman. A freak.
I'm the monster no-one likes...
After clearing up the incident in the library, my parents had decided to get to the bottom of the mystery of my sudden outburst immediately. To everyone, including myself, the reasons were unknown. Mysterious. I had no idea why I'd suddenly had the strength to throw my brother off me and cause him to break an arm. Neither did any of the specialist doctors or my parents. All sorts of professionals and weird people were called to examine and poke and prod at me. All sorts of tests and theories were run.
But little answers came.
Many theorised it as me being jealous of my brother. As me having been so consumed with envy, that I did the unthinkable and sought to kill Daymond. However I knew that I hadn't wanted that a year ago. Back then, in the library, I wanted to not have to be bullied anymore. To find some freedom and solace, and to be able to be proud of myself, without Daymond raining on my parade. As a result I believe Lady Luck responded to me and gave me the strength I needed to overcome adversity.
To defeat my bully.
However every time I had expressed everyone seemed to ignore it. Everyone seemed to not believe me. All because I was this brutish monster, driven by envy and therefore not pure of heart. Foolish since I have not attacked Daymond since.
"I'm not a monster," I repeat the words yet again, turning away from my parents for what seemed like the trillionth time. "I'm a human being like everyone else, albeit stronger than all."
I believe I was too as the tests they ran were quite extensive. All sorts of results and things had been recorded, with many doctors saying that they'd have to do more research before coming up with a solid conclusion. As I result I knew that I was different. That I was special.
So I felt quite special about. Proud about my abnormality. Yes, I was proud of my freakish strength, yet also apprehensive of what it did to me.
Unlike most I saw my curse as something that made me stick out. Something that I could use to be helpful and show others not to put me down because I was different. Because I wasn't like them. I wasn't like anyone after all. I'm just a child cursed with something that gave me abnormal strength and self-pride, and so I made it consume me and keep me company since no-one else would. i let the pride from my curse engulf me and therefore bury my true self.
I was just a huge freak with insane strength to them after all. Clearly a liability of the safety of everyone within the castle and therefore something no-one wanted to deal with. As a result I accepted that I was a monster. A big, brutish monster. But I didn't call myself that; After all a monster in one person's eyes, could be a friend in another's.
But that didn't mean that I didn't agree with them.
"It's getting worse!" My mother sobbed, face still hidden as my father moved her aside. "He's talking of delusions now! He thinks that he's human!"
"Calm down, dear," My father sighed, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. However he soon turned to me, a brow raised. "Now I understand that you called us into your rooms to ask a question?"
To that I crack a smile, finally seeing a bit of rationality within my parents. My cold, analytical and shallow-minded parents. It was rare that they would answer to one of my requests, let alone come to my rooms when I ask for some company, however today fate seemed to be on my side. Just as she was when I had broken Daymond's arm.
"Yes, I'd like to go to school," I say the words easily, breezy tone as I regard both of my parents. This simple question has been cooking inside me for a while now; plans and persuasive techniques being thought of over several months so as to make sure I could go. After all I'm aware of my parents' fear of letting me out into the world. They fear that the secret of their cursed son and his abhorrent strength would tarnish the name of the Castellio royal family.
Yet I won't let that stop me from attending school.
"To school?" My father seemed confused, sinking into thought from my prompt.
"School!" My mother was shocked, her expression mortified. A place hand clasped at her breast as her wide eyes met mine. "You cannot possibly be thinking to attend school! Monsters like you surely - "
"What school is it?" My father cut in, his expression seeming desperate and therefore causing another grin on my end.
Of course he would see the positive of sending me to a school. It meant less time with me in the building and therefore less chance of me having an 'outburst' as he called them. That in turn would raise the lowered atmosphere of the castle, while also making sure that I was structured and behaved. A win-win from a business point of view. From a practical and selfish point of view.
"Liones Academy," The words leave quickly, a knowing look forming as I toss an application in their direction. "It's a boarding school and I'm sure you'll be satisfied with what they offer."
I had purposefully chosen Liones to show that I had low standards on my school. That I didn't wish to go to a fancy one like Daymond's Castellio Prep, which of course was funded by my parents. The school was named after the kingdom and was one of the best around, unlike Liones which was one of the worst performing in the country. However I feel like Liones has a hidden side, much like myself with this curse, and so I was drawn to it after reading up about it.
They did say that they accept everyone. Surely that includes monsters like me.
"You want to attend here? It's a complete hov- " My mother seemed to laugh, only to be shushed by my father. He sent her a glare as they returned to the application.
My parents were still looking at through papers, things already half filled out as they conversed with one another. Words of both positivity and negativity were shared, smiles and frowns matching the topic. My mother seemed to find the most amusement in this, her features lit up cruelly as she signed and skimmed; while my father was a little more thoughtful and made sure to read the fine print. Yet it was not a minute later that they were done and therefore addressed me, looks of fake joy on their face.
Fake love and excitement.
"It's a great choice!" My mother's smile was more false than her painted nails.
"Yes," My father's grin spoke for his thoughts, the thing clearly double edged. "We'll get you there as soon as possible!"
Radiant Rosa: 12 - 13 years
"So this is Liones?" My voice comes out quiet as I wait in the reception, welcome package and schoolbag kept close as I wait for my guide.
The receptionist was a young woman with strawberry blonde hair and green eyes. When I had first came in, she knew exactly who I was a dropped her filing to get my welcome pack and things. In fact the receptionist lady was extremely helpful, albeit her constant staring at my form. The very pressure from the constant small glances and stares from those green orbs was stifling, however it wasn't displayed as the pride seemed to take over my actions.
So instead of asking her not to stare so much, I silently took a seat with a smug grin. Yes, a smug grin. As if I wanted to hit on this lady who was very much out of age range. All because of this extra muscle and pride...
"You're Escanor, am I right?" A girl came up to me, a smile on show as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She had blonde hair that could pass as brown, and *brown eyes. Warm brown eyes that seemed to hold no fear. Like everyone else I'd seen so far she wore the school's uniform, her tie being yellow. However unlike everyone she approached me with kindness instead of fear or awe from how I appeared. Instead she treated me like anyone else.
Something that caught me off guard.
"Yes - I'm Escanor," Red flooded my face, however it wasn't too prominent. I held out a hand for her to shake and she did it readily so. Surprisingly her hand came back uninjured.
"I'm Rosa," She gave another smile, swinging on her heels. "Welcome to Liones Academy."
After that I was led on a tour of the whole campus. Classrooms, dorms, sports facilities - everything was shown just to make sure I was familiar with the whole area. Rosa even gave me tips on how to remember my way around too, telling me about shortcuts between subject areas and how to avoid the lunchtime crowd when heading to class. She even told me about some of her secret spots and invited me to have lunch with her sometime if I found it hard to make friends at first.
In short Rosa was amazing.
She was one of the few people to show me kindness. To treat me as a human being despite my curse. Rosa was one of the few to see past my appearance and therefore she treated me as she saw me beneath the macho and pride. Instead she saw some of my more cowardice sides and tried to bring it out, especially when we approached a club sign up sheet.
Yes I remember that day.
It had to have been at least a term since I had joined Liones. It was lunch and once again Rosa and myself were solitary. No-one had decided to approach us and as such we were left in our usual duo and therefore decided to grab some lunch and head to one of our spots. However Rosa had noticed a poster for a sports club and excitedly pointed it out to me. In fact she wore her usual wide grin as she dragged me towards the thing.
"You should sign up for the team, Escanor!" Hands clapped in delight as I studied the poster, her words as encouraging as ever.
The poster said they were doing tryouts for most of the sports teams due to Liones having students leave or dropout. After all Liones Academy wasn't known for being a good school. It was known for being a place of acceptance, while also being filled with numerous ruffians and misfits. Liones wasn't the place to go if you wanted to achieve a well-paid career or line of employment - no the places for that were Celestial Prep and Clan Academy.
Instead Liones was trademarked as a terrible place to go and so only the impoverished or people who parents didn't care that much, were placed within Liones. This school was a place for all the rest to go. Nothing more, nothing less. Yet, it was still doing well in the sports and Holy Knight training department, producing several successful Knights and athletes over the last year. The only problem was all the people within the school.
"Oh I don't know, Rosa," I was a little more skittish today as it was winter time, the sun setting earlier due to the shorter days. "I'm not very dependable with these sorts of things..."
She laughed at that, taking the poster from me and signing my name onto the sheet. She gave a sly smile as she nudged me, her belief as strong as ever. I tried to take the sheet and poster back, but she held them away from me. I had to reach over her to get it, but the thought of doing that paralyzed me. Rosa was one of the few people who could make me freeze and turn all red, even when it was midday and I had to be isolated from everyone.
She still found ways to visit me then though.
"You're good at sports and you like it," Rosa spoke in a motherly tone, tutting as she placed the things back on the bulletin board. "You'll appreciate me doing this, Escanor. Trust me."
I shook my head at that, trying not to laugh as she continued her little mother act. It was something she did every time she was pushing me out of my comfort zone. Something that I had never experienced and yet welcomed as her pushes often made me a little more confident. A little more comfortable within my cursed body.
"Ok, I'll do it," I laugh slightly as she gives a nod, triumphant smirk in place.
"Yes! One point for mama Rosa!"
We both laughed as we continued down the hall.
Mighty Morale: 15 years
"Alright boys, we're going against the Castellio Calves today!"
Coach Twigo had gathered the whole team early today, starting drills from as soon as the sun came up. All members were groggy, eyes barely open as we caught a small break between drills. All morning we'd been working tirelessly to perfect ourselves for the game today. The game against the prestigious Castellio Prep, a place that is slowly coming to rival Celestial Prep and Clan Academy. Due to this, Coach Twigo had us training to show that Liones dominated sports and that we earned the title of the Liones Lions.
"We know Coach, that's all you ever yammer about," One of the members groaned as he poured water over his face, an attempt to wake up or perhaps cool down. "Plus they've just arrived."
The others weren't much better as they were all strewn about the locker room, trying to catch a quick nap before Twigo made us go onto the field again. I on the other other hand, was slowly gaining more and more energy as the day went on. As a result more muscles were appearing and the other teammates seemed to envy my energy as they took their small breaks. However no-one mentioned it and instead focused on the fact that I'd be the most powerful tool in winning.
After all if we have the game near midday, we'd have a surefire win.
As a result I was kept on the team for that one specific reason. For the fact that I was naturally talented and was able to play more on the offensive once the day reached a certain point. Yet I didn't let that simple fact deter me as I slipped on my slightly baggy kit. A kit made larger than usual so that my expanding muscles could not shred it.
"And it's confirmed, I have reason to," Twigo spoke simply, looking at his pocket watch as we all began to prepare for the game. Soon the whole team was kitted and slightly revitalized, ready for the upcoming match against Castellio Prep. "This game could change the future of Liones."
"What?!"
Shock went around the locker room as Twigo's words sank in. As what he said was processed by all of the team members and only added more pressure to an already important game. In fact we were all anxious to face the Castellio Calves, especially since they had a private funding source. Liones only had government funding and nothing else. They could only afford the average PE teacher, let alone a private coach like Castellio. So of course we were all anxious for how this would go.
Yet Twigo seemed unphased, easily eating a banana he'd brought along as he took in our expressions.
"Yep, we lose and Castellio takes over Liones to correct it," The Coach ate contentedly, mouth full of banana as he spoke. A disgusting sight to watch, let alone be near. "Confirmed by Vice Principal Zaratras."
Once again the news was left to sink in, all of the team members tying their shoes in silence, or talking among one another. None of us had expected Liones to sink this low in the past few years. For it to be on the correctional list due to all of the behavioural blunders and issues. We had all thought that Liones was always going to be fine and get along in the way that Liones does. After all it was classed as a school that accepted all races and challenged the segregation standards of most schools.
In fact we had ambassadors from Forest Prep, Megadozer Academy and even Camelot. All schools were welcome to place input on the community of Liones and it showed through the interracial friendships and relationships that occurred here. The only schools that didn't really visit were the most prestigious as they claimed to have it all handled with their sister locations.
But for Liones to have its ways changed? That would mean something went wrong.
"We're going to win this game!" I say the words with pride, deciding to spark morale since no-one else would. "We're going to show those swine what it means to the the Liones Lions!"
My words seemed to have struck a cord as one by one all of the team rose, grin and smirks in place as they raised a hand above their head. A hand to show that we would not back down all because of the pressure. A hand to show that we will win and show Castellio that Liones dominates sports. That Liones has more to it than people think. That Liones is perfect just the way it is.
Just then the start of the match was signaled and we began to run out of the locker room, hands still raised as we let out our battle cry.
"We're the Liones Lions!" We called out the words, voices strong and passion undeterred. Hands were still raised as we rushed out onto the field.
"And what do Lions do?" Someone called out the words, triggering the response.
"We roar!"
The team was greeted with cheers from the spectators, waves and all sorts awarded to the source of pride for the school. The thing that made Liones a success. The thing that kept the community flowing within the school.
Cheerleaders were happily starting their routine, bright outfits and pompoms on show as they performed jumps and other shows of acrobatics. Their gleeful cheering then triggered the spectators, hands and cheers directed towards us as the Castellio Calves came onto the field. It seemed that all were welcoming the Lions instead, the Calves forgotten in favour of the king of all beasts. For the animal of Liones' sports teams.
All too soon it was time for us to get into position, the cheers dying down as a coin toss was being performed to see who would start with the ball. It was once the coin landed on tails that all fell apart.
Rosa...Sweet Rosa: 15 years
Once again I find myself hiding behind a wall, trying to escape the angry mobs wanting to beat me up for losing the game against Castellio. Thanks to my reckless pride, the whole school was under a whole new ethos. Even Principal Zaratras was having a hard time in lessening the strict conditions of Castellio's outlines for the school. Homework was now handed out all the time, giving students less free time and leaving the campus after school was forbidden unless it was on the weekends. Oh yes and they did make a Saturday and Sunday school.
"Hiding again Escanor?" Rosa laughed slightly, taking a spot beside me in the gardening club's area. She passed me something wrapped in foil, shaking her head. "I don't know why they have to be so cruel to you."
I sigh at this, knowing exactly why. It was because a new school rule dictated that I was not to be liked that much, especially since I injured Lord Daymond. In fact the main reason for my dislike was my curse. My curse of this infernal pride and strength. However Rosa was the only one who went against it, delivering me lunch and often giving me notes from the classes I'd missed. She was a great friend and sometimes I often thought of her as more.
However I knew that there was no way anyone could love someone like me. Someone so monstrous and unnatural. It just wouldn't be right to let someone like Rosa be with someone like me. She deserved much better and so I never brought up the subject.
"No...I deserve it," The words come out small as I unwrap the foiled food, taking a bite from the burrito she'd brought. "I did lose the game for us. Plus I'm not exactly normal am I? They're just reacting through a natural way."
Rosa's expression softened at this, a hand placed upon my shoulder as she shook her head. As always Rosa didn't believe in that and so reflected it through her actions and words.
"Oh Escanor, you know that's not true," She released a sigh before getting something from her bag and giving it to me. "I'll be back in a second. I'm ending this now."
She then got up, bag in tow as she ran towards the other end of the garden. It was only when she was about to jump that wall that I realised what she was doing and raced to stop her before she did anything drastic.
"Rosa wait - "
But she was already gone, vanished like a vision in the night.
My Marvelous Merlin: 16 years
Rosa never returned. She never told me of her plan, but wrote me a letter explain that she could make the Castellio tyranny end. It involved her heading back to grace the halls of Castellio Prep and to never return. The price of a prize pupil for the school to go back to how it was. As a result I never saw her again and only learned of her sacrifice for the school and her wish.
Her wish for me to live.
However not long after that news reached of Castellio Prep being destroyed. The whole kingdom, along with its people, was destroyed in an attack that set most of the place aflame. There were no survivors and only few knew of what really happened that day. The whole thing was a mystery, a lot like Danafor, and now it left many hoping that people they knew escaped or at least found a way to die peacefully.
Yet I'll never know what happened to Rosa. I won't know what she was thinking in those last moments, nor if she regretted leaving Liones for the sake of my happiness. My happiness. Not even hers. She was such a great friend that all she ever thought of was myself before her untimely end...
"You must be Escanor," A ravenette sat across from me, a smile quirked on her lips. Hazel eyes were narrowed slightly, familiarity hitting me as I took a good look at her.
"Rosa?" The words come out as a whisper, my voice too quiet to actually be heard. After all it couldn't possibly be her, and yet she looked so alike! Not to mention the way she smiled at me, as if she already knew who I was. Plus this student just came up to me, bold as ever due to tales that had been spun about my inhuman strength and pride.
"I'm Merlin," She held out a hand and I shakily took it. A firm shake and her eyes widened with slight shock, before her smile as back in place. "So the tales are true...Escanor do you know anything about your curse?"
My curse. Oh I knew how I thought of it, but not what it really was. Nothing anyone did ever helped me to clarify on the matter and therefore I never ventured to know more. I simply accepted my fate and watched as all around me either abandoned or died when near me. When involved with me. Yet Merlin seemed to be different, no fear etched into her features as she simply regarded me. In fact she seemed very interested in my state, her gaze more analytical than fearful or lustful.
"N-No I don't know much," I let out a cough, some pride still left despite the sun beginning to set.
To that she laughed, a grin forming as she seemed to have an idea.
"Then why don't we find out together? I'm interested in knowing which one is the real you."
The real me, huh? I guess it would be nice to know what I'm like without this curse. What I'm like without my inhuman strength and arrogant pride. So I accepted Merlin's offer, a smile forming as I gave her a handshake, only this time it was weaker due to the sun having completely set.
"I'd love to."
A/N: Asterisk stuff AKA things for clarification. There was only one though :P
*Brown eyes: I know it's blue in the manga, but I just did a pick or choose. I found a way around the hair though :I
*Fun little note: This chapter was over 6,000 words long O.o
