First Light

4111 Words
First LightCreatures of the Light © All Rights Reserved ##### First Light ##### -------------------------------- Beauty She is the mistress of the night Who shall never perish in the dark Clouded by the mist Ends the world in ice Looking for the light Yet got burned with flame. Banri lets me into his cave. It is like a nest of a dragon in here. I can feel the heat of the lava rising from every corner of the place, as there are a few cracks of volcano encrustations all around the surface of the rocky walls. The white vapor sizzles from the cracks, expelling flaming moisture to my skin. I have no other choice but to lower my hood to ease the heat, revealing my new shade of hair and eyes. We pass a fountain of magma, with an earthly bridge to get across. The bridge is pretty big, and looks strong enough to support creatures weighing hundreds of tons heavier than us safely without fail. Underneath, the magma is running scaldingly, bringing tides of decayed soil like how a river flows fallen leaves. Across, there is a double door, fancier than the one outside. It has a dark color, almost black, but is actually a very deep brown. There are red crystals planted on the doors, leaving a pattern of picturesque design. They are the same kind of stones that Banri gave to me on my birthday party ─ the fire stones. Banri pushes the doors open, revealing the living room inside. The design inside is not far from the outside’s, only here that the place is much more welcoming and suitable as a home. The lighting here is powered by the heat energy that the land gives off, so it is not hard to obtain it. I take a sit on the long sofa, which is made of repeated fretwork. The surface is kind of hard, but cool, making it very comfortable in this biosphere. “So, do you have any idea how to turn me back to normal?” I ask him bluntly. He approaches a tall bookshelf of the corner of the room, pulling out a thick, old book with a scarlet cover. He opens the pages until he gets the overlay that he wants, and then starts reading. “Element exchange,” he reads the title out loud. “It says here that a wizard can be turned into a different element wizard if given a specific potion. The specific potion is only known only from one clan that possesses one element.” He then places the book in front of me, letting me read the words myself. There is a simple symbol drawn on the book. Two black arrows, each pointing at each other in a circling manner. It is the symbol of exchange. “It doesn’t say anything related to the Blancort, as each potion is a part of a clan’s secret. But at least, for now we know what causes your change,” Banri mutters. “So you’re saying that in order to know how to turn me back, I have to confront the Blancorts?” He nods. “I can’t do that,” I say with a sigh. “Why?” “You know why. If I cause any more reason for the Blancort and the Noirmelns to discord, then the relationship between the two families will get worse. I don’t want that to happen, especially because Valline and I are married now.” “Why don’t you just ask your husband about the potion?” “I can’t do that either,” I say biting my lower lip. “He’ll know the second that I show myself, that this is a Blancort’s doing. I don’t want him to be upset with his family members, as it will only cause rupture in their clan. What if they decide to overthrow him? We have enough reason to let them do exactly that by creating our marriage tattoos. And if they do, guess who will replace Valline’s position as the King of Light?” “Carvel Blancort,” Banri answers. “Exactly. He’ll try to attack my family more openly if he manages to get that position, there is no doubt about that. A war will occur again, and I might not be able to stop it. This is why I came to you for help, instead of letting Valline knows about this,” I gesture my appearance. “But I can’t give you a hand, Arsene. I don’t know anything about the potion. Your husband must know more than I ever do,” he says. “I know,” I say desperately. “Just let me stay here for the meantime, until I figure out what to do next.” “I won’t mind that, but what will you do once your husband finds you here? He’ll misunderstand the situation.” “He won’t,” I say reassuringly. “Yeah, you might think he won’t, but I am a man. And as I warlock, I think I know exactly how another warlock will react once he finds out that his wife is staying with another warlock. I’m saying this because I care for you, Arse.” “I know, I know.” I put my palms on my face out of stress. “But you are the only wizard that crossed my mind when I discovered my transformation. You are the only one who can help me. Not even my family may know about this. Because if they do, they will try to provoke a war with the Blancort even without my order. The Blancorts have assaulted their Queen, after all.” “No one can know that you’re here, then,” Banri makes up his mind. “Thank you,” I mutter. Days passed without a word of my whereabouts. Everyone, including my family and Valline, must be looking for me anywhere they can think about. But I left no clue for them, so they will not be able to figure out where I am hiding. Hiding. The word echoes in my mind. Is it what I will do for the rest of my life? Of course not. But to prevent a war from breaking out? Might just be. I will not be able to go out until I find a way to return my looks back to normal, including my powers. Having the power of light within me feels off, and I feel really wary every time I can feel the pulsation of the powers, trying to get out of me. I can still see the outside world without going out, though. It can be really boring to be indoors all day long. I can use the light power to allow me to see the outside world, although it still feels odd every time I use it. I can create a portal, which allows me to look at the situation someplace else. It is similar to what Lelouch’s magic can do, except for the part where he can create as many portals as possible without breaking a sweat, while I can only make one at a time. And the limitation of time is here, too, as it takes a lot of energy to make a portal. The place I want to keep a watch on is the Noirmelns Castle, for most of the time. I can see Valline keeps looking for me all day long. Even at night, he still tries to find a way to find me, despite the fact that I am nowhere near. It breaks my heart to see him like that, but I can’t do anything else. I have to keep quiet if I want everyone to be in peace. Artro and Link are also looking for me. They do most of the work, while also trying to keep up with their duties as my second-in-command. They are my guards, so they have bigger responsibilities that the rest of the family members. Raion, my nephew, also help with the search. But no one knows where I am. And no one may ever know. Suddenly, I can hear loud noises coming from outside the room I am staying currently in Banri’s house. It makes me lose focus on the portal I am keep on, shattering it into the air and dissolves. I can hear loud bangs from outside, which concerns me. I stand from the chair I am sitting on, backing away from the window to turn to the door. Abruptly, the door to my room is being pushed open, and the sight of the figure standing at the other side makes my breath hitches. “Thank goodness you’re alright,” he runs toward me and pulls me into a deep hug. His arms are around me waist, circling securely around my body as if I am about to disappear any minute. I can feel his warm breath on my skin, exhaling and inhaling my scent deeply. His sweet scent invades my lungs. Warm tears make their way to my eyes instantly. I can not suppress the feeling of loneliness anymore. “Valline....” I whimper in his neck. “Why didn’t you tell me where you were going? I have been searching for you everywhere.” There is no doubt from his tone that he did. “But how did you find me?” “It was a thin chance,” he pulls away, “But I did it anyway. I used the last remaining energy I have today to track down your aura. I was tired as hell, but it was worth it. I finally found you.” His fingers erase the tears that trail down my cheeks, grazing just below my hood. I lower my head so that he can not see my eyes, especially the color they hold. “What’s wrong?” he asks in concern. “Nothing. It’s just that─” “What the hell happened here?!” Valline and I both turn out heads toward Banri, who is looking rather furious with the bedroom door that Valline just destroyed in order to bust in. But he then turns his gaze on us and understands, his expression softens. “Shouldn’t I be the one that is asking that question, Banri?” I have never seen Valline looks so dangerous before, I barely recognize the voice of the one that is talking at first. “You know that Arsene is here the whole time, yet you didn’t even bother to inform me and her family. Do you know what we have to go through to find her?” Banri puts a hand on his waist. “For that question, why don’t you just ask your wife?” “Why you─” But before Valline can lash out on my friend, I place myself in front of him, extending my hands in order to block him from charging forward with anger and probably doing something he might regret later on. “Wait, this is not his fault,” I say quickly. “Then whose is it?” Valline asks through clenched teeth, kind of making me a little taken aback with how scary he sounds when he is angry. “Well, you, technically,” Banri answers that question for him, which seems to anger Valline even more. Good thing me being here does not let him from launching any sudden attack on Banri.... yet. I turn my head behind slowly to Banri, silently asking for him to leave and let the two of us talk peacefully. His presence is not helping me right at the moment. Banri only stares at me blankly for a moment, but I know that he understands the look I am throwing at his direction. Frustratedly, he swallows hard and clucked. “Lovers’ quarrel? You do realize how cliché this situation really is, right?” He turns his heels in a circle on the spot of where he is currently standing to throw away his face from us, disappointment clearly seasoning his tone. Then after a few seconds, he turns his gaze back at me. A sad look is reflecting in his eyes. “Is this really the warlock you threw away your oath for?” he asks, but doesn’t wait for my reply as he walks away. Valline watches as Banri’s back disappear from our sight, before turning his attention back to me and asks, “What does he mean by that?” “What does that mean?” “When he said that I am the warlock you threw away your oath for. What does it mean?” Something glows in his eyes when he asks me that question, and it is not the kind that I like. Valline looks really scary when he is angry, and I hate the fact that he is angry at me right now. “It doesn’t matter right now,” my eyes turns away almost instantly, refuses to look at his direction. But he just walks right in front of me. “Tell me, Arsene.” His eyes turn softer on me when he sighs. “Why did you run away? Why did you suddenly leave me? I woke up one morning and the next thing I know, you were gone. I was panicking beyond limits. I had no idea where you went. You didn’t leave any notes, and no one knows where you went.” “I just had to go,” I say, biting my lower lip as my hands instantly find their ways to pull the hood lower. He can not know what happened. “Please, Arsene. You can trust me,” he pleads. “I know, but you can not guarantee what you will do once you know.” “What is it that I will be so upset about if I know?” Valline tries to look into my eyes past the hood by bending his body lower, but I just take a few steps back. He steps ahead, keeping his distance close to me. But every time he tries to look past the hood, I will always lower my head and turn away. “What’s wrong, Arsene? Please tell me so that I can help you.” He sounds so sad, as if my refusal to tell him is hurting him. But perhaps that is exactly how he feels in heart, and the only thing left to do for me is ease the pain. But will that be the right choice? “Please promise me,” I finally say. “Anything,” he guarantees. “Promise me that you won’t be mad, that you will always keep your head clear once I tell you what had happened.” “I will.” “Say it. Say it like you really mean it,” I demand. “I will not lose my temper, no matter what you are going to say next.” “Good. Then first, I would like you to brace yourself.” When I can see him looking calmer, my pale fingers start to reach up to my hood, and slowly pulling it down. His eyes widened in surprise once my sees my new appearance. His mouth hung open in shock. It feels a long time has passed until he finally takes a breath in again after holding it for quite some time. And when he does, he blinks his eyes a few times, as if I will turn back to normal again with such an attempt. But I remain the same. My hair is still white and long, cascading down from my head. And my eyes are still the same sparkling blue. “H-how....” “Banri and I suspected that this is a Blancort’s doing, since one wizard can only turn another wizard into a different element using a clan’s secret potion. Perhaps you know something about it, because it will really help turning me back to normal,” I explain as quickly as possible. “W-what...? A member of my family did this to you? How? When?” “I think it has something to do with the refreshment I received the night you spent the night over in my room,” I say, recalling the event. “A servant brought me a glass of juice, one that has a white color to it. I didn’t suspect much because I was still half-asleep, while you were already fast asleep. So I just took it. It was a coincidence that I was feeling rather thirsty, so I took it. I had no idea that it would turn me into like this, though. If I had known, I would not have drank it.” “Who would do this to you?” Valline asks, but more to himself. “Could it be.... Carvel?” “Might be. But let’s not make assumptions before we are positively sure.” “I’m going to make sure that whoever did this deserve the right punishment,” he says in a determination. “Remember your promise,” I remind him. “Don’t worry, I won’t act recklessly. But I have to do some investigations, if we want to catch the culprit.” “You have to do it secretly. We can’t let anyone knows about my condition ─ not even my family.” “Let’s just focus on getting me back to normal. Don’t worry. We don’t have to involve the others. I’m going to take care of this myself,” Valline says to me, taking a hold of my hand and squeezes it in a calming manner. I flash him a smile, despite everything. “Thank you,” I tell him. “Anything for you,” he replies my smile. “Now, about that oath that Banri had mentioned. Can you tell me that before I go for the investigation?” I press my lips into a thin line, not sure whether it is wise for me to elaborate about that matter as well. “You can tell me, Arsene. At least after hearing that I will be sure to leave you here safely.” My eyes stare down at our linking hands when answering. “I had decided to never fall in love once,” I say. “Why?” “Because.... love was just too painful, in my eyes. It would never last, and I was so afraid of losing it, once I got it. I knew that there was so such thing as a true happy ending. That was why I made the oath to never let myself fall in love. To ever be in a romantic relationship, period.” “What changed your mind, then?” For a moment, I only stay silent, before looking up into his crystal blue eyes. “You.” “You make my heart beat the way no other men had. You make me need you,” I state. Valline squeezes my hand one more time before pulling in for a kiss on my forehead. The soft sensation of his lips on my skin is a very pleasant feeling to me that I close my eyes to enjoy the moment. “I’m very happy that I am the one who is making you feel that way,” he says with a wide smile before taking his leave. Outside, I can hear Valline’s voice meeting with Banri’s. I am about to walk out from the room when I can hear their conversation. “I’m going to entrust Arsene in your house. I hope you will take good care of her and keep her safe.” It is Valline who speaks first. “I will. She’s a good friend of mine, after all,” Banri replies. “But I won’t be too concerned about her safety, though. She has been able to take care of her own safety very well for quite some time, even on her own.” “Still, if anything happens, do inform me.” “Will do. Oh, and one more thing. Before you leave, I would like to tell you something.” Silence. “Arsene became the state she is right now because of one of your family member’s doing. I hope you realize that this means whoever did this does not want another Noirmelns to unite with a Blancort.” I think Valline is raising one of his eyebrows. “What do you mean?” Banri clears his throat. “I mean that he or she does not wish another Greymist to be born into this world. Whoever did this to Arsene must have thought that the two of you were trying to have a child, which is why he or she interrupted by giving Arsene that potion ─ so that instead of bearing a Greymist, she will give birth to a Blancort.” “We didn’t─” Silence. “We haven’t done it yet. We were just sleeping next to each other.” Another silence. “Good luck with the search, then,” Banri finally says, before I can hear Valline further walking away. I take a sit back to the chair I was sitting previously. The chair faces the window, letting me see the view outside. No single being passes the forest of flame outside, as the environment is too brutal for any other creatures to live through. Banri is the only one who owns a residence from miles away, which is one of the reasons why I picked his place for shelter in the first place. I wait for a few minutes before Banri re-enters the room. “Did you leave?” I ask without turning my head. “Yes, he did.” I realize that my hood is still down, so I pull it up. “You don’t have to hide yourself from me.” There is a rather sad tone to his voice when he says those words. Tears are starting to build up inside of me again when I hear his words. I do not know what is wrong with me lately. Every single slight matter upsets me easily. It feels really fragile and weak, the opposite from how I usually feel. I raise my hand to erase the tears, but they just keep coming and coming. Banri puts a hand on my shoulder, a gesture that makes me want to cry even more. I hate this situation. I do not enjoy every minute of not being myself. “I’m sorry. I just couldn’t hold it in. It feels like I want to cry all the time without any strong reason to. I have never felt so vulnerable in my whole life,” I admit to him. “It’s okay, Arsene. You can cry as much as you want in front of me. I will accompany you, if it will make you feel better,” he says soothingly. “Thanks,” I mumble. “Anytime.” And then I let my tears pour out as heavily as they want. I do not stop. I only sob. “It must be the change. It is influencing you,” Banri says. “How?” “Well, you are technically a light wizard right now. Remember a light wizard’s characteristics7?” Yes. They are as pure as the name, although not all of them. But the true nature of a light wizard are that they have a kind heart, like a noble, and very sensitive towards every single thing. Is that why I cry easily? Is that why I feel so weak? Because of the honorable personality that has been planted on me? I can not feel real hatred towards the one who did this to me, is it because of the potion’s side effects as well? Whatever I am feeling right now, I want it to go away soon.
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