Epitome of a Hero

Desolated

Many people said that a man can never live on his/her own. That one person cannot withstand the pressure of being their own island. Humans were meant to work together in order to survive--- but all this time, I believed otherwise.

Since everyone I loved and cared about, either died or betrayed me for their own sakes.

“Princess Damian,” one of the court maids called. “The King has requested your presence on the throne room.”

The lady immediately left after her announcement, making me unable to ask what it might be about. What misfortune will this day bring me once again?

I put my sword back to its sheath on my belt before heading outside. Uncle Lumiere and Luke was supposed to train with me this day but I guess my Father had other plans for me this instant. It has always been like that.

When I reached the throne, I immediately nodded when I saw the King beside his new wife. She looks nothing like my mother. But aside from them, Uncle Lumiere also stood in front of the throne and so I walked beside him to greet the loyalty.

“Fa—Your highness,” I greeted, bent on one knee, awaiting for his command. “What is it that needed my presence?”

What misery is he going to bring upon me today? Why is Uncle here too?

“Lumiere. It is your announcement and not mine. Do tell your ‘humble’ request.” The King sounded so unconcerned and it made my ears rattle. Humble request?

“Stand up child.” Uncle spoke and so I stood, curious and nervous about what request is was. My eyes asked for what it was but all my Uncle did was show a little smile that was so--- unusual.

“Starting from tomorrow, you will be the commandant of our entire soldiers, and as the commendatore you will train them.” No.

“What? I am too young to be a leader Uncle, I can’t,” I argued, too perplexed about what was going on.

“You are much capable than anyone else, even at your young age---”

“If your request is already fulfilled, you can leave this room and continue your shenanigans elsewhere.”

The King cut off Uncle Lumiere’s words which made him lash out and me… it was a normal thing for me to experience.

“Mordeau! This is your daughter in front of you!”

“Uncle, let’s go.” I asked, laying my hand on his arm to stop him but he was furious.

“And I-! I am your King! Now go out and leave my sight!”

“You’ll see where your throne carry you brother! And I know one day you’ll rot with it! Take my word!”

Uncle immediately left after his infuriated words, leaving the King with his anxious wide eyes open and his wife shocked with what she witnessed.

He always stood up for me against the King but his words were like it was the last time he’ll warn him and it made me feel puzzled. I can’t lose another one.

Uncle Lumiere left after that day and he was never found again. And the only thing he left me was his sword and the embrace which lasted for long in my heart but few in minutes. The warmth he left scarred me for life, and it was as painful as the day I lost Julla.

“Fight for what is yours Damian. You might not be raised like the other princesses in those books but you are the most special one I have known.”

****

Now.

I pondered at my past while I sat on the study desk, writing some of my experiences on an empty book that Tricia possesses. While I wrote all of those people dear to me and what had happened to them, I noticed how well I wrote my thoughts and how neat her hand writing was.

I closed the notebook and set the pen aside. Reclining on the chair and stared at the ceiling, wondering what I could do and what I should feel.

“What’s going to happen now kid?”

“Triz?” A knock on the door made me stand up immediately. Dad is already home so I should probably go downstairs and prepare the food with him. It’s happening again.

I was in awe with my own thoughts, it was like I knew exactly what I am going to do, like I have been doing it all my life. But I am tired.

Exhausted of the whole experience that the day has brought to me, I let my subconscious take over and just go with the flow of my own routine.

“Hey Dad.”

I greeted and helped him open the paper bags settled on the table.

“I brought you your favorite pasta,” he chuckled while he get two plates from the wares. I kind of felt excited and it made me lucky. The lasagna was also looking good in the package, while the other one was clubhouse filled with cheese, ham and lettuce.

I know these foods all too well now that I can even taste it by just looking at it.

“I’m so famished,” I giggled, opening the food wraps and placing them both to each side of the table.

“Famished? Well, I am even glad I came home earlier tonight. Go ahead and eat.” Dad laughed and I started digging into the food. I asked him if he wants some lasagna but he shook his head while munching on the sandwich. We had a great time and I told him about the lectures in class, this kind of bond which I never experienced with my won father on my real world--- kind of started to fill my soul.

When we finished, I started washing the dishes while father turned on the device called television. Football? Learning the new things don’t make me surprise anymore. This body I have right now have its own mind which I can use to cope up with what is happening around me but still, the girl who really owns it remains a mystery, mystery that I have to solve still.

I need the scent of fresh air…

“Dad? Can I go take a walk outside?” I asked before going up upstairs to pick up a jacket to cover me from the cold. This body is petite but too susceptible to cold. The old man clicked on the remote to lower the volume of the game he is watching.

“Do you want me to come with you?”

“Oh no, no. I’ll be just out for a couple of minutes.” I need to be alone outside for a while.

“Okay, bring the pepper spray,” he insisted while pointing on the little spray beside the tv, located on the table.

“I can—” protect myself.

“Bring it,” he cut me off my sentences with his command and so I did pick it up with a grin on my face.

“Fine.”

I wore the jacket on my room and tied my hair up, planning to run outside on the cold night. Maybe running will help me think. Hurrily, I bid goodbye to my dad and started running outside our street where I notice bright lights being emitted by the lamp post, slowing down my tempo.

It’s kind of beautiful.

I suddenly remembered how I walked on villages with a torch in my hand, with only its light and the moon’s guiding me on my way.

“It’s pretty much different around here. With the lights and streets that direct you on where you should go.”

The wind blew calmly on my face as I stare at the lamp post then at the stars while I walk on the side of the street. The houses also looked similar from one another, but a little tweak from each property made its variations.

I smiled.

“You do think too much, I do too…”

After walking aimlessly under the shimmering light, I decided to go near a convenient store to buy a few snacks for me and my dad. I guess I should have a taste on whatever is available here.

The store looked normal to me, of course, the mind records everything you have already seen ever since you have the sight and intellect as a child. I headed to the chips alley, grabbing some Doritos for me and my dad. Then through the fridge to get some mountain dew to refresh me up. 

I can stay up just to read some of what this kid is reading.

After finalizing my decision on snacks, I paid the cashier and went out with the plastic bag hooked on my finger, carrying it at the back of my shoulder.

I guess I’ll start learning more of what she do to make me feel comfortable while I am here.

A peace of mind will help me more…

I took my steps slowly in pace away from the store when the different howl of the wind brought my attention to the boy who passed beside me.

I stopped on my tracks and turned back, with my eyes set on the back of the familiar boy who walked away from me. Curly brown semi long hair?

I squint my eyes to focus on him when he went through the convenience store, catching a glimpse of his face from the light at a fast motion.

Why do I feel--- like I have seen him before?

I headed back home immediately after, completely forgetting about the boy who I just saw from the store.

“Welcome back.”

My dad spoke as soon as the bell from the door chimed when I entered.

“I brought some Doritos for you,” I smiled.

“Thank you dear,” he answered, looking all excited with his snack.

I huffed as I gave the snack to him and bid him goodnight to go upstairs and do my own thing.

“Well, I guess it’s just you and me again,” I rubbed the back of my head while I speak to the reflection in the mirror.

“Where would you like me to begin?”

I asked, opening my snack and grabbing onto a notebook inside my bag to read whatever it is inside that I should know.