The Tale of Our Love

Chapter 1: The sky is clear, and the wind blows through east. You can hear the birds singing and the animals crawling to the grounds. I can also hear my mother singing her favorite song and my father singing along. “Can’t they be quite for one hour?” I said as I cover my ears with the pillow and snuggle in my comfortable bed. I don’t want to wake up yet, but some people don’t want others to sleep. “My sweet boy can’t you wake up now.” I can hear my mother thoughts. I stood up and throw my pillow at the door. “I can hear that sweetie.” My mother said as she shouted those words. I know my father already saw me going out to my bed. “Geez, this guys really don’t want me to have a nice nap.” I whispered as I fix my bed. I hurriedly go down stairs and meet my mother and father being sweet to each other. “It’s so early in the morning and the both of you is so lovey-dovey it’s sickening to watch.” I said as I sat down to the chair. My mother hears me say those words and I can feel pain inside my head. “Are you going to kill me Mother? As far as I know I’m still your son.” I said to her and the pain in my head is gone. My mother serves me the breakfast that her and father cooked. “I clearly remember giving birth to you. That’s why I’m going easy on you, young man.” My mother said to me as she sat in front of me beside my father. Here we go again another nagging, so early in the morning. “Honey, let us eat first.” My father said while holding my mother hands. I can say that I can never get tired of looking at my mother and father love. Though I tease them sometimes, still I can never hate them for showing how much they love each other. It might be weird to hear it coming from a man, but I want to be with someone whom I can show my love without any worries. Just like my parents do. “Honey, can you pass me the salt?” My mother said to my father, but he won’t be needing to fetch it cause the salt itself floats towards my mother and lands right through her right hand. “Thank you, sweetie.” My mother said to my father while pinching his cheek. “Mother, I’m the one who pass you the salt. Can’t you give me some thanks?” I sweetly asked her, right now she will pinch my cheek too. 15 mins past by still nothing happens. Mother already finish her food; she passes by me like I’m not there at all.   “Father, what’s wrong with Mother? Is she that angry about me teasing her?”  I asked Father, he then drag his chair to mine. He pats my shoulder and sigh before he starts to talk. “Your Mother saw the letter which the King sent to you. She read it and doesn’t like it. That’s why she’s like that.” Father said to me and drank his coffee. I didn’t even read the letter and she’s like that, now I’m curious of what is the letter all about. “Where is the letter, Father?” I asked him, and he took something to his pocket. But before he took it out my Mother shouted, which stop him midway. “If you give it to him, you will sleep outside tonight.” These are the words Mother said that is why Father didn’t give me the letter. “Geez, Mother how can I know what’s going on if you won’t let me look at it.” I said to her and my Mother suddenly appear in front of me crying. “We have a lot of money and business, so we didn’t give you workloads, right?” My Mother said to me as she keeps on crying while my Father pat her back to calm her down. “Of course, I know that Mother but why are you crying?” I asked her, but she cry even more. Father keep on making her calm down, but she won’t stop crying. Sometimes I think that my Mother acts like a child in front of me and Father. “The letter that the king sent to you is an invitation which invites you to M.A.K.E school. It is said that once you graduated you will go to war and serve as a soldier, no matter what your standing in life, as long as any boy 18 above is required to join. If not, then the soldier will kill all the family.” Father said to me, I can clearly see that he too is worried after all he has joined the army for so many years. He knows how military works. “Is that so then I guess we cannot say no to this order. Am I right father?” I asked him, and he just nod while patting my mother who’s still crying. “My poor sweet boy.” My Mother said while still crying. I don’t want to see her cry, but this is an order from the King even if we are one of the aristocrats in our country, we can’t say no to the King’s order. I also don’t want my family to be killed just because I didn’t go to the academy and entered the war. “I’m going to that academy Mother.” I firmly said to her and goes upstairs to get my things. I read the letter and they needed to get me today.  I’m at my room but I heard a knock at our front door. I think father opened it after mother is still crying. I hurriedly go down stairs to meet the person sent to fetch me. “Salute to you General James.” The soldier said and give salute to my Father. “At ease soldier. My son will soon meet with you, before you deliver him to the academy, I want to have a word with him first.” My father said to the soldier in a commanding tone. “Of course, General.” The soldier said and goes out. While my Father walk toward me and point our sofa. “Son, the academy is a harsh environment that is why I want you to be alert all the time. And don’t trust others easily, they might bite back at you suddenly. Remember to trust your instinct and especially your heart.” Father said to me as he hugs me tightly. “Father I’m not gonna die in the academy, right? Cause the way you talk it’s like I’m going into a war.” I said to him and he let go. He looks into my eyes and I can see that he’s furious and serious. “The academy itself is WAR. You will know this after you go inside.” Father said to me and help me stood up. I saw my mother walking through us. She’s not crying though. “My sweet son.” She touches my cheeks. “Be careful. Don’t let yourself be hurt okay?” my mother is trying her best not to cry. I know that both of them doesn’t want me to come in the academy, but we’ve got no choice because our kingdom is facing a crisis which requires the strength of its people. “Father are you going to the war?” I asked him while walking to the front door, which the soldier is waiting. “Yes, I am this will be the last war that I’m going to participate. I already told the king of my retirement.” Father said and open the door for me. I look back at my mother face as I walk towards the carriage, I even saw my younger brother run towards my mother. I smile at them and shouted. “I will come back and make you proud.” I saw my mother hug father and started to cry again. “Were already proud of you, my son.” Mother telepathically said to me. I don’t know what will happen to me, but I will do everything to protect what’s dear to me. Meanwhile at the Fire Kingdom, The King and his wife are looking at the whole kingdom in the veranda. When one of his guards’ barge in with news. “Your Majesty, I’ve come with news.” He said and kneel down in front of the king “What is it? You may rise.” The king commanded the guard and he look at the king and stood up. “As you commanded all the boy whose age is 18 above are being sent to the military academy to study for 8 months and be sent to the battlefield. All of them are being delivered right now to the academy, we didn’t miss any household. Your majesty.” The guard said and bow down after his statement. “Did you meet the son of General James?” The king asked, and the guard look up at his King. “Yes, Your Majesty. The boy’s name is Amory Andrew Cullen.” The guard answered. “Good, you may now go, report to me the result of their entrance examination.” After what the King said the guard walk out of the throne room. The Queen walk beside her husband and tilt her head to his shoulder. “Will our son be alright?” The Queen worriedly asked his husband. The king looks at his beautiful Queen and kiss her forehead. “Do not be worry my Queen. The General son is inside the academy and you can trust our son ability. He’ll be alright.” The king reassures his Queen and hug her. “We cannot avoid this outcome, now that the Water Kingdom wants to wage war to us.” The king said as he looks at the window. He too is worried for his only son, but as a king he must not show his emotion to others. “Father.” The king daughter called while standing at the door. “Will brother be alright?” Her daughter said as she walks towards them. “Of course. Your brother is a Peterson, he will be alright if not then I will disown him as my son.” The king jokingly said to his daughter to ease her worries. Her daughter laughs at the thought that her father will disown her brother because he knows too well how his father treasure his brother. As the boys are being transferred to the academy. The academy name is Military Academy of King Edmud (M.A.K.E). All were too amused at the sight of the academy. As the door opened, our protagonist notice something. But little did he knows that entering the academy is not an easy task. My instinct tells me that something will happen. It’s going to be dangerous. I look around and I notice that the coachman is not there anymore. “Everyone stays low.” I said to them and all of them look at me and started to laugh except for two people. One at the door hugging his sword while the other is beside me. “I said stay low!” I shouted at them and they all stop laughing and sat silently at the chairs. But one guy won’t listen to me. He still stood up and won’t even bulge at his standing point. The carriage is too big, you can stand up inside and there also a small shelf containing beverages. I was about to pull down the guy but then, two arrows pierce his body which leads for him to fall down. All of us were shock, nobody moves except for the guy holding his sword. He approaches the person and touch his pulse. I can hear the other boys shouting from the other side. “This guy is no more.” He said and close the eyes of the boy who just die. “The arrow has pierced his heart; I can no longer heal him.” He said to us as he looked at me with a serious face. “All of us must go out, we are not safe here.” I said to them, but they look scared as they look at the dead body. “Look if we don’t go out now. We will be the next target; we must be in an open field. So, we can know what our enemy are. If we stay here, they will keep throwing arrows at us. So, everyone gathers your gear.” I said to them as I wear my gloves. And stood up to open the door. I can sense that only two guys are going with me, some are still sitting. I once remember my father words that every single day is a battlefield you must be always prepared and always thought that its either you kill or be killed. That is why he gave me this glove which he himself forge. Father said that these gloves illuminates the thing that I want and also control or balance my power. As we step out of the carriage, I saw many boys fighting with the guy with mask in their face. I also saw blood everywhere. This is no normal welcoming party; this is a m******e. “I don’t know your name, but we must work together or else we will be killed.” I said to the two of them and they just nod at me. I stretch out my left hand and a samurai sword came out of the glove. “I will take care at the front both of you cover me up.” I said to them and charge at front to help the other boy. I don’t know why but it seems like the enemy reinforcement are much greater than us if this continue, we will be annihilated. Looking back at our carriage, I can no longer see one single living boy inside, all of them are dead. “Father, forgive me.” I said and summon all of the sword and arrow that are in the ground and pierce every one of our enemy. It seems that some survived. I telepathically said to my comrades to gather in one side and they did. In one swipe I killed all the remaining masked guys. I look back and saw the shock face of the other boys. I know using telekinesis, super speed and telepathy is no ordinary thing to do. That is why I broke my promise to father not to use all of my powers. I can clearly smell the blood all over my body. Blood that are not mine. I withdraw my sword and it go back inside my left glove. “I expect nothing less, to the General son.” A man suddenly appeared while clapping as he walks towards us. I try to look clearly but there’s this bright light behind him. I didn’t even notice him in front of me. “Welcome To our Military Academy of King Edmud, Young Andrew.” He said to me as he pats my shoulder and walk pass by me. “Congratulation Amory Andrew Cullen for passing the entrance exam, battle score 5,000, Power Usage 20%. Rank 1.” A voice of a girl echoed all through the academy. It’s shocking to hear; they recorded my battle? “Congratulation Prince Lucas Ned Paterson for passing the entrance exam, Battle score 3,990, Power Usage 40%, Rank 2.” “Congratulation Caelan Jayce Green for passing the entrance exam, Battle score 3,900, Power Usage 50%. Rank 3.” This keeps on going until it reaches to rank 50. I really don’t care about the ranking but what I care about is that they recorded my battle even my power. It’s really scary how this academy monitors you. The two guys walk towards me whom didn’t laugh at me. “You must be Amory Andrew Cullen. Nice meeting you.” The guy with sword held his hands towards me. “Yes. And you?” I said as I shake his hands. As far as I can see this guy is called Caelan Jayce Green, the way he held his sword and his fighting style is like the Green family. I also notice that he has healing power. While this other one seems like the Prince, the way he postures himself and he really gives of the aura of a Prince. “I’m called Caelan Jayce Green.” He said, and he let go of his hands. I guess I’m right. We both look at the other guy and he look like he’s shock for us not knowing who he is. “Father said that the General’s son knew about me, but I guess it’s not true.” I heard he said in his thoughts. I slightly smile, really my father forgot to tell me about the King’s son. How can he explain this to the king that his son didn’t know about the existence of the Prince? “You’re the Prince, right?” I cut him off, he just smiles and speak. “Yes, I am but please don’t treat me as a Prince. My father the King said that I must conceal my identity.” He said and look at me head to toe. “I really expect nothing less from the General son. Just call me by the name Luke Swan, please take care of me, Andrew.” “Likewise, Luke and Jayce.” I said to them. It’s good that it only announces our score and not our faces because I swear, I won’t like it. Still I don’t get it, why did they say expect nothing less from my father? If I score low does that mean I disgrace Father reputation? “I just want to ask what made you say those words?” I asked him and both of them laugh at me. I don’t know why they would laugh, I serious though. “Seriously, you don’t know the legend of your father in the Academy?” Luke said while still laughing but Jayce stop already. Jayce notice that I’m not laughing so he pat Luke shoulder. Which made him stop laughing and look at me seriously. “My father always told me about your Father. Of how he gets the tittle of the Unmovable King, means he defeated other without moving an inch. What’s more terrifying is his unbeatable battle score of 4,000 which you clearly broke the record.” He said those words as he put his arms to my shoulder. I didn’t imagine that my Father is as strong as what they say after all if you imagine he’s always under by my Mother clutches. I know my Father is strong after all he became the General of our country’s army but to have a tittle inside the academy is something else. Battle score are recorded to those you s*******r, the score maybe base on the holder powers which level it is, and it will be added all together. The higher the level of your opponent the higher your score will be. And ranking is based on the battle score. Though I only heard it to my Father once, but I didn’t know that it really is happening here in the academy. I thought that Father made those up to rise my morals, but I guess everything he said is true. I looked around and saw many piles of body, I know that I should be happy for achieving the rank 1 but to think that in order to gain those points is to kill someone of your age. I look at my hands which were cover with blood. “I should get to used seeing this thing from now on.” I said to myself. I was raised by my parents to be stronger and be righteous, and to always believe of love. “What will happen to the students who have died?” I asked the person in front of me who patted me, he looks back at us and smile. “I’m sorry for my late intro. My name is Kean and I’m your Principal.” He said as bow down at us. “You don’t have to worry about them. They will come back alive for about 10 mins now and all the blood that they lost will be restored especially the bodies. After all we still need all of you to enter the war. We can’t afford to lose you inside the academy.” “I heard that if the person is dead you can no longer heal them but how come they can come back alive?” Jayce asked the principal with curiosity the Principal looked his way and step a bit closer to us. “I put you all in a momentarily sleep, before you entered the academy. While your all asleep I put a small device, which allow you to feel pain like you’re in a real battle. Even the masked enemy which is also the student here knows it too. We device this plan to know how you will react base on a real encounter unprepared, and I guess only a few of you knows how to fight well in a combat. Which is saddening.” The Principal said to us. So, everything make sense now to think this was just a test. To think I’ve almost killed those people. “You don’t have to be sad just because you kill them. After all this world revolves to a saying To Kill or Be Killed.” The Principal added, maybe he saw my emotions. “He’s practically right if I didn’t kill them. If I hesitate then, me and my fellow boys will be killed instead. After all they are ordered to kill us knowing that we are their fellow countryman. I must always think of the greater cause.” I said to myself and clinch my hand. “I must harden my feelings and get stronger to protect what’s dear to me.” I didn’t know that I said it out loud cause both of them laugh at me. “I didn’t know you’re a sweet guy Andrew.” Luke said as he points the other students being revive. We can clearly see that all of the are alive. Still the blood in my clothes are still stains. “All of those students who don’t have wounds my now go on your own dormitory and those who have must stay.” One of the Teacher shouted, we didn’t saw the Principal go away. “Let’s go, Sweet Andrew.” Luke teasingly said to me while poking my cheeks. As we head to the dormitory along with the other students. “Stop saying those words and stop being clingy to me or else you will lose those legs and tongue of yours.” I said with a serious face to him which made him back off me. “Meany.” He shortly said, and I saw Jayce laugh a bit.