The sword and the white rose

Chapter Six

Memories flood back, and I can’t help but wipe away a tear when I think about the day I obtained my first weapon. I shook my head in disbelief. I was on a mission to find Morifirer. Korrack remained unconscious as I glanced back at him. Although my heart felt weighed down, I had no choice but to secure him so he wouldn’t impede me once more. I gathered the few remaining weapons, along with my ensemble of all-black clothing: leather pants, a snug shirt, a trench coat, and combat boots. While I was getting dressed, I heard Korrack waking up, so I rushed. While I was finishing up zipping my last boot, I suddenly heard the chain make a noise. He has woken up.

“I acknowledge your continued presence, La Mia piccola Stella. Please come here and remove these chains from me.”

“I regret to inform you, Korrack, that I cannot comply. I must do this on my own.”

I spoke this as I exited the closet. My attire frightened Korrack when he laid eyes on it. He continuously shook his head in refusal.

“No, pay attention to what I’m saying, my child. I’m available to lend a hand.”

“I’m afraid you don’t have permission to do that. You’re going to keep me from causing harm to the people who deserve it. I’m seeking my solution.”

Walking out the door, I left Korrack to scream my real name, my dead name. A tear fall from my eye because he never used my real name.

Getting back to the theater was a swift process for me. I made a conscious decision not to visit my secret department this time. With a loud bang, I aggressively kicked the door in. Causing the two guards to instantly stand up. Sporting a wicked grin, I focused my attention on them. They hurriedly made their way towards me. I used my weapon to s***h one of them, and then I pushed him over. As for the other, I delivered a powerful kick to his stomach. It was incredibly easy to fight against them. The individual I kicked in the stomach managed to get back on their feet, stumbled backwards, and then proceeded to charge at me. I thrust the blade right into the heart’s core and twisted it. He transformed into a heap of dust particles. I observed the other person. For a brief moment, he remained in a state of shock. He had a wide-eyed expression and a somewhat wild smile on his face. I stood motionless, sheathing my dagger and raising my hands to engage in a physical confrontation with him. Signal for him to come towards me. I was messing around with him. Allowing my body to be struck by some of his punches and kicks. I became bored with him, so I sprinted towards the wall, scaling it to flip over his head. Then, I swiftly drew my dagger and plunged it into his back, where his heart would be. With my dagger in hand, I pivoted and began my search for the rest of them. Recognizing the presence of the guards near the door, I surmised that the remaining individuals were either sleeping or about to sleep. When I reached the lower level, I discovered the solution. All were in a state of slumber. It appeared that this was going to be a simple task. I cautiously enter the first room, silently approaching the bed, gripping my dagger, preparing to attack the sleeping person. Once I was in place, the person flipped over. I made sure not to wake anyone by taking a few steps back. Upon discovering she was still asleep, I swiftly stabbed her in the chest and muffled her mouth to stifle any cries. Just like the previous two, she also transforms into a pile of dust. While exiting her room, I observe a piece of paper situated on the table next to the door. I cast a swift glance and sure enough; I found a plan to take Morifirer. Anger was reaching the boiling point. With the letter crushed in my hand, I summon a fireball. I tossed the fire onto the bed and witnessed as the bed and the whole room became engulfed in flames. I ran my fire-lit hand down the wall, the flames still flickering. As I looked on, the fire devoured the doors, walls, and slowly infiltrated the rooms. I departed from the lower level and made my way to the upper ones. Similar to what I did downstairs, I ran my hands along the walls. Upon completing my task, I stumbled upon Brutus’s room. Upon entering the room, I quietly approached his bed. I seized the cloth coated in a powerful potion that renders people unconscious. I reached him and swiftly placed my hand over his mouth, where the cloth was. In a swift motion, he opened his eyes and made an unsuccessful attempt to fend me off. I needed to be quick. The fire was moving in this direction. Once again, I flicked my wrist just like I did with Korrack, causing Brutus’s body to levitate. As I was on my way out, Amolio caught sight of me and made his way towards me.

“Rosie, can you please fill me in on what’s happening?”

“Amolio, I unintentionally started a fire at the place.”

He was shocked by what I had done, his face dropping in disbelief. His head shook as he tightly gripped my shoulders with both of his hands.

“What are you referring to? Can you explain the motive behind your decision?”

" The reason behind my actions was Brutus’s falsehood. He has hidden Morifirer somewhere, and I am determined to uncover his location by any means necessary. Clear the way if you don’t want to get scorched.”

Amilio glanced over my shoulder and spotted Brutus, unconscious and levitating. He shut his eyes and inhaled deeply. He released me; As we walked, the fire engulfed are pass way beside us. As soon as we stepped outside, the sun was on the verge of rising. I turned my gaze towards Amilio and offered my hand. He seized it and we moved away from the old theater. As soon as we reached Morifirer and mine placed. I could hear Korrack unleashing a torrent of profanities and violently shaking the chains. I pay no attention to him and place Brutus in the basement. The wall was adorned with another set of hanging chains. I glanced backwards and saw Amilio’s unhappy expression. It was of no concern to me. He finally caught a glimpse of my attire. He had a mix of disappointment and happiness on his face, reacting to what I had done and what I was wearing.

“Rosetta, it’s my fault for not realizing earlier.”

“Well, you didn’t.” I said to him with a spiteful tone.

“It seems like Korrack attempted to hinder you, so you ended up restraining him too.”

“You’re absolutely right about that.”

“While I acknowledge your right to do what you’re doing, I’m standing by your side.”

“Amolio, you’re not required to stand with me, or perhaps I should refer to you as Alaric?”

When I said this, his expression dropped. Sporting a smile, he acknowledged my correctness. The person standing in front of me was not shy, sweet, kind, and proud person. The individual, innocent or guilty, was a merciless murderer. It doesn’t matter; you were just some meal to him. He chuckled lightly in response.

“At last, someone has cracked the code.”

“Alaric, you should have anticipated that I would uncover the truth. It was you. While they may not be able to, I certainly can. Is that the reason both you and Abigail were absent on that particular evening?”

“Yes, I went out with Abigail when you were present. We returned and Korrack was carrying you away.”

“I was cheap-shotted by him. The sun is about to rise. Rest until tonight. You’re aware of the location of your room.”

“Very well, Your Majesty.”

Bowing his head, he turns around and walks back upstairs. Just as he was about to approach the stairs, he suddenly brought up one final thing I would hear from him that night. Rozetta, you embody an awe-inspiring angelus mortis. I looked up at him and smile.

“No need to be so self-centered. Alaric, you are part of my elite group of soldiers.”

I then faced Brutus by turning around. I wore a disgusted expression on my face. My overwhelming emotion was anger. It’s necessary for him to stay awake. It would have to wait until sunset. With my boot, I delivered a final blow to his rib cage, breaking one or two ribs for certain. I went upstairs again and remained there until the sunset. By now, Korrack must have calmed down, avoiding shaking the chain or cursing when I returned upstairs. I inhaled deeply before heading to my room. True to form, Korrack was still awake. A crimson hue marked his cheek.

“Rozetta, what on earth have you done?”

“I did what was necessary. I got rid of those troublemakers.”

He shouted, asking why.

“I won’t let them get away with this because they have someone I love. Remember, it’s my responsibility to handle tasks like this, Korrack. You taught me for this reminder.”

“I still remember it, but at this moment you are not La Mia piccola Stella and I fear you will lose that, my child. Currently, you exist as nothing more than an angelus mortis. I’m not a fan of you being here.”

When he spoke those words, my heart momentarily felt heavy, as his comment deeply hurt me. Shame consumed me as I cast my gaze downward. I eventually lifted my eyes up a bit, but I didn’t leave my head

“Korrack, you can relax because there’s nothing to worry about. I do. Your baster bother has taken Morifirer and his whereabouts are unknown. I experience significant losses all the time.”

“There’s no obligation for you, child, to follow this path. Have faith in me, I understand what you’re going through. Have you forgotten what happened to me? Recall the story I shared with you when I left you, La Mia piccolo Stella.”

“ENOUGH!!”

While extending my hands upward, I tightly cling on to my hair. My breathing quickened and my eyes grew incredibly heavy. I stumbled over my steps while attempting to walk. My head is feeling dizzy. I returned to the bed and collapsed onto it. Korrack’s hand made contact with my back, causing me to cry out loudly. When my tears finally stopped, I shut my eyes for the last time that night. As I fell asleep, I heard Korrack mutter ‘Sorry, my child.’

“La Mia piccolo Stella.”

“In the training room Korrack.”

As Korrack walked towards the training room, his footsteps echoed in my ears. When he entered the training room, I was mindlessly removing a dagger from the training dummy.

“You are improving, my child.”

“Korrack, I appreciate your gratitude.”

He had a smile on his face when he looked at me. Leaning against the doorway, he had his arms folded across his chest.

“Can you tell me the current day?”

“The 17 of June Korrack. Why?”

A smile adorned his face. Sliding his foot to the floor, he got up and approached me. He gently kisses my forehead.

“Sending birthday wishes to my child on their special 16th birthday.”

I responded to him by rolling my eyes. Korrack never disclosed his birthday, although he always remembered mine.

“Give me a moment to observe you. You are currently 16 years old. You stand about 3’3.” He said this with a chuckle

“5’2 Korrack 3’3 was when I was like 9.”

“Alright, you win, 5’2. There is a young woman with stunning ice-blue eyes and raven black hair, either braided into a bun or flowing down to the middle of her back, who possesses exceptional fighting skills that rival or surpass those of any male I know. Don’t forget who has a heart of gold and has brought so much kindness and love into my home for all these years.”

“Besides Abigail, I’m the only woman who shares your house, but she prefers to visit.”

“True. What are your thoughts on tonight’s activities?”

“I attempted to practice the move you demonstrated to me recently. I can’t seem to do it perfectly. My back is where I consistently end up landing.”

“The technique known as the wall kick.”

“I think I lack the necessary speed or height to successfully accomplish it.”

“Allow me to review your progress and see if there’s anything I can do to aid you.”

I signaled my agreement with a nod. I conceal my daggers. Stepping back, I sprinted towards the wall. I managed to climb halfway up the stone wall before falling directly onto my back. When I hit the stone floor, there was a loud crack. I bent my back, uttering a loud scream of agony. My attempts to breathe were unsuccessful. Korrack sprinted towards me.

“Can you please move, Flor?”

The pain was excruciating when I attempted to move. My pain is so intense that all I can do is scream. Tears streamed down my face. I express my negative response by shaking my head. I was unable to take a complete breath. It felt as though all the wind was knocked out of me. Korrack’s face showed signs of concern as he looked around. On his knee, he went down to lift me up. He proceeded with caution as he carried out this action. He slides his arm beneath my back and the other beneath my legs.

“Brace yourself, this is going to be painful. It is necessary for you to encircle my neck with your arms.”

I acknowledged him with a nod, indicating my comprehension. I wince in pain when he picks me up, ensuring I don’t scream in his ear. Korrack said absolutely nothing while he was carrying me the whole time. He brought me directly to my room and laid me on my bed. He walked out; I knew where he was going. The wrap and herbs were located in his room. In no time at all, he found what he was looking for and returned.

“Alright, I need your assistance to sit you up and determine if anything is broken. I know it will hurt, but I’ll do my best to complete it as fast as possible.”

“I understand Korrack.”

I shut my eyes and clenched my teeth. Korrack swiftly assists me in sitting up as I raise myself. He arranges pillows against the wall, creating a partially cozy space for my back. He tugged at the bottom of my shirt and swiftly removed it from my body. I declined to be embarrassed. Your statement is incorrect. I had previously bound my chest before boarding the train. Seeing the wraps around my chest area, Korrack nodded in understanding. Taking off the wraps was necessary for him to see anything. With a sheepish expression, he gave me a slight nod of his head.

“La Mia piccola Stella, I have to remove those bandages.”

“Okay, Korrack.”

Korrack is the type of person who always asks permission before touching you. He has consistently been doing that for as long as I’ve known him. I made an effort to sit up a little more, allowing him to unwrap my chest. After removing the wrapping, he examined my rib cage. I cried out due to the pain I felt. I had tears streaming down my face. After that, I roll onto my side. When he places his hand on the upper area of my back. I distanced myself from him because it hurt. He refrained from touching and tugged my shoulder backward slightly. I knew he was telling me I could lie back.

“Alright, it’s time for me to examine your ribs.”

I shook my head and closed my eyes, anticipating his touch on my ribs. When he realized I was prepared, he put his hand under my breast, exploring one side before quickly moving to the other side. Tears streamed down my face while I bit my lower lip the entire time.

“It seems like you’ve broken your left shoulder blade, upper back, and three ribs on both sides, La Mia piccolo Stella.”

I pulled the blanket to hide my chest. A tear, colored crimson, rolled down from his eye. He removes it and combines herbs in a bowl for pain relief. I could tell he was getting frustrated as he mixed the herbs, knowing what I didn’t know. Despite waiting for a while, he kept quiet without relenting. Despite my call, he was unable to hear me. I ended up yelling his name for him to be looked up at me

“Yes.”

“What is the reason behind your anger?”

“I am angry because you ended up getting hurt. Teaching you that move was a mistake.” He said this with a loud bang in the bowl. It caused me to react with a small jump.

“Korrack, it’s not within your power to modify that. I hurt myself.”

“I can’t alter that, but if I didn’t demonstrate that move, you wouldn’t have been injured.”

“Korrack, cut it out. Stop being so hard on yourself. Eventually, I would have ended up getting hurt.”

It’s as if my words are slapping him in the face. He is aware that I despise it when he takes the blame for my injuries. His face regained its softness. His smile was meant for me. He knew he couldn’t win this argument.

“Your point is valid. You may have won this round, but I still feel guilty about your birthday injury. Allow me to apply the herb onto your back, shoulder blade, and ribs.”

I leaned in to hug him, signaling that I no longer wanted to argue. While engaged in this action, I murmured something in his ear, prompting him to lovingly hold me.