Chapter 19: The Forgotten

Filoria, the city of Fairies. The sun was setting as the Fetail Etoilee finally came to a close. A group of humans stood atop a bridge as they admired the giant crystal tree.

“Wah! So pretty!” (Girl?)

“Who would have thought we’d be standing here? Alive…” (Man?)

“Thank you Marcus! You truly are our Hero” (Women?)

Marcus gaze drifted over the lake. He was reminiscing over his past. For Marcus, being caller a hero would be a misnomer. From food poisoning to getting killed, nothing he did was considered heroic. He loathe the name. The expectations that came with it were too great. Lost in thought, a voice called out to him yet again. It was the same voice he heard on his first day in Filoria.

[...Markus...Markus...]

“Hey does anyone else here a voice?” (Marcus)

“A voice?” (Villager)

“I don’t hear anything” (Villager)

“Hey Yunni?” (Marcus)

“Yes my darling~” (Yunni)

“Can we visit the big tree over there?” (Marcus)

“Of course! Hold on!” (Yunni)

“Wah-” (Marcus)

Yunni zoomed through the sky while carrying Marcus on her tiny wings! Fairies were strange creatures; the wings on their back were more for show than anything else. What really propelled a them through the air was magic. Fairies were very entwined with nature just like their elf brethren. Thanks to Lumia, the fairies grew powerful under its nurture. In return, the fairies protected the tree for over 5 generations. No one knew exactly how the tree came to existence, various legends and myths circle the city but the truth was buried under the playful and embellishing tongue of the fairies.

Yunni, Marcus and Diloria crashed at the foot of the tree. Yunni was powerful but her control over her magic had much to be desired.

“Ow” (Macus)

“Ehehe, sorry~” (Yunni)

Gaping at the tree, it was much larger than Marcus had expected. Seeing it from afar hardly did the tree any justice. The surface was a mix of bark and crystal veins. It was glowing purple, blue, pink and white, all at the same time. Marcus ran his hand along the surface...

-identify-

[ping]

Botany Intermediate lvl. 3

+Increase detail on plants

Giant Rui Oak (Lumia) Grade: SSS

Description: A tree blessed by an ancient power. Serves to protect Filoria

Consume mana fruits to increase MP and INT

Can use wood to produce magical items

Age: +500 years

Discover Giant Rui Oak (Lumia): + 15 nature

[...Markus...Markus...]

The tree was calling out to Marcus. He brought his ear closer. His cheeks pressed against the bark, he want to figure out where the noise was coming from.

It’s somewhere in here...

“Markus…” (???)

“Hmmm…” (Marcus)

“Markus…” (???)

“Marcus!” (Yunni)

“Woof!” (Diloria)

“Huh? Erm-uf-mmmf” (Marcus)

Marcus head was stuck to the tree! He felt his face getting squished against something soft. Two vines were holding down his head. It was hard to breathe. Using his arms, he forced himself free with all his might!

“WAH!” (Marcus)

“Whoa! Look!” (Yunni)

“Woof!” (Diloria)

Marcus was gasping for air. Diloria was wagging her tail and Yunni was clapping her hands.

Why are they so happy? I almost suffocated!

Dusting himself off, he got up...then knocked down again.

“Wah!” (Marcus)

“Aww so cute!” (Yunni)

“...” (???)

Sitting in Marcus lap was a naked child! Marcus already had a previous run in with a ‘naked child’, another one was starting to become a big joke to him. He looked down on the glowing girl. She looked maybe 5-6. Her whole body was white, like a young spirit from a fairy tale. The only detail Marcus could make out was her delightful expression. Picking her up, he tried to -identify- her, but of course he failed.

“Um, who are you?” (Marcus)

“um-ah…” (Spirit?)

“Aww~ let me hold her!” (Yunni)

“Woof!” (Diloria)

Any attempts to hand the child to Yunni was futile. The spirit struggled to stay close to Marcus, it refused to go!

“Er..” (Marcus)

“...hug!” (Spirit?)

“Hug?” (Marcus)

“Hug! Hug! Hug!” (Spirit?)

Marcus didn’t know what to do. He caved in to the spirits demand. He held her close as she wrapped her tiny arms around Marcus. He could tell Yunni was getting jealous.

“Hmph!” (Yunni)

“Er, what are you?” (Marcus)

The tiny spirit placed her hands on Marcus cheeks, her expression was that of a lost puppy. Marcus cute meter was overloading!

“Da-da” (Spirit?)

“Huh? Dada?” (Marcus)

“Daddy!” (Spirit?)

“Wa? Me?” (Marcus)

“Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!” (Spirit?)

Marcus became even more confused. Him? A dad?!

“Marcus! You cheated on me!” (Yunni)

“What? That doesn’t make any sense!” (Marcus)

“Daddy!” (Spirit?)

“Hey be quiet! You’re making things worse!” (Marcus)

“How could you with another woman!” (Yunni)

“Wa-waaaaah!” (Spirit?)

“Woof!” (Diloria)

WHAT’S GOING ON?!

“What’s going on here?!” (???)

“Thank you! I had the same question!” (Marcus)

Looking up, Marcus saw another gorgeous looking fairy followed by two guards. She had a dignified expression as she floated down to see what the commotion was all about.

“EH! Onee-chan!” (Yunni)

“Huh? Sister?” (Marcus)

“Waaaaaah!” (Spirit?)

“Silence! To make such a commotion near our holy tree, what are you planning to do?!” (Onee-chan?)

“Wait! It’s a misunderstanding!” (Marcus)

“Onee-chan! My hubby cheated on me!” (Yunni)

…Yunni!

“Hey, I stop saying that!” (Marcus)

“There there Yunni, Onee-chan will take care of this” (Onee-chan?)

The elder princess walked over to Marcus with her hands out.

“Give me the child” (1st princess)

“Fine, here, take it!” (Marcus)

“Nononononono!” (Spirit?)

“Huh?” (1st princess)

“No!” (Spirit?)

The tree created a powerful pulse! It was in sync with the spirit’s emotion! A barrier was erected between Marcus and the fairies, it prevented anyone from getting close to the tree, but it also stopped Marcus from leaving.

“Hey! What did you do?!” (Marcus)

“Uuuu-Daddy stay...hug...” (Spirit?)

“Guards! Call for reinforcement! The spirit of Lumia is being held hostage!” (Onee-chan?)

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“Yes Miss Una!” (Guards)

Marcus was now shaking in his boots. Surrounding the giant tree was an army of fairies, pointing their wands at Marcus. Just this morning, they were congratulating him on his marriage, now they want him dead! If it wasn't for the barrier, Marcus would probably be swisscheese by now.

“Hey don’t hurt him! He’s my husband!” (Yunni)

“He’s holding Lumia hostage! That’s reason enough to kill this human!” (Una VI (Six))

“What’s all this ruckus about?!” (Una)

“M-mother!” (Yunni and Una VI)

The guards bowed as they made way for the Queen. She gently placed her hand over the barrier...slowly her body slipped through the invisible wall. Everyone gasped. The Queen only smiled as she approached Marcus. The spirit was whimpering in Marcus arms.

“Woof!” (Diloria)

“Huhuhu, to have awaken our Holy Tree! You are very mysterious child!” (Una)

“Hi Una. I didn't do anything! I swear!” (Marcus)

“Don’t worry Marcus, I believe you. This child is incredible fond of you. May I?” (Una)

“Ah-she won’t let go of me” (Marcus)

“I see, hold still then” (Una)

*gasp*

The fairies were all dumbfounded. The queen embraced Marcus wholeheartedly. Marcus’s face was pressed against her bosom. Marcus felt his mana fusing with the spirits and the Queens. A movie was being played in Marcus’s mind. The memory felt vivid. He was seeing a world in another persons eyes!

-Flashback-

Surrounding Markus is a group of fairies. Their bodies were much smaller, and their wings much bigger, but they still resembled the fairies Marcus knew. The fairies all had tattered clothes and dirt smudged on their faces. It was the image of a poor village that went through a period of war and famine. They all looked towards Markus with eyes filled with hope. The biggest fairy came forth, she was the head of the clan.

“Markus, thank you for saving us” (Fairy head?)

“No need for thanks Una, it’s the duty of a Hero afterall” (Markus)

“Hero or no hero, for you to rescue us and show us mercy. We could never repay you for your kindness” (Una)

“Una…” (Markus)

In the palms of his hand was a seed. Markus held it up while gathering mana in his fist. A bright light erupted from Markus hand, the crowd cheered!

“Fairies! I, Markus Erdwin, will grant protection to you and your friends! Let this tree be the symbol of my promise! The tree will be named...Lumia!” (Markus)

[cheering]

-End Flashback-

A tear manage to sneak its way down Marcus’s cheek. He was stunned. Confused. Emotions were swelling from deep within his heart. Sadness, joy, pleasure. He could only watched as Queen Una quietly sobbed over Marcus’s face.

“Una?” (Marcus)

“Hic-t-to think I would get to see hic-our great ancestors-hic” (Una)

Una the V, a very dignified figure that represented the kingdom of Filoria was now crying like a newborn baby. Una’s display of emotions touch Marcus’s heart. Her warmth enveloped his soul, his aches and pains were washed away. Her eyes contradicted her smile. It was bright. A sudden surge of joy filled Marcus to the brim. He too started to cry.

“Daddy!” (Lumia)

“...hello Lumia, it’s nice to finally meet you” (Marcus)

“Woof!” (Diloria)

“S-sorry for my discourteous behaviour Marcus. I-I’m just so happy right now...” (Una)

The barrier was removed but everyone stood still. The memories of Lumia has found its way to everyone’s hearts. The soldiers saluted while the maidens shed a tear. They all just witness the birth of their home, the beginning of Filoria.

Marcus could only stroke Lumia’s hair as he fondly smiled. He wanted to stay but he had to go.

“Sorry Lumia, daddy has to go” (Marcus)

“Stay!” (Lumia)

“...I can’t. I can’t stay...” (Marcus)

Lumia eyes started to water again. But this time she didn’t cry. She raised her hands up towards the tree and pointed towards Marcus.

“Carry!” (Lumia)

“...” (Marcus)

“Carry tree!” (Lumia)

You gotta be kidding me...

The image of Marcus carrying the gigantic tree on his back sent shivers down his spine.

“Carry tree! Bring Lumia!” (Lumia)

“I-I can’t do that” (Marcus)

“Uuuu-” (Lumia)

“Woof!” (Diloria)

“Sorry Marcus, but even I can’t allow you to take Lumia outside this city” (Una)

“No I understand.... Lumia, you’re too heavy for me to carry you. I’m sorry but you have to stay” (Marcus)

Marcus felt sorry for the little spirit. She finally met her farther after 500 years. It must have been lonely.

Lumia hopped out of Marcus arms and ran towards Diloria. As she picked Diloria up, they both started to glow.

“Lumia?” (Marcus)

After a split second she ran back to Marcus and hugged his legs. Marcus didn’t know what just happened. What did Lumia do to Diloria?

“Lumia, wha-” (Marcus)

“Bye Daddy!” (Lumia)

And with a blink of an eye, Lumia vanished. Well. Only the spirit. Everyone was amazed by what they witnessed. It may have been fortunate the humans were still be on the bridge. Marcus wouldn't know how to explain exactly what happened. Marcus gave his farewell towards the royal family as he rejoined the villagers. It was time to return them back home.

“Hey Marcus, what happened?” (Girl?)

“All we saw were bright lights and a crowd of fairies, is everything okay?” (Boy?)

“Yeah, nothing happened, don’t worry guys” (Marcus)

“What do you mean nothing happened?! Listen up humans! Marcus is the great founder of Filoria!” (Yunni)

...Yunni!

“Wah! No way!” (Girl?)

“No wonder you’re so strong! You really are a Hero!” (Woman?)

“You’re amazing Marcus!” (Man?)

I seriously need to talk with Yunni after this

“Anyways, what village are you guys from?” (Marcus)

“We’re all from Hansbridge!” (Villagers)

“Oh is that right? I also-” (Marcus)

Oh crap!

“Are you heading that way too hero? Please take us with you!” (Villagers)

“Uh-yeah. Count on me!” (Marcus)

“Yay!” (Villagers)

Ohhhh crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap!

“Psst Yunni” (Marcus)

“Yes honey~?” (Yunni)

“You wouldn't happen to know how to make [minor] pesticide, now would you?” (Marcus)

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