In that magical moment within the empress's chambers, Emperor Mordret, overflowing with love and anticipation, approached to witness his son Morfrey's first gaze. The Water Palace, vibrant heart of the Nannu Empire, was immersed in a atmosphere of silent celebration, punctuated only by the newborn heir's vigorous cries.
Shiera, the empress, exhausted but radiating a serene happiness, welcomed Morfrey into her arms with an infinite tenderness. Around them, the royal ladies-in-waiting and physicians observed with respect and admiration, aware of the meaning of this birth not just for the royal family, but for the entire empire. Morfrey's birth symbolized the continuity of the Aquarion lineage, a new hope for the peace and prosperity that had governed Nannu under Mordret's leadership.
Mordret, with a mix of reverence and joy, extended his hands to hold his son for the first time. The emotion that coursed through his being was indescribable; here was his firstborn, Nannu's future, a small being who represented so much for so many. "My little Morfrey," he murmured, each word laden with a deep love and sense of responsibility. He looked to Shiera, sharing a moment of silent connection, a mutual recognition of the journey they were about to embark on as parents.
Morfrey's eyes, though young, seemed to possess an uncommon depth, looking at his father with an intensity that Mordret interpreted as a sign of future greatness. In that gaze, Mordret saw not just his son, but Nannu's future ruler, a leader he hoped would surpass even his own achievements.
In the days and weeks that followed, the palace buzzed alive with celebratory sounds. News of Morfrey's birth spread across the empire, bringing joy and hope to Nannu's people. Festivals were organized in honor of the new prince, and delegations from all parts of the empire came to pay their respects.
For Mordret and Shiera, every smile, every gesture from Morfrey was a treasure. They committed to guiding him with wisdom and love, to teach him about the responsibility of rule, about the compassion and justice that should define a leader. They dreamed of the day Morfrey, armed with these values, would take his place as Nannu's ruler, continuing the legacy of peace and prosperity they had built.
In those early weeks, the Water Palace was not just Nannu's political heart, but also a home full of love, hope and dreams for the future. Morfrey's arrival was a new chapter in the empire's history, a moment of renewal and promise for all who lived under the Aquarions' rule.
In the Water Palace's vibrant heart, a young Morfrey, just four years old, already showed traits of an exceptional character. On a sunny day, while playing in the palace's vast gardens, a scene of danger unfolded before his innocent eyes. One of the servant maids' daughters, a girl with large, frightened eyes, found herself threatened by a large rodent whose eyes gleamed with malice.
With surprising courage for his tender age, Morfrey did not hesitate. He ran toward the danger, facing the rodent with the fierce determination of a future leader. With small hands, he pushed and scared away the creature, protecting the little girl. Despite scratches and blood marking his skin, Morfrey remained stoic, his expression betraying no sign of pain or fear.
Ensuring the threat had been neutralized, Morfrey, with the seriousness of a miniature adult, turned to the girl and asked softly: "Are you alright?". His genuine concern touched the hearts of all who witnessed the scene.
The servant responsible for caring for Morfrey, upon witnessing the young prince's brave deed, felt a mix of terror and admiration. The fear of being punished for neglecting her duty and allowing the empire's heir to be harmed gave way to a profound admiration for Morfrey's altruism and courage.
When news of the incident reached Emperor Mordret and Empress Shiera's ears, the servant was summoned to explain what happened. Trembling, with her face to the floor, she prepared for the worst, pleading for forgiveness for her failure. Then Morfrey intervened with his childish yet firm voice: "No fault hers, fault Morfrey's!"
Surprised, the servant raised her face to look at the young prince, her tears mingling with a deep sense of gratitude. That show of altruism and maturity from such a young child touched all in the room.
Upon hearing their son's words, Mordret and Shiera felt immense pride. The servant faced no punishment, only praise for Morfrey's honesty and bravery. From that day forth, the servant swore unshakeable loyalty to Morfrey, convinced he was a divine gift, an angel sent by the god Luminus himself.
The scene in the garden was more than a show of courage - it offered a glimpse of the leader Morfrey could become. His parents delighted in the hope that he would lead with the same bravery, compassion and altruism he demonstrated that day. In the Water Palace, the legend of the little prince who defended a friend with the courage of a true hero began to form, a harbinger of the greatness many hoped to see blossom in Morfrey.
At seven years of age, Morfrey stood out among children his age and even many adults in the Nannu Empire. His keen intelligence and fencing skills, combined with an impressive physical bearing for his age, made him a source of pride not just for his royal family but for all the people who adored him. His reputation as "The emperor's masterpiece" was no exaggeration; it was an accurate description of the promising young prince destined to become one of Nannu's greatest rulers.
One sunny day, as Morfrey perfected his fencing skills under his master's rigorous tutelage, a servant discreetly approached with an urgent message. Word that the emperor had summoned him immediately piqued Morfrey's curiosity, but before heeding his father's call, he decided to pay a quick visit to the library. There he found his younger sister Aster, just three years old yet already being introduced to the world of letters and languages under the royal education's rigor.
Aster showed frustration battling the complexities of the languages being taught her. Morfrey, perceiving his sister's dismay, approached with the gentleness that characterized him. With a warm embrace he offered encouraging words: "If you want to be a queen in the future, you'll have to study very hard." Coming from a brother she so admired, these words were enough to rekindle Aster's spirit. With a new gleam in her eyes, she returned to her studies with renewed determination.
After encouraging his sister, Morfrey headed to the throne room, where he found Mordret waiting with exciting news: the royal family was soon to grow, for Shiera was pregnant with their third child. Joy filled Morfrey whose heart overflowed with happiness at word he would soon have another brother or sister.
In expressing his enthusiasm, Morfrey, moved by innocence and the love he felt for his family, asked his father if he could help choose the new family member's name. Touched by his son's genuine excitement, Mordret promised Morfrey that honor. The promise of participation in naming his new sibling meant a great deal to Morfrey, further strengthening the bonds of love and unity that defined the royal family.
On that day, the throne room was not just a place for political and governmental decisions; it was a space where joy and anticipation for the arrival of the new royal family member filled the air. Morfrey left the throne room not only as his people's beloved prince, but also as a proud brother eagerly awaiting his loving family's expansion.
On that momentous day in the Nannu Empire, the Water Palace was immersed in an atmosphere of anticipation and reverence. Emperor Mordret and his wife Empress Shiera had decided to grant Morfrey, their beloved son and heir to the throne, an honor rarely bestowed: an additional name before his ascension. All Aquarions carried the names Artal and Aquarion; Aquarion was the surname created and adopted by the last hero, and Artal was the current ruling dynasty's surname. However, with the exception of the last hero, all descendants who ascended to the throne had one more name added to their lineage - and Morfrey was special.
The decision to add a name to Morfrey's lineage was not taken lightly. It symbolized recognition of the potential and exceptional qualities Morfrey had already shown, even at the tender age of seven. Shiera in particular felt Morfrey was not just a son; he was a symbol of future hope and greatness for the entire empire. Convincing Mordret of this decision reflected her faith in Morfrey's destined path.
Announcement of the naming ceremony was sent throughout the empire, summoning lords and nobles to witness this historic moment. Among the guests was Lord Silvus Felwave, a longtime friend of Mordret's and esteemed member of the emperor's council. The friendship between Mordret and Silvus dated back to youth, forged in shared challenges and victories. Silvus, recognizing the event's importance, made a point to attend personally, bringing his eldest son Sebastian.
The naming ceremony was held in the great throne room, a majestic space reflecting the Nannu Empire's glory and history. With lords and nobility gathered, Emperor Mordret took the stage with Morfrey at his side. The young prince's presence, already admired and respected by his people, filled the room with an air of expectation.
Mordret spoke with a firm, proud voice: "Today we mark a new chapter in our empire's history. My son Morfrey has shown virtues and qualities that transcend his tender age. He is the masterpiece not just of an emperor, but of our entire empire. Therefore it is with great honor that I bestow upon him today a name reflecting his promise and destiny: Morfrey Angelus Artal Aquarion."
The crowd erupted in applause, recognizing the moment's significance. The young Morfrey Artal Aquarion, now Morfrey Angelus Artal Aquarion, looked upon the faces around him, feeling the weight and honor of his new title.
Lord Silvus Felwave, witnessing the ceremony, felt a deep respect for the young prince and his promising destiny. Sebastian too, observing beside his father, could not help but be impacted by the solemnity of the moment. The ceremony not only solidified Morfrey's place in the empire's history but also reinforced the bonds between the Aquarion and Felwave families, united in celebration and hope for Nannu's future.
Amid the banquet's euphoria, laughter and conversations echoed through the palace hallways. However, in the palace gardens' tranquil setting, two young men found themselves immersed in a conversation far from the commotion. Morfrey, still wrapped in melancholy thoughts, was surprised by Sebastian's innocent curiosity approaching him.
Sebastian's question about Morfrey's sadness revealed an unexpected depth in the young prince. Morfrey, with his precocious wisdom, shared a critical view of palace life's frivolity, a complex thought for his age. Initially confused by Morfrey's mention of futility as if he were an creature, Sebastian soon found himself intrigued by Morfrey's personality and intellect.
The dialogue between the two flowed naturally, with Morfrey insisting Sebastian treat him in a less formal manner. Morfrey's simplicity and sincerity contrasted with the palace's opulent, sometimes superficial environment. Sebastian, hailing from Bloodhome, shared a bit about his homeland, a place Morfrey had mentioned in his geographic studies.
Sebastian's aversion to books faced a challenge in Morfrey's passion for reading. Enthusiastically, Morfrey shared discoveries from literature, especially the story of Morin, the last hero. Morin's narrative, a warrior who faced darkness's forces and survived when all others fell, captured Sebastian's imagination. The boy's eyes sparkled, reflecting admiration and surprise.
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Perceiving Sebastian's growing interest, Morfrey continued recounting Morin's adventures, detailing his epic battles and the legacy he left behind. The story of the last hero served not just as a lesson in courage and perseverance but also as a bridge between two boys from different worlds, united in fascination with a legendary hero's deeds.
That night, beneath the starry mantle covering the palace gardens, a new friendship began to blossom. Morfrey and Sebastian's conversation, full of dreams and tales of bravery, served as a reminder that even in grand circumstances, simple moments and human connections ultimately matter most. And so, away from prying eyes and palace politics, two young men found common ground in admiration for a hero of the past, dreaming of what the future might hold in store.
Morfrey and Sebastian, seated in the palace gardens under the moonlight, immersed themselves in stories of heroism and courage. Morfrey, with his passion for reading, conveyed to Sebastian the grandeur of heroic deeds recorded in books, causing his new friend to become ever more enchanted with the concept of heroism.
"You know Sebastian, the first book I was read told the story of a hero who saved the entire world with his determination and courage. Did you know he even went to the moon to rescue the princess and prevented the moon from falling to Earth!?" said Morfrey, his voice filled with admiration and wonder. Sebastian's eyes sparkled, reflecting fascination for the stories narrated by Morfrey.
However, Morfrey's expression changed, the joy and excitement in his eyes giving way to sadness. Looking at the moon, he shared a deep desire he carried: "Ever since I was very little, I've dreamed of being a hero who saves the weak. So I can't be happy eating this good food, when I know there are people in this world who have nothing to eat." Sebastian too was impacted by Morfrey's words, allowing himself to be overcome by sadness.
Then Sebastian, moved by an impulse of hope, asked: "So why can't we become heroes too?" The idea rekindled the sparkle in Morfrey's eyes, as he quickly cheered up again. "Yes, we can become heroes to save all the people in the world!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm and determination.
Recognizing they were still young and needed training and strength, Morfrey added: "Now we are small and weak, but we will train to become stronger so we can be heroes." Wanting to seal this promise of being heroes in a meaningful way, Sebastian extended his little finger. Intrigued, Morfrey asked about its meaning. Sebastian explained it was a way to make a pinky promise. Understanding, Morfrey also raised his pinky, and they hooked fingers, promising together: "We will be the heroes who save the world!"
This promise, made under the moonlight in the palace gardens, marked the beginning of a friendship based on shared dreams and a common commitment. Morfrey and Sebastian, two boys from different backgrounds, were now united by a noble goal: to become heroes and bring hope to those most in need. Their innocent, pure promise would be the foundation of their journey together - a journey that would lead them down unexpected paths in fate's complex tapestry.
One sunny afternoon, after months of anticipation and joy, the Water Palace corridors vibrated with news of Morfrey's younger twin siblings' birth: Lilla and Relon. The atmosphere was filled with happiness and promise for the future represented by these new royal family members.
Morfrey, his heart overflowing with joy, approached the bed where his newborn siblings lay resting. Gently touching their tiny hands, he made a solemn promise: to protect them from all evil. He saw himself not just as an older brother but as a hero in training, inspired by stories of Morin the Last Hero who would save his siblings from any danger.
With time, Morfrey grew stronger and wiser, truly a prodigy among boys his age. His friend and adventure companion Sebastian visited the palace every six months. Together they tested their skills and trained tirelessly, forging a bond of friendship and camaraderie that made them practically inseparable.
Once, after such training, Morfrey walked the gardens toward his chambers when he was surprised by little Relon running to meet him. The small prince, still fragile, was visibly worried and said Lilla was facing some problem. Without hesitation, Morfrey followed Relon and found Lilla. With a tight hug and comforting words, he calmed his little sister, showing Relon that courage and protection are a true hero's virtues.
That same night, Morfrey visited the twins' chambers with a book in hand. Sitting beside them, he began to read and tell stories, the first being about Morin Quade, the last hero. While Lilla quickly fell asleep, Relon made an effort to stay awake, completely fascinated by the story of their ancestor. Morfrey noticed the sparkle in Relon's eyes, as he always asked to hear the same story about Morin again. These moments became a dear ritual between the siblings, with Morfrey sharing his love of stories and inspiring Relon and Lilla to dream of great deeds and heroic adventures.
Thus the nights in the palace were filled with the brothers' voices and laughter, as Morfrey, the older guardian brother, planted the seeds of heroism, hope and a bright future in Lilla and Relon's minds - following in the footsteps of Morin, their legendary heroic family member.
That morning of the festival, while the capital buzzed with energy and joy from the annual event, Morfrey and Sebastian, disguised among the crowds, sought an opportunity to prove their heroic skills. They wanted more than just participating in games; they yearned for real adventures that could mark the beginning of their journeys as heroes. Forbidden from joining the tournament due to inherent dangers, they found another way to test their limits and perhaps, who knows, perform some deed worthy of legendary heroes.
The opportunity arose unexpectedly when, thanks to Sebastian's blood magic ability to locate people, they discovered a group of men dragging a girl into a dark, sinister alleyway. Without hesitation, Morfrey and Sebastian intervened, challenging the criminals with a courage beyond their years. The fight was quick and decisive, with the young men emerging victorious through superior sword skills and surprise against their opponents.
When Morfrey reached out his hand to help the girl, expecting gratitude, he received an unexpected reaction. Her refusal and cry of despair caught him by surprise, casting a shadow over what they believed was a noble act. The girl's revelation about her family situation - sold by her own parents to pay debts to the criminals - deeply shocked Morfrey. He had not considered the complexity of the problem; his heroic intentions were not enough to undo intricately knotted realities.
Revealing his true identity, Morfrey promised to use his power and influence to help not only the girl but her family as well. It was a decisive moment for him, a recognition that true heroism involved more than courage and combat skill; it required compassion, wisdom and willingness to confront life's complexities.
This incident marked a turning point for Morfrey, a step in his journey of growth and understanding about the weight and responsibility of his future duties as a leader. With Sebastian by his side, he began to realize the path to becoming a hero was full of unexpected challenges, and sometimes the toughest battles were those fought in people's hearts and minds whom he sought to protect.
On that visit to the capital's outskirts, Morfrey confronted a reality he had never experienced within the luxurious walls of the palace. The desolation and misery that permeated that place deeply touched his young, idealistic heart. Accompanied by Sebastian, he saw up close the suffering of the less fortunate, a view that starkly contrasted with the life of privilege he led. That experience marked him in an indelible way, awakening an even greater desire for change and justice.
The parents' reaction of fear and despair upon seeing him in their home only reinforced the abyss between his life and those around him. Morfrey not only understood the gravity of that family's specific situation, but also began to realize the extent of the inequality and injustice plaguing his people. That moment of tension and despair revealed to him the true cost of poverty and debt, an inescapable cycle of despair for many of his subjects.
Determined to make a difference, even on a small scale, Morfrey adopted that family's cause as his own. He continued visiting them secretly, providing food and money to help them face the debt collectors and overcome their desperate situation. Though small compared to the empire's problems, these actions showed his growing understanding of the role he should play as a future leader.
This period of secret actions with Sebastian, acting anonymously to right injustices and help the needy, was crucial to Morfrey's development. It forged in him an iron determination and sense of justice to guide him in coming years. Still, the seeds of discontent and frustration with the established order, planted during these experiences, began to take root within him, preparing the ground for the choices and paths he would eventually take.
Morfrey became a legendary figure for those children and the girl's family. They always eagerly awaited his visits, which brought not just material relief but also hope and joy through his stories and teachings. Their simple home became a stage for epic adventures and valuable life lessons, with Morfrey starring as storyteller and mentor.
His presence was a beacon of light in the darkness of that family's daily life. To the children, Morfrey was not just a benefactor; he was a real-life hero, someone who embodied the virtues of the characters he read about. His stories were not just entertainment; they sowed ideas of courage, integrity and hope in young hearts facing the harsh reality of growing up in poverty and despair.
For Morfrey, these moments were equally transformative. While teaching, he also learned - not just about challenges faced by the less fortunate, but about the power of education and compassion to change lives. These experiences reinforced his desire to be a different kind of leader, one who not just ruled but also inspired and uplifted his people.
The girl's parents, though initially skeptical of Morfrey's intentions, began to see him in a new light. His constant generosity, genuine commitment to their children's well-being and willingness to share knowledge and hope were enough to dispel any doubts about his character. For his part, Morfrey found in that family something the palace could never offer: an authentic human connection based on love, trust and mutual respect.
Morfrey would remember the times spent with the girl's family and siblings as some of the happiest and most meaningful of his youth. They shaped his worldview and reinforced his belief that true leaders must serve and protect their people, especially the vulnerable. This crucial period was the foundation on which he would build his future ideals and ambitions, marking the beginning of his journey toward a grand and complex destiny.
One day Morfrey noticed that when he arrived at that family's house, the parents would come desperately to take the small amount of gold he always brought. At first Morfrey thought it was because of hunger, but as the days passed the parents became more restless and desperate for the little gold the prince brought with him. One afternoon, before leaving, he noticed looking between the loose clothes the girl wore, some marks and scars on her body. "What could these marks be?" he thought.
When he asked, the girl quickly lost the conversation, she was the same age as Morfrey, but at times she acted as if she were more adult, just like the prince himself. That same afternoon Morfrey planned to wait until dark to keep watch, but soon after Morfrey said goodbye, the parents quickly left the house, leaving the children there. Morfrey found that strange, but continued watching from afar until when the night was very dark, the girl also left the house, determined Morfrey followed her for a few minutes, until she stopped at a slightly larger house. A somewhat unusual man opened the door and the girl entered. Morfrey, curious, climbed to the roof of that house and looking through the window saw something that terrified him deeply. The girl was naked with an old man who beat her, burned her and torture her in every possible way.
Morfrey, upset, just went down to the door and knocked on the door and was greeted by the same strange man who opened it before. "I'd like to join!" Morfrey asks the man. "Go home child, this is no place for children!!" replies the man. But before he could close the door, Morfrey channeled his mana and cast an arcane spell: "3rd-circle arcane spell: Strength increase!" and getting stronger, he broke the door with one punch, scaring the man who was locking it. "I said I'd like to join!" repeated Morfrey with a look of hatred. The man tried to attack the young prince with a sword, but cast a spell: "4th circle water elemental magic: Water Blade!" He split the man in half and, grabbing his sword, he entered that place and killed all the men there with his own hands.
In the room the old man heard a loud sound coming from outside and opening the door he saw a boy in a disguise, but with blue eyes that shone with all the hate he felt at that moment, the scared old man offered money and power to Morfrey without knowing it. In fact, that was the emperor's own eldest son and with just one blow of his sword, Morfrey mortally wounds the man, leaving him in agony on the ground. When he entered the room he found the girl in the fetal position, crying and injured. He just puts his cloak over her and looking at her said "Let's go home!", the girl recognizing Morfrey's voice just hugged him and left being carried by him.
Back at the family's home, Morfrey asked the girl what had happened. With tears in her eyes, she told Morfrey that actually, on that day in the alley she was being sold to pay off her parents' drug debts, because they were addicts and all the gold Morfrey brought was spent on drugs while she had to do that to get money to feed her siblings. Morfrey fell into a state of deep sadness and leaving the girl at the house, returned to the palace determined to convince his father to bring all the children of those parents to the palace to protect them.
next chapter: Morfrey Angelus Artal Aquarion 2