…

Standing together within this dark void...

I can’t help but worry about her.

Gazing towards her, she seemed calm until now...

But now she’s sweating profusely.

She keeps calling out repeatedly…

“Father…!”

“Please don’t leave me!”

It pains my heart to see her suffer so excruciatingly…

So at the very least, I can ease her pain.

Some of it, anyway.

…

Placing my hands on her chest, I concentrate until a dim glow of light appears.

I doubt if this will have any real significance at all…

"P-Papa!!!!"

"Please don't go...!"

"Pa..."

"..."

Glancing up towards her face, now she seems... calmer, relaxed.

Much more peaceful.

“That’s a relief. I’m glad that worked…”

"At least now... It'll be as if you've experienced these memories for the very first time."

"Rather than be made to slowly remember, I don't want you to suffer any more than you have to."

"..."

“Take care in there, Mai.”

“Don’t lose yourself. After all, these are just memories.”

Though it goes without saying, that certain reminders of the past can do more than drive you mad.

Especially the ones you swear to never let resurface.

“Now, it’s all up to you.”

“Good luck…!”

“Mai…”

----------------------------------------

One year has passed since the night that my Father passed away.

A few months have gone by since my Twelfth birthday.

It was somewhat lonely, having spent it completely alone.

But it can't be helped.

I slowly roused from my sleepiness, stretching and letting out a yawn while getting changed and ready for the day ahead.

"Mmmm...!"

Today I was tasked by Mo-

By Grunhilda... to head into the village to purchase some ingredients for tonight’s dinner.

I’ll be preparing a hearty meat and lentil stew, accented with hints of red wine, fresh basil, and rich garden fresh tomatoes.

Heading over to my wardrobe closet, I give it a slight tug, opening it while pondering what to wear for the day ahead.

"..."

By chance, the first thing that calls out to me are a simple light-blue dress, as well as a matching sky-blue hair-ribbon.

They were both made out of fine material and are precious keepsakes from my Father, who had fashioned them as a surprise for my 11th birthday when he was still alive.

He always believed in self-sufficiency and the value of making things for yourself.

“They always felt more special that way”. He’d say.

“…”

While thinking of fonder times and memories while getting changed, I hear a loud series of thumps coming from my bedroom door.

"THUD THUD THUD"

“Wake up already! Haven’t you slept enough?! It’s about time you make your way into town and gather the ingredients for tonight’s meal!”

“There are many other children to feed, so I won’t tolerate any insubordination from the likes of you!”

“…”

I resist the urge to speak out and correct her misunderstanding–

It’s better for me to stay calm and reserved as usual.

There’s a reason why things are like this after all...

After all, it’s my fault that things are how they are now.

“…”

I bite my tongue at that thought.

"THUD THUD THUD"

Shortly afterwards, a series of loud pounding noises echo from my bedroom door once more.

“I haven’t heard a proper, dignified response from you yet, child!!"

"Cease your lollygagging and head outside at once!”

“…”

“Did you hear me?! Do you understand what I'm telling you?!”

“Y-Yes…”

“Yes what?! I cannot make out what you’re trying to say, child!”

“Ngggh…!”

I grit my teeth in frustration and hesitate slightly before opening my mouth again in response.

"Yes, Grunhilda...” I manage to say as calmly as possible.

“Hmph! Very good! Now, go along and make sure you are back within a timely manner!”

“Otherwise, you’ll be a very wicked child for not listening!"

"You know what happens to wicked children who do not behave within the confines of my Orphanage.”

“…”

After her words subside, I can hear her feet shuffle away on the hardwood floors.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Time to head out already, I suppose...”

Having already dressed myself appropriately, I make my way into the hallway after putting my shoes on.

----------------------------------------

Stepping outside of my room on the hardwood floors of the upstairs hallway, I’m greeted by the sounds of a nearby grandfather clock that's constantly ticking away.

The well-lit hallway is filled with gleaming sunlight as I begin to walk down the halls towards the staircase that descends to the ground floor.

I let my thoughts wander while walking, until I notice someone standing there further down in the hallway.

“Heh… It's you.”

Hesitating slightly, I mutter my best greeting.

“…Good morning, Jessabelle.”

I know this girl all too well by now…

The overly dressed girl with long red hair named Jessabelle smirks at me, opening her mouth to say something just as strikingly obnoxious as she happens to look.

“Heh… That was barely an acceptable greeting..."

"But, I suppose it’s not entirely your fault.”

“You probably just weren’t taught very well how to behave regarding others I bet..."

"So I won’t judge you too harshly.”

“If anything, the blame lies on your inferior upbringing and those responsible for not teaching you the right way to conduct yourself.”

Her lips raise at the ends, smiling sinisterly.

“…”

Unable to contain my emotions entirely, I clench my fists in frustration and anger at her callous remarks.

You don’t even know anything about me.

However much I want to tell her these words, it’s logically better to remain calm and to not gratify her with a reaction.

She’s counting on me to get angry, and to retaliate–it’s what she wants.

Whispering to myself, I do my best to remain composed and focused.

“…Stay calm…"

"Never let emotion cloud your judgment…“

Jessabelle gives me an inquisitive look while raising an eyebrow at me.

“Huh...? What’s with you?" Jessabelle says mockingly.

Knowing fully well that she can't hear my words, I take a calm, deep breath and look back at Jessabelle.

“Since you previously said that my greeting was barely acceptable, let me try that one more time…”

"..."

"Good morning, Jessabelle!!!!"

Doing my very best, I beam a happy grin at her.

“What do you have planned for today?”

She jumps back in surprise at my suddenly loud outburst.

Turning her body away from me in annoyance, she crosses her arms in an overly dramatic display.

“H-Hmph…"

"Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Still..."

She takes the time to walk around me in a circle, which somewhat reminds me of what I've read about sharks and how they approach their prey in books I've read before.

"Heehee..."

"It’s better if we don’t waste any more time here.”

“Old Lady Grunhilda asked you to procure things for supper tonight, hasn’t she?”

“You’d better not be late like last time, else she won’t spare you one bit.”

“Take care, Mai…”

“Don’t be late.”

"..."

She turns around after turning her nose up at me, flamboyantly waving a hand in my direction.

Condescending to the very end.

Making her way to the stairwell, I can’t help but stare blankly at her back during her departure.

Meanwhile, I let out a deep sigh of exasperation as she exits from my view.

For some time now, Jessabelle has shown strong signs of disdain towards me.

Although, I was never sure why she seemingly despises me so much.

There’s a lot that’s going through her mind, I'm sure.

So I can’t really blame her.

After all, she was one of the first children to arrive here after the loss of her parents due to the ongoing war.

It happened a mere few months ago when the first signs of conflict and war first started.

"..."

Not too long after my Twelfth birthday had passed.

----------------------------------------

The territory in which Commis Village resides is under the principality of the Saint-Grandis Kingdom.

For the past Nine-hundred years they've had reign over these lands.

An absolute authority for the greater good of civilization.

Long ago, history books had talked about a Man who claimed to have performed miracles and many deeds that only He could perform.

This Man claimed to have been sent by an entity known as "The Creator".

His intention was to claim back what He had rightfully created, and to cultivate the good that still scarcely existed within both people and the land.

He was known by the name of "Grandis".

Before Grandis was revered to as a "Saint" and had made his power known...

Everything within the land was covered in a swath and dark blanket of deceit, depravity and death.

These lands weren't yet called by the name "Aischala". It was the name given to the land after evil had been purged and contained within the land by Grandis himself.

It had previously been known as "The Land of Syn".

A forbidden false paradise only of lawlessness and desolation.

However, when Grandis appeared, He had ensured that within every means of His power, that He would lead the people of this land to a better, more prosperous life.

Introducing the concept of Law and Order, Grandis then showed what could only be described as "otherworldly magic", as He single-handedly banished the corrupt and wicked to their own confined region, far into the deepest reaches to the south of Aischala.

Thus, this marked the birth of "Saint-Grandis". The royal capital located to the far North of the land of Aischala.

Aptly named after the Saint described in the history books.

In turn, the far South became known as the newly isolated "Land of Syn".

With this change, The Creator and Saint Grandis had granted peace upon the good people of Aischala as a whole.

For a time there was unity, love and prosperity all throughout the land as it flourished.

The now ruling King Grandis, a descendant of the Saint from the history books had followed through on the promises that were made to civilization Hundreds of years ago.

Many rules and doctrines were enacted to ensure that the people knew of their duties, and what was expected of them, not only to benefit themselves, but for the ruling King, The Creator, and Aischala as a whole.

As a result, these lands have known peace for over almost Nine-hundred years...

So the history books say.

The history books also discuss the Five "Unbreakable Laws" that were established for people of Saint-Grandis as follows:

"Firstly, you shall revere the Saint and Creator above all others, with peace and love guiding you."

"Secondly, you shall not challenge the divine authority placed above you."

"Thirdly, you will devote your glory, efforts and accomplishments to the Royal Family and name of the Saint-Grandis Kingdom."

"Fourthly, your undying loyalty belongs to the Royal Family."

Lastly, the Fifth law:

"If you shall kill any other living being within the Kingdom, you will be disgraced, dishonored and be summarily banished to the uninhabitable southern lands of Aischala, where no race or being of creature could hope to survive."

Any being banished to the South was more or less subject to a fate supposedly worse than death.

However, through it's tenacity, evil continues to persist.

----------------------------------------

The most heinous, despicable and evil beings among all races who committed unspeakable acts and crimes were banished to the barren, red-sandy wastelands of the South.

A literal “land of death” so to speak.

It was no more different than a death sentence, given how these barren lands lacked any necessities towards sustaining life.

Those who found themselves banished to these lands, consumed by bitter hatred and their idolatry of pure evil, found means of survival in such an impossibly harsh environment.

It would only seem fitting that these corrupted beings would be able to prosper here in these utterly desolate lands.

Most law-abiding people nowadays conclude that many of these beings sold their souls to evil to achieve such fearsome tenacity.

Who truly knows?

----------------------------------------

Over time, the land of desolation became a kind of "society".

A refuge to beings who breathe nothing but decay and death.

This society went by many names, but they were well known by one title.

"The Syndicate".

They had bided their time, and prepared in silence.

When the opportunity arose, they boldly made their move.

They came seemingly out of thin air, wreaking havoc killing many people, both innocent and guilty alike.

Killing mercilessly.

It didn’t matter to them what it was they got their hands on.

Or even who they had slain.

Men, women, fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews.

Especially children.

Seeing as how they're the most easily targetable in their eyes...

…

Their only purpose was to destroy.

To take...

Now they're here to take back what was once taken away from them.

----------------------------------------

…

Now, we find ourselves in the midst of a bloody, unjust and pointless War.

The Militia of Saint-Grandis is constantly fending off attacks from The Syndicate nearly every single day.

Even less than 20 km away from Commis Village.

There's fierce battles being fought on the other side of the Mountain Pass located on the outskirts.

Many people, many races have suffered.

Countless families destroyed.

Maybe… I’m actually one of the fortunate ones.

It’s possible that I was left here at the Orphanage because of what happened to my birth parents as a result of the War.

…

I shouldn’t even entertain that thought…

Right now, all I can do is never lose hope and to put one foot forward in front of the other.

My Father had always encouraged me to never give up, to always seek what feels beyond my reach.

For that... I can only feel everlasting gratitude.

I'm eternally grateful.

…

Placing my hand on my chest nearest my heart, I can feel the warmth and pulsating beat of life within me.

An ocean of infinite possibilities.

With this, I smile.

Taking a firm grasp of the brilliant blue-jeweled necklace in my fingers, I stare outside at the sky through a nearby window.

A few birds pass by, as they fly towards the brilliant sunny sky.

Soon, they leave my vision.

----------------------------------------

After exiting the hallway, I descend the staircase to the downstairs living area.

Coming down from the staircase, ahead of me is a door made of sturdy and beautiful hardwood.

With a beaming smile, my hand reaches to a wooden stand nearby.

Taking hold of a woven handbasket, I make my way outside.

With the neatly crafted basket in hand, my footsteps echo amongst the dirt trail outside of the front Orphanage porch onto the dirt pathway that leads down the hill into the village.

Squinting, numerous rays of sunlight beam brightly at me from above the clouds.

Like a fantastical kaleidoscope of smiles, the warm rays of sunlight illuminate me.

With a sense of eagerness and anticipation in my heart, I gaze up at the beautiful blue sky, and declare out loud to no one in particular.

"Well then...!"

“Here’s hoping today is even brighter than the last!

Thusly, this marks the beginning of my day.

----------------------------------------