THE Kingdom of Luyas buzzed with excitement. Today, they welcomed back the Black Panther Brigade, a revered unit led by Captain Guy Heartlets, after months of rigorous training in the harsh Northern Continents. Guy, the only son of Lord Ranfel XII and elder brother to Luna, rode at the forefront, a symbol of unwavering determination.
Weeks had passed since Guy left home, and a pang of longing tugged at his heart. "How is everyone?" he wondered, gazing at the twilight sky as the wind ruffled his dark brown hair. Clad in the standard Captain's uniform – royal blue with white stripes, black pants, and protective armour – he smiled warmly as townspeople cheered their return.
This recent training, co-designed by Master Oracle Fye, Lord Eden, and Lord Ranfel, was unlike any other. It aimed to test the Knights' strength, skill, and endurance. Venturing far from their comfort zone, the Black Panthers spent a gruelling five months training in the frigid north.
Relief washed over Guy as they arrived at the castle gates. The training had been smooth, and he yearned to reunite with his loved ones. Reaching behind him, he gently patted the wrapped gifts – tokens for three special people. No matter the distance, they remained close to his heart.
As the majestic Luyas castle loomed closer, Guy's face lit up. He spurred his stallion, Night, ahead, leading his men towards the stables. Dismounting, he patted Night with gratitude before entrusting him to the stablehand, Sam.
"The place felt awfully empty without you, Young Master," Sam said with a grin, stroking Night's back. "Glad you're back."
"Thank you, Sam. Is everything alright?" A flicker of unease crossed Guy's face at Sam's hesitant reply. "I'm sure His Lordship will brief you on recent events. It wouldn't be my place to gossip."
A knot of worry tightened in Guy's stomach. Indeed, nothing drastic had happened in his absence. While he yearned for more information, he knew better than to pry. Sam, a longtime confidante, would have spoken up if something serious was amiss. This silence implied his father's involvement and a gag order on the servants.
Taking a deep breath, Guy thanked Sam and entered the castle. A veteran Knight greeted him at the door.
"Welcome back, Captain. A successful training, I presume?"
"Thank you, Christopher. Everything went as planned. It's good to be back," Guy replied politely.
"Indeed," chimed in a plump, middle-aged woman with silver hair and a radiant smile. She approached them, leaning on a wooden cane. "Welcome home, Young Master Guy. You've grown into a handsome young man, even with that bit of stubble!"
Her hand reached out, playfully stroking his chin.
"Nana!" Guy embraced her tightly. "I'm so happy to hear you're feeling better. How are you? I've missed you terribly!"
Nana chuckled. "Nothing could stop me from welcoming my favourite young master. You must be exhausted. Shall I have the maids prepare your bath, or would you prefer dinner first?"
"Food sounds perfect. Thank you, Nana. Oh, and forgive my forgetfulness!" Guy reached for the wrapped gifts, handing the elderly woman a small jewellery box.
"A souvenir for you, Nana."
"My dear, you shouldn't have," she said, her smile widening.
With trembling hands, Nana unwrapped the gift box, revealing a beautiful amethyst stone with a tiny inscription: "For my beautiful Nana who shines brighter than the sun with every smile."
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Such a thoughtful gift, Young Master. Thank you so much."
For years, Nana had served the House of Heartlets. Since the tragic passing of Guy's mother fifteen years ago, she'd become a loving caregiver to him and his sister. Watching them grow up brought her immense joy.
Guy squeezed Nana once more before pulling away. "See you soon, Nana. I'm off to surprise the girls with their gifts!"
Nana's smile faltered. She recovered quickly, but not fast enough to stop him from disappearing down the hall. Clutching the amethyst stone, she bowed her head, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.
"I'm so sorry, Young Master..." she whispered.
As Guy hurried towards the Training Halls, light footsteps tapped a rhythm against the polished floors. Servants bowed and offered greetings, their smiles genuine reflections of the young Captain's happiness at home. Lost in the joy of his return, Guy hadn't thought to ask Nana if Luna was at the castle. With a shrug, he pressed on, eager to surprise his sister.
Suddenly, a frantic voice echoed through the hallway. "Young Master! Young Master Guy! Please wait!"
Guy spun around, recognising the voice immediately. "Nana! What's wrong? Why are you running like that?" He rushed to her side, concern etched on his face.
Nana, pale and breathless, gripped his arms tightly. "I'm so sorry, Young Master Guy. I know I shouldn't tell you this – your father wouldn't be happy – but I can't keep it bottled up any longer! It's eating me alive!"
"Hold on, Nana. Calm down. Tell me what happened. Why would Father be upset? Upset about what?"
Tears welled up in Nana's eyes. "I can't bear to see the look on your face when you find out about Miss Mika..." she choked out, her voice barely a whisper.
Guy's posture stiffened. A dark scowl formed between his brows. He cleared his throat, trying to sound calm, but Nana could hear the urgency in his voice. "What do you mean, Nana? What happened to Mika?"
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SHARP loud footsteps rushed on the polished concrete floors across the corridor hallways. The servants, who were busily cleaning the hallways, immediately stopped doing their work. They were surprised and shocked by the sight of the young master, who commonly bore an approachable air around him and a calm and collected demeanour, now stomping angrily throughout the castle's corridors with a dark grimace expression that no one had ever seen on him before.
Guy has never felt so much anger before.
Anger was such an understatement word. The man was furious. The last time Guy'd ever felt this way was when he was a confused and challenging young lad at the age of ten, heart filled with so much hatred and bitterness toward the world. It took him another ten years' worth of never-ending support and guidance from the kind people around him; Nana, the servants, his fellow knights, the Commandant and most of all, his beloved sisters whom he loved and cherished with his heart, had helped him to turn a new leaf and became the man that he was now.
Finally arriving, Guy was surprised to find the door to the conference meeting heavily guarded by two of his father's loyal knights. Inhaled deeply, he marched forward.
"Welcome back, Captain Guy."
"Thank you. I believe my father is beyond the door you're guarding. I would like to have a word with him."
"My apologies, Captain. Lord Ranfel has ordered us not to let anyone in — Captain! Wait!"
Ignoring the knights' pleas, Guy turned the doorknob and opened the door.
"And now, let's hear the report from General Luther's Brigade—"
The door suddenly swung, interrupting the ongoing meeting. Guy came face to face with the man he had not seen.
"Father."
Sharp eyes gazed at the young Captain, slowly approaching closer to the rounded meeting table.
"Guy. I wasn't aware that you've returned. You haven't even yet changed your clothes. Where are your manners, boy?" Lord Ranfel said coldly, without even bothering to lift his head and look at his son.
Remaining calm but with a restrained voice, Guy spoke, "I'm sorry to have interrupted you while you're in the midst of an important discussion, Father. But I could not wait any longer. I believe there's something that you've forgotten to inform me in many of the letters that you've sent out to me. Something regarding my adopted sister, Mika?"
Lord Ranfel's fingers stopped writing the notes at the mention of his former adopted daughter's name, whom he had exiled a couple of months ago. Slowly, he lifted his head and met his son's cold stare.
Anger and annoyance are visible in the Lord's eyes. He breathed rapidly. With gritted teeth, Lord Ranfel put down the parchments and straightened his back against the seat.
"It seems my son has demanded my full attention, gentlemen. Proceed by patrolling the necessary areas and report back to me at once should any suspicious activities occur."
"Yes, Milord," the Generals bowed before they all stood up and left.
Guy waited until all of them left before he breathed in deeply.
"Why hadn't I been informed of the situation that had happened in Andania months ago? And what could drive you to exile Mika from this Kingdom?!"
"Where did you hear all these from? From that old maid? Goddamn! After I'd warned her not to tell you—"
"—Threatened her. After you'd threatened Nana not to tell me! I can't believe you went as far as threatening Nana of all people to exile!"
"I didn't tell you because I didn't want little matters to distract you from training! You have improved so much in your leadership skills these past few months that I did not want to ruin it for you. Moreover, you may not have noticed, son, but you tend to lose your head whenever that Spirit is concerned. There were rumours regarding your protectiveness of her within and beyond the castle's walls. I did what I needed to do to protect this Kingdom and preserve our family's name by getting rid of the primary source of the problem."
Guy gawked unbelievably at every word from his father's mouth.
"Little matters, Father? May I remind you that it was you who had taken Mika under your care for the past six years? How could you throw her away like she's a piece of garbage you easily disposed of?"
"Because she's a bloody Spirit, that's why! For goodness' sake, open your eyes, Guy! A cold, blood-thirsty Spirit that not only went mad and created chaos in Andania but also massacred half of an entire town just because she suddenly lost control of herself while playing a heroic role?" Ranfel sneered. "If you asked me, she got lucky that old man Grants had pleaded for mercy on her behalf so that she won't be executed immediately. Honestly. That man has gone too soft. If it was for me, she would have gone off with her head by now."
Guy stared openly at the man he called his father and was baffled by the cruel and mean words that came out of his mouth. The young Captain knew his father's expertise at being a poker face made him a robust and unbeatable opponent.
Stolen novel; please report.
Lord Ranfel spoke kindly to those below him, stabbing them on their backs. He was greedy and hungered for power and was willing to do anything to reach his goals.
Guy knew his father had fooled the public by letting them think highly of him when he chose to adopt Mika into the Heartlets' family out of the goodness of his heart. In truth, his father had merely boosted his ego and gained moral support. No one would want to support him if anyone knew the real him.
Guy could still remember the conversation he'd overheard in his private office that Night. How the gentleness of his voice contrasted with the intention of his heart:
"Listen carefully, Mika. You wouldn't be alive if I hadn't adopted you. Remember that? My protection is the only thing keeping you alive. Don't ever bring shame to this family. If you do, I won't hesitate to throw you out. Understood?"
"Yes, Lord Ranfel."
"You are a cruel man," Guy whispered. "You took Mika into the House of Heartlets and used her as a puppet to scare away potential enemies. You enrolled her into the Academy just so she would be strong enough to fight for you but forbade her to participate in any intensive training because you'd feared she might turn her back against you. When a tragedy like this happened, you turned your back on her and even disowned her. You are nothing but a hypocrite and cruel man, and I will not stand here and do nothing any further while you continuously humiliate-"
PAK! A single sharp stung on the Captain's left cheek.
"Watch your tongue, boy. It is because of me that you and your younger sister get to live comfortably in this luxurious life!" Ralph roared fiercely.
"Those are what you wanted, father! Luna and I have never needed such things! All we ever want from you is to be a responsible father. Unfortunately, that is too much for a stature man like yourself to bear and handle now, right?" Stomping toward the door, Guy suddenly paused at the entrance. He turned around to look at his father, and for the first time, Guy felt nothing but bitter hatred toward the man.
"Don't you dare ever compare Luna and me to the likes of you!" He hissed, slamming the door so hard that the decoration glass-covered painting hanging on the wall fell and shattered.
Cussing frustratingly as he walked out of the chamber, Guy felt like his every being was ready to burst out of control. He wanted to hit something, anything, to vent out the deep frustration and anger he felt all because of what his father had said and done to Mika.
Closing his eyes, Guy breathed deeply and slowly in and out like a mantra. He repeated those simple exercises a couple more times, then sighed a long, defeated sigh.
How could this happen? Why didn't anyone do anything to help her? To defend her? To stop her from leaving… If only… If only I were there...
Regrets and a sense of helplessness slowly eating him up. Guy felt his heart crushed when Nana told him what had happened to Mika. Exhaled deeply, the Captain decided the best way to find out more in-depth about the accident was to talk with someone who had been there.
With the idea set in mind, Guy set out to look for the one Commandant Grants Rogue.
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COMMANDANT Grants Rogue, a man burdened by duty, was a whirlwind of activity. Daily routines – planning training regimes, patrolling assigned areas, accepting missions from Lord Ranfel, and drowning in paperwork – kept him on edge.
Things had become considerably more stressful since the Andania incident five months ago. New security protocols and a never-ending stream of reports had stretched him thin. Thankfully, his second in command, Claire, was a rock, always willing to shoulder some of the load.
They were profoundly discussing when a sharp rap on the door startled them.
"Come in," Grants called out. The door creaked open.
"Welcome back, Captain," Claire greeted with a polite smile. "What brings you here?"
Guy cleared his throat. "I need to speak with the Commandant, alone. If you wouldn't mind, Madam."
"Of course," Claire said, rising. "I'll be outside if you need anything, Commandant."
A heavy silence descended upon the room as the door closed behind her. The air crackled with unspoken tension.
"I know why you're here," Grants sighed, rubbing his temples. "Unfortunately, there's nothing more I can do. What's done is done."
Guy's eyes narrowed. "Why?" he demanded.
Grants straightened, his gaze steady. "Listen, Captain. One of the things I've learned over the years is this: you can't grieve for every fallen soldier. You have to think of those who are still alive. It may seem harsh, but that's the reality."
Guy respected the Commandant, who'd been more of a father figure to him and Luna than their own father ever was. But this time, he couldn't accept the advice.
"With all due respect, Commandant — Mika wasn't just a soldier. She's family. My sister!"
"You do realise you two aren't blood-related, don't you?" Grants pointed out gently. "You could even marry her if you wish, though I doubt Lord Ranfel would ever allow it. The point is, Mika severed ties with the Heartlets family the moment she stepped out of the castle gates. Your father ensured he wouldn't be implicated if anything happened to her. That's why I often refused her outdoor missions, and why I initially hesitated when she requested to accompany Luna to Andania town. As much as I wanted to say no, the order came straight from your father."
"I understand that, Commandant. However, I take offence to the way you talk about my relationship with Mika. I love and care for her as much as I do Luna. Yes, what she did was wrong, a serious offence. But if it were anyone else, they would have been executed."
Grants gritted his teeth, a deep scowl etching itself on his face. "Then there's no reason for you to dwell on it further. We both planned and promised to send her away when the time comes to a place of safety – The City of Eden. Mika's a survivor. She's endured constant taunts and harassment for six years. She can handle herself anywhere. This is just your protective instincts kicking in after the shock. Go get some rest, Captain."
Guy felt defeated. He knew the Commandant made valid points. But a stubborn flicker of defiance remained.
"May I ask you something else, Commandant?"
"Ask away."
"I heard from Father that you pleaded for leniency, to spare Mika's life. Thank you for that."
"It was the least I could do," Grants mumbled. The silence stretched thick with unspoken emotions. Grants studied the young Captain, his tired face etched with worry.
Guy's gaze sharpened. "There's more, isn't there?"
Grants pinched the bridge of his nose and then let out a low growl. Out of nowhere, he slammed one hand loudly on the desk. "Sit down!"
The slam caught Guy off guard, and he jerked. His eyes slightly widened at the Commandant's order: "Do not make me repeat myself, Captain. Sit down."
Grants sighed, running one hand through his hair. "Something you should know," he said, reaching into a drawer and pulling out a scroll. He placed it on the desk between them. "This needs to stay between us. Your father wouldn't be happy if he found out."
"You have my word. I won't breathe a word."
Grants muttered under his breath. "About a month after the Andania attack, Lord Ranfel received a strange letter addressed to him that was written in Ancient Aspanian, the language of Spirits. A demand from the Spirit Royal Family. They wanted their "long-lost princess" back and even threatened to wage war if their request wasn't met."
Guy's breath hitched. "A princess? You mean to tell me...?"
"Look, Captain," Grants said, his voice heavy. "As unbelievable as it sounds, who else fits the description? There weren't any other Spirits in Fulaina before the whole Andania mess, were there?"
Guy stared at the floor, his fists clenched. "Nana told me you went to see Mika one last time, to tell her the news. How was she?"
"She's alright. Thinned down a bit, but otherwise healthy." Grants leaned back in his chair.
"There's something you're not telling me," Guy stared sternly at the other man. "Please. I need to at least know that she's safe from harms' way."
"You know very well that it's nearly impossible. I could only tell you this though— a prominent family that has taken Mika under their wings and they are able to provide her with much better protection than the two of us combined. She'll be a lot safer with them."
"Where can I find her? I would like to visit her and to thank the family for—"
"—If you're finished, I would very much appreciate it if you leave so that I may finish these never-ending tasks, Captain."
"Tell me!" Guy slammed his fists on the desk, stood up and glared.
"I CAN'T!" Grants' furious voice boomed in his office. His outburst only caused the young Captain to grow highly suspicious of him. Guy raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. He stubbornly refused to budge.
"Does my father know about this?"
"Yes, and he wasn't happy with the final decision made by the Young Master Oracle Fye and Lord Eden."
Intrigued, Guy uncrossed his arms and sat back down. The Commandant shifted uncomfortably in his seat before clearing his throat.
"You should know better than not to mess with the White Wolf Clan."
A chair fell back and landed on the floor with a loud bang. Guy stood up again abruptly.
"What?" His voice was icily cold.
Grants narrowed his eyes. Internally, he was amused by the anger and shock displayed on the young Captain's face and decided to see how far he could push the latter's button.
"Calm yourself down, Captain. Under their protection, "Not even your father would dare to touch her. However, that doesn't mean Lord Ranfel isn't willing to give up on the idea. This is why he has kept himself busy meeting with his generals these days, hoping that he could gather his strongest men to find a way to capture Mika and bring her back here, by will or force."
Guy combed and brushed his hair frustratingly to the back. "I need to see her, make sure she's alright."
Grants sighed. "What I did not inform Lord Ranfel about Mika is that she's no longer living in the White Wolf Mansion."
"What?!" Guy barked, slamming his fist on the desk. "You said they were protecting her!"
"They were," Grants soothed, his voice strained. ""A little bird has told me she is on a quest to find her way home to the Spirit World."
"Alone?" Guy's voice trembled with worry. "How could they let her go like that?"
"She wasn't alone," Grants said, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his eyes. "The White Wolf Clan's young Lord himself is accompanying her."
Guy paced the room, frustration and fear warring within him. "This is insane! How can I just stand here while Mika's out there in who knows what kind of danger?!"
"Because, Captain," Grants said, his voice firm, "that's where you need to be most right now. Here. Leading your men, protecting the Kingdom. You can't chase after shadows. Besides, if your father finds out you're gone, there will be hell to pay."
But Guy wasn't listening. The image of Mika, alone and vulnerable, filled his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility, the need to protect his adopted sister.
"I appreciate what you've done for Mika, Commandant," Guy said, his voice tight with emotion. "But I can't stay here. Not knowing if she's safe."
Ignoring Grants' protests, Guy marched towards the door. He threw it open to find Claire staring at them in surprise.
"I'm sorry, Commandant," Guy said, his voice resolute. "But I have to do what I feel is right."
With that, he disappeared into the Night, leaving Grants to stare after him, a worried frown on his face.
"Claire," he said, his voice weary, "get me some strong painkillers. This migraine is killing me."
Claire rushed to his side, concern etched on her face. However, she knew better than to argue with a determined Captain, especially on a mission fueled by love and a fierce sense of protectiveness. All she could do was hope that Guy would find Mika safe and that they would both return to Luyas in one piece.
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AFTER his tense conversation with Commandant Grants, Guy wasted no time. He sprinted to his chambers, showered, and packed a knapsack with essential supplies for a long journey. Hunger gnawed at him, but the urgency to find Mika overshadowed his needs. With a final, cursory glance around his room, he slipped out, his heart heavy with worry and determination.
The back kitchen bustled with quiet activity as servants prepared the morning meal. Guy found Nana by the hearth, her aged face creased with concern as she stirred a pot of stew. His heart ached at the sight of her worry.
"Nana," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm going to find Mika and try to bring her back."
A strangled cry escaped her lips. Tears welled up in her kind eyes. "But Guy," she stammered, "it's dangerous! You can't just—"
"I have to try, Nana," he interrupted gently. "I can't stay here knowing she's out there alone and afraid."
He knelt before her, his gaze pleading. "Please, understand. I promise I'll be careful and return as soon as I find her."
Nana reached out, her gnarled hand cupping his cheek. "Be careful, my child," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Come back to me safe and sound."
With a final hug, Guy rose and headed for the door. He paused at the threshold, his gaze sweeping over the familiar faces of the servants who had practically raised him. A lump formed in his throat.
"I'll be back," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
A chorus of farewells followed him into the Night. He offered a reassuring smile, his heart heavy with their concern.
Just as he reached the stables, a figure materialised from the shadows. Luna, clad in a flowing nightgown and a silken robe, rushed towards him, her face pale and breathless.
"Guy!" she cried.
Guy spun around, surprised to see his sister. Luna had been under strict confinement since the Andania mission went awry. The news of his demotion and Mika's exile had taken a toll on her, leaving her fragile and withdrawn.
"Luna? What are you doing out here?" he asked, concerned about lacing his voice.
Luna stopped in front of him, gasping for breath. "I... I heard you were leaving. Where are you going?"
Guy hesitated, torn between the need for secrecy and the desire to confide in his sister. He knew she wouldn't understand the total weight of his suspicions, but he couldn't bear to lie to her.
"I'm going to find Mika," he said finally. "I don't know how long I'll be gone, but I won't stop searching until I bring her back."
Luna's eyes widened in alarm. "But Guy," she stammered, "isn't she safe with the White Wolf Clan? They're powerful protectors. You don't need to risk yourself."
Guy clenched his jaw. "There's more to this than you know, Luna," he said cryptically. "There's something about Mother's death that I need to find out."
Luna's breath hitched. Before she could question him further, Guy gently kissed her forehead.
"Take care of yourself, Luna," he whispered. "Stay strong."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Luna speechless.
Moments later, a booming trumpet call shattered the Night's stillness. Luna jumped, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see the castle gates swing open from her vantage point, and a flurry of activity erupted in the training grounds below. Knights and trainees scrambled to form ranks, confused on their faces.
A knot of dread formed in Luna's stomach. Ignoring Nana's calls, she raced towards the castle's highest point, her gaze fixed on the horizon. And then she saw them – a vast army of Spirits, their forms shimmering in the moonlight, marching purposefully towards the castle's southern gate.
Terror flooded Luna's veins. The castle was under siege! But where was Guy? A desperate cry escaped her lips as she raced back to find Nana, the weight of the impending battle settling heavily upon her shoulders.