"Do you think we can be heroes one day?"
To be a hero, means to sacrifice yourself for the greater good.
"With that attitude, no! We have to give it our all brother, even if our bones crack!"
To be a hero, means to become the strongest, to be able to protect those that are weak.
"Eep! Isn't there some faster way to do it? Maybe without the pain..."
To be a hero, means remaining committed to a course, no matter what struggles you may face, no matter how severe the situation gets.
"No way! Heroes aren't just born brother, they are made! They train and train and train, until nothing can beat them!"
Heroes fight for what they believe in. They fight to protect, to preserve an ideal, and to inspire hope to others.
"Brother, you and I will become the strongest there ever is, and if you fall, I'll pick you back up so we can keep going! So let's make a promise!"
Heroes, are human. They aren't perfect individuals, but they place great trust in their allies, so that they can persevere.
"We will become Heroes, and we'll protect this world from danger."
Heroes inspire others to lead for a greater cause. They represent a hope- a flickering flame that will never die out.
"Okay... Brother. I promise... We'll become heroes... Together."
...
7th Day of the 9th Moon, 2012
Night had fallen. The stars shone bright, leaving a beautiful array of light that permeated the skies. Silence filled the air, until it cracked. Smoke brewed, and flames rose in the air, as muffled screams grew louder and louder.
Darkness plagued, flames ignited, and blood was shed.
"Get them out! Celica, make sure Kiara's safe!"
The young girl of pink hair was guided by the brun maiden who held her tightly, but struggled endlessly.
"Mom no! I have to fight!"
"No! Kiara, you must run away from here! We don't even know what these creatures are, but Albein and I will handle this!"
Kiara, was a young girl of fair skin, her beautiful pink hair reached just below her waist- but her ambition to fight far outmatched her simple leather tunic and loose bottoms that knew no defense.
"Xander please, take care of Kiara."
"Lady Celica you jest, Albein and yourself are in need of capable hands, I will lend my sword for you!"
The elder man in his 60s with a well kept beard and clad in armour drew the large blade across his back as he prepared to engage, but not before Celica swung her arms with a mist of aural green.
"Leave now! Xander, please... We cannot let history repeat itself."
Xander grew faint as his sword hand trembled. His grip fastened, but after some temperance, he released that tight hold before sheathing his blade.
"Celica, don't you dare let Albein die. You both must get through this!"
...
2nd Day of the 10th Moon, 2012
That day, my village was attacked, and I could do nothing but watch as my mother and father fight back against these creatures of darkness.
Xander rode away on horseback with me strapped on, holding me tight. Looking back, I would've died had I attempted to fight. Yet, I still regret not doing anything. But his choice was one he made with a tough heart. Xander wanted to help too, but couldn't because of me.
The screams of my neighbours and friends terrorized me. Every night, I dream about it, about how useless I was.
"Xander, what brings you here my old friend?"
Asked the elderly priest man. Like Xander, he was roughly the same age yet not as well kept as Xander was who kept up with his training and exercise. Xander walked to the man before bowing.
"Saint Nomad, a pleasure it is to see you well my old friend."
"Hm... Ah, I see. Kiara is it? I have been made wary about you from Albein and Celica. Considering I'm seeing you again Xander, it means things have taken the turn for the worst."
"Regretfully so. Magnolia Village was attacked by those dark creatures, leaving Albein and Celica to fend for themselves."
"So, they're growing more active."
I could only process few of what they were saying. That night was replaying over and over constantly, and I could barely concentrate. But when the mention of dark creatures was heard, I jolted.
"You know what they are?"
Nomad was a divinely presence, clad in robes of a soft ocean blue with a gracefully long white beard, and a priest hat covering his long hair, he turned to look upon the large statue of a figure within the chapel we were in. I wasn't even sure of where we were in Freiheit.
"Yes. They are denizens of the darkness. They pry on life and all things magic, for the sake of satisfying their greed. They are dangerous forces of nature- and it seems they are returning."
"They've always been here..?"
Never once had I encountered these things. It all seemed nonsense, but had I not experienced it first hand- I would not have believed this man. I would've considered him a crazed old fart.
"Yes. 500 years ago, there was a Hero who faced against a presence we could only describe as Calamitous. It wreaked havoc and even brought the Gods to their knees. Had it not been for the Hero of that era, Freiheit would have long since perished along with all the other nations."
"What does that have to do with these dark creatures?"
"They are a result of that anomaly the world had experienced. Upon it's defeat, it released the denizens of darkness called the Abyss. They are mindless creatures, but because of that Hero's actions, they were subjucated and imprisoned within a different realm."
"So why are they here? This 'Abyss'. How do I kill them?!"
I grew infuriated. The more the story went on, the more anger I felt. The idea that these things that had been imprisoned somehow escaped and attacked my village. Of all places, my village? It's infuriating.
"Easy, Kiara. I understand that you're feeling lost and wish to exact your revenge upon them, but you must be rational against these things. They will kill you. No matter what, they will hunt you."
His reply was blunt, but it certainly kept me quiet. After realising the stakes being held here, I couldn't help but remain silent, after all I hadn't considered that I could die. It didn't cross my mind when all I could see was red. I wanted to fight to help mother and father, yet- I couldn't. If I did, I would have died.
"The imprisonment on these things was broken some time ago and there have been sightings of them across the past decade and a half. We as the church, have made it our absolute priority to ensure these things do not escape. But for now, Kiara, what is it that you wish to do?"
What's with that question? But... It's something I also have to consider carefully. Since a child, my mother and father would share tales about their adventures, The Rose, a group of talented adventurers who slaid all kinds of greater beasts. It had always been my dream to become an adventurer.
Yet, with the recent attack on my village, I can only ponder if that is really what I want. I don't know if my mother or father are alive, and it's my first time beyond the village. We travelled for well over a few weeks, and I have no telling of where they are right now.
"I want to find my mother and father... But if those things continue to run rampant then..."
Nomad and Xander remained quiet, their eyes meeting mine as they awaited for my answer.
"If they continue to run rampant, then more and more people will suffer."
That's my conclusion. If those things run amock, then more lives will be lost and there'd be nothing I can do to stop it if I choose to run away back to my parents. I may even die myself if I do that, it's just stupid. I trained for 8 years, my swordsmanship and magic both. But after seeing mother and father in action, I realised just how inexperienced I truly am. So...
"If there is a way to best them, then please... Nomad, for the sake of my family, and the sake of those who still have families- please, tell me how to find them and how to defeat them."
The two elders felt gratified from the looks of their faces. Did they expect a different answer? Or did I meet their expectations?
That night, I failed to protect anything, because I hesitated- because I lacked the initiative. Even amidst the battle, Father endured several at once whilst my mother protected both me and other villagers from harm's way. They're both experienced in battle, in a way that I don't understand. Even against an unknown enemy, they adapted to the situation and made the correct calls.
Could I ever live up to people like them? Could I ever hope to aspire to become like them, and to achieve heights they have reached in their early 20's?
I'm only 16, yet, my journey has yet to begin. I'm useless, but if I can gain the correct training, I can perhaps change that. I can defeat this 'Abyss' and save those who need a helping hand.
"Kiara, take a rest for today. I will instruct you in how best to deal with the Abyss, as conventional means may prove to be less effective."
Nomad continued, before looking back to Xander, who looked as though he had something to say. Nomad smiled, but shook his head.
"Cast aside your doubt Xander. Kiara is a fine young lady and can handle this task. I can tell, she has her father's spirit in there."
Xander looked upon me once more. He had always looked over me, had always been around to ensure that I was safe. I always deemed it unecessary, considering we lived in a quiet and peaceful village. Yet, he no doubt had saved my life.
"Uncle Xander... Thank you, for saving me."
"... My lady, please, you need not thank me, for it is my duty. Nomad, my old friend. Please take care of her in my stead. Time is flowing and is of essence. I must reach her as soon as I can."
Xander turned away, as he headed off towards the exit of the chappel. For a moment, I let him walk away, understanding he had an important duty to carry out. But, I couldn't help but feel sour that he was going to leave without saying goodbye.
"Uncle Xander! I'll... I'll see you again soon, right?"
He turned with a smile, nodding before continuing his treach. A lot can happen in such a short time. Looking back in my childhood, all that training- depsite lasting 8 years, felt like it went by in a flash, yet this last month- from losing my village, potentially losing my only family and arriving before the Priest Nomad, it felt as though more happened in this single month than my life altogether.
"Kiara, familiarise yourself with the village. Isabelle? Could you show her around?"
Nomad turned his gaze towards the backrooms where past the door- a petite figure hid. Her hair was puffy like a sheep and a strawberry blonde colour, but her eyes were a beautiful hazel colour which caught my attention. If I had to hazard a guess, she'd be around either my age or younger, but she was a timid one, barely able to stand without fidgeting with her robes which were a light pink.
"She will be undergoing training under me, but I'd like her to familiarise herself with yourself, the village and ofcourse May and Soren."
Nomad turned to look upon the statue once more. I hadnt thought much about it until now, but the church is wonderfully decorated. The white marble flooring and the windows that allowed light to permeate the room- not a single speck of dust was visible and could only make me ponder how long it would take to tidy something like this up.
The statue itself was behind a golden altar, presumably where Nomad does his work. But the statue depicted a King, a god-like being who branded a sword held high.
"Who is that statue?"
Nomad placed a hand on the statue itself, baring a faith very strong and deeply connected. He replied, his answer sophisticated. "This is the God if Freiheit, someone once who had nothing but fought bravely to free Freiheit from the control of an evil deity. He is the God of Freedom, Origin, who was the first ever Hero to save Freiheit from darkness. Though the Calamity is a separate issue, I believe Origin watches over humanity, knowing that even if there is no Hero, that we will find a way- because that is what it means to be free."
No hero... That's right, the Hero of Freiheit was killed 15 years ago along with the Royal Family of Freiheit, residing in the Capital Drystia.
During the incident, the nation was taken over by the Holy Knights of Drystia, and has since been ruled over by the man called the Grandmaster.
Some have not taken kindly to his ascension, and a civil war had been waging for 10 years. Freiheit has been more dangerous, but ofcourse- some places remained unaffected like my own home. But even the safest of places is just a delusion of peace. I learnt that anything could happen before you can even blink.
So I will do everything I can to destroy the Abyss.