I was born July 30, 1st year of Heimdall, christened Rishid Nerva al'Thor, firstborn son of Tiberius and Cornelia, of the Most Noble House of Thor. Never mind the Rishid in my name, because I hate it, and I don't want it repeated at my face. It sucks.

I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, as some people put it. My father was the richest man in Izlude, being the grand duke of the city-state. My mother was a distant cousin of King Tristriam IV himself. I believe it would suffice to say that I have the Pronteran royal blood in my veins, but it is with very little hope that I shall come to the throne. Heck, if ever that moment comes I'd refuse it point-blank. I'm already busy with my life.

My family had long been known for producing able-bodied and legendary Knights and Swordsmen. Naturally, my father would like all of his children to become Knights and continue with the family tradition.

I was reared closely by my mother as a little boy, my father being away all the time under orders from my Uncle, the King. I was surrounded by nannies and my mother. Now that I come to think about it, I am surprised I retained my manhood with me....

Even the slightest scratch was forbidden to mar my skin. I had the very best, starting from the materials used for my mittens up to the food I ate. It was one of the perks of being a child of a noble----you had everything and the best, and you can't starve.

My mother would tell me long ago how I loved mashed potatoes.

Ugh, I don't even eat potatoes now...strange...

My intellect came to me rather unusually. I don't believe it when they say it to me, but my mother held firm that because of the event I got so bright I consumed the family library before I reached twelve years of age.

It was then...summer...I was six months old...my nurse left me because she had to pee. I was a hyper baby...but if you knew me then you'd be surprised. I prefer reading rather than bawl outside like what Theodoric does----but wait, I am getting ahead of myself.

So I crawled from my crib...the nurse had forgotten to raise the railings around me. Maybe climbed or what----I dunno----then I fell. My mother heard the smashing sound. When she climbed to my room, I was bathed with my blood.

You know what happened next. I like to call it mass hysteria.

You do the math.



-tbc-

Skeptical as I am about that "bumpy" theory, I believe it is entirely by the code of genes that you determine how intelligent a person would be. Duh, my mother had always been superstitious...and I don't like superstitious people. They suck.

Ever since a little boy I had taken a liking into reading. I was often in the family library rather than outside and join the other boys of my age in their games and plays. I only went out of the castle when father's Knights came to call and start my training.

I remember the very first sword I handled....it was an ornately crafted Tsurugi. I had a hard time swinging it back then...and I still have that sword with me.

Learning the skills of a swordsman was no big deal for me, because I always had an easy time memorizing the theories. The only hard part was the daily training. I hated doing the same thing over and over again, even though it was obvious I had already mastered it.

I wanted to continue learning. I knew what these Knights were teaching me were very easy; and I wanted an advanced level. I wished to handle a spear or lance, but then...my mother and father thought I was too young to attempt such a thing.

Whenever I went out on the streets I was always teased. The other boys went like this:

"There's the weirdo now..."

"Hey freak, have you finished the World Atlas?!?"

"Freak-o!"

"Hi there, freaky Rishid!"

I told you I hated the Rishid in my name, right? It just so happened that when that boy uttered those words I was in a foul mood. My mother was angry because I spent so much time in the library that she shut me from it. I was angered beyong reason. I was separated from my beloved books.

My hands clenched into fists, and I found myself walking toward the offender.

"What now, Rishid? You wanna play marbles? Are you sure you even know what they are?"

I frowned----and slammed my fist into his sneering face.

And that, my friends, was my very first street fight. Thank you very much.



-tbc-

I got reprimanded by that action. My mother shouted at me, saying that in no means would I be allowed to just spank other kids because they repeated my disgusting name. But I didn't listen to her. Her words went to my left ear then went out through my right ear. I haven't quite forgiven her for forbidding me to spend valuable time in the library.

It was only then that I was allowed to read again that I started to heed her.

My training progressed until I could actually start learning the theory for Endure and Provoke. I had fun...because I wanted nothing else but to learn. My father seldomly came home, but he would always see me and hug me and congratulate me.

Though he showered me with gifts that any young boy could ask for, there was always something that he lacked to give me. I didn't know it at that time, but now I realize that I lacked and wanted my father's attention and love. This was one of the things that caused me to become cold and devoid of emotion. I didn't feel enough warmth and love when I was young, and the coldness left a scar too deep.

I could do Bash and Magnum Break. In fact I could do things far too advanced for me. Even though I was learning and that I loved learning, there was something in me that didn't want all of this training.

That something in me wanted to become something else; something other than a Swordsman. But I thought then, what else can I become? What else is there for me other than this monotonous life? What else? What?

Even my brothers, my mother, my father's gift and our wealth did nothing about that tiny voice in my head. It could not stop the voice; it only got louder and louder as days passed me by.

You can't become a Swordsman because it isn't your destiny, Nerva.

Then, what is my destiny?

And what shall I become in order for the haunting voice to stop?


-tbc-

Geffen, the city of Magic...home to the intellectual leaders and fighters of Midgard, the Magicians and Wizards. It is also the den of the master craftsmen, the Blacksmiths. Mysteriously set in the mountains of Mjolnir, serving as a fortress city to protect the duchy of Glast Heim. Shaken by the First Great Conflict, where the Goddess Freya urged the people to act like idiots, thus turning Odin and Thor's anger to themselves....

But wait, I can go on forever with the history of the city-state. But I am not here to discuss that, I am here to tell about my life.

My father and mother took me with them to Geffen back then, because some sort of political conference was to take place there. I was in awe by seeing the spired structures, the Magicians and Novices playing on the street, performing spells as if it was just an ordinary sight for everyone.

Wizards levitating in mid-air....Magicians conjuring chairs out of nothing...Wizards blasting off pesky insects with Napalm Beat...Magicians freezing freshly-caught fish with one wave of their wands and staffs....

All these people are Midgard's best and brightest...

Intelligent...

Mysterious...

Masters of the unknown...

Weilders of the power of Nature...

Amazing...

Brilliant...

And then I realized that the haunting voice had stopped. I was dumbfounded by the eternal silence that greeted me as I set foot on Geffen. I strained myself to listen, but the voice was not there. Really not there, for the first time in my entire life...

I looked up...and found myself surrounded by five Wizards, all of whom were smiling mysteriously at me.

My father was not there.


-tbc-

I looked up at the five towering Wizards before me. Two of them were voluptuous females, and the other three were great-looking men. They barred the road before me, their cloaks and capes billowing behind them even though there was no wind.

"You are despairing, young one." the female with long lashes said, bending forward to kiss me on the cheek. "You want to know why the voice inside your head has stopped bothering you, and you believe that we, the Arcana, hold the answers you seek for yourself."

The Arcana...?

I was speechless, but I found myself retreating. I was blinking up at them in a way that made me look utterly stupid, but suddenly I didn't seem to mind anything at all. These five beauteous humans closed in on me, their hands beckoning, they eyes batting mysteriously.

"Come with us, and find the answers that you seek..."

"We will show you your destiny...."

"What you really need to become..."

"Seek the answers and they will be made known to you..."

"All you need is to reach out your hands..."

"Come..."

"Come to us..."

"Come..."

Come to us, Nerva...

I felt an unidentified power creep into me, snaring my senses and mind completely. It was not until years later that I have discovered that I had actually fallen to the trap of a powerful esnaring magic here. All I knew back then was that I had to come with them...come with them or die...that was it...nothing else mattered than this...nothing else...

Nothing else...


-tbc-
This is the most disturbing and mysterious part of Nerva's life.

I came with them. I didn't know where the hell they took me, but I could remember that we were in the middle of the woods with a perfectly round lake at the clearing. They told me to look into the lake, whose waters were so clear it was blinding.

I gasped as I saw myself in that lake. My future self.

I saw myself as you see me now. My future self in the water was fighting off something....and I was alongside a beautiful Priestess with brown hair and violet eyes...a Blacksmith that looked no older than sixteen...a Knight with dirty-blonde hair...a Huntress with gray eyes and an Assassin with a veiled face.

Images once more...

A deranged Priest with long blue hair...a bubbly Novice girl...a female Knight...a crazy Knight that was laughing his head off...

It made my mind whirl. I must have fainted because I couldn't see anything next except blackness. But the Wizards' voices were still there, echoing oddly inside my head.

"The Arcana is yours to conquer, Nerva..."

"You are destined to become the greatest Wizard in the world..."

"This is your destiny..."

"What you have to become..."

"Your destiny..."

"You have to become..."

"This is the answer that you seek..."

"Your future..."

What you need to become...

I was back in the darkened streets. The five Wizards and the clearing with the lake were gone. I felt sick. I felt feverish.

I found my father.

And that was when things started to get bitter between the two of us.


-tbc-

Did I become estranged to my family? Yes. Why? Because I had to become that person I saw in the lake, that powerful Wizard with the cold eyes and emotionless heart.

If I was already withdrawn, I withdrew myself even further. I wanted nothing else now but to learn the Arcana, conquer it, master it and weild it powerfully like no one else can.

But there remained one impediment...

You knew what happened next...I told my father what I wanted. I got hurt and I went away. I did not plan on coming back in Izlude, not until I was a fully-pledged Wizard.

I left everything behind----my wealth, my family, my old self. All I knew was that I had to quench this awful desire in me. This desire that threathened to overwhelm me if I had not succumbed to it.

I journeyed in the mountains alone. Often I was cold and hungry, with nowhere to stay for the night, but I had to reach Geffen no matter what.

All I had was a map of Midgard, and it didn't help me a bit.

I got lost, chased my monsters, fell off cliffs and rivers...

I was amazed that I was still alive. I guess it was my mind----my desire----that enabled me to withstand all the harshness of Mjolnir.

After eight hard months of climbing through the treacherous mountain, I beheld her again....

Beautiful Geffen, city of Magic...

By that time I was already very weak to move on...but I dragged myself to the gates. I knew I was in tatters, but I did not care.

I collapsed the moment I entered the beautifully paved streets, one sentence escaping my parched lips.

At last, I'm here...



-tbc-

You knew how my life was as a Magician. Master Deucalion told enough, I daresay. I've always had a knack of getting out when I felt the lessons were too low or I knew them already.

I hated having repetitions. That's why I preferred training other than listening to lessons I already knew. Some of you might think I'm tad arrogant. So be it. I don't care what you lot think about me. If you hate me, then I hate you too.

I spent most of my time training...journeying from desert sands to the snow-capped mountains of Lutie, Al de Baran. I had enough money with me...I somehow earned enough by killing monsters and selling off some of their profitable parts like hide, claw and teeth.

Sometimes luck wasn't in my way...there were times I didn't have enough money and had to stop eating for two days, living off only on water.

But even though my life was full of hardship, I enjoyed it. I liked what I was doing. Being able to weild a Fire Bolt or cast Soul Strike gave my heart enough warmth to forget my hunger. I was delirious.

Never mind if I got sick on the road. Never mind if I had nowhere to sleep in for the night. Never mind if I get caught under the rain. Never mind if I had to starve sometimes. Never mind...

Never mind...

I don't give a damn about it all...

Four years as a Magician, travelling all around Midgard. Then I returned to Geffenese soil to receive the fullfilment of my dreams. I have finally discarded the khaki robes...

I am finally admitted into the Arcane Tower of Geffen, home of the Arcana, den of the mighty Wizards.

And I became a Premier Wizard at the age of nineteen, the youngest in all of Geffen's history.


-tbc-

Each Wizard had his own study in the Arcane Tower. My study was located in the fifth floor, at the last door at the far end of the corridor. My room was a bit dingy, with no windows and bare stone walls that could get nastily cold when winter months come by.

But I was comfortable. I liked to be left alone. Some four or five lamps provided me light and warmth when the sun started to set.

A newly instated Wizard had many duties. The heaviest works on computations, alchemy, rune decoding, potion making and antidote formulating fell heavily upon us.

My load back then was with potion making. I worked for hours, poring over thick books while chopping up rare herbs and measuring powders in crystal phials. It was a brain-twisting work, because one slight mistake and your superior would send the cauldron slamming into your face.

Luckily, I had never experienced that one...

I was allowed to go out only when I needed some fresh air, but after that I went immediately back in the tower again to continue whatever task my superiors laid down on me.

I was getting impatient. When would I be allowed to go out and join my first guild? I hated being locked up. I wanted to journey around again and try my new set of skills. I particularly wanted to practice my Lord of Vermilion. It is by far my most favorite spell.

My superiors were pleased with my tasks. One of them, Lady Casablanca, was so pleased with the rune-work she asked me to finish that she requested that I be allowed a three-month break away from Geffen.

I was glad once again.

Morroc, Payon and Alberta, here I come again!


-tbc-

This was my first rule-breaking bout ever since I became a Wizard. I extended my leave to one year, journeying as I pleased from Morroc to Payon and Payon to Alberta. I knew I was as good as dead when I returned to Geffen, but I did not care. Heck, so what???

I hunted and traveled far and wide, battling a good amount of monsters and meeting new people. So far I'd killed of Sohees, Soldier Skeletons, Greatest Generals, Moonlights, Eddgas, Drakes----so much fun.

Some guilds tried to recruit me in as well, but I refused. I didn't know why. I wanted so much to get in a guild, but when offers came, I refused them point-blank. I dunno...

Anyway, I returned to Geffen after a year and well, a bigger trouble came to welcome me.

I found in my letterbox that I had to attend a hearing at court, accusing me of smuggling illegal Bathory and Wanderer hybrids for outlawed magical experiments.

I was shocked.


-tbc-

I was stupefied by the charges laid against me, and I was dazed even though I reread the letter for maybe a hundred times. I needed an outlet or else I could go berserk any moment now. I needed something---anything to put out all the rage bubbling up in me...

I went outside, but not really meaning it. I couldn't even feel my legs as I walked down the street and into the PVP Arena of Geffen, where the yearly tournament was already taking place.

I was so absent-minded that I couldn't remember registering myself and jumping into the arena. Let me explain the rules first. Once you jump into the ring, you fight as many opponents as you can. If you knock-out the most and do not lose even once, then you win one million zeny in an instant, no strings attached.

I really couldn't remember accurately. All I knew was the accusations were echoing badly in my head, and that it amplified as another opponent came charging at me. I fought them all----Knights, Assassins, Hunters, Blacksmiths-----ah, I didn't give a damn.

All I knew was that every spell, punch and kick I dished out felt so good. I remember vaguely that I grabbed a spear from a Knight and knocked him out cold with my own Bash technique. I was also vaguely aware that the referee was now hysterical....I recall his cries to be like this...

"GOOD GOD, SOMEBODY DEFEAT HIM NOW OR HE'LL TAKE THE ONE MILLION CASH PRIZE!!!"

I laughed. I laughed really hard tears leaked out of my eyes. Another Knight lunged at me. Knocked the stuffing out of him with a punch and Soul Strike. I felt so good-----so good and so free------

Then I came to my senses. I rounded in on the clamoring people and the referee. Told them I wanted my money and I wanted to get out of here now. They seemed reluctant but actually too scared to protest. I grabbed the sackful of zeny and marched my way out of it, refreshed.

Alcuin, a student in the Magic Academy, asked for my help in his rune-work and I gladly obliged. We worked on his rune tablets for some minutes before I sat down on the bench to read and think up a good defense for this case of mine.

It was then that a Priest with messy blonde hair, golden eyes and an extremely handsome face sat beside me-----

And said what was probably the stupidest thing on earth.

"Nice weather, isn't it?"

Oh, that was hilarious. Pure, one hundred percent stupid start on a conversation.



-tbc-

I knew what this Priest wanted of me. Join his party or guild or some what-not. But I wasn't in the mood for joining today, as I had the case in my mind. I refused him point-blank and returned to the silence of the Arcane Tower.

I shut myself up in my study, thinking of a good defense. I needed to win this case. Who the hell would want to accuse me like this when it was obvious that I didn't do anything?!?

I buried my face in my hands....until I dozed off.




I went outside the next day to buy some food, as my stock of bread and butter was already running low. The Priest was there again, and this time he offered to carry some of my load. I gave him the bulging bag of bagels. He was uncomplaining, and he was tad noisy. He was chattering like a parrot.

"And you know, it would really be nice if we get to kow each other! I mean, you look really tough I'd like to have a Wizard friend----my friends are no good and they can't even kill a Sohee on their own, it's a headache----and I like-----blah blah blah blah...."

I felt a vein throb on my forehead. I told you I hated unecessary noise, above all else. I felt myself blushing crimson. The Priest was so noisy that the people started looking at us as if we were crazy. I had to make it stop, I couldn't bear his loud mouth-----

"SHUT UP, WHY CAN'T YOU?" I said, my voice rising.

The Priest stopped dead, blinking stupidly at me. He apologized to me (and to my absolute horror and shame) and to everyone else. I had to get away from this sick person! This Priest is mad, I'm telling you! MAD!

I intended to part with him once we reached the Arcane Tower. I thanked him for his help and made to go inside, but he held me back by grabbing my cloak. His tug was so sudden and strong that I fell face-forward, squashing my nose. People laughed at me, and I got redder than my hair. This Priest really is looking for some bodyache...

"Will you join my party now?" He asked. "I'm Isidore Crane, by the way...and I would be very happy indeed to have you with us."

"No, thank you." I told him rather rudely. "Not after you had me smashing my face on the pavement, no, thank you very much----"

Isidore rubbed his chin, looking at me thoughtfully. Then he pointed a finger at my face.

"I see I cannot invite you peacefully." He smiled. "Then how about this. Octavian and I will challenge you to a PVP match. If you win, then I'll leave you in peace. But if we win, then you will have to join us. What do you say?"

"Two of you?" I raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know Priests are cowards. Stop making me laugh."

Isidore shook his head politely. "Oh no. There are two of us because I believe you are very powerful indeed, and that two people are actually needed to match with you."

I felt a twinge of annoyance. Very well, if this means peace at last....

"All right then." I answered with a frown. "Tell this Octavian to go with you. I shall meet you in the arena at three in the afternoon, sharp and no excuses!"

Isidore's face brightened. "Oh, good! Very good indeed! I shall tell him right away!"

And he skipped away singing "Mary Had a Little Lamb" in a sickeningly childish voice. I went back to my study, feeling very nervous.

Why did I have the feeling that I was going to lose?


-tbc-

Part 13

===

If this Isidore did not show up, then he'd better NOT show up for the rest of his life, I promise. I had my best equipment with me-----gears and my Bone Wand just in case. I knew I had to be careful with Priests as they have the Lex Divina skill, which can render me defenseless once hit.

I saw them standing outside the building. Isidore was smiling once he saw me, but the white-haired Assassin he had with him merely looked at me from head to foot. I knew he was measuring me; Assassins always had the knack of calculating their enemy's capacity by looking at them.

I felt a sudden prick in my head. I knew immediately that Isidore was trying to read my mind. I quickly summoned my own psychic powers and shut my mind very tightly. He soon gave up this stupid attempt of infiltrating me.

It was a good thing that there was no audience today except for the referee, Geffen's Tool Dealer, Tomas. The four of us stepped into the ring. Tomas blew his whistle shrilly, and as I expected, Octavian attacked first.

He moved unusually fast-----faster than any Assassin I've fought with. I knew I had to be careful with him. One wrong move and I would be susceptible to his lethal katar blades.

"ENVENOM!"

I ducked as his ominously glowing katar whizzed through the air, missing my nose by five inches. Then Isidore came attacking from behind. I heard the whiz of his Grand Cross mace in the air, and to avoid it I had to knock myself flat and skid away.

I leapt onto my feet and whipped out my staff. Octavian was there again, this time his katars were Enchanted with poison. He attacked very rapidly. I was using my wand as a shield. The Priest started to do his thing.

"Kyrie Eleison! Increase AGI! Magnificat! Aspersio! Impositio Manus!"

I gritted my teeth. The sudden light from the blessings made my eyes itch. It was a wrong move. I felt the katar blade graze my shoulder. I gave a strangled yell, but I had to make my move too.

"SOUL STRIKE!"

Drops of Octavian's blood flew in the air. The Assassin smashed into the arena's wall and landed on the floor. Isidore was immediately at his side.

"HEAL!"

This was serious. These two had the upper hand, obviously. I had to take down Isidore first. As long as he kept Healing Octavian my attacks were useless. I had to employ a Knight's technique now-----

I summoned my sword. Just as expected, Isidore and Octavian were surprised. I took my chance on that temporary pause. I attacked.

"MAGNUM BREAK!"

There was a loud explosion as my Magnum Break exploded right infront of them. They were blasted off and slammed into the wall, creating another crater on it. I charged, careful not to let them have another move. I wanted to end it.

"STORM GUST!"

Soon enough, the two were kneeling, sustaining injuries all over their bodies. My Magnum Break and Storm Gust sure hit them hard. Octavian stood and attacked me once more.

"ENCHANT POISON! SONIC BL------!!!"

Ha! I had him first. Thrust my sword into his side. Pity he didn't notice that. I gripped his forehead.

"NAPALM BEAT!"

"Octavian!" Isidore yelled as his companion crashed to the floor, unconscious. "Oh no!"

I raised my sword, aiming to go for him next. This was too easy. He stood up and faced me. I charged and slashed. But he was not there. What the---?!? Where was he!?!?

And I felt him hit me from behind. A Wizard's worst nightmare.

"LEX DIVINA!"

I felt paralysis sweep through me, prohibiting movement. I was seized with terror.


-tbc-

Part 14

===

"Damn!"

I fell face-forward onto the floor. I heard Tomas's whistle. I saw Isidore as he made for Octavian.

"Heal! Status Recovery!"

Octavian was up and about in no time at all. He looked at me, and from his eyes I knew this match was theirs. Ha! Let them laugh, think I'd be defeated as easy as this. I didn't earn the title of Premier Wizard for nothing, you know.

I concentrated with all my might.

Move....

Move...

Move...

Move...

Move...

...

...

...

MOVE!

I heard their cries of disbelief. I was standing up again, ready for the battle. I felt myself grin diabolically. Isidore was looking at me with wide eyes, and so was Octavian. Bet you they didn't believe I could throw Lex Divina off that easily.

"Isidore, you didn't tell me your Lex Divina was quite weak!" Octavian hissed.

"No! I mastered it! It can't be!" Isidore squealed behind the Assassin. "It should have lasted for one hour!"

I laughed really hard, my voice echoing in the room. Sorry guys, you're going to go home without any new partymate, I'm afraid. I raised my right hand.

"FROST NOVA!"

Magically, the arena was frozen from ceiling to floor. It's showtime, baby.



-tbc-

Part 15

===

I turned to Tomas.

"Get out of here, Tommy boy. Or else you'd risk dying." I said, nodding at him. "You can watch by other means. Leave us, please."

"Right-o, Nerva-sama! Beat 'em up!" Tomas answered, giving me a thumbs-up before leaving.

I turned to Octavian and Isidore, who now looked at me carefully. So they knew now that I wasn't some puny and average Wizard, and that to defeat me will require the utmost talents and skills. I tell you, I wasn't used to losing. Not if I can help it.

Octavian launched himself at me. He'd attacked with Sonic Blow again, this time each blow getting desperate and faster. These guys needed to defeat me. I wonder why they'd go through so much just to get me into their party. What were their objectives? And what will I get from them?!

"SONIC BLOW!"

I lost my balance. But that didn't mean my fall will also mean my defeat. I slid under Octavian, carefully, and kicked him hard in the abdomen. He flew away again, and this time, before he lands, I am going to make sure he shall never be Healed again.

"FROST DIVER! LORD OF VERMILION!"

There was a loud explosion. Oh yes, I always love explosions. Octavian was now useless, and the damage done to him was irreparable. Think Priests can Heal him? No, Lord of Vermilion deals damages that are only reversible by the one who cast it. And in this case, I have no plans of lifting the damages I have inflicted. You can sneer, so be it.

So it is just me and Isidore Crane alone in the ring. We circled each other like wolves, each one sensing who would come first.

"Come on, Priest." I said. "Come on and show me what you've got!"

I saw his face break into a frown. Again, that uneasiness struck me.

Holy cow....


-tbc-

Part 16

===

Isidore attacked before I knew it. He was damn too fast for me to see him. He could've Increased AGI himself, but I would have sensed him even before he cast the spell.

The next thing I knew was that he was bearing down on me, grand cross held high. I just blinked up at him------and felt the mace wham into my head with deep, excruciating pain.

I landed on the frozen floor in a whirl. My vision was unfocused, and suddenly everything I saw was doubled. I was too dizzy to cast a spell. I heard Isidore's voice as if it echoed from afar.

"Aside from Silence, A Wizard's great weakness lies in his head. Thwack him on his head and dizziness sets in, thus disabling the casting capability. Good Lord, please don't underestimate me because I am just a Priest."

True, true. He hit my head so hard that I couldn't even speak. I knew what was going on, and I had to do something, but with this dizziness at me I couldn't cast a spell. I would have to somehow use my Swordsman skills until this spell lifts and I'm ready to shoot him with spells again.

I drew my Tsurugi, struggling to straighten my eyesight.

I attacked.

"BASH!"

There was a loud crash. I strained to see. Did I hit him? Did I get him? What happened?

"Who are you attacking?" I heard him ask mockingly behind me.

I turned to face him, but his grand cross once more greeted me in the face. I staggered and fell back, my nose bleeding as I clutched it. My mind was now dangerously clouded. One wrong move------!

I slid on the frozen floor and knocked him off his feet. I heard him crash. Before he could fend up I gave him a roundhouse kick. I shook my head hard and cast a spell.

"SOUL STRIKE!"

Isidore banged into the wall and landed beside the unconscious Octavian. Good to see he was bleeding now. Ha.

But he stood up and started laughing his head off. I was starting to get annoyed.

"Oh, Jesus, you really are multi-talented!" He chortled. "Oh God, what a great honor this is!"

He disappeared again. I looked around. Dammit, why is this Priest moving so fast as if he were an Assassin.

"Nerva----look behind you~!"

I looked. So foolish of me. For the last time the grand cross collided with my head. The last thing I saw was Isidore bending over me, looking anxious.

Damn him, arrogant priest that he is.

All right, I lost.

Ch.


-tbc-

Part 17

===

Swastika was the only one able to bring me back to life. With it I learned to live again, appreciating life, learning to love and laugh-----things that I have forgotten ever since I left Izlude.

Isidore, Richard, Octavian, Matilda, Kiara and my beloved Haja----they all showed me what was it that I forgot. I journeyed with them, laughing and enjoying things like I had never lived like this before...

I can't remember things now...I really can't remember anything clearly ever since I was brought back. I can't even recall what Isidore looked like....or even my Haja's voice...

I hate to disappoint you, but I am not dwelling over my forgotten days. Let me now take you to the time when the Darkness started to engulf me, destroying everything that I held dear.

Everything...


-tbc-

CONCLUSION

===

Isidore was dead. Matilda was dead. Octavian was dead. Richard was dead. Kiara was dead.

Haja, my lady and my one and only love, was dead.

Dead because....because....

The pain is unbearable...I can't take it....they're gone....gone...torn from me....gone forever beyond my reach...

Isidore died when we were just three steps away from Byalan Island's exit...

I feel cold....alone....torn with grief.....

Grief so big I can no longer feel my heart....

Why...?

Gone...all gone....my friends... my love......

I can't reach them anymore.....

They're all gone....


-the end-