'In our world there is an existence called magic. It influences the very aspects of our universe. It allows us to infuse our body with mana, heightening our physicality and senses to levels that should be impossible, and grants us the vast ability to perform varied, unimaginable and remarkable feats from launching fire to bending reality itself.
Magic is a force beyond nature, existing near enough everywhere. It flows through everything, the terrain and atmosphere to even space, time and reality themselves. It seeps into the building blocks of this realm reinforcing and ascending them beyond their natural state.
The creatures of the world have evolved to harness it, in the form of mana. We are no different, manipulating and shaping mana to achieve the unfathomable. Magic is as dangerous as it is magnificent, without bias, obeying those who are capable enough to wield it. No matter their desires.
You all have been asking me to do this so were going to give this a go. In this book we'll record everything we've learnt and that has happened.
This is the story of Athra.
L Athra'
As the day turned to night, the blazing white sun shifted to a pearlescent moon, whose light glistened off the orphanage where he resided. It was the only one left in the city and functioned rather uniquely compared to the common standard. Housing significantly less children, with some possessing their own room and most sharing it with only one other roommate.
Exhausted after hours of work, Lewis placed down his pen, closed his book, and stood, happy to escape its cramped space. He'd been stashed away in his room practically the entire day. It possessed a basic layout and style, with all the furniture consisting of a simple, wooden design.
Whether it be clothes or furniture, Lewis had never been interested in anything luxurious or fancy, if it done its job that was good enough for him.
Before him was his desk, pushed up against the wall, behind him was his bed and his wardrobe was across the room, next to the door to his bathroom. Everything he could possibly need. He glanced up to the, silently ticking, clock hanging above his bed, half past eight. He muttered annoyed grumbles beneath his breath, he'd gotten lost in his work again and completely lost track of time, he'd even managed to forget to eat today. Lewis picked up the book from his desk and slotted it into the small shelf that rested high above his desk. The book was thick and sturdy, sticking out compared to his other due its very simple design of plain, dark brown leather, making appear like an ancient tome. Since starting just over half a year ago, he'd managed to get through over a quarter of its pages now, Lewis guessed within a year or two he'd have the book finished.
Satisfied it was stored safely within the shelf, Lewis headed into his bathroom. He washed his face over the sink and ruffled his hair, hoping to expel any exhaustion from his body and wake himself up. As he dried his face, his eyes glanced up and met the mirror ahead. His messy dark-brown hair was partially covering his emerald eyes that, like always, peered back through him, glaring with contempt. Barely holding his image for more than a moment, he turned away and left, grabbing his black jacket hanging on the door before exiting his room. He doubted there'd be any viable food left down in the kitchen, so would probably have to head out. He decided he might as well grab his sister and the others before leaving. They'd never say no to a free meal and he couldn't be bothered going alone today.
Like every other bedroom, his could be found on the orphanage's second, which was also its top, floor. The upper floor consisted of four warmly lit, red carpeted corridors that joined together to form square, they were all lined with dozens of doors, that led to either a bedroom or storage closet.
Once outside, he could instantly hear familiar voices bouncing throughout the orphanage. Each and every one sounded panicked and worried. Curious, he headed towards them.
'What could it be now?' he wondered. Most of the kids would already be in their rooms getting ready for bed, or would soon be heading there, so he doubted it was any of them causing trouble.
"Lucina! Kate! Arthur!" he could hear many voices shouting throughout the building.
'What could they have possibly done now?' He should've guessed his sister and Kate where behind this.
With his curiously transforming into confusion, he walked towards the front of the building, where a grand set of stairs led down to the bottom floor. He stretched his body as he traversed down the steps trying to eliminate the tightness in his muscles, it'd had been a while since he'd trained and it was starting to show.
After reaching the bottom, he quickly headed towards the living room but, quickly spun around to the sound of stomping. A woman who looked to be in her mid-twenties, with brown curly hair that fell to her shoulders and large square glasses approached. He knew her well, she being the director of the orphanage and him being one of their oldest residents. Her name was Becka Caris.
"Lewis where's your sister?" Becka asked him, she sounded exhausted.
"I don't know," he shrugged, "she was down here with the last time I checked," Lewis replied.
Instantly, worry washed over her face.
"Why what's happened. Also where is the new girl?" he asked.
They were meant to be getting a new resident at the orphanage and if he remembered correctly she should've been here an hour ago. But no one had come to his room to tell him about her arrival or to come meet the new girl. Had she still not arrived. Becka's face paled.
"What's happened?" he questioned, concern now lacing his voice.
"Earlier we received news that her transport to Elysi had been intercepted in the outskirts. The girl was captured, the military are still out looking for her," Becka explained, bitterly.
Anger flared up inside him. "Why did no one come and tell me?" Lewis questioned annoyed. Realising his attitude would get them nowhere, he quickly composed himself. "What do we know so far?"
"Alex and Grey pinned down possible locations but that was over an hour ago and they've still had no luck. If that wasn't bad enough Kate and Lucina overheard the conversation, and now I can't find anyone!" she explained irritated, shouting the last part almost as if she'd hope everyone would suddenly appear.
They walked into the orphanage's living room. It was building's biggest room, containing a crackling fireplace, numerous couches, tables and was filled with the kids of the orphanage, who all seemed to be gossiping about the recent rumours, that had spread like wildfire.
"The new girl was meant to be here hours ago, it must be real" whispered some of the children.
"Everyone to their rooms now!" Becka ordered. Instantly kids began leaving the room, not wanting to suffer her rage.
"Does anyone know where my sister is?" Lewis asked as they poured out however, he didn't receive an answer he liked. "Great," he mumbled. That can't be good.
He turned to Becka who'd just answered an abrupt call on her phone, it was slender, rectangular device, crafted from a translucent, white gemstone and had a golden border.
The conversation was short, but it caused her face to contort into a mix of worry and annoyance as she ended the call.
"What is it?" Lewis inquired.
"They've all went after her," Becka said quietly.
"For. Fuck. Sake," Lewis cursed to himself. He stormed off.
"Where's Eric?" he asked, stopping at the door.
"Searching with Alex," she informed.
"The others, do we know how long they've been gone?"
"Twenty, maybe twenty-five minutes," Becka stated.
Lewis grumbled and began walking out of the room. "Alright, stop any of the others from leaving, keep a close eye on Ike and Mera. I'm going to go see what I can do," he stated scratching his head, deciding his next course of action.
"Lewis, whatever you're thinking. I doubt it's smart, this might be best left to the military," Becka confessed her concern.
"Apart from Alex and Grey I'm faster than anyone the city can offer. Besides I can't just sit here while they're all out there. Gods knows what they've got themselves into, Arthur and Kate are already an unpredictable duo never mind including my sister."
"… True," Becka sighed, "why do I even bother trying with you lot, you're just like them when they were your age," she said, smiling to herself. "Bring them all back".
"Don't worry I'll have the girl and everyone back here before the night's finished. All safe and sound," he grinned.
......................................................
Being imprisoned wasn't exactly how she originally intended spending her Friday night. If it was still even Friday she had no idea, getting knocked out cold always messed with your sense of time. It'd barely been few minutes since she'd awoken in what she imagined was a dungeon cell … no maybe it was actually just a decrepit basement. Well no matter what it was awful, and being imprisoned there was the last thing she wanted to be doing. She would rather be relaxing at home after a long week of exams. But here she was bruised, bloody and extremely thirsty.
"Should have listened to him. Gods, I hate it when he's right," she grumbled. In her mind, she could see her brother's blank, yet disappointed, stare. Even without him being present, the thought of it made her face flush with embarrassment.
Her body ached as she repositioned herself to a comfier position, which despite her efforts was still extremely uncomfortable. Her hair a dark brown colour, now mixed with blood and dirt, had fallen in her face but she could still just about see her surroundings, through the strands.
Chains anchored her down to the cold, stone tiled floor, only visible due to the dim, blue glow of the sigils carved into the ground around her. She analysed the combination of symbols that surrounded her and sighed exasperated as she recognised their function.
'Mana suppressers. Damn,' she thought. They were going to be a pain to deal with. Her brother had taught her how, but it wasn't easy, and she also wasn't very good at it. She'd even go as far to use the word awful.
Slowly, her eyes finally began to adjust to the darkness, and she examined the room. It was dull and dingy, the surfaces a crumbling grey stone and across from her were a small set of stone steps leading up to a wooden door. She lay back against the wall contemplating her situation only to have her thoughts interrupted by shuffling to her right. Her heart leapt and she quickly spun her head. Beside her sat a young girl, her body dirty and bruised.
"Hello," she said, her heart thumping against her chest. How had she not noticed her?
The girl didn't respond, she didn't even move, only stared up at her with dead, hopeless eyes, coloured a ruby red. The girl had pure white hair smothered in dust and dirt and was dressed in blood-stained rags. She wore no emotion, not even a hint of anger or misery despite her situation.
After calming down she lay back against the cold wall, the girls eyes following her. 'White hair, Ruby eyes, she looks to be around the right age' she thought. A small smile then grew on her face. She'd found her.
"My names Lucina Athra, do you speak Elysian?" Lucina asked, the child remained silent for a while before finally nodding. "Do you have a name?"
".... Eri," a meek voice eventually escaped the girl.
"Alright Eri, I'm going to get us out of here. Everything is going to be fine," Lucina said with the gentle smile.
The girl's eyes remained hopeless, her gaze lowering to the chains restraining Lucina's body.
"Alright, I didn't say it would be easy," Lucina defended herself. "Plus if I'm lucky people will be looking out for us. Although they're going to be very pissed off at me."
Eri just silently stared, confusion in her eyes.
"My brother will come find us."
"...Your brother?"
"Yeah, he'll come, we just need to wait a little longer," Lucina stated confidently.
"...…"
Silence overcame the room. Eri's gaze remained intense and blank upon Lucina and soon an awkward tension began to fester.
"Why don't we talk a little?" Lucina suggested.
Eri nodded, but her expression remained emotionless.
"Do you know how old you are?" Lucina asked while leaving the wall and shuffling closer to the girl.
"…. Nine."
"Nine really you look a lot younger."
"…. Birthday," Eri said quietly.
"What sorry?"
"…. My birthday …. today."
Lucina felt her eyes quiver and her heart tremble. "Well then, happy birthday Eri," she said with a broad smile. Lucina was met with confused eyes.
"… Happy birthday?"
"Yeah, it's what you say to someone on their birthday."
"… Why?"
"Why? … To be honest I don't really know, you just sort of do."
"… thanks," Eri responded quietly. Surprisingly, a slight smile cracked her blank expression. It was small, extremely so, but was definitely there.
"You're welcome," Lucina smiled.
She leaned back against the wall, Eri copying her. Lucina closed her eyes and began concentrating on her mana suppressed prison, seeing if it was possible to overpower the sigils. It felt as if her mana core was completely chained up and not a single bit of mana could escape and flow around her body. She could feel her magic residing within her body, but it was locked up in the furthest corner of her soul, unable to be utilised. Sweat began rolling down her face as she continued to attempt to force mana from her core and circulate it around her body, but it was no use. It felt like trying to run through a brick wall. Manipulating mana had become as simple as moving a limb to Lucina, but every time she expected to feel that comforting rush of mana flooding her body she was instead met with cold void.
Suddenly Lucina snapped from her trance when she felt a tap on her leg. She opened her eyes to see Eri staring up her and was taken aback to see her gaze filled with worry.
"What's wrong?" Lucina asked.
"… are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine, I was just seeing if I could break the sigils," Lucina informed, but was just met with a baffled expression. "See these glowing symbols around me," Eri nodded, "well they're stopping me from using magic. But it's possible to overpower them," Lucina explained.
Eri, remaining confused, leaned over and touched the sigil closest to her, upon contact a translucent dome of pure mana surrounding Lucina revealed itself, glowing the same light blue as the sigil. Stunned, Eri rapidly pulled away her hand and the dome vanished. It was only then that Lucina noticed Eri wasn't restrained in any way. The girl was completely free to move however she liked.
".. can I help?" Eri asked meekly.
"… Erm maybe if you can destroy one of the sigils somehow," Lucina stated. "I think It'll weaken the barrier. But don't worry about it. You look hurt, so I don't want you moving around much."
Despite Lucina's worries Eri grabbed onto the wall and stood up straight. She then wandered around the room scanning the floor, eventually picking up a rock in the far corner. She returned to Lucina's side and started scraping and striking away at the sigil, the girl's eyes filled with sudden determination. Lucina found it strangely inspiring. She began attempting to overpower the barrier. Her brother had taught her to try to gather and circulate any mana she could, he described it as creating cracks within the suppression cage which would then allow her to manipulate more mana and create greater cracks until eventually the suppression seal was destroyed. It was a difficult and straining process that not many were capable of. Lucina recited her brother's lessons in her mind and followed them step by step, for about three minutes, until their efforts were abruptly cut short. Their prison's door creaked open.
"Quickly get behind me," Lucina whispered to Eri, while shuffling to guard her as much as she could.
The door to the basement slammed into the wall and a huge figure began walking down the steps. As it got closer, she could see it was a gigantic man cladded in familiar black armour. Foul memories arose in her mind and, she gave a loathful glare at the man who'd imprisoned her. In his armoured hands was a plate of food and cup of water. He crouched down before them, placing the items down in front of Lucina.
"You are awake, good," his voice was gruff. He had an accent she didn't recognise and, from the way he spoke, she got the feeling he wasn't too familiar with their language. "Who are you?"
"Lucina," she responded. She could feel Eri tightly grip her shirt, the girl's hand trembling. "Lucina Athra," she added, hoping on the slim chance her surname may influence the situation in their favour. However, the armoured figure showed no reaction.
"How old are you?" he asked.
"Fourteen." Lucina saw no point in lying, if anything, her age may pray on whatever sympathy the man had. However, the more Lucina thought about it the less likely to became, especially if he was willing to imprison Eri.
"Your talents are impressive for a teenager, taking out thirteen mercenaries by yourself."
"I don't want to be the breaker of bad news, but they couldn't fight for shit," she stated glaring. The reminder of the recent battle sparked her ire. If he hadn't shown up she would've been in and out, Eri by her side, without issues.
"That does not surprise me. They were only hired because they know the area. If they were my soldiers you would not still be breathing," he provoked.
"Well how about once I break out of these chains, we go a second round then? See if I really can't handle your men," she challenged. She knew it was idiotic as soon as the words left her mouth, but she didn't care.
"If you get out, sure," he scoffed while looking at her condition. Standing up he looked behind her seeing Eri cling to her back.
"Do not worry girl, you will not be harmed now I am here. Besides you will not be here much longer," he informed.
"Where are you taking her?" Lucina asked. A shorter time frame was the last thing she needed.
"None of your concern," he responded while walking away.
"Why am I still alive?" Lucina questioned as he reached the top of the stairs.
"Someone is willing to pay a lot of money for you," he said calmly, before exiting the basement.
'Someone wants to buy me,' she thought baffled. That couldn't be good. The thought of why began to send small spikes of fear up her spine. They needed to escape now.
After they could be confident the door was tightly shut, Eri's grip loosened and eventually she let go of Lucina's shirt. She shuffled back around to Lucina's side and sat before the suppression sigils. Without saying a word, she went back to attacking the ground.
A few more minutes past and the rooms silence was disturbed by the loud growl of a stomach. Her concentration broke, Lucina stared at Eri who'd stopped working and was now staring at the ground with flushed cheeks.
"Have some food," Lucina said chuckling at the girl's reaction. Observing Eri, Lucina only now noticed how skinny she was, completely skin and bone. But she couldn't have been imprisoned here longer than a few hours, just where had she been before coming to their orphanage? Eri looked up at her with the rock in her hand, but Lucina just gestured to the food and water. Reluctantly giving in to her stomach's demands, Eri sat down in front of Lucina and began eating the meat off the plate and drinking some water, however she then stopped and faced Lucina.
".. Do you want any?" she asked softly.
"Could I have some water please?" Lucina asked, only then remembering how dry her throat was. With both Lucina's arms restrained, Eri raised the cup to Lucina's mouth allowing her to drink.
"Thanks," Lucina said.
Eri responded with a small smile before placing the cup back down and going back to eating. Feeling restored, Lucina once again attempted to break the sigil, she closed her eyes and controlled her breathing. She concentrated on her supressed core attempting to circulate mana around her body. It didn't matter if it was just a drop, anything would help, she just needed to make that first crack. She began to feel something, it was faint, but she could feel her mana leaking from her core.
'Must be due to the barrier being weakened,' she thought.
"Eri, could you keep trying to destroy that sigil?" Lucina asked, her eyes still closed as she maintained her concentration.
Instantly, she heard Eri return to her side and begin attempting to destroy the sigil. She was right, Lucina could feel the suppression on her mana core growing slightly weaker each time Eri struck the sigil. Relentlessly, she kept trying to circulate her mana however, it still seemed to be till no avail. Lucina could feel her mana rampaging within her core, desperately attempting to escape and follow her commands. She'd always been terrible at this, no matter how hard she trained, but her brother always told her if the time came, he believed she'd be able to do it. That faith was the only that kept her going.
More time passed and sweat accumulated on both of their faces. Lucina was just about to tell Eri to take a break before she faints, but then suddenly she felt a change. Small amounts of mana began to steadily circulate. A grin formed on her face and heart began to race.
"Eri it's alright now, you can stop," she stated, her grin not fading. Eri instantly dropped the rock, grabbed the cup of water, and lay back in exhaustion. Lucina began to vigorously circulate her mana and as the seconds past the amount of mana flowing around her body increased. She felt the cracks form in the suppression cage, growing with every moment, just like her brother had described. A minute passed and the barrier began trembling, Lucina ignored everything around her, from the grinding of her teeth to the sound of their exhausted breathing, to the musty smell surrounding them, focusing only on the amount of mana escaping her imprisoned core. The volume of mana escaping her core continued to increase as the restraints weakened like a damn cracking due to the water overflowing. Suddenly the spell broke and her core was released, the sigils turned dull, and the barrier shattered, the sound of breaking glass echoed around the room.
"I hope they didn't hear that," Lucina grinned at Eri. She should probably but worried, but nothing but joy and mana flowed through her. She'd done it, when it finally mattered, she'd done it.
They remained quiet for a few moments and after there was no indication someone was coming to check on them, they both relaxed against the wall.
"Alright, give me a few minutes to recover and then we'll get out of here," Lucina told Eri cheerfully.
".. We're going to leave?" Eri asked. Hope brewed in her eyes for the first time.
"Yeah."