2 Chapter 1: A Bitter Truth

Ten years later...

As Diana waited for her father to call her into the palace. She smiled, as nostalgia came to her like a bullet, as she took into detail the pristine beauty and tranquility of the castle gardens. Roses and dandelions glowered as it sways by the cool breeze, waving to each other in the bright, sunny day. White pavements pave their way to the center, directing a path towards the big oak doors, with an intersection leading to a massive fountain.

Maids hum sweet melodies of pure bliss as they water the plants. Delighted to wake up another day while serving the kingdom. After caring for the plants, they also sweep the pavements to maintain the cleanliness and authencity of the garden. While the maids a re busy cleaning, the gardeners trim the bushes to showcase a borderline between the flower garden and the pavement. It was trimmed a straight line, cutting the excess leaves using shears.

When taking momentary breaks, they wipe their sweat using their hands and pulled out a picture of their family from their uniform, wearing only a brown leather tunic, black bottoms, a white cloak that shields their eyes from the sun rays, and a belt containing all the tools needed for gardening. They look at the picture of a happy family, their wife sitting beside them while their daughter or son sit at his lap, until they are recharged by the newfound strength, as they continue to work harder with the blistering heat in their skin and the humid air.

Around the garden, tall lamp posts placed at every two blocks to shone light at the garden when the night time comes. Then, at the very center, stood the main attraction, which was a huge fountain made out of limestone. At the peak shows a statue of an angel playing a violin. She was wearing only but a white dress as water spews beneath it. Its beauty was shadowed by its gesture. It seemed as though she was playing a depressing song. A sad, murky, and gloomy song that reflects her gesture is. An angel wearing only a frown, looking down with ill disappointment in her eyes, as if she had failed to complete the task that was given to her. Punished to only delight others with the hum of her violin, as she regret her decisions to the last detail. A treachorous punishment for disobeying.

Even after several years, the scenery itself never failed to make Diana feel happy to be back home, like a euphoric traveller after he came home from a tenuous journey. For this was her favorite place ever since she was a little girl. Everyday, she would always carry a basket and pluck flowers with her mother. For this were their favorite past time together.

One day, she was carrying her basket, picking flowers with her mother, till she has seen a blue flower. Stunned by its beauty, she decided to pick it up but was stopped by her mother herself. Her mother was wearing light blue dress, like the color of the sky, and a wide brim white hat, with red outline the top. She then tapped her on the shoulder, then asked her a question.

"The flower is beautiful, isn't it?" Her mother said. She nodded.

"Well, one can say that the unique ones are always beautiful, but do you know why they were the first to fade away?" The mother continued. She waved her head, confused by the question she has given her. Her mother moved and picked up the flower. The flower slowly rotting in her hands.

"You see, if plucked, someday they'll pass away. That's why they fade away so quickly." She said as she smiled, a smile that always made her happy when she did so. Then, she put on the blue flower onto her ear and ushered her daughter to follow her.

They walked until they can see the horizon, a patch of the blue flowers coming into view. She moved closer to caress the gentle and fragile flower at the stem. "But, if you take care of them" she pointed to the big patch of blue flowers "They'll slowly grow and create other more of its kind."

"You see, if you become kind and compassionate to people, they will slowly grow and do it to others as well, influencing others to be kind. For mercy is giving a chance to others to grow and bloom to their fertile state. As by doing so, they will help others to grow as well" She said as she touched her cheek "Remember dear, that being kind will never betray you. It may not seem a big effect today, you might even feel that as if you've did nothing, but trust me, it will." She ended with a soft moan, as if tired by the journey, heaving heavy breaths while her feet were like anvils, trying to force down and faint. She removed the thought and raised her head to look up, only to see a broad man with good looks. Looking at them, as if seeing a beautiful view of the radiant sky. Afterwards, she waved to say hello then smiling slightly which made the man flustered and his face like a fully grown tomato. Then, she looked at her daughter again "That's why never doubt and always choose to be kind to others" She said and winked.

As they were walking back towards their home, her mother suddenly collapsed. Her hat falling out of her head, as she heaved much more heavy breaths than last time. Her lungs were filled with needles, the air piercing her lungs, feeling excruciating pain. The man immediately came running to them and as he got closer to her, he slowly picked her up, like a fragile vase that needs extra care or else it will shatter, then called the nearest guards and told them to find and call the doctor to come quickly as it is urgent.

Several weeks after the incident, her mother was diagnosed with an unknown illness. She tried to hide it from her family, but it only worsened due in time. Her daughter always picks up flowers from the garden, hoping it might cure her mother of her illness, but, to no avail. One day, as she was just finished picking flowers and was opening the door. She was surprised by the people around the bed, crying tearfully as it seem someone had just died. Screams of sorrow and pain tore through the room while others cry silently at the bed side. Curious at what was happening, she hurried towards the bed, seeing her mother lay idle as her eyes closed in front of her. A pang of shock and disbelief ran through her as she shouted.

"NO! MOM'S NOT DEAD! SHE'S SLEEPING! SLEEPING!!" She cried. She didn't know what death is, and only saw a woman sleeping in the bed side, as no one taught her what it is.

The maids were shocked at who yelled and looked around to see who it was. They saw a young girl, no less than 10, waking her mother up. Shaking her using her little hands and what's left of her strength. She wore a white dress that falls down to her legs. Her skin were as white as snow. Long, silky scarlet hair flow down on her back, revealing a girl streaked in tears down to her cheeks. She was exceptionally beautiful for a girl her age. With her eyes as blue as the sky above. But now, her eyes a little bloodshot for crying so much. Her seemingly radiant smile that lightens everyone's mood, replaced with frown as she wipes her tears using her hands. Again and again she waked her mother up to no avail.

"That's enough" said a man in a weak and raspy voice. The girl looked away at her mother and followed the voice. She turned her back and to her surprise, saw a man. This guy also has the blue eyes the same as the little girl. A giant with a built up body that can easily scare the hearts of many. Now, just a vulnerable, weakened one that, even tall, can make you pity him instead of being frightened. Disheartend by the death of his wife.

He moved forward and tried to hug her daughter but the little girl ran. The man thought to follow and reached out his hand but had no strength. He just stood there, looking transfixed and depressed as he looked back at his wife.

Meanwhile, the girl has gone outside and stayed at the garden for a while. Sitting at the fountain. For the place was where the little girl and her mother would always play.

Then, an unfamiliar voice asked "What's wrong?". She looked up to see a boy who was in the same age as her. Dumbfounded as how the boy got past all the guard, looking at him like a blaring light in the dark, for he had done a great feat no one could ever do, for her atleast. "Who are you?" she asked with profound curiousity. "Ah, my name's Sion" The boy answered.

The girl, curious as how he got here, her eyebrows coming together and slight confusion evident on her face. She them asked him another question. "If I may ask with all due respect, how did you got past all the guards patrolling the corridors and the castle gates? Normally, people can't go into the palace." She said in a respectul manner. She had no one to talk too of her age except for her childhood friend. As people were never permitted to go inside the palace.

"My family came to talk to the king about some important issue they said. So, before they have gone to the throne, they said I can play here in the garden. Then, I found you" He answered. A long deafening silence came afterwards. Only the burbling water coming from the fountain are to be heard behind them. Until the boy asked another question that pierced her heart. "If I may also ask milady" he said as he bowed. But, when he stood up, he went on a serious tone afterwards. "Why are you crying all alone in the fountain?".

She thinked for a long time, looking at him to see if he is trustworthy enough to vent out her problem, her sadness. She tapped her legs under the white cotton, decided to let the boy know. "My mother" her voice croaked, as if saying the words itself is like a knife stabbing through her heart, but she strengthened herself. Vowing to herself that she will say it, vent out her problems at him. She continued "She just passed away a couple of minutes ago. Father was utterly depressed, and so was I". She finished, but immediately regretted it afterwards. She thought it was a sign of weakness, but came to the conclusion of accepting any jokes. she waited for the boy's response but none came.

She only stared at the pavements, as if something interesting has shown up out of thin air, tapping her legs to the hard limestone. Then suddenly, the boy tapped her shoulder. She shuddered, as if a ghost came beside her or some cold air blew. She was surprised by this act and should've been angered by his immodest behavior. But, she never said anything. She felt deeply comfortable to this boy, as if her feelings shouted to trust him and so she did, feeling a little bit perplexed on the thought.

"It's gonna be alright." He said. "My mother always taught me "show your love to the fullest with the ones you cared the most. As so when they are gone, you will never regret anything as you have done your best" he said as he tried to imitate her mother's voice, trying to make her happy and so he did. The little girl smiled and tried to stifle a laugh but failed. She laughed uncourteously but didn't care. She already felt comfortable to the boy and the boy smiled as well. Happy to make the girl lift her spirits up. They then became comfortable to each other, the girl slowly falling to the boy she just met a few minutes ago.

They talked for what seem like hours to come. The little girl fascinated as the boy talked about the life outside the palace. The bustling city filled with people. Merchants selling a plethora of stuff to the undying crowds. Or how beautiful it is outside the kingdom walls.

They talked and talked for hours until they realized it's late noon, with the sun slowly coming down while the moon slowly rises up. His parents came back to pick up the boy. Then, before he left, he bid farewell, saying he will come again at sometime. After that, he has gone towards his parents. The girl also bid a farewell and told him that she will be waiting, her filled with excitement and glee to see the boy again tomorrow. The girl waited for weeks, but he never came again.

Everytime Diana visits the garden, that certain memory immediately came back to mind, leaving her happy with his meeting with the boy. But also bitter by the death of his mother and the unfulfilled promise of the boy named "Sion". She only remembered what the two said and only by time has she come to terms with this and move on. she concluded that It is only now but a reminiscence of a bitter memory, a past that will always be remembered. But even after all of that, the garden will always be her favorite place. "I just wish I could follow what you said mother" she said as she released a soft moan, as if she was a little bit confused and exhausted. A few tears streaked across her face as she walked. After she wiped her tears with her hands, she walked towards the big oak doors as her father nor any maid came to told her to go. She then decided to take the initiative and go to her father immediately.

She went at the front of the huge doors, she clasped the big handles and used it to knock. When no one answered, she pushed it open like trying to push a barrel filled with supplies. If not for years of training, it may be impossible for her to even push the gargantuous door.

She walked into a huge room. Towering pillars soaring at the sides. Red carpet placed at the center towards the throne. As she was walking down the isle, she was greeted by a dozen men arguing on what to do. The king sat at his throne, looking irritated as the advisors come trying to persuade the king to come up for a plan for the coming crisis while the other half argue that it is nothing but a fool's play. From what she heard, a rebel group seeks to assassinate the king and the officials, to leave the kingdom and its forces in disarray. Trying to cause chaos and confusion to the people. Leaving the kingdom to crumble.

"We should strike them now while their still weak!" Said a man wearing gleaming iron armor and a red cape

"I don't see the point of attacking them, what threat could they cause anyways?" Argued a man in a red robe.

"Don't see... That's the point you arrogant bastard! We shouldn't underestimate the foe and attack them now!!!" Argued another man wearing scarlet armor. His face beatless red as if his ears and nose are now steaming smoke. Irritated by the senseless rebats of the man in the robe.

"Me, arrogant!? Let me show you your place, you thickheaded brute!" said the man in a red robe as he pointed his staff towards the other two, casting a spell.

"Come then you little piece of ---"

"SILENCE!" Yelled the man in the throne as he stood up. The man itself seems old, but shows wisdom and courage even by his lack of strength. The king wore a white cape, with its collar made out of fur that is designed to look like a white leopard with short black lines. His crown shining with exquisite jewelry that is hardly ever seen as its made out of gold. At the center of the crown, was a large, circular diamond and with its side were rubies. Seeing it would heavily vex anyone to steal it, as selling it would make them filthy rich. After hearing the yell, the advisors immediately fell into silence as they brought their weapons down.

A deafening silence echoed across the room. As he sat down again, moaning softly as if he is exhausted. Then, after a while, he saw a person at his front and recognized it immediately. A girl wearing a full set of iron armor, with a sword hanged over her sides. The girl was attractive at most that even the advisors stopped to stare at her. Her skin were as white as snow. Her scarlet hair untangled and now swaying over the wind. Her blue eyes were beautiful, but also shows cunning. As if at the very moment, she calculates how to strangle the men. With their pervertive stares that disgusts her deeply. One man had tried to talk to the king.

"Sire, but who is this lovely maiden, if you may say -----".

Before he finished his sentence, the king immediately interrupted.

"Welcome my daughter!" He said with a wide smile on his face while casting a nasty stare at the advisors around him. As if silently saying "try and make a move at her and you will be executed by the light of dawn." Recognize what's going on, she smiled and silently laughed. After a few seconds, she greeted and kneeled at the king. Then, she was requested to stand.

"You really look like your mother, with your scarlet hair and ----"

"With all due respect father, you've requested me to come immediately and I have done so" She immediately interrupted and said in a respectful and gentle manner. As if knowing that if the king wasn't interrupted, valuable time will be lost. "What is it you've ask of me?" She asked.

"Ah yes, yes" said the king as he touched his beard.

"As you may already know, an assassin is killing many of our high ranking officials." He said as he let out a long breathe, as if the deaths was merely nothing.

"Once their unguarded, he quickly kills them. Because of this issue, many of the officials had gone into hiding, too frightened to be killed or fight back. BAH, weak willed fools." He continued as he said in disgust. Saying the last line as if a whisper, only from her training for years did she hear this. The king continued.

"Well, I've send many of my most elite soldiers to no avail. For after a couple of days, their corpse will either be hanged at the center of the townsquare or are scattered in front the castle gates, mangled until they are not recognized. Taunting and make a fool out of us" He said, thinking of this as a hassle rather more than a problem itself. She knows already that he is only forced to do this, as people will try to revolt if the problem is not dealt with sooner.

"According to the scouts, he will be attacking next at the central market of the kingdom by the crack of dawn." He said, excited to see how her daughter does in this mission. "Of course, you won't be alone. Joshua will be coming with you as well. Meet him at the city market by night fall, at the nearby inn" He continued.

After discussing about the plan for what seems like a hour. He sent her on the way to the inn. He also sent a guard to assist her on her way out to the castle gates and after reassuring the guard that it is now fine to her there. The guard left in glee, as if he was delighted to load off a giant rock off his back and he returned to the gate. Slowly diminishing as he returns to his post to the castle.

Diana was amazed by what she was seeing, as if everything up till now was still a fever dream. Even though she has gone in and out of the palace several times, the utter euphoria of going out of the palace still lies within her. As if she has gone out of a cage and is now free. She now walked to the central market, where the inn is located.

She moved through the bustling crowd, with loud shouts of merchant echo through the streets. Some were selling swords to adventurers, enticing them to buy. Others offer potions, to heal or to strengthen in times of need, or to be used to weaken your opponent. While others sell the most unique stuff you can find, dragon scales, leather, and a whole lot more that Diana can name. After walking for what seems like minutes, she finally reached the inn. The inn wasn't as luxurious as people may think. It looked like an ordinary inn at the outside. With only a door showing and a sign saying "Adventurer's inn" outside.

Then, transfixed on what to do next, someone shouted at her. A familiar voice that send tingles down her nerves. As the source of the voice came closer, the voice also became decipherable that left her angry. A man, also in a full set of armor, with a light beard on his chin and his hair pointed up. What he said next left Diana as beet red as a tomato. "GOOD EVENING, PRINCESS SPAGHETT!"