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Chapter 1 – Tribulations
Fiona stood, staring into the sky. Everything had suddenly become hectic in the last week. After Meige had lost the arena game trying to beat Kali with an unconventional kiss, which didn’t work, things were looking up. But then Meige and Kali were arrested for charges of conspiracy and espionage. And then with the appearance of the other Proto Anthions, specifically a few of the Disciples of Sanctuary, things quickly became complicated. And it didn’t help that Siphon was still trying to interrogate her about their fight together during the arena. But Fiona wasn’t about to divulge anything she could keep quiet about.
With the palace garden on her left, Fiona trudged down an open corridor. As she passed the guards and servants, they took quick glances at her. She weakly held up a salute and smiled. They bowed their heads or returned a similar salute. Fiona turned away from the garden and smiled.
“The four of them haven’t changed in the slightest,” she moaned. “I know they can sneak around all they want, but the least Misty and Cheryl can do is hide their wings.” Fiona paused at an intersection. “Haven’t they heard of discreetness?”
Fiona continued forward and blushed with an excited smile. “Cheryl looks so cute now with her little white dress, those tiny red shoes, the silver bells, and her precious little wings.” Fiona paused again and looked up. “I wonder if she even knows how to hide her wings.”
“Fiona!” Siphon shouted.
“Oh no, not her again,” Fiona whimpered in fear. She turned and glanced down the hall. Siphon stood with an angry expression of betrayal.
“Fiona! Stop right there! If you don’t answer me, I will force you too!”
Fiona scratched her cheek and giggled nervously. She opened her mouth to reply but said nothing. Instead, she quickly turned and sprinted away, breathing quickly and complaining to herself.
Siphon held up a hand and leaned forward. “W-Wait! Please, I just want to talk!” She broke into a dash and gave chase.
“Later!” Fiona shouted as she slid around a corner.
Kali clenched her teeth and tightened her fists. She stood motionless and glanced angrily.
“There!” Princess Reecella shouted.
“That feels so good,” Meige sighed. He smiled and moaned in relief. “Thanks Reece, my arm has been hurting for a while now.”
“Oh shut up already,” Kali retorted.
Meige frowned at her, but Reecella leaned forward happily and spoke, “She’s probably mad that I’m the one who put those bandages on you and not her.”
“I am not!” Kali shouted with a scowl.
Reecella covered her mouth and laughed while Meige glanced at his arm. “These things feel great, they’re almost magical,” he said.
“In a sense they are,” Reecella explained. “The bandages have been enchanted so they heal wounds quickly.”
Meige nodded his head and sighed again. Kali smirked while Reecella resumed her giggling.
The three of them were in a semi-circular room with a bench from one end to the other. The room was lit with a white light and a large door separated it from the hall outside. The door was sealed and locked in a variety of different ways. The room was silver with a white ceiling. The lights appeared beyond the ceiling giving it a faint glow. A table was set in the middle with four chairs. It was a small rectangular table with no defining features and the chairs appeared dull and metallic. The room was also stiflingly quiet.
“So what did the king say?” Kali asked.
Reecella looked over with a worried face. “Father was talking to Archduke Mathias, Sir Thomas, and some other people. But Mathias said a lot of strange things...”
Everyone had been seated in the King’s Hall. King Aster rested his chin on his knuckles and listened.
“King Aster,” Mathias said with a smile. “We have a grave situation on our hands. I believe Captain Seras owes us some answers.”
“I have my reasons,” Herman answered with a cold stare.
“Interesting,” Mathias smirked. “Maybe you are the one that does not realize the gravity of the situation. We have two Cenaran soldiers, a missing state-of-the-art weapon, a princess who was in the custody of the Federation for nearly two weeks…” Mathias trailed off casually and focused on Herman intently, “and last, a captain whose best explanation is to ask us to confide in his reasons.”
Mathias turned back to King Aster and spoke in a worried tone. “I believe we should get to the bottom of this, though it is not my place to decide what course of action we must take.”
“Then don’t bother trying,” Princess Reecella muttered.
“Mind your manners Princess Reecella,” Sir Thomas warned.
“You are right Archduke Mathias,” Herman said. “Forgive me for my impudence, I just wished for as few people as possible to know. Forgive me King Aster.”
“Oh?” King Aster said in surprise. “Please tell me about this plan of yours then.”
“You see,” Herman said slowly. “Those two Cenarans are actually defectors. The Aegis that was brought back was proof of their turned loyalty.”
“That’s very interesting,” Mathias answered. “But why would they want to defect in the first place?”
“I convinced them,” Princess Reecella answered. “You’d be surprised how much influence power and prestige has.”
“I know nothing about that Meige Star, but Battle Major Kali Cestra is a hardened veteran. I do not think she was ever defecting.”
“Since you weren’t the one on the ship, I suppose you have evidence?” Reecella said.
“This woman has accumulated an outstanding record of action against Sella,” Mathias explained. “She has participated in a majority of the conflicts within the last few years and is an outstanding pilot. She is an ace and an uncanny number of her victims were also aces. Her favorites appear to be Crusaders.”
“I can believe that,” Sir Thomas whispered.
“You have more, do you not?” King Aster said.
“I do,” Mathias continued. “Aside from her piloting and core skills, she has infiltration training, commando expertise, technical and electronic knowledge, assassin training, and high grade hacking expertise. There is very little this woman can’t do, or hasn’t done already.”
“What are you suggesting,” Sir Gale asked.
“Personnel with this record are not so easily swayed,” Mathias said with a smirk. “She could have easily chosen anytime almost anywhere to take any of our lives. I believe she was behind the attempted murder of Princess Reecella and must have acted in unison with Princess Shiel and her Battle Knight Kaorin.”
“Understandable,” Reecella groaned. “But you forget she was the one that saved me.”
“I do not try to understand what this woman does; only understand what she is capable of doing.” Archduke Mathias turned to King Aster with a sly determined expression. “King Aster, this woman is too powerful, too skilled, and too dangerous to attempt to control. We know very little about the boy and only know he piloted Aegis, which no longer exists. As an advisor and a Sellan officer, I believe you only have one option left to you. You must execute them both.”
“You can’t do that!” Reecella shouted.
“Reecella, please,” King Aster said, looking down at the table.
“There is still another order of business left to discuss; Haven Yumea’s death.” Mathias said with a slight grin. “Haven was last seen with Meige the night before the last day of the Arena. A group of people saw him speaking with her. Haven was found the next day, dead.”
“That’s absurd,” Reecella shouted. “Meige couldn’t have killed her, she’s a Proto Anthion.”
“We know nothing about Meige or his abilities,” Sir Thomas interrupted.
“Whose side are you on?” Reecella frowned.
“Stop, we will find the reason behind Haven Yumea’s death. However Mathias I do not agree with your assessment. Haven was more than likely victim to the Kuntalie,” Aster said. “Instead, I want to hear more about Koarin and Shiel.”
“Why were they in your room,” Princess Reecella asked.
“Did they say anything before they met their demise?” Sir Gale added.
“I believe they were trying to search my quarters for whatever they could get their hands on. They only said a few choice words before their death.”
“Did you find out how the security to my daughter’s room was disabled?” King Aster asked.
“I know nothing of it,” Mathias said, sighing in despair.
“I checked into the security center and also found nothing,” Thomas added. “The guards on duty, the cameras, the memory imprints; none of them showed signs of tampering. As far as the system knows, Princess Reecella was secure.”
“I do not like any of this,” King Aster said in discontent. “Sir Thomas, check deeper. If there is a plot at work here, find it. I do not care where it leads you; utilize whatever means necessary, you have my authority.”
“Yes your majesty.”
“Mathias,” King Aster said. “Look into Haven’s death and find the cause. If it was the Kuntalie, find out how they did it. If it was Meige Star, find out how he did it.”
“King Aster,” Mathias objected. “Perhaps it would be best if you let me handle the security systems.”
King Aster glanced down to ponder the request, but Reecella quickly panicked and dropped her heel onto Thomas’ foot.
“Ahh!” Thomas shouted as he stood up. Princess Reecella looked up at him with pleading eyes. “Ahh mean, I will do it,” Thomas quickly sputtered. “Please allow me to look into this matter. As Princess Reecella’s ex-Watcher, I promise you nothing will deter my will to expose the person or persons behind this heinous act.”
There was a pause of silence as Thomas’ charisma took them by surprise. He coughed and Princess Reecella smiled cheerfully.
“Alright Thomas,” King Aster agreed. “I trust this matter to you and I know you will not let us down.”
Archduke Mathias gave a scornful nod while Sir Gale, Princess Serena, and King Aster bowed their heads. Princes Reecella looked back to Mathias and frowned. King Aster dismissed them and asked to be left alone. Everyone gave a salute or bow and slowly left the chamber.
“Thank you Thomas, I know I can trust you at least,” Reecella moaned.
“You have nothing to worry about Princess, I would sooner die than let this conspiracy continue.”
“I’d rather not have something like that happen,” Reecella said gloomily.
“Your words are too kind,” Thomas answered with a bright expression. “Do not worry about me; I will get to the bottom of this.”
“…and that’s how it went,” Reecella said, finishing her recollection.
Meige and Kali both listened intently and nodded their heads. Kali sighed and groaned at the thought of her abilities being so transparent and easy to catalogue, while Meige tapped his foot and wondered what to do next.
“It sounds like we’re in a real mess,” Kali groaned.
“I know things look grim right now,” Reecella assured her. “But the two of you have a few days before anything serious takes place.
“Gee, a few days left to live,” Meige laughed sarcastically.
“You could have saved yourself Meige,” Reecella muttered. “If you only had Aegis…”
“Well I don’t,” Meige said quietly.
Kali rested her head on her arm and looked at the wall. “What if Meige had Aegis and was just hiding it?”
“I could convince my father to keep him around.”
“I won’t do it,” Meige shouted. “I’m not hanging you out to dry like this.”
“Does that mean you have the Aegis?” Reecella asked in surprise. She leaned closer in curiosity and stared.
“N-No,” Meige muttered. “I haven’t seen Egi in more than a week now…”
“What?” Reecella asked.
“Its nothing,” Meige replied, looking away. “Wherever Kali goes, I go.”
“Where I go, you’re not following unless you don’t have a choice,” Kali said harshly. “So forget all those ideas you have about dying with me or saving us. Think realistically Meige.”
“Always the conversation killer,” Reecella said with a sigh. “In any case, the two of you sit tight and try not to lose your heads. Ehm, no pun intended. I’m going to go now.”
“Thanks again Reece,” Meige said with a smile. Reecella nodded and walked away. Kali followed her and stopped her at the door.
“I appreciate what you’re doing,” Kali said nervously. “I don’t think I’ll ever understand why you’re doing all of this, but I won’t forget it.”
Reecella blushed and put her hands behind her back. She looked up at Kali and leaned back and forth. “Aw Kali, you’re embarrassing me. I’d do anything for you.”
“I was being serious,” Kali said, looking away. She walked back to the table while Reecella left the room.
“So was I,” Reecella quietly giggled. She left the detention area and wandered through the palace to find her sister. The servants and guards gave their traditional bows which she returned with friendly gestures. When she reached her sister’s room, she knocked on the door twice and pushed it open. “Ser-Ser,” Reecella called. “I wanted to talk to you.”
“Reece?” Serena said in surprise. “I thought the door was locked.”
“Eh?” Reece answered back.
Serena turned and looked around the room before giving her attention to her sister again. “I’m sorry, what is it you wanted?”
Reecella looked at Serena with a questionable frown. “I wanted to talk to you about your behavior lately. You’ve been acting strange.”
“I’m sorry Reece, it hasn’t been very good times for me.”
Reecella looked down mournfully. “I know sis, Haven was a good person. But that’s not all is it? Something else is bothering you, I can tell. Please tell me, I want to help.”
Serena walked toward Reecella and put her hands behind her little sister’s neck, pulling her closer. “I’m fine Reece. Don’t be alarmed, there’s nothing wrong. I’m sorry for worrying you. It’s just I’m a little jittery now because nothing like this has never happened. I swear I’m fine Reece.”
Reecella pulled away and smiled. “Alright, I believe you Ser-Ser. I’ll leave you alone.”
“Please don’t worry,” Serena said calmly. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you’re alright.”
Reecella paused at the door and turned halfway with a smile. She then turned the handle and stepped out.
Serena stood quietly for a long time. There were footsteps behind her and she waited for them to stop. The room was quiet again.
“How did it go?” Serena asked.
“Everything worked according to what you said,” Egi answered. “Docking procedures have been changed, firing sequences for the platforms have been adjusted to buy as much time as possible, and recognition, identification, and transponder codes were all slightly modified. The escape attempt should have a high margin of success.”
“Good,” Serena sighed weakly. “I will have the transport ready for when you all make your getaway.”
Egi closed her eyes and thought about Meige. She looked at Serena and spoke, “Why is it so important that you help us? You never told me the reason, specifically.”
“It’s a favor,” Serena answered, recalling a painful memory. “A friend asked me to make sure your two friends, and my sister, escaped into space at all costs. She said I would understand why.” Serena turned around with a resolute expression and stared beyond Egi. “I think I now understand what Haven meant.”
“She just won’t give up,” Fiona complained. She backed away from the hiding spot and brushed her arm against her forehead.
“What’s going on?” Michelle quietly whispered.
Fiona looked around, startled by the voice. She glanced toward the entrance and looked for Siphon. “What?” she asked with a forced smile.
“I’m sorry, my voice is a little weak,” Michelle answered. Fiona turned and looked at Michelle’s bed.
“Michelle!” she called. “You’re awake! How are you feeling? Can I get you anything?”
“No, no,” Michelle said, shaking her head. “I’m just a little drowsy right now, that’s all.”
Fiona walked toward her bed and took a seat near her. “So much has happened since you’ve been, umm, not completely conscious. You also missed the Selica Ashtia Moriah.”
Michelle growled and sighed, “I wanted to be there.”
Fiona laughed quietly. “Oh, it was interesting; Siphon and I were in the arena games.” Fiona leaned forward and put her hand over Michelle’s forehead. It was warm, but Michelle appeared fine. “Michelle, are you sure you’re alright?”
“Yes, I think I am,” Michelle answered.
“Then…” Fiona muttered. “Do you still regret that Kali saved you?”
Michelle flinched and squeezed her bed sheet. She sank into the bed and stared blankly at the ceiling.
“Meige and Kali are actually in holding cells now at the detention center,” Fiona said. “Their cover was blown and Meige is being accused of murder.”
Michelle grinned and looked away. “Why, what happened to them.”
“It looks like they got themselves caught in a plot against Sella.”
“What’s going to happen to them?”
Fiona looked down gravely and answered, “There is talk about their execution. The chances of them getting out alive are slim.”
Michelle turned her body and pushed off the bed. Fiona helped her up and Michelle shifted with a light smile. “Then we should probably help their chances.”
“You don’t mean—”
“I do have a debt to repay,” Michelle said in annoyance. “But first, you really should fill me in on what happened.”
Fiona clapped her hands and pulled the seat closer to Michelle’s bed. “Oh, where to start,” she said with a smile. “First there were banquets and carnivals, and then the games and more banquets, and finally the training for the arena.”
Fiona talked about the things that happened in and out of the palace. She spoke of the banquets she lingered around, the ceremonies and festivals in honor of kings and gods, and the beautiful music and attractions that accompanied them. She explained the arena matches and who was paired with each other. Even though Fiona did win against Siphon, she was beaten by Kali. And to make things more interesting, Meige and Kali were the final gladiators. Fiona sighed and also mentioned the missing gladiators.
“Haven was found dead and Egi is still missing.”
Michelle shook her head slowly. “And they think Meige is responsible?” she asked.
Fiona nodded. “I’m sure Haven was executed by the Kuntalie. There’s no reason for Meige to do something like that. Not that he could.”
“I know Meige, he’s a very kind person,” Michelle reminisced aloud.
“I remember you saying something similar about another person,” Fiona giggled.
“Stop that,” Michelle said with an embarrassing smile. She looked at Fiona with a frown and they both laughed instead.
“Michelle, I’m so happy you’re alright now,” Fiona said, putting a hard on her arm.
Michelle smiled and then thought carefully. “You said you beat Siphon in the first round. Did she use her Proto Anthion body?”
“Yep,” Fiona answered with a bright smile. She then frowned a little and fidgeted with her fingers. “But I cheated a little to do it…”
“Really?” Michelle said in surprise.
“Yeah,” Fiona muttered quietly, “I haven’t told Siphon yet, but I’ve been keeping a little secret about who I really am.”
“Why don’t you tell us right now then,” Michelle said. She touched Fiona’s hand and smiled, pointing behind her.
Fiona slowly turned around and saw Siphon standing with Princess Reecella. They both had surprised and astonished expressions.
“Michelle! You’re awake and talking!” Reecella shouted. She ran and jumped onto Michelle, snuggling into her body.
“Thank you Princess Reecella, I’m feeling much better now,” Michelle said as she stroked Reecella’s head. Reecella looked up and cried in relief. “I’m fine, really Princess, you don’t have to cry,” Michelle said anxiously.
“Fiona,” Siphon said with a sharp voice. “What have you been hiding from us? We’re a team, a family, why are you running away.”
Fiona slid back as Michelle, Reecella, and Siphon’s eyes focused on her.
“What does she mean?” Reecella asked.
“If you won’t tell them I will,” someone shouted. They all turned to see Isis holding a large brown book, torn and aged in appearance. She held a finger up to her glasses and adjusted them comfortably. “Michelle, it’s good to see your mind alert and fully conscious.”
“Thank you Isis,” Michelle said with a laugh.
“Isis, what do you mean?” Fiona asked nervously.
“I’ve known about it for a while,” Isis replied. “But I don’t want to ruin it for you, why don’t you explain.”
Everyone’s gaze landed on Fiona again, and she squirmed in anxiety. “Alright, I’ll explain everything,” she said, defeated. “But only because we’re a team and a family.”
“What is it?” Reecella repeated.
Fiona swallowed and then smiled. “I’m a Proto Anthion,” she said, “and not just a normal one, but an Original. But not just an Original, a special Original.”
“A Proto Anthion!” Reecella shouted.
Siphon smirked and whispered, “I knew it.”
“I had no idea,” Michelle said in shock while Isis smiled snugly.
“What do you mean by original and special original,” Isis asked.
“Before I get into that,” Fiona said. “There’s something you all should know about Princess Reecella. She is the reincarnation of a person who lived a long time ago. She was a Proto Anthion named General Capella.”
“Who, me?” Reecella said, glancing around.
“Reincarnation you say,” Isis asked. “A long time ago there was a recorded war between Proto Anthions and Bellis Akorians. During that time Proto Anthions were abundant, and the Bellis Akorians were at the peak of universal technology. What those mean, none of the text in the Great Library say. But the Proto Anthions and the Bellis Akorians died away. Supposedly, the only remnants left are rare births of Proto Anthions…and the small organization we know nothing about called the Kuntalie Pirates.”
“Very good Isis,” Fiona complimented. “For all intents and purposes, that’s almost completely accurate. But the Proto Anthion side is a bit more complicated than that. Proto Anthions can live forever because of their eternal youth, resistance to toxins and disease, and regenerative abilities. But that doesn’t make us completely invulnerable. Those of us who escaped those wars are called the Originals. The ones that are born these days are Descendants. But there are also the Proto Anthions who are reincarnations, which is kind of complicated. But Princess Reecella is one of them.”
“This is all very strange,” Reecella said. She looked down at her body and flexed her fingers. “I was a general, how come I didn’t hear anything about this?”
“I’m sorry Princess Reecella, but your father and uncle did know of it. It was more of a prophecy though; given to the king by the one you call the Oracle. It’s why you were trained to be a great warrior, and why you are a core pilot for the Ardessa. No one really knew anything about me; I came as a precautionary measure to keep you safe.”
“Oh,” Reecella moaned. “That sort of makes sense, I guess.”
“I think you know what I mean, don’t you Princess Reecella,” Fiona continued. “Do you dream about things, see things, or remember things, that don’t make much sense? More so when you’re talking to someone who you swear you’ve known before.”
“But that would mean…” Reecella began saying. She suddenly glanced up at Fiona wide-eyed. Fiona giggled and nodded her head.
“This is all very interesting,” Isis said, looking down.
“That’s an understatement,” Michelle said quietly.
They waited silently in thought before Siphon spoke, “There’s one last thing I want to know. Your transformation, I want to see it.”
“I don’t think I should,” Fiona whispered, walking away.
“What’s wrong Fiona,” Reecella laughed. “I want to see it too. I bet you look really cute!”
Fiona glanced sideways with a weak smile. “Don’t be frightened.”
Fiona turned around and looked down. Teal lights circled away from her body expanding outward. They formed a trio of seals with green-blue symbols before fizzing brightly and locking into place. Light appeared around Fiona’s body hovering away from her limbs.
“Why would we be frightened?” Reecella whispered.
Fiona raised her arms and light blazed through them. A mass of black light formed an enormous plank in her hands. The edges smoothed away and a long handle appeared in her right hand instead. The plank took the shape of a giant heavy blade with dark red outlines and a black body with exotic but shallow cuts in its frame. With her other hand, she held a thin handle built into the body of the weapon.
But then bulky dark armor clasped to Fiona’s small body, completely hiding her. Her shoulders were large and angled away while her arms and hands were wrapped in large dark silver pieces. Her chest and thighs retained their feminine shape but a boxy plated belt encompassed her waist. She had large armored boots that reached up to her knees and small guards that curved up to protect them. On her chest and left shoulder, the symbol for the Bellis Akorian number three appeared.
Reecella opened her mouth in fright but Siphon covered it and held her close. Michelle pushed away from the foot of her bed as Isis stared uneasily. Fiona’s face was completely hidden away by a large shining helmet. It clasped her head and covered her neck in a bracer. The helmet was dark but glossy. It was a simple and crude full helmet with no defining features, indents, or decorations. It was barren and faceless. As her sword lost its green and black glow, it finished its materialization. White wings clawed into the air behind her. They spread, shuddering after being used so rarely, and rested behind her back and shoulders.
Fiona’s dark and mechanical looking counterpart took a step forward. Her armor clanked and echoed like a monstrous machine.
“I-I don’t understand,” Reecella stuttered in fright. “You don’t look like a Proto Anthion at all…”
“I’m sorry Princess,” Fiona answered. Her soft muffled voice reverberated out from her closed helmet. “I would never hurt you though.”
“Are you a Kuntalie?” Isis asked.
Fiona held her gigantic blade in the air, and everyone frightened away. Fiona paused, glancing at the others, before kneeling forward to latch the weapon behind her back. It clasped to her armor and clicked into place.
“It’s complicated,” Fiona said. “My history is part of my own personal demons. I can’t really say anything more than that.” Fiona held a hand out. “I promise I’m on your side though.”
Reecella stepped forward and reached for her hand. But as she touched it, she drew back nervously and looked down. “It’s c-cold,” she muttered.
Fiona lowered her hand and swung one of her wings forward instead, pushing against Reecella’s chin to lift it. Reecella leaned her cheek into the soft feathers and stared with a smile.
