Tatsuya at the age of 14:
The landscape was covered with a thick layer of snow, and the cool air pleasantly nipped at my face. Everything seemed so calm and harmonious. But suddenly, the cries of a newborn baby pierced through the silence.
"Tatsuya, come here," said a gentle but exhausted voice. I entered my parents chamber and saw my mother sitting on the bed, her arms lovingly cradling something wrapped in a cloth. My father stood beside her, placing his hand proudly and blissfully on my shoulder. "Say hello to your little brother", he said with a radiant smile. I looked down and saw large, black pupils staring curiously at me. My heart melted at the sight. So tiny and wrinkled. Carefully, I reached out my hand and the little one grasped my fingers with his tiny hand. His fingers were so small that he could barely hold onto my thumb. "My brother", I whispered softly to myself and couldn't help but smile.
"How do you like the name Ryota?" my father asked me affectionately. "Ryota?" I repeated the name and pondered for a moment. Then I nodded in agreement. "Yes, Ryota is a wonderful name". I felt a special connection forming with the little being in my arms. "Your big brother will always look after you, Ryota", I whispered to him. To my surprise, Ryota responded with a soft giggle, as if he could understand my words.
The birth of my little brother, Ryota, was a true blessing and a source of joy throughout the estate. For a long time, my parents had tried to have more children and they had almost given up hope. I, too, had always wished for a younger brother or sister, just like many of our relatives and acquaintances had.
The joy over the arrival of the healthy boy was simply overwhelming. While my mother rested with Ryota, my father eagerly prepared everything for the celebration of his second-born son's birth. I enthusiastically helped with all the preparations. There was no room in my heart for competition or envy towards Ryota. On the contrary, I was filled with anticipation for the time we would spend together. I wanted to teach him sword fighting, go hunting with him and Father or simply read stories to him. Finally, I felt less lonely. My parents were loving and spent a lot of time with me, but until now, I had hardly any contact with other children. Many were afraid of my appearance, and there were nasty rumors circulating about our family.
Our father, a formidable swordsman, kept the monsters in check in the North and the power of Dark Magic flowed through our veins. Moreover, our family descended from ancient dragons, so it was not unusual for some to be born with horns in each generation. Although we never did anything evil, we were feared and shunned by other nobles and villagers. They labeled us as monsters, not as humans. However, now with Ryota by my side, I felt loved and accepted. He smiled at me without fear and reached for my hand.
The anticipation of the future with my little brother filled my heart with warmth. I knew that we would strengthen and support each other, and together, we could overcome any obstacles that life would throw our way. With Ryota by my side, I felt strong and full of confidence, knowing that our bond as brothers would endure forever.
The invitations had been sent, and everything had been meticulously prepared for the upcoming celebration. In the days leading up to the festivity, after my lessons, I helped my father with his work and then visited Ryota and my mother. Time passed like a wonderful dream, until the evening before the celebration arrived.
Ryota now had his own room, and I often sneaked out of mine to visit his. This evening was no exception. The night was quiet and cloudless and I was brimming with excitement to introduce my little brother to everyone. I stood up and walked slowly towards the door. However, suddenly, I stopped in my tracks as I heard footsteps in the hallway. At this late hour, there should have been no servants around. Hesitantly, I opened the door slightly and gazed through. To my horror, I saw several figures dressed in black robes, sneaking through the corridors. An icy draft flowed through the gap, and an eerie chill ran down my spine.
My heart began pounding wildly as I noticed the men carrying torches and swords. Panic consumed me as I saw them setting the estate ablaze. The hallway was surrounded in roaring fires and the noise and screams grew louder. Amidst the chaos, I heard Ryota's terrifying cry. Without a second thought, I rushed back to my room and grabbed my sword.
The entire estate had awoken by now and a fierce battle with the intruders ensued. The fire spread relentlessly, and the sky was veiled by a pitch-black cloud. Yet, my concern was solely focused on one thought: Ryota! His cry for help still echoed in my ears and an urgent desire to reach him surged within me.
With the sword firmly in hand, I ran through the blazing corridors, determined to reach Ryota's room. The scene before my eyes was a nightmare. The men in black were carrying out a murderous act, and the sight of blood and fire pierced my soul. I had to get to Ryota, no matter the cost. Time seemed to stretch as I fought my way through the menacing fire.
Breathing became increasingly difficult, but at the same time, I felt relieved as the flames hadn't reached Ryota's room yet. I rushed to him and gently took my crying brother from his crib into my arms. I tried to comfort him while desperately thinking of how to safely rescue him from this burning danger. Suddenly, footsteps approached the room and two men in black robes, armed with swords, stormed in.
I had dropped my sword earlier to ensure Ryota's safety. Until now, I had only fought against monsters, never against other humans, except during training. One of the men came straight towards us, swinging his sword. My evasive maneuvers became increasingly limited and difficult. In this hopeless situation, I didn't know what to do. Holding Ryota in my arms, I couldn't effectively fight, and an escape seemed impossible, as the other attacker blocked the way out.
The tension and threat seemed to overwhelm me as the man struck again. But suddenly, the man in the doorway collapsed and my father rushed in. In a single blink, he had also defeated the other assailant. "Are both of you okay?" he asked frantically and concerned. I nodded as a sense of safety and comfort spread within me. Father looked relieved, realizing that we were unharmed.
Top of Form
However, my concern was now directed towards my mother. "Where is mother?" I asked with a heavy heart. "She is tending to the fire with the others", he replied. Together, we made our way to her. My father fought bravely, clearing a path and finally, we reached my mother, who was using all her magic to keep the flames at bay. An expression of relief and joy appeared on her face as she saw us.
In this dark hour, I felt surrounded by the love and protection of my parents. Yet, I knew that we had to face this attack together. The fire relentlessly consumed the estate, and the battle against the intruders was far from over. But my family stood united, ready to fight for our home and for each other, no matter the cost.
My parents opened the door to the courtyard. The door was wide open, but my parents stood motionless as if frozen. A wet sensation on my cheek made me look up. I saw the unimaginable: an arrowhead protruded from my mother's back. My heart seemed to shatter as I beheld the arrowhead in her. Everything happened in an instant, as fast as the blink of an eye. Yet, even in this fateful moment, my mother remained strong. She erected a protective barrier of her magic around me and Ryota.
"I love you both. Tatsuya, you must stay strong now and take care of Ryota", she whispered with a smile to us before they rushed out and closed the door behind them. Desperately, I tried to open the door, but it wouldn't yield. From outside, the sounds of a fierce battle reached us. The barrier, like a protective bubble, kept us safe from the flames, shielding us from the dreadful inferno.
I felt paralyzed, holding Ryota tightly, unable to do anything. Our parents sacrificed themselves to protect us. They fought for their lives for us, and I felt utterly powerless and wounded. Time seemed to stand still as silence gradually settled outside, and the door succumbed to the flames. Finally, I managed to step outside.
The estate lay in ruins and ashes. What once was our home had now become a scene of devastation. The flames had consumed everything that was once dear and precious to us. I knelt down, holding my little brother tightly. Tears dried on my burnt skin, and the pain in my chest felt unbearable.
Yet, amidst the destruction, I knew I had to stay strong, just as my mother had instructed me. I now had the responsibility to take care of Ryota and protect him. Finally, I managed to step further outside.
Tears blurred my vision as I beheld the dreadful sight before me. Father, kneeling on the ground, the sword pierced through his body while he held the head of our mother in his hands. A dull ache ran through my chest, and I felt paralyzed. A sense of despair and anger surged within me. How could someone be so cruel, tearing apart our happy family so brutally?
Ryota's cries snapped me out of my daze. I looked at my little brother, who clung to me with fear in his innocent eyes, reflecting the sorrow and incomprehension of what had just occurred. The tragedy unfolding before us was simply unimaginable.
A small group of the remaining assailants approached us slowly. Anger surged within me. These people had not only destroyed our home but also destroyed my family. There was no forgiveness for such an act. Pain and grief fused with my determination to seek vengeance for my parents.
"It's your fault! I will never forgive what you've done!" I screamed with a trembling voice. The hatred inside me fueled my resolve.
The scene before me was surreal and frightening at the same time. The shadows danced around the men like dark spirits, entwining them like pitch-black serpents. The men struggled desperately to break free, but the shadows wouldn't let them escape. It was as if the darkness itself thirsted for revenge, unleashing an unstoppable power.
I couldn't help but watch in awe and horror as the cruel spectacle unfolded. The men's screams pierced the silence of the night, and it seemed as though the darkness devoured their torment with sadistic delight. The shadows proved to be merciless and unforgiving and I could hardly believe what I was witnessing.
It was the darkness within me that seemed to forge a strange connection with the shadows. As they carried out their merciless work, the lifeless bodies of the men fell to the ground. The shadows turned toward me and for a moment, I felt an eerie presence surrounding me. But then, they receded and dissolved into the darkness.
A sense of emptiness and confusion washed over me. Had I truly done that? Did I possess this eerie power that controlled the shadows? And if so, what did it mean for me and for Ryota?
The magic of my family, the dark and potent gift that flowed in my blood, had awakened. The shadows had responded to my unconscious plea. Ryota looked at me with wide eyes, as if he could sense that it was my magic that had just saved us. Despite my tears, I smiled at him and gently wiped his damp cheeks.
"I will protect you, Ryota, always and everywhere", I whispered softly as I held him close.
The courtyard was cloaked in darkness and only the embers of the devastating fire illuminated the scene. The night seemed filled with sorrow. My loving mother and my strong father, who had always protected me, were gone.
With Ryota firmly by my side, I took one step after another, leaving behind the estate that once was our home. My thoughts were in turmoil, but I knew I had to stay strong, just as my mother had wanted. I was now responsible for my little brother and I would do everything in my power to protect him and be there for him, just as my parents were for me.
I was well aware that I wouldn't find peace until I uncovered the truth behind the assassination attempt and held the guilty accountable. I had sworn to protect my family, and I would keep that promise, no matter the cost.