Chapter XIX

Glimmering rays of the glowing azure luna were seeping through the opened curtains, passing through glass illuminating three silhouettes within the premises of the east tower; the magicians’ personal haven.

Various smells of old parchment papers, of newest ink, of sweet intoxicating chemicals, have been engulfing their noses since their arrival— bringing a set of comfort to the silvered-eyed lass’ currently tensed ambiance.

Her arms have found themselves wrapped around the auburn haired child, gaze settling on the ash-blonde male from across. Optics filled with unsettlement, while observing the slightest movements of the young lad within the room.

“We don’t have to this the hard way”, she spoke, tightening her grip on the quivering child. Thumb rubbing soothing circles, in hopes of easing the prince from the inevitable.

“It is the only way possible, Lady Clementine”, he replied; sounding so confident at the moment. A frown marveling his visage.

“I see no reason to use such method, when I am certain that this child—“, Clementine pressed, hopelessly trying to convince her companion to rethink his bizarre plan of knowing the truth.

“He is far too young to experience that method”, she continued, earning herself a respective nod from Celwin, however— it is made clear for her that he is absolutely certain through a certain shine in his teal-optics.

“fret not, dear magician. My sword knows to not harm those who bear truth”,

“But—!”,

“if he’s clean. Not a single scratch would land on his skin. If not, then expect a thousand of bolts coursing through his veins”,

Brixton flinched, horrified. Ringing was all that he could hear after that statement. Face now pale of its original color, obsidian-orbs loosing its jeweled shine, dilating as he counted seconds to minutes in silence.

Anxiety travelled from the tips of his toes to the points of his hair— frantic while it moved in tremendous speed. His beating muscle have been palpitating rapidly, now that he’s been aware of the consequences if he lies.

That sword wouldn’t hesitate on electrocuting him if he sputtered anything but the truth.

Yet, a part of him was quite glad— knowing well that he was in a state OF hypnotism that time. That someone was controlling him to do the deed.

“let’s not waste any valuable time, now. Shall we?”, Celwin uttered, hiding away his teal-eyes by means of closing his eyelids in concentration.

Raising a hand in the air, he mentally summoned the sword— only opening his orbs when he felt the hilt of the sabre within his grasp. It was too much blinding to say the least. Beaming ocean green light, revealing the sword in all its etherial glory, now flooding the whole room.

Clementine motioned her arms to shield the prince’s gaze from the beacon. Both she and her companion have grown accustomed to the piercing glow— having to call their swords formally appropriate whenever it is needed.

When the glow started dying down, did the mage let her arms fall on her side, silently asking Brixton if he’s doing alright, to which he responded with a curt nod. This made her smile a bit, only for it to curve into a frown, once she remembered the whole reason of their sudden assembly.

“You tell the truth. That’s all I ask you Brix. I couldn’t protect you lest you don’t. Oceanux and Erithesia are once firm rulers. Their swords are not fooled by mere lies”, Clementine mumbled, loud enough for him to hear. She then pursed her lips, drawing her own sword with a faint summons.

Gold then rushed forth, and feathers of shining yellow came into witness. Albeit, hers were a bit in a hasted summon— thus making it appear in mere seconds unlike Celwin’s formal calling.

Eyeing a pair of teal orbs, Clementine nodded in affirmation to signal that the next procedure is to be done. Seeing the sign, the two of them instantly thrusted their swords on the ground— creating a crack that soon glowed to their sabre’s respective colors.

And at the same time, did the colors clashed was the appearance of a huge magic circle— tinted in a mixture of gold and ocean green. The symbols of feathers and a circle of three fishes now coming into view.

Astonishing, Brixton held his breath as he watched everything tenfold. He had only read of this in a book, and now he’s able to witness such splendid works.

The young prince had almost forgotten the reason why both weapons are summoned, only to have a cough of urging and reminding from the lad from across the threshold.

On his back, Clementine urged him by tapping his shoulder, squeezing it in assurance before releasing it— choosing to focus more on her sabre than the prince. Celwin will be the one to interrogate, knowing well that his sword holds justice and right.

“Please explain from the very beginning, his Highness prince Brixton dei Celeste”,

Gulping a tad full of saliva that flooded his mouth. His throat suddenly felt dry, fingers fidgeting as he directly eyed the son of a known marquees in Sappherine.

“I was doing my usual nightly routines. I study every night after preparing for sleep— when a knock suddenly came from my door”, he started, voice now sounding so down right determined when it was sheepish and uncertain seconds ago.

“i thought that maybe it’s Sir Dominique, or perhaps big sister Clei. But before I could even get a full view of the person. . .”, Brixton frowned, trying his best to keep his breathing calm, the opposite of his erratically beating heart in his chest.

Glancing back to Clementine’s post, he watched as she nodded her head for him to go on, which he obliged by continuing his statement. “i just felt lightheaded in a sudden. Then everything turned pitch black. I have no recollection afterwards. Only did I regain consciousness when I felt your sword on my neck”, he finished.

The child anticipated a shock of electricity burning his nerves, hence closing his eyes as he waited. Forever seemed to pass by for him, yet nothing came. Instead, he felt someone gently shaking him, followed by what seems to be a stumble from the back.

When he opened his eyes, revealing a bright pair of obsidian-orbs— he was met with a reassuring smile from the marquees son. A pat on his head soon coming after.

That’s when he noticed that the bright blinding lights have now dispersed, and weapons that were thrusted on the ground was no where to be found. He concluded that the bearers have now called them back.

“You did well. They’re certain that you’re not at fault. They also offered protection, therefore none of it will happen again”, Celwin stated, ruffling the younger's hair until it became tousled. It wasn’t long for him to leave in front of the prince, finding himself approaching the fallen magician in concern.

“I shouldn’t have forced you to do that”, he mumbled, loud enough for his other two companions to hear. He offered her a hand, one whom she gratefully took— helping her hoist into stability.

“its alright. The stronger the spell, the deeper analysis it makes. The clearer it becomes”, Clementine then dusted herself, gaze now settled on the auburn haired prince who smiled at her in acknowledgement.

“Right. Now that all of that is settled and done. I have to move immediately”,

“i’ll protect this palace in your stead, then. And I’ll explain everything to this young child”, Celwin affirmed, a hand crawling to grip the latter’s protectively.

“You should go then. I know that you’re itching to leave”,

“You didn’t have to place it like that. But, I do”, Clementine murmured. “Well then. I’ll leave this palace to both you and Dominique. I expect to return here with all of you in one piece”, the magician added not wanting to waste any more time. Running to engulf Brixton in the tightest cuddle possible as if the end was nearing.

She spared them one last glance, before letting herself get swallowed in hues of gold and teal. Came following next was the all too familiar sensation of teleporting.

The tips of her brown loafers touched cobbled grounds, her cloak flowing as the wind welcomed her. The night has yet to end, and as she neared the familiar gates of iron and sapphires did she finally let out a sigh that she’s been holding.

Silvered hues travelled up to the entrance of he known nation— Sappherine. Even with the gates closed, Clementine could see pass the bars.

Houses of different sizes and styles were aligned on each sides, creating an aisle within the centre that leads up to the enormous palace that stood in its everlasting magnificence on top of a hill, overviewing the nation and its corners.

After years. . .she had finally came back.

Her jewels glowed in determination, hands now turning into fists. She won’t go back to Celeste. Not until the matter is finished.

Not until Florencius is captured.

Not until dark magic is finally erased from all its traces.

Not until peace is retained and harmony comes back.

Until then, she’ll grow restless, and she’ll search and do anything with her willpower to put a stop on everything.

‘This is it. The journey to end what’s been started’