Fulfilling the promise

As night fell Marika got the boys to sleep and told them that they would be safe because the king and Canus were next door and she and Cinis would be across from them.

Marika just finished the call with Luca and told him what had happened and how upset she was.

Luca told her to let it go and just kill the next one and don't think about it all too much.

Marika thoughts were all over the place and couldn't calm down.

She decided to take a walk and walked to all the places she had visited when she came here for the first time.

The streets of Favilla District were empty, after that she went to a field with a big tree that was glowing in the moon light.

Marika sat down under the tree and started to hum a tune, it was a sad tune she hummed and while humming it tears rolled down from her eyes.

Little did she know that Cinis was up in the tree and listening to it.

He felt that she was in her way saying she was lost and didn't know what to do anymore.

After an hour had past Cinis looked down and saw Marika had fallen asleep and regressed to a her child form.

He came down from the tree and picked her up.

"Mari when are you going to stop running and hid from us, you're not alone anymore."

Cinis held her tight as he carried her back to the palace.

[Next day]

Marika woke up and she noticed she had regressed again in her sleep.

She sighed a little, because she was annoyed due to what had happened yesterday.

She let it be for now and started to take a bath.

Marika relaxed and thought about today and it would be so much fun.

When she got out of the bath she changed back to her adult body, because she had already learned how to coop faster she was able to change back faster.

Marika then checked on the boys who were still sleeping, she toughed she let them sleep a little longer and decided to go see if Cillus was in his study.

When she found he wasn't there she went down to kitchen and see if the cooks were already at working in the kitchen.

When she arrived at the kitchen she saw nobody was their so she started to make breakfast.

Halfway through it the chef and the students came to the kitchen and she told them to sit down and eat their breakfast fist.

She then kept on cooking and the students asked her question about ingredients and spices and even dietary dishes.

Marika told them what to use and not to use for various health conditions, and they all took note of what she told them.

When she was done she took the food trolley and went to the dining room where they all were waiting for her.

"Princess thank you for the breakfast."

Marika smiled 'No problem, this was just a little thank you for taking good care of my friends diet while he was here.'

Marika served everybody the breakfast and the Brian and Kyle looked at her "Queen Yumaria can also cook?"

Marika smiled 'I can… because before I became a queen I was just like everybody else, working to live a life.'

'Well I still earn money like I used to, but that hard earned money will go to the people of my Kingdom so technically I work for the people instead of the people work for me.'

"So big sister is broke?"

Marika laughed at Brains word.

"You think big sister wouldn't save up the profit she makes."

Marika looked at Kyle 'Your right' and put a big bag of money on the table.

'I saved up so much money I can buy clean the complete Late Autumn Festival and I still have money left.'

Cinis and Cillus laughed.

'So why don't we go out there and have fun and buy everybody at the village a present.'

When everybody was done eating Cillus, Cinis and Canus changed the cloths to commoner cloths and set out to the festival.

[two days later.]

Marika and the Boys said their goodbyes to Cillus and the others.

Cinis gave her a hug and whispered "If you want to run and hid, just burst down my door and don't wonder off and be alone because you don't have to do that anymore."

Marika nodded 'Please keep my people safe when I'm out.'

"Sure Mari, but don't complain to me, when you don't recognize it when you get back."

Marika laughed and looked at the 3 of them one last time and smiled.

She took off to the sky with Brain and Kyle on her back.

'Did you boys had fun?'

"We had, and thanks to sister we know that by working hard we can do anything if we set our mind to it."

Marika nodded.

Brian and Kyle then said "Sister we took some herbs from your greenhouse so we can make something new."

'That's alright because that greenhouse is for everybody to use and pick herbs if they need it.'

Marika landed at the village and was welcome by all the villagers.

Marika helped Brian and Kyle off her back and changed back.

The boys ran up to their parents and gave them a big hug.

'Boys you mind handing out the gifts?'

They nodded and Marika put down a few bags on the ground.

The parents came to Marika "Have they behaved themselves?"

'They have, and they listened very well… plus they spend a lot of one on one time with The King of Ignis.'

'And now they even have a broader few of the world.'

'Was that alright? I mean the King is a busy person.'

Marika nodded 'He may not look like it, but he loves all children and love to teach, but also learn from them.'

Marika handed over a letter to the parents.

The parents opened the letters and read that he wishes to meet the parents of the two bright and smart boys. He also expresses that they should nurture their talents for craftsmanship. And that not only Kyle and Brian but all the children of the village will receive any support from him as well.

He ended the letter to come with the boys to next year Late Autumn Festival and that the travel means and expenses are already covered.

The parents looked at Marika in shock.

'How…how can we ever thank you for doing so much for us.'

Marika looked at Brian and Kyle and smiled. 'I only opened the door for them, the rest they did on their own.'

'Good things will come to those who are patient, and honest and hard work will be rewarded.'

The four children who were waiting for Marika's return showed her what they have learned and although a bit clumsy in their writing they showed her what they have learned.

Marika smiled and pointed out the spelling mistakes they made, but also told them that it was alright, because now they know their mistake they could fix it and never to get dishearten when they made one because making mistakes and fixing them is a part of growing up.

All the kids nodded and hugged her.

Marika gave them a hug and left the village with Chris and Liam.

[Virtus et Caeruleus Viridi]

Marika landed at Faber village and helped Chris and Liam of her back.

When she changed back they were greeted by the people of the village but Chris and Liam were a bit shy and hid behind Marika.

Marika chuckled a little and about their behavior.

'It's alright they are very warm and welcoming people, and get excited when I get back.'

Chris then asked "Are you away a lot?"

'Yes, and because I always surround myself with them, to them it's like a family member got home after a long journey.'

Chris and Liam slowly came from behind Marika and introduced themselves.

Kevin and Ellie heard that Marika was back and ran up to her.

"Sister your home!"

Marika gestured to calm down.

Kevin noticed the two shy boys and stopped in his tracks and calmly walked over and hugged Marika.

"Sister, welcome home."

Marika smiled and ruffled Kevin's hair.

'How the mission going?'

'It all good teacher, in a few minutes the impostor will be summoned to Moon Castle.'

Marika patted Ellie's head 'You two did great, go and take a rest for now.'

Ellie hugged Marika and nodded.

Marika then took Chris and Liam to her palace and showed them around and told them the purpose of her palace and that it was not only her where she ruled over her country but that it was also a place where kids could learn.

She then asked 'Would you two like to see the school part and sit in a class?'

"Can we really do that?"

Marika nodded.

"But wouldn't we be intruding?"

'No… I have a law that says that every child has a right to get an educated here. Even if you're from another country or a poor background that doesn't matter here, because I pay for all the cost.'

Marika knocked on the door and Sophie saw Marika with the two boy and knew what she wanted to ask.

'Kids we have a special guests today, so be nice and behave yourselves.'

Marika walked in to the room with Chris and Liam.

'Hey kids, I like to introduce you to Chris and Liam and they will be visiting your classes and study with you for today.'

All the children saw Marika and were super happy to see her, a few kids walked over to Chris and Liam and pulled them over to a few empty seats.

'If you don't understand or have difficulties we will help you.'

"Let's all study hard and be friends."

Marika smiled and asked, 'Will you be fine by yourself till school ends?'

They both smiled and nodded.

Marika told Sophie the just started to learn writing, and reading wasn't an issue, but math wasn't a subject the have books on in their village.

Sophie nodded and told her she would give them extra attention to the subject.

Marika said goodbye and told them to do their best and would be back before school ended and if they all behaved they would get something nice.

Marika went to her study and was met with Arthur and Clause.

They were discussing her plan of invasion and called Ray to filter out the people that are not of the Sanguis family from Alta Rubra.

"That won't be a problem since most people are aware that what the Sanguis are up to they left their domain because they don't want to get caught in the cross fire."

'How is word about me over there?'

"It's not all negative, although most of the conflicts between you and the Sanguis are mainly on your lands, they do fear Richard will come with you because of a few attack's on you in his land."

'Well what do you expect if you try to kill the fiancé of a king in his own country, him coming along is inevitable.'

Ray then looked at Claus "But still… you really did something very dangerous Clause."

'Now, now Ray don't be mad at him, he didn't like the idea Arthur and I came up with but he did a good job, and he even helped out with getting a few greedy people to suffer in The World of Light.'

'And only one person got killed and two are now in the dungeon… as a matter of fact he helped out the King over there to sniff out some more corruption.'

'And besides, it will not impact them negatively at the end of it all.'

'You should praise him.'

Marika smiled at Clause.

"You and Alec are really bad for my health you know that." Ray said to Marika.

Marika pulled Arthur towards her and placed her arm over his neck.

'Don't complain, your little brother was a genus to come up with this from the beginning.'

"Well you're the one who taught me." Arthur teased Marika.

And they both started to laugh.

Ray sighed a little but had a smile on his face, seeing Marika and his little brother getting along like this made him happy.

Marika went to kitchen of her palace and started to back a lot of cookies and after a few hours she went back to the class room where Chris and Liam were.

Marika knocked on the door and Sophie opened the door.

She saw the kids were working together on a craft assignment and Chris and Liam were helping out the kids with their projects.

'How did they do?'

'Reading wise they are a little above the other children, writing is as you said beginners level, math didn't seem too much of a problem but notable behind the other children. But craftsmanship they excel way above the other kids.'

'The other children really stepped up in helping them and now they are doing the same for them.'

'But they are very sociable and when they made mistakes they didn't seem to be disheartened about it, they smiled and looked happy about it.'

'They told the other children who did got a little upset about mistakes not to be upset about it because they were taught that making mistakes isn't bad, and that making a mistake is something to learn from and fix it so they can grow.'

'I bet you taught them that.'

'I did, and it's true, making mistakes is part of live and you can only learn from them and grow from them.'

All the kids were done with their project and Marika inspected them all

'Have you all behaved and learned something today?'

"Yes we did, thanks to Chris and Liam we learned that mistakes are not always bad things."

"We were taught that asking or receiving help isn't something to be ashamed of."

Marika smiled 'Your stronger in numbers so remember that if there is a problem you can do on your own the more people you gather the greater the outcome can become.'

Marika then placed a big plate of cookies on the table and told the kids to help themselves.

When the evening hit, Marika took the boys to the mansion and they had dinner.

Liam and Chris were more relaxed and they even helped out Derick in the kitchen.

Marika let them be because it was their way of adjusting to new people and to get to know them.

Richard took Marika by the hand and told her to fallow him.

They arrived at the 2nd music room.

Marika picked up the violin and Richard sat down at the piano.

They both started to play and Marika was impressed by his skills, she felt the harmony that flowed by the sound of both of them.

Derick took the two boys to the room and peeked inside.

"Did you know His Majesty learned to play the piano solely so he could spend more time with her, she also taught him cooking."

"Why did big sister teach a king how to cook, doesn't he have cooks in the palace."

Derick smiled "Well you two may be a little young to understand it, but they are both very busy people and since she is most of the time away, and the time they can spend together he wanted to accompany her to the best of his abilities."

"And learning basic skill's aren't necessarily a bad thing, it can help the person to understand the other better."

"But between us, he feels a little jealous and left out, because her back ground is that of a commoner and she can relate easily with them and since she doesn't care for her title or wants to be seen as someone above her people."

"But he mainly did all of this because she will leave soon and won't be back for a year, so all the time they can spend together is precious to him."

As Richard and Marika kept on playing Chris and Liam had an idea and asked Derick "Who taught His Majesty to play the piano?"

"That would be me; Noah Cantor."

The children looked behind them and saw a young man standing with a smile.

Noah then looked inside and closed his eyes and listen to the music.

"Hm, His Majesty really improved a lot."

He then started to focus on Marika and had a smile was on his face.

"What is it mister Cantor?" Liam asked.

"It sound like and angle is singing a song with tears of happiness."

Noah crouched down and told the boys to close their eyes and just listen to the music.

Liam and Chris did and could feel what he meant by his words.

"Did you know you can't hid your feelings when you play an instrument?"

The boys shook their head.

Marika started to play the peace she had written for Richard.

The boy's listened and so did Noah, but what the children perceived was different to him.

Noah noticed the intensity of her playing the piece, to him it felt she wanted Richard to know she was always with him no matter where she was.

When they were done playing Marika told Richard to listen to her play this time.

Noah sat down and was holding a few pieces of paper and a pen. He knew Marika was going to perform a new piece.

Marika took a deep breath and started to play, Noah had a surprised look on his face, he heard her play so many times, and most of her music were soothing and calming. But this piece was burning with desire for the one she wrote it for, telling him I want you and only you and nobody else can have you.

While Noah was writing it down the boy's looked on the paper the notes of the music.

Derick who listened, felt his daughter love for his Master had grew so intensely it was shocking to him.

After she was done playing Richard now started to play a new song and Noah started to write down.

Richard new song started of calm but slowly the intensity started to increase but the stayed around the same level, it was like a candle that was burning. Telling her you are the light that guides me in the dark.

When Richard was done playing Marika walked over to Richard and gave him a hug.

Noah and Derick knew that both Marika and Richard don't need words to express what they felt for each other they could do it just fine through music.

Noah then knocked on the door.

'Enter.'

Noah came in to the room and Marika was happy to see him.

'Noah how have you been!?'

"I have been well, and I see my latest student can accompany you just fine on the piano." Noah smiled.

Marika looked at Richard 'You took lessons from Noah?'

Richard chuckled a little "Well when I told you, you were poisoned badly and your soul and Khai soul were switching up a lot, so its normal for you not remembering me mentioning it."

Marika hugged Richard an nuzzled him, she was happy he would do something like this for her, so they can spend more time together.

Noah handed them their music sheets.

Marika looked at it and was shocked 'Did I play this?'

Noah nodded "Do you want to hear it how it sounds on the piano?"

Marika nodded.

Derick and the boys also came in to the room.

Noah started to play her piece and Marika was blown away by the sound of it, she then subconsciously picked up the violin and started to play it as well.

Together with the piano everybody could feel what her true feelings in the piece of music.

When they were done playing Marika wrote down the title of her new music piece.

My burning desire for you.

Noah then asked Marika to play Richard piece on the violin.

Marika remembered it and started to play it.

The boys were surprised and asked Derick "Has she always been able to play something after hearing it once?"

Richard patted their heads "She has, because she can feel the emotions that a person put in his or her music."

When they were done Noah had a smile on his face, and looked at Richard "There is nothing form me left to teach you."

Richard then write down the name of his piece.

My guiding light.

Marika turned around and saw Derick and the boys and she smiled.

"Big sister, can mister Cantor teach us to play music?"

Marika looked at Noah.

"Sure I don't mind, but the violin is a bit too big for you…"

'Don't worry I'll pick up my old violin at my grandmothers place, but it probably need some new strings.'

"How old were you when you started to learn?" Richard asked her.

She then looked at Chris and Liam and smiled 'I was about their age.'

Marika walked over to the boys, 'Now it isn't early anymore so let's get you guys get settled in your room and tomorrow you can study music with Noah.'

Chris and Liam were exited and hugged Marika.

[Next day]

Marika went up to Noah in the 2nd music room with her old violin.

Liam and Chris were waiting for her.

Marika came in to the room and she was met with two exited boys.

"So who wants to learn the violin?"

Liam told Marika he wanted to learn because he liked how it sounded.

"I want to learn to play the piano!" Chris said excitingly.

Marika had new strings and taught Liam how the replace the strings.

'Did you know the late Azure Dragon King also knew how to play the violin.'

"Did he play the violin?"

Marika nodded.

'Well there is no instrument that is only for boys or girls in this world, or any other world for that matter.'

'So even if somebody dare's to say the violin is girly you tell them what I just told you and show them off with your music.'

Noah smiled at her words.

Liam was done with the string replacement and now he was given the bow and rosin. Marika told him to rub the rosin on the bow.

The last part was tuning the violin, Marika picked it up the other violin and explained him how to tune it.

When everything was done, she showed him how to hold the bow and to move it.

'Don't worry if it sounds bad at your first try, you need to get used to the violin and all the moves you make.'

Noah was teaching Chris about the piano and showed him the inside of the piano.

"So a piano is just like a violin, only instead of a bow the key will press a string to make a sound."

"That a good analogy, but I think a close relative of the piano would be an harp."

Noah showed him a picture of an harp and changed the position of the picture and Chris understood what he meant.

"Now strings of an piano rarely snap unless you hit it with a lot of force but strings like these aren't easily replaced and need to be done by a piano builder."

Chris nodded.

Chris then touched a key and then another.

Richard looked inside and saw the four of them enjoying themselves.

Luca also came to have a look and smiled at the sight of his sister teaching Liam.

As the day progressed so did Chris and Liam.

Noah and Marika were surprised they were improving so fast but also noticed they were very sensitive to sounds, and because of that they were able to improve at this fast pace.

'They really have talent for this.'

"They sure have, all that they need now is love for their instrument, and I bet the sound they would produce would be quiet close to you and Richard."

'Well they have years of time to polish it so let's support them all the way.'

Noah nodded.

[Next day]

Chris and Liam went with Marika to Faber Village to buy some souvenirs for the villagers.

When they were done Marika took them to Saxeus to pick up a present she had ordered for Chris and Liam.

Saxeus came in to the store area and handed over her order.

Marika then gave the boys a necklace one was a violin the other a piano.

'Liam, Chris, I and Noah really liked it we could teach you and we want you to know that you both have the talent to become great musicians later in life.'

'We also discussed that if you two decided to walk the path of music he is willing to become your teacher.'

Both the boys eyes sparkled.

'This necklace represent us, and even if people think you don't have what it takes or think your music is bad, you will always have me and Noah who believes in you two.'

Chris and Liam hugged Marika and a few tears fell from their eyes, because they were happy that she and Noah believed in them.

'Now it's time to go home and you can tell everybody what you have learned and experienced.'

Liam and Chris nodded and said their goodbyes to Saxeus.

Marika and the boys went to say goodbye to everybody and they left the village.

Marika transformed outside of the village and took off for Chris and Liam village.

Marika arrived at the village and were welcomed by everybody.

Liam and Chris hugged their parents and told them they went to school and saw Marika and Richard play the violin and piano together.

"Big sister taught me how to play the violin." Liam told his parents.

"I had piano lessons from the great pianist Mr. Cantor." Chris told his parents.

Marika smiled.

"Mom, dad can I please go to school in Virtus et Caeruleus Viridi." Liam asked his parents.

"I want to go too!" Chris told his parents.

Both parents looked at their children and then at Marika.

'How about this, you guys study hard in this village for the upcoming year and learn all the basics, and to give your parents some time to prepare to either move with you to Virtus et Caeruleus Viridi, or to mentally prepare to let you guys to move to Virtus et Caeruleus Viridi and stay with me as your guardian.'

'Sophie will come over once a week and check your work and helps you kids to improve on your skills.'

The kids were happy about the news, a teacher would come by to check their work.

'Liam, Chris if you want to practice the piano and violin use this whistle and Agrius and Ferox wil come and pick you two up and bring you over to the mansion.'

Liam and Chris both hugged her.

Marika talked to their parents for a bit, about school and about the their talent.

When she was done talking Marika called for Brandon and Lisia.

'Are you ready to go to the palace?'

'Aren't you tired sister?'

Marika looked at Lisia 'No not at all, I really enjoy spending my days like this with you guys.'

Marika had a warm smile on her face.

Brandon and Lisia got on her back and she took off to Moon Castle.

When she landed in the garden they were met with William and Genus.

Genus look at Marika "Little girl you look a little pail and tired."

'I'm fine… I don't feel ill or something.'

Genus squinted his eyes a little "Are you sure?"

'Yes I'm sure, and stop looking at me like that.' Marika said with slight agitation in her voice.

"Little girl, you drop of the kids and com to my office."

Marika sighed in annoyance and left with the kids and headed to Richard.

Brandon and Lisia look around with big eyes and wonder.

When they arrived Marika knocked on the door and after that walked in with the kids.

Lisia and Brandon greeted Richard and then ran up to him.

Marika smiled but suddenly was hit with a little dizziness, but kept it hidden from the three of them.

Richard looked at Marika "You look tired… is everything alright?"

'Yeh, yeh I'm fine.'

'God what is it with everybody today saying I look tired.'

Lisia the whispered to Richard, she has been like this ever since we arrived, when we were at the village I asked if she was tired but she smiled and said she was fine, so I let it go.'

Richard patted her head "It's alright, I think I know what's wrong with her, but we better stop asking about her health."

"Alright sweetie I believe you, but do take a nap when you are tired."

Marika smiled and nodded.

'Lisia, Brandon do you mind staying here, I promised that white coat to go to his office.'

"No problem big sister."

As Marika opened the door to leave she was met with a women.

Marika looked at the woman and felt a familiar presence from her.

'Husband are you cheating on me?'

Richard looked up at Marika because her voice sounded agitated.

The woman pushed Marika a side and walked straight in to the room.

Marika's killing intent was up by the snap of a finger.

"Kids please don't think bad about your big sister, because what she is going to do next is purely because she is very territorial and protective of me and you two."

Brandon and Lisia nodded and held on to Richards arm, because the vibe that the woman gave off wasn't a good one and even they knew this woman was up to no good and had evil intention.

Marika turned around and grabbed the woman by the neck and threw her in the hall way.

Marika smiled at Richard and the kids 'It seems that white coat let her escape from her bed, I'll bring her back now.'

The woman got up 'You bitch!'

Marika didn't respond and just slapped the woman to the ground and picked her up by the throat and dragged her away.

Richard and the kids looked in to the hall way and saw how Marika was taking the woman away.

"Does this happen a lot?"

"No… this is the 8th time, something like this happened."

'Big sister really is strong.'

"Yeh, but also a little scary."

'No she is not, I think she is cool.'

Marika kicked open Genus door and she looked furious.

"Hey little girl."

'White coat…why is this sl*t on the loos? Didn't I tell you to keep her strapped on a bed?'

Genus saw the woman in Marika's grip "Well I didn't let her go…"

'Guards!!!'

The guards came rushing in to the room.

'Take this wh*re to the dungeon and chain her up.'

The guards approached Marika carefully because they noticed she was extremely hostile at the moment.

When they took the woman away Marika finally calmed down a little.

Genus came back and gave her some tea to calm her down even more.

They sat down but Genus didn't speak a word to her, he observed her.

He finally found the cause of her extreme mood swings and started to talk to her.

"Little girl what your doing is not healthy, why are you suppressing your heat like that."

Marika spit out her tea and looked at Genus with a surprised look on her face.

'What the hell with coat…'

"What… it's obvious to me that your suppressing it, looking tired, having mood swings."

"Do you by chance feel dizzy from time to time and suffer…"

Genus stood up and got some clean cloth for Marika because her nose started to bleed.

Marika didn't noticed until Genus started to clean her face.

"You even have a nosebleed."

Genus sighted "Tell me why are you suppressing it."

Marika didn't answer Genus and drank the rest of her tea.