The Truth

``It's not your time yet John. Hopefully I'm right about you that you're the one that could make things right. ``

John opened up his eyes and could see himself laying down on the floor under a tree. He sat up and looked around. He could see lots of flowers everywhere.

``Good, you're finally awake. ``

John looked behind him to see the woman from his dream.

``Where am I? ``

``Were in a dream. To be specific, were in your dream. ``

John was a little surprised.

``So I guess that means I'm dead huh? ``

``Not quite. ``

John was confused.

``I thought I got pierced in the heart? ``

``Oh you did. ``

``I also thought you said that I will die once I release all my magic? ``

``That's correct. ``

John looked at her, making a confused expression.

``Honestly, I'm surprised that you're even alive. No matter how I look at it, you should`ve died. ``

``I guess we'll just call it luck. ``

``I guess so. ``

There was a moment of silence.

``I have a question for you. ``

She looks at John.

``Who are you really? ``

She looked away from John and was looking at the scenery.

``I`m an angel John. I'm an angel that served your mother. ``

John was surprised by the response.

``Angel? You're kidding right? ``

``Believe what you want John, but I'm not lying. ``

John looked at her and could see that she was being serious.

``Okay then, tell me this, you said you served my mother, correct? ``

``Correct. ``

``What kind of person was she? ``

``She was kind and beautiful. Loved by many people and helped others who needed it. She was someone who I truly respect and happy to serve. ``

John looked at her and could see her smiling a bit.

``So what happened to her? ``

She began to frown from the question John asked.

``Your father is what happened. He is the reason your mother died. ``

John wanted to say something but decided to let her continue speaking.

``If it wasn't for him and his greed, your mother would still be alive right now. ``

She stood up and started to get angry.

``I should've killed him. I should've killed him at that moment when my feelings were telling me that he was dangerous! I don't know why I didn't! Was it because I was scared or was it something else!? I simply don't know!? I'm so confused! ``

She punched the tree out of anger and frustration.

`` I failed to protect her. I failed to protect someone that I cared about. It's all my fault! ``

John got up and wanted to tell her to calm down but when he looked at her, he could see her shedding tears. He could tell that she's been blaming herself for his mother's death. Even though John doesn't fully understand the story, he knew that she was filled with sadness and regret.

``It's not your fault. I know you did everything you could to protect her so stop blaming yourself. ``

``What do you know? How could you be sure if you weren't there. ``

``True, I might not have been there, and I don't know what happened, but I do know one thing and that is that you weren't at fault. Even if my mother died, I know you gave it your all to protect her. The way you're blaming yourself tells me that. ``

John walked up to her and hugged her.

``So thank you. Even though I don't know too much about my mother, I have a feeling that she is thankful to have you by her side. ``

She was moved by John`s words. She hugged John back and began to cry. All the pain she kept to herself started to come out.

A little time has passed and both of them stopped hugging each other.

``You're feeling better now? ``

``Yes. Thank you for that. ``

John smiled and sat down. She did the same.

``Can you tell me about what happened to my mother now or do you still need time? ``

``No I'm fine. I'm sorry about that. ``

``It's alright. ``

``Now, I think it's best to tell you from the very beginning. ``

John began to listen.

18 years ago…

``Isabella, how are you feeling? Do you need anything? You know you could tell me, right? ``

Isabella started to chuckle.

``What's so funny? ``

``Sorry, I couldn't help it. I know I could tell you anything but I'm completely fine. So, stop worrying too much Angela. ``

Angela walked towards the bed and sat down next to Isabella.

``How can I not worry? I heard you weren't feeling well when I came back. ``

``I just felt a little dizzy, that's all. A doctor came in and checked on me telling me that I just needed some rest. ``

Angela gave a sigh of relief.

``I also have other news. ``

Angela looked at her curiously.

``Oh, and what is it? ``

Isabella smiled.

``I'm pregnant. ``

Angela was surprised and excited at the same time.

``Congratulations Isabella! So, what is it?! Boy, girl, tell me! ``

``You know I don't know either. ``

``I hope it's a girl. ``

``Oh, and why do you say that? ``

``I think it would be cool that's all. I get to teach her many things that men won't understand. ``

``Do you mean Eric? ``

``Yea, don't get me wrong, he is a good kid, but sometimes it's difficult to find some things in common. That's why if you have a girl, I believe that when she grows up, we get to talk about many things. ``

``Sounds to me you just want to have a friend. ``

She nodded in excitement.

Isabella chuckles.

``But no matter if it's a boy or girl, my love for my child will not change. ``

Angela felt a little guilty.

``Yes, of course, sorry for what I said earlier. ``

``No need to apologize. I just hope you won't be upset if it turns out to be a boy. ``

``Of course not. I will protect and take care of this child just like how I took care of Eric. ``

Isabella smiled.

``I'm glad then. ``

Both of them started to laugh.

4 weeks had passed since then and Isabella was going into labor. Once she delivered her baby, the baby turned out to be a boy.

``Congratulation, it's a boy. ``

The doctor handed her her baby.

``So what now doc? `` said the King.

``Now all that's left is for her to rest and of course take care of baby. ``

The King nodded and the doctor started to pack up his things.

``Alright then, if there's nothing else, I'll be on my way. ``

``Thank you doc for helping`` Isabella said, giving him a smile.

``It's no problem. ``

He walked out the room.

``So what are you going to name him mom? `` Eric said.

``Yea Isabella, tell us! `` Angela said excitedly.

``Mm, let's see…``

Before they knew it, John opened up his eyes and all were shocked by what they saw. John possessed both light and dark magic meaning that what they saw was both of his eye color were different. His left eye was yellow, and his right eye was purple.

``Is everyone seeing this? `` Isabella said.

Everyone still looking at John, were shocked by the fact that he possesses 2 rare magical abilities. But Angela noticed something about the King. Instead of being shocked, she saw him smiling when everyone wasn't looking since all of their attention was on the baby. His action made her suspicious of him.

``So what now Mom? What are you going to do with him? ``

``What kind of question is that? Of course, I will take care of him. I was just surprised. I don't care if he possesses dark and light magic. What matters to me is that he gets to live a good life. ``

Eric smiled and nodded. Isabella thought the reason Eric asked a question like that is because he thought that she would abandon him.

``Isabella, so what is going to be his name? ``

``I've thought about it, and I will name him John. What do you guys think. ``

``I like that name,'' said Eric.

``I like that name too, `` said Angela.

``I guess that's fine`` said the King

Isabella smiled and looked at John.

``John, I can't wait for you to grow up and make great changes in the future. I know you can't understand me right now, but I thought I should tell you that we`ll always be here for you. You have me, Angela, your father, and your big brother Eric that loves you very much. ``

The King, Angela and Eric smiled at what she said. They all were happy to have another family member to raise, especially Eric who was excited to have a little brother.

``So what happened? Everyone seemed to love each other including my father yet he ended up being the bad guy. `` John said.

Angela began to explain why things went downhill and how a loving family ended up being torn apart.

2 weeks after John was born, Angela was walking next to Isabella who seems to be on edge.

``Is something wrong Isabella? ``

``Do you know anything about the missing people's reports? ``

``Know that you mentioned it, I have. It's weird how so many people have gone missing. ``

``Did you know that the people that have gone missing are all commoners. ``

Angela was surprised.

``I did not. ``

``Don't you find it weird that only commoners are missing. ``

``It could be a coincidence. ``

``You're not wrong. But that isn't what's bugging me. What's bugging me is how could they go missing without leaving a trace? ``

``What are you saying? ``

``I'm saying how could so many people be missing if they never left the Kingdom? ``

``Maybe they did without people knowing. ``

``That's what I thought, but when I asked the chief about it, he said that the people who reported them missing all had similar stories. He asked them if they will ever leave the kingdom, but they will always say no since being inside is safer than being outside. ``

``That is weird? So, they went missing inside the Kingdom? ``

``That seems to be the case, but it should be impossible since there's always guards patrolling. ``

``There`s something that is bugging me then? ``

``What is it? ``

``If they did disappear inside the Kingdom, then shouldn't we have found a body by now. ``

``What do you mean? ``

``I mean is that if no one has found them yet, then most likely they are dead. And if that's the case, how come there are no bodies being found or at least one. ``

Isabella was shocked.

``I didn't think about that. This is starting to get more and more strange. ``

Angela agreed.

``Okay, please investigate this matter and tell me if you find anything. Who knows what's going on inside the Kingdom? ``

Angela nodded and left to begin her investigation.

2 weeks have passed, and Angela saw something that needed to be told to Isabella immediately. So, when she went back to report it to Isabella, she saw her enter the Kings room. She also saw Sebastion standing next to the door.

She tried to go into the room, but Sebastion stopped her.

``I'm sorry, I can't let anyone in, King's orders. ``

``It`ll be quick, I just want to see what's going on. ``

Sebastion didn't say anything. He was in front of the door blocking Isabella to enter.

``Fine, I'll just wait. ``

A couple minutes passed and Sebastion started to talk to Angela.

``You know, you shouldn't have investigated those missing people. ``

Angela was suspicious of what he said.

``Oh, and why shouldn't we? ``

Sebastion ignored her question.

``Do you know how many people it takes just to reach stage 2. I'll tell you, a lot. ``

Angela was confused about what he was talking about.

``You think I wouldn't notice you following me? ``

Surprised, Angela tried to pretend she didn't know anything.

``I don't know what you're talking about. ``

``You don't have to lie. You wanted to report to Isabella about what you saw, am I wrong? ``

Angela didn't say anything.

``You're not the only one who found out, she did too. That's the reason that she wanted to see the King. ``

Surprised, Isabella wanted to go into the King's room immediately since she thought she could be in danger.

``I'll give you one last chance, get out of my way. ``

``Is that a threat? ``

Before things got more heated, Angela and Sebastion sense something coming at them and got out of the way of the door. Once they did, they saw Isabella fly across them, breaking the door in the process. They both see the King walk out and told her,

``Whether you like it or not, it's going to happen. I'm letting you go for now but if you get in my way, I will kill you. ``

Angela went towards Angela to check if she's okay.

``Are you okay Isabella? ``

``I'm fine. ``

She looks at the King with rage.

``What the hell did you do that for! ``

The King did not respond and walked away.

Furious, she made a sword made of light and started to charge at him, but before she could, Isabella grabbed her arm and stopped her.

``What are you doing? Let go. ``

``I know your angry, but we have bigger problems now. ``

``But-``

``This is not a request but an order Angela. ``

Surprised, Angela made her weapon disappear. It was her first time that she saw her giving her an order. She knew she was serious by the way she looked at her.

``Okay, I`ll stop. ``

``Thank you. ``

Angela saw Sebastion giving her a smile and left. She was still angry, but she had to take care of Isabella first.

``First things first, let's get you patched up. ``

She picked up Isabella by her arm and walked towards her room. She sat her on the bed and got her a healing potion. She opened up the healing potion and began pouring it on her wounds. While she was pouring, she couldn't shake the feeling of danger when it came to the King. Based on what she saw, he was somebody that was dangerous. Once she was done, Isabella thanked her.

``Thank you Angela for helping me but we have bigger problems now. ``

Confused Angela said, `` What kind of problems? ``

``He wants to use John to power up his own magic. That's why we have to take John and leave. He said he's going to do it tonight. ``

``Hold on, this is a lot to process, what do you mean he wants to use John to power his own magic? ``

``He told me that he is close to reaching stage 2 of his power. Sebastion told him that since John possess lots of magical energy, he will be able to reach stage 2 of his power. ``

She wanted to ask more questions. but she could see her putting stuff in her space ring.

``What about Eric? ``

``We can't take him with us. I don't want him to get involved. ``

``But what if he targets Eric too? ``

``He won't. Believe it or not, he favors Eric, so he isn't going to hurt him. Now, you ready? ``

``Ready. ``

They both left and went to get John from the maid. Once they did, they were about to leave the palace until they were stopped by The King and Sebastion who were standing in front of the door.

``I had a feeling you were going to do something like this`` The King said.

Isabella and Angela stopped.

``Why are you doing this to me? Don't you want me to be strong? ``

``Not for the life of my baby! `` Isabella said.

``Now don't be like that. I know you don't agree but sometimes things need to be sacrificed for the greater good. And in this case, it has to be John. ``

``Over my dead body. If you want to get John, you have to go through me first`` said Angela readying her weapon that she made.

The King smiled and signaled Sebastian to attack her. Sebastian charged at her and both were clashing swords to one another. While they were busy fighting together, The King started to approach Isabella.

``You know you can't fight me when you're holding John. It's best for you to hand him over now or things are going to be tough for you. ``

``Never! ``

The King unsheathed his sword and started to charge at her. Isabella couldn't attack so the only thing she can do is defend. So, she cast a shield barrier around her. The King attacked it but didn't break the shield barrier. He attacked the shield barrier again, but it was still no use. The King kept on attacking until it breaks. Isabella kept the shield barrier up, but she was losing magical energy quickly. Angela noticed Isabella struggling to keep the shield up, so she quickly ran to her aid. But Sebastian will get in her way.

``You should stop worrying about others and focus on our fight. ``

Sebastian charged and Angela blocked.

``At this rate, Isabella will lose all her magical energy if I don't help her. But how could I pass by Sebastion? `` She said, thinking to herself. And then she had an idea. She remembered that she had supported magic. She forgot she had it in the heat of battle but now that she remembers, she started to cast strength and speed to herself. And once Sebastian attacked her, she was able to block it and swing her sword more stronger knocking Sebastian back. She charged at Sebastian and when Sebastion tried to block it, her strength would overwhelm him, knocking him back once again. Once she was able to knock him down, she charged at the King aiming for his torso. The King noticed and dodged out of the way. Isabella's shield barrier disappears due to her having no magical energy left.

``Are you okay Isabella? ``

``Barely. I have no more magic though. ``

Sebastion walked next to the King and the King started to speak.

``You guys are at a disadvantage. If you give up now and hand over John, I'll pretend that none of this ever happened, and we all could be on our ways. ``

``My answer is still the same. I will never hand over John for your twisted goal! I'll protect him till the very end! `` Isabella said.

``And the same goes for me! `` Angela said.

``Then in that case, I have nothing further to discuss with you guys. ``

Sebastion and the King charged at them, and Angela cast a shield barrier. They both kept attacking it until it breaks.

``What now!?``

Isabella started to think until she had an idea.

``I have a plan but you're not going to like it. ``

``What is it? ``

She explained it to her, and she was shocked about it.

``Are you crazy!? No! I don't agree with this! ``

``It's the only way. If I don't do this, they will get John. ``

``There has to be another way without you dying! ``

``I'm afraid there isn't. This is the only way to ensure his safety. ``

``But what if it doesn't work!?``

``That's a risk I'm willing to take. ``

Angela started to tear up.

``I still don't agree with this! I don't want you to die. I'll think of something so please don't do it. ``

``I'm sorry Angela, I have to. I know you don't like it but I'm willing to sacrifice myself for John. He's my boy and I want him to grow up and live a wonderful life. I don't want him to die`` she said and started to shed tears.

Angela looked and could see that she was willing to risk everything for him.

``Alright then. Even though I don't like it, I'll try to keep up the shield barrier as long as I can. ``

``Thank you. ``

Angela nodded and started to focus on the shield barrier while Isabella started to chant the spell.

When she started to chant, even though she didn't have any magic left, she traded her years to live for it. She traded it all and she began to feel magical overflowing inside her. Sebastion noticed what Isabella was doing.

``Sir, we have to hurry, Isabella is casting something on John. And not only that, but she is also starting to overflow with magical energy. ``

The King nodded and kept attacking but more aggressively.

``Isabella, how much longer, I can't keep this up. ``

``I'm almost ready. ``

Isabella could feel herself getting exhausted. She couldn't tell if it was due to her being on borrowed time or the amount of magical energy, she has to put into the spell in order for it to work.

``Come on, just a little longer. Almost there`` she said thinking to herself.

The shield broke and at that moment when it did, Isabella finished with her spell and fell to the floor. Angela became a beam of light and went into John.

``That's all I know from there. I don't know what happened after I went into you`` said Angela.

``I see`` said John while looking at the scenery.

Angela was kind of surprised by his response. She was expecting John to either be sad, angry, or at least upset but he didn't.

``That's all you have to say after hearing the whole story is, `I see`. ``

``I mean there's nothing I could do. ``

``You're not mad or sad about it? ``

``Why would I? ``

Angela was kind of shocked.

``You are strange, you know that? ``

John smiled at her.

There was a brief moment of silence.

``So what are you going to do when you wake up? ``

``I don't know yet, I haven't given it much thought. ``

``Well you better. ``

Before they knew it, John started to fade away.

``Well, I guess it's time for you to wake up. ``

John looked at Angela.

``I guess so. May I call you Angela? ``

``Well what else are you going to call me. ``

John chuckled.

``I guess that's true. Well Angela, thank you for telling me what happened. I really appreciate it. ``

``Your welcome. I was going to tell you anyway since I felt like you deserve to know the truth. ``

``Am I able to see you again? ``

Angela began to frown.

``I'm sorry to say John but this is the last time you are going to see me. ``

John wanted to ask why but didn't.

``I see. ``

Angela could tell that John was very sad.

``Hey, don't be sad, even though this is our last time seeing each other, I am happy that I was able to chat with you `` she said giving him a smile.

John gave her a smile before fading away. After John faded away, Angela began to fade away as well. She sat down and started to talk to herself.

``Isabella, your boy has grown up to be a fine young man. If you were alive right now, you would be so proud of what he has accomplished. ``

Angela closed her eyes and gave one last smile before fading away herself.