FINDING FAMILY

Sky snuck out once again into the city. He went into a house. A family was eating, seeing him come in, they all stopped and two kids out of the three ran to Sky to hug him. The man, his wife and the remaining child all bowed to welcome the prince. "Sky, we missed you so much. You haven't been here in a long time" the boy said. The kids were twins, a son and daughter of Sir. Hansley, Sky's mentor who had been given a death sentence for treason. The children, Pierre and Petra were only seven now. They were supposed to be banished, but Sky managed to find them and bring them back home, to take care of them. Sky believed his mentor was framed for being a spy for sorcerers and sought out the truth of the matter. He knew there were definitely sorcerers involved, but he was sure Sir. Hansley had been framed. Ever since then, he created a nonchalant image of himself, to draw away attention from the serious investigations he was about to undertake.

Sky gave snacks to the children and watched them eat. After that, he played with them for a while and left. He went inside a tavern and all the way into the basement. He called out the passcode and wall opened up, like a door; he went inside. The stairs led deeper into an underground tunnel, which led to a large man-made cave, dimly lit by the warm lights of oil lamps. Several books sat on wooden shelves, each bearing the weight of an unsolved mystery or intricate plot. On the walls were maps and chronicled ongoing investigations with red strings connecting the clues. This was Kivi, a secret investigation group.

The  Kivi headquarters

As Sky walked in, everyone turned to greet him. Cynwal came up to Sky to welcome him. "What have you found about her?" Sky asked. "Nothing really. Her story is on point" Cynwal said. "And about the Rhydderc?" Sky asked. "We still haven't been able to get anything. However, we have been able to trace an activity of sorcery. A woman lost her memories of an entire day, and she's barely in her twenties. It's highly likely her memory was wiped. We have to investigate this quickly before the royal investigation bureau finds out" Cynwal said. "Yes, let's make that our main priority now. Sorcerers cannot be left to roam around the street. If the people find out, they'll panic" Sky said and went to his table.

The previous day, Madolika went out to buy items for food to cook before Kakra got back home. While she was on her way to buy the foodstuff, walking through an alley, a stone was flying into a woman walking by. Seeing this, Madolika suspended the stone in midair right before it hit the woman and dropped it. Seeing this, the woman panicked. "It's alright" Madolika said as she approached the woman. "You're a sorcerer" The woman said, and covered her mouth. Madolika then realized what had just happened and recited a spell she had just learnt to wipe the memory of what had just happened, causing the young woman to fall into a slumber, as she ran away. When the girl woke up, she had lost her memories of the entire day.

While Madolika was walking away, a hand pulled her into a house. "Shh" an old man said to her. "Who are you?" Madolika asked him. "You're a sorceress" The old man said with a smile as Madolika began saying something but he covered her mouth and recited a spell, and all of a sudden, they were in a different house. He opened a door and they walked into a grand hall. "How did you?" Madolika asked as the man's eyes turned red, which meant he was an ordinary sorcerer.

The sorcerers' hideout

The sorcerers' hideout was only accessible through a portal, a door, only using magic. The house was an ordinary house, but when one unlocked the portal, it would lead him or her to a huge hall, which led to the sorcerers' main homes. This portal had existed long before the sorcerers had been wiped out, and was only known by the royal family, who had unlocked it to save a few maids and guards who were sorcerers. Ever since then, the remaining sorcerers lived in the hideout, a place that defied the laws of space and time, unable to leave until they had attained a certain amount of power. "How did you find this place?" Madolika asked him, looking around the familiar place. "This is the hideout of sorcerers. Do you know this place?" He asked Madolika. Madolika remained silent for a while, then hugged him, crying. "I thought you were all dead. I thought I was the only one left" Madolika cried. "It's alright dear, we're all here" The old man said to her.

After Madolika had relaxed, she got up, took off her veil and looked around. It looked the same as the last time she had seen it. "May I know your name?" The old man asked. "Madolika, sir" She said. "Madolika? You bear the name of the princess" The old man said. "That's because I am the princess. My dad put me into a deep sleep. I woke up a few months ago and was taken in by a family" Madolika said. "Your highness" The old man said, went on one knee and bowed. Seeing this, the other sorcerers in the room also bowed down to her. "your highness" they all said. "Oh get up, all of you. The land has changed so much, it looks unfamiliar. I'm surprised this place is still the same" Madolika said to them. Later, Madolika was introduced to the sorcerers in the hideout. There were many men, women and children, but she didn't see anyone her age there. "I don't see any young people here" Madolika said to the old man. "They are under intense training" The old man said to her and took her into another door. She walked in and saw many young ladies, casting spells. They all wore the same attire and were trying to cast the same spell. Objects were floating before all of them, some better than others. "Grandfather" They all said and bowed as they saw the old man. As they walked about, the old man narrated to Madolika, the plan.

"Fate has indeed led you to us. We are about to embark on a very important mission, to save our people. The king captured three of the sorcerers we had sent out to find new land. We have been planning for years on how to rescue them and also find the sacred diamond, without which we can never leave this land. It is now in the hands of the king, but I'm sure the king doesn't know what it's used for yet, and that's why we need to find it before he does. We can't stay here for much longer. It's risky even to search for food, because if we accidentally use our powers, as you know it will take a number of hours and days, for those below the advanced level to get rid of the red eye. These ladies, as well as the gentlemen in the next room, are being trained in sorcery, then after, they will be sent to Rhydderc, where they will be trained to fight and help other nations, as we build friendly forces to help us escape, but for now, we have to find the sacred diamond first. The only problem is, we don't have enough Rhydderc spies here and have no way of contacting them on the other side. They have one diamond to lead them to us, but they do not come, unless sent for, but we cannot call for them, because we cannot get to them" The old man said. "Can I help?" Madolika asked. "You don't need to trouble yourself with this, your highness" He said. "No, I can help. My eyes stay the same even after I use spells, they just give a spark, besides, it is my duty to take over as the remaining member of the royal family, and I'm the best candidate to lead this" Madolika said.

In the capital, there were two descendants of sorcerers who held official positions, which allowed them to help the other sorcerers, although they themselves could not cast spells. They had adopted several sorcerers to work in their homes as a cover-up, these sorcerers were young ones, done with their training at Rhydderc. It was a difficult decision for Madolika. She had two options, whether to leave Isauro's family for the plan, or to abandon her people and live happily with Isauro. It was impossible for Madolika to abandon her people. "I was a danger to them anyway" Madolika said to herself about Isauro's family.

When Madolika got back home, she told Kakra that her family had found her. Kakra didn't want her to go, not because she'd be losing a helper, but because she knew what Madolika meant to Isauro. She also knew, however, that there was nothing she could do about it. Kakra knew it was better they cut off all ties, for Isauro's sake.

Madolika was taken to the home of Sir. Thaddeus, the minister of War. Sir. Thaddeus introduced her as his adopted daughter of his cousin. Madolika went on to live with him, learning more about the place and it's customs, as well as solidifying her image, so as to not give herself out when the mission begins.

Back in the palace, Isabelle was doing her usual, serving two masters, however, she began to grow hesitant about disclosing Sky's personal life so much, due to how kind Sky had been to her. Due to her guilt tripped heart, Isabelle began to feel uncomfortable, like she was being watched. She didn't know whether what she was doing was right or wrong. As she served Sky, she realized he never made any advances or even hinted at it.

Sky returned and met Isabelle in his room, cleaning. He had just finished eating supper at the royal table and came in with Cynwal to get dressed for training. Isabelle had been serving him for two weeks now. When Sky walked in, Isabelle didn't notice him as she was lost in her thoughts. Cynwal tapped her, drawing her out, into reality. Surprised, Isabelle screamed. Cynwal remained unaffected, and turned to look at Sky. "What? You want to help me get dressed?" Sky asked Isabelle. He looked serious, so Isabelle did not dare to talk back, silently leaving the room, waiting outside for them.

After they came out, Isabelle followed them to the training grounds. Sky walked to the weapons rack and took a stick, suddenly, all the soldiers stood on guard, like they had been alerted. "What's going on?" Isabelle asked one soldier on standby. "If the prince takes a sword, it's regular practice, but if he takes a stick, he's upset, and will most likely hurt the soldiers if they fail to defend themselves. I pray I won't have to go, although at this rate, I most likely will" the soldier said. Isabelle sat down beside him, curious about what was going to happen. So far, she had only seen him with a sword. "I won't hold back, so don't hold back either" The prince said to the soldiers.

As the first clash of wooden swords reverberated through the courtyard, it became evident that this was no ordinary training session. The prince's fury manifested in each swing, each strike marked by precision and power. His soldiers met his blows with incredible resilience, their shields and swords clashing in symphony. The courtyard became a whirlwind of motion, a tempest of clashing wooden swords and iron shields. Sparks flew as the soldiers, disciplined and unyielding, fought back against their furious prince, however, still unable to match up to him. One by one, they were hit and left the practice grounds, other soldiers immediately coming in to replace them. Isabelle watched in shock, as the prince seemed to have lost his mind. After exhaustion finally caught up to him, the prince went and took a seat in his changing room. Isabelle rushed up to him with a cup of water.

The panting, sweat-soaked prince sat on the chair, his eyes heavy with fatigue. "Do you want anything else?" Isabelle asked him. Tears streamed down the prince's face, his shoulders trembling. He clutched the dagger from his mentor. With each sob, he crumpled to his knees, burying his face in his hands. The room seemed to close in on him, everything else irrelevant in the face of his profound loss. The soft, mournful whispers of cries escaped his lips, a raw and unfiltered expression of his sorrow but one he wanted no one to hear of. In the midst of his grief, he gently caressed the dagger closer, a desperate attempt to feel a connection once more, the prince's sobs subsided into quivering breaths. She knew his pain, she had felt that pain before. Although she didn't know the reason, the pain in the loss of a loved one was something she recognized all too well.

She gave him a handkerchief to wipe his tears but he hit it away "leave me alone" Sky said softly. She went out and saw Cynwal standing there. "Why's he crying so much?" Isabelle asked Cynwal. "Just act as if you never saw him cry. He'll be back to himself tomorrow" Cynwal said. Isabelle looked back at the door. She went to the kitchen and brought back some sweet donuts. "My brother used to give me sweets when I get sad. It made me feel better" Isabelle said and brought the tray of sweets close to Sky. As the fragrance of the donuts filled the room, Sky hit her hand in an attempt to hit the tray, causing the tray to fall from her hand. "I said to leave me alone" Sky shouted. Isabelle picked up the donuts and put them back on the tray. "You know what, it's okay to be upset, but don't hurt others just because of that. You think you're the only one going through something? We all have. I lost all my friends all in one day, because of a storm. I lost my friends and didn't have anyone to blame, no one to get angry at, because no one was at fault. All I had was a brother to console me, ignoring his own pain. Everyone has lost something. Think about the soldiers, they've lost friends, fathers, and had to abandon their families. Do you have any idea how difficult it must be for them? Everyone has lost someone valuable to them but that doesn't mean we have the right to hurt others. Look at the soldiers outside, they're all hurt, all because you couldn't control your anger. Even you are hurt. All anger does is hurt people, but well, you are a prince, so you are not obliged to care" Isabelle said and left with the tray, heading back to his chamber to finish her work.

After a while, Cynwal and Sky came back to Sky's chamber. "Cynwal, you can leave first" Sky said to him. Cynwal bowed and left. "How're you feeling now, your highness" Isabelle asked, and Sky nodded, heading to his window. "I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you. I should've known my place…" Isabelle was saying when Sky cut in. "He was my mentor, Sir. Hansley Three years ago today, he was be-headed for treason. They accused him of rebellion in association to sorcerers because they had found sorcerers in his home. Even an assassin fought to protect him. He told them he was innocent but no one listened. The soldiers killed him, when he was one of them. He called them his brothers, but they all called him a traitor. Not even one person, tried to defend him, not one. I was the only one who believed him, that he was set up, framed. Everyone was blinded by their hate for sorcerers and no one listened" Sky said, looking out the window at the beautiful city where his mentor once lived.

"I…am so sorry to hear that. He must've been a great man" Isabelle said, walking to the window. "He was the strongest soldier and loved me as his own son. Even my father was jealous of him, and of my relationship with him. After his death, I never let anyone into my life" Sky turned to Isabelle and continued "but somehow, you managed to break in. I have never told anyone else about my mentor before, not even Hans. He had to figure it all out on his own" Sky said as a little laugh escaped his lips and then he burst out laughing "and I have never laughed on this day since his death. You were the last person I would've expected to trust with something like this, but here I am" Sky said, and their eyes met. Flooded with guilt, Isabelle looked away. "Isabelle, can I trust you?" He asked. Isabelle lowered her head "I am just a maid, I don't deserve your trust" Isabelle said and Sky giggled. "I didn't know you knew that. You never acted like one" Sky said. "What do you mean? I served you as I should. I cleaned your room, prepared your bed…" Isabelle started. "Didn't your mother do same for you when you were younger? But that doesn't make her a maid, does it? You lack the character of a maid. You even lack the character of a girl, let alone a maid. Besides, I've never really seen you as a maid, so what do you say, would you like for us to be more than this, perhaps friends?" Sky asked. Isabelle raised her head, their eyes met again. Isabelle saw in Sky, a person in need if help, in need of a shoulder to lean on, but she couldn't let her emotions take over. "What about Hans? Won't he be upset?" Isabelle asked him. "I think he'll be happy. We don't know when next we'll be able to meet after he leaves next week" Sky said.

"What about Cynwal?" Isabelle asked and Sky laughed again. "You know, you can just say no if you don't want to be my friend. Anyway, Cynwal is loyal to Prince Sky. I need someone who will be loyal to Sky, just Sky, not prince Sky. And Cynwal isn't sympathetic, he doesn't understand emotions enough. Who's next? My father?" Sky asked. "No, I would be honored to be your friend, Sky" Isabelle said. Sky smiled at her and looked back at the window. "The city looks especially beautiful today" Sky said. "It's only because you're watching from the palace, and only see the lights" Isabelle stated. Sky agreed with her. He didn't agree just because he had a soft spot for her, but spoke the truth. He had been to the city, he knew how hard people had to work to survive due to the corrupt officials in power. He had investigated and discovered the evil done by lots of them. Now, he was just waiting for an opportunity to expose them.