Snashi Laurel

Snashi's POV

"She still refuses to eat?"

I asked when I saw a housemaid with a tray of food. She came from my sister's room and the untouched food indicates that she didn't eat anything.

I went inside her room just to see her lying on the floor, holding a piece of paper.

"Ashinaida."

"What will you do if you'll manage to save me but Nashin will end up dying?"

She sits up and look at me seriously. She put the paper in front of me so I transferred my gaze there.

It is a drawing that shows a man and a woman who were pierced through by a spear. The drawing that she showed me last time.

I know this drawing is trustworthy since mom draw it. I saw her sketching this exact page.

‘Mom, who are they?’

She smiled at me and showed me the page she's working at.

‘Someone from the future.’

Future? ‘Are they gonna die?'

‘I hope not.’

"We can't lose Nashin, Snashi. Nor the girl beside him."

I look at the face of the girl in the drawing and look back at my sister upon recognizing her. She'll protect Nashin so she'll end up dying with him? Or the other way around?

"Chimsy Morgan. We can't lose her, that's what you said. You even saved her when she was poisoned in the forest."

That girl will die too?

I left her to head back to my room. I was greeted by Hura who is crying her eyes out.

"What happened?"

"It’s Chimsy.." she cried. I could feel my heart beating so fast while waiting for her next words.

The drawing went back to my mind. It will not happen too soon, will it? It shouldn't happen this early.

"What happened to Chimsy?"

Before she could say any word, my door swung open, revealing Ashinaida.

"I need to be in Quintessence this instance."

"I already said no-"

"No, we need to be in Quintessence now."

She handed me a letter from the organizer of this year's ranking exam. My forehead creases when I read what it is all about.

"Why would he stay inside the station?"

"We could only answer that if we go to Quintessence," she answered.

One of her maids knocked on the open door and bowed down. "The king is giving his permission to princess Ashinaida to respond on the letter. He ordered to bring the prince back here in Guerreier.”

I closed my eyes. What are you doing, Nashin?

"I know you don't trust me so go with me instead."

I agreed with Ashinaida's suggestion. I changed into my white suit and white pants. I let my long black hair rest on both sides of my head before I put on my white stiletto.

I don't know the reasons why my brother remains on the station when he could easily pass the ranking exam. And to think that today is the tenth day since the ranking exam started, what was he doing? Why is he stalling? What for?

Our family van took us to Quintessence in no time. We were greeted by Clinton who bowed a little upon seeing me.

"Where's my brother?"

He offered his hand but I just stared at it.

"Sir Clinton," Ashinaida called with a smile. "I'm sorry for not taking the ranking exam. I was in a situation."

He took back his hand and smiled at my sister. "No worries. It is not the first time for a student to not take the ranking exam on time. I remember going to Guerreier and begging the King to allow her to go out so that I could take the ranking exam with her-"

"Quit it," I stopped him. "Take us to my brother."

He offered his hand again and for the second time, I just stared at it.

"Snashi.." he called, losing his patience. "I'll take you to your brother. No other meaning."

I could feel my sister's questioning gaze but I ignored it. I hold his hand and closed my eyes. When I opened my eyes, I am inside a room with multiple monitors, showing the different stations for the ranking exam.

I saw my brother sitting on top of a rock. Below it is a pack of lion that are trying hard to reach him.

"Have you tried talking to him?"

"We did," Beni answered. She's monitoring my brother closely while murmuring some words. "He reminds me of you, actually. When you thought Clinton failed his mission. You also spaced out on the woods and no matter who told you that he’ll be back, you never listened."

"Beni," Clinton called in a warning tone but Beni continued talking.

"Turns out, it was your dad who was torturing him for going out with you."

"Beni!"

"Guess you'll never move on from the past," I said, maintaining my composure. "I am here for the matters that concern my brother, not for the past issues that you are blabbering about."

I faced Ashinaida who is curiously looking at me. She seems to have a lot of questions that she can't even pick what to ask so she just remained silent.

It was a problem between me, my dad, and Clinton. I closed that chapter of our life for my siblings. Because I chose Nashin over myself. Because I also chose Ashinaida over myself. Because I promised my mom to take care of them. And I'll keep that promise even if it means being selfless.

"Take me to my brother. I'll get him out of there."

"You'll only get there if you pass the stations. The system is set this way to avoid any issues in the ranking exam," Clinton said. "We only talked to him through the speakers on the system."

Of course, no one will waste their time going through all the ranking stations just to be ignored by my brother.

I walked out of the monitoring room. Ashinaida followed me and eventually lead the way to the entrance of the ranking stations.

"So you had a past story with Sir Clinton? And you didn't have a happy ending because of dad?"

I completely ignored my sister.

"Hura, you stay here."

Hura moved out of my suit and made her way to Ashinaida. She stood on Ashinaida's shoulder and bowed her head.

"Take care, princess."

"You'll enter the stations?"

I sighed. Isn't it obvious? How am I supposed to bring my brother out if I won't?

"At what station is he staying?"

"The last one."

He's stubbornly staying there. He better have his reason.

I entered the entrance that is covered with mist. It blocks my sight for a few moments but I steadily walked straight. The moving blocks come to sight so I build my own bridge above it. I walk on my own bridge that is made of leaves and successfully entered the door to the next station.

There are various tools and weapons. A total of five targets are placed with different distances.

"Hit the five bullseye and you pass."

I nodded at the instructions of the system. I took five nails that are about the size of my pinky finger. I put one in between my forefinger and middle finger before releasing it towards the nearest target. It disappears from my vision, indicating that I hit it on spot. I did the same to the remaining four and manage to hit the target in one try. The door showed up so I opened it.

It is a problem solving. I was given three attempts to answer the given situation but I answered it in one go so I immediately proceed to the next station.

Station four is completing a jigsaw puzzle in less than five minutes. I released some insects and ordered them to help me with the puzzle so I passed it right away.

Next station was a room full of traps. I put my arms together before touching the ground. A tunnel that is made of layers of wood, soil, rocks, and leaves was made in the middle of all those traps. I stand up and held my head high as I calmly walk towards the door of the next station.

Station two made me stop. It is made up of illusions that are from my memories. The moments in my life that would make me feel the emotions that could alter my mind.

I saw the moment when I made my first ever jar that is made of soil. I proudly showed it to my mom who is concentrating on the book she is writing.

.

"A Dauthinian's Tale?" I read aloud. "That is about a Dauthinian?"

She smiled. "It is and it is a secret. No one should know that mom made this. Can you promise mommy to keep this secret?"

"Yes, I promise."

.

"She's so tiny."

"She's a He, Snashi. He's your little brother."

A brother? "But aunt Cynthia said having a boy could hurt our family."

She looked at me and faked a smile. "She said that?"

"Yes, but I'll protect my brother. Can I hold him?"

.

"She wouldn't let go of my hand," I chuckled. "Ashinaida is so cute. When will she open her eyes? She could hear me, couldn't she?"

.

“Snashi, mommy's dead?"

.

"You're entering Quintessence. You'll have to learn everything there. You're the next in throne, Snashi. Don't fail Guerreier."

.

"You're the Great Snashi Laurel of Guerreier, the one who could appear anywhere as long as your name is mentioned, right? I am Clinton Gadiane of Liht." He offered his hand for a hand shake.

"Clinton Gadiane. The only son of Liht's ruler. Nice to meet you."

.

"He needs to be wedded when he turns eighteen. It is one of the requirements so he could be appointed as the next ruler of Liht, next to his father who is the current ruler," Beni explained.

"How did you know?"

She gave me a surprised look. "Aren’t you aware that Clinton is my cousin?"

.

"It is way pass the curfew. Are you here to hand me your wedding invitation?"

He looked at me like I just said something hurtful. "Snashi, would you run away with me?"

.

"You're seeing a guy from Liht?"

My eyes widened when dad asked. "I-"

"You know you're next to the throne, Snashi. Leave him at once and finish your studies peacefully. Make sure you make a name before you graduate in Quintessence."

.

"I gave up on being the next ruler of Liht."

What? "Why would you do that-"

He placed a necklace on my neck. I look down to see the pendant that resembles the district where he came from. Liht.

"Because that's the only way I could be with you. I had to marry someone from Liht if I wanted to be a ruler. But I don't want that. You know I'd always chose you."

.

"Mission?"

Beni nodded. "That's what he said. But I’m sure he’ll be back before graduation. Don’t worry. He never failed any mission, remember?"

.

"Snashi? Are you crying?"

I wiped my cheeks and forced a laugh. "Why would I cry, Ashinaida?"

"Maybe you missed mom? I missed her too. Nashin said he missed her too."

"Yes, I do. Someone else missed you too, Snashi," Nashin said and asked Ashinaida to go out.

"Clinton Gadiane... do you know him?"

I look at him when he mentioned the name. "Have you heard anything about him?"

"Dad is torturing him in the dungeons. I'm afraid his limbs will be dismembered if the torture continues."

.

"You held him captive?"

He put down the papers he is reading to look at me. "So what if I did? You'll betray Guerreier? After promising that you'll do well in Quintessence so you will be suitable to be the next Queen? You'll turn your back to your siblings and people just for a man who could change his mind anytime?" He scoffed. "If that so, then I must eliminate him for good."

He stood up so I hold his hand and begged on my knees.

"Dad, please don't do that. I'll... I'll do anything you said. I'll sacrifice myself and do everything for Guerreier. I'll be the best Queen that you want me to be. Just please... please... leave Clinton alone... please. I'm begging you, dad."

.

"Clinton is back. He is currently in the hospital-"

"Beni, can you just... not say anything please? Not about anything. Not a word about things that I don't ask about."

.

"Snashi..."

I look at him coldly and walk pass him. "Love-"

"Are hearing yourself right now?" I asked in disgust. "Have respect for the future Queen of Guerreier."

"Snashi, what are you saying?"

"Exactly what I mean," I answered and left him there. I thank God that he didn't follow because I'm ashamed that he might see me crying.

.

"Show no weakness, Snashi. Show them that you are graduating with confidence, not weakness. Shed no tear and show no sadness. Just smile with pride."

I followed my dad's words up until the graduation is over.

"Congratulations."

I held my head up and stared at him blankly. "Thank you."

"Where did I go wrong, Snashi?" He asked, which caught me off guard. "We were fine but after my mission, you changed completely."

Mission. The mission that nearly cost you your life.

I heard my dad's footstep that are walking towards our direction.

"I just realized that a Queen should act like one and being with you is such a waste of time."

"Snashi," dad called and walked away.

When I made sure that he was far enough, I closed the gap between Clinton and I. I gave him a tight hug. The last one I can give.

"Thank you for the memories, Clinton. I'll treasure them forever," I whispered.

I move back and gave him back the necklace that he gave me.

"I'm sorry that I've loved you," I mouthed before going after my dad.

"You make me proud with what you said, Snashi," dad said on our way home.

"Snashi."

I opened my eyes when I heard a voice from the system. I wiped my tears and breathed deeply.

"You have a remaining minute to find the key to the last station."

I closed my eyes and change the terrain to make it easier for me to detect where the key is. I succeed in looking for it so I managed to go to the last station.

Before the door closed, I look back to see some of my memories replaying.

The main reason why most students can't make it to the first rank. They were carried away by their emotions. And those emotions make them weak. And that kind of weakness will stop them from finishing the challenge that the station is requiring them to do.

I sniffed and laugh at myself. I guess those memories will bring me to tears and make me show my weakness.

"I should just find someone who could erase my memories," I whispered to myself before looking for my brother.

I found the pack of lion that are freely roaming around a huge rock. I looked up and saw my brother, sitting there, looking blankly at the sky.

I walked towards the lion and buried them alive. I made a ladder and sit beside my brother who didn't even bother to look at me.

"Something's bothering you? Is it her?"

I heard him sigh. "We both promised to meet in the last station."

So he's waiting for her. The Dauthinian girl that he is supposed to eliminate.

"So you really fall for that girl." I also looked up the sky and smiled. "I knew she's special to you the moment you hesitated to tell us her whereabouts. You even insisted that she'll never hurt Ashinaida."

For the first time, he is attached to someone other than his family. For the first time, he believed in his own opinion and even convince me that he is right.

"But she's still a Dauthinian."

Her, being a Dauthinian is the problem.

Like how Clinton, being a Lihtian was a problem.

"We are Royal blooded Guerrerian. We are meant to rule our people, like how our ancestors did. We have to be with a Guerrerian and continue the bloodline."

He sighed again.

"I know how you feel. I've been there." I caressed his back gently. "But if one day, you would want to stubbornly go against our law, just make sure you'll be safe."

His eyes widened. He looked at me in disbelief which makes me laugh.

"I mean it. As long as you also keep your promise about protecting Ashinaida."

I stood up when the lions were regenerated. I pulverized the ladder that I made earlier so it won't reach us.

"Her name is Krainarie Whittle, right?"

I was waiting for Chiena of Kauma to bring her to me but she didn't. She probably failed. And if Krainarie is being protected by my brother, then I'd rather let her be. I don't want to fight my brother.

"She probably failed to pass the stations. You're the only one who remains inside the ranking exam stations."

He stood up and look down on the lions.

"Yes, that's what I was thinking."

"But you still waited? For days. Really, Nash?"

He smiled sadly. "Because I want to keep my promise even if I knew she wouldn't keep hers."

"Q-U-I-N-" I hold his shoulder and look at the piece of paper he is holding.

'Spell out the word that you formed from the twelve letters that are found in the forest.'

"T-E-S-S-E-"

"Tomorrow is my birthday. We'll bring Chimsy with us. I want her to be on my birthday," I said.

"N-C-E."

I closed my eyes when a blinding light covered everything. When I felt the cold air in my skin, I opened my eyes to see the field of Quintessence.

"Nashin!" Ashinaida approached him. She whispered something to him and he respond with a whisper.

"Princess.."

I smiled at Hura who is standing on Clinton's shoulder. He carefully gave Hura to me but I didn't bother saying anything.

"We need to go, Hura. I am not allowed to stay here in Quintessence."

Before I could even take a step, Nashin called me back.

"You're leaving? Shouldn't we at least have a meal with your friends?"

I looked at Beni and Clinton who are both waiting for me to say something.

No, I don't want to.

"No, I have some important things to do."

I left them there without saying a proper goodbye. I stopped in front of the academy as memories came back to me.

Those are good times. Worth remembering but something I shouldn't treasure. It would be a weakness.

"You didn't even invite them to your birthday."

I took a deep breath and smiled before facing my siblings.

"We still need to look for Chimsy. Bring her with you. I'll wait for you at the main gate."

"The Chimsy Morgan that we knew.." Ashinaida trailed off and look at Nashin hesitantly. He nodded before looking at me.

"She's not Chimsy."

I frowned. I don't understand.

"The girl who died in the forest, she's the real Chimsy Morgan. Neym's real sister," Ashinaida explained.

"She's.. dead?"

I looked at Hura with questioning look. Is it the reason why she cried?

"The Chimsy that we met, the Chimsy that we knew, the Chimsy who became a friend.." Nashin meet my gaze as he continues.

"She's Krainarie Whittle. A Dauthinian."

...