EPS 25 Natali's Past

That morning, the soft sunlight began to sneak into the tent, illuminating the face of Primo who was sound asleep. The sound of birds chirping in the distance and the soothing morning breeze created a peaceful atmosphere at Spring Colony. Slowly, Primo opened his eyes, blinking a few times to adjust to the incoming light. He got up from his bed, stretching his body that still felt a little stiff after the hard training the previous few days.

With one deep breath, Primo stepped out of the tent, hoping the fresh air would help refresh his mind. Right in front of his tent, Natali stood waiting. She looked refreshed with her hair flowing beautifully and a cheerful smile adorning her face. Natali looked excited, different from her usual self.

Natali waved her hand, greeting him cheerfully. 'Good morning, Primo, don't forget your promise,' she said, as if reminding him of something important.

Primo paused for a moment, remembering the promise he had made earlier. He let out a long breath, then smiled slightly. 'Yes, I didn't forget. What do you want?' he asked in a soft but curious tone.

Natali stepped closer, now with a spoilt tone that she didn't usually show, she said, 'We're going to spend some time together. What do you think we'll do today?'

Primo thought for a moment, then smiled. 'How about you teach me dark magic? And I'll teach you the magic you want.

Hearing that answer, Natali immediately raised her eyebrows, surprised by Primo's seriousness. 'You're always like that, Primo. Magic and magic. You're too obsessed with magic. Isn't there anything else on your mind besides magic?' her voice sounded like a sneer, but there was a tone of concern there.

Primo chuckled before replying, 'I need to get stronger, Natali. I don't want to trouble others, especially you and the others. Moreover, I want to be able to protect everyone in Spring Colony.' His eyes looked serious, signalling a deep determination within him.

Natali could only let out a long sigh. 'All right, sorcerer,' she said with a simple smile, but without any more resistance. With a sudden movement, Natali grabbed Primo's hand and pulled. 'Come on!'

Primo was surprised to feel the pull of Natali's hand. 'Hey, where are we going?' he asked.

Natali just smiled meaningfully without explaining further. 'Practising magic,' he replied as he continued to pull her, as if he was already planning something irresistible.

The two of them walked along the path that led to the outside of Spring Colony. The bright blue sky was above them, and the morning was calm. However, when they reached the gate, they were stopped by William, one of the soldiers guarding the gate. With furrowed brows and a suspicious look, William raised his hand to stop them.

'Where are you going?' asked William in a stern tone, his eyes alternately looking at Primo and Natali.

Natali responded immediately, in a tone full of confidence and a little annoyance, 'A date! Get out of my way, William,' she said as she folded her arms across her chest.

William looked confused and was silent for a moment before finally shrugging and backing away, letting them pass. Primo could only shake his head, smiling a little at Natali's confident behaviour.

After passing through the guard gate, they walked towards the desert beyond the Spring Colony's borders. The further they walked, the more desolate and arid the atmosphere became. Grains of sand flew in the wind, creating a subtle sound in their ears. Arriving at a point quite far from the camp, Natali stopped and looked at Primo with a serious gaze.

'Primo,' she said in a deeper tone than usual. 'Are you really sure you want to train in dark magic?'

Primo nodded firmly, 'Yes, I'm serious.'

Natali looked deeply at Primo, then began to explain. 'Dark magic is different from ordinary magic. It's not just your Core that you use, but also hatred. If you don't have enough hatred or resentment inside you, you won't be able to use it well.'

Primo listened carefully, and Natali continued, 'You, Primo, might be better suited to light magic. It comes from compassion and empathy, the opposite of dark magic. You have a soft heart, like Neved, light magic is more suited to you.'

Natali then raised her hand in front of her, her fingers open as if she were holding an invisible orb. Primo watched intently as the Cores around Natali began to gather in her hand, forming a spinning ball of energy. 'Look at this,' he said. The ball of energy looked normal at first, but it slowly turned into a pitch-black ball that spun faster and faster. 'This is dark magic,' she explained. 'My hatred flows into it.'

After a moment, Natali lowered her hand and the ball of darkness disappeared. She looked at Primo, challenging him, 'Now it's your turn.'

Primo, though somewhat hesitant, copied Natali's gesture. He concentrated, gathering the Core in his hands, but the result was just an ordinary ball of energy. He tried several times, but there was no change. Natali observed his efforts patiently.

'You don't have enough hatred, Primo,' Natali said finally. 'Never mind, dark magic is not for you. Now, try to do something more in line with your heart. Think of your desire to protect the people of Spring Colony.'

Primo listened intently, and this time she tried again. In his heart, he focused on the people he wanted to protect: Natali, Dracko, and all the residents of Spring Colony. He also thought about his mission to find Celestara. Slowly, the ball of energy in his hand changed. Instead of a ball of darkness, it became a ball of light that shone brightly.

Natali was stunned to see it. 'You are truly unique, Primo,' she said softly, her voice filled with admiration. Inwardly, she wondered how Primo could so quickly learn new magic. 'Who exactly are you, Primo?'

Primo just smiled a little. 'I'm still learning,' he replied humbly. He then asked, 'Natali, how did you master dark magic? If I may know.'

Natali was silent for a moment, seemingly hesitant to tell, but eventually she decided to speak. 'It's an old story,' she said in a heavier tone. 'When I was a child, my village was attacked by the Dragon Race.'

Primo looked surprised. 'The Dragon Race? You mean, Draco?'

Natali nodded, 'Yes, Draco was one of them. But he never took part in the attack. In fact, he saved me.'

Primo listened attentively as Natali told her story. She told him about how Draco saved her from the Horned Serpent, then brought her to Spring Colony. She also told him about her grudge against the Dragon Race, and how she initially wanted to kill Draco, only to seek revenge and eventually realise that Draco was an ally.

Natali finished her story with a faint smile. 'In the end, I chose to trust Draco. He's not the enemy I thought he was.'

Primo was silent for a moment, pondering Natali's story. 'So, dark magic is dangerous huh?'

Natali nodded. 'Yes, especially dark magic. Most people avoid conflicts with these magic users because they are considered dangerous, but in Spring Colony, everyone is given a chance.'

After that serious conversation, Primo said 'Enough training this time I'm really tired, while asking Natali where we are going after this.' Natali smiled again and took Primo's hand. How about we go around?' Natali said with a spoilt smile.

Primo eagerly agreed, and they spent the day walking around Spring Colony. They saw the crops in the garden, accompanied Natali to make medicines from plants, and finally had dinner together in the big hall. The people who saw their closeness smiled happily, as if they could feel the growing connection between Primo and Natali.

The day ended in simple happiness, but underneath, the connection between them grew deeper and deeper.