A Necessary Rest

The day after their awakening, Valerian rose with a new determination. He had spent too much time concentrating on the fight against the Empire and not enough on strengthening the bonds with those around him. The sweet scent of flowers filled the fresh morning air as he prepared to meet up with each of his friends. His first port of call would be Zephyr.

Zephyr

In the garden, Valerian found Zephyr. He was crouched down, hands in pockets, watching the shimmering colors of the flowers dance in the wind. The morning light cast delicate shadows on his pensive face.

"Hey, Zephyr!" called Valerian as he approached.

The young man looked up, a luminous smile lighting up his face. "Valerian! You're back in the field, then?"

"Yes, I'm here for a bit of training. Wouldn't you like to show me some of your new illusion techniques?" asked Valerian, excitement in his voice.

"Of course!" replied Zephyr cheerfully. "But be prepared, because my illusions are not easy to master."

They spent the morning practicing, Valerian carefully observing Zephyr's every move. The latter created ethereal forms of light that danced around them, images of fantastic animals and enchanting landscapes.

"Look, there! A dragon!" cried Zephyr, pointing to a luminous figure flying above them.

Valerian burst out laughing, the magic of illusion enveloping him like a gentle breeze. "It's incredible, Zephyr! You've got to show me how to do it."

"With pleasure!" said Zephyr, leaning forward with enthusiasm. "But first, you need to focus on your intention. Every illusion begins with a clear vision."

They continued practicing, their laughter echoing through the garden, strengthening their friendship.

Lyren

Next, Valerian sought out Lyren, who had retreated to the library, the room filled with ancient books and subdued light. When he entered, he found Lyren bent over a grimoire, his eyes squinting in an expression of intense concentration.

"What are you reading there?" asked Valerian, intrigued.

Lyren looked up, a friendly smile forming on his lips. "A treatise on elemental magic. I'd love to master water."

"Water? Why not fire?" retorted Valerian, amused.

"I've always found fire a little... unpredictable. Water is fluid, adaptable. I think it suits my style better," Lyren explained, flipping through the pages of the grimoire.

Valerian sat down beside him, leafing through the book with him. "Show me what you've learned."

Lyren nodded, and together they spent hours discussing their magical discoveries, exchanging ideas and strategies. Lyren demonstrated some simple water spells, creating spheres of liquid that floated in the air.

"Look, I can make them spin!" he exclaimed, concentrating his energy.

Valerian applauded, impressed. "That's fantastic, Lyren. I'm sure you'll be able to do it."

The hours passed in a rich exchange of laughter and discoveries, strengthening their complicity.

Elysia

He then moved towards Elysia, who was standing by a stream, drawing in the sand with a stick. When she looked up, her smile was contagious.

"Hey, Valerian! Come on, draw with me!" she invited cheerfully.

He crouched down beside her, taking the stick. "What are you drawing?"

"A magical world!" she replied, tracing mountains and rivers. "Every drawing has a story."

Valerian carefully sketched shapes, sharing his own ideas. They spent hours creating an imaginary world, immersing themselves in creativity and freedom, forgetting the hassles of reality.

"You should add a dragon here," he suggested, pointing to a corner of the drawing.

Elysia burst out laughing. "A dragon? Why not a phoenix?"

They continued to bicker, their voices mingling with the soothing sounds of nature, reinforcing their friendship and complicity.

Elowen

Valerian then searched for Elowen. He found her in the greenhouses, surrounded by exotic plants that perfumed the air. Her face beamed with happiness as she tended the flowers, her hands delicately caressing the petals.

"Valerian!" she cried when she saw him. "Come and see this rare plant!"

"It's beautiful!" he exclaimed as he approached. "How do you take care of it?"

"Every plant has its own history and needs. You just have to listen to them," she explained passionately.

Valerian looked at her, fascinated. "You're like a plant magician."

"Thank you!" she replied, a radiant smile lighting up her face. "I could teach you a few things, if you like."

They bonded even more over discussions of nature's magic and its powers. Valerian discovered the appeal of medicinal plants and the virtues of each species.

"You know, these plants can even help strengthen your magic. Some have unique properties," she added mysteriously.

Aeloria

Finally, he sought out Aeloria. She was perched on a tree branch, her hair floating in the wind like filaments of light. When she noticed him, she dropped gracefully, landing noiselessly at his feet.

"You need to see me, Valerian?" she asked, sounding teasing.

"I just wanted to spend some time with you. How about a little adventure?" he offered with a wink.

Aeloria nodded enthusiastically. "Let's explore a little!"

Together they headed for a clearing, where the magic of the place seemed to vibrate around them. Aeloria began to tell stories of her travels, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"I once met a group of elves in the mountains. They taught me to dance to the rhythm of the wind!" she said, mimicking the fluid movements of the dance.

Valerian laughed, touched by her joy. "I never knew you were so talented. Show me how it's done!"

They spent the day dancing and laughing, creating unforgettable memories in their minds.

After spending time with each of them, Valerian felt comforted, but there was still one person with whom he wanted to share a special moment: Arielle. He invited her on a walk through the Spirit Realm, showing her the enchanting landscapes, the trees with their glittering leaves and the rivers of light.

When they reached a sparkling lake, Arielle stopped, her eyes lighting up at the beauty all around. "It's... magnificent," she murmured, almost spellbound.

Valerian turned to her, and for a moment, he couldn't help thinking of all the moments he'd spent with her. They drew closer, and he felt a tension in the air.

"There's something I need to tell you," Arielle began, her tone tinged with melancholy. "I'm a princess of the Empire. My father is the Emperor."

Valerian looked at her, surprised, his heart clenched. "Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

"I was afraid of your reaction. I escaped from the palace because I wanted to discover the world before my father arranged an arranged marriage for me," she confided, her eyes downcast, filled with sadness.

Valerian, torn between anger and compassion, hesitated. Using Arielle against the Empire would be a blow to him, but his feelings were getting the better of him. He reached out, grabbing her shoulders, trying to make contact.

"Keep this to yourself... I'm certainly the only one who wouldn't choose to use you against the Empire and obstruct your freedom..."

Arielle looked up, surprised by his statement. "But... you might have an advantage in saying so..."

"The truth is, I've already lost precious people to these power struggles. I'd never put you through that," he asserted with conviction.

A heavy silence settled between them. Finally, Arielle stepped forward and whispered: "Thank you, Valerian. I've never met anyone like you."

They stood there for a moment, enveloped in the soothing silence of the lake, their hearts beating in unison, creating a bond that neither the Empire nor any other obstacle could ever break.

The path leading to the Sisters' Library was an ode to the beauty of nature. Valerian and Arielle walked side by side, their footsteps echoing softly on the floor carpeted with golden leaves, forming a natural carpet that absorbed almost all surrounding sounds. The air was charged with delicate floral fragrances, a blend of sweet and spicy scents that seemed to dance around them on the gentle breeze. The stars shone intensely in the night sky, like jewels scattered on a black velvet sheet, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

"It's beautiful here," Arielle murmured, her eyes shining with fascination as she raised her head to the stars. Her soft voice was filled with wonder, as if every breath of wind whispered ancient secrets to her. She let out a small laugh, carried away by the splendor of the place.

"Yes, and the library is even more impressive," Valerian replied, a slight smile on his lips. His translucent blue eyes twinkled with determination as he gazed down the path before them. "This is a place of knowledge, where time and space blend."

He couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the prospect of entering this den of knowledge. This place promised not only answers, but also precious moments of respite from the tensions of their last battle.

When they finally arrived at the doors of the Sisters' Library, Valerian felt a wave of awe wash over him. The building stood majestically, its walls made of shimmering marble that caught the starlight, giving it an almost divine aura. The columns adorned with ancient runes seemed to whisper forgotten stories, their intricate patterns telling tales of ages past. As they pushed open the door, the sound of tinkling bells signaled their arrival in this sacred space.

Inside, a warm atmosphere reigned, bathed in soft light that made the shelves full of golden-covered books glow. The books seemed to breathe, each volume alive like a guardian of ancestral secrets.

Azera, one of the library's guardians, greeted them with a luminous smile. Her long silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing gaze reflected the wisdom accumulated over the centuries. "Valerian! I'm delighted to see you. And you, Arielle, welcome," she said in a gentle voice, each word sounding like a melody.

"Thank you, Azera," Valerian replied, feeling comforted by this familiarity. He exchanged a knowing glance with Arielle, who seemed fascinated by the place.

Althea, the other guard, approached with a light step, a spark of intelligence in her emerald eyes. "You're here to rest and recover your strength, aren't you?" her voice was firm but full of gentleness.

"Yes, we've had some difficult encounters recently," Valerian admitted, his voice full of intensity, as he observed the comforting space around him. Each book seemed to be a promise, a reminder that knowledge could change the course of events.

Azera pondered for a moment, her face shifting from curiosity to understanding. "That monster was probably your mother's creation. She had the power to give life to entities using black magic. She intended to give it to you as a pet."

The revelation hit Valerian like a thunderclap, his thoughts collapsing under the weight of emotion. "What? My pet?" His voice almost broke, surprise and pain overwhelming him.

"Yes," Azera continued, her voice soft but firm. "But the Empire came to take possession of your kingdom, and your mother was killed just before she could give it to you. That monster probably came to you because he wanted to play, as your mother would have ordered."

The pain of these memories crept into Valerian's heart, wrapping itself around his thoughts like a shadow. The loss of his mother, his life ruined by the machinations of the Empire, and now the revelation of this link with the monster... All this only added to her anger.

"So, this means that the Empire has not only destroyed my family, but also stolen my right to live with my own mate," Valerian muttered, his fists clenched, rage bubbling up inside him like a volcano ready to erupt.

Arielle, listening intently, laid a comforting hand on his shoulder, her warmth offering light in the darkness of his tormented heart. "We're going to stop them, Valerian. You're not alone in this fight."

He turned to her, recognizing the strength and determination in her eyes, like a glimmer of hope in the night. "I know that, Arielle. But I must also fight for my origins, for my kingdom. I can't let the Empire continue to destroy what's left of my family."

Valerian's resolve strengthened, each word he spoke turning into a promise to himself. He knew now that he had a deeper motivation than simple revenge. It was a quest to reclaim his heritage, to regain the peace he'd lost.

"I will kill the Emperor and reclaim my kingdom," he declared, his voice full of conviction, sounding like a mantra, like a call to war.

The days that followed were devoted to recuperation, a necessary period of tranquility before the storm to come. Valerian and Arielle spent their days studying in the library, leafing through ancient tomes, their dusty scent enveloping the air. They discovered forgotten incantations and heroic tales, battle strategies and tales of triumph. They helped each other, exchanging knowledge, strengthening their magic and their spirits.

Laughter echoed through the silent corridors, soft music amid the murmurs of books. Arielle told stories of her childhood, memories of happy times that made her eyes shine with a nostalgic light. Valerian listened, absorbed by every word, every smile, feeling a growing bond with her.

One day, as they leafed through an ancient grimoire, Arielle turned to Valerian with a smile, her cheeks slightly flushed with excitement. "You know, I'm glad we're here together. It gives me a little respite before the storm."

Valerian looked at her, touched by her vulnerability. "I'm glad too. I think we all need this moment before we plunge into battle," he replied, his tone tinged with gentleness.

He rose to look out a window, watching the twinkling stars. "But I know that when we leave this place, everything will change. War awaits us."

Finally, after several days' rest, Valerian felt ready to take on the Empire. Every moment spent in the library had strengthened his resolve, sharpened his mind and his magic. With Arielle by his side, they had not only strengthened their forces, but also deepened their understanding of the adversary they were about to fight.

As they left the library, Azera watched them go with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Remember, my dears, knowledge is your greatest weapon. And never hesitate to share it with those who fight alongside you."

"We won't forget," Valerian assured him, his heart beating with determination. "Thank you for everything."

The path that led them back outside was now laden with significance, each step a preparation for what lay ahead. Valerian stood erect, his gaze fixed on the horizon, ready to embrace his destiny. No longer content with seeking revenge, he had become a leader, a hero in the making, ready to sacrifice everything for what was right.

Arielle walked beside him, a reassuring presence in this uncertain world. Together, they were heading for conflict, but also for an unbreakable friendship, a pledge of loyalty in the face of the darkness looming on the horizon.

As daylight dawned on the horizon, Valerian and Arielle stood side by side, ready to write their own history, armed with knowledge, magic and unwavering determination.

The fresh wind blowing across their faces seemed to carry with it echoes of an uncertain future, but one full of promise. Each breath was a reminder that the battle ahead would not only be a physical one, but also a fight for their convictions, their dreams and their past.

Their footsteps echoed on the path, and Valerian couldn't help but think back to the revelations he'd received. The image of his mother, with her eyes imbued with wisdom and tenderness, kept coming back to him. Memories of his childhood, of shared laughter and whispered promises, mingled with the pain of her loss, forging a burning fire in his heart. This pain would be her strength. Every thought of revenge fueled his resolve.

"Valerian," Arielle began, her soft voice interrupting his reflections. "Have you ever thought about what you'll do once we've defeated the Empire?"

He paused, surprised by her question. He'd been so focused on the battle, on revenge, that he hadn't considered what would come after. "I... I haven't really thought about it," he admitted, scanning the horizon as if he could read answers there. "But I guess I'd like to rebuild what's been lost. Regain that sense of family, of security."

A sad smile spread across Arielle's face. "That sounds wonderful. But you know, rebuilding will take time. It will take patience and determination, just like the war."

"Yes," he replied, a gleam of understanding lighting up his eyes. "I know I can't bring everything back to normal in the blink of an eye. But I'll fight for every moment of peace we can create."

Arielle nodded, her eyes shining with admiration. "And I'll fight by your side. Together, we can overcome all this."

They continued their walk, Valerian's mind filling with visions of the life he hoped to build. A reunited kingdom, where his mother's memories would be honored, where he could regain a sense of family and community. This kingdom would be different, stronger, because it would be founded on solidarity and the fight against injustice.

As they reached the edge of the forest, a shiver of excitement ran down his spine. The landscape before them stretched out, a canvas of vibrant colors and mysterious shadows. The roads to the Empire's realm were closer than ever, but there were also uncharted paths, territories to conquer, alliances to forge.

"We should prepare for confrontation with the Emperor," Valerian declared, a tone of determination in his voice. "I need to know his strengths and weaknesses. The battle won't be won by brute force alone, but by strategy."

They continued on their way, discussing the strategy they might adopt. Valerian proposed ideas for meeting points, places where they could bring together the leaders of different kingdoms. He was already imagining scenes of unification, alliances forged in the heat of passion and anger. The road ahead was still foggy, but every step they took brought them closer to their goal.

After several hours' walking, they finally reached a clearing bathed in light, where nature seemed to vibrate with an ancient energy. Valerian paused for a moment, his eyes riveted on the landscape before him. The majestic trees, sparkling rivers and deep blue sky reminded him of the beauty of their world, a world he was determined to protect.

"Look," Arielle said, pointing to a group of colorful wildflowers dancing in the wind. "Nature always reclaims its rights, even after the most violent storms. It's a sign of hope."

Valerian nodded, understanding the parallel. "So do we," he murmured. "No matter how hard the Empire tries to destroy us, we will always rise again."

They settled into the clearing, enjoying the moment of calm before the storm. Their minds swirled with thoughts and ideas, but they also took time to breathe, to reconnect with the nature around them.

On the way back to the library, Valerian felt the power of their determination, and the hope that one day the Empire would fall along with the Emperor's head.

Epilogue "I am .....":

Valerian stepped away from the dim light of the library, making his way through the shadows of the trees around him. Daylight was beginning to fade, casting elongated shadows on the ground. He dropped onto a fallen tree trunk, his heart heavy with thoughts. Recent events had prompted him to reflect not only on his future, but also on his past, on Gabriel's life, which seemed to belong to another world, another existence.

He closed his eyes, and memories flooded in, like waves breaking on a beach, some darker than others. Gabriel, the name rang out like a painful echo. In his former life, he had been a lost child, raised in a home where tenderness existed only in dreams. His parents, addicted to hitting Liege, beat him senseless, taking out their frustration on him as if his pain were their only escape. Each blow, each insult, resounded in his soul like a mournful drum, driving him further away from the idea of a loving home.

The images piled up, each memory a heavy stone in her mind. The lecherous old ladies, their greedy stares, the hands that had touched him against his will, the disgusting laughter of his parents as they exchanged his body for a few bucks, the humiliation that pursued him relentlessly. Gabriel had learned early on that love could be a commodity, that people sold their own flesh for a little comfort. It was a stolen childhood, a world where innocence was lost in darkness.

Then came the accidents. His parents, drunk and drugged, had finally left this world, swept away in a crash that no one cared about. He had learned to fend for himself, to navigate through an ocean of suffering. Poverty had become his constant companion, a specter that accompanied him at every step. Gabriel couldn't go to school like the other children. Society had already forgotten about him, sent him back to the middle of dark alleys, far from dreams of a promising future.

But, against all odds, he had survived. At the age of twenty, he had finally found an office job, one that didn't pay even one thousand one hundred dollars a month for forty hours of hard labor. Routine had become a prison, the walls of his existence slowly closing around him. However, he had met someone, his first girlfriend, a glimmer of hope in his world of darkness. He had loved her as he had never known how to love. But fate, cruel as always, had decided to strike again. She'd cheated on him, his heart broken when he'd caught them lightning each other in his own bed, the place he considered a sanctuary.

The tears had flowed endlessly, and rage had consumed him. Anger gnawed at him, but it was nothing compared to the pain that had followed. Loneliness had set in again, an icy winter that froze his heart. Then his second girlfriend appeared, a woman who loved him with an intensity he'd never known. But the memory of betrayal haunted him, and he built walls around himself, unable to love again. It was then that she sank into madness, believing that love was a game where you had to possess the other, even at the cost of your own life.

"This way, you'll be with me forever... hihi~" Those words still echoed in his mind, a macabre whisper he could never forget. She ripped his heart out, literally, an act of mad love that sealed his fate. At that moment, Gabriel had left this world, leaving behind a life of suffering.

The transition to Valerian had been a rebirth, a new beginning, a gift filled with potential. Yet deep inside, Gabriel 's scars remained, a living memory of the trials he had overcome. Valerian was the fruit of a second chance, a dream of fulfillment, but also the bearer of an immense weight. Every decision he had to make, every battle he had to wage, was tainted by past suffering.

He opened his eyes again, staring at the horizon, the light of the setting sun mingling with the clouds. "I'm Valerian now," he murmured, a sad smile on his lips. "And even though Gabriel is still a part of me, I refuse to let his story define my future. I'll fight for those who never had the chance to rise again, for those who still suffer in the shadows."

He stood up, his heart pounding, a new determination in him. Night was falling, but the darkness could not extinguish the flame he carried. Valerian was going to ensure that Gabriel 's story would not be forgotten, but transformed into a cry of revolt against those who inflicted suffering. This fight would be his, and with every step he took, he would move a little further away from the past to embrace a future shaped by his choices and struggles. The path was set, and he was ready to walk it, against all odds.