Chapter 1: Their Story
In a desolate land several kilometers away from the Moniyan empire. Dead bodies could be seen littered everywhere. Tigreal a young warrior also the leader of the knights who went to the battle this time, was not wearing a happy expression. As a Knight with high ambitions, he naturally aims for perfection. Even though they emerged victorious there were still casualties.
"Young lad, what are you sulking for? Aren't you happy that you won this battle? Look, among the hundreds of men you brought with you only five of them died while only thirty were injured. Isn't this worth celebrating for? Don't tell me you're still dreaming to become a legend?" An old veteran said to Tigreal.
"Old man you'll never understand my troubles." He replied while sighing.
"Men reign your horses! We're going back to the capital." Tigreal said to his army while mounting his horse.
Tigreal's ambition was to become a captain of the knights. And not just a normal captain, he wanted to be a legend who would go down the annals of history never to be forgotten. If he wanted this to happen he must lead a battle with no casualties. But the battle this time was a taint to his reputation. He only brought more than a hundred men but had too many casualties, what more if he'll lead a battle with a thousand men in the future?
When the army arrived at the gates of the capital, they were welcomed by a huge crowd. It could be seen that they already received the news of the army's victory due to the happy expression on their faces. While many of them were happy other families were extremely sad hearing the death of their loved ones.
Many of the knights were heading to the heart of the capital where the Palace was located. Tigreal separated from them heading to the church which was also his home. On the way he saw a little girl laying down in the middle of the road. He got down from his mount and approached the little girl. Seeing the tear streaked face of the girl, tigreal felt pity concluding that she must be one of the relatives of those who died at the battle. Tigreal decided to pick her up and bring her with him to the church.
It was already late at night when the girl woke up, hearing the news Tigreal got to the room where the girl was located. He saw her lying there with a listless expression. He was amazed when he saw her face that was already cleaned, she looked so beautiful. He approached her and asked her name. "Big brother my name is Natalia." she replied. He asked her about her parents. She said she they were already dead. He asked where her home was. And she said she had none. Hearing the information about the girl the High Priest decided to let her stay at the church.
During the day when Tigreal was training with his mentors, Natalia would cling unto him and say that she would accompany her big brother wherever he would go. She would create various reasons just so she could follow him, but in truth she was only afraid of other people.
Tigreal's mentors were afraid that she would disturb his training. But she proved that she was behave enough so they just let her be. She even amazed them with her learning abilities and astounded them with her great fighting capabilities. In the end, the mentors let her train with tigreal.
Females could not become a Knight so she was trained to be an assassin. Tigreal did not approve of this at first. It was because she was already close to him, he was afraid that she would be harmed. But Natalia kept persuading him so he had no choice but to agree.
Their routine of training everyday and sometimes sparring with each other continued until dark forces came to invade their land. Thousands of knights were send to fend of the evil forces invading their borders and Tigreal was one of them. Natalia was reluctant to let Tigreal go, but trying to stop him from going to the war was impossible. Tigreal left Natalia to the care of the Hight Priest before going to war.
Due to that event, the two of them rarely see each other. And Tigreal could only go home every three months. Everytime the two of them meet they would not spar like the way they did before and would instead spend their days in leisure and relaxation.
It had been almost five months since the last time Natalia saw Tigreal. She wanted to follow him and go to where he was but she didn't know where he is. The High Priest told her to calm her heart down but she can't do it.
A year passed and tigreal still has not returned. It was last month when the kingdom appointed a new High priest due to the death of the previous priest several months before.
To await Tigreal's arrival, Natalia would climb at the top of the falls everyday where she could see the view of the entire Moniyan Empire. Unfortunately it yielded no result until now.
Several months later while doing her everyday routine Natalia accidently slipped of the falls and hit her head hard making her forget all of her memories.
Waking up, the first person she saw was the high Priest. "Who am I?" she asked. "You go by the name of Natalia, and you were took under the care of the previous High Priest." he replied. "That's all?" she inquired. "That's everything that I know." He said.
Natalia spent her days at the church. But when she began to think that her life had no direction, she decided to join the assassin association. She asked for the Priest's permission, he immediately agreed saying that he would never hinder whatever her heart desires.
When Natalia applied at the Assassin Association she was still quite young so their leaders did not immediately approve of her. But when she showed them her abilities they were astounded and treated her as a rare gem.
She was assigned to a special training with another female companion who is equally talented as her, named Karina. She was once a dark elf but was healed by the moon god. Although Karina was once a dark elf, she resented the evil forces for killing her sister Selena so she pledged that she would one day exterminate them using her own might.
But even with a goal Karina was competitive in nature. She treated Natalia as a competition and competed with her in every way, but the result always ends up with a tie. It continued until the two of them grew up. Natalia turned out to be an extremely beautiful lady, while Karina's beauty was also above average she can't compare to Natalia. This was what broke the tie between the two of them.
Because people were aware of the competition happening between them, Karina felt ashamed and became resentful to Natalia. If Natalia didn't come to the association in the past she would never have to share her mentors, and she would become the most valuable person in their association. She hated Natalia even more. Due to this, She resolved to train even harder and fled to a faraway land to gain experience and learn more from various masters. While Natalia remained at the Assossiation accepting several missions.
Everytime Natalia accepts a mission she could easily kill her target without batting an eye. As her might grew she also became more emotionless. This was how she was raised in the Assassin Association.
Five years have past since tigreal left. Tigreal finally became the legend he was aiming to be and at the same time became the captain of the knights. He became so excited on the way home hoping to tell his adventures to Natalia. In this five years there was no day that Tigreal would not miss Natalia. He was always wondering how she was faring, but he would not worry since he knew that she was safe and was taken care of.
Tigreal finally arrived at the church. He noticed the changes and had an ominous feeling. He asked one of the church's apprentices about the recent happenings at the church and said he wanted to meet the High Priest. Since he didn't know who this new Priest was they had nothing to discuss so immediately ask the whereabouts of Natalia. When he knew she was in the Assassin Association he immediately rushed off to her direction. He became so worried, if he knew that she would come to such dangerous place he would never have gone to war five years ago.
Unluckily Natalia was on her way to a high ranked confidential mission so her location was unknown. Tigreal naturally became increasingly flustered, but since he was the captain of the knights he, had a wide network of connections where he can gain information and easily received info of where Natalia was heading to. Bringing the map with him, he unhesitatingly rode off to her direction in an extremely fast pace.
Natalia easily finished her mission, since she had no reason to stay at this place she unhurriedly walked her way to the Association. But she never expected to meet a familiar face on the road and it seemed like this person was waiting for her since a long time ago.
Seeing the person she was waiting for, Karina grinned. After training for almost a year Karina had become more powerful, Natalia was not slacking off either. But this time Karina appeared more confident. She issued a death duel to Natalia. Natalia accepted it with no change to her expression.
They started fighting, at first the two of them were at a standstill, but later on Natalia looked like she was running out of energy but Karina was still as energetic as before. It was apparent that Natalia would lose this battle. While catching her breath, Natalia was caught off guard with Karina's attack and lost.
"You've become so haughty but you still lost. I was not planning to kill you but I can't go back on my words, this is a death duel after all. Any last words Natalia?" Karina asked with a smug smile on her face.
Natalia just kept staring at her with an emotionless face. Karina place her blade at Natalia's neck preparing to slice it off. Then at the crucial moment a broadsword could be seen flying towards her direction which directly took away her life. Karina never knew that she would die as easily as that. Indignance filled her face, losing balance she fell to the ground lifeless.
Natalia was also surprised with the outcome. She dazedly got up from her position and looked at where the broadsword came from. Turning around she saw a man in armor, he looked valiant and dashing wearing it. But his armor didn't take too much of her attention because when she looked at his face his smiling expression it puzzled her.
"Natalia, I've missed you." Tigreal said while hanging a foolish but happy smile on his lips.
"I don't know who you are." Natalia replied while glaring at him. She was so angry. He saved her and she knew she should be grateful for that. But that was a death duel after all, it won't stop until one of them died and others are not allowed to help. His help was also a great blow to her pride. But because he was clueless about the situation and he saved her life, she decided not to kill him.
She left the location angrily, leaving Tigreal there with a question marks on his face. For so many years this was the first she showed an emotion which is anger. And it angered her even more.
Tigreal was so happy seeing her safe and sound. She had grown more beautiful he thought to himself. But he was wondering why she was suddenly like that, she was so sweet in the past always clinging to him calling him big brother.
A few days later Tigreal went to the Assassin Association to visit Natalia. This time he didn't wear his armor, he looked like a handsome scholar, even though he appeared muscular it did not look bulky. She didn't expect to see him here. She got really angry and immediately asked the guards to take him away. But Tigreal has an extraordinary identity so they can't shoo him away so easily.
"Natalia dear why don't you invite Sir Tigreal for a cup of tea? I'm leaving sir Tigreal to your care for now I've still got some things to do." One of her mentors said to her. She was usually obedient but this time she was reluctant to follow their orders. But in the end she decided to follow them.
Without saying anything she offered him a cup of tea. She didn't know why but this man in front of her felt extremely familiar, the more she looked at him the more familiar he became but she just decided to shrug it off.
Accepting the cup of tea he appeared really happy. He remembered what his subordinate said to him last time if he can't take her home as a sister anymore, there is only one possibility which is to take her home as a wife. He thought of this for long and decided to go for it. She was the only woman he was close to. And he can't imagine his future with another woman by his side except for her. There were also rumors that she had too many suitors, if he won't hurry then...
Snapping out of his thoughts he looked at her and asked "Natalia, You really don't remember me?". She replied "I'm sorry sir, but I really don't know you."
"Hmm, that's okay. We still can get to know each other again. Hahaha." he added while laughing loudly. Natalia just stared at him emotionlessly. The whole situation appeared awkward and rather comical.
Since that day, Tigreal continued to visit Natalia at the Association, she became very annoyed for having a hard time accepting missions because of his pestering. But she heard from her mentors that he is of a very high standing so she must entertain him during his visits.
When he would talk about his adventures for the past 5 years she appeared as if she was not listening, but tigreal would still continue talking about it. He would also ask her what she had been through these years.
When he would ask her whether she received the gifts he sent her, she would point out to a pile of gifts and ask "Which is it?" So the rumors were true, she really did have too many suitors, Tigreal thought.
Sometimes he would tell her "I really missed you" and insist on hugging her. "This man is really too much." she thought trying to break free from his grasp.
She found several excuses not to meet him but he would always find a way.
This time she got up early just so she could find time to train in the morning before Tigreal visits. After taking a bath, she brewed tea and waited for the arrival of a certain someone. It was already noon but Tigreal was nowhere to be found. She concluded maybe he would not come. Which made her feel relief but empty, even though she didn't know why.
It was almost six months since she accepted her last mission. Because Tigreal did not visit this time she decided to loosen up her muscles by accepting a D ranked mission, which is the easiest of all, before accepting an S ranked mission which is the hardest.
She easily finished the D ranked mission, and decided to immediately go for the S ranked mission. But she was stopped because it showed on the notice that the mission would only start tomorrow.
Just as she was planning to change into her training suit. A low ranked assassin which was responsible for the miscellaneous affairs announced Tigreals arrival.
Tigreal said he wanted to take her somewhere, but she refused. Serving him inside the association was her responsibility but accompanying him outside was not. No matter what persuasion method Tigreal used she would still not agree. He then decided to forcefully take her away. Riding his mount with her he headed to the western border.
Arriving at their destination Natalia was dumbfounded by the scene in front of her. She could see that they were in the middle of a desolate land, in front of her was a big lake, at the middle of it was a pavilion with a bridge leading to it. There were peculiar plants on the lake, it looked like it was dead due to its half black and half white color.
While Natalia was still observing her surroundings. Tigreal slowly walked to the pavillion while holding her hands. When they arrived he offered her a seat, he then sat down himself. He laid different types pastries and desserts from the basket he was carrying to the table. After doing so he offered it to her. She refused. But he insisted.
"This morning... Did you wait for me?" he asked.
"No."
As if not hearing her reply he continued "I'm so sorry I didn't come to the association. You see I was busy preparing all these... Do you like them?"
Natalia like a puppet nodded emotionlessly, which improved Tigreal's mood.
He then started talking like the way he used to. A while later sunset came. It looked beautiful, but Natalia did not look at it for too long since the sun was still so glaring. When she looked down she saw the flowers that appeared to be half dead blooming. She was attracted to the beautiful sight and could not take her eyes away from it.
"Its beautiful, isn't it? These flowers are called lunox, its a very rare type of flower born from order and chaos and can only be seen at the protected area of Moniyan Empire's Western border. It can be used for healing and at the same time it can be used as a weapon for killing. Its beautiful sadly it only blooms at dusk and dawn... sigh..." Tigreal said with a regretful expression.
Tigreal continued talking again and this time he reminisced about their reunion. He asked why she was so angry at that time. She than told him the truth that it was supposed to be a death duel. Hearing that he became quiet.
Natalia then looked at Tigreal in the eyes and asked "Sir Tigreal, if you knew that it was a death duel will you still save me?"
" I do fear it if you'll resent me, but is that important? To me nothing is more important than your safety, even if it costs me my life just to make sure you are safe, I would still do it unhesitatingly." Tigreal replied with seriousness and added "Natalia, I would like to spend the rest of my life with you... Would you grant me my wish?"
This time Natalia was so shocked that she didn't even noticed how fast her heart was beating. Trapped by the moment while staring at each others eyes, Tigreal gently grabbed Natalia's chin upwards. He closed in on her and as their lips nearly touched... Natalia snapped out from being dazed and pushed Tigreal away.
"I-I'm still not ready." she said while thinking that in her whole life she would never ever be ready. In fact she was not planning to get involved into this type of relationship since long ago. She just said this answer so that he would not wallow in despair, maybe someday he would forget her and find someone better than her.
Hearing her answer Tigreal heaved a sigh of relief. He was thankful she never rejected him directly which also means she's giving him a chance to be a part of her life.
If Natalia knew what Tigreal was thinking, she would have rejected him straightaway.
Since it was getting late, the two of them decided to return to the capital. After sending Natalia to the Association, Tigreal returned to his mansion.
Tigreal dreamt happy dreams for the whole night, while Natalia slept the same way as she did for the past few years.
Natalia got up early to prepare for her mission. Because she will be going to the faraway East, she decided to head there early so that she would arrive there at afternoon prior to her departure. Her mission time will be to fend of an evil creature which is leeching of from the farmer's crops. It was said that this monster was extremely powerful. While it only attacks during the full moon the damage it causes is quite large.
When morning came, Tigreal who woke up so early dressed himself up and prepared to go to the association. Seeing that Natalia was not there, he asked the assassins and received the news that she is currently on an S ranked mission. Hearing this ominous clouds started looming over his heart.
Tigreal hurriedly prepared his mount, wore his armor and when he received the information about her mission, he hurried off to her direction.
Night came and the moon started shining above the sky. The sound of howling farm dogs rang in Natalia's ears nonstop. Suddenly several soil eruptions could be seen from far away. In the middle of this eruption is a human like creature with a skin of green. While the creature caused no harm to the people, It was bent on destroying their crops. And without these crops the people of Moniyan empire will die of famine.
Before attacking, Natalia assessed her enemy first. Seeing it was not that powerful, she approached the enemy stealthily and started attacking it. But because it noticed her incoming attack it avoided her and defended itself. Just as she was about to attack again. She saw a creature made of water which looked exactly the same as her, attack the same way as she did.
Natalia was dumbfounded but she immediately regained composure. This time she was planning to kill this creature as fast as she could. But her attacks were like landing a blow to a huge ball of cotton, it had no effect. Even though the doppelganger could mimick her attacks, its strength was not the same as hers. But its combined attack with the monster took a huge toll on her, her energy was draining fast.
Natalia knew that she could die if she lost this time, but she did not feel despair like how a usual person does. It seemed like she did not care about her life or her death.
Knowing she would lose, she stopped attacking the enemy and awaited her death. But what she was awaiting for never came, Tigreal arrived at the crucial moment. He held her up and asked if she could still fight, she nodded her head. The two of them attacked at the same time, she attacked her doppelganger while he attacked the monster.
It seemed like a single doppelganger was the monster's limit and she could not make more. They achieved victory easily. After they killed the monster the doppelganger it made also disappeared.
Facing the monster Natalia collapsed to the ground. Tigreal brought her to his embrace and asked if she was okay. She nodded her head weakly as she laid her head on Tigreal's shoulders.
Tigreal looked at the dead monster's body. Noticing the changes and the distortions on its body he arrived at a conclusion... Its about to self destruct.
He was intent on trying to run away from it to save both of their lives. But they were just too close to the monster, he made a painful decision. He turned his back on the monster, completely shielding Natalia's body from it.
He then whispered to her ears. "Natalia, I'm so sorry for what I'm about to do but please don't resent me. This might the first and the last time I will say this to you but in my whole life you were the only person I have loved, and the only person I will love." he looked girl who had a puzzled and also shocked expression on her face, gave her a peck on the forehead and hugged her tightly.
Time seemed to freeze for Tigreal, but to Natalia it was only like a snap of a branch when a huge of light approached their direction.
When the explosion died down Natalia broke free from Tigreal's grasp looked at her surroundings, then looked at the man below her who already collapsed with blood trickling at the corner of his lips.
Making sense of the situation, Natalia slowly bent down grabbed Tigreal's head and gently made it rest on her thighs. Comparing the man in front of her who had closed eyes and was already breathing faintly, to the man before who was strong and valiant. She felt like something was gripping her heart and squeezing it, it became so hard for her to breath. This was the first time she had felt this way. Without noticing it something wet slid down on her right cheek, it was followed by another one on the left cheek. Then another one came after the other one in an increased pace.
With tears which kept pouring like rain, she hugged the man who was asleep without the intention of letting go, whispering into his ears the only words he wanted to hear "I love you."
— New chapter is coming soon — Write a review
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone