Chapter Seven: After

{ALISHA}

“DUCK!!!”

*BOOM BOOM BOOM*

I ran around the maze to avoid the enemies. And at this point, I should be more alert.

“Willows open fire!”

“Roger!” I got my arrow and stretched my bow, release

“Good shot!”

Bull’s eye!

We are currently having training. At the palace maze, our teacher let us make two groups and those groups will fight each other.

“FORMATION!” we went back to our post

“Great job Willows, you have a large chance of getting a place”

“Thank you ma’am” I saluted, but I know that if only she was able to join this; she would be better than anyone else here

“Training for today is over! Get ready for the ceremony tomorrow!”

“Yes ma’am!”

{NALLA}

“Side step, and left, right, front, back, good girl” my teacher praised me

“You’ve learned enough”

“Not yet madam” I answered, I took three more books that she was holding and placed it n my head, now I have 23 books on my head

I did my routine and took a royal bow after it

“Great! Darling I know you’ll get your crown!”

“I’m afraid no; there is someone that is really better than me, better than anyone else

I forced myself not to cry; I’ve grown stronger

“Please forget about that for now dear, tomorrow is a very big day” she kissed my forehead and left my room.

“Oh how I wished I could watch you”

{ALISHA}

I’m so tired.

I wonder what she’s doing.

Tomorrow, the day marking ten years…

Tomorrow is the dead line of her stay there, I’ll see her again

“Alisha!” Anazele suddenly crashed open my door

“Why?!” I started to panic

 “Soldiers from Winesore are killing our soldiers!”

“What?! Let’s go!” she nodded then we ran

“Girls! If any of you are willing to help please do!” our trainer shouted then hurried outside

“Anazele” I called, she nodded then we went outside, Anazele and I are in the same flight; groups

“Here” Tyra handed us weapons, I got two swords, same as Anazele

A man in armor charged at me, he holds a sword; I shielded myself with one sword and killed him with the other one.

I ran to the area where many are fighting, many of our soldiers are already dead, how weak. Tomorrow, new soldiers stronger than these will be born.

I started cutting those in dark violet armors, I don’t care which part of them are cut, all I care is to protect this kingdom; Nalla’s way.

I kicked, I punched, and I cut them all who kills the palace soldiers. I saw a huge crowd of Winsore soldiers in the middle of the garden; they are trying to kill Head Gilberts.

I ran straight there and charged at them all, I killed most of them but some ran away

On my peripheral vision, I saw someone charging at the almost out of breath Head of Soldiers

And I did what I do the best; I shielded my body there

But of course…

I’m not a retarded hero; I used my two swords to shield my body that shields Sir Gilberts

I kicked the man and he fell to the ground, I took the chance to kill him; I struck one of my swords straight into his heart… this man; the Commander of Winesore’s Forces

Screams of rejoices and victory was heard in the palace.

I killed so many people…

“You did great, Trainee 14: Alisha Willows” I heard Sir Gilberts said

I’ve changed… I don’t care about peasants now… all I care about is those people who respect me… those who are innocent…

I’ve grown stronger; all I want is to be like her. But I guess I can’t be as strong as her…

“Alisha…” Gerald hugged me

“Why are you hugging me?”

“Shhhhhhh” why? Is there a problem?

Why are my cheeks wet?

Why am I crying?

Why am I weak?

Why can’t I stop crying?

Why can’t I just be strong like her?

“I’m so weak”

“No, you’re not”

“I’m crying”

“It’s okay”

Nalla can hold her tears all the time…

“Ms.Willows, what you did is right, there are more wars ahead, and I hope you’ll do the same and same goes for you Mr. Brook, great job killing their Head of All Forces”

I was not really shocked that Gerald killed, he grew into a great man, and he’s strong, maybe as strong as Nalla even.

“Go inside, fix yourself” I nodded and left, he was going to help restoring the garden

“Let’s go” Anazele said and I followed like me she was wounded, her walk isn’t straight anymore

Anazele Darter; my best female friend, she is not a replacement for Nalla, Nalla is like my sister. Anazele was there for me when Nalla lost presence. She was a transfer trainee a week after I signed in. And she is now one of the greatest trainees.

We walked by injured soldiers, and soldiers that were carrying dead bodies.

“I never thought that this would happen before the ceremony” Anazele said

Yes, this is definitely unpredictable. Some trainees even died, they are true soldiers. And those who were too afraid to even step out from the palace are only dreamers.

“We can’t do anything about it” I replied

When we got to the dorm, on the left side; we departed to fix ourselves.

I wore my usual clothing, not the gown, it’s a different one.

A knock from the door startled me.

“Yes?” I asked as I opened it

“Miss Alisha, the queen is calling for you”

“Ah, yes, I’m coming”

I went out and headed to the throne room, it is very unusual for her to call; it’s been six years since I last talked to her.

“You called, my queen”

“Dear, it’s been a while, I missed you”

“I missed you too” I smiled, even though she made Nalla go there, she’s still our new mother

“I’ve heard your heroic act earlier, but dear, sad to say that this is only the start. I am sure that they will get new forces, maybe even better than what they had”

“I know, and I will be prepared”

“Tomorrow is a big day; we will know your rank”

“Yes, please pray for me”

“Of course” I bowed and turned to walk when she said something

“Tomorrow, you will see your most precious treasure again”

I left after hearing that

Nalla…

Even though we are almost twins, the difference is so big. She’s strong, I’m weak.

She can handle almost everything, I can’t. 

After everything, we will meet again

{NALLA}

*sigh*

Can’t this day pass by any faster?

“Nalla, please sit down, I’m getting dizzy with you roaming around” Axcel said while massaging his forehead

“My apologies, I just can’t wait for tomorrow, it is a very big day” I wondered in awe, I am not excited about the ceremony, I am excited about seeing Alisha again

Axcel stared at me, it is really awkward

“Is there some problem?”

“N-no, I can’t really get used to you being so formal”

“I’ve learned, Axcel, I should” starting when I trained, I acted like a real princess, like Alisha, and I know that she would be glad

“Nalla, there’s something I wanted to tell you for the past nine years” that long?

“What is it?”

“Nalla, Alisha is---“

“Miss Nalla! Something really bad is happening down stairs, but it would not be nice if we will eavesdrop either, but it’s not training time, so I guess it’s fiiinnnneee” then Tine pulled me outside; cutting off what Axcel was suppose to say

Tine is my lady royal, each candidate has one, lady royals are candidates too. Their role is to be the adviser of the princess. Candidates were given a test whether they fit to be a princess or a lady royal.

And fortunately, I passed as a princess

“Here we are, a duchess of some kingdom is searching for a candidate, none of the candidates that are here volunteered, which the trainers understood because they were not ready, and now the duchess is really angry” Tine explained

“You want to volunteer, right?” Tine really reads my mind most of the time, I nodded

“Then raise your hand then go, I will go with you, you need your lady royal” I nodded and then raised my hand

“I together with my lady royal volunteer to go inside and meet the duchess”

“Very well, please head inside” we knocked first and heard Madam Stella said ‘come in’, so my trainer is the one handling the duchess

“And who are you?!” the duchess said with an irritated tone

“A pleasure to meet you my Duchess, I am Miss Nalla Stones and this is my dear lady royal Tine Coreslock, candidates for the coronation” we both bowed

“Oh, well I am Duchess Eliza Hilther Dydren, duchess of the Drenwine kingdom, it is also a pleasure to meet you” her mood seems to cool a little, then let’s cool it

“My lady, if you do not mind, may we have tea?”

“Oh, sure darling” I took the kettle from Tine; who was smiling widely telling me through her eyes that I did a great job

I walked to the other side if the long table and poured tea on her cup

“Why, it is so kind of you”

“It is a pleasure for me to serve you” then I poured tea to mine and Tine’s cup then we both sat down

“So, Miss Stones, what was your case that caused you to be sent in this isolated kingdom of Vanderune?” she as she drinks her tea

Do not speak about the runes

“I was caught in an attempt stealing crime, which I truthfully regret”

“Because?”

“I was departed from my dearest friend” I smiled, a bitter one

“My apologies darling”

“Its fine” I smiled

“It is good that you’ve thought of joining the competition”

“I did to learn and to make my dear proud”

“Oh, is your friend a lady?”

“Yes, she dreamed of being a princess and I am sure that she joined as well, and that she will win”

“Why do you think so? Don’t you want to win?”

“Well, of course I want to win, being a princess is now my dream as well, but my friend is better, she’s the best”

“I like your humbleness, but if you do win, how will you carry the crown?” she smiled, or more like smirked, why? But instead of asking why she ‘smirked’, I answered her question

“I will carry it with the pride of my kingdom, be ready for anything and everything, I will never do something that can lead my subjects to something not good, and I will be a great model. I admit that I am not perfect, well, nobody is, but I will do my very best to be a perfect leader” she looked shocked and amused after I finished talking

“Is there a problem my Duchess?”

“o-oh, there is none dear. I am truly amazed by your intelligence, now, would you mind if you tour me around this castle?”

“Why it is a pleasure for me to do so” we both stood up as well as Tine and went out the tea room

When we got out faces of amazed, jealous, and irritated welcomed us

“My dear duchess, the ladies of princess and lady royal hood, and girls, this is Duchess Eliza Hilther Dydren, duchess of Drenwine Kingdom” then the girls bowed to show respect

“Good luck ladies, may all of you continue to serve your kingdom” the once dragon-like attitude of Duchess Eliza is now calm and queen-like

“Let’s go dear?” she asked

“After you my duchess” then we laughed

{TINE}

-After an hour-

“This is the Royal Veranda, the biggest veranda here, it is mostly used when we have Royal visitors like you” Nalla smiled, I know that smile is natural. She is not only doing this to get attention and the trust of the duchess. Nalla is really a natural person, which is why I won’t doubt that she will be crowned

“I thank the both of you for giving me a tour, this castle even if it is isolated sure is wonderful” she smiled, I am glad we were able to calm the duchess

“Now, it is almost time for my leave” she sadly said

“But you will come back for the coronation tomorrow, am I correct?” I asked

“Why yes of course dear, I was invited by Queen Cristine to crown the lady royal, which I guess will be you, Tine”

“Thank you my duchess”

“Well, I guess we should get back to the hall, I must take my leave to go to the Main Kingdom of Vanderune, I will attend tomorrow together with the queen”

We went back to the main hall and saw Madam Stella waiting with the rest of the candidates. I can see most of them looking at me and Nalla, well, glaring must fit the description

“Farewell and see you tomorrow, Princess Nalla Stones and Lady Royal Tine Coreslock” then she walked away with Madam Stella and her guards

“We did great!” I squealed as I hug Nalla tight

“Yes, and good luck to us” I know she is referring to the coronation tomorrow and the glares we are receiving right now

And because neither trainers nor the head are here, it’s time for the formal war

“What a show-off, I thought were trained to be royals and not die-hard peasants” Brietta; the girl who hated Nalla from the moment she even stepped here

“Let’s go” Nalla said head held high as she walks to the stairs

We were at the last step when she said not looking down

“And I also thought that were trained to be high classed professionals rather than low classed immature peasants, and to whom you may be pertaining to, dear, she might be better than you” then she went straight to her room, before I followed, I looked at Brietta and she was fuming in anger. Serves her right.

“Nice job” I praised her

“*sigh* why does she hate me anyway?”

“It’s because you’re a million times better than her”

“Then maybe she would curse Alisha who is the best than anyone else”

She looked down

“You’re going to see her tomorrow… and leaving me here” I said but whispered the last part, but she’s one great listener

“Tine, I won’t leave you”

“But my stay here is until the next two years!” I shouted almost crying

{NALLA}

I hugged her tight

Tine arrived here two years after I did; she was really a jolly person. Since I arrived here the only one I talked to and talked to me was Axcel. Everyone hates me. That’s why I locked myself from everyone except Axcel. But then Tine came, she was really determined to be my friend, and we are best of it now.

“You will win the title of the lady royal, I don’t doubt that even a bit” I said as I hugged her while she’s crying

Alisha…

I wonder why we were mostly called twins, we are so different.

She is loved, I am hated.

She is always positive, but I just can’t believe in myself.

After everything I went through, I will see her again

{GERALD}

She cried.

After almost ten years

She cried again

I can’t even comfort her.

Why do people cry anyway? If we cry, does that mean we are weak?

Or does it not?

How can we tell if someone is strong or weak?

So many questions, no answers

“Gerald, here are the reports” my friend; Anthony came to me and showed me the report for the ‘war’ earlier

Report:

TIRUS 7, XX5 (date)

Soldiers Present in battle: 10,000

Weapons:

Swords- 4,000

Bow and Arrows- 2,500

Spears- 3,000

Axes- 1,800

Shields- 10,000

AFTER WAR

Soldiers Alive: 2,345

Soldiers Dead: 7,655

Trainees Involved:  320

Alive: 230

Dead: 90

---------

Out of 2,000 trainees, only few fought and risked their lives

May the ones died rest in peace, they died, they died in honor

“What is that?” Alisha suddenly asked behind me

“U-uh, the record of---

“The alive and dead ones?” I nodded; she took the paper from my hand and scanned it

“Poor soldiers, too bad they’re not that strong, when the new batch of soldiers are born, no one will die” she have changed, a lot.

She walked away after that.

Her eyes darkened, mostly no emotions

Why?

Why did everything change after letting water flow from their windows?