ALICIA ASCALON ASHBORN

I tried to pull back Arya from her shock. I knew this was not easy on her, not when her trust in her own people was shattered at its very foundation.

Taking her shaking hand… reminded me of my own past. How I was scared of my own uncle. He was always looking for ways to get rid of me. And it was suffocating for me as well. Living in my own house and being looked upon with hate.

“Alicia… Why did you decide to grant my wish?” Arya with teared eyes looks at me.

⸻And I knew exactly how she felt at this moment.

There was a time I couldn’t do anything too. I thought I had accepted the fact that I was powerless. And somehow I was glad that no one expected anything from me in return.

But there’s more to it than just being that. What’s the difference between good and evil? I couldn’t even judge between right and wrong and stood by as a helpless spectator while being trashed by my own fate.

But someone led me to realize that if things stay like this… that if I never learn anything, then I will lose all the things dear to me even before I know they are in danger.

“That’s because I know what you are feeling… and also that you are more than strong to make the right decision. That’s why this wish.” I couldn’t answer straight.

But Arya seemed to take me at my word. She wiped up her tears and seems to have already decided what to do with his uncle.

“Uncle I have finally found a way to heal the King and Queen. I do not need your sympathy or help.”

“Ha…. hahaha.” Something pushed Oweyn Stark to laugh like a madman.

“And is that the healer you brought with yourself I presume.” The general of the Stark Kingdom looked with a curious eye. In no way he could find the girl next to the princess to be special.

Of course, because of my mask’s magical mechanics, I had a weak presence, to begin with and a feeble magical aura surrounded me.

“YES.” Arya gave a definitive answer.

“Hahahaa… you amuse me. I really can’t believe the most genius mind of Stark Kingdom would be swindled by a fraud girl.” Oweyn puts his hand to his face in amusement.

Whaa…t? I know I sometimes might look suspicious because of this mask. But I am not someone shady. In fact, I could have let him know that healing magic was the first magic I learned and my strongest suit.

I am a magical genius. Magical Genius.

In fact that comment, I promise he would pay a heavy price for it. I was surely a bit ticked off about being underestimated so much.

“That’s not true.” While defending me, Arya appeared much livelier than before.

***

ARYA STARK

“Miss Alicia is more than capable and…” I could not bring myself to speak any further.

Alicia looks so adorable even when she pouts when she is provoked. How could I speak that in front of everyone?

“Don’t you forget that I still have your parent’s in my custody and also their lives?” Oweyn squishes his palm to show that he really meant what he said.

“I am not afraid of your pitiful threats anymore.” I looked at him unfazed.

“If you have so much faith in your new companion then I will just have to get rid of her.” Oweyn declared.

And in the next instant, my uncle vanished from his position right in front of our eyes.

One of the things I was most concerned about was his secret skill. My uncle, Oweyn Stark excelled in both Shadow Magic and Fire Magic.

Also, the very reason he brought us here inside the castle than face us on the open ground where there is no shadow.

Even though I needed to be aware of the danger surrounding my own life. Perhaps alone possessing these Mystical Eyes in the entire Kingdom, I was the only one who could look through his magic deception. He used Vanishing Steps combined with Shadow Permeation to travel through shadows in a blink of an eye.

⸻Shadow Walk.

But before I could turn to Alicia, I sense my Uncle’s magic re-emerge just behind us.

Oh, no…

Alicia is in danger. I need to warn her about this…. Will I be too late again?

CLANGGG….

A sharp blade-clashing noise resounded in the quiet palace front.

When I turned around I found Alicia holding a blade fan in her hand which directly blocked my Uncle’s sword held at her neck.

While my Uncle was having a hard time pushing through, Alicia stood steadfast without shaking her hand.

“You don’t win by drawing first,” Alicia says with a cunning smile on her lips.

That’s when Oweyn understood something was amiss and he quickly used his skill to retrace the path back to his original position.

‘What a cool cowboy line I just said.’ Alicia thought to herself while she was from the start aware of something like this happening when she analyzed Oweyn’s status.

“Who are you? That was not just any coincidence.” Oweyn asked. He was always a cautious man.

“Don’t you know it is the most brilliant plans that are often the ones to fall apart so easily with a single mistake of overestimating yourself?” Alicia said succinctly.

“There’s no way a nobody like you could see through my magic skill?” Oweyn was sure his skill was his gift and only meant for him making him arrogant.

“Isn’t this how you got past everyone and poisoned the King and the Queen without their notice?” Alicia asked drawing back her white blade fan.

“You are a sharp one. But it just means that I won’t be holding back anymore.” Oweyn clears his mind and decided not to play around any longer.

“Alicia, how did you?” I could not suppress my curiosity after that show.

If your mystic eye was comparable to a branch of a tree then the power of my mystic eyes would be the tree itself.” Alicia explained giving a typical analogy.

But the power she described herself pushed her into completely another league. And instead of being doubtful…

“Alicia you were so cool.” I could not stop myself from saying it.

“Why do you look like you are enjoying this?” Alicia asks with a brief suspicion on her face.

My face is getting red. Is this what they call looking with heart in your eyes… It can’t be so easy.

….or is Alicia just that good.

But having romance at the expense of the kingdom’s peril is not something to revel.

Perhaps I had gotten a bit complacent when she assured me that my parents had been rescued.

My uncle had already explained that the matter of emerging heroes over the continent had been bothering him and the flow of power to certain countries amassing armies. That leads to a final question that I have in my mind. And then I think I will finally be able to perform my Royal duty then.

.

“Uncle, do you wish to become a Hero yourself?” I asked.

For a moment General Oweyn was put to silence. He holds his sword firmly in front and without any remorse or guilt keeps his head high. Raising his own fist like a supremacist leader.

“Back when this world teetered on the brink of destruction, the True Hero saved us all. But what did they really accomplish after that? They disappeared whether dead or alive with no signs of ever returning back. And what did they leave for future generations? Every country considers its surrounding nation and every other nation it's enemy now than to unite for a cause to conquer the demons.”

“Uncle those are old times. Demons are no longer our enemies. We are the residents of the same world. We should look for cooperation than rearing for another Great War?” I was of another mind and strongly disagreed with him.

“I say why not let’s have it. Four years ago, when the Empire launched an offensive on the northern demon continent they were wiped out in a blink of an eye. Times are constantly changing and will not wait for a man like me. And that goes for the past as well.”

“But we humans were the ones to break the peace treaty first. And those events are all but without solid evidence.” Arya debated.

“Arya, people’s grudges run deep. Do you think the Demon Lords will just let it slide? A war is approaching and I can feel it in the air. It is for the exact thing I had been preparing myself for. The time has come for me to make a stand and start a revolution.”

Oweyn Stark starts walking forward brandishing his sword and blood set in his eyes.

“By becoming a hero, I will show this world that they need a True Hero to save them and evolve myself into one. This world needs another brand-new revolution and Stark will be the place where it ushers into a new age.” My Uncle screamed like a madman who exactly knew what he wanted. A dangerous aura surrounded his silhouette.

“What kind of revolution.? You can’t mean…” Did my Uncle really wish to spark another war himself?

“The True Hero is dead and so is their legacy of peace along with them. That’s why I will be the first one to make a move and start a new era of endless war.”

“…No…no. Don’t say that. Uncle, it is like you are completely possessed.”

The True Hero was not just the symbol of justice and peace but the hope that humanity alone survived as the victor when the all the races, the netherworld, and the Gods fought against each other.

Hearing him say that about my ideal broke my heart. It may be sad because my Uncle was half right, but blaming it all on the True Hero is something we should despise ourselves and not blame them.

Also, I must have been blind at that time and for the first time, my Mystic eyes felt cheated. Alicia whom I always found composed or someone who tried to hide her own intentions and feelings.

Would allow herself to show her hostility… or was it I saw a glimpse of anger on her concealed face.

“I don’t care who and how many you have brought but I am the only one who is going to win.” Oweyn finally decides to use his full strength.

His approaching figure turns into a hazy image until he vanishes again.

A wave of magical force passes through my side as I have just been saved from getting my head cut off.

Alicia right between the moment my neck would be snapped by my Uncle’s sword, she intercepted it. Clashes produce sparks as they move further away. Alicia carried the battle away to keep a safe distance between me and the fight.

My Uncle did the best he could to tail off Alicia, but every time he tried to approach to kill me, Alicia stood in between.

Oweyn knew very well that he could win it all by slaying the next heiress of the Kingdom and so Alicia was never his target.

“If you plan to stand in my way, then I have no choice but to take you down.”

My uncle’s moves become faster. The fight was no longer happening in one place.

Oweyn continuously used his skill to feint his sword attack, position, and the direction he would approach and trap Alicia.

“This is the power of shadow walk.” I rub my eyes.

With the speed at which Uncle and Alicia were moving, I could barely follow them. But my Mystic eyes kept track of their aura.

And despite my Uncle having an upper edge with the longsword, Alicia gracefully either dodged all or parried those which could not be.

I now realized that her expertise might not only rely on magic and wondered how far her power could extend.

But why is she only dodging? If this continues even a fatal mistake could get her gravely injured. And my uncle in no way will miss that opportunity.

“Why is she not fighting what is she waiting for?”

While I asked myself this question, I realized something she told me ⸻’My wish will only be granted when I am ready.’

And now I understood the exact meaning of it and also my role. If my Uncle had made his resolve, I must do the same to win against him.

“I might not be a great and powerful warrior like you but nonetheless I am a royal family member and you being my uncle who has done utter harm to the kingdom and my family. I cannot forgive you for slandering our custom and pride.” This will be my final message to him.

“You are only a kid with a bit of talent. I have always despised when my brother was always made to look like he was better than me.”

Every word of his hurts me, but the one who had the right to judge him was also me. ...It was needed to be done.

“The path you took will never bring happiness to anyone in the present nor in the future. Uncle, you may think that our kingdom is not trying to spur itself into action and will be left behind. But let me correct you that I will make it so strong that it will have the power of overcoming any problem.” And this will be my resolve.

“Don’t make a fool out of me. I will never be defeated.” Filled with murderous intent, Oweyn glares at me. His years of stashed emotions work to spring his magic and further evolve in level.

A feeling so sudden and strong that it made him feel invincible in this situation. His senses widened and his sword swings became more steady and sharp.

And yet they were unable even to harm a single strand of Alicia’s hair or go past her defenses.

“Did she see through all of my moves?” Oweyn could not bring himself to accept the power difference between them. Not when he was so close to his ambition getting fulfilled.

“I Arya Stark, as the first princess of the Stark Kingdom and a member of the royal Stark family. hereby declare you guilty of bringing harm to the Royal family and taking the royal palace hostage. By code of law, I sentence you to death punishment for treason against the king.” I played my role and now it was all up to Alicia.

“Don’t you think you have won yet? My honor is not so cheap.” Oweyn felt disgraced and it spur him more into heat. But he was not the only one affected by the judgment.

Alicia who was till now only evading attacks raises her head. And before Oweyn could follow her action, a blinding light wind emerges from her wind fan.

The pressure was so strong that Oweyn was thrown back against the gate mutilating it.

Oweyn quickly tries to regain consciousness to not lose sight of his enemy.

“Something is happening, where is she… Why does her presence feel like it’s everywhere…. Is that her true power? So, hateful, like it's devouring the palace itself.”

Oweyn already knew how high the stakes were and that it meant the life and death of his dream. After all, this was going to be the first step into his new life, vowing not to have any feelings or failures.

“How? How can my plan fail… it’s all because you are here. You are all just an eyesore and in my way. I will turn this whole place into pitch black and engulf it in my shadow.” Oweyn mutters with a growl.

Oweyn stood up deciding to use his strongest magic even if it meant destroying the palace to complete his objective.

“We need to stop him. That magic spell can wipe out an entire army.” I had only heard about it but had never seen it in action. My uncle’s very own magic ⸻Black Valley. Anything that gets close to this magic will forever vanish into shadows.

Oweyn was a bit taken aback when Alicia stands in front of him dauntlessly and for a while, I could not see her face. Their eyes did not meet and Oweyn could not help but felt being looked down upon.

“The chains of hell release no dead...” Oweyn began casting his magic and black miasma started leaking from his shadows.

I wanted to help Alicia but I knew I could not do anything and that my help will be unneeded.

That’s because I could tell with the amount of magical energy density surrounding Alicia, was so strong to fill the entire place and someone sensitive to magic like me was already feeling suffocated.

It was not the same kind of magic that she cast to freeze the ocean, but this magic concentration had a diabolical side to it.

Will she remove her mask, can I finally see her face now? The thought crossed my mind, while my uncle continued to cast his large-scale magic.

“…I will not accept it; I will not understand it. I see the world painted in the dark.” Black miasma finally takes form and spreads like a sheet along the ground and the walls. Everything that comes in contact with it turns black. The grass, plants, walls, and marble with no exception.

The whole world seemed to turn into a drawing painted with black ink drawn by the caster.

From my Mystical eyes, I realized the miasma was working to consume all the magic and life force from the things it touched. It was only a matter of a few seconds before the effect would reach Alicia and she was yet to make a move. Oweyn decides to complete the chant and unleash the full force of his spell.

“Light has forsaken humanity and I long for…..”

Right before Oweyn could finish his spell, Alicia not deciding to wait unfolds her wind fan.

“You know nothing of my mother. ⸻[PHOENIX FOLDING FAN]”

From this far, I could not tell what Alicia spoke. But a wave of black flames transpires from the blades of the fan and spreads on the growing black miasma.

Uncle Oweyn thought those black flames would only end up being absorbed into his spell effect.

But instead of dying out, the black flames rapidly spread over the sheet and the black miasma worked like oil to flare it. Like surging waves with simply the purpose of

destruction, attempting to swallow one another.

The black flames that consumed demanded everything becomes nothing. It was as if the heat radiating outward was a reflection of her rage.

In the end, Alicia’s black flames overpowering the effect of spell, reach the center of the magic source and explode around my uncle. Before Oweyn could feel the burning pain, spindles of black strings consumes the rest with nothing to be left when everything returns back to normal. In fact, it became so quiet that one might think nothing had happened at all.

“…….” I was left speechless. After all, I didn’t think it would end this soon.

Alicia turned to me but her expression was changed, “Since I have two patients to take care of, I have no time to waste waiting for him to finish first.”

***

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