Prophecy. A statement which predicts future events. A statement made with supernatural insight. A statement that must be fulfilled.
In this world, one prophecy stands above the rest. A prophecy that has been a part of history from the very beginning. A prophecy that governs history itself.
Light triumphs over dark. These are the first four words of this prophecy. What does this entail?
A single person is blessed with the affinity for light, while another is cursed with the affinity for dark. These two are mortal enemies, destined for conflict with each other once their affinities materialize.
It is in the prophecy where it is stated that light will always emerge victorious against the dark. This has been the case for thousands of years now.
You can imagine the social dynamics that have formed as a result of this prophecy. The prophet of light has received adoration, respect, and praise, being crowned the hero or savior of this world. On the other side of the coin, the prophet of darkness has been shunned, antagonized, and left all alone throughout history. It is a truly horrid destiny to be given.
This prophecy has remained in place ever since it first arose, and there is no sign that the cycle of light and dark will be broken.
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"The formula for the talismans was leaked?" Ignis inquired, excitement evident in his voice.
"Yes, when we were walking around the market, I saw a stand filled with customers. Looking over, I saw that they were selling those slips of papers." Victor explained. "At first, I thought it was a scam but then I saw another stand nearby full of people selling the same thing."
"Aster is gonna be so excited when he sees these!" Matteo beams, smiling from ear to ear.
Victor then pulled out a box containing many strips of paper with strange engravings on them. "I tested a few of these out with Eliana afterwards. They're the real deal."
"They were pretty expensive at the market but with multiple people getting ahold of the formula, word should spread quick and the prices should drop with time." Eliana asserts.
"Looks like the academy has been teaching you well," Kaira smiles.
"She has been hard at work studying, she rarely even has time to come home when it isn't break!" Alice complains.
Victor cracks a small smile at his wife's little rant.
"What is academy life like? I know I won't be starting for a while but I'm curious," Makai asks, his gaze in the general direction of the two people currently attending.
"Well the studies are quite rigorous at times, both physically and mentally, but you will emerge a much stronger person and mage even after only a year," Owen replies.
"Oh, talking like you've been there for more than one year?" Eliana scoffs, directing her knife in the direction of Owen. "You haven't nearly been in the academy long enough to have an insight like that. Or maybe you have, but your results clearly do not match your performance."
"Always have something to say huh? Women can be so annoying at times, this is why I would never date one like you!" Owen shoots back, slamming his fork onto the table.
"You're lucky a girl like me even acknowledges you!"
"I can't remember the last time these two haven't fought when they've seen each other," Louis jokes, forking a piece of grilled chicken.
"Maybe they're both the type who can't be honest with their feelings" Kaira smirks.
"Oooh! Those two might end up dating before we know it!" Alice adds, a grin also plastered on her face.
"Never!" The two teenagers respond in unison.
"I don't get it. Sis said she was surprised at how fast Owen has improv-" Matteo shouts before his blushing sister forcefully covers his mouth.
"Where is Aster? Shouldn't take a boy this long to go to the bathroom…" Juno utters as she spreads a cube of butter onto a piece of freshly baked bread.
"You miss big bro Aster?" Elise innocently asks, playing with her mashed potatoes. "I miss him too!"
"I d-don't m-miss him or anything Elise, it's not like that," the princess responds, her face flustered.
"It's clear this one isn't very honest with herself." Kaira laughs, pointing at her daughter. Juno hides her face with the bread she had been holding in embarrassment.
"Reminds me of Kaira when she was younger," Louis chimes in, to which Kaira slaps him on the shoulder, her face now slightly red.
"Anyways, back to what you found on the coastal markets, is there any way we can mass produce the talismans and start selling them here in the capit-"
Before Louis could finish his sentence, a loud rumbling noise sounds beneath the garden.
"What is that? An earthquake?" Victor says, alarmed. "No... this sensation is all too familiar."
Ignis begins to concentrate essence on his fists, a red fiery glow enveloping them. "Talia, take the children inside."
Slips of teal energy begin to surround the king as he blows the plates set on the table onto the floor. "I guess I'll have to buy some new tableware after this."
Before anyone could leave the garden area, a massive worm-like creature emerged from the ground. Its body is covered in dark red scales, and mouth filled with rows of serrated teeth. The creature lets out a deafening roar essence begins to concentrate near its mouth. A fiery fireball forms before the worm launches the attack directly at Ignis.
Ignis absorbs the attack head on, splitting the fireball in half before redirecting it back at the monster.
"What is an explosive sandworm doing here?!" Louis questions as he propels wind to put out the fires now scattered around the garden. The King then launches a beam of wind energy directly at the worm.
"I haven't the slightest clue. We have to be careful when dealing with this thing though," Victor says as he surrounds the sandworms attacks in water, effectively neutralizing them. "Ignis, you keep distracting the beast. I'll continue keeping its fire at bay so you can deliver the finishing blow Louis."
"Owen, Eliana, want to show what you've learned at the academy?" Ignis asks looking at the two students.
Lighting begins to flash around Owen, as he instantly jolts right above the worm. "Of course, it would be my pleasure to demonstrate the skills I have acquired."
Droplets of water also form behind Eliana, some of them even freezing into shards of ice. "Don't get in the way, Owen."
Kaira and Talia also take action, with Talia using bolts of lighting to redirect the attention of the monster as Kaira immobilizes the worm in roots and vines.
Alice supports from behind, using wind energy to maneuver the giant beast into a vulnerable position.
With the efforts of everyone, the sandworm shrieks and cries out in pain. However, before it dies, it launches one final parting gift.
"JUNO!" Kaira and Louis simultaneously cry out.
Victor tries to encase the attack in water, but he is too late to react.
Eliana makes her best attempt to get over to the girl but she is unable to make it.
Juno lunges towards the right, but it is clear she won't be able to dodge the fireball. The look in her eyes is visible to everyone.
'Aster, don't!'
A flash of purple suddenly appears in front of Juno. The fireball stops moving before it begins to turn a purple hue itself. Within the seconds, the destructive attack is rendered into tiny flames which dissipate into the sky.
Aster stood in front of the princess, his body now surrounded by an ominous glow. A translucent purple mask covered half his face as his body was unscathed after tanking such a powerful force.
"I-It can't be..." Matteo watches, stunned.
Ignis and Talia look at their son in shock, unable to say a word.
"I c-can't believe it." Louis mutters, unsure of what to do.
"Get away from my sister." Owen commands, his expression unreadable. The boy was confused and didn't know what to think.
"I said get away from her!" The prince then attempts to launch a bolt of lighting at the boy, his eyes glossy.
Before Owen can fire off his attack, his hand is stopped by Eliana, tears flowing down her face.
"D-Dad, I can't-" Matteo pleads before being cut off by his father.
"Don't worry son, you don't have to." The man responds, his face remaining stoic and unchanged. "Aster, you're a smart boy. You know the gravity of this situation."
The mask on Aster's face fades away. Looking over at his parents he sees his mother weeping uncontrollably as his father holds her while he makes his best effort to conceal his emotions.
Elise looks around, worried, confused, and concerned as to why everyone looked so sad.
"H-Honey, he's just a boy," Alice begs as she tries to stop her husband.
"I'm doing this for the rest of the world." He responds, still showing no signs of emotion.
Ignis begins runs over to the Victor. "You can't, you can't kill my child! You can't do this! Victor!"
"I imagine how much this hurts, but you know the danger this boy poses to everyone." Victor raises his arm, a sharp spear of ice starts to take shape.
Kaira attempts to console Talia, with herself having a few tears fall from her face. Louis stands in contemplation and shock. For the first time in a long time, the King of Osiryn didn't know what to do.
Could he let an innocent child be robbed of his life like this?
Makai held his sister tightly, closing his eyes as he could not bear to watch another second of this.
"I truly apologize Aster. This is a fate I wish you never had to be cursed with." Victor says while remaining calm and composed.
"Dad, don't!" Matteo cries out, tears welled up in his eyes.
Aster stood still, accepting his fate. He knew what happens to the person unlucky enough to be the prophet of darkness. Johan watched on, feeling pity for the boy.
Before the spear of ice could strike Aster, Juno jumps in front of the boy, her eyes red and tears streaming down her face.
Victor motions the princess to move, but she does not budge an inch.
"J-Juno…" Aster looks at the girl. He then looks down at the ground. "Please don't make this any harder."
"What if the prophecy is wrong? What if we don't follow it?" She argues back. "You can't leave me Aster!"
"I know your emotions are high right now, but those naive thoughts can lead to pain and destruction for everyone. Please understand this is for the greater good, princess." Victor signals Louis to take his daughter, but Ignis interjects.
"One night. Can we have one night to say goodbye to our son?" Ignis asks, his tone weak as he gets on his knees.
"Fine." The icicle spear vanishes as Victor walks away from Aster. "Ignis, I know he's your son, but don't let your emotions cloud you. We are aware of what happens when someone with the dark affinity remains unchecked."
One moment, Aster was begging for an affinity. The next, he questioned why he ever had such a wish.