Prologue:
Universe 67, an universe where mages make up the majority of the population, the world has developed in a mix of science and magic. Empowered youths eager to enter either civilian colleges or special military academies, most notably Belladona to join the great Royal Guard as apprentices and gradually build a career;
The world is experiencing a period of peace, but ten years ago there was an end to a long ideological war between the nation of Celestia and its allies, against Stroika and their respective allies. The war was about political polarization; Celestia led the capitalist nations who advocated the freedom of strong private enterprise and the use of magic; Stroika led communists who advocate strong control of the state and the magic of its citizens; the communists used an arcane force that nearly destroyed the world, in the end the capitalists won thanks to the sacrifice of Celestia's army leader, Astaroth. Yet it was the feats of Astaroth's pupils who were also elite members of the Royal Guard, who proved to be extremely powerful by earning the title of "three great legendary warrior mages" that brought them countless victories. The world seemed to be passing through a period of peace and prosperity, a new generation of mages entering the scene of the new warriors of the nations inspired by the heroes of the last war; there are still other dangers like terrorists and more obscure things.
Secretly a group tries to reinstate communist ideals, rule the world and return the mage's world to its glory under firm government; Various forces are moving and this era of hard-won peace and lives may have its days numbered.
Chapter one: I want to be like her
Belladona, capital of the nation of Celestia, the city was the most modern, advanced and largest in the world in terms of cities, in its 4,537 km2 of glory had the most varied neighborhoods, buildings, skyscrapers that reached the clouds and exceptional works.
The city had a very advanced and elegant design, there was the central island where the political, legal, administrative, military center was located and the royal family's palace with all the refinement and technology, considered the most advanced and frequented region of the city, there were six bridges that connected it with the other six regions of the city, as well as bridges between the six regions arranged in a half-circular way. This central island was called "Celestia's Core".
The region north of Celestia's Core was the region where the Belladona Academy was located, among other educational institutions in Belladona, whether military or not, this area was called "Wisdom Island".
The southern region of Celestia's Core was the largest of the six regions surrounding the central island. It was "Noble's Island", the region was a high-class residential region, the region of the rich and noble families of Celestia, there lived the most notorious clans in the nation, it was a region that had everything, residential areas, schools, hospitals , markets, malls, shopping centers, nightclubs, restaurants, cinemas, it was a city within another.
The eastern region of Celestia's Core was 20% smaller than the southern region, but it was even more populated, it was the region of the city's poor and middle class residents, had schools, residential areas, hospitals, markets, malls, shopping centers, nightclubs , restaurants, cinemas and everything else, a region that met the population's needs as much as possible, it was in this region that the mafias and gangs operated. This region was called "Common's Island".
The west region of Celestia's Core was a region focused on shopping, food and religious centers, it was a metropolitan region of commerce, culture and leisure, this was the region that most hosted foreigners or visitors from other cities, it was easy to get lost there, the malls in that area were the best, and had the best clubs in town. This region was called "Downtown's Island".
Between the north and east there was a region where the common military centers were located and also the foundations of the Royal Guard, a region focused on military matters, this is where the prisons, military bases, armaments and machinery of the common army and part of the Royal Guard, this region was called "Army's Island".
Between the south and the west there was a region called "Allhome's Island", a region where immigrants who came to Belladona usually lived, it was a place where they could start over with conditions given by the State, it was a place of great variety and cultural differences , religious and political.
These were the areas into which the city of Belladona is subdivided, the most important of the cities in the world, the center of the free world and the capital of the nation that saved the world from destruction, it is not a perfect place, but it tried its best to fight the prejudice, harassment, violence and corruption.
***
December 31, 2020, New Year's Eve, Noble's Island, in the Axas neighborhood, a prominent neighborhood within the region, a very beautiful residential neighborhood with huge houses, mansions, all had gardens, 2-3 floors houses, area indoor with swimming pool, leisure area with barbecue, space for parties, tables and everything else, worthy of people connected to the nobility. In this neighborhood two women were walking around looking for a particular house.
The eldest of the two was 38 years old but looked easily 25 years old, her hair was long, curly and hazel brown, her almond brown eyes and her skin white, her stature was tall, her name was Otrera Hecatrix; she wore skin-tight white pants, six-inch white heels, a blouse with a low-cut with gold chains, her hair tied in a high bun, and in her hand she had two bottles of wine.
The youngest was 28 years old, with beautiful brown skin, lustrous black hair and beautiful, her eyes were a shade of reddish hazel, she was medium-sized and had an air that emanated from Kora'q descent (the counterpart of this world of Arabs from the universe three), her name was Astarte Ishtar; She wore a swirly white dress, a thin silver belt and a hexagonal cut on the top of the dress, it was very elegant.
The two women ended up at the house at the end of the street, it was the biggest and best house in the neighborhood, it was luxurious, it had a burnt gray color, a design that resembled the graeka architecture at the entrance, there was a letter in the mailbox written "Hecatrix Manor", they noted that the house was all lit up with decoration for the festive season. Otrera knocked on the door, it didn't take them long to open the door, she was a woman with light brown eyes, medium light brown hair, white skin, medium to tall height, she was 45 years old with an appearance of 36, her name was Hecuba[1] Borkov-Hecatrix, the older sister of Otrera.
– Sister! You finally arrived! – Said Hecuba happily hugging her sister, she wore a white dress of executive cut, pointed high heels, well wavy hair spread elegantly, golden bracelets and earrings that resembled golden codex.
– I know I don't always show up, but… Here I am. – Smiled Otrera entering along with Astarte, she was in a very good mood and handing the wine to her sister.
– Lady Hecuba, nice to see you again! – Astarte said, greeting the hostess.
– Always welcome dear... Girls, go to the living room, I'll be right there. – Hecuba smiled.
Otrera and Astarte went to the living room of the house, it was very beautiful, it had a decor based on a burnt gray color palette, a chandelier on the ceiling, in the living room a set of white sofa and divan, coffee table, exit to a dining area. dining table, there was the stairs to the upper floors and there were a few other family members sitting around the room and talking.
Tristan[2] Borkov-Hecatrix, Hecuba's husband, his eyes were blue, his golden brown hair ample, his skin white, tall and thin, he was stroiko, traits that in universe three they would call "Russians", a very handsome man in his fifties, but a well maintained 40s charm. Tristan wore a white dress shirt, white pants and a beige jacket, he was a very elegant man.
Dédalo[3] Hecatrix, he was 35 years old, very handsome, light brown hair full and voluminous, light brown eyes and his white skin, he had a mischievous and very interesting smile. He wore a thin sports outfit, white pants, moccasins, striped shirt, thin open jacket, it was really a sight for sore eyes.
Helena[4] Hecatrix, in her 79 years, exhibited impressive vitality and youthfulness, a glamorous woman, her light brown eyes, long, semi-curly hair, light brown slightly graying, her skin was white; this distinguished woman wore an exuberant, designer-looking dress with an elegant, tailored cut, her shoulders exposed, her neckline slightly curved, a belt of fabric with a golden beam at the waist.
– Hey bunch! – Said Otrera excitedly lighting a cigarette, it was one of her vices after the war.
– "Wedge"! How are you? – Tristan said, he went to hug his sister-in-law and then went to greet Astarte.
– Going… Living, and coming here just to see you, in two days Astarte and I return to Wolfganglier in Deusterck. – Said Otrera with a peaceful tone.
– Sister... Long time, no see. – Daedalus laughed, who was going to greet his sister and soon after went to talk to Astarte. – Asta! How is everything? –
– Yes, keeping Ms. Otrera company turns out to be a lot of fun. – Said Astarte who managed to disguise her slight blush.
– Daughter, it's good to see you in this house that is yours, why don't you come back to live here with us, as it was before. – Helena said that, she was hugging her daughter, she was a loving mother, but she could be thick when she wanted. – And you could stop smoking that, it will end up killing you, two of your uncles died because of cigarettes. –
– Mom, I'm happy to see you too, but you know staying here doesn't bring me any good memories... And they weren't divine-level medical mages. – Said Otrera without losing her good humor, but putting out her cigarette in a magic seal that she projected in the air in respect to her mother.
– Where are the children? – Asked Astarte.
– In the room getting ready, they seemed so clumsy today all day. – Said Helena.
– Of course… If they continued the same way as the last time I visited them, they must be anxious because of the "letter". – Commented Otrera with a mixture of nostalgia and a little veiled fear
– Those two... No need to freak out, but no wonder, they've always been inspired by you, the greatest heroine of the Royal Guard of Celestia... The "Twelve's Ace" of the Royal Guard. – Commented Hecuba who entered the room with some glasses in her hands.
– Sis, I'm not a master mage anymore, at least not after the end of the war. – Said Otrera who seemed to remember a scene in her mind, she and two other figures in a triangular position and a man ahead, all dressed for war, seemed to be facing a humanoid figure of five meters.
– Well, let's not talk about it then, if it doesn't do you any good, let's respect your decision, you sacrificed more for this nation than anyone else. – Daedalus said trying to calm the situation. – You too Astarte, I imagine you feel better abroad with Otrera. –
– I can't deny that in part yes, but she is also an incredible teacher and friend, I can't imagine being away from her, it's really like a mother. – Astarte smiled.
– How about drinking a little! – Helena said, making the wine to be served with her magic, deep down she never accepted her daughter having left the Royal Guard and having gone to live in self-exile, but she loved her daughter above all.
***
On the second floor of the Hecatrix manor were the twin sons of Hecuba and Tristan, they were in one of their rooms, it was large, with a pool blue and water green paint, sports design, a 2x2 meter bed, study table, wardrobe. clothes built into the wall, bathroom and balcony. There were the two who looked very anxious, each with a card in their hand.
Artemisia Selene Borkov-Hecatrix, 16 years old, her eyes were brown, her hair dark brown and her skin white, a very pretty and haughty girl, she was energetic and somewhat impulsive; for the occasion she wore a flowing dress, the top tied behind her neck leaving a trapeze cut across her chest.
Apollodro Hélio Borkov-Hecatrix, 16 years old, his eyes were brown, his dark brown hair was short and full and his skin was white, he had an athletic bearing and a soft angelic face. This young man was very delicate, sensitive, but that did not undermine his disposition and determination, as well as being very passionate; for the occasion he wore a white tank top, an open white T-shirt as a light coat, and white knee shorts.
– It's now... It's time to know sis, if we did it or not! – Apollodro said nervously.
– Calm down bro, we're going to go in and we're going to show that we're capable of honoring the legacy of our aunt, one of Celestia's three Great Legendary Warriors. – Artemisia said, she was as nervous as he was, but her strong and self-assured personality disguised it.
– Together? – Apollodro asked that he had a very big partnership with his sister.
– Together, "Polo"! – Artemisia said holding her brother's hand.
The two opened the cards together and there came out magical golden fireworks, it was a sign that they had been accepted, and the letter had all the details:
"Dear Artemisia Borkov-Hecatrix,
We at Belladona Academy, for young aspiring Royal Guard mages of Celestia, are very proud to inform you that you have been accepted to join our student body.
After evaluating your academic records, performance in school combat championships, and your recent victory in the School National Championships, you are more than qualified to be one of our students.
It is worth emphasizing that their family connections, even if impressive and even legendary, did not weigh in the decision, since we analyze the individual and not their family members, preaching meritocracy above all.
A mage of your skills couldn't be deprived of the best military education in the country, as the niece of the nation's greatest heroine, we know the high standards that are expected of you.
Mage with pyrokinetic, electrokinetic, cryokinetic and aerokinetic abilities, your field of action is impressive, we want you to use all this power for our nation, we see potential in you.
Send as soon as possible your suitcases and personal belongings that you want stored in your dorm so that we can organize your stay at the Belladona Academy boarding school, in addition to your measurements for making your uniforms, the books will be sent to your address and we wait for you 02/05/2020 for reception of students on the grounds of Academia Belladona.
Happy New Year, Best Wishes
Regards,
Margareth Lock
Headmaster of the Belladona Academy/Master Mage of Aries"
"Dear Apollodro Borkov-Hecatrix,
We at Belladona Academy, for aspiring young mages of the Royal Guards of Celestia, are very proud to inform you that you have been accepted to join our student body.
After evaluating your academic records, performance in school combat championships, and your extracurricular activities in the area of medical support and personal development, coupled with the excellent recommendation of your teachers regarding your academic performance, we cannot shy away from inviting you to be a of our students
It is worth emphasizing that their family connections, even if impressive and even legendary, did not weigh in the decision, since we analyze the individual and not their family members, preaching meritocracy above all.
A mage with your skills could not be deprived of having the best military education in the country, as the nephew of the nation's greatest heroine, we know the high standards that are expected of you, even more so for the nature of your powers, we believe in your potential.
Mage with hydrokinetic, cryokinetic, medical and physical strength skills, your field of action is impressive, we want you to use all that power for our nation, we see potential in you, potential to honor the name of Libra's Master Mage and her memorable deeds .
Send as soon as possible your suitcases and personal belongings that you want stored in your dorm so that we can organize your stay at the Belladona Academy boarding school, in addition to your measurements for making your uniforms, the books will be sent to your address and we wait for you 02/05/2020 for reception of students on the grounds of Academia Bella Dona.
Happy New Year, Best Wishes
Regards,
Margareth Lock
Headmaster of the Belladona Academy/Master Mage of Aries "
They were dying to go downstairs and tell their family the news, the twins looked at each other and knew what the other would say.
– The last one to arrive does the other's housework for the rest of the month! – Said the twins at the same time almost in unison.
The two took off running, passed through the large corridors on the second floor and went down the stairs with everything, Artemisia was in the advantage, but Apollodro tries to go faster by sliding down the handrail, but his sister was smarter and arrived first by jumping and standing in the living room where the rest of the family were.
– 1 month Polo! 1 month! – Artemisia laughed.
– OK! – Apollodro said, accepting defeat.
Then they saw that they were all there.
– Aren't you going come to give your aunt a hug? – Otrera smiled as she opened her arms to receive her nephews.
– Aunt! – They shouted, the two teenagers in joy, they saw their aunt rarely, but she was their favorite aunt, they went to hug her tightly, and then they went to greet Astarte.
– You've grown up since the last time. – Commented Astarte who was the next to receive the welcome of the young people.
– I brought presents... But I'll deliver them later, if not your mother will kill me... I found that magazine of Brictish swimwear models that I know you love Polo and brought something you'll love too "Artê". - Said Otrera low just for the nephews to hear.
– Blessed be you! – Apollodro said, his eyes sparkled with the idea of his aunt's gift.
– We have good news... We got into Belladona[5]! – Artemisia said euphoric and full of joy!
– Darlings… I'm so proud! – Hecuba said, she went to hug her children, she was a mother who always supported her children, even though she didn't want them to get involved with it, she shed a tear of happiness and also fear for them.
– These are my boys, I always knew they would make it... and Polo, you were lucky, I don't think you'll ever catch so many boys in your life, Military Academy with indoor dorms only for boys... It is great luck. – Tristan said happy for the children, proud of them, he knew that it meant a lot to them, and for a former enemy of Celestia, having his children accepted at the academy for the Royal Guard, meant a lot, he held himself to not cry.
– Of course they would be accepted... Well, the Hecatrix are one of the most traditional families in Celestia, we fought alongside the Gallard for that country's independence... I know you worried about your past Tristan, but the abilities they inherited from you it only increases the range of abilities they will use to defend Celestia... Too bad those two (points to Hecuba and Daedalus) didn't want to follow the family tradition, but help the people in other ways. – Helena said, proud of her grandchildren, Artemisia had pulled her grandmother's haughtiness and energy. – Your grandfather would be proud. –
– He'd be throwing fireworks, that's what he did when our letters of admission arrived, but he almost freaked out when "Hê" and I refused. – Laughed Daedalus. – It is a very important step in the lives of young mages. –
– Of course, but children, know that this is not an easy path, it has many dangers and will demand too much of you in many ways. – Said Otrera with teary eyes.
– Of course, aunt, let's be proud of the family name and its legacy! – Apollodro said.
– And what skills have you developed to improve in Belladona? – Astarte asked curiously, she remembered her days at the academy before leaving to follow Otrera.
– Wind, Thunder, Fire and Ice... Very elemental, but I can manage well in a fight. – Artemisia said with determination and pride. – No wonder I won almost all the school championships. –
– From elemental only water and ice, but my skills are focused on healing magic and physical reinforcement. – Apollodro commented a little more humble than his sister, he was dedicated, but sometimes discredited his abilities.
– I see… You have even developed skills similar to "O", she is also a medical and physical enhancement mage, and so am I… Coming from the Hecatrix, you will be a great mage in this field. – Astarte said that she noticed Apollodro's disregard for himself and wanted to cheer him up. – And Artê, impressive an elemental set very similar to "Eddy"... They inherited the ice magic from you, didn't they, Tristan? –
– Yes, the other spells they developed from their mother's family variants, but I was glad they chose to work my magic too. – Tristan smiled.
– Of course… You were the best ice user in Stroika, of course we have to honor that too… But I'm hungry, Can we have dinner? – Said Artemisia hungry and energetic.
– Second best... Better leave it in the past. – Tristan said that he was silent because he realized he would be alluding to a person that Otrera had a deadly hatred.
– Now that "O" and Astarte have arrived, we can. – Hecuba said with a look of "have manners".
The Hecatrix family then sat at the New Year's supper table, the table was plentiful with all kinds of food, a stew that smelled great that looked like a Stroika recipe, stroganoff, hash browns, turkey, ham, roasted squid and all the trimmings possible, especially champignons that were Otrera and Apollodro's favorites, the dinner was very good.
– You know, Aria had invited us to the New Year's party at the palace, but I managed to make an excuse, saying that we wanted to do something more intimate because it was the last New Year before the twins went to the academy in boarding school... How nice it would be if you didn't hide, daughter. – Helena said that she was tough in the fall.
– Mom, we already talked about it, I came to spend this very important date with you, and also because it is an important moment for the boys, but the Masters of the Royal Guard is no longer for me, I am no longer the master of Libra. – Said Otrera as if she wanted to forget the past.
– Whoever spoke is no longer here, I just wanted my daughter around longer. – Helena said with a weak smile.
– "O" isn't mad, it's just that things are complicated for us. – Astarte said, trying to restore calm, she knew that the master's feelings were complex.
Apollodro and Artemisia knew why their aunt left after the war, so they didn't comment on it, they knew it was painful, they were six years old, but they remembered she was devastated after the end of the bloody conflict that was World War VI. Dinner continued, but the fireworks time approached, the Hecatrix and Astarte went to the pool area at the back of the mansion where the magic rockets were ready, they awaited the moment.
– 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... – They all counted as the year ended and released the fireworks, it was a magnificent fireworks show with the right to all kinds of figures, and it wasn't just there, the skies of the city as a whole seemed to release fireworks.
The most intense fireworks were coming from Celestia's Core, but at the Hecatrix mansion, they were enjoying it very well, as much as the twins enjoyed spending this date with their friends, they knew they would soon be going to Belladona Academy, they wanted to pass the time what they could with the family.
***
At around 00:45 in the morning things were still going well, but Otrera and her brothers wandered into Hecuba's office a bit for a sibling conversation. The office was all in woody tones, bookshelves with magic books, a hack with drinks and ornaments, a coffee table and four chairs around the low coffee table with an organic design, the brothers were sitting there, talking, drinking whiskey and Otrera he had lit another cigarette now that his mother wasn't around.
– Mom never changes, always wanting to make me stay... I don't blame her, it's just that it's still hard to stay here. – Said Otrera with her legs drawn up close to the torso and taking another drink.
– Sister, we understand... We know how much you suffered with Astaroth's death... You took care of his sister, you still take care... He was not only your master, he was your great love. – Commented romantic Daedalus.
– Will you go back to Wolfganglier when you leave? – Hecuba asked worried about her sister and drinking some more.
– I don't know yet, maybe take a walk around Nihondo or Kalária, play games, drink, help small towns and villages with few medical resources... And seeing this world he saved. – Said Otrera demonstrating a slightly melancholic and depressive facet that she hid from her mother and nephews. – Do you remember when we were the kids' age? –
– How not? You guys always covering me up when I brought home a male or a female... The games, the competitions and betting... Dad almost had a heart attack because Hê and I declined the Academy, it was easier for me because you were already at Belladona. – Daedalus laughed, remembering his teenage years.
– How good it was... Honestly, Mom put so much pressure that I simply lost any desire for a career in the Royal Guard... But I fought when the war came to Celestia and they needed us, but my role is in the judiciary, in the ranks of justice. – Commented Hecuba. – Besides, I didn't feel the vocation for that… Tristan was the one who suffered the most, but he got used to the secluded life. –
– He was the greatest of Stroika's tactical spies, he knew that things would not be a bed of roses. – Commented Daedalus drinking.
– Yes... But well, me and "Dé" ended up achieving each other things in our careers... And you, were made to be a doctor and a warrior. – Hecuba smiled.
– I was once… Celestia and the world are safe from Ohana, the stroikos have converted, it's just a peace, apart from the terrorists, but that's the governments' problem now. – Said Otrera who continued to smoke.
– You know that we're all here to support you, not to mention that it's Polo's and Artê's turn, these two have a long road ahead, you know they're inspired by you... Especially him, since he was born with healing magic, he charges himself a lot, he doesn't think he's capable. – Hecuba said with her mother's concern.
– It's been two years since I've been here, but the last time I remember he was already managing to heal injuries very well, and he was able to increase the traction of the muscles with magic to make him stronger... Artê on the other hand, only remembered her handling wind and fire and already very well. – Commented Otrera.
– They've developed some other areas well since the last time you saw them, they've won a lot of combat competitions, but Polo is still very shy... These kids have a lot of talent, last year they developed ice magic naturally, even though none of them use as main. – Commented Daedalus.
– These boys... I want them to be happy and fulfill their dreams, but that they are also safe... And as for Polo, this boy can surprise everyone, Arte doesn't even need encouragement, she's already very safe of her abilities. – Laughed Otrera worried in her heart.
– She pulled Mom… I just don't know who Polo pulled… Uncle is wild, aunt is the badass, mother is the hard line, father is quiet, sister and grandmother brave to the bone... Dad was also very forward... But we are family, we accept ours the way they are. – Daedalus said, laughing as he remembered his father with affection.
– Yeah! – Laughed Otrera.
The mansion bell rang, no one expected visitors at that hour.
– Waiting for someone, sis? – Otrera asked.
– No... Let's see who it is. – Hecuba said thinking about who it could be.
The brothers went to the entrance hall to see who was at the door, but Helena was already there, opened the door, when Otrera saw who they were she almost paled, the blood in her veins froze, a mixture of longing, affection, love, nostalgia and at the same time fear and bad memories, were her old teammates.
Morrigan Shade, 38 years old, her eyes were violet, medium hair and charcoal black and her skin was fair, she was tall and slender, a beautiful and elegant bearing, this very distinguished woman wore a loose and elegant black one-piece with glittering background of stars, the neckline was deep and had no mages, her silver bracelets, earrings in the shape of a moon, she had an enigmatic air.
Edward Tempest, 38, his eyes were blue, his hair was youthfully white, full and sensuously messy, his skin was white; this mage that aroused the desire of any mage or mage who likes the thing, was wearing only a white tank top and a stylized white cargo pants with details in obsidian black, on the wrist some leather bracelets and on the neck a necklace that resembled a lion of onyx.
– "Mor", "Eddy"! – Said Otrera who instinctively threw herself to hug her old friends.
– It's been a long time, friend! – said Morrigan, she was missing her old friend, Otrera was one of the few people to whom Morrigan showed her more emotional and relaxed side.
– "O", I miss you! – Said Edward that did not mind showing the emotion of seeing an old battle mate, with whom he trained and grew up within the Royal Guard.
Otrera seemed to recover from her nostalgia and connect the dots.
– How did you know that… Mom, you pay me. – Said Otrera looking at Helena.
– Honestly, Edward said he needed to talk to you urgently, I didn't think you would mind. – Helena said.
– I know what this is going to do. – Said Otrera who was trying to calm down. – Come guys, let's talk in a more reserved place. –
– Of course... Excuse me. – Morrigan said entering along with Edward and greeting the Hecatrix.
Artemisia and Apollodro saw that and was in disbelief, his knees were weak, and in Apollodro's case he was even excited seeing Edward live and so up close, they were living legends.
– The masters of Leo and Pisces, the other two great legendary warrior mages of Celestia. – Apollodro said that he was totally fascinated.
– Incredible, to see the three legendary mages together, here at home... Sandy and Adam will be pissed off with envy. – Artemisia said with her jaw dropped.
– Wow, I haven't seen these two since they were little kids… I remember carrying you on my lap. – Edward smiled.
Apollodro turned red just thinking about being carried by Edward in his lap, for him it didn't matter if it had been when he was little, for him, it was worth it. The last time Edward and Morrigan saw them, they were small to remember vividly, but the three legendary mages kept coming to the Hecatrix Manor on breaks, those times were behind them.
– Technically we're out of office, all three… But I'm happy to see that the young people still remember our sacrifice for the nation. – Morrigan said with an austere tone and almost distant as a goddess, even being human.
– You're kidding, right? You are living legends, everyone wants to be like you. – Artemisia said.
– Intriguing, but are they willing to go through everything we've been through to get it? – Morrigan said even slightly sad.
– Come on, Mor, you don't need to put pressure on the girl, we did what we did just so they wouldn't have to go through this. – Edward said with his gallant way.
– Well, let's go guys? It's been 10 years since we've seen each other, if they're here, it must be serious. – Said Otrera showing the way to her sister's office.
***
There were the three greatest mages that Celestia has ever produced, they were in Hecuba's office, the room had already been sealed with a spell, only whoever was there would know what was said, it was supposed to be a private conversation, they were sitting in the chairs around it. of the coffee table. Otrera then lit another cigarette.
– Finally together, after 10 years... Why did you leave? – Said Edward who seemed the most emotional of the three and who most missed the united group.
– You know well... I couldn't stay after his death, losing him was hard for all of us, but we had planned a life together for after the war, I couldn't go on with that... I didn't want to be singled out as the next Grand Mistress, you know well that I would be next, and I never wanted that. – Said Otrera with a teary and sensitive look.
– And I didn't see any more sense in remaining in Celestia, they were convinced, arrogant, corrupt and careless, that's why our master sacrificed himself? Decadenting them, and I turned to my scientific studies, made several advances in my quest to learn all the magic in the world. – Morrigan said with an arrogant tone that she could have because she was the one.
– It was difficult to find her, she has quite a secret laboratory in Bricttany, but I managed it. – Edward said.
– And you, you're not a saint either… You left Celestia after the war, gave up your position just like the two of us, so you don't even want to give a moral lesson, especially after all this time. – Otrera said, she felt the pain of the past in her chest.
– I left Celestia because I had lost everything I cared about, my master, my family, my teammates who disappeared into the world... I wandered around, learning around, I had some cross-adventures, but none of this filled me. I was empty... The two of you were so discreet around the world that I couldn't find you until recently with precision... But the important thing is that we're here, together. – Edward said nostalgic.
– Eddy I won't lie, I missed you too, but our time in the Royal Guard passed along with the death of our master, we have to move on... Let's keep in touch, after all we grew up together, we were a team together, but this one life is no longer for us. – Said Otrera. – Astarte was desolate, but grew very strong, an impressive woman, I could not leave her behind helpless. –
– None of us would have, but you were certainly the right choice to take care of her… As much as I have you in my heart to this day, I came because Edward said it was something very important and that it concerned the three of us, here I am, out of respect for our history and out of respect for Astaroth, so open up. – Morrigan said demonstrating an absurd control of their emotions.
– This world of peace that we helped to build may be in danger… Unlike you two, every now and then I came to visit Margareth and the others, and I found out that there is a reactionary group wanting to return to the Stroiko empire and its ideals global authoritarians –. said Edward.
– That? Margareth, Anitta and whoever remains in the Royal Guard should be able to handle this. – Morrigan said.
– What if I told you that "that woman" is back? That she's trying to retake the Stroiko empire and destroy the free world Astaroth helped build with his life. – Revealed the one who was the only man among the three most powerful mages in Celestia, he who was so animated and chipmunk was speaking with a serious tone.
– That bastard… It's all her fault! – Shouted Otrera who lost control and punched the bookcase tearing it apart, her physical strength was absurdly superhuman.
– So she didn't die... Now it's a different story... When are we going to talk to the queen? – Morrigan asked controlling herself, but deep down she wanted to destroy everything too.
– This afternoon, this is a matter of state and we know better than anyone how powerful and dangerous this woman is, and a reactionary cell can be much larger than it appears, it can be linked or even coordinating various Kora'q terrorist groups... Please, for him! – Edward said.
– Okay, for him, but only what is necessary. – Said Otrera even grudgingly.
– Yes, it's a matter of honor... Just let her know when we're going to talk to her, I'll sleep here if you don't mind "O". – Morrigan said.
– Can I too? Come on, we haven't seen each other in nearly 10 years. – Edward said with a face of a dumb dog.
– Okay, but look at the silly hand, or you will be without it! – Said Otrera affectionate and at the same time fierce.
– Believe me, I have to worry more about your nephew's silly hand, he is handsome, but very young. – Edward laughed.
– And the "O" would break you even if you had the intention... You haven't really changed, Eddy, he's still the usual pervert. – Morrigan laughed.
– And you cold. – Edward laughed.
– I missed it... The three of us, together again, how many missions, adventures and moments like that... You are my brothers that life has given me and who knows everything that happened. – Said Otrera emotionally.
– Dear! – Morrigan said going to hug her.
– We are Team Astaroth now and forever! – Edward smiled, who joined the hug.
The legendary mages had gathered together, dangers lurked on the horizon, and once again those who had given their all for their nation and the world would have to take a risk, this time to preserve what had been won with so much pain, sacrifice and irreparable loss, the War marks ran deep in them, but each other's company comforted them and prepared them for what was to come.
[1] Celestia's District Attorney; Former Special Colonel of the Common Army during World War VI.
[2] A former Stroiko spy during World War VI, he is currently under house arrest in the house of the wife he met during the war and made him switch sides.
[3] Architect, Ex-Special Major of the Common Army in World War VI.
[4] Former Master Mage of Scorpio and Former Grand Master of the Royal Guard, currently retired
[5] Belladona Academy, the academy that trains future members of the Royal Guard.