"You want to help 'that' boy, don't you? Let me tell you an ancient legend that could help you spread kindness in this world, all right?"
Sayuri nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and anticipation. So, Maria pulled her even closer, placing her arms around Sayuri's waist. As she took a deep breath, she revealed the story;
"Far beyond the reaches of our known world lies a realm unlike any other, a realm in which war is commonplace and bloodshed is not merely a figment of the imagination. This is a world where flying mountains soar through the skies and shooting stars streak across the horizon. Deserts stretch out to infinity, while underwater cities teem with life. A world wracked with pain, hate, and agony.
Yet within this world, there lies a place of unparalleled peace, a floating kingdom that drifts effortlessly among the clouds, bathed in the gentle caress of the wind. This miraculous place offers the chosen one the chance to bring healing and restoration to our broken world. But only the purest of hearts, the kindest of souls, free from all taint of evil and corruption, may claim the Symbol of Harmony.
This wondrous object takes the form of a treble clef, a heavenly light that symbolizes the purity of the chosen one's intentions and the unshakeable desire for the world to be made whole again. For the one who possesses the Symbol of Harmony holds the key to unlocking the power to heal and restore, to bring light to the darkness, and to usher in a new era of hope and peace for all."
As Maria fell silent, her head came to rest upon Sayuri's, and for a moment, there was only the sound of their breathing, the beating of their hearts. But then, as if moved by some invisible force, Maria spoke once more, her words carrying weight and importance that seemed almost otherworldly.
"In the World's Fury realm, there exists a place of unparalleled peace," she said, her voice low and urgent. "And within that place, there lies the Symbol of Harmony, one of the keys needed to heal our broken world."
Turning to face Sayuri, Maria's eyes shone with a light that seemed to come from within, as if she were possessed by some divine power. "You, my dear, are still young and pure of heart. Your soul is untainted by the sins of the world, and your spirit is filled with love and kindness."
Rising to her feet, Maria took Sayuri by the hand and led her toward the door. Kneeling once more, her lips at the same level as Sayuri's forehead, Maria spoke with a sense of reverence and awe.
"I implore you, dear Sayuri, to consider becoming a Sacred Soldier, to be the chosen one who wields the Symbol of Harmony. For only the purest of the heart may claim that sacred object and unlock the power to heal and restore our broken world."
With that, Maria pressed a warm kiss upon Sayuri's forehead, a wave of heat and light washing over her like a benediction. "You are a gifted mage, Sayuri, with great potential within you. Use your power, fuel it with kindness, and become one of the few whose names may be spoken of in legends."
As the sun began to set and the day drew to a close, Sayuri made her way back to the palace thanks to Ketil and his carriage, her mind still reeling from Maria's words. The story of the Symbol of Harmony had taken root in her mind, and she found herself thinking about it constantly in the days that followed.
As a member of the royal family, Sayuri had always been aware of the world's problems but had never been able to do much to help. However, the idea of becoming a Sacred Soldier gave her a newfound sense of purpose and a way to make a real difference.
The thought of wielding such a powerful object and contributing to the healing of the world was both thrilling and daunting. But as a member of the royal family, Sayuri had been raised with a sense of duty and responsibility, and she knew that if anyone was capable of rising to the challenge, it was her.
As she continued to ponder the possibility of joining the ranks of the Sacred Soldiers, Sayuri knew that this was no small decision. It would require her to set aside her fears and doubts and commit herself fully to the task at hand.
But the more she thought about it, the more she felt a sense of purpose and determination rising within her. She could be one of those few whose names would be remembered for centuries to come, one of those who helped to heal the wounds of the world and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity.
Then, On Sayuri's birthday, as she was focused on one of her novels, Leafa got inside her room, "Lady Sayuri. Wish you a happy birthday!" She said warmly as she walked closer to the girl, "His Highness is asking for you!"
Sayuri's heart leaped with excitement as her father summoned her to his bureau. As she entered the room, she could feel his warmth and affection radiating toward her, filling her with a sense of comfort and security.
"Hello, Sayuri!" he exclaimed, setting down his pen and rising to his feet. "Happy birthday, my dear! Come here for a second, I want to show you something!"
Curiosity piqued, Sayuri approached her father eagerly, wondering what he had in store for her. But before she could ask, he produced a blindfold and gently placed it over her eyes, "Just bare the blindfold for a while, okay?"
With her vision obscured, Sayuri could only rely on her other senses to guide her as she followed her father's lead, feeling the familiar halls of the palace under her feet as they walked. She could sense his excitement and eagerness as she held his hand, and her own heart raced with anticipation as she wondered what lay ahead.
After a few minutes of walking, her father came to a stop and removed the blindfold, revealing a closed door in front of them. Sayuri's heart skipped a beat as she gazed at the door, wondering what lay behind it.
"Are you ready to see what's behind this door?" her father asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he noticed his daughter's eager nod.
As he swung open the door, Sayuri's heart raced with excitement, wondering what lay beyond. And as she stepped inside the room, her eyes widened with wonder and amazement. It was a new royal dancing room, adorned with glittering chandeliers, elegant drapery, and polished wooden floors that shone like mirrors.
But the true surprise was waiting for her in the center of the room, as Maria beamed at her with a wide smile. "Surprise!" she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with delight.
Sayuri's face lit up with joy and surprise, feeling her heart fill with warmth at the sight of her beloved friend. "Maria!" she cried out, her voice ringing with excitement. "What is all of this? It's so beautiful!"
"This," Maria explained, gesturing around the room, "is a gift to you, my dear Sayuri. A special place where you and I can dance and enjoy ourselves whenever we wish."
Sayuri is still trying to comprehend what was happening as she raised her head to her father, "Does that mean..."
"From now on, Maria will start living in the palace," Sayuri's father declared with a firm nod. Sayuri's heart leaped with joy, and she immediately threw herself into Maria's welcoming embrace. "I heard that Maria's giving you something rather valuable," he continued, "for she's treating you like an equal, with no boundaries."
Sayuri beamed up at her father, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "That's exactly what I need!" she exclaimed. "To become fully grown, we have to consider the way I feel as well, right?"
"Right! Of course, it's right!" her father agreed with a proud smile. "I always want what's best for you after all."
"Thank you, Dad! You're the best!" Sayuri exclaimed, her face glowing with happiness.
Maria couldn't help but laugh at the adorable exchange between father and daughter. "So you already changed your mind about me being the best, huh?" she teased, playfully turning her face away from Sayuri.
"No, no, don't get me wrong!" Sayuri protested, cupping Maria's face in her tiny hands as she made her lock eyes with her. "Dad may be the best, but for me, you're the best of the best!"
Even as they basked in the warm glow of their blessings, the idyllic peace of Paradise was shattered by a sudden, ominous surge of unknown power coursing through their bodies. It was as if a great, malevolent force had been unleashed upon them, and its terrible energy sent waves of intense heat and sweat rippling through the air.
The first surge was bad enough, but it was only the beginning. Soon, a second wave of even greater intensity crashed upon them, leaving weaker spirits writhing on the floor in agony. Maria, always protective of her dear friend, pulled Sayuri close to her chest, trying to shield her from the terrible energy coursing through the air.
As a third wave threatened to emerge, Maria lifted her head to confront the unstable man in their midst. "Your majesty," she implored, her voice trembling with fear and confusion. "What is happening here? What kind of power is this?"
The father, too, seemed shaken and unsure. He could do nothing but place a hand on the doorframe for support, as the gravity around them began to feel increasingly heavy and oppressive. It seemed that even Paradise was not immune to the forces of chaos and destruction that threatened to tear their world apart, "I... I don't know!" answered the father as he started getting out of the room, "Both of you, come with me please!"
The supernatural disaster that befell Paradise was unlike anything anyone had ever witnessed. It was not magic, nor any force of nature that could be explained by science. It was a dark and malevolent power that seemed to feed on the very essence of life itself, draining the energy from everyone and everything within its reach.
Sayuri, held tightly in Maria's trembling arms, wept uncontrollably as she felt the earth rumble beneath her feet and the gravity around her intensify to an unbearable level. "Maria! Dad!" she cried out in desperation, watching in horror as the walls of the palace began to crumble around them. "What's happening? Is this an earthquake?"
Maria's breathing became labored as she struggled to hold onto her friend amidst the chaos. The air itself began to thin and fade away, leaving the city like a space void. "No," she replied, her voice strained with fear and disbelief. "This is something far more terrifying than an earthquake. I don't even know what it is, but we must find a way to survive it!"
The cataclysm that had descended upon Paradise was unlike anything anyone had ever witnessed. The once-beautiful city was now a wasteland, its buildings reduced to rubble, its streets strewn with debris, and its people running for their lives. Even the flowers and trees, which had once bloomed so vibrantly, were now suffering, their colors fading as their life force was drained away.
Despite the chaos and destruction all around them, Sayuri's father refused to give up. With a fierce determination in his eyes, he drew a magic summoning circle in the ground and began channeling it with his magic. "Thank God our Queen taught me how to use one of these skill!" His voice shook with desperation as he cried out, "Please! You need to come! Answer my call, Shinso! Please, come right now!"
For a moment, the air was still and the darkness engulfed them as if a tangible presence had settled over the summoning circle. The weight of the silence pressed down on them, suffocating and heavy. And then, in a sudden burst of radiance, a blinding light illuminated the center of the circle. Shinso materialized, but as soon as he stood, his legs buckled and he fell to his knees.
"Is this really Paradise?" His voice was strained, his eyes flickering with terror as he struggled to draw breath. Summoning his sword, he used it as a support to hoist himself up. "What is going on?"
After a moment of hesitation, Shinso turned to the other three, his eyes filled with a deep sense of dread. "If you seek my aid to stop this, then I must apologize," he rasped, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. "I cannot do anything to stop this corruption. It is an element that cannot be nullified nor halted." And it felt like they didn't get shocked at Shinso's confession.
The air was thick with the sound of shattering glass and splintering wood as buildings were wrenched apart and crushed under the unstoppable force. The ground trembled violently, buckling and splitting open as if a monstrous beast were trying to claw its way out from the depths below.
Amidst the chaos, Sayuri clenched Maria's clothes, tears streaming down her face as she cried out in despair. Her eyes darted around frantically, searching for any sign of hope, but all she could see was the destruction wrought by the unforgiving forces of nature.
The gravity was so strong that everything was being pulled toward the center of the town, the earth cracking open as if to swallow up everything in its path. The very air itself seemed to vibrate with unstable energy, unleashing shockwaves that shook the ground with increasing intensity.
Sayuri's father struggled to maintain his balance, the intense gravity forcing him to his knees. He looked up at Shinso with a pleading expression, his eyes filled with desperation. "I didn't call you here to find a way to stop it," he revealed, his voice strained. "I'm aware that what's happening is out of hands! But I have a favor to ask of you, Shinso."
He paused for a moment, catching his breath, before continuing. "If anything, I want you to at least save Sayuri from this mess," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. And with that, he collapsed to the ground, his body unable to withstand the overwhelming corruption.
Swift and nimble, Maria immediately sprang into action, sweeping Sayuri in her arms and lifting her onto her back. The young girl clung to Maria tightly, her small frame shaking with fear and uncertainty.
"Shinso!" she screamed, the waves of energy threatening to overwhelm her. "Please, if you, somehow, can escape from this disaster, take Sayuri with you! Please!"
Shinso's expression was grim as he surveyed the devastation around him. The town was being torn apart at the seams, buildings reduced to rubble and the ground shaking violently with every passing moment. The force of gravity was unlike anything he had ever experienced before, and he knew that it would be a struggle to escape with his life, let alone that of the young girl clinging to Maria's back.
Despite the odds and the apocalypse they were facing, Shinso didn't hesitate to unleash his time magic, bending the very fabric of reality to his will. "Time Magic: Time Wrap!" he chanted, and in an instant, a localized time distortion enveloped the area, encased within a shimmering blue barrier. Within this small pocket of time, everything was temporarily separated from the real world, frozen in a timeless void.
As they emerged from the spell's effects, Shinso could feel the weight of the world upon his shoulders. "I cannot guarantee our escape from this perilous situation," he admitted, "but I vow to do everything in my power to protect your beloved daughter from harm."
As Shinso moved to scoop up the trembling girl, Sayuri pushed him away with fierce determination, her eyes flashing with fear and concern. "No!" she cried out, her voice cracking with emotion. "I won't leave without my father and Maria! And my mother too! And Leafa, Ketil, and everyone else! Why just me?"
Shinso looked down at the girl with a gentle, yet firm expression. "Sayuri was it?" he said, taking her hand in his own. "I understand your concern, but we must be practical. It would be almost impossible for just the two of us to escape, let alone save everyone."
Sayuri fiercely yanked her arm from Shinso's grasp, her eyes blazing with an unrelenting determination. She continued her fervent attempts to persuade the others to flee the impending doom, her voice reaching a fever pitch, "Maria! We have to go! You have to come with us!"
Her father, his hand extended toward her head, spoke with a grave and sorrowful tone. The Time Wrap barrier was slowly beginning to fade, signaling the inevitable doom that awaited them all. "Sayuri, please listen to me," he implored, his voice quavering with emotion. "We cannot save anyone this time. We cannot save Paradise."
Sayuri's heart sank at her father's words, the weight of the impending loss crushing her. She struggled to come to terms with the reality of their situation. But her father's words were not yet finished. He knelt down, his hands gripping her shoulders tightly, a look of deep conviction etched on his face.
"Remember this, my dear daughter," he said, his voice full of conviction. "Whoever is responsible for all of this destruction, do not hold a grudge against them. Do not be consumed by the pointless pursuit of hatred and revenge. If you come face to face with them, do not ask them why they corrupted our land. If they are an enemy, so let it be! It is your duty to end them. But if there is a chance to make them an ally, do not hesitate. That is what I want you to do."
"Dad, what on earth are you talking about?" Sayuri exclaimed, her confusion evident in her tone, as Shinso reached out his hand and raised her. However, before he could even grasp her in his arm, she pulled away with a fierce bite on his forearm, freeing herself from his grip.
As she turned to face her friend, Maria's hand came flying towards Sayuri's face, the sound of the slap echoing through their ears. Sayuri was stunned, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of what was happening.
But Maria was not done yet. "Wake up, Sayuri!" she screamed, her voice laced with frustration and concern. "This is no time to be acting like a spoiled brat! Can't you see what's happening around you?"
"This is just a nightmare, Sayuri," Maria said, her voice soft and soothing as she wrapped her arms around her friend one last time. Sayuri felt the tension drain from her body as she leaned into the embrace, tears streaming down her face. "And soon enough, the morning will come, okay?" Maria continued. "Leafa will come to wake you up, readying you for breakfast! Then Ketil will drive you to your morning magic lessons, and he'll take you to your swimming lessons after. Then, he'll drive you back, and the maids will help you have a warm, nice bath."
Sayuri closed her eyes and tried to picture the scene in her mind. The familiar routine of her daily life, the comforting routines that she had grown so used to. It all seemed so far away now, in the midst of the chaos that had engulfed their world.
"And after your bath, you'll have lunch with your parents," Maria continued. "And then, we'll dance together in the new dancing room. We'll dance to the beat of the music, until you get tired and eventually fall asleep."
Maria smiled, gently putting her hand under Sayuri's chin and studying her friend's beautiful silver eyes and clear, white skin. "You'll grow to be a strong woman, I can say that much," she said, her voice filled with pride. "And you'll become gorgeous as well. I wish I could take glimpses of the future to see you all grown up!"
"Goodbye, Sayuri," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Oh, and happy birthday! I'm sorry I should've said it sooner!"
As the frantic scene unfolded before him, Shinso's mind raced with possibilities. He knew that the situation was dire, and he had to act fast to protect Sayuri from the impending danger. With a heavy heart, he spoke his mind, knowing that he couldn't control the course of events that had led them to this point.
"I can't control how much time I can rewind, but it can't be helped in such situations!" he said firmly, steeling himself for what he knew would be a difficult task. Without further ado, he raised both palms towards Sayuri and enchanted, "Time Magic: Rewind!"
As he cast the spell, Sayuri's body began to gradually rewind, settling on a crying 2-year-old girl. Shinso quickly wrapped her shirt around her tiny frame and faced the other two with a determined look. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you escape," he said, his voice filled with regret. "But as I said, I'll do my best to get Sayuri out of harm's way." And he left flying as soon as the Time Wrap spell disippated to nothingness, while Maria and the rest are still crushed painfully, their souls hanging on the edge.The overwhelming power that haunted the city threatened to slaughter everyone, but Shinso refused to let it claim another life.
"Move, body! Keep going, come on! Save this small soul!" he shouted, his voice resolute even as he was drawn closer and closer to the earth. With each passing moment, the suffocating atmosphere threatened to overwhelm him, but Shinso refused to give up.
Wrapping their bodies in even more time magic, he pushed away whatever came near them, determined to get Sayuri away from harm. "Keep moving, just keep moving, stupid body!" he thought to himself, the pain of the suffocating atmosphere eating away at him.
"Even if it's the last thing you'll do!" he screamed out, his voice filled with fierce determination. "Even if it means dying for her sake! This girl has to live! I don't care if I make it or not, but she'll live, and bless our world with her presence!"
"Live! Sayuri!" And then, with one final, horrific shockwave, everything behind them changed. The essence of life drained away from Paradise, leaving nothing but dust in its wake. The once-beautiful village was reduced to a wasteland, its people and buildings erased from existence. And, the corruption of Paradise got concluded in less than 6 hours, with only two souls surviving the tragedy.