Estoff Wraith
Kyle is absolutely right. At one point in our lives, we were inseparable, true best friends.
During my childhood, when I was merely eight years old, we resided in a quaint village nestled near the vibrant Twilight City. This idyllic place was aptly named Heaven's Village, and for those blessed with crimson eyes, it truly lived up to its heavenly reputation. Unlike any other locale in Alterra, this village was brimming with majestic angelic dragons, renowned for their extraordinary prowess in healing and protection magic. These dragonoids tended to keep their distance from the human inhabitants dwelling nearby, with one notable exception—the Leviticus household.
Duke Roswald Leviticus, Kyle's father, embodied a man of genuine kindness and compassion. His affinity for the dragonoids rivaled the benevolence of the esteemed Corasell family. As the primary investor in Heaven's Village, he spared no effort in constructing shrines, hospitals, museums, and even the grand village hall. One remarkable aspect of the Leviticus domain was their exclusive garden, teeming with succulent star berries, the epitome of luxury and gastronomic delight. The Leviticus family's numerous endeavors provided abundant employment opportunities for the dragonoids, earning Duke Leviticus immense admiration from the village's wise elders, who lauded his chivalry and gentle nature.
Thanks to Kyle's father, we found solace in remaining within the village, despite the prevailing apprehension towards our human lineage. It seemed the entire community regarded our family with fear and trepidation, but Duke Leviticus's unwavering support counteracted these unfounded concerns. Apparently, my father and his esteemed friend had forged a deep bond during their college years. Unfortunately, my father's life hadn't unfolded as triumphantly as he had hoped, but in an act of unparalleled kindness, Duke Leviticus extended his hand and offered us a modest abode within the village's boundaries. Not only that, he even provided gainful employment for both my parents, an act truly befitting an angelic benefactor.
That's when I first encountered the vibrant presence of Kyle Leviticus, a young soul bursting with boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm. His unwavering ambition was to ascend the ranks as the most formidable dragon knight, fueling his every action and thought. Little did I know that our meeting would shape a series of mischievous escapades that would leave an indelible mark on my life.
Kyle, ever the instigator, introduced me to a world of rebellion, teaching me the art of skipping classes and venturing into forbidden territories, namely his father's illustrious vineyard. It was there, amidst the sprawling vines heavy with succulent star berries, that we honed our skills in stealth and mischief. In a daring act of audacity, we plucked the prized fruits, relishing the thrill of our illicit acquisition. To add a touch of audacity, Kyle even enticed me into sampling wine, disregarding our tender age and the boundaries set by society. Perhaps, in hindsight, I can attribute my later struggles with alcoholism to that precocious initiation into a world of premature revelry.
One fateful day, as we embarked on yet another clandestine mission to secure an additional trove of star berries, our path crossed with that of a captivating dragonoid maiden. She mirrored our intentions, her delicate hands deftly pilfering the fruits and storing them within a plastic bag. Fuelled by an unexpected surge of competition, we pursued her with fervor, our footsteps pounding the ground in unison. Eventually, we managed to apprehend her, inadvertently causing the stolen berries to splatter and squish beneath us, staining the earth with their vibrant juice.
To our astonishment, the girl revealed herself as Elumina Cryst, the cherished daughter of the village chief. Her mischievous curiosity had driven her to sample the coveted star berries, yearning to experience their unique flavor firsthand. Upon realizing our shared desire, a spark of camaraderie ignited between us, and in a moment of empathy, we released our captive. Embracing the spirit of unity, we decided to blend our spoils together, envisioning a delightful star berry shake that would encapsulate our friendship and shared experiences.
And so, the unbreakable bond between the three of us was forged, a testament to the unexpected connections that arise from youthful adventures and the pursuit of forbidden pleasures.
Elumina remained true to her nature, embodying a delicate blend of shyness, approachability, and sweetness. It was no surprise that, captivated by her enchanting personality and striking beauty, I found myself falling deeply in love with her within a matter of months. Aware of our shared affections, Kyle and I playfully engaged in a friendly rivalry, vying for Elumina's heart. The stakes were clear – the victor would earn the coveted title of her groom. With that understanding, we embarked upon a spirited contest, allowing fate to determine the outcome.
As we transitioned into the realm of high school, our rivalry persisted. While Kyle dedicated a significant portion of his time to studying and preparing for admission into the esteemed Dragon Knights Academy, Elumina and I found ourselves enjoying ample moments together. Each time we met, I presented her with delicately crafted paper cranes, each one adorned with heartfelt, albeit cheesy, romantic poems that I had penned. Following my classes, I eagerly stationed myself outside her classroom, ready to accompany her safely home. Our shared experiences blossomed into countless clandestine dates, an assortment of secret escapades that only heightened the fervor of our connection.
There was one particular occasion when we reclined upon a carpet of soft grass, our gazes fixed upon a mesmerizing sunset, the sky aflame with hues of orange and gold. In the gentle embrace of that moment, our conversation meandered toward our dreams and aspirations.
"I've always yearned to perform the Vesryn Pulse with you," Elumina confessed, her voice a hushed murmur. "But I've heard that only dragon knights possess the ability to do so."
A playful smile curved my lips as I responded, "Then it is settled. I shall become a knight!" My jesting tone belied the truth that lay within those words. "Together, we will unleash the Vesryn Pulse, and I shall witness the magnificence of your majestic dragon form."
In those tender moments, I sensed victory. I knew deep in my heart that Elumina had chosen me, and each passing day became a tapestry woven with the threads of love and devotion.
However, our blissful existence was abruptly shattered by the outbreak of the Second Dragonoid War, an event that would forever alter the course of our lives.
Elumina's older brother, Eliseo Cryst, emerged as a prominent figure within the Dragonoid Liberation Army, assuming the role of a commanding officer. Tragically, it was under his orders that a horrific massacre unfolded within our village, targeting innocent human inhabitants. In the midst of the chaos, my family and I were compelled to flee to the sanctuary of the floating city known as Guardian's Haven. Elumina, along with other sympathetic dragonoids, sought refuge alongside us, their lives forever altered by the harrowing events.
However, Kyle's family did not share the same fortune. In a cruel twist of fate, Duke Leviticus, Kyle's father, met a gruesome end, his beheaded body displayed as a macabre spectacle in the village's central square throughout the duration of the war. Tragically, his mother endured unspeakable torment, subjected to a heinous assault that left her violated and lifeless at the hands of Eliseo's merciless unit. Kyle's two younger sisters also suffered a fate cruelly mirroring that of their mother.
The flames of anguish and fury consumed Kyle, transforming him into an entity driven solely by vengeance. The weight of his family's suffering settled deep within his soul, gnawing at his sanity. Fuelled by his desire for retribution, he dedicated himself to rigorous study, striving for admission into the esteemed Dragon Knight Academy. Yet, the nightmares that plagued him, born from the indelible memories of his family's dark fate, cast a shadow over his spirit. His once jovial nature twisted, his eyes betraying a madness that spoke volumes of the depths to which he had descended. Kyle had become a fragmented soul, lost in the abyss of his own tormented mind.
In the face of this unfathomable tragedy, the elder chief of the village, burdened by an unearned guilt, sought a path to redemption. Elumina's father, wracked with remorse for the actions of his terrorist son, proposed a desperate act of atonement. He extended an offer for Elumina to be placed under Kyle's guardianship for the remainder of their lives, a form of servitude and a solemn vow to accompany him until death parted them. In a gesture that defied the depths of his anguish, Kyle accepted the proposal, allowing the chief's son to escape the retribution he so rightly deserved—at least, for the time being.
"I wanted to say that I…I love you…Estoff Wraith… And I'm so sorry. We can't be together from now on…Goodbye…" That was Elumina's parting words to me before she left with Kyle to the academy.
Elumina's parting words, filled with a bittersweet confession of love and an apology, left me shattered. The weight of her decision, of the unbridgeable chasm that now lay between us, threatened to consume my very being. I pleaded with her, desperate to convince her to break free from the shackles of Kyle's control, but my words fell upon deaf ears. I couldn't comprehend the depths of Kyle's anger, and my fears for Elumina's well-being intensified. Driven by an overwhelming need to protect her, I made the resolute choice to enroll in the Dragon Knight Academy, knowing it would grant me proximity to her and the opportunity to safeguard her from harm.
Accompanying me on this unexpected journey was Gilliard, my former drinking companion from the days when I resided in a dormitory in Goldcliffe City during my senior year of high school. Together, we embarked on a path fraught with uncertainty, united by our shared concern for Elumina's safety.
However, the reality that unfolded within the walls of the academy was far from the idealized vision I had held in my heart. Every day brought with it a painful spectacle—bruises marring Elumina's delicate skin, blackened eyes, and cuts etching themselves upon her cheeks, lips, arms, and legs. In a desperate attempt to gather more information, I once surreptitiously spied on their room, only to be confronted with the heart-wrenching sound of Elumina's screams. My resolve crumbled, and with righteous fury coursing through my veins, I burst into the room. There, I bore witness to the despicable sight of my beloved, bound and helpless, her tender flesh subjected to the cruel lash of Kyle's abusive hand. Blinded by rage, I unleashed a barrage of punches, painting Kyle's face with his own blood. I yearned to exact further punishment, to choke the life from the wretched creature before me, but Elumina's intervention halted my wrath.
A quarrel ensued between Elumina and me, the tempestuous storm of emotions crashing against the shores of our frayed bond. I demanded to know why she continued to stand by Kyle's side, unable to fathom her reasoning that she must repent for her family's sins. The logic of enduring torture and rape at the hands of that repugnant individual was beyond my comprehension. Our love, once a beacon of light, now stood tainted by the darkness that swirled around us.
Time slipped through our fingers, carrying with it the weight of unresolved emotions and unanswered questions. Elumina remained steadfast in her decision to remain at Kyle's side, an enigma I could never fully comprehend. As the years passed, the world was once again thrust into the throes of conflict—the Third Dragonoid War, a tumultuous battle led by Elumina's own brother.
In the chaos that ensued, every dragon knight was called upon to join the fight. It was within the maelstrom of this war that Kyle's dreams and thirst for revenge found their fulfillment. His prowess on the battlefield earned him the accolade of a hero, his name resounding throughout the annals of history. As the public hailed him, he ensured that Elumina bore witness to the public execution of her brother, a display of triumph over the forces that had inflicted so much pain upon their lives. Yet, the tales that reached my ears carried whispers of a darker truth. It was said that Kyle's thirst for vengeance drove him to torment and ultimately slay countless dragonoids, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. The once fragile thread of his sanity had unraveled, leaving behind a man hailed as a symbol of the dragon knights, but at a tremendous cost.
Amidst the chaos, I too distinguished myself through my performance in battle, rising to the rank of a Pentagram Knight. However, unlike Kyle Leviticus, I refused to succumb to the temptation of ending dragonoid lives. In the midst of the conflict, I encountered countless dragonoids who harbored goodwill, their spirits tarnished by the actions of a few. With patience and persuasion, I managed to convince some of them to abandon the ranks of the Liberation Army, forging a fragile alliance that held the promise of a better future.
As the tides of war raged on, a stark contrast emerged between Kyle and me. He basked in the glory of his deeds, his path marked by bloodshed and revenge, while I sought to carve a different path, one that embraced empathy and understanding. The chasm between us grew ever wider, our choices defining the men we had become.
It was during the tumultuous era of the Third Dragonoid War that I crossed paths with Duke Zac Schneider, a man driven by a burning desire to liberate all dragonoids from their plight. His persuasive arguments and compelling vision began to chip away at the walls I had built around my convictions. Slowly but surely, he succeeded in igniting a spark of rebellion within my heart. Our shared goal became clear—to unite dragonoids from all corners of the world and free them from the chains of oppression.
Together, we hatched a daring plan—a plan that would shake the very foundations of the government and ignite a wildfire of anger and defiance among the dragonoid population. This plan, known as the Crimson Dragonfly Incident, aimed to expose the true nature of the authorities and rally the oppressed dragonoids to our cause. Despite the risks and sacrifices involved, the execution of the plan surpassed our expectations, effectively tarnishing the government's image and stoking the flames of discontent among the dragonoid community.
However, the success of the Crimson Dragonfly Incident came at a great cost. Duke Zac Schneider, the brilliant mind behind our rebellion, sacrificed himself for the cause. His unwavering commitment to the liberation of dragonoids and his noble sacrifice would forever be remembered as a symbol of defiance against tyranny.
In the wake of Zac Schneider's passing, a new chapter in our struggle began—a chapter marked by the birth of Arcadia. It emerged as a beacon of hope, an alliance forged by dragonoids who dared to dream of a world where they could live free from persecution. Arcadia became a sanctuary, a place where dragonoids could find solace, unite their strengths, and work towards a future where their rights and dignity would be upheld.
As the co-founder of Arcadia, I took up the mantle of leadership, guided by the unwavering belief that the liberation of dragonoids was not only a just cause but an essential step towards creating a world where all beings could coexist in harmony. Together, we embarked on a journey, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead and to fight for the freedom and equality that dragonoids so rightfully deserved.