~ To face your burdens alone is not an act of the braves, nor the competence… but that of the utter fools ~
Danrick readies himself for the impending clash with both thugs, flexing his knees and raising his fists to shield his face. However, just as the tension reaches its peak, a loud, high-pitched voice echoes through the street, interrupting the imminent confrontation.
"HEEEEYYYYY, DAAANNNNNRIIIIICK!" A vivacious young woman calls out with a warm smile as she soars toward the perplexed teenager. Her dark hair dances upon her shoulders, and her gaze, as light cyan eyes, seems to penetrate the very surroundings. Her fair skin radiates in the sunlight, and her presence brings a sense of calm to some of the onlookers in the bustling main street. She is clad in pristine white robes adorned with delicate green trim, and her golden-yellow cloak billows behind her, matching the rhythm of her flowing black hair.
Upon her reflective silver light breastplate, a gleaming emblem catches the eye of the others. Two arms cross one another, with the first arm bearing a staff from which an orb hovers above its tip, while the other arm clutches a broadsword by its hilt. Between these crossed arms, the symbol of Γ stands out, set against a background adorned with the number 19.
The girl jubilantly knocks Danrick to the ground with a cheerful exclamation: "Hey there young Danri.", "Forsaken Hell Celestine! have you gone mad?!" he inquires, his bewilderment still evident.
The lively girl responds with a cheerful smile adorning her face: "Call it as energetic!" Her expression shifts to one of concern as she remarks, "Also you project madness on me when you initiate a petty fight like this? don't be mannerless"
She pauses, turning her attention toward the thugs with a disapproving expression, arms crossed firmly across her chest "...As for the two of you!" Her tone takes on a menacing tone "What is your intent with my brother?" she demands, her words dripping with suspicion and protectiveness.
"Answering you would be too much of a waste, meddling bitch" the half-elf snarls, his determination to carry on the fight unabated, despite the confusion. "A fool trying to agitate a lady? A grave mistake.." Celestine retorts with a steely gaze and intense tone "...especially when that lady is a Paladin."
The female centaur's legs begin to quiver as she takes a step backward, and the thug, now with fear and sudden alertness, stammers out, "P-P-Paladin?!" The thugs' eyes then fall upon the shiny silver emblem adorning Celestine's breastplate. The centauress, her surprise mixed with a hint of dread, stutters, "Oh, w-we just wanted to, uh, train him, you know. He's infamous for not having The Arcane, so we thought we could, uhhh, help him..." Celestine raises her arm, pointing directly at the bewildered thugs, and declares, "Well, allow me to return the favor by imparting a lesson to you two: don't test the patience of a Paladin - Class dismissed!" As the thugs begin to stumble and hastily retreat in fear and dread, her radiant smile returns to Celestine's face.
While gazing at Danrick, Celestine speaks in a calm tone, her slight concern audible in her voice. "Now then, let me help" she says, noting Danrick's bruises and the state of his slightly torn, dirt-covered clothes. Danrick's expression shifts from confusion to fluster, and he turns his head slightly to the side as he replies, "I'm fine..." He then makes eye contact and adds, "...Also, shouldn't you be conservative with your spells for your fellow Paladins?"
Celestine keenly observes her brother's body language and responds, "But I am using it on one, or at least one who is destined to be one." Danrick, still seated on the ground, begins to lower his gaze and replies quietly, "But sis, I..."
"Enough," his sister interrupts him, her tone firm and unwavering. Celestine gracefully lowers herself to her knees beside him, resting her arm gently on his shoulders. In a soft, reassuring tone, she adds, "...No, you are not without Arcane. You simply haven't discovered how to harness it yet." Danrick lifts his head, and Celestine continues, "You may face certain challenges and need to put in extra effort, but you've already shown determination. I know it's tough, and you might lose hope at times, but don't forget, I believe in you wholeheartedly. Your perseverance and dedication inspire me. Now then..."
With a snap of her fingers, Celestine swiftly heals his bruises and repairs his torn clothes, her magic working its mending wonders.
Danrick rises from the ground, commenting with bewiltherment "Disword…. how can you envoke spells without vocalizing the spell?" he says in awe, Celestine responds with a smirk, saying, "I'm an Arch-Mage, remember? Not to mention, I train almost every day. mending bruises and repairing torn clothes spells are quite easy... Now then, shall we go to school together, little bro?"
Danrick's gaze shifts to the side, and his pale cheeks take on a faint pink hue as he says in a softer tone, "I-I don't need a bodyguard, Celie... I mean, I-I can protect myself..." Celestine smiles as they walk side by side and responds, "just making sure you won't follow another fog-minded desicion on your way to school. Besides, what's so wrong for a Paladin to simply stroll around with her little bro while she patrols?"
Her words make Danrick smirk, and he turns his gaze toward his sister, replying, "Well, she should remember that she's a Paladin and has a duty to fulfill..."
Celestine chuckles with confidence and a touch of enthusiasm in her response. "...And as a Paladin, my duty is also to guide, mentor, and teach the future generations of Paladins. I'd say I'm fulfilling it by doing so with you," she asserts.
Danrick's expression turns somber. His head feels heavy, and his eyes convey despair and sorrow as they remain fixed on the ground. His lips tremble as he whispers, "But sis, I..."
Celestine once again refuses to let Danrick finish his sentence. She responds firmly, "If you truly believed that, why did you stand up to those thugs? Why do you work harder than anyone I know? Are you ready to surrender to what others might perceive as your fate?" Her tone softens as she continues, "I can only imagine how hard you have to work, and I know how much you have to endure and yet keep going.. have your hard work thickened your skull?."
Danrick smirks quietly and says, "Checkmate, sis..."
Celestine doesn't respond with words; instead, she smiles, her expression carrying a light, satisfied smirk.
As they reach the school's gate, Danrick waves to his sister as he enters the school: "Bye Celie, have a blessend one"
Celestine waves back smiling as they depart she shouts: "Have a delight, and please remember what I told you.".
Danrick goes inside an empty classroom, thinking to himself '15 minutes earlier than everyone else… Guess I got some quiet and peaceful time to lement...`
Danrick takes a seat in the front row near the window, his gaze fixed on the school grounds outside. He shifts his attention to the cityscape in the distance, the sunlight filtering through, casting a warm glow. In the vicinity, he notices several Paladins on patrol, emanating a powerful aura with their confidence and posture.
He rests his elbow on his desk, his chin cradled in his palm, and closes his eyes, deep in thought. 'I refuse to surrender,' Danrick declares, steadfast in his determination.
The memories flood into Danrick's mind, transporting him back to a time when he was just a child. His body ached, battered and weakened by injuries. His vision was blurred, and his ears rang with the aftermath of a chaotic scene. He could see hooded figures lying beaten on the ground, while several armored, cloaked silhouettes stood over them. Some were assessing the area, while others were locked in combat.
As he gazed forward, a helmet came into view, part of an armored figure that shone faintly through his dimmed sight. The helmet bore the engraved silver emblem of the Paladins. What caught his attention were two lavender horns poking through the helmet on either side of the front-top area. The figure's face remained concealed, but he could glimpse silver hair flowing from beneath the helmet. Through the narrow eye slits, he saw purple eyes that gazed at him with concern. Almost as if in a dream, he heard a soothing, feminine voice inquire, "Are you alright there, young one?"
The darkness began to engulf his vision, and everything below his neck felt limp. As the darkness enveloped him...