Chapter 1: Scarlet red night.
On a small island called Bloom, the furthest from the continent, live two adolescents named Armel and Sarah.
Both have a dream, that of becoming X-Peria.
The X-Peria are soldiers belonging to a swordsman's company whose aim is to protect the Galione Empire against the attacks of the army of the Demon King and thus preserved peace.
At the bottom of the forest, we heard noise of swords that were collided.
Like every morning, they started their small training sessions.
Armel attacked his wood with her wooden sword, but Sarah stopped it easily.
'' You look very softened to me today! '' Sarah said with a sly smile.
She counterattack but Armel on the lookout dodged her tears by leap back.
'Haha, speak for you. '' Said Armel.
The fight was balanced and both continued to chain more sword blows than the previous ones.
The pace of their fight was intensified more and more and an ardent flame seemed to illuminate their pupils.
The ground below them began to crippled with violence of each shot.
Their swords wrapped in their mana did not break.
Reaching this level at their age everything having learned the fencing and the materialization of the mana in self -taught were impressive.
The fight was dragged and both knew it was time to end it.
Sarah advanced at full speed towards Armel, her sword pointed out forward. Armel attacked her once she was at a time of strike but he cut in the void.
With a quick movement, Sarah found herself behind her back and hit him slightly on the neck.
'' I won. '' Sarah said very happy.
Armel made a pout and looked away from Sarah. His defeat did not enchant him at all, especially in front of his biggest rival.
'' Now it's been 150 wins for me against 149, I'm going ahead! '' Added Sarah.
'' Eh bah, don't be too malignant. I will beat you next time. ''
Armel smiled and held his hand.
Her rivalry with Sarah was intense, but she was healthy.
Sarah entered her hand and greeted him.
"Well it's time to come back. ''
'' Yes. ''
'' I'm exhausted, a good bath will make me feel good. ''
On his words, Armel followed the first step. He continued to move forward a few steps, but not feeling Sarah following him he stopped and turned around.
'' Hey Sarah is a problem ...? ''
Sarah was stopped, his gaze lost to the horizon. His smile after his victory against Armel had completely disappeared.
His gaze was now filled with doubt and concern.
'' Said Armel ... ''
Armel understood that the situation had become serious. He got closer to his friend and displayed a serious look.
'' When we are major and strong enough for the fight, could we really leave this island? ''
Hearing his answer, Armel smiled and grabbed him by both hands.
'' Of course ! Isn't that why we train every day? ''
'' I know it ... It's just that ... sometimes I doubt a little of my abilities ... I sometimes wonder if I would be able to face new horizons. It scares me just thinking about it. ''
Armel put his hand on Sarah's head and caressed her with a gentle and comforting gesture.
He understood what his friend felt and in this kind of situation, his role was reassured.
'' So no longer think about it. You are strong, even a lot ... I know it, because I faced you several times. You just lack a little self -confidence, that's all. You can also count on me, we share the same dream does not forget it, and both we will do our best to realize it. ''
'' Yes ... you're right. ''
Armel's words had gave Sarah courage.
She had finally found her smile and doubt had now disappeared from her gaze.
'' So we come home? '' Asked Armel with a smile.
'' Yes ! ''
An hour later, Sarah stood in front of the front door of her house.
It was a picturesque house built in wood.
Before entering inside, she tried somehow to wipe the sand on her clothes as well as that in her hair removal.
Once finished, she shyly pushed the door and entered.
'' Remember ... ''
'' Ah Sarah, is that you? Come see the fish your big brother has caught today. '' Replied his mother.
She ran excited to the kitchen.
Arriving, Sarah noticed that all the members of her family were present. His big brother Jonas, his mother Isabella and finally his grandfather.
But what interested Sarah even more was the gigantic fish placed on the kitchen table. His eyes moved when they landed on him.
'' Incredible ... He's huge Jonas! ''
'' Not true? And I caught it alone! '' Replied Jonas arrogant.
It was a pitalia, a huge seafood up to 2 meters. The one had fished Jonas reached 1m80.
'' With that we can feast on the party tonight. Do you prefer it toasted or smoked? I have to admit that everything is suitable. '' Sarah said with a large smile.
'' Always so gluttony. '' Replied Jonas.
'' Oh ! Speaking of party, I forgot to recover the flour for the cake at Aunt Lara. Sarah, can you take care of it? ''
'' No MAM problem. I run there right away! ''
She smiled and headed for the front door when she heard a Roque voice arrested.
'' Wait Sarah, let me accompany you. ''
Sarah turned around and saw her grandfather in front of her smiling at her.
'' Of course let's go! ''
Two minutes later, they made their way through the village.
'' I love April 21! '' Said Sarah smiling.
'' It's normal, everyone loves April 21 since it's the feast of the harvest. '' Replied his grandfather slowly advancing with the help of his cane.
'' Yes, that's true. ''
'' So your training is going well? '' Sarah suddenly jumped.
'' How do you know? '' Asked the surprise air.
His daily training with his friend Armel was a secret that even his family members were not supposed to know where his astonishment.
'' We can't hide anything from an old man like me you know. And then you only had to be on your guard when you went out early in the mornings. ''
'' I see, I got burned out because of my recklessness. '' She said smiling with irony.
'' So, can I know why do you train so hard? Do you want to become the next chief of the island? ''
Sarah was laughing when she heard her grandfather's question.
Become the next chief of this island? Never such a thing had crossed her mind.
She was aiming even further than that.
'' No Papi, I don't train to become the chief of the island. I have a dream, that of browsing the world as X-Peria. ''
'' Oh ! Do you want to become an X-Peria? ''
'' Yes ! But for that I have to be strong. That's why I train every day. And I'm not alone, Armel also shares the same dream as me. Together we do our best so that one day it happens. ''
When Sarah was talking about her ambitions, it felt like a flame illuminated her pupils.
This flame represented his determination and this small detail did not escape his grandfather.
'' I see, it's important for a man to have a dream. It makes him feel alive and gives meaning to his life. You make me think a lot of your father when he was your age. ''
'' Papa also wanted to become X-Peria? '' Asked Sarah curiosity.
'' No not at all. Unlike you, his dreams and ambitions were not very noble. Because of the dark past of our clan and the ill -treatment that we have suffered, your father grew up by nourishing a hatred for the inhabitants of the continent and decided to take revenge. He has left the island for 16 years now without giving news. Somewhere I blame myself for not being able to appease his anger, I failed as a father. ''
The trembling body and the sad look, the old man gripped himself strongly to his cane.
The painful memories of the past resurfaced raising in him feelings that he had long repressed.
'' Don't get gone, unlike my father I will not take the wrong path. And even if I derail, Armel will be there to put me back on the right way. ''
She put her hand on her grandfather's back and smiled at her. He looked up and looked at that of his little daughter.
"Who knows, maybe by becoming an X-Peria I could find my father and bring him back to reason if he has not already died. It is true that I did not know it but, it is not a problem. Basically I am convinced that if one day fate brings us together, I would recognize him at first glance ... After all, I am his daughter, right? ''
Sarah tried not to let a single tear run on this joyful day. She continued to keep smiling.
'' You're right. ''
Several hours later, after dark, drums resounded on the large village square. A man, imbued with a command aura stood in front of a large assembled crowd.
In that solemn moment, he was the chef. Confronting his role with dignity in front of him attentive eyes of those around him, he sounded in a loud voice the beginnings of the festivities.
'' I declare the start of the harvest festival! ''
Immediately said, cries of joy had heard on all the island.
Meanwhile, Sarah was still at her home and was preparing for her family to join the village public square.
'' Mom hurry up, we're going to miss the chief's speech. '' Sarah said it seems signs of nervousness.
She was dressed in a beautiful navy blue dress. Her earrings that her mother had lent to her and the white gloves she wore gave her an elegant air.
'' I pass in front, you will find me there. '' Replied Jonas, leaving the house.
From another angle, the island sparkled in the distance, revealing its illuminated splendor and the murmurs of the life taking place there.
Three imposing ships were silently slid into the shadow of the sea, approaching the island.
Aboard the main ship, an imposing man, sitting on an improvised throne contemplated the island from afar.
He responded to the name of Shaka and his imposing stature underlined his authority.
Another man, a soldier approached and whispered in her ear words.
'' Lord Shaka, we can see the island. ''
Tighten his fists and displaying a evil smile, he gave an order which in a short time, will upset the tranquility that reigned.
'' Now is the time to start hostilities. '' He said.
The soldier next to him made a sign of the hand.
Soldiers present at the front of the ship positioned their scepters forward and began to recite incantations.
Magic circles were formed in the air.
'' PULL ! '' Shouted a soldier.
Projectiles from the magic circles rushed violently on the island and found their targets, mowing the inhabitants who collapsed in front of the fireballs, the rocks and with lightning bursts.
Panic seized the island and the cries of distress came to the ships responsible for the attack.
'' Hahahahaha, that's good! That the ship of Lieutenant Shadow accelerates, he and his men will land the first. And that the ship of Lieutenant Caster bypassing the island, someone should not escape. ''
'' Yes my Lord ... '' replied a soldier.
Flags were raised as a signal and the ships were now moving in the order received from their commander.
On the island, Jonas was running at high speed. Terrified, his steps resonated on the bruised island. His right arm was seriously injured and blood flowed.
He stopped for a moment and contemplated with horror the arrival of an enemy ship.
'' ...! ''
Drawing on his last forces, he ran as quickly as possible to prevent family members.
He suddenly opened the door of his house. Family members were already on alert.
Their looks met and their anxieties froze the moment. The mother overwhelmed by the brutal reality melted into tears in front of the distress show embodied by her son.
'' Jonas ... What ... what happened? ''
She hugged her son forcefully, mixing relief and concern in her gaze.
Sarah and her grandfather attended the scene without saying a single word.
Jonas let himself go for a moment in his mother's arms and then, he took a sudden force he grabbed his shoulder and begged him urgently.
'' Mom, we have to flee as quickly as possible. Armed men have attacked the island and get closer to here! ''
'' How ? It is not true ... ''
'' But what are we going to do? '' Asked Sarah terrified.
'' We have to go to the village warehouse, where we keep the canoes. It is the order of the chief. We will use the canoes to leave the island. Quickly ! Let's hurry, time is running out, it's our only chance! '' Replied Jonas, dragging them to the exit.
However...
'' Go ahead without me. ''
Hearing these words, all family members turned to the grandfather.
'' What are you saying PAPI!? '' Said Jonas angry.
'' At my age, I can no longer run like in my youth. I risk slowing you down, it's not worth it. ''
'' No Papi, we can do it '' replied Sarah tears in the eyes.
'' Sarah, you shouldn't die here ... You have a dream to accomplish, right? ''
He smiles and sat on his favorite wooden chair.
'' I have already lived a life full of joy by your side. So don't worry for me. Go there, quickly, don't waste time. ''
'' No Papi! '' Cried Sarah.
'' Isabella! '' Shouted the grandfather.
'' All right ! '' Replied Isabella in a loud voice.
Tears in her eyes, she took her two children and leaving the house. All three ran tears in their eyes without turning around.
'' Go children, do your best. '' Said the grandfather and then closed his eyes while waiting for his fate.
The attackers landed and invaded the island, sowing chaos in their path.
On the side of the island's warehouse, a resident, fear painted on his panicked face addressed to the chef.
'' Chief, how are we going to face this threat? ''
The tension rose while the island was overwhelmed by the sudden invasion of the attackers.
'' Make children and women, if there is still room added the injured. We are going to stay here and fight to make them save time. The enemy also has ships, it would only be a matter of minutes before they catch them. This is why we will be their ramparts. '' Replied the chief in a loud voice.
'' Yes chef! '' Cried the island's men.
'' Make women and children get on the canoes and may all men take up arms! ''
'' Hurry up, the enemy is already there! "
Sarah and her mother who arrived at the warehouse rose in one of the available canoes.
'' Jonas goes up quickly! ''
'' No mom '' replied Jonas with a smile full of sadness.
'' Jonas what's taking you? ''
'' I am a man, mother. My duty is to be your rampart. ''
"But it's big brother madness! You never wanted to learn how to handle a weapon, if you stay, it is the assured death "said Sarah, tightening her brother's clothes with all her might.
'' I know ... '' '
'' All the more reason to go up, take up your mind Jonas! '' Shouted his mother with helplessness.
'' Even if I get on this canoe, sooner or later I died of my injuries. We will go to the unknown, how long would it take us before we find help to heal me? I have already lost a lot of blood, I am condemned. ''
'' The canoes are full, we can go! '' Exclaimed one of the inhabitants of the island.
'' I beg you Jonas, come with us ... '' said Sarah relaxing her brother's clothes.
She understood it. Whatever what she would say, nothing could prevent her brother from camping in her position.
She raised her head slightly and saw the smile that her brother was asleep. She knew it, it was the last time she saw him.
'' Big brother ... let luck be with you. '' She said.
'' Thank you little sister. ''
The canoes began to move away from the island under the satisfied gaze of the valiant men who had remained on the island to defend their families.
'' Was all the canoes dumped? '' Asked the chief.
'' Yes ! ''
"So, prepare to defend your families! '' Said the chief with Glugglass carrying all the other men present on the island in the same state of mind as him.
Two hours later, the island appeared calm and dark view from afar. A survivor seated on one of the canoes was crying bitterly.
'' So, was it done ...? All our men are dead ...? '' She said sobbing.
No one wanted to answer their questions. The heavy silence underlined the tragedy that had struck. All allowed themselves to be led by the waves to the unknown.
'' So it's here you hide? ''
A loud voice broke the death of death that had settled.
A large ship got closer to the canoes floating on the sea. It was that of Lieutenant Caster who had ordered to get around the island.
'' At soldier's darning! We do as usual. ''
'' Yes Lieutenant Caster! ''
'' Mom they found us ... everything we did ... all the sacrifices of others. Jonas, Papi and the men of the village are therefore used for nothing? ''
The trembling voice and tears in his eyes, Sarah addressed her mother who looked at her with helplessness.
A group of soldiers who went on their canoe began to defend all the survivors of the island with their saber.
One of them pierced the abdomen of Sarah's mother and threw her body into the sea.
Sarah, traumatized, assisted helplessly with this atrocious scene.
Another pirate coldly ordered him to be embarked on their ship.
She did not oppose any resistance and allowed herself to be carried inside the enemy ship.
Twenty minutes later, Caster ship accosted on the island and the few survivors of the attack that had been embarked in the ships were forced to go down.
Sarah, observing around her, discovered a macabre landscape. Her village, where she had always lived were completely burned.
Corpses littered the ground among which she distinguished her brother's head.
Shocked, she vomited.
Shaka the chief of the attackers advanced, triumphant.
'' Comrade, victory is for us! So to celebrate, we're going to do as usual, the Grole! ''
The soldiers who surrounded him began to shout "Grole", it was a cry of celebration.
'' That we bring them swords. ''
Swords were given to the few survivors who were about thirty. Most of these survivors were adolescents.
Some of them had never held a sword. As a result, they clumsily grasped the weapons that were provided to them.
"You are now all armed. You are all aged to fight it is for this reason that we have left you alive. Would have been cruel to kill in one night future great warriors. However, there are far too many of you and we cannot all maintain you. This is why you are going to fight until death. The last standing will remain alive. ''
He took a break and displayed a evil smile.
'' Now entertain us! ''
The soldiers started shouting Grole again and even stronger.
"It's cruel ... It's not possible, I don't want to kill my comrades. ''
Sarah knew everyone present here. They are friends with whom she had grown up and played. The killed here were something that she didn't envisage.
His voice drew the attention of Armel who was also part of the survivors.
'' Sarah! ''
'' Armel you're there. ''
'' Start! '' Shied Shaka.
The survivors were a little hesitant at the beginning, but as the latter passed, the mentalities were gradually starting to change.
One of them launched the assault and cut the person in front of him. This action triggered a general scrum.
Sarah, attacked by one of the desk survivors. He returned to the charge and attacked him again.
Sarah died again, slipped and fell.
Her attacker threw herself on her trying to plan his weapon in the chest while Sarah resisted as best they can.
'' Don't do that, I beg you ... '' said Sarah the look immersed in that of her attacker.
'' I'm sorry Sarah ... but I don't want to die. ''
'' Die... ''
Sarah realized something. If she died here, she could never realize her dream.
A sudden force invaded him.
Sarah has rejected her opponent with a sudden movement and cut him suddenly.
The blood of his attacked attacker on his clothes.
Sarah had just killed a person for the first time.
It was a feeling that she had never known.
Even if she got used to the idea that one day it should have happened when she became an X-Peria, it was still too early for her.
His gaze sank into despair.
She was again attacked but this time, she cut her opponent without hesitation.
Another blade came closer to her. She contrasts her with her sword and against Attaqua.
He dodged the tear of his sword and put distance between them.
Sarah raised her head slightly and observed her opponent. Her eyes moved when she discovered the identity of her new attacker.
'' Armel is you ...? '' She said.
'' Sarah ... I didn't even recognize you because of all this agitation. ''
Armel was covered with blood. It was not his own blood but rather those of others. He too had resolved not to die tonight.
'' I fear that we cannot keep our promise, Sarah. ''
'' Armel ... ''
'' This will be our last duel. ''
Armel warns.
Sarah closed her eyes and sighed. She opened her eyes again and warned in turn.
Both were observed watching the slightest opening. They had entered a deep concentration. All around them seemed to exist.
As if a signal had been given to them, both rushed to each other at the same time.
At the time of striking they were carrying a direct blow.
This happens in a flash.
Sarah was injured in the neck, but it was not deep enough to put her life in danger.
She turned around and saw Armel's body lying on the ground. He had been deeply injured in the abdomen and lost a lot of blood.
'' For what... ? ''
Sarah dropped her weapon and moved towards Armel's body. His gaze expressed a feeling of sadness mixed with anger.
'' Why did you spare me, Armel?! '' Cried Sarah.
Sarah grabbed Armel's clothes and started to shake him in all directions.
'' Why did you spare me huh? Why didn't you cut my head when you had the opportunity? Did you think I wouldn't have noticed it? Did you think I wouldn't have seen that you pretended to attack me? Who are you taking me Armel?! ''
His cries echoed on the island. His tears were flowing, mixing with the blood of his best friend flowing on the ground.
His friend's body became colder and colder. She was going to lose him.
'' Sorry ... '' said Armel in a weak voice. ''
'' ... ''
"When I was about to attack you ... I saw a flame in your eyes. This same flame that you always showed during our training ... At the time ... I told myself that you would go much further than me ... ''
'' Don't give up on me! ''
'' Sorry again ... ''
Armel inspired and expired one last time and made his breath forever.
'' Hé Armel! Armel! Armel! ''
Sarah may have shouted the name of her friend, he will never wake up again.
The test ended after Armel's death leaving Sarah as the only survivor. In one night, she had all lost.
Shaka advanced to Sarah with a smile on his lips, savoring the cruel spectacle he had orchestrated.
'' Is that you the only survivor? Congratulations ! You have become a real warrior. You are now one of the Yorken, or trust it. Now, everything you dear, your dreams, your principles are dead with your comrades. Now you will only live to serve me! ''
End of chapter.j