Heritage

I landed on cold, damp grass as soon as the petals cleared their path. I sat up and looked around with wide eyes. Yes, aside from the overgrowth of the bushes and the petals covering everything within a metre radius from me, this was the garden I remember playing in. I stood and looked around, memory after memory coming back to me. I was afraid to turn but I did anyway and was greeted by the sight of the charred ruins of my family’s palace. More memories began coming back, they began spinning around in my mind, giving me a headache.

I moved towards the ruins but not before noticing four inanimate objects that I didn’t recognize. Upon closer inspection, I wished I hadn’t gone and investigated. They were grave stones. Here lies King Merzeiha, a noble king and a wise father. I wept. I remembered when he bandaged my arm after I had cut it on glass when I was three. He cradled me and recalled his childhood, when he was training and he nearly cut his leg off by being silly. I giggled softly as I continued to think about his stories. From his battles, to the time he first met Zereria. He never told me he was gay though, I guess he thought I was too young to understand.

Here lies Queen Zereria, a courageous she-elf and a loyal wife. How couldn’t I see it? How could I not see that my mother had watched over me since the first day I went into Zack’s care? Her stern look, her motherly tone, the way she would smile when I told her stories of my day, how could I not see it? I remember when she was alive, she would cradle me during thunderstorms because the thunder would frighten me. She sung me lullabies every evening before going to bed. She also introduced me to the garden, allowing me to help her plant flowers, feed animals and harvest the fruit from the trees and bushes.

Here lies Princess Mia, intelligent and ambitious. I can remember her laugh. Even though she looked after me and cared for me, she also looked down on me, as if I was the bane of her existence. I wouldn’t have known at my age but thinking back on the recovered memory, I think Mia probably didn’t like me when I was born. I can understand, though. Being spoilt as an only child then another girl comes and steals the limelight. But she still cared, I remember her warm smile. She let me try on her jewellery, I think she may even made perfumes for the both of us. Yes, I remember being in her room and she would mash up ingredients then mix them in the bowl in between us. Her room always stunk of the different perfumes she made every day. The fourth grave haunted me the most.

Here lies Princess Zelda, inquisitive and full of potential. They all thought I was dead. Here I am sitting in front of the grave they put up in my memory. I can just picture the funeral now. Several elves, all gathered around this four graves, paying their respects. Surely other elves perished in the fire too, but were probably insignificant to the majority of elves. Maybe the families of the departed had a little memorial of their own. I glanced up at the charred ruins. Why could they leave such a once beautiful palace to only stand as abandoned black walls and ashes? I could close my eyes and picture myself wandering those halls that once stood tall. Most of the memories were blurred, I could remember more being outside in the gardens.

Having enough of staring at my own grave, I stood and headed towards the blackened ruins. I ran my hand over the walls, feeling the damp and cold textures. But I couldn’t remember much else of the five years that I had lived here. What was I like as a child? Raised around servants and soldiers that lived with me in the palace, did I have any playmates? Did I really enjoy Paradox’s company? What was he like when he was younger? I shook my head and couldn’t help but giggle lightly. Paradox as a child, it’s hard to imagine.

I should rebuild this place. Rebuild it and restore it to its former glory. After the war, I’ll start looking for elves to help me rebuild it. Then Aura and I could move in, if he so wished to be with me. Vincent and Dune could visit us too. Everything will be alright, we’ll be living in peace and we’ll be sure to rebuild the palace out of non-flammable material. We can restore the garden too. I will make perfumes and garden, grow flowers and harvest fruit, just like I did with my mother all those years ago. I smiled wistfully as I closed my eyes to relieve those happier times.

I can remember playing with cats, rabbits, dogs and birds. I loved being outside with all the wildlife surrounding me. I remember playing my own games by myself. As if the garden was an exotic jungle and I would pretend to be an explorer. I would make my own stories up and play as long as the sun was up. The garden was my own paradise, where I could be free. No rules, no responsibilities, no restrictions. No-one telling me what to do or what I should do. No demons, no boys, no conflict, everything was just so perfect until Zack came along and ruined everything.

“Well, look who remembers her short-lived childhood.” That voice made my very being burn in rage. I turned and glared at Cannabec who was sitting on my grave. He just gave me a cheery grin and wave, as if we were old friends.

“That is very disrespectful,” I scolded to repress my anger.

“I’m a demon, I don’t have any respect,” Cannabec shrugged as he trailed a hand down to the headstone “And besides, you’re alive so there’s no dead person to disrespect.” He dug his nails into the stone and tore the stone in half, getting up before he could fall over. I slowly brought out my fans and unfolded them, carefully studying Cannabec’s moves. Cannabec smirked and shook his head. “Do you really think paper and wood is going to stop me, little princess?” He snapped his fingers and my fans spontaneously combusted. I retracted my hands and let them fall onto the grass, burning into nothing but ashes. I nursed my burnt hands and glared at the demon.

“Those were my mother’s,” I snarled.

“Shouldn’t be playing around with them,” Cannabec smirked “Especially when you’re around someone who plays with fire.” He outstretched his hand and formed a green fireball. I stepped back warily, feeling my heartbeat speed up as I watched the flames swirl around in a ball. Cannabec smirked and closed his palm to get rid of it. “So, little, princess,” Cannabec folded his arms and strode over towards me “What’s your next move?” I glared at him hard into his green eyes, the twinges of envy running up and down my body. How I hated this wretched demon, this very demon who was the cause to Zack becoming corrupted and killing any supernatural family he could find.

“What makes you think I’m that stupid to tell you?” I asked challengingly. Cannabec smirked as he hooked a finger under my chin to tilt it. I didn’t flinch at his cold touch nor did I shudder. I wasn’t afraid of him, even if he could wield green fire.

“I’m not calling you stupid,” he said “I’m just curious. War’s erupted. Paradox, Aura and Vincent are preparing for battle. And you’re just here, recovering your childhood memories and trauma. You selfish little princess.” His grin widened as he chuckled. “Admittedly, a cute selfish little princess.”

“Stop calling me that,” I snapped and batted his hand away. I clenched my fist, urging for it to punch him square in the face. I resisted and unclenched it, glaring at the grinning demon of envy. “It’s none of your business with what I do,” I said firmly “Demon or not, you have no right to spy on me.”

“On the contrary, I’m very curious about my enemy’s movements,” Cannabec shrugged “Seeming as I decided Zack should take the title of being my Soldier.” What? He marked Zack as a Soldier of Satan? That can’t be true.

“Zack wouldn’t have said yes,” I said warily “He’s afraid of the supernatural.”

“Not when I convince him it is a mark and nothing but a mark,” Cannabec grinned “And then tell him he is merely representing me, nothing else.”

“You lied to him,” I narrowed my eyes “You tricked him into being your Soldier. That is low.”

“My brothers and I discussed it,” Cannabec shrugged “It would be a brilliant advantage for us to name you as a Soldier of Satan. You’re beautiful, strong, persistent, you’re a gold mine! But Zereria’s soul has kept you on the path of light and your views are firmly fixed to God’s. It would be a waste of time to try to pull you into the dark side. Zack was the next best choice. He’s got power at his fingertips and is so easy to convince. Much easier than trying to convince a stubborn little elf like you.” I turned my head to break his bright green gaze from mine.

“Zack’s the next Soldier,” I murmured “So, Prebeta will choose me as the next Hero?!” No! I don’t want to carry such responsibility!

“Depends,” Cannabec shrugged “Will fate lead you to kill my Soldier?” I stepped away and shook my head furiously. I will not allow it. “Well, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

“I will take part in the war but I will not kill Zack,” I vowed “Or anyone for that matter.”

“Interesting,” Cannabec purred as he suddenly drew so close, I could feel the heat of his breath on my nose. He looked deep into my eyes and I firmly pushed him away. His breath stunk, of what I don’t know nor do I want to know. It just smelt foul.

“See you on the battlefield,” I said stiffly before throwing my kimono off and covering myself with it. I teleported as soon as the kimono fully concealed my body. I stood up straight as soon as my feet touched the smooth surface of wooden floorboards. In front of me was my father’s suit of armour. I took in a deep breath, shivering from just being in my vest and panties. I reached out carefully to feel the glass case, figuring out a way to open it. I couldn’t see a way to open it, there didn’t seem to be a door like normal glass cases like these. Maybe it opens at the top?

“What are you doing here, Your Highness?” I froze up when a voice broke the silent night air and turned my head slightly to see Brenda by the entrance. She was the last person I wanted to run into.

“What does it look like?” I asked challengingly.

“It looks like you’re going to steal a suit of armour.”

“Well I’m reclaiming what belongs to me by right.” We stood still, giving each other a stern look. Brenda moved forward with a soft smirk. I shifted warily as she stroked the handle of her whip.

“Do you know how to fight in a suit of armour?” she asked.

“I’m a fast learner.” She snorted before holding up a set of keys.

“Guess which key is needed for this case,” she said. I hesitated. I stepped back and looked the case up and down carefully.

“But there’s no keyhole,” I said.

“Doesn’t mean there isn’t a key.” I looked at Brenda and at the case dumbfounded. No keyhole, so that meant it couldn’t open with a metal key… Pearl said that my son should wear it so… I lifted my hand, before realising how silly my idea was. Surely…surely it wasn’t that simple? I tried it anyway, I pressed my hand against the glass hard. It thrummed at my touch before warming and melting away, letting my hand pass through. All the glass in the case melted away and Brenda applauded me slowly.

“I wasn’t aware…” I started.

“You’re smart, I can give you that,” she said before stepping next to me to reach out and take the helmet “Now, the real question is whether or not you can fight like a real elf.” I opened my mouth to respond and yelped as Brenda dropped the helmet on top of me. Because it was moulded to my father’s size, it immediately was too big for me. But the metal quivered and shrunk, perfectly fitting itself around my head. I slowly put the visor up as Brenda smirked, as if she was enjoying my disorientation. “We’ll need to pin your hair up, obviously,” she shrugged.

“Wait, why are you helping?” I asked as I fiddled around to try and get the helmet off me.

“Would you rather I reported to Prince Paradox?”

“…No thanks.” There was a click and the helmet opened, allowing Brenda to take it off.

“Your Highness, I will ask you one more time,” she said slowly “Are you really prepared to head out to the battlefield and witness the horrifying experience of watching elves and humans getting hacked to nothing but limbs and get covered in blood then the organs start to show and they begin spilling everywhere on the battlefield…”

“Brenda, I get the idea,” I said as I resisted the urge to gag “I’m prepared to die as well, probably lose a few limbs, maybe an eye or an ear…” Brenda laughed and slapped me on the shoulder.

“Trust me, that’s what I thought before I was knighted,” Brenda sighed “Now, I’ll get you some armour undergarments so you’ll feel comfortable, select a Florony for you then get you armoured up.” She turned and walked off before pausing. “For the record, I don’t think you’ll last an hour.” I bristled. She still has some negative feelings towards me. But that was alright, I could live with that.

“I can last as long as I need to,” I sniffed. Brenda shrugged before disappearing off. I couldn’t help but think about this different side to Brenda. She was really risking her position to help me go to war? It still baffled me. I could clearly remember her cold demeanour towards me when she suspected I was an imposter. But, I didn’t want to question her further, just in case she decided to report me to Paradox so he could send me back to the Northern Palace.

It took hours but somehow, I was stuffed into my father’s armour, his shield strapped to my left arm and his sword strapped to my left hip. Brenda also bound my breasts so they wouldn’t show through the armour’s mould. It took a while for me to get used to walking in the armour but I managed to walk from the display room to the stables without tripping over anything. The armour was melded over my body nicely, it was snug around my feminine and rather small body. I sincerely hope I don’t cause any concern, the soldiers must be much taller and stronger looking than me. I’ll stick out like a sore thumb.

“Now remember, it’s by Lake Relita,” Brenda said “Just be careful when riding Starflower, she isn’t used to being ridden by someone with armour. You can ask for help with taking your armour on and off if you’re unsure. Prince Paradox will be busy in his own tent with tactics and all that leadership, prince responsibility stuff, so don’t worry, it’s very unlikely that he will catch you in the camp. I don’t know about your shelter, you might need to sneak into a tent but then again most of the soldiers are male, so privacy will be a major issue. Oh, and your mother told me to tell you that she’s proud of you.” I nearly fell off Starflower.

“Mother came to you?” I said.

“Yes, now get going before someone catches us,” Brenda slapped Starflower’s rump and I nearly screamed when Starflower reared and stormed out of the open gates Brenda had opened earlier. I gripped Starflower’s reins, quickly rushing through Brenda’s instructions to riding a Florony. I took a deep breath as I pulled on the reins, allowing Starflower to slow down to a comfortable speed. My head spun from the speed Starflower had been going and I stopped her to take a deep breath and calm down. Starflower snorted and stomped the ground as we stopped under the moonlight.

“Ugh, sorry, girl,” I said, the helmet muffling my voice “You just went really fast and I didn’t want to fall off.” The visor fell forward and covered my eyes. “Brilliant.” This visor is going to give me a real hard time, isn’t it? How did father deal with this annoying thing? I can barely see anything through the slits! And it was especially hard to try and see anything when it was night time. I lifted the visor again but it slipped again, right over my eyes and made a loud clank sound that echoed around the helmet. Starflower snorted mockingly. “Oh shut up, you wouldn’t be laughing if you had to have this on your head.” I lifted the visor again but my fingers slipped and it fell back down. I heard giggling and my visor was lifted.

“Your father often had that problem.” I looked up and saw Zereria hovering above me. She smiled as she hovered away slightly, looking me up and down. “Brenda can be stubborn but when it’s an order from royalty, she’s as loyal as a dog. Just like her older brother.”

“You told her to help me?” I said as I carefully lifted my chin, careful about the visor. It still slipped down over my eyes despite my caution. Zereria simpered softly as she lifted it back up.

“You can’t do everything by yourself,” she said.

“And why didn’t you tell me that you were my mother?” I asked.

“You know why.” I held my breath before sighing softly. “I don’t have much time, my soul must be reincarnated soon or else I might forever wander Ethylias as a spirit like this.” I looked up at her in alarm.

“No, no, don’t leave me,” I begged and reached out for her “Mother, please.”

“You’re doing well,” she said and placed a ghostly hand on my shoulder “And Paradox may be against your choices but he has no right to order you around. No-one does. You are your own person and no-one can ever change you.”

“I’m so scared…”

“You’ll be beside your friends. Don’t fear, you will pick things up from the other soldiers. And our friends from the forest will aid you.” She reached out and patted my head. The visor slid down again and she laughed once more. “Be safe, my little princess. I am very proud of you.”

“No, wait!” I called as I lifted my visor and saw her fading away with a sad smile “Wait, mother!” I reached out for her but fell off Starflower and flat on my front, the visor falling down again. I sat up and looked up at Zereria’s fading form and tears welled up in my eyes. “I don’t want to be alone…” She was soon fully gone and I stood up, grabbing Starflower and leaning my head into her mane. I cried silently, combing the beautiful green mane idly. I breathed in and out deeply before glaring up at the sky. No time for emotional sentiments. I had to get going. It took a few attempts but eventually I was on top of Starflower and slowly progressing through the woods towards the army camp that was stationed at the other side of the woods.