《Pigments of Hue》 Prologue: A Colorful Beginning Spoiler : Heya! BBeLiN here. It has been a while since I posted one of my works... It''s because I''m having a hard time writing consistently nowadays. That''s also the reason why my previous works are mainly oneshots(no time constraints, unlike a series). So, I thought... If I would continue in this manner, why not make a collection of oneshots? I might connect the stories together, and some characters might even reappear. Well, I also decided to include you readers in the story. Figure out the mysteries surrounding these narratives. Since this is a oneshot collection, the genres varies. That''s why, on each story I would put up a note giving you a background about the story and the genres included. And so, without further ado, I welcome you to my tale... our legend. XXXXX Darkness... The deep darkness have completely enveloped your body, purloining you of your sight and somehow dulling your senses. Having no idea where you are, fear and panic slowly encroached your heart. Your pulse rises with each passing moment, the thought of the tangible darkness that encompasses your body devouring your existence and drowning you into the depths, gives you a nauseating sensation. A powerful urge to scream filled your thoughts, as if your instincts are telling you about the possible dangers of the current situation. Waking up in an unknown location with your senses taken away is, after all, a terrifying experience. You gulped audibly to swallow down the gut-wrenching feeling of terror deep in your throat. You attempted to calm your nerves by objectively analyzing the occurrence. You looked through your memories to recall the events that transpired beforehand, which may lead to the current circumstances. In the next instant, you remembered how you were resting in a comfortable position as you browsed the internet using your electronic device. As an avid reader of online novels, a story entitled, "Pigments of Hue" had piqued your interest. Deciding to give it a try, you clicked a link which led you to an empty page. A second afterwards, you heard a shrill crackling noise which gave you a painful headache, before your consciousness faded into black. *FLASH* "---!!!" You released a soundless shriek in surprise after a bright light subdued the darkness. Your eyes, which was adapting to the darkness, was suddenly blinded by the unanticipated illumination. As your eyes got used to the luminescence, you surveyed your surroundings to find out that you''re currently in a room with walls dyed in red. You continued looking around and saw that the foregoing bright radiance came from a single lightbulb fixed right above your head. "Haaa..." You''ve unknowingly let out a relieved sigh after getting released from the suffocating darkness, though you still don''t know your exact location, you still felt that you had a load off your mind. *Thud* *Thud* *Thud* Just as your anxiousness was diminishing, you heard heavy footfalls getting close to you from behind with a leisurely pace. You hastily turned around in panic. *Gasp* You took a sharp intake of breath in astonishment. What you saw approaching you was a bipedal creature. Towering slightly below six feet tall, wearing a brown tuxedo, a monocle and a top hat. This creature appears to be human, if not for his distinct feature... the head of a fish. You panicked at the unearthly sight before you. You looked at the creature blankly as you were filled with disbelief. A dream, perhaps, this is the only logical explanation you could reach, about this enigmatic experience. As if noticing your inner turmoil, the fish-headed humanoid looked at you gently with what seems to be a smile. His prismatic irises observed you from head to toe, and when they met your own eyes, you felt as if you were getting sucked in by its mysterious glow. "Greetings, visitor..." His sudden words snapped you out of your trance. Embarrassed, you averted your gaze in a jiffy. You snuck another glance at his golden-orange visage with eyes filled with curiosity, in which he gave another soft smile. "I welcome you, dear visitor." He paused for a moment, before continuing on, "I know that you have numerous questions. I''ll try to answer however much as I could later on, regardless, for now, let us introduce ourselves." You were astounded for a moment when he suddenly spoke up. After a few seconds, analyzing his words, you quizzically looked back at him and softly muttered your name in a stutter. "Ah, I see. What an interesting appellation. Unlike my own, mundane alias..." He had shown a wistful countenance before reverting back into his smiling face. "Well then, I am a man of many designations, but right now, I go by the name ''Bob Belins'', the Wanderer. In any case, you may call me whatever you deem fitting." His eyes which changes its colors, had once again laid upon you. Somehow, you felt that his gaze was soothing and familiar, no matter how strange the current situation was. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. "Then... Wanderer..." You muttered, thankfully, you prevented yourself from blurting out ''Fish-head''. You didn''t want to sour your conversation with such a thoughtless insult. "Do you know where I currently am? Or at least... Why I am here." You asked nervously. "Of course, of course." He, Bob Belins, nodded gently in a jovial mood. "Rift. That''s what this place is called. It is the place that links your world to different parallel multiverses. And me... I am the watcher of this place. I manage this area to help the poor souls that were accidentally separated from their own realm, those of which you people call ''spirited away''. Like you." "W-what?!" You exclaimed loudly in your puzzlement. ''What does he mean by ''separated from their own realm?'''' ''What would happen now, if I am one of such beings?'' Various questions popped up in your mind and was left unanswered. "Don''t worry. I''ll help you return to your normal life..." He had once again broke you out of your stupor. After his words sunk in, you finally found a shred of hope within the deep darkness of the unknown. "But..." Bob let out a sigh. Out of the blue, his countenance turned grim. You felt a sense of foreboding about his impending words. "The cause for your case of getting spirited away is quite troubling... A man in your previous realm attempted to forcefully enter the rift using a machine, however... The coordinates he used missed by a large margin, and unfortunately, what the machine detected, was you." He gazed at you with pity. You cursed your fate at how amongst the billions of people, it just had to be you that gets transported. You wanted to shout profanities, but contained yourself as you felt Bob was about to say something. "Anyways..." He wiped the gloomy expression on his face and smiled once again. "I''m trying to send you back, but fixing the connection that was forcefully wrenched open would take some time... So, you have to wait here in that duration. Don''t worry, I''ll keep you company throughout your stay here." He finished his words with a soft chortling. ''He must have lived a boring and lonely life here'', you thought to yourself. "I understand... But, exactly how long would it take?" You asked the strange, fish-headed guy the question that was bothering you since earlier. "Uhmm..." He paused, "I think it would take a hundred years or so? Well, that darned machine really wrecked the link so--" "A HUNDRED YEARS?! Wouldn''t I be dead by then?!" You inadvertently cut off his words in your horror. A hundred years, adding your current age... That''s way more than a human''s lifespan. "D-Don''t worry, you wouldn''t age here... Also, when you return, as long as it works perfectly, you''ll be back at the exact same time you were gone. You wouldn''t even feel that you''ve disappeared, as I would have to wipe your memories of this place by then." Bob answered sheepishly as he fixed his monocle. He was visibly rattled by your sudden outburst. "Haaa..." You sighed and held your forehead to clear out your building up stress. This situation is truly more than what you could decipher at once. To take your mind off of the mentally straining thoughts, you looked around the red room. After your eyes roamed around a bit, they became fixated at a familiar object. A computer. Looking at it from different angles, you confirmed your conjecture. It IS a computer. Thinking that you could once again read stories online, you looked back at Bob excitedly. "T-This is..." You muttered softly with uncontrollable excitement. "Oh!" Seeing the direction of your gaze earlier, he noticed how you''ve taken an interest on the machine installed near the wall. His eyes glistened slightly in amusement. "That is my most valuable possession. It''s my only solace in this dark and lonesome place." He meaningfully looked far away with a solemn expression. He returned his gaze back at you, before continuing. "It''s a machine that shows different creatures, from different realms. Their lives, their existence, their interaction. With that machine, I can watch over different worlds, different places, at the same time." He alternated his gaze between you and the machine with a gentle look. You looked back at the machine as you thought deeply. Although it wasn''t what you thought it to be, it was still a machine of an interesting capability. "Ah, I know!" He exclaimed loudly. "How about you sit down for a moment, and let me tell you about the different lives, different worlds that I have observed." He said in an excited tone. With a wave of his arms, two chairs appeared out of thin air, one of which he sat upon. Understanding his gesture, You took up the other chair and sat down. You looked into his eyes, in which he nodded slightly. "In a certain place, at a certain time..." A deep voice echoed in the red room. As if an illusion, the red world was suddenly filled with burst colors, before fading back into crimson. And here marks our beginning, our story... The story of various tales. Story 1: White Lies (Part 1) Spoiler : Good-natured lies... Are such things truly for the best? After all, it is still a lie, a deceit. Making others believe, giving them false hope... Rather than giving them an empty promise and have them trust for nothing, wouldn''t telling the truth straight away be better? Everyone have their own reasons for lying... For their own benefit, for other''s... Sometimes, even for no reason at all. But remember, some words might be sharper than swords. Each word you say, each action you do, can lead to bigger and much worse consequences. But even so... Deceit isn''t always evil... Let us now begin our first tale, the story of "White Lies". ----- Genre: Tragedy, Romance, Fantasy XXXXX "Don''t worry! I would definitely save you!", Accompanied by the rough voice was a quick slash of the blade. Torn flesh and crimson blood flew out from my captors, splattering on the cold hard ground. With the victorious howl of the man who ''saved'' me, the other criminals dropped their weapons at once and fled. Two of the people that came to retrieve me pursued the escaping fugitives. The remaining one knelt in front of me and destroyed the chains that bound my limbs. I looked at the man''s face only to see a rough visage with various scars as proof of his experience in the art of bloodshed. "Missy, just stay still. We''ll escort you to a safe location and protect you." He spoke coaxingly. I suspiciously looked at his eyes with my own pair of red eyes. ''Liar.'' I thought to myself and sighed inwardly. Once again, I would be caged, unable to taste freedom, isolated from the world. After all, this is my life. After all, this is my fate... --- The destiny of being born as a daughter of my cursed bloodline. After the three warriors reunited and finished their preparations, they brought me inside a carriage, to send me to my new home... My new prison. XXXXX <> It was a bright, sunny afternoon and I sat upright on a wooden chair as I filter out my uncle''s voice from the surrounding clamors of the tavern. After repeating his words a few times in my head to see if I''ve heard him correctly, I trembled in excitement. "Really, Uncle Howard? I can work at the Duke''s residence?!" Unable to contain my enthusiasm, I leant closer to Uncle Howard''s face. A reaction which my respected uncle heartily laughed at. "Haha, yes, yes, Little Hortus, I''ve told you this a hundred times already, but yes. You are employed to be one of the gardeners at Duke Hilton''s mansion." He told me with a toothy grin. He knows how much I''d love to take the job, so when the Duke was looking for gardeners, he immediately recommended me to the Duke. Thankfully, my Uncle Howard was the mansion''s guard captain, his long standing relationship with the Duke helped me nab the position. "Thank you! Thank you so much, Uncle! Ever since I''ve heard how much variety of plants could be found in the Duke''s garden, I''ve been dying to work there!" I gave uncle my heartfelt thanks. Ever since I was young, I always had a fascination towards plants, so on my birthdays, I''d always ask my mother for saplings for my small garden instead of toys, unlike children of my age back then. "No problem, child. Just leave it to your Uncle. Don''t make me lose face, alright?" He teasingly told me as he took another swig from his ale-filled mug. After bringing me the good news and having his fill of the food, he left me alone at the tavern after paying for our meal. I was filled with joy and excitement. Finally... My goal, my dream... They''re all now within my grasp. I spent the next hour in silence, thinking about the near future. Thinking about my future filled with colors. Both literally, and metaphorically. XXXXX "Sir, I''ll be fine here onwards..." I told the coachman as I gave him three coppers as payment for the ride. He gave his thanks and stopped the stallions. I left the carriage and faced the gate in front of me. With a whip of the driver, the sound of hooves reached my ears as the coach soon disappeared into the distance. "Haaa..." I let out a soft sigh to stop my nervousness. When I took a few steps forward, a deep and loud voice reached my ears. "Halt! State your purpose for arriving here at Duke Hilton''s residence." A strong, commanding voice resounded, rooting me on my spot. I looked at the source and saw an armored man behind the sturdy steel bars of the gate. "U-uhmm, I am Hortus Fleur. I, I was told that I was employed by the Duke to be one of this mansion''s gardeners..." I spoke in a stutter due to the forceful tone of the guardsman. Accompanied by a metallic noise, the huge gate had opened. When I took a step in, a cheerful face had welcomed me inside. "Hrmm... Welcome young lad, the name''s Fred, the watcher of the eastern gate. I''ve heard that you are apparently the Captain''s nephew, eh?" The bearded uncle told me with a friendly smile. I was taken back by the sudden change of tone, but I still gave a respectful nod of affirmation. "Y-Yes, Sir. I am Uncle Howard''s Nephew." I responded to confirm his query. "Hahaha. Lad, no need to be so formal. Just call me Fred. After all, the two of us would soon become colleagues." He replied accompanied by hearty laughter. He began walking, gesturing me to follow. I complied as I looked around with unrestrained excitement. Just a single glance and you can see the wide variety of plants they have. Before I noticed it, we already reached our destination. It was an outbuilding, a few meters away from the mansion itself. I looked back at Fred, as he urged me to get inside. Filled with nervousness, I anxiously took a step in. Inside, I was greeted by a stern looking woman. She was reading a stack of papers with a contemplating expression. Noticing our presence, she placed the papers back on the table and looked at us, removing her reading glasses. "What brings you here, Fred? And this is...?" She greeted Fred who was in front of me before her gaze moved towards me. She looked at me sharply and my heart felt squeezed by an unknown pressure. It felt like every fiber of my being was being observed, and a single misdeed would cost me my existence. "Haha, Sasha... Don''t scare the new guy again. This child is Hortus, our soon-to-be gardener." Fred laughed and introduced me. By his words, it seems like this wasn''t the first time this happened. Seriously, it''s bad for my heart. "Hou? The new gardener, eh? Sir Howard''s nephew?" Hearing Fred, Sasha''s expression became gentler, she wore her glasses again and moved the stack of papers to the side, while gesturing for me to take a seat in front of her. "Well then, Hortus. I am Sasha Green, the head maid, and your direct superior. Why don''t you take a seat, so we can discuss the terms of your employment. Fred, you can leave now." She spoke with a bit of a commanding tone. I obliged immediately, fearing the consequences of disobedience. Fred left and closed the door. It was just a fraction of a second, truly just an instant, but I am quite sure that he had shown a pitying look as he left... Hopefully, he hadn''t placed me in the maw of the lion, in the form of this woman in front of me. "Now that''s done," She paused for moment and took a breath before continuing "I will be sure to clearly imprint the rules around here in your head." Her eyes glistened behind her eyeglasses like those of a huntress. I could only sweat profusely as fear took ahold of my heart. ''Surely, my decision wasn''t too hasty, was it?'' I thought to myself as I looked at Sasha with eyes filled with horror. XXXXX "F-Finally! I''m free..." I sighed in relief as I quickened my pace away from the head maid''s office. That was a terrifying experience. She made sure I understood everything she said, word for word. And when I lost focus, even just for a moment, I would face that glaring expression which could perhaps even freeze a burning hot magma. It was a hair-raising experience. While walking around, I met a few maids who gave me short curtseys as a greeting. I nodded in response before continuing on my way. As my gaze wandered for a bit, noticing a conspicuous building, I was left in awe by what I saw. A huge tower standing tall as if reaching the skies. It was admittedly the tallest structure I encountered in my meager lifetime. It was made out of stone and only had a single window visible from below. "It''s amazin'', in''nit?" A brusque voice came out of the blue, waking me up from my stupor. I turned around and saw a man of my age wearing a straw hat, a flannel shirt and dark-blue overalls. "Howdy! Yer the new guy, right? Me name''s be Jones Carley. I work ''round the orchard with me pops. Guess I''m yer senior then. Nice ta me''cha." He introduced himself in one breath. I could barely understand the words he spoke through his thick accent. "Umm, I''m Hortus Fleur, the new recruit. It''s nice making your acquaintance." I responded to Jones'' introduction. "Aight, then I''m gonn'' skedaddle now. Pops'' surely mad with me previous shenanigans. Smell ya later!" He said as he fled quickly. Before he disappeared, it seemed like I''ve heard an angry bellow shouting Jones'' name. Then, a huge guy began running after Jones like a cat and a mouse. I could only laugh dryly to myself at this father and son. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "Well, I guess this is it. The beginning of my new life, here in my new job." I muttered to no one in particular as I started walking once again, this time towards the garden, my workplace. But not before glancing one last time at the stone tower, the huge tower reaching the sky. XXXXX After some time of getting used with my work environment, I got within friendly relations with my colleagues, it wasn''t too difficult with their friendly dispositions. Especially Jones, who visits me in the garden once in a while to give me some tips when gardening (Much to his father''s displeasure at him for skipping work). Well, I still feel awkward around Miss Sasha. Just like that, days flew by, weeks passed and seasons changed. It''s almost a year ever since I''ve begun working here. "Hahaha, Little Hortus. It''s been a while since I''ve last seen you, but you''ve really become quite a man! All the squires in my regiment tells me about how hardworking you are." A husky voice reached my ears, stopping me from what I was doing. "Uncle Howard!" I shouted with glee. I dropped my tools and went straight towards uncle. "It really has been a while, uncle." I greeted him with a bear hug. "So, is the garden too harsh for you young lad? Just tell me if you need my help, alright? Don''t push yourself too much, my sister would be seething at me if I were to let you get hurt." He told me, accompanied by a laugh. "No, uncle, I''m having a great time here... After all, I''m doing what I love." I said, looking back at the crops which I was working on with a fatherly feeling. He noticed my expression and gave me a gentle look. "Well, if that''s the way you like it, then so be it. Just always remember, if things becomes too tough, you can always ask your uncle for help." He told me as he affectionately ruffled my hair. "Yes uncle, I''m truly grateful." I told him seriously, in which he responded with a smile. "Alright then, I have to go now. We gotta tighten the security around the mansion due to last night''s trespassing. Take care, understand?" He told me as he departed. I watched him leave until he was no longer visible before returning to my work. I spent the rest of the afternoon sowing seeds and watering my plants. XXXXX "List''n, list''n! Listen Hortus!" Jones called me as we were eating. I placed the sandwich back to the wooden table to hear what Jones wanted to say. Currently, it was only the two of us assigned in an area near the huge tower from before. "What is it?" I asked Jones inquisitively, a little irritated as I was bothered while eating. "D''ja know ''bout last night''s trespassin''?" He asked excitedly. With the previous year I''ve been working with this guy, I understood one thing. Jones is a huge gossipmonger. A troublemaker in all sense of the word. Thinking about his words, I responded with a nod. Who wouldn''t know about yesterday''s events? Three masked individuals were caught snooping around the mansion. Though they were noticed early, they were quick with their feet and was able to flee before they were apprehended. This stirred unrest with the workers of the mansion. "Well, guess what I''ve heard? Apparently, those dang bandits were after the crystal''s source!" He told me with excitement. It took me a moment for his words to sink in. "Crystal?" I asked with a puzzled expression. "Wha? Ya din''t know ''bout the crystals?" He gave me an incredulous look before explaining "Y''know... In the Duke''s fief, people like us be raisin'' plants and breedin'' animals, right?" He asked me. "Yeah..." I muttered softly and Jones slightly nodded at my answer. "Well, somehow, the Duke is able ta produce high quality crystals in th'' shape of flowers or small critters, which appears oddly lifelike." He began explaining to me, which I responded with a doubtful gaze. "Dun'' lookit me like that, it be real! Somehow, the plants we grow or animals raised, after be strange unknown process, them be turning to crystals! That gotta be magic! Magic, I say!" He said strongly, which caused me to be even more doubtful about his words. "Keep dis ''tween us, but... There was a time when I followed where the sawyer be bringin'' the timbers. I snuck around and finally, I discovered where. It be inside the huge tower! After he brought the goods in, I waited for a while and guess what? When he left, he was carryin'' a ginormous crystalized tree! That ain''t be nothin'' else but magic!" He continued his story with unrestrained excitement. Though his words are suspicious, his gossips are mostly right on the spot. But still, magic? "... I can''t believe something like that unless I see it for myself." After thinking deeply, a soft mutter escaped my lips. Jones, who saw my countenance, suddenly wore an enlightened expression before hastily departing, only leaving behind "Just wait and see, dis gun be great!" before disappearing into the distance. I could only wear a baffled expression at his sudden impulsiveness. XXXXX The sun had already set and the stars illuminated the depthless dark sky. I began finishing up for the day and preparing the necessary tools and materials for tomorrow''s work. Ever since our conversation this afternoon, Jones was nowhere to be found so I also had to do his part. "Urghmm..." I let out a tired voice as I stretched my limbs to keep me alert. The moon began peering through the thick clouds and bestowed the land its brightness during the ungodly hours. Seeing the full moon, I couldn''t help but feel awed by its majesty. The blueish ambience of the night sky reminded me of the shimmer of precious stones. Speaking of which, Jones had told me earlier that here in the Duke''s residence, crystals could be created. Well, such a story reeks of unbelievable lies. If I remember correctly, he noted how it''s likely that the crystal was created in the stone tower... Well, Miss Sasha ingrained to me not to enter the tower under any circumstances when I was first employed here, so Duke Hilton having a secret inside that tower isn''t too farfetched, but for it to be magic? Impossible. As I was deep in my thoughts, my eyes wandered through the dim clouds and the numerous twinkling stars before reaching the stone tower. With my gaze following the silvery moonlight reaching the inner sanctum of the tower through the single window up above, I was left speechless... breathless by what my eyes reflected. An angel... A goddess. Beneath the azure rays of the moon, glistening in the darkness, looking forlornly in a distance... A silvery-white haired woman stood solitarily inside the tall tower. An appearance similar to an incarnation of a goddess, a miraculous existence. She was a woman more beautiful than any other. If I were to liken her to something, perhaps, ''a crystal hidden underneath the darkness of earth, shining by its own lonesome'' would be a representation close to her greatness, but it was still a lacking description compared to her majestic visage. I gulped audibly as my eyes were sucked into her beauty. I was captivated, to say the least. Unable to avert my gaze away from this nearly perfect beauty. Who was she? How come I never knew, never heard about such a woman? Various questions popped up in my head, my thoughts spinning around, causing my head to ache. If I were to point out a single flaw... Mayhap it would be her eyes. Those crimson eyes looking into the far distance felt blank. Those pair of glowing red orbs that bathed in the moonlight seemed empty, seemed dull... seemed lifeless. As I stood unmoving, admiring the fairy-like woman, her gaze moved towards my direction. It was just an instance, but definitely, our eyes met. Those piercing balls of crimson stared right at me, or rather, through me. It felt as if she couldn''t see me, couldn''t notice my existence, as if I was nothing, something not worth her time. My chest tightened, it was suffocating, nauseating. A sensation I''ve never experienced before. A drowning feeling of darkness enveloping my existence. This dark emotion... noticing my own darkness fills me with nothing but disgust. Revulsion at myself. Perhaps, it was just right for her to ignore my existence. A miserable creature like me... In order to suppress the welling darkness that was beginning to devour my ego, I fled. It made me feel worse with myself, but I knew I had to run away. After all, the stronger her light, the darker my shadow. I let out a silent wail to release my culminating emotions. Unable to voice out my fear. I dropped to my knees as I wore a self-mocking expression. "Really, how revolting..." I muttered a sigh, muffled by the breezing night gale. I guess nighttime isn''t as quiet as I first thought... Maybe, the inaudible wishes of a person for someone to save them was just always drowned by the eerie silence of this tangible darkness. Forever lost along the winds, reaching not a single soul... Sighing once more, I slowly stood up and lethargically returned to my sleeping quarters... It has been a very long day. XXXXX Spoiler : This marks the end of part 1 of "White Lies"... I''ll try to finish the rest as soon as possible. No promises though. Story 1: White Lies (Part 2) Spoiler : Author''s Note: Here''s part two of the first story in the collection, white lies. Sorry if you have trouble reading Jones'' part as I tried to keep his unique character without making the text incoherent. I could perhaps make a translation of his words, tell me in the comments if you want to see a translation. Plus there are parts which are a bit violent below, with physical and mental trauma applied to some characters so reader discretion is advised. ----- "Hehehe... Ah knew it. Dem fugitives be returning here soon after turning tails." I be thinkin'' to meself as I snuck behind dem trio. Dey be busy wit breaking in as fast as dey could, so dem three ain''t be noticing me trailing dem behind. "Dis gonn be a shocker fer dat Hortus, once I get the proof dat magic exists... Ah, I can''t wait fer his darnedest surprised face." Me voice leaked into the air as I couldn''t control me excitement. I be feelin'' like sum adventurer dat be sneaking into some stinkin'' king''s tomb fer dem riches. "Gyaaaaa---!!!" Ah be hearing a loud cry of pain, feeling da shivers, I thought ''bout fleeing, but me curiosity be strong. No matter what the predicament be, I be bravin'' them adversities. As I slowly snuck towards da source of the sound, ah felt me pulse rise with a mix of fear and eagerness. Wit each step, I be feeling closer and closer to the mysteries behind dis mansion, which couldn''t help but be fueling the flames in me heart. But before ah reached the scene, I heard a loud sound from behind. ''Fore I could look back, a sharp pang of pain came from me neck, coarsin'' through me body. The next instant, I had already lost me consciousness... Oh, how ah regret me decisions... Pops, please fergive yer unfilial child. Dem be me last thoughts before the darkness had taken over me. XXXXX <> *THUD* The young man''s body fell down with a loud thud after I hit his neck with the hilt of my sword. Looking at his clothes, I recognized him as the son of one of our old gardeners, and a good friend of my nephew. "Captain! We''ve subjugated the ones on our side already. What are your orders, sir?" A subordinate of mine told me that they had subdued the three invaders from before. Glancing at the unconscious body by my feet, I responded loudly. "Tie them up and carry them into the tower." I spoke while hiding my emotions as I carried the youngster''s body and walked towards the stone tower. What else could I do? I''m just a knight and the Duke is my lord. His words are absolute, as per my oath. I can only hope to the heavens that this child wouldn''t suffer a terrible fate... With the boy in tow, I slowly made my way to my destination, as the overwhelming silence of the dun dusk made my heart quiver with every step. XXXXX <> ''The moon... How beautiful.'' I bitterly thought to myself as I bathed on the moonlight through my only connection to the outside world. The window in my dark prison. Brightly shining, even through the darkness that envelops it... Unchained, unbound, unfettered... Up above the sky, away from the sinful lands of this world. Unable to be touched by human hands, far from the darkness of these evil creatures... these blackhearted monsters. As I broke my gaze towards the great light of the night, I looked down into the ground. Trees, flowers, shrubs... The dark green hue of the foliages filled my vision. Seeing the green grassy ground from above, I felt the sense of height in this stone tower. ''If... I fall from this height...'' A dark thought loomed within my mind. I shook those thoughts away after glancing at the steel that bound my limbs. I''ve already seen multiple people die with my own eyes. People fighting, heartlessly killing their own kind, all just to possess me. The daughter of this cursed bloodline. The last remaining child of Lastcry. Remembering those meaningless bloodshed done to capture me, the desire-filled eyes of those ignoble nobles... I let out a long sigh. This is just the fate of the girl born with this ability, this curse that makes the living that she touches transform to crystal... This is the just the destiny of mine, the fate of Seilil Lastcry. XXXXX *Clink clink* The sound of chains being unlocked reached my ears, soon after, a creaking noise resounded in the room, followed by the door opening. After looking behind me, my brows furrowed in a frown. The man who entered is the last man I''d rather see. The one who ordered my imprisonment, Duke Eincrad Salaez Hilton. "Hohoho... It surely has been a while since I''ve visited this... room." He stopped for a moment to look around before finishing his words with a look of disgust. I silently glared at this potbellied man with hostility. "Hmph." He harrumphed at my stare before turning his head towards the door, "Bring them in." He bellowed with a commanding tone. Soon enough, some armored men brought in three individuals. The three men were bound and gagged with hempen rope and fabric. Afterwards, another man was brought in which wore a different clothing, but was also bound in the same manner. "This is...?" The Duke looked at the fourth bound man questioningly. Before long, a woman wearing a dark grey maid clothing answered back. "Milord, that is the son of old Carley. He was caught snooping around in the premises of the tower when the guardsmen had captured the three trespassers." The glasses wearing maid answered the query quickly with a calm expression. "Tch, didn''t I tell you to make sure no one would go near this tower unless I allowed them so?" He angrily stated as he swung his hand towards the maid, causing the maid to stumble. "I, apologize... Milord." The maid responded as she laid on the ground. The pitiful maid fell to the floor from the hit, her glasses cracked from the impact when it flew. Soon after, a bearded knight had helped her up. "Fine, enough. Make sure this doesn''t happen again. Tsk, if only he wasn''t the son of that fogey who saved my father''s life back in the days, this child''s life would have been forfeit. What would the masses think if the son of my old coot''s benefactor died under my territory''s protection." The Duke grumbled his annoyance, before looking back to the three bound men. Looking at the pitiful situation of the three, he smiled in schadenfreude. "Fred... Gouge their eyes out." A heartless command was spoken. ''What...?'' I couldn''t comprehend his words... Although I''ve seen many deaths, most of them were swift and precise. A bloody task like gouging eyes, I''ve never seen one in my life. I look horrifiedly at the monster wearing the skin of a man, the heartless Duke. "Yes, Milord." My face paled at those words. I closed my eyes, not wanting to see the inevitable doom that would soon fall on the trio. "Mmmph! Mrrmm! Mphhh!!!" Their dreadful shrieks reached my ears. I shivered at the thought of the sounds they would''ve made if they weren''t muffled like that. When silence had finally taken over the room, I slowly opened my teary eyes. On one corner of the room lies three corpses with a stab wound in their chests. On the other, was a terrified young man with widened eyes filled with disbelief. Seeing me, the Duke broke into a smile which I could only describe as feral. His next words then instilled a greater fear to me than ever before. "Child of Lastcry..." He spoke, with a voice which I felt like it was something no longer human. He slowly inched closer to me, which caused me to back myself into the cold, stone wall. Once he reached an arms length away from me, he spoke once more. "Won''t you please... Turn these into crystals?" He whispered to me eerily. The next moment, 6 squishy objects fell into my lap, as red pungent liquid stained my clothes. Trying to escape reality, I didn''t want to believe what was just passed to me. Those three pairs of orbs... staring straight at me. Nausea drilled into my mind, as an urge to vomit filled my thoughts. Looking at the demon incarnate smiling in front of me, how I wish everything was just a dream. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. "Wh...y." With my final ounce of strength, I hoarsely muttered with the voice that I haven''t used in years. I felt as if my heart was being gripped by an invisible force, as I looked into the devil''s eyes. Tears began to fall out of the eyes which I thought that couldn''t cry anymore... My heart screamed in protest, with a voice that I know... would never reach anyone. A plea for help... to free me from this wretched world, this cursed fate. XXXXX <> I couldn''t look at her anymore... This pitiful child. It was all my fault, but what else could I do? I''m just a puppet, the hands of my Lord. I cannot disobey him, else, who knows what he might do to my family. If he so wished to take my life, I can do nothing else but grudgingly sever it with my own hands. His words are the law. His words are absolute... But seeing this traumatized child becoming like that, because of my own actions, gives me an extremely suffocating sensation. ''How could this monster do that... to his very own daughter?'' I inwardly thought the words I can never say to the face of this man. It was almost seventeen years ever since this child''s mother gave birth to a child she''d never wish for, a child that was forced into her body when her purity was forcefully taken away by the evil Duke. When I asked that girl who was even younger back then, compared to this child, about what she wants to do with her child... She broke into tears. Although I thought she cried because she never wanted to bear the shame of giving birth to that man''s child, she said otherwise. What she was sad about was giving birth to a girl who would suffer like her. She didn''t wish for her daughter to experience the unspeakable things she lived through, all because of their bloodline. How she couldn''t even help her daughter nor touch her directly because of her curse, torn her heart to shreds. Even more so, because her time was nearly up... How she wouldn''t even be able to help her child grow up, or watch her life, gives her a type of pain that I could only imagine. Thinking about how this girl might end up like her mother, causes my heart to ache. Though I wanted to help this child, in front of the Duke''s commands, what could I do? "Aha... Ahahahaha! Yes! Yes! My lovely little orbs!" The Duke''s maniacal laughter echoed in the room. "Quick, quick! Take my lovelies away from that vile witch''s grasps!" The crazed man said almost fanatically. Understanding the situation, I moved to comply to his wishes. When I reached close to her, she looked at me with dead eyes... begging, tearful eyes. Her hands fell limp and her face pale. I took the white crystals from her lap and spared her a final glance to look at her trembling body with sadness before returning to the Duke and giving him the crystalized eyes of the three poor criminals. When he held the six orbs, he raised it and look at it with eyes glimmering with worship. Full of adrenaline and shivering with excitement, he ran downstairs without any warnings, leaving the rest of us slacked jaw by his sudden impulsive behavior. Sighing, and regretting certain decisions I had in life, I ordered my subordinates to dispose off the corpses and untie the trembling Jones after giving him a stern warning at how nothing he saw must leave his mouth. After the rest of them had already left, I followed suit, but not before giving one final glance towards the young girl that was chained up in her own corner. Oh Selia... How I hope I can lend a hand to your daughter at least... XXXXX <> "Haaa..." A sigh leaked out my mouth after I had once again recalled the image of that girl strongly imprinted in my memories. I shook my head to put those thoughts in the furthest recesses of my mind. Having no drive to do anything but wallow in self loathing, I decided to walk around the vast property. I encountered a few fellow workers whom I greeted a bit awkwardly as my thoughts were floating someplace else. As I was thinking about how I would spend my time, I saw from the corner of my eye, a familiar figure. It was Jones, who was actually working properly for once! He was plowing the fields near the border of the Duke''s property, near the fortified stone walls. Seeing him, I decided that it would be a good idea to talk with him to drown the dark emotion that was looming within me. For once, I would really like to be affected by his cheerful attitude and eccentricity. "Hey Jones! Ugh, yesterday you left really abruptly. I even had to do your--- What''s with that expression...? Hey, did something happen?" I called out to him, but after hearing my voice, his face suddenly paled. Seeing him act like a frightened animal is really unusual, if not strange. "N-no! I, I dunno nothin''! I swear! A-Ah''m sorry, I dunno, I dunno, I swear...!" When I tried coming closer as I was becoming worried for him, he began hysterically shrieking incoherent words while repeatedly shaking his head with his hands covering his ears. "H-hey...!" I tried reaching out to him, but halted my arms in the end. Seeing his frightened expression, I don''t think I can do anything to help him right now. Soon enough, the old Carley noticed Jones'' current state, he dropped what he was holding and quickly rushed over to his son''s side and tried to calm him down. It took a while but after Jones did calm down, he became silent, perhaps even too quiet especially compared to how talkative he usually is. He couldn''t even look at me in the eye without quickly averting his gaze towards the ground with a fearful expression. When I asked Jones'' father about what happened, he frowned and told me not to ask about it anymore. Jones left afterwards to return to his room in the worker''s quarters while supported by his father. I could see him still pale and was trembling quite a bit as he left. What... was that... what on earth happened to that guy?! I spent the rest of the day working with a confused mind. XXXXX Just what was that from earlier... "Haa..." I let out an audible sigh as I finished up cleaning my workplace and returned my tools in the shed. While I was lost in my thoughts, my legs have subconsciously brought me to the sleeping quarters. Us workers live under one roof, our sleeping quarters. Each of these small rooms had a bed which fits half the whole room''s size. Beside it was a desk with a lockable compartment where you can place your personal belongings inside and a candlestick holder on top of the said desk. Each room was the same with one another, with only a thin wooden wall separating each. As I lay my tired body, I heard a soft dreadful voice from beyond the wall. The voice sounded familiar, yet felt strange. It came from my neighboring room, Jones''. He seemed to be muttering incoherent things, which sounded anxious, if not afraid. "Hey, are you alright?" I spoke with a low voice, with a sound that isn''t too loud nor too soft, just enough for him to hear my words without it reaching the other rooms. It was already the dead of the night and people are tired, wanting to do nothing else than just sleep. *Gasp* I heard a surprised gasp after the words left my mouth. It was followed by a stifling silence, before a shaky voice responded. "H-Hortus...? That you?" Jones'' voice reached my ears, though it was hoarse and was rather soft. I could still understand his question through his tone, so I answered with an affirmation. "Yeah..." I responded gently, fearing that he would be like earlier again if I were to act brashly. A long silence sprouted between us again which went on for a while before he broke the ice with a determined voice. "T-the tower. Never go near the tower... Never---!!" He told me with a voice that sounded like he was warning me about something. Something terrible. Something better left unknown. Afterwards, he became quiet once again. I was baffled by his words, but I left him alone as I have no clue as to what I could do to help him. All I know is that, everything I want to know, the answers to all my questions can be found inside that tower... The truth veiled within the darkness of secrets, like the moon hidden in the dim of the night, the dark lies.