"GET OUT OF HERE !, YOU HAVE DISGRACED OUR FAMILY NAME". Shouted a woman in her forties.
The woman stood beside her partner as they confronted a young female. The young female wore a goggle, a black vest, messy white shirt, leather gloves, a blazer worn over her shirt like a cape, skirt, long stockings, and tall boots. Her hair is a beautiful shade of mulberry, complimenting her beautiful sapphire eyes. Her face is etched with rebellion. Behind the girl's ears feathers are visible, and she has a tail reminiscent of a swallow protruding from her back.
"I'm not a disgrace you two are !, all of your claims are all wrong !". The young girl shouted wrong.
Rotonda, the capital city of Havenhelm. A nation where magic and religion reigns. Citizens pray and place tribute to a primordial named Erlkönig. The city however is not only deeply rooted with magic, they are also deeply rooted to scientific studies of the world.
The Rundina family, a noble family consisting of Valkryies, humans with bird tail and feathers on their head. They are the ruler of Havenhelm filled with scholars with deep knowledge of magic. The family is known to spread words and gospels about the history of the world, how Erlkönig formed the world. They are also known to be inventors. Elise Rundina, the youngest of the Rundina heir at eighteen year old is such a person. And right now she is being disowned by her parents for an incident which, she is the center of.
_____
Seven hours ago, within the royal palace meeting room. The Rundina family is gathered with other scholars and nobles from all across the world. Vendela Rundina, the matriarch of the Rundina family is making a speech about divination and their new invention.
"As you all know, our cities requires more ways of producing energy. Our wind turbines are not enough. This is why we designed a new machine that could be used to power Rotonda by using Runitites as the main source of power. Through the power of divinity granted by Erlkönig, we had discovered that Runitites are highly efficient fuel source".
The scholars and nobles all took notes and clapped at the presentation.
"Sorry mother but your information is wrong". A young valkryie interjects.
"According to my research Runitites are not fuel sources, they acted more as storage for energy. Using them as fuel source will result in less efficient energy production and potentially can cause catastrophic damages to machineries because of their nature to embrittle metals". The young valkryie added.
"And what are your sources ?". A scholar asked.
"I run multiple test to discover what is the best possible fuel to be used in machineries and here is the result". The young valkryie said as she channelled her magic into a device.
The device produces a hologram images of her testing multiple materials to be used as fuel sources. The hologram displayed Runitite, a mineral found in Havenhelm which were used for arcane practices being used as a fuel to a simple electric generating machine. The result is the machine smoked and broke down during the energy conversion.
"Utilizing divination to design machines is an awful practice that never yielded result, The Erlkönig is not real you are all just believing in delusions instead of innovating technologies to further the prosperity of mankind". The young valkryie continued.
"OUTRAGEOUS ! HOW DARE YOU INSULT THE GREAT ERLKÖNIG !". A scholar said out loud.
"BLASPHEMY ! HOW DARE YOU SPEAK LIKE THAT !, YOU ARE THE HEIR TO THE RUNDINA HOW COULD YOU SPEAK OUT OF LINE !". A noble yelled.
Her father, Caelus Rundina is visibly upset by her interruption and so is her mother as she had spoken out of line and embarrassed them in front of the world greatest minds.
_____
Back in the present, Elise slung his backpack and walked through downtown Rotonda. She is visibly upset that her parents denounced her in front of the scholars and disowned her afterwards.
"Elise ! wait up !". A voice called out from behind.
"Elena ?, what are you doing here ?". Elise said in shock.
"I'm joining, I had enough of our parents with their stubbornness". Elena responded with a sly smile.
"I believe in your theory, you are always correct when it came to scientific studies". Elena added.
"But you are their favourite child... you had it all...". Elise pointed out.
"I know, but remember, me, you and Elira we are sisters, us valkryie triplets will go through thick and thin together". Elena told her sister.
"Well you said that and Elira is not here with us. She sure is very faithful". Elise snarked.
"Don't worry about her, she will follow suit but she said there is some business she needed to take care of right now". Elena stated while fiddling with her sword hilt.
"Well what do we do now ?". Elena asked her younger triplet sibling.
"Honestly I do not know, the only thing I brought with me is just my collapsible wand and the silver pendant Mr. Heimdall told me to keep". Elise said as she flicked her wand extending it.
"Well, lucky for you before I left I swiped father's wallet". Elena grinned.
"Are you serious ?, he will be livid to discover his wallet missing". Elise responded with an equally wide grin.
"Well we have quite a bit to stay at a decent Inn, so let's start with that". Elena suggested.
The two siblings giddily walked to a well established Inn downtown. They booked a twin bed bedroom and settled in for the night.
"You know, my shoulders feels so much lighter now that I am free from our parents strict rules". Elise murmured.
"Same, I just need an excuse to get out. And what you did created a perfect excuse for me to also rebel". Elena chuckled softly.
"Well, eventually we need to find our goal though, we can't really just keep on living on Inn's aimlessly with stolen money. Eventually we need to be able to fend for ourselves". Elise mentioned.
"You're right. We need to manage our budget until we are well established". Elena responded while looking at the wallet.
"Well, I'd suggest we go through the market district tomorrow to find for a job or something". Elise stated.
"Maybe, or we can start adventuring outside of Rotonda. It would be nice to be able to see the world for once after we broke free from mother and father's shackles". Elena suggested.
"We still need funds for that you know... maybe if we could get some cheap materials I can make something and sell it". Elise told her sister while removing her goggle and laid down on the bed.
"Well let's get some rest and figure it out tomorrow". Elena said to Elise as she also laid down on the bed. Both sisters fell into slumber not too long after.
_____
Rotonda market district, 11.40 AM.
Elise and Elena went around the crowded market district looking for a job and opportunity to make a living. The sisters wandered around as they face rejection after rejection after rejection. It was a struggle to try and land a job.
"Why is it so hard to find a job ?...". Elise complained.
"Well, in all fairness we are the heir and daughters of the nation leader, they do not want to get into any trouble by hiring us...". Elena told her sister.
"Sometimes I wished Mr. Heimdall is still around... He would've known what to do...". Elise sighed.
"No use in mentioning our childhood mentor, he is a criminal remember ?. Mother and Father sentenced him to death for conspiring a revolution". Elena reminded her sister.
"I still don't believe them... he is such a gentle person... there is no way he planned to start a coup". Elise responded.
"What can we say... it already happened. Besides he hid his identity from us. He never openly told us he is a demon". Elena spoke in a somber tone.
"He might be a demon but he treats us better than our own parents". The other Rundina sibling said.
"Yeah but remember... Demons are evil... never trust them...". Elena told her sister.
As they walked they spotted a familiar figure down the street.
"That's Elira !". Elise spoke, nudging Elena and pointed at the direction of the figure who went into an alleyway.
"Where ?". Elena questioned as she saw nothing.
Elise dragged her arm and followed into the alleyway. Elena yelped in surprise at the actions of her younger sister. They both then saw their eldest sibling standing in front of a abandoned building.
"Elira ! over here !". Elise shouted.
Elira with a surprised face then approached the two.
"What are you two doing, you guys needed to get out from here !". Elira stated in a panic.
"Why ?". Elena asked raising her eyebrow.
"It's not safe here, I-". Elira got interrupted by the sounds of loud footsteps.
"Hide !". Elira whispered, urging her sister to hide.
Elise and Elena complied and hid behind a rubble. Two hooded figure appeared and approached Elira.
"There you are Elira, both of your sisters had betrayed our family. You are the only one we could trust. Come it is time for you to awaken your inner magic". A male voice could be heard.
The hooded figures then revealed themselves to be Vendela and Caelus Rundina, their parents.
"Yes father, mother". Elira said as she followed them into the abandoned building.
"What is she doing with father and mother ?". Elena asked.
"I don't know but lets follow them". Elise responded. Both of them then snuck inside the building following their sibling inside in secret.
Vendela and Caelus then knocked on a heavy iron door.
"Elan, open the door. We are here to awaken your sister's magic. We need to see the Erlkönig". Caelus spoke.
The door then opened revealing a short haired man that looked a lot like the siblings down to the feather in their head.
"The lord was expecting you... come let me guide you". The young man said as he lead them.
"Mother, Father who is he ?". Elira asked as they went into the room.
"That is your elder brother, our firstborn Elan Rundina. The Erlkönig has appointed him as his personal assistant". Vendela spoke.
Elise and Elena was shocked to hear as they entered the room and overheard their conversation.
"We have an elder brother all this time ?". Elise whispered.
"Don't look at me, I'm as surprised as you". Elena responded with an equally quiet whisper.
Elan guided them to a large chamber with blood splattered over the walls and floor. Across the entrance of the chamber sits a throne with skull and human bones. The room had a distinct aroma of death enveloping it.
"Don't be scared now dear little sister, our lord Erlkönig will greet you soon". Elan said as he stepped to the side revealing a huge ritual circle. Vendela and Caelus followed Elan and stood beside him.
Elira is terrified yet fascinated by the strange room. Behind them Elena and Elise trailed silently hiding behind a pillar.
"I think I'm going to be sick... this place smells foul...". Elena murmured.
"Hold it in Lena, we can't let them discover us". Elise whispered.
"Easy for you to say, you are used to the aroma of Flintlocke's smelly workshops". Elena complained.
"Hey their workshops don't have a rancid aroma like this place". Elise retorted.
Suddenly shadowy mists enveloped the throne and slowly, a distorted shadowy figure begun to materialize. The shadowy figure eyes is glowing red, its face is distorted, and from his head grew antlers. A sinister smile formed on the distorted part of its face where it's mouth should be at.
"Vendela, Caelus, what brought my two personal assistants here". The figure spoke in a hoarse tone.
"What is that thing ?...". Elise whispered.
"I don't know...". Elena replied.
"Our lord Erlkönig. It is time, for our daughter Elira to serve you". The triplet's parents spoke.
"Hmm ?, only Elira what happened to the other two". The Erlkönig questioned.
"They rebelled, we can't trust them with revealing our plan. We had quashed most of the demons, now only a few of them remained. They are the only race of humans to ever rebel against our rule. Once we eradicate them we can then commence our plan to form a new primordial". Caelus spoke.
"Once we sacrificed most of havenhelm, the Rundina family shall rule as new primordials just like what you wrote in your prophecy". Vendela added.
"Yes, you all will become primordial, and soon we can awaken him". Erlkönig said.
"What are they talking about ?...". Elise asked.
Elena shrugged in silence.
"Yes, The Elation. The oldest primordial and harbinger of laughter. He will bring joy to the world once awakened". Elan said.
"We must have sixteen primordial soul to awaken him into this world. We had twelve existing primordial so far, once we sacrifice Havenhelm. The four of us shall became the remaining primordial required to awaken him". Caelus stated.
"But why... is it worth it to sacrifice the lives of so many people just to achieve that ?". Elira asked with a concerned face.
"Why yes it is dear, our family goal is a noble one. We will bring joy to the rest of the world". Vendela told her daughter.
"Young one you had seen me, and heard about our plans. Will you join our cause just like your brother ?". The Erlkönig asked.
"What if I refuse ?". Elira questioned.
"Well, I am afraid I must extinguish your soul here. But if you do join, I will grant you power beyond your imagination. I will awaken your innate magic". Erlkönig told the young valkryie.
Elira staggered back from Erlkönig's threat before she regained her composure.
"I have no other choice do I ?, I will join your cause". Elira said with a wide smile.
"What ? Why would Elira do that ?". Elise whispered to Elena who is as confused as her sister.
"I thought we could trust her...". Elena brows furrowed with disappointment.
"Great decision young one, we shall now awaken your innate magic". Erlkönig said as the ceiling to the chamber opened revealing a chained up valkryie citizen who struggled to escape.
"Step into the middle of the ritual circle child". Erlkönig commanded.
Elira reluctantly obliged as Erlkönig begun chanting in an unknown language. Darkness engulfed the helpless citizen as shadowy mists grab hold of his limbs and begun twisting it slowly.
Elira panted in panic at the sight before slowly her eyes glowed a faint shade of purple. Elena and Elise who hid watched in horror as the helpless citizen mercilessly mangled by Erlkönig.
"NO STOP IT !". Elise screamed revealing herself.
Elena stepped out trying to held her in place.
The Erlkönig eyes widened as he killed the citizen in a gruesome way. Elise and Elira fell is shocked at the sight as their eyes glowed. Elise's eyes grew to a shade of orange while Elira's glowed a pale purple glow.
"ELISE, ELENA HOW DARE YOU SHOWED YOUR FACE HERE". Vendela screamed.
"They know too much... Elan, we must silence them". Erlkönig said as the two of them approached the two siblings.
Elena drew her sword prepared to protect herself and Elise.
"Elise we need to go, NOW !". Elena said as Elan leapt and they crossed swords.
Elira is shocked at the sight of her sisters behind her. The Erlkönig shifted into mist and his tendrils begun to swirl around Elena.
"NO !". Elise screamed as she saw the tendrils begun encircling Elena.
Suddenly as she reached out to her flames begun to form and sputter dissipating the shadowy tendrils. The flame then hits Elan, freeing Elena. In one swift motion Elena grabbed Elise's hand and they both ran away.
"How did you do that without chanting a spell ?". Elena asked.
"I-I don't know... I just thought that I need to set the shadow on fire or you won't make it". Elise stammered.
"No matter we need to get out now !". Elena said as they ran through the hallway with Erlkönig and Elan hot on their trail.
"Can you create a flame wall to cover our escape ?". Elena asked.
Elise nodded and focused her mind on creating a flame wall. The entire hall is covered in a thick flame that singed anything that dares to touch it. Erlkönig and Elan stopped in their track.
"Hmmm so the two little birds had escaped...". Erlkönig spoke.
"No matter, we will make sure they are taken care of". The triplet parents stated as they approached their son and Erlkönig.
"Make sure they are dead. They knew too much about our grand plan". Erlkönig said before turning his gaze to the figure behind them.
"As for you little bird, I expect you to not betray me or you will be the next flame that I will extinguish".
Elira appeared and nodded silently.
_____
Rotonda east district, 3.46 PM.
Two vaklryie sisters could be seen panting heavily.
"Elise we need to get out of here, mother and father will send the entire cavalry after us". Elena urged.
Elise however however, stood in idle. Her brows furrowed as she remembered how the Erlkönig killed the citizen with no mercy.
"How could they...". She spoke, her tone filled with resentment.
"ELISE !". Elena snapped at her clapping her face.
"FOCUS, WE WORRY ABOUT THAT LATER. WE NEED TO GET OUT OF ROTONDA NOW". Elena said sternly.
Elise finally snapped back to reality.
"Sorry... You're right, let's get our items back in the Inn and bail". Elise responded.
"Forget about our items, we are wanted criminals now in the entire city. We need to leave immediately !". Elena sternly stated.
The two sisters then tried to sneak away but they realized that all of the city gates had been heavily fortified. More guards had been patrolling on the streets as well, spreading wanted posters of Elena and Elise. The two hid inside an abandoned building.
"The guards are already searching for us". Elena spoke, gritting her teeth as she keep a lookout through the upstairs windows.
Elise fiddled with the silver pendant her mentor gave to her.
"I am starting to question... are demons really evil ?... That thing... it just murdered that citizen in cold blood". Elise gripped the pendant hard as flames started to appear around her.
Elena watches her sister with awe.
"Elise, let me ask you again. How did you do it ? how did you summon those flames ?". Elena asked.
Elise then realized what she is doing.
"I-I don't know... this is the first time I did this... I just had anger in my mind and they show up...". Elise responded.
"I know". A familiar voice could be heard from the shadows.
Elena immediately drew her sword pointing it at a dark figure. Elise followed by surrounding the figure with fire, preparing to torch her.
"Elira, what are you doing here ? you traitor". Elena hissed at the figure.
"Elena, I am not a traitor". The eldest of the triplet spoke.
"I would never side with mother, father or whatever that heinous thing is". Elira stated, her face is filled with spite.
"Liar, how could we trust you ?". Elise snarled.
With no word Elira simply pulled out two satchels and handed it to Elise and Elena. They cautiously took it and look at it. Elena lowered her weapon and Elise's flames disappear. Inside the satchels are their personal belongings alongside some supplies. Elise is in shock as she pulled out a coin like device.
"You packed one of my prototype communicator ?". Elise asked.
"Yes, I got the other one so we could communicate. It's Runitite powered right ? so I just need to channel my magic into it". Elira responded.
"This doesn't change anything, why should we trust you ?". Elise snarled.
"Elise, I know I may not look trustworthy but hear me out. I know Mr. Heimdall is innocent, I had snuck on father's study and read about his entire case. I stole this note written by Heimdall from father's study". Elira said handing over a small piece of paper.
Elise grabbed the note and read it out loud.
-----
"To my dear students, they may have discovered me soon. I am sorry I couldn't stay with you for long but you must know the true history of the Rundina family, the world, and the true nature of my race, the demons. I kept a record in the city of Gearford, north Havenhelm. Look for a strange looking tower, head to the basement and bring the key, the silver pendant I gave to Elise. Please stop them from awakening the Elation, you are the last hope of humanity".
-----
"What... the pendant ?...". Elise said as she gripped the silver pendant, the memento from her mentor and teacher.
"I will act as a spy for you two from within Rotonda. I will alert you of our parents and the Erlkönig's advances through the communicator". Elira told the duo.
"Elira what about Elise's power, do you know anything about it ?". Elena asked.
"That's Elise's innate magic, it seems like she has flame control. I read it on father's study as well. When a human awakened their innate magic their eyes will glow and the colour of the glow determines the nature of their magic. Someone's innate magic will be awakened during intense emotional state like grief or resentment. This is how I proof to you two that I am not a traitor". Elira said as her eyes glowed a faint purple.
Slowly both Elise and Elena is surrounded by multiple Eliras. The duo is shocked by their sister's power.
"I control illusion, these images are all fake and not real". Elira stated as her mirror images disappeared and the real Elira is revealed to be between them.
Suddenly Elira pulled both of them into a hug.
"Elena, Elise, please, take care and survive. I will join you two soon once I am ready". Tears fell from the eyes of the eldest Rundina sibling.
"Lira...". Elena spoke softly, tears threatening to fall from her eyes.
"We will...". Elise responded hugging her tightly.
"I can create fake images of you both so you could escape". Elira told them, wiping the tears off of her face.
"I can't let my sisters die here. I also brought this so you two can sneak out". Elira handed them a cloak.
Elise and Elena with a renewed sense of purpose nodded and wore the cloak.
"I need to go back to the mansion or our parents will grow suspicious, once again please survive". Elira said as she left the building.
The duo watched as two mirror image of them formed in the street below and ran towards the eastern gate drawing the attention of the guards leaving it unguarded.
"There's our chance, Elise lets go !". Elena spoke.
The both of them make a run for it and left the city of Rotonda. However the moment they left the gate, a hooded figure blocked their path.
"The guards are incompetent, they just left their posts just so you two can freely escape...". The figure said in a hoarse voice.
Elena drew her sword knowing full well this person is an assassin sent by their parents.
"Move". Elena told him firmly.
"No can't do lady Elena, unfortunately I have to snuff you and lady Elise for treason". The assassin said as he unsheathed his long sword.
Elise pulled out her collapsible wand as they prepare for combat.
The assassin made the first move by leaping towards Elena as their sword clashed. Elise weaved her hands, sending fireballs to the assassin who dodged it easily. The assassin swung his sword from above. Elena blocked it but, the assassin removed one of his hand from the sword and unsheathed another one. Elena alarmed stepped back as her sword fell to the ground.
"Your swordplay is quite impressive lady Elena, but you lacked experience in real combat". The assassin said as he rushed, ready to land the lethal blow.
Just then he stepped back as a huge column of flame erupted from the ground between him and Elena.
"Elena ! grab your sword now !". Elise shouted as she barraged the assassin with fireballs keeping him at bay.
Elena nodded and grabbed her sword from the ground.
"Tch". The assassin gruffed.
Elena then went on the offensive and swung at the assassin with technical grace. The assassin parried her slashes but struggled to keep up as Elise continuously casted fireballs at him with pinpoint precision.
"I underestimated you two, but like I said you lacked experience". The assassin told Elena as he planted one sword on the ground and swung it upwards, sending sand and dirt to Elena's eyes blinding her temporarily.
"You are the bigger issue in this fight". The assassin said as he switched direction and rushed Elise.
Elise tried to dodge the assassin's sword thrust but he is too fast. He managed to stabbed Elise square in the shoulder.
"ARGH". She screamed in agony but, she sees her moment.
The assassin realized too late as a column of fire erupted from under him, scorching him. The man screamed in agony from the searing pain as he fell to the ground. Elena who regained his vision is horrified to see the sword lodged into her younger sibling's shoulder.
"ELISE !". She screamed as she pulled the sword.
The assassin laid on the ground, severely wounded from the flames and knocked unconscious from the pain.
"Come on sis, we had to go". Elena said as she slumped Elise's arm around her shoulder, supporting her as they walked away.
"THERE THEY ARE !". A scream could be heard as the guards returned to the gate now realizing their target is about to escape.
The guards shot their crossbows at the duo as they limped outside. One of the bolt hits Elise in the back as she screamed in agony.
"Elena just go without me...". She said weakly as blood continuously dripped, leaving a massive trail behind.
"No, we promised Elira. We will survive". Elena spoke fiercely as her eyes begun to glow.
As the guard approached Elena dropped Elise to the ground and turned around facing them with sword drawn and palpable anger is visible in her face. Her eyes fully glows an ethereal shade of Violet. Slowly, her sword is covered in a purple aura as she charged to the guards. Whenever she slashed, a wave of purple energy appeared slicing through the guards instantly cleaving them.
Elise eye's widened at the sight of her sister's innate magic awakening. After the last guard fell, Elena went back to Elise and dragged her away. As soon as they passed the gate, Elise erupted a wall of fire that blocks the passage from anyone trying to pass. The sister's escaped under the setting sun.
_____
Rotonda's central government office, 5.40 PM.
"WHAT ? WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY ESCAPED ?, WHERE IS THE ASSASSIN THAT WE SENT AFTER THEM ?". an angry female voice could be heard.
"We are sorry, madam Vendela, but the assassin you sent is severely wounded and the entire eastern gate garrison had been wiped out". A soldier said.
"You are all useless, a group of grown men lost to two adolescent girls". Vendela responded.
"Get out of my sight". Vendela shouted.
"So, the two birds had escaped their cage. No matter, I will take care of them". A voice could be heard as shadowy mists materialized behind her.
"Lord Erlkönig, I would like to apologize for this nations incompetence". Vendela bowed down.
"Save the apologies for later, for now we must snuff those two before their flames grew bigger". Erlkönig stated.
Elira overheard the conversation from outside of the office.
"Thank god... you two made it out...". She said, her eyes filled with unshed tears.