Exodus Files: Gates of Hell.

Chapter 10: Their Past

"We will be together forever, I promise" Shilu swore as they make a pinky promise. Sora smiled the sweetest smile "I Promise. I really love you sister."

Sora Uchida and Shilu Vhalgas were both orphaned at a very young age; one has no recollection of her past, the other losing her parents during an invasion.

It was a cold winter evening, the snow filled the streets of Magestra. "Okay, kids, dinner is ready!" a nun invited the orphans as she prepares their meal. While everyone was excited, Shilu just snubbed the nun and walked out of the dining room.

Shilu was the stoic one amongst the orphans, she prefer to stay away and play alone than to be bullied by the other kids. She went outside the orphanage and sat on the pavement, and stared blankly at the empty street. The little girl then noticed a silhouette from a distance. The image started to become clearer as it comes towards Shilu. She was startled at first but when she realized that it was a little girl, Shilu immediately approached the girl, catching her as she faints.

"Will she be alright, sister?" Shilu worriedly ask the nun while she nursed Sora "She will be alright." the nun replied as she patted Shilu's head. The nun left the room to take some medicine while Shilu decided to stay. The curious little girl watched Sora as she sleeps.

The following morning came. Shilu fell asleep in the bedside while holding Sora's hand. Sora woke up, immediately noticing that she is not in the streets anymore. Shilu arose and found Sora is already awake "Oh, you're awake!" she exclaimed excitedly. Shilu was about to stand up but Sora refused to let her go "Uhm...were you the one who helped me last night?" Shilu nodded. Sora's grip became tighter "Arigatogozaimasu...I owe you my life."

"Looks like you've found yourself a friend." the nun said as she enters the room, Shilu pulls her hand as she turns to the nun, she was a bit embarrassed "NO. Hmpf" she then walks out.

The nun apologized to Sora "Sorry about Shilu, since the day she arrived, she have never made any friends. She seldom talk to the other kids and always wander off alone." Sora was saddened of how Shilu reacted, and then looked outside the window. The young girl then clapped, as if a bulb lit up "I have an idea, I'll befriend her!" the nun was surprised "You seem to be okay now. Anyway, I'll show you to your new room" Sora was ecstatic "REALLY? I'm really grateful."

A couple of weeks have passed, Sora was able to quickly adjust. Although constantly ignored and avoided, Sora tried to befriend Shilu. One morning, Sora was strolling in the orphanage's garden. "She must've been through a lot of things..." The maiden worried "speaking of her could she be?" Sora thought. As Sora was about to continue walking, she noticed that someone was on the rooftop, as Sora looked up, Shilu already jumped off.

With only seconds to react, Sora summoned the wind and catches Shilu. "What were you thinking? You scared me there..." Sora scolded Shilu, while bursting into tears "You don't understand a thing...how hard it is for me to be alone...how sad it is for me to have no one. I am better off dead." Shilu just gave Sora the cold shoulder and turned her back, but even before she can move, Sora grabbed her by the hand "Then let me understand. Let me be there for you." Sora said while wiping her tears, trying to look strong. Shilu calmed down. For a moment, someone cared. "I-I'm sorry." Shilu then faced Sora. The blue-haired girl said "From now on, we will be friends okay?" she then smiled.

Although it was not really a fast process, Shilu started to like Sora, letting her defenses down and bit by bit softens toward the new-found friend. Days gone by and their bond became stronger.

One day, a wizard came by the orphanage and saw the two girls, He noticed at once that they have potentials. He adopted the two youngsters and trained them to be mages. Sora immediately mastered the power of the wind, while Shilu slowly learned the power of fire.

The sisters were separated during Gates' raid. Magestra was severely damaged and innocent lives were perished. The wizard was away when all of that happened, leaving the young mages fend for themselves. Gates attacked the wizard's home in hopes to find clues of the Crystal Pillars. Sora and Shilu tried to fight back but was overpowered by the armored entity. Sora was badly injured and was about to be annihilated by Gates when Shilu stood in front of Gates and shouted "I won't let you hurt my sister!" The tyrant was pleased of what he is seeing.

 "You are a foolish child." the ruby in Gates' chest plate started to glow,charging up for a blast. Shilu, desperate to save her sister, proposed "Leave my sister alone...I'll surrender my self and be your slave." Gates stopped for a minute, and spoke "and what good will I get if I agree."

the girl immediately replied "I know where the pillars are."

Gates accepts the deal. The two left Sora unconscious. By the time the wizard arrived, everything was gone. After the tragic events, the wizard vowed to take tremendous care of Sora.

"So, you mean you're Sora's adoptive father?" Niv asked Arlaz, while scratching his head in confusion "Yes." Arlaz answered, while preparing tea for his guest.

Arlaz Winslogg. The Monsoon Lionheart. He is considered one of Magestra's strongest Head Wizard. He decided to retire in Dao Lung City after a long period serving as Magestra's Head Wizard and sells potions, magic books and scrolls. 

How come you don't want to fight the Mergers?" Niv questioned again "It's about time we fight, and get Shilu back." Niv tried to persuade the old elf, but Arlaz gave Niv a frown as a reply "I am afraid I don't have the will to do so...Forgive me if I refuse to participate, but Sora and I will stay out of this mess."

Sora was saddened by Arlaz's answer and ran off crying. Niv stared at Arlaz for moment before following the girl. Arlaz was silent the whole time. The old wizard then sat down and took out the now carved crystal dagger "I hope that you will understand, Sora." 

The young girl kept on running until she reached a creek, there, she stopped and continued sobbing "How could he do that to me? I was waiting for the right moment to see her again...I want to save her." Niv appeared, emerging from shadowy smoke, and approached Sora to comfort her. Niv looked at her, "Do not worry, we will make a way to save your sister." Niv said as he wiped Sora's eyes "Really? You will help me?" Sora asked, her face lightens up. Niv gave a smile and nodded. "Let's go, we need tons of rest if we want save Shilu..." Niv said as he clapped his hand on Sora's shoulder.