The Beast and the Sword Book 3: A Koi's Journey

Page 22: The Princess, the Blue Wolf and the Symphony

The sun rose early that day in Tolsa. Liam had been the first to arise out of all the others, as it had been per the norm. Though he didn't look happy, not in the slightest. Normally he would be happy on a day like this, but when he looked back on it, and the person who took care of him... He couldn't help but feel melancholy.

When he thought of his father now, he thought of the man, no, the monster he turned into.

All he could think of... Was why?

His thoughts had been clouded with this, as he wanted to calm himself. That's when he noticed, Nero who had gotten his attention sitting on a piano, her wing all healed. She seemed to know what it was that could calm him, as she gestured to the piano keys.

No words could be said, as Liam understood. He went towards the piano, and sat on the bench. He started to press on a key, looking disinterested as he thought of the person he once considered his father. What he called himself in the cave. And the haunting smile. He knew who he was... He wasn't a beast, he was a kind and gentle man, just like a girl he has always known.

Just as he thought of this, he heard a note play that his hand hadn't been hoovering over. He looked over and noticed Prism, beside him, in her wheelchair. She gave a warm, gentle smile, despite the wounds she had bared, and despite how tired she looked; even as she caressed his cheek. Nero tweeted at them, as if she had been asking them to do something, which had been agreed upon by Shiromori, who had slithered at their feet, tying his tail around both of their ankles.

Even Adrien seemed to have encouraged the two of them as he approached them from behind, nudging their elbows slightly. Prism only shrugged before she gestured to the piano.

Finally, Liam gave a small smile, as he gave Prism a pat on the head.

With the hands of a predator, he began to play a soft melody. Prism soon began to play along on the other half of the piano, despite her only having one arm.

***

(Second Opening Theme: Arifureta S2 OP-Daylight Performed By MindaRyn)

The students at the Magic Academy had gathered as one of the teachers was telling them about an old battle a certain royal family faced. The students looked very interested as they stood in the ruins; those students of course included the residents of the Ideal Paradise and Prism and her friends.

Yami of course had been there as well, for additional supervision and Aine was there as his assistant.

"And this is where one of the most powerful mages faced against the major threat of bandits in the clover kingdom." The teacher---Marinate said, "It's unknown where Clavar La Ursa went afterwards."

"But didn't he harm the royals of the Clover kingdom?" One of the students asked.

"I heard he would challenge them when the full moon rises and when the moonlight vanishes, his opponent is nowhere to be seen."

"I heard they tried to assassinate one of the Silva royal families." Ellen proclaimed.

"Yes, that was the official statement---Back 60 years ago." Marinate said, "But 20 years ago, it was discovered that was false.

"False?" Ellen said.

"It's because they discovered Clavar La Ursa's journal." Seren said, "It was discovered by a Historian as he was investigating the claims that the Barbados Family were villains."

"If Pluck heard the villain part, he would have a field day." Aine whispered, earning a small giggle from Prism, while Brenin nodded.

"What was that?" Seren asked, causing Aine to shrug as she gave an innocent smile.