HOPE

The Parting

Ting... FLOOR GROUND...

I sprinted out the doors. Startling a few guards as I flew past them. Everything blurred to only faint outlines of greens and people. After hours if royal etiquette, I am finally free once again. My lips pulled up into a smile as the gentle breeze blew against my face, caressing them.

"Hey!" a voice shouted from a distance. I looked to my right and spotted him.

"Princess Saevi Amaeri, where are you going?" He asked.

"Greetings to Prince Dariox Ahbel... I'm going to practice." I said. He signaled his 4 male guards to retreat away.

The only man I don't hate is my brother. Although a little bossy, he actually cared about me. Like when he stayed up 7 days and nights to guard me when I was poisoned by a male when I was 6 and he's 16. The poison made my hair and eyes just ugly. They were once black and blue. Now... they are just ruined.

"Let me guess..." he said as he curled his arms around my shoulder, turning me towards the Grand Palace up there. "This got something to do with the Sky Meeting before."

"Yes. We are going to reinforce the Walls. By filling the gaps between with molten lava." I said curling my arms around his waist.

"Huh?" He looked at me confused. "Mother does know molten lava are extremely hot and that they could cool down to solid if left out too long right?"

"Not as hot as me... Hahahaha!!!" I laughed as he ruffled my once neat hair.

"Ok... ok stop it... we're going on an expedition," I said, still giggling. And immediately the smile on his face faded.

"To obtain 'vibranium' and construct a contraption able to bring molten lava to fill the gaps of all the Walls surrounding all Main Lands."

"So this is what you are in a hurry for? Practicing for the battle?"

"Brother, we are not going on a battle. We are just on a mission to obtain a substance. And the other 2 Princesses of the Main Lands is also going with me."

"How can Mother agreed to this? I can change her mind. You wait for me here." Brother said as he started stomping towards the elevator. I hurriedly jerked his arms back.

"It's not her decision. It's mine. Males aside from guards and concubines are not allowed in. And I know the one you cared most is the Princess of China." I teased.

He blushed before he pulled his hands from my grasp angrily.

"Silly. You are my little sister. Of course, I care about you. Do you know what awaits you out there? It's the BarBars. Ruthless and... just pure evil. You read about them, heard about them. Yet why are you still insisting?"

"That's why we practice."

"Stubborn... Do you think I don't know you're just curious about what's out there? Well, when's the time limit?" He asked, rubbing his temples.

"A year. Next January 2."

"Best of luck then. I should've known I couldn't change your mind." He sighed.

I smiled and hugged him tightly. "Don't worry brother. I will try to practice as hard as I can."

He hugged me back and rested his chin on my head. "Ari, just don't push yourself off the limits."

I giggled and raised my eyes to meet his. "Yes, brother."

He smiled back and reached behind my ear. He pressed the button and my eyes returned back to its hideous color.

"You look better this way." He smiled. "Now... MOVE THOSE LEGS! TIME FOR PRACTICE!"

We laughed as I playfully saluted him and continue running to my mansion.

----------one year later----------

The day has arrived. Trumpets blasted as people cheered. Throwing flowers as I rode past them on my steady horse. I must say, these noises are making me nervous. I gripped the leash so hard my knuckles turned white. But then, she snorted and turned her heads towards me. Although she can't talk, her eyes seem like she is reassuring me. I smiled back and stroked her long white mane.

"Good girl, Pegasus, good girl."

She snorted once again and looked back front. I sat straight once again. This time, with confidence.

Before I knew it, we have reached the gates. Everything dropped silent as the Main URH clicked on.

There, sat mother. She was 5 times her normal size as she sat on the golden throne.

"People Of Indonesia! People of the Main Lands! Today, Princess Saevi Amaeri will set off a journey to obtain the object that will increase our protection. Our home!" She shouted. With one final glance, mother smiled. Proudly.

The people shouted and cheered as the URH shut off. Brother came running beside me on his floating car. The FC-2.1. Latest edition. He peered out of his transparent window as his metallic black outer layer glitter under the noon sun.

"You seriously are going to use this horse? To go out there?"

"Hmhm. We don't want to attract the attention of the BarBars. And this horse has a name. It's Pegasus." I said, stroking her mane once again as she snorted at him.

"Yeah right. 'It's named after an ancient Greek myth creature'. Yeah yeah. I get it."

"You still remember what I said 10 years ago??" I asked, laughing.

"Come on. You repeated that sentence every single day after you got her for your 9th birthday. I know you are very much addicted to every single history and myths from those archaic times." He said, rolling his eyes as I chuckled.

"Whatever Brother. I'll be back in a max of 5 years. I promise."

"5 years?"

"I said max, brother. I'll be back before you know it. And you know me. I never break my promise." I said. He only smiled before he took off his necklace. The one I've been begging for my whole life.

"I am not giving it to you. Just lending it. If you manage to return alive, I will give it to you."

"Are you sure, brother?" I smirked as I admire the golden dragon head on the necklace. The diamond on its head shone a thousand colors as I gently move it under the rays of the sun. "This is the gift from the Princess Of China. Aren't you afraid of her noticing and break off your engagement?"

"This will make her protect my sister more."

"But I don't thin -"

"I promise." He smiled. He turned inside and took out a scroll. "Map. Not specific but at least you got the idea." 

I nodded and wore it over my head. "See you soon brother."

He nodded and smiled before he shouted.

"OPEN THE GATES!"

The Wall creates a series of noises before the center started falling. Engulfed by the earth. Soon, a giant hole appeared. Showing nothing but a massive sea of sands. I took a deep breath and smiled.

I'm finally out.