CHAPTER SIXTEEN: CITY OF EDEN

The sun painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson, signaling the start of a new day in Eden. In a shared room above a bustling tavern, a young lord of the White Wolf clan, stirred from his slumber. Tangled hair clung to his forehead as he stifled a yawn, his gaze falling upon his comrade Kazuo, who was snoring like a lumberjack.

A familiar irritation flared in Shinji. Without a word, he flung his pillow at the ginger-haired man. The pillow bounced harmlessly off Kazuo's head, leaving the man undisturbed in his slumber. Shinji grumbled, reaching for a cigarette as his eyes drifted to Guy, who slept soundly despite the cacophony beside him.

How does he do it?  Shinji wondered, a touch of envy creeping into his thoughts.

He snatched a towel from the bedpost and left, pausing at Mika's door. A quick rap followed by a calloused knuckle against the wood.

"It's me," Shinji announced.

Silence echoed back.

"Mika, open up."

Silence stretched, thick and heavy. Shinji cursed, a cold dread settling in his gut. He tested the knob, finding it unlocked. The room was empty, the air stagnant, a letter addressed to him resting ominously on the nightstand.

Damn it, Mika!

***

The express train hurtled towards Eden, a city of gleaming towers and technological marvels, a sanctuary forged in the ashes of the Great War. Mika stared out the grime-streaked window, Shinji's parting words echoing in her mind, the weight of her unspoken secret heavy on her heart. Her fingers intertwined with a few of those of the orphaned children on this uncertain journey.

Rom, sensing her unease, asked, "Still thinking about them?"

Mika offered a weak smile. "Hello to you too, Rom. How are the others?"

"Out like lights," he replied with a yawn, stretching his lanky frame. "They were buzzing last night, all excited about Eden."

Mika's face was etched with concern. "You should get some rest, Rom. You look exhausted."

He shrugged, a shadow passing over his eyes. "Nah, I'm used to it. Gotta keep the little ones safe, you know?"

"You're a good brother, Rom."

A blush crept onto his cheeks, but his eyes remained troubled. "They drive me crazy most of the time," he mumbled, looking away. “But someone's gotta make sure they don't..." He trailed off, unable to voice the fear that gnawed at him.

The unspoken plea hung heavy in the air between them: Don't die.

"Hey," Rom's voice was barely a whisper. "You could still come with us, you know? Forget about those humans... those friends of yours." Desperation tinged his words.

"You said they mistreated you. Why stay with them? I hate them. I hate humans!" His voice rose, trembling with barely suppressed rage and grief.

Mika's heart ached for him. At fourteen, he had already seen too much darkness. She cupped his face in her hands, her touch gentle as she wiped away the tears spilling down his cheeks.

"I'm so sorry, Rom," Mika whispered. "For everything you've been through. I wish I could take away your pain, but all I can offer is this small comfort..." He clung to her, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. "It's not your fault, sweetheart," he choked out.

Mika opened her mouth to respond, but the train's announcement interrupted her.

"Attention, passengers. We will be arriving at Eden's Express Terminal in five minutes."

Rom pulled away, hastily wiping his face. "I'll check on the others. Stay here, okay?"

Mika nodded, her gaze following him as he disappeared down the aisle. The weight of her secret pressed upon her, a suffocating burden she couldn't bear alone.

***

The towering buildings of Eden City gleamed like a mirage in the afternoon sun, a stark contrast to the grime-streaked windows of the train. As Mika and the children stepped onto the bustling platform, their eyes darted between the sleek, futuristic structures and the sea of unfamiliar faces.

"Whoa, look at that one!" Luke tugged at his brother's sleeve, pointing at a spiraling tower that seemed to pierce the heavens.

Rom chuckled, ruffling the boy's hair. "Don't wander off, you two. We'll explore later, I promise." His gaze drifted to the imposing checkpoints, where guards in crisp blue and white uniforms stood like statues.

A nervous knot tightened in his stomach.

Mika mirrored his gaze, her emerald eyes wide with wonder and apprehension. "Remember," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the crowd's din, "one misstep..."

"...and we're done for," Rom finished, his smile fading as he scanned the sea of faces for any hint of recognition.

They approached the first checkpoint, each step a thunderclap in their chests. Mika presented their forged passports, her hands trembling slightly as the guards scrutinised their faces. A bead of sweat trickled down her temple.

"Welcome to Eden City," a deep voice boomed, breaking the tense silence. A wave of relief washed over them as they hurried through, only to be met with a chilling sight at the final checkpoint. A group of Luyas Knights, clad in orange and red armour, glared at them with undisguised hostility.

A guttural cry shattered the air: "There! The Spirit Princess!"

In a flash, the knights drew their swords and charged, their armour glinting menacingly in the afternoon sun. Panic erupted as the Eden Guards attempted to intervene. Still, the Luyas Knights, fueled by a desperate fervour, cut them down without mercy.

Mika's instincts kicked in. With a cry, she leapt forward, her twin blades a whirlwind of steel as she intercepted the first attack.

"RUN!" she roared, kicking the stunned knight away.

***

Rom, momentarily paralysed by shock, snapped into action, grabbing the children and sprinting towards a narrow alleyway.

"This way! Hurry!" he yelled, his voice choking with fear and adrenaline.

"Rom! Big sis is in trouble!" Luke wailed, struggling to keep up.

"I know, damn it!" Rom hissed, his heart pounding as he turned a corner, pulling the children behind a stack of crates. He pressed a finger to his lips, silencing their whimpers as the heavy footsteps of the Luyas Knights thundered past.

One of the knights paused, his gaze lingering on the alleyway. He hesitated, then turned to investigate. But before he could take a step, a shadow lunged from the darkness, knocking him to the ground with a sickening thud.

"You bitch!" Knight spat, wiping blood from his mouth, after he recovered quickly. "We have permission to capture you! Surrender, or die!"

Mika's breath hitched as the Luyas Knight lunged. Her vision narrowed, and her ears filled with a deafening roar. Time seemed to distort as she instinctively parried his attack, her twin blades a blur of motion. A guttural scream ripped from her throat as she plunged one blade deep into his chest, her emerald eyes blazing with a primal fury she barely recognised.

For a fleeting moment, the world held its breath.

Then, the knight's body slumped lifelessly to the ground, and a wave of nausea washed over Mika as the adrenaline ebbed away, leaving her trembling and breathless.

Enraged by their comrade's death, the remaining knights swarmed Mika, their swords flashing in the sunlight. But Mika, fueled by a desperate need to protect the children, fought like a cornered animal, her blades a whirlwind of death. One by one, the knights fell, their blood staining the cobblestones.

***

Hidden behind the crates, Rom watched in horror, his arms wrapped tightly around the trembling children. The metallic clang of steel, the sickening thud of bodies hitting the ground, and Mika's feral cries filled his ears, a macabre symphony of violence. He couldn't take his eyes off the scene unfolding before him.

His sweet, gentle Mika, had transformed into a ruthless warrior, her movements swift and deadly. His mind reeled, trying to reconcile the image of the kind young woman he knew with the blood-soaked figure battling for her life.

Suddenly, a chilling realisation struck him. The Luyas Knight's words echoed in his mind:

The Spirit Princess.

Could it really be true? Rom’s heart pounded as he watched Mika dispatch the last of her attackers. Her movements were slowing, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. He noticed her hands trembling, her eyes wide with shock and horror. Before he could react, a bloodcurdling scream pierced the air.

One of the knights, seemingly dead, had risen to his feet, his face contorted in a mask of rage. He charged towards the alley, his sword raised high.

Rom braced himself, ready to shield the children with his own body. But before the knight could reach them, a motion blur intercepted him. In the blink of an eye, the knight was impaled on Mika's blade, his lifeless body crumpling to the ground.

***

The world fell silent. The only sound was Mika's ragged breathing as she stared at her bloodstained hands, her eyes wide with terror. She wrenched her blades free from the fallen knight, her knees buckling beneath her and she collapsed to the blood-soaked cobblestones, her body wracked with sobs.

The metallic tang of blood filled her mouth, the echoes of dying screams tormenting her ears. She had never wanted to kill, had only meant to incapacitate. But faced with the threat to Rom and the children, her instincts had taken over.

Fight to protect the ones you hold dear, and most importantly, Mika, fight for your own survival. Shinji's words echoed in her mind, a grim reminder of the harsh reality they faced. A child's soft voice pierced her despair.

"Sweetheart?"

Mika slowly turned, her face still hidden behind bloodstained hands. Rom stood before her, his eyes filled with a profound sadness that pierced her heart.

"Don't look at me," she whispered, her voice raw with shame and grief.

He shook his head gently. "No. No. Thank you. You did what you had to do." His voice cracked with emotion. "Even though you had to..."

Their exchange was cut short by the thunder of approaching hooves. A cavalry squadron bearing the blue and white Galanthus flag of Eden surrounded them. A knight, his armour gleaming in the sunlight, dismounted and approached cautiously.

Mika scrambled to her feet, her blades raised protectively in front of the children huddled behind her.

"Stay back!" she snarled, her voice hoarse.

"Please, Your Royal Highness," the knight said, his tone placating. "I am Captain Devone of the Blue Knight’s Brigade. Lord Eden XIII requests your presence at his mansion. He awaits you and your companions."

"How did he know we were coming?" Rom demanded, his voice trembling with suspicion. "This is a trap!"

"I assure you, young man, it is not," Devone replied calmly. "The Luyas Knights have been at our borders for days, claiming they sought the Spirit Princess under Lord Ranfel's orders. Lord Eden was forced to grant them limited access, but they broke their agreement when they’d attacked our men. We are acting under the Act of Intrusion."

Mika's eyes narrowed. "None of your men came to our aid when we were attacked. Why should we trust you?"

Devone paused, a flicker of shame crossing his face. "I will not make excuses, Your Highness. But to prove my good intentions..." He drew his sword and laid it on the ground, then removed his helmet and breastplate, placing them at Mika's feet. "If you doubt me, you have my permission to strike me down."

"Captain! That's suicidal!"

"SILENCE! You're in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Mika! Show her some respect!"

The other knights gasped, but Devone silenced them with a raised hand. "Please forgive my men's lack of decorum, Your Highness," he said, bowing his head.

Mika stared at the discarded armour, then nudged the sword towards Rom with her foot.

"Take these," she said quietly. Slowly, she lowered her blades, her gaze unwavering. “Take us to Lord Eden."

"As you wish, Your Highness." Turning to his men, Devone barked orders for them to make a clear path for them to pass.

***

As promised, Captain Devone escorted Mika and the children to the mansion. The moment they arrived, their eyes widened—guards and servants lined the grand entrance, bowing as they passed.

“Your Royal Highness, Princess Mika of the Spirit World, and her esteemed companions have arrived!” a guard declared, his voice ringing with formal weight.

Mika blinked in shock, cheeks flushing.

“There’s no need for all this,” she mumbled, caught off guard by the grand display.

A warm chuckle descended from above. “No need for that modesty. We’re merely following protocol when greeting the Royal family,” came a masked voice from the top of the grand staircase. “Welcome to Eden City, Your Royal Highness, Princess Mika.”

“PRINCESS?!” The children around her shrieked in shock.

“...Are you Lord Eden XIII?”

“Indeed I am,” Lord Eden answered. His voice was surprisingly young, far from the image she had in mind.

Rom scoffed. “No way! You don’t sound like an old geezer at all!”

Lord Eden laughed. “Flattery will get you everywhere, young man. Now, I’m sure you must be starving after such a journey coming here. Lunch, anyone?”

The mention of food sparked a chorus of growling bellies.

Mika nodded with a shy smile. “Yes, please.”

***

The dining table overflowed with food fit for royalty. Clean and dressed in new clothes, the children ate with unrestrained joy, laughter echoing through the hall. Lord Eden watched quietly, a distant fondness in his eyes.

Rom had never seen such abundance. Back in their desolate town, a stolen loaf of bread was a rare treat. Here, he could indulge in guilt-free delicacies he had only dreamed of. He made a mental note to thank Mika later.

He stuffing his face with pastries, scanned the room. “Hey, where’s the sweetheart?”

Lord Eden raised an eyebrow at the nickname. “She’ll be down shortly.”

A knock at the door signalled her entrance.

“May I present, Her Royal Highness, Princess Mika of the Spirit Kingdom,” the head maid announced.

All eyes turned. Mika stepped in—her hair elegantly arranged, her face lightly touched with makeup. She looked regal. Almost unfamiliar.

Rom’s fork hit the plate. Jaws dropped and cheeks turned pink. “Wow. Y-You look...”

The others gasped in agreement. Mika blushed and instinctively glanced at Lord Eden.

“Now that’s the Spirit Princess I remember,” he said, voice warm and sincere.

She took a step closer. “What do you mean?”

Instead of answering, Lord Eden gently took her hand and kissed the back of it. Then, he guided her to the seat beside him—respectful, dignified. For the first time since leaving her comrades, she didn’t feel so alone.

***

After lunch, the head maid whisked the children off for a nap, leaving Mika alone with Lord Eden. He led her to a grand chamber filled with portraits and ancient books.

“This is the Heirloom Chamber. It holds what remains of our history. And something of yours.” He pulled a thick golden volume from the shelf — its cover etched in Ancient Aspaniac.

The Spirits Royal Family.

Mika stared. “....What is…. This?”

“Your past,” Lord Eden said, leading her to a lakeside balcony where tea and pastries awaited.

With a nod, Mika bravely opened the book. Page after page showed royal Spirits—faces noble, familiar, and heartbreakingly distant. Then, a memory surged:

A younger Mika in dress, giggling on a library floor, clutching this very book. Laughter. Warm arms around her.

“Father!”

The book slipped from her fingers. Lord Eden caught it just in time and supported her.

“Easy, Your Highness.”

Mika shook her head, tears rising. “Stop calling me that. I’m not... I’m not her. I don’t even remember being her…”

Lord Eden’s voice softened. “Forgive me. I had to know if the rumours were true — that your memories were truly gone.”

She looked away. “How do you know so much about me? Have we met?”

He flipped to a photograph; two men, each holding a toddler. “Do you recognise them?”

Mika’s breath caught. The man on the left wore a mask.

“That’s you?”

Lord Eden nodded. “And beside me is your father. King Ferid.”

She trembled. “Then... It's true. I really am the lost princess. And my brother... he wants me dead.”

Lord Eden nodded solemnly. “Before the Great War, we had a close relationship with the Spirit Kingdom. Your father was a noble ruler who was a firm believer in peace. But there were those who opposed his vision - who coveted the Spirits' prophecy for their own gain. Their greed ignited The Great Man's War.”

Another page. Another photo of Lord Eden, King Ferid, and a third man.

Mika squinted. “...Is that… Commandant Grants Rogue?”

“Exactly. Back then, he was Luyas’ fiercest knight. They called him ‘The Demon.’ And I heard the title still holds until today.” He chuckled behind his mask.

“Believe it or not, Grants was obsessed with you — he’d talked about you for months after witnessing your performance battle against the top knights during the trainees’ graduation at the Academy. He was so damn proud of you.”

Mika laughed, cheeks flushed.

“To tell you the truth, I’d tried to bring you over here to Eden after you graduated,” Eden continued, “but Lord Ranfel pulled some strings to keep you there. Hence, I lost you to him. But I’ve promised myself — on your eighteenth birthday, I’d take you back. Legally or not. By then, Lord Ranfel couldn’t fight me unless he wanted to wage war between Eden and also the Kingdom of the Rose.”

She looked at him, eyes wide. “You were going to adopt me?”

"Well, adopting you at the age of adulthood would seem suspicious even for someone like me. Like I'd said, I want you to stay in Eden, for your own good. For you to lead your life the way you’d wanted it to be. But then," Lord Eden sighed. He looked at the picture of the three.

"Grants, that sneaky fella. He'd come knocking on my door one fine day and asked me for permission to formally take you under his wings. He swore he’d keep you safe and sound in Luyas under his family’s protection if you were to bear his last name."

“You allowed him?”

“Hell no! I denied his application. His reasoning? You had potential to become a great knight and successor to the Rogue Family. I’d told him his reason wasn’t enough - that he was no better than Lord Ranfel in using you as a trophy. And I would never allow that to happen.”

Mika looked down, heart heavy. “Was I ever more than just a trophy to anyone?”

Lord Eden’s voice grew firm. “You were more than that and still are, Your Highness. Regardless of our distance, I would’ve protected you no matter what.” He paused, then asked gently, “What will you do now? Go to the Spirit World? Or stay with Lord Shinji?”

Mika hesitated to answer him. “I don’t know. Even if I remember everything... it won’t come all at once. I’ll need time.”

"That's true." He nodded. "I was hoping that if possible, to restore the relationship between our world and the Spirit world. While I am very aware that it is not an easy task, the fact that we had peace with them for decades in peace before the Great War started said something. It's a great shame if we left things this way after all those years. But after listening to you, it might just be a selfish wish on my part to atone for my mistakes."

Mika kept silent. This was perhaps the very first time she had heard anyone talk about wanting to restore peace not just for this world but for both worlds as well. Too often had she heard people talk ill about the Spirits.

“How did you figure out we were coming to Eden?”

"To be honest, I didn't. I've received a report and letter from Grants, updating me about your status since you exiled from Luyas. In the letter, he mentioned how sorry he was for not being able to protect you like he had promised years ago. I've been on the look for you in case you arrive ger”

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the garden, Lord Eden offered Mika his arm, a silent gesture of comfort and support.

***

As they strolled the hallway, a guard approached.

“Your esteemed guests have arrived, Milord.”

Lord Eden nodded. “Thank you. Mika, if you would...”

Mika barely took a step forward when something or someone came toward her.

“Mika!” Guy’s voice boomed. He barreled into her, arms wrapped around her in a tight hug.

Shinji and Kazuo followed behind. “There he goes,” Kazuo grinned. “There he goes. All those talks about 'letting go' went straight out the window the moment he spotted her.” His grins widened and he whistled. “Damn, girl. You’ve cleaned up nicely.”

Laughter broke out. The children then ran in, drawn by the noise.

Rom stared suspiciously at the newcomers. “Who are they?”

“They’re my comrades, Rom. The people I’ve talked to you about.” Mika explained.

Rom’s face hardened. “You’re not taking her away, are you?! She protected us! She was scared... shaking even, after what happened at the checkpoint. She’d killed those bastards to keep us safe!”

The other children clung to Eden, begging not to let the others taking Mika away.

Mika knelt, heart aching for his distress. “ Rom, I… I’m not the person you think I am. I don’t deserve to be a Princess.”

“But you are a Princess! Our princess!” Luke shouted.

Mika smiled sadly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But I… I don’t remember being one. If I’m a true Princess, then you guys wouldn’t have to live the way you are…”

Rom clenched his fists. “You fought for us earlier. You could have left us to our fates. But you chose to come with us - keeping us safe. That’s what matters. That’s what made you our Princess.”

A wave of warmth washed over Mika, melting away some of the guilt and shame that had consumed her. Rom’s words are a balm to her wounded heart.

"You'll be leaving us... Just like the others. Will you be coming back, though?" Rom whispered softly.

Before she could answer him, Lord Eden stepped in.

“Her Royal Highness has duties,” he said. “Important duties that she must attend to keep all of you safe. But I promise you, she will return. Isn’t that right, Your Highness?”

Mika smiled, heart full. “I swear.”

Rom rubbed his nose. “Y-You’d better. Or I’ll be mad! I’ll be really mad!”

Mika laughed and ruffled his hair. "In return, I want all of you to be on your best behaviour while staying with Lord Eden, okay? You’re safe here." The children saluted cutely and swore they would be on their best behaviour.

“Here in the City of Eden, you are not alone, Your Highness.”The City of Eden swears to stand behind Her Royal Highness Princess Mika and her friends.”

Mika looked around—Rom, the children, her friends.

***

As the children were ushered to their rooms, silence settled. Shinji stood at the window, cigarette in hand.

“Are you angry?” Mika asked. Her voice barely whispered.

Shinji inhaled deeply, the ember of his cigarette glowing in the dim light. “No. Because you’ve made the call. You didn’t wait for someone to tell you what to do.”

Mika silently stared at him.

“I was terrified though, to hear what’d happened at the checkpoint.” Shinji continues. “But damn fucking proud of how you’d protected those children.”

A rare smile softened his features when Shinji opened his eyes. The warmth in them starkly contrasted with his usual stoicism. He stepped closer, reaching out to gently ruffle Mika's hair.

"Well done, my apprentice."

Mika's heart swelled with a mix of gratitude and affection. A blush warmed her cheeks as she looked up at him, a thousand questions bubbling to the surface. But at that point, neither mattered. All that mattered was their silent understanding, a bond forged in hardship and trust.

Down the hall, the boisterous laughter of the children echoed from their rooms. Kazuo regaled them with tales of his past conquests, much to the amusement of the wide-eyed orphans.

And in that moment—Mika knew.

These were her people, and she would do anything to protect them.