A Fateful Birthday

It was a day like any other, calm and quiet, with a gentle breeze amidst a warm air. The kind of day that was commonplace for the residents of Luminton, as it was such a peaceful little town. For them, life could be no more ordinary, and it was something they enjoyed every day.

But there was still a little special thing about this day, so the townsfolk were more excited than usual. In a small town like Luminton, birthdays were something everyone gathered to celebrate. And today was the special sixteenth birthday of a boy.

Sitting on the roof of his two-story cobblestone house, watching the smiling people going about their day, was that boy who would become a young man. His clothes, being a simple cotton shirt and pants, were ruffling a bit from the wind. His short caramel-colored hair was combed neatly, save for a small patch that stuck out at the back. His brown eyes were half-closed, as he was about to take a nap in this cozy weather.

"Terrence!" A girl called out.

The youth gasped and hopped as he was now wide awake. He yelped and waved his arms, trying to regain his balance as he was close to falling off the roof. Then a soft hand grabbed his and pulled him upright, and he sighed in relief.

"Thanks Mai." He said, looking to his savior.

The girl, who was around his age, sat down beside him and gave him a little pout. Being a Cait Sith, she had a few whiskers around her nose and a pair of cat ears atop her head. Her white sundress was made with a hole to let her long tail free. The dress swayed a little from the breeze, along with Mai's finely-brushed maroon hair, which fell to her shoulders.

"You really need to be more careful." She warned, her scarlet eyes showing worry. "What if you fell off?"

Terrence sweatdropped and looked aside. "I get it, sorry…Anyway, I guess you're done gardening?"

"Yep, so I came to join you up here."

Mai leaned back a little and looked out at the town, smiling at the happy townsfolk wandering around.

"I like how birthdays are such a big thing here. It's nice to have everyone celebrate for someone else."

"Yeah…" Terrence sighed, slumping forward a bit. "It's nice…"

Mai gave him another concerned look. "Oh come on, you can't even lighten up for your own birthday? You've been so…odd these past few days."

Terrence put a hand on his forehead, thinking about that. He couldn't be excited for his sixteenth birthday…It had nothing to do with the birthday itself, but rather how he was feeling so…off. Like something wasn't right…

"Sorry…" He muttered. "It's just…I can't help but feel like…something is wrong. I don't know what…but I just feel like that. I can't think straight at all…"

"I see…" Mai murmured, looking to the side. "Maybe it's just because you know you're growing up. Your parents did say that as we get older, we'll all feel different somehow. We'll think about how our lives will be in the future, and whether we'll be okay."

When Terrence thought about it, he figured maybe there was truth to those words. He was sixteen now, the age where anyone could be considered an adult. It was strange to him, since he hadn't really done anything well…like an adult. Not yet at least…

He then strayed to thinking of how his life would be in the next decade or two. He figured that he would most likely be in this town, continuing to live in peace. It was a nice thought…but he couldn't help but feel bothered by it.

"...Hey, Mai." He spoke up. "Where do you think we'll be…when we're Mother and Father's age?"

Mai hummed as she closed her eyes, deep in thought. After a little bit, she blushed lightly and opened her eyes, giving Terrence a small smile.

"Well…I think…I'll have settled down, with someone I love. Maybe be a mother…to at least three kids."

Terrence blinked, surprised at that. "Settle down…I thought Cait Sith never settled down…"

"W-well…I want to be different. I just want to stay in one place, living a quiet life. This town…it's perfect for me. What about you? Will you…settle down here too?"

Staying in Luminton…living a peaceful life. The only thing to worry about was keeping up with himself and his family. Family…that word shook him a little. Suddenly, any doubts he had were replaced by a focus on the catgirl beside him. Terrence became uncomfortably aware of how close they were, and how they were still holding hands. Why did she look so…different now, but still looked the same?

"U-um…Well I…will stay here, yeah." He stammered, face reddening.

Mai's ears perked up, and her tail waved. "R-really? Then um…who do you think…you'll marry? I mean…there are a few single girls close to your age…That is, if you don't want someone more mature…"

"W-well that's…Uh…"

Terrence froze as Mai scooted even closer, so her arm was now against his. She looked aside for a moment, then gave him an earnest expression.

"Terrence…I…tonight…I'll stay in your room. Your parents gave me permission, so don't worry, okay?"

The implications behind that…No way…Terrence's face was like a tomato now, and practically steaming. Him and Mai…She couldn't be suggesting…But the more he thought about it, the more he realized…

"Um…I-I would…like it…if you came to my room." He said quietly.

She blushed even brighter and nodded, then threw her arms around him and squeezed tight, only to let go quickly and start for the roof panel.

"I'm looking forward to it!" She said hastily, climbing down. "I'm gonna help your mom with the cake, see you later!"

Terrence watched as Mai closed the panel, then he let out a heavy sigh and laid back. At least for now…that odd feeling was gone. Now all he could think about was her…and why she was coming to his room at night…

____________________________________________

As usual for birthday celebrations, the townsfolk gathered at the town square. Wide tables were stacked with food and drink, and arranged in a circle around the statue of Luxord, the God of Light, a man with a bishy beard, clad in heavy armor and holding a claymore aloft.

The old people chatted happily about their days or rested on the benches, while the younger adults and youths danced and laughed the afternoon away. There were a few recently grown girls huddled at the table, whispering and giggling about the birthday boy who had become a young man.

The birthday boy himself was among the dancers, awkwardly being spun around and passed off from one person to the next. Everyone congratulated him, wishing him a good life, or encouraging him to find a good wife amongst the available ladies in the party. That only reminded him of Mai, which made his stomach flutter.

Then as the sun set and the sky turned orange, Terrence saw his father Stephan, a bearded man with spiked hair, take center stage and tap his glass with a spoon. Everyone turned to him, quieting down as he had their attention.

"Thank you all for coming!" He announced. "This is a special day for all of us! My son is finally becoming a man!"

Some people looked to the birthday boy and clapped for him, and he awkwardly smiled and waved. It was a bit embarrassing, being the center of attention. Then Stephan continued, having warmth in his brown eyes as he addressed his son.

"It makes me proud to see how you've grown. I hope you'll continue to live a wonderful life. But of course I wonder…how do you feel? Can you come up here, and give us your speech?"

Right, the speech…Terrence nodded slightly, feeling nervous about this. He stepped over to his father's side, then looked around at the crowd and took a small breath.

"Well…I actually didn't write anything." He admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "There's just been too much I was thinking about."

He was glad nobody was alarmed at that, with a few girls even giggling in amusement. Though that just made his cheeks burn, and he quickly continued.

"But uh, I want to say…that living here has been great. If I can continue to live in peace like this…I really couldn't be happier with anything else. I'll settle down and have a happy family, and work hard for them. So…thank the Five Deities for our peaceful life, and I'll thank you for a great birthday."

The townsfolk clapped and cheered for Terrence as he finished his speech, and he waved back with awkwardness again. Then Terrence's mother Marcia, a plump woman with caramel hair, tapped her glass and called out.

"Okay everyone, it's time for cake! Terrence, come and get the first slice!"

As he went to the table and cut a small piece of the chocolate cake, Terrence once again thought about his peaceful life. He knew how great it was to live in this kind of comfort. Yet…he continued to feel like something was wrong with it. He found himself eating slower than usual, his appetite wavering to the sinking feeling in his stomach.

__________________________________________

That night, Terrence was sitting on the edge of his bed, his thoughts now consumed with the impending visit of his best friend. This was going to be different from just hanging out…and he still didn't know how to feel about it.

He flinched upon hearing a knock on the door, sweating a little as he heard Mai's soft voice.

"Could I come in?"

"Y-yes!" He said with a little pitch, then coughed.

He straightened up as Mai opened the door and stepped inside, quietly closing it behind her. She wore a black nightgown, which hugged her body and nearly made Terrence look away. Still, she was so beautiful…he couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Hello…Mai." He said with a blush.

She smiled slightly, cheeks red as well. "Terrence…"

He noticed the stiff sway of her hips and tail as she walked over to sit beside him. She was so close now, her knees touching his…Terrence gulped discreetly before smiling back.

"So um…why did you want to come over this late?" He asked.

"I…wanted to talk about something." Mai said vaguely, twiddling her thumbs. "Do you…remember when we first met?"

Terrence thought about that, though surprised by the question. Their first meeting…was six years ago, when they were only ten years old.

He had gone out to play with some friends in the field, like any other day. However, things ended up different as they found a Cait Sith girl laying facedown on the grass. Everyone else was scared and confused, and Terrence was too. However, he felt compelled to move closer to check on her…

"She's alive!" He exclaimed. "We need to get her to the infirmary!"

Nobody else had the courage to move…so Terrence ended up carrying that Cait Sith all by himself. Afterwards, he checked on her every day for the next two weeks, hoping she would be okay. Finally, she woke up, good as new…

"Where…am I?" She said quietly, looking around.

"You're in our town's infirmary." Terrence said with relief. "You were in bad shape, but you're okay now."

"Terrence found you and brought you here." His mom said with a little worry. "I'm sorry to pry, but what happened to you?"

The girl looked down, her expression one of pain and sadness, with her eyes beginning to water.

"I…I got lost." She sobbed. "M-monsters attacked and…I was separated from everyone else…"

Seeing that girl, all alone and crying…made something stir in Terrence's heart, compelling him to reach out and take her hand.

"What's your name?" He asked.

"M…Mai…" The Cait Sith said with surprise. "Um…why do you ask?"

"Mai, would you like to stay with us? I'm sure the other Cait Sith are looking for you, so we'll take good care of you until they come here."

After a momentary shock…Mai gave Terrence a smile that warmed his heart. That smile…he wanted to protect for as long as he could.

"Yes…if that would be fine." She said joyously.

The Cait Sith never came…and so for the past six years, Mai had been a part of Terrence's family. In a way…they were almost like siblings. At least, that's how he thought at first. But now…

"...Yes, I remember." He said with an awkward smile. "After I saved you, you started living with us. None of the Cait Sith ever came for you, and I'm kinda sorry about that. Do you…still think about going back?"

Mai shook her head, looking aside. "Not really…I like living here. It's…more comfortable than my kin's way of life. Being settled in just one quiet, peaceful place…it's like a dream I never want to wake up from."

She turned her gaze to Terrence, and he noticed that she looked more…glowing now. She slowly leaned in, and it was like his body had become petrified. She stopped as her face was barely an inch away from his, and he could see the gleam of passion in her bright red eyes. That look…was one his parents gave to each other sometimes.

"You're the reason why I'm here." Mai whispered. "You offered me a place to stay…and I got to live with you and your parents. You're a little daft, but you're so kind. Terrence, can I…be your bride, and stay here with you forever?"

Terrence felt so hot now, and his heart hammered within his chest. He was tongue-tied, unable to form an answer. He knew what he was supposed to be doing…but couldn't bring himself to do it.

Then at that moment…he sensed…something. He couldn't put his finger on it…but he knew something was coming. Something very bad…

Mai froze and her ears folded back, and she pointed to the window. Terrence turned his head, and his eyes widened as he saw fire at the edge of town. He could vaguely hear people screaming outside. He then felt a sudden compulsion to get up and head to the door.

"Stay here, I'll go see what's going on." He told Mai hastily.

She stood up as well, her tone stern and worried. "I'm going with you. It's too dangerous for you to be alone."

"O-okay. Just get dressed first, and I'll meet you outside."

Terrence hurried downstairs and stepped outside, then froze as he was met by a horrific sight…

Marching throughout the town were a dozen knights that were heavily clad in violet armor, and one who wore black. As they passed the houses, they tossed torches through the windows, causing flames to spread. The townsfolk screamed as they rushed to get out of their homes and escape from the raiders.

Leading the knights was a young lady around Terrence's age. She was eerily beautiful like a doll, with her pure white skin and petite form. She even wore a frilly black dress that fluttered just below her knees and matched her wavy jet black hair. She strode in blood red thigh-high boots, with a hint of anger in her scarlet gaze.

The girl stopped as her eyes met Terrence's, and he felt a chill down his spine. After a moment of staring, she began to approach him. He gulped and tried to run, but he didn't get very far before two knights came over and grabbed him. He gave a futile struggle in their grasps, the feeling of fear rising as the girl came close and looked up into his eyes.

"You…seem different from all the others." She murmured.

Terrence's breath hitched as she raised her hand, summoning something in a streak of darkness. It was a falchion, a slender crimson blade with a slightly curved single edge, and an obsidian handguard studded with spikes. It crackled with energy and vibrated, as if reacting to Terrence's presence.

The lady narrowed her eyes and stepped back. "My suspicion was correct. You have the divine blood of Arum's royalty."

"W-what are you talking about?" Terrence said in confusion. "I'm just a guy!"

"So you didn't know…Hm…I suppose I better get rid of you, before you become a problem."

He squirmed even harder, but was still too weak to break free from the knights. The girl drew her sword back, then moved to thrust it at Terrence's chest. However, she stopped for a second, then quickly leaped away to avoid a red-hot ball of fire from the side.

"Stay away from our son!" Terrence's mother shouted.

Terrence looked in surprise to see her charging in, wielding a pair of golden knives and wearing what seemed to be a traditional maid uniform. Beside her was his father, who was clad in a white tunic and brandishing a silver broadsword.

"Your fight is with us, Demon!" Stephan declared.

Some nearby knights moved to attack, but stopped when the Demon girl raised her hand.

"Stay right there, I'll take care of them." She said in a lofty tone.

She dashed toward Terrence's parents, who split up and attacked her in a flanking maneuver. She avoided their attacks by pirouetting around Stephan, then swiftly slashed at his back. He barely sidestepped the falchion, then retaliated with a downward slice while Marcia went for a stab at the Demon's side.

The girl dove low and did a wide sweep with one leg, which caused Stephan to fall over. Marcia was able to avoid the attack with a backflip, and she tossed one of her knives just before she landed. The blade cut the Demon's shoulder, which made her wince and retreat a few steps.

"I must admit, you're not bad for a couple of old fools." She muttered, rubbing her wound a little.

Stephan huffed as he got on his feet. "We have more where that came from. I suggest you leave, or we'll send you back to Hell in a more painful way."

"Tch…It is you who will burn in Hell, cowardly prince."

Terrence tilted his head in confusion. "Prince? Father, what is she talking about?"

Stephan hesitated, then sighed. "I…I'll tell you later."

"You really are an old fool." The Demon girl said with a sneer. "For your cowardice, your bloodline shall end here. I swear this on my name, Princess Nadia of the Demon Realm!"

She lunged at speed that Terrence could hardly follow. His father scowled as he struggled to block two quick cuts at his shoulders. Marcia made a great leap over him and cast a yellow bolt of lightning down on Nadia, who backed away to avoid it. This gave Stephan an opening to stab at her chest, and she just narrowly sidestepped his blade. She winced as her side still got cut, and hopped away as Marcia came down on her.

"Dammit…" Nadia growled, looking at her wound. "I underestimated you."

"Is that all you've got?" Marcia remarked. "For the Princess of the Demon Realm, you seem quite weak if you're losing to a rusty old couple like us."

"Don't make me laugh, I'm just getting started!"

Terrence watched in awe as the fight continued. He had no idea his parents could handle themselves so well…Just what had they been keeping from him?

He was torn from his thoughts when the knights holding him suddenly cried out in shock and let go. He quickly turned in surprise to see Mai in her sundress. She had tackled one of the knights to the ground, and the other backed away and readied his spear. She looked up just in time to see the point coming for her, and she quickly caught it and pulled the second enemy down.

After getting up and knocking out the knight with a kick to the head, Mai grabbed Terrence by the hand and started pulling him to the side gate.

"We have to run!" She shouted.

"But…what about Mother and Father!?" He exclaimed, hesitating a little.

He looked back to see Nadia avoiding and parrying a few more attacks from his parents. She unleashed a surge of dark power from her sword, throwing them back quite a bit. The princess then frowned and pointed at Terrence.

"Don't let him escape! We must destroy the royal bloodline at all costs!" She ordered.

Her knights let out battlecries as they all focused on Terrence and charged towards him. Mai let out a frustrated groan and pulled him again, and he reluctantly followed her.

His last sight of his parents…was them desperately keeping up the fight against that Demon Princess, their blades creating sparks as they clashed.

_________________________________________

It wasn't long before the knights caught up to Terrence and Mai. As the two were surrounded, she stepped in front of him protectively, though with a worried look on her face.

"Stay back!" She warned. "Come closer, and I'll make you regret it!"

They just chuckled, and some of them reached out and grabbed at her. She gasped and thrashed at them, successfully keeping herself free momentarily. However, more took their place and caught Mai's wrists, and she was forced onto the ground.

The black armored knight shook his head. "Damn Cait Sith. At least this one is weak."

He laughed as he focused on Terrence, who froze up in uncertainty.

"She must be your wife, right? Ha, what a joke of a husband you are! You let her do all the fighting for you! You're supposed to be the next royal heir, but all I see is a spineless coward!"

"L-leave him alone!" Mai protested, writhing desperately. "He's got nothing to do with royalty!"

The black knight drew his sword. "Milady Nadia's Sword of the Abyss does not lie. Its power reacted to your royal blood. For the sake of our conquest, you must die. Any last words?"

Terrence clenched his fists and looked down, wondering what he could even do in this situation. He wasn't a warrior who could slay Demons or monsters. Still…he didn't want to die either…

He glanced at Mai, whose head was now being forced against the ground. Seeing her still trying to free herself despite all that…triggered something within him. The Demon was right…Terrence couldn't let Mai do the fighting for him. If he was to be her husband, he needed to…

"I…have to protect her." He declared, looking up with a frown. "I won't be a coward. Even if I'm not strong enough…I can't stand by while she risks herself for me!"

The black knight hummed. "So you do have a backbone. Alright, show me what you got, little Human!"

He raised his sword and swung down. At that moment, Terrence's memories flashed in his mind. The simple days he spent with Mai…From gardening together, to sitting close on the roof. He remembered when they met as children, and how he had offered her a place to stay. What he wanted most…was to live in peace with her.

An instinct kicked in, almost like a drumbeat within his body. It compelled him to raise his hand to meet the incoming blade…and then a blinding flash of light emanated from his palm. All of the knights gasped or yelped in surprise and backed away.

"This power…it can only be…" The black knight growled.

When the light faded, Terrence found himself holding a beautiful sword. Its white hilt was ornate, with golden gems embedded in the crossguard and pommel. The silver blade gleamed in the night, and had a soft glow around its edges.

Mai's eyes widened. "That sword…it's…"

"The Sword of Light." Terrence said with bewilderment. "Then…am I really…"

A shadow passed over him, and he looked up to see someone in a brown cloak coming down on the now retreating black knight. There was a streak of orange…and he was split in half from the head down, armor and all.

As both halves of the body fell and disintegrated into black smoke, the other knights screamed and turned tail.

"It's an ambush!" One of them shouted.

"That scythe, it's her!" Another exclaimed.

While they ran, the new stranger, a girl, hummed and pulled her hood back.

"Looks like I came just in time." She remarked in a calm manner. "You awakened at just the right moment, as I expected."

She turned to Terrence, revealing herself as…being younger than Mai, and quite a bit shorter. Her pink hair was long enough to go below her hood. Underneath her cloak, she wore a dark blue blouse with a red bow tying the collar. Fluttering over her slender legs was a white skirt, which stopped just above her knees.

Her blue eyes, which were framed by a silver pair of glasses, had a certain wisdom and maturity that betrayed her apparent age. She didn't look older than fourteen, and yet…Terrence got quite a dangerous yet inspiring feel from her.

Especially with that weapon in her hands…A war scythe with a crescent-shaped crystal head atop an intricately engraved golden pole. Just like Terrence's sword, the blade had a faint glow around it.

"The time has come, Hero of Light." The girl said sagely. "The stars have aligned, and fate has finally caught up to you."