The Light Below

Down in Remnant, Princess Nadia was walking through the crowded, lantern-lined streets.

She looked around at the monsters, the people she swore to protect. They parted before her, giving her respectful bows. As she passed, she gave them all a kindly smile and pats on the head, as a way to assure that she was supporting them.

Beside her, Rashad stood close. When Nadia glanced at him, she saw how distant his expression was, as if he was thinking deeply about something.

He had been like this ever since he came back from his mission, just a few days ago. The dark look on Queen Yolanda’s face that day…Nadia would never forget it.

“How could you fail?” The Queen had inquired, her anger barely contained.

“We underestimated their numbers, and the Hero of Light’s power.” Rashad had said with guilt. “It took everything I had to come back alive, with just a few survivors.”

“I see…I suppose that makes sense.”

Queen Yolanda had relaxed, though she still looked disappointed. Her gaze then turned to Nadia, who was standing at her side.

“My daughter has recovered from her injuries. I’ll allow you time to recuperate, and you can go together for an even more vital mission.”

“And what would that be, Mother?” Nadia had asked.

“To attack the Oasis City of Nirvana, and destroy the Sacred Tree. We cannot let the Heroes of Arum complete their Pilgrimage, so we will move before they do.”

Ever since, Nadia couldn’t help but worry about her lover’s wellbeing. Especially with how off he looked…

So right now, she took Rashad’s hand and gave it a firm squeeze, which made him snap back to reality. Their eyes met, and he gave her a nod and a squeeze in return.

“Do you want to talk later?” She asked quietly.

He hesitated before nodding. “Yes…that would be nice.”

They stopped as an Arachnid child with long white hair came up to them, a stuffed rabbit in hand. With a bright smile, she held it up to Princess Nadia.

“Thank you, Lady Nadia!” She gratefully. “For fighting for us!”

Nadia smiled and knelt down. “Thank you, young one. But you should keep it, it’d be hard to replace.”

“But I made this for you. Please, take my gift.”

Nadia glanced at the girl’s fingers, which were wrapped in bandages. Feeling a sense of guilt, her face fell a little, but she quickly smiled again and accepted the bunny.

“Okay, if you insist.” She said softly. “I’ll take good care of it. And one day, when this is all over, I’ll make you one. I promise, so look forward to it.”

The girl’s smile widened, and she nodded energetically before scurrying off on her spindly legs. Nadia watched as the girl joined a few other monster children, and they all laughed as they left together.

The Princess noticed the people around her having their own smiles, however faint they were. They looked tired and worn…but they still had a sense of hope.

As she stood up, she hugged the stuffed bunny to her chest and smiled at Rashad, who looked noticeably brighter after seeing the children.

“They’re like a light in this darkness.” He remarked. “So vibrant and full of heart. It reminds me of what I need to fight for.”

Nadia hummed thoughtfully. “We are stuck in an endless cycle of pain and suffering, that we cannot forget no matter how many times we are reborn. Yet, even after all these years, there are still children who believe in the future.”

“The future that we fight for…”

When her beloved’s face fell again, Nadia squeezed his hand and began leading him back to the castle. He had something on his mind, and she wanted him to talk about it while they had time.

________________________________________

In Princess Nadia’s room, she and Rashad sat close together on the bed.

He wasn’t sure how to explain what he was thinking, so he remained silent for a bit until he was ready.

“Back in Cocola, we really were outnumbered.” He began, looking at the floor. “But…the Hero of Light was weak. If I had stayed, I could have killed him, even if it cost me my life.”

Nadia was taken aback. “Huh? Then why didn’t you?”

“Because he offered to let me leave with the few men I had left. He showed us mercy…and it reminded me of why I was fighting, to save the lives of our people.”

Rashad sighed wearily, then looked towards the window and saw the hellscape outside.

“Such kind souls like him exist, who would choose to spare us Demons and monsters…It makes me wonder if, in better circumstances, we could be allies instead of enemies. I know it’s foolish to think, but…”

Nadia followed his gaze, looking solemn. “...We are the darkness, and they are the light. We, the ones exiled by the gods and goddesses, are the natural enemies of the surface dwellers. Any attempt to negotiate would end in failure. That is why, for the peace we want, we must destroy humanity and take over their land.”

“You’re right…we are too different from them. After all we’ve been through, there is no way to forgive our oppressors.”

He looked at her and cupped her cheek, and she turned to meet his determined gaze.

“More than anything else, I want to make a happy future for you, and our people who are waiting to see those blue skies and white clouds. Because of you, I can believe in that.”

She smiled softly and held his hand. “It’s the same for me. I fight so that we, and our people, can live freely on the surface. With you by my side, I’m certain we can make that dream a reality.”

Blushes crept to their pale cheeks as they stared into each other’s eyes for a moment longer. They shared a gentle kiss, which gradually became more passionate until they fell back on the bed.

______________________________________

As Princess Nadia slept, she dreamt of her first rebirth.

She appeared from a burst of black fire, in the Tomb of Chaos, the place in which all Demons and monsters were reborn. It was an eerie place, with worn black stone walls, and a giant statue of the monstrous being known as Maladeus. This place was only lit by one chandelier above, which cast an orange glow on the surrounding area.

When Nadia, who was not a princess back then, woke up…she found herself in the body of a small child. She looked around in confusion, scared and wondering where she was.

More disturbingly…she had no idea who she was. She had no memories of her previous life.

Then a soothing voice called out to her.

“Welcome, lost child.”

She turned her head, and saw an elderly Kobold woman smiling kindly at her. Nadia was able to relax, feeling a sort of kindred spirit with this strange humanoid canine creature.

The Kobold came over and hugged her gently, while petting her head.

“Your new life starts now, young one.” The elder said soothingly. “It will be hard, but I’m sure you’ll be fine. I am Natalia, and I will take good care of you.”

The Kobold then took her to Remnant’s orphanage, where Nadia met many other monster children. It wasn’t long before she realized how she differed from them, as Demons were more humanlike in appearance. There weren’t many like her, and it made her stand out.

As the months went by, she learned of how hard life was for the people down in Hell. Food did not grow down here, so they had to make do with supplies stolen from the surface. With an eternally hungry and growing populace, supply was never able to keep up with demand.

Nadia remembered the first time she ate porridge, and was astounded by the gooey texture and faintly sweet taste. As she only had a small cup of it, she savored it for as long as she could.

Then she looked around, seeing the other children looking at their empty cups with dejected looks on theur faces. It was that moment where Nadia began to think…

“I want them to have more.”

As she grew older, she began looking up to the Demons and monsters who went up to the surface. Those brave people who fought for the freedom of the oppressed…Nadia wanted to become one, and bring happiness to her kin.

And so, sixteen years after her rebirth, she presented herself before the Queen Juvia, who ruled Remnant back then.

“I wish to fight for the future.” Nadia said with a respecful kneel. “Will you please allow me to become a knight?”

Queen Juvia smiled in a fond manner. “Pretty bold, aren’t you? I can sense potential in you, so I’ll grant you permission to join our forces. I’m looking forward to seeing your growth, Miss…”

“...Just call me Nobody, milady. I never knew what to name myself.”

“All these years, and you’ve been stuck as Nobody? That won’t do here, you need a real name. I know, how about I name you…Nadia?”

Nadia’s eyes widened in surprise. “Nadia…It would be an honor to accept that name, Lady Juvia.”

And there the Princess’s dream ended, fading into a white void.

_______________________________________

After waking up, Nadia and Rashad got dressed and geared up for their mission, then headed for the castle's balcony to address the soldiers that had gathered down in the courtyard.

Nadia looked down upon them, as they looked up at her with expectant expressions. With a firm tone of authority, she began to speak.

“I’m sure you’ve all heard by now, but our next mission is the most vital of all, and our most dangerous so far. We will head out the Oasis City, and destroy the Sacred Tree that stands there, before the Heroes of Arum reach it. If they’re unable to complete their Pilgrimage, they will stand no chance against us.”

She raised her hand, and the monsters down below placed their fists over their hearts.

“We will be victorious!” She declared in a more fierce tone. “The wretched members of humanity, and their deities, will suffer for their evils! Soon, Demons and monsters will be able to claim the surface, and live in prosperity! So let us go forth, and win that bright future for everyone!”

Screeches, howls, and yells echoed throughout the courtyard, as the soldiers were inspired by the Princess. They were ready to head into battle, for the sake of the freedom they had been denied for so many years.

They called for their Wyverns, draconic mounts fit for people to ride on, and climbed onto them. Princess Nadia whistled for her own to come to her, and she climbed onto it with Rashad behind her. Once he had his hands on her waist, she snapped the reins and took off.

Her legion came up from behind, following her towards Hell’s ceiling. At the very top, a crack of light could be seen in the darkness.

A few minutes later, they emerged into the sunlight and green fields of the surface, and rose higher to disappear into the clouds.