Far from the busy world, there was an unknown country. This country was different, it wasn’t like the usual country. From the technology, this country was far better than the other country. Things those should only exist in stories could be seen here. This country ruled by a king. Only people who has pure-blood from the family can rule the kingdom. That was a short story about Primera, a country of living.

It had said earlier that this country was different from other country in this world. The difference was not only from the government or technology or the citizen. Primera keeps a thing that control the life of humans. This thing seems like nothing but it’s really important, not only for Primera but also the world. Because of this thing, human can live peacefully with a friendly environment. Many battles occurred some years before, but until now humans still able live safe and sound. This thing is like a key. It’s called Zoi Dentro, a tree of living, the key of life.

Though Zoi Dentro could save the world, battles still couldn’t be avoided. Long time ago, many countries attacked Primera so they could have Zoi Dentro and rule the world just as how they wanted. Many kings of Primera joined the battles to kept Zoi Dentro and the cities safe. They fought with all they have, together with their soldiers that called Stratiotis.

Zoi Dentro located in the middle of Primera, where the palace built. It’s located in Clavis. The place where the king and his family live. Zoi Dentro stood bravely in the center of Centricos, the capital city of Primera. Stratiotis surround it every time to make sure it’s safe. They wouldn’t let the key of the world destroyed so easily.

Zoi Dentro is not only a big tree in the middle of a yard full of grass and flowers, or a tree in a savanna. Former kings who died were buried around Zoi Dentro. Once they died, their spirits would integrate with Zoi Dentro. They become its strength and keep it safe from inside, while the Stratiotis keep it safe from outside.

Only pure-blood of Primera family could control of the tree, but that was not always happen. Only people with huge heart and determination of helping people and keeping them safe could get the chance to fight with Zoi Dentro and the spirits of the kings who passed away, that’s mean they can have full control of the tree. Zoi Dentro knows exactly the heart of people who asked for its help. It knows well which is the right person with a real heart.

For someone who finally got a full trust from the tree. The tree will give them its power. It will give them 9 swords. The swords are Japanese type called katana. These 9 swords have different names and powers. Hi for wild fire. Mizu for calm water. Kaze for blowing wind. Yuki for the beautiful snow. Kaminari for the unpredictable thunder. Kojo for the living plant. Kage for the dark shadow. Hikari for the shining light. And Hana for the dancing flowers.

Zoi Dentro would pierce the swords to the person’s chest. One by one. The swords wouldn’t hurt them. Once it done, the nine swords would surround them and shine brightly. And it meant that the person officially become king. Someone that will stay in the palace, Clavis. Someone that will rule Primera.

It wasn’t a peaceful life anymore. Fire and flares could be seen anywhere. Explosion showed up all around the country. Sound of war filled the air. Everything burned. Dead body couldn’t be avoided. People ran around finding some place to hide to keep themselves save. Stratiotis scattered on every corner of the country. Weapons in their hands.

Nobody could exactly remember when this started. That day, the sky of Primera suddenly filled with fleets of war. And then, bullets and fire balls came down like a droplets of rain. Huge and dangerous creature called Profidium stepped it feet on the ground of Primera. A war declaration.

Stratiotis reported the news as soon as possible to King Cordatus, the king of Primera. King Cordatus quickly called out all soldiers he has. “The peacefulness of Primera has been destroyed, save the citizen!” he commanded. He himself, left his chair and stood in the front line with both of his sons, Vechter and Fascino. The elite team accompanied them. They were ready.

One of the enemy’s fleets stopped on top of the palace. The door of it opened and revealed a man with a long sword in his hand. “The King of Primera!” he shouted. King Cordatus looked up. Suddenly the man jumped from the plane. Everybody held their weapons up, ready to attack.

“It’s nice to meet my old friend after a long time,” the man said.

King Cordatus eyes widened. “Skotadi?” he asked.

“Good afternoon, Your Majesty,” Skotadi said as he bowed for the king.

“Dad, who’s that?” Vechter asked.

“Skotadi, what does this all mean?” King Cordatus asked.

“Let’s just call it a payback,” Skotadi said.

“What do you mean?” Cordatus asked.

“Did you realize? Because of you, Impius lost its crown prince!” Skotadi yelled. He didn’t let his old friend say any word. He ran up to pierce his sword to Cordatus’ body. He held his sword tightly and swung it without any hesitation. But a sword blocked his attack.

“Don’t you dare to get any nearer!” Vechter said in a cold tone. He stood in front of his dad with his sword being held up to block Skotadi’s attack.

Skotadi jumped back. “Isn’t it the prince? Vechter right?“ he asked with a fake friendly face.

“Erase that ugly look from your face! I’m not a child you can trick easily with that fake friendly look!” Vechter yelled. He ran up towards Skotadi.

“You’re not alone, Brother,” Fascino said before he ran after his twin brother.

“Vechter! Fascino!” King Cordatus screamed. He couldn’t drag his sons to his problem. He was about to ran after his sons but suddenly some soldiers with Impius uniform jumped from the plane. They stopped his track. Though he didn’t want it, he needed to beat them or they’ll harm the others.

Vechter swung his sword to Skotadi’s chest. The man blocked his attack easily. But he didn’t see Fascino coming. Fascino’s sword managed to slice Skotadi right arm. Skotadi stepped back, surprised. He looked at both the princes with eyes full of hate and anger.

“Did we surprise you?” Vechter asked with a smirk.

“Well, you both did,” Skotadi replied. He smiled an evil smile.

Fascino stepped so he stands beside his brother. “Impius, the most trusted country, the most trusted partner of Primera. Both Primera and Impius already had many wars fought together. Why are you against us?”

“Why are we against you? You didn’t know?” Skotadi asked. His anger only became worse.

“What we didn’t know?” Fasino asked back.

“Your father didn’t tell you? What a-“

“Just tell us already,” Vechter cut Skotadi’s sentence off.

“You little brat, your father didn’t teach you any manners?” Skotadi gritted his teeth. He walked up to both of the princes of Primera. His sword gripped tightly on his side. “Let me tell you then, but before that, I’ll tell you who I am.”

The princes took a step back and got to a fighting pose. Vechter glanced shortly to his father far behind him. The soldiers of Impius still surrounded him, keeping him busy.

“I am Skotadi Diez Impius, the king of Impius! The father of Prince Skia Diez Impius!” he yelled out. “Now I don’t have anyone to continue my job as a king because of what your father did! Now Impius didn’t have its crown prince because your father killed him!”

Both the sons of King Cordatus were surprised. They couldn’t believe what they hear. Their father couldn’t possibly kill someone. Just right then, they lost their defense of theirselves.

Skotadi held his sword up. He pierced it into Vechter’s stomach.

“Brother!”

Vechter gasped. He let out a painful groan when the sword being pulled out of his tummy. His hand found its way to his wounded stomach. Blood spilled out. His knees gave out and he fell to the ground. His head started to throb while his vision started to get blurry.

“Vechter!” Fascino called his brother’s name out as he kneeled down beside him. He wrapped an arm around Vechter’s shoulder. He placed his other hand on top of Vechter’s hand that gripped onto his stomach tightly.

“Next is you!” Skotadi held his sword up high.

King Cordatus managed to dodge the last Impius’ soldier. He quickly ran towards both of his sons. He jumped in front of them right when Skotadi swung his sword. It stabbed him right in the chest. His breath stopped.

“Dad!” Fascino cried out.

Skotadi pulled his sword back with a satisfied smile on his face. He let the king’s body fell to the cold ground. He kicked him as if he was nothing but a trash. “What a good day,” he said to himself.

“Fascino, go check on Dad, don’t let that crazy man do anything to him. I’ll be fine,” Vechter said between his unstable breath.

Fascino nodded before he ran towards his dad’s weak body. “Stay away from him!” he yelled as he jumped in front of his dad to stop Skotadi from getting any nearer. He kneeled down and pulled his father’s body close to him. He glared up at Skotadi

“No need to look so scared,” Skotadi laughed, “I’m just going to say my goodbye.” He kneeled down beside the wounded Cordatus. He put a hand on his shoulder.

“I guess this is our farewell, King Cordatus,” he said.

Vechter used the strength he still has to threw his sword towards Skotadi. But at the same time, a plane showed up and built some transparent wall around the murderer. Skotadi threw a wicked smile to him before turning around. He walked in to his fleet war with a winning expression on his face. Stratiotis came to attack him. But the wall kept him safe. Vechter gritted his teeth. He couldn’t do anything. Slowly, the door of the plane closed. Right then and there, Vechter lost his consciousness.

The sound of heavy rain woke the short-haired girl up. She opened her eyes lazily to look at the clock. It’s 3 in the morning. She closed her eyes again and snuggled up to her blanket. But she couldn’t fall back asleep. A groan in annoyance slipped out of her mouth. She raised her hand to pick a phone and earphone on the nightstand. Once she was able to get is, she wore it quickly and pulled the cover up to her head.

The songs played just as how they were sorted alphabetically. An intro of a song played. Another groan left her mouth. “Why did it have to be this one?” she whispered towards herself. She skipped that song. Sleep just wouldn’t come to pick her. She spent the last 3 hours listening to music.

The clock finally showed 5.30.  The girl threw her blanket open. She stepped out of her bed. She made her bed before walked to the bathroom. A quick shower finished. She wore her school’s uniform. She snatched her bag from her desk. A katana that kept tidily in its case couldn’t be left by her. She walked out of her room, climbed down some stairs. A note and cold breakfast served for her. She took the note.

Skylar, I’m really sorry. I have to leave early in the morning. I’m going to a business trip, so I won’t be at home for a few days. I was about to tell you yesterday at night, but you were already asleep. I’ve cooked some breakfast for you today, though it would be cold by the time you wake up. I also left some money for you to buy some food and anything you need when I’m gone. Don’t worry, I’ll buy you some souvenir. Take care.

Mum

This wasn’t the first time Skylar woke up to a note and a cold breakfast. Her parents barely at home. They left early in the morning and come back home in the middle of the night. They stay at home only for 4 or 5 hours before leaving for work again. Though she didn’t live alone, she felt like living alone. She had to take care of everything by herself. It wasn’t like she’s being clingy or what. She was just missing other’s presence at the house.

Skylar left the house. She usually leaves to school by walking. Her school is not that far.

She arrived at school 7 minutes later. The school was still quiet, not many kids arrived there. Skylar went straight to the club room of Japanese club or otaku club. She’s a member of the club so she could easily step in.

“Sky! Ohayou!” A voice greeted her at the time she opened the club room’s door.

“Ohayou,” Skylar replied shortly.

Four kids already inside. Two girls and two guys. They’re Skylar’s friends. The girls are Ama Koritsi, she’s like the mother of them all, and Kyria Ingenious, just like her name ‘ingenious’-  she can do many things. The guys are Dyn Strazce, Skylar’s friend from junior high school- the kuudere guy, and Forctis Valiente, the talkative one.

“Hey, look what I got,” Skylar said after she put her school bag down. She took her katana case and pulled the thing out of it. A blue katana now in her hands.

“Oh, my God! Is that Grimmjow’s katana?” Kyria asked, clearly surprised.

Skylar nodded as a reply with a smile.

“Dude, how did you get it?” Forctis asked as he took the katana from his friend’s hands.

“I won a giveaway event,” Skylar replied.

“How lucky!” Kyria clapped her hands.

Forctis pulled the katana and held it up. His eyes gleaming as he stared at the silver long blade.

“Is that a real sword? Or is it just a duplicate?” Ama asked.

“Just touch the blade and you’ll know.”

Dyn moved from where he sat and went closer to Forctis. He touched the blade without hesitation. Then, his eyes widened in surprise. “It’s real,” he said, unable to believe it.

Forctis gave the katana back to Skylar. Before Skylar could place it back to its case, Ama took it at stared at it deeply. “It’s a real katana, it could hurt people, be careful alright?” she said as she returned the sword to Skylar.

“Alright, Oka-san,” Skylar joked.

“Always like this,” Forctis sighed.

The bell will ring in 2 minutes. The 5 kids quickly packed their stuff and ran to their class.

***

“Be careful on your way home, Sky!” Forctis yelled.

“Don’t cause any trouble,” Ama said to her short-haired friend.

“She’s with me, you have nothing to worry,” Dyn said as he pat Skylar’s head.

“I’m not a child.” Dyn’s hand was shoved away as Skylar said that.

“See you at school!” Kyria said as she waved her hand. After that, she followed Ama and Forctis that left before her.

The 5 teenagers separated ways. Dyn walked with Skylar since their houses have the same direction. Though Skylar’s house was further.

“You’re not going to stop by?” Dyn asked Skylar. They stood in front of the fence of Dyn’s house.

“No, but thanks for the offer,” Skylar replied.

“You always like that.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are.”

“Just go inside!” Skylar said, almost sound like a snap.

“Alright, then.” Dyn opened the fence. “See you,” he said.

Skylar nodded. She waved a hand before leaving to her house.

The walk towards her house was just a plain usual walk. With some music came out of her earphones. She walked as she looked around the city.

“Oh! My bag!” A yell from a woman caught Skylar’s attention. She saw the woman was about to run to chase a man that ran as fast as he could. Robber.

Without any second thoughts, Skylar dropped her bag and her katana- in its case, on the pavement. She ran after the robber. For a girl, she was pretty quick. She saw the man turned left to an alley between two buildings. Skylar picked up her pace. Who knows the end of the alley was covered by a high wall. The robber was stuck there and trapped.

“Give it back,” Skylar said coldly as she slowed down her pace, from running to walking.

“What ‘it’ is?” the man asked.

“The bag, give it to me,” Skylar replied. She walked closer.

“Who do you think you are?” the man laughed.

“I don’t know.”

“Then, just get lost!” the man pulled a knife from his pocket.

Some gasp was heard from behind Skylar. She took a short glance. Many people surrounded the door of the alley. The woman who owns the bag was there with Skylar’s stuff. Skylar shrugged them off and focused back to the robber. She heard many voices telling her to go back and just give up. But Skylar is Skylar. She walked closer to the man.

“What?! You wanna-“ The man’s sentence was cut by a cough. He felt another kick on his jaw before he fell to the ground.

“That’s what you get from messing with me,” Skylar said as she took the knife and the woman’s bag. She walked back to the crowd. “Here,” she said with a smile as she gave the bag to the woman.

“Oh! What a brave girl! Thank you so much!” the woman was really happy. She pulled Skylar for a short hug.

“It’s nothing,” Skylar replied.

“It’s not nothing,” the woman smiled. “Oh, here’s your stuff.”

Skylar nodded as a thanks before she took her stuff. She put the robber’s knife in her bag. “Someone, please call the police,” she said. “I have to go now.” And with that, she left the crowd.

***

“Skylar Allenloper. That’s what the tree told me.”

“Never heard that name.”

“Me too.”

“Wait, Skylar? It’s a girl? How come?”

“I don’t know, but it’s the tree’s decision, I know it’s the best for us.”

“It’s decided then. We need to meet her as soon as possible, Brother.”

“You’re right. Find some information about her. Try to find as much as you can.”

“Understand, Your Majesty.”