A tale told only once...

A tale about love, hardships & tragedy. The only love that Felix has ever experienced...with the one whom he would continue to cherish forever...Rumia.

This story is spoken from Felix' point of view.

"Silas!" I call out.

I can't keep up with him. His footwork has mastered the speed of light.

"What is it?" he hurriedly swings around. "We don't have much time left."

"Well, at least wait up for me!" I whine. "I am not cut out for this much walking!"

Panting down, trying to catch my breath, I hear a chuckle leave Silas' mouth.

"Well, I guess you have to find a way to catch up." he grins & returns to walk faster.

Such brutality.

...

Silas & I were invited to the Erstonia Empire by the Emperor himself, Jack Cyngus.

The reason for the matter...was that Silas is set to be engaged to his youngest daughter. That plan has been coordinated for a while now.

Silas has lost most emotion after the attack on Vortis Empire. It took everything inside of him & he swore to show no mercy nor trust to anyone. He still laughs & reveals his amusement from time to time...however, it will never be the same as it was those years ago, when we first met. I have lost all hope that the old him is still in there somewhere, burried deep.

One thing was for sure though, he plans to keep the promise he gave his mother...to marry Rias Ambrose.

Not too long ago, we were surviving in the slums & learning how to use a sword for the first time...only recently, the Emperor had got word of our situation & is now keeping track of us.

"Took you long enough."

I have reached Silas while he stands in front of the Erstonia Empire.

My eyes have blessed me. I haven't seen anything quite like this mansion that stands before me. It's really a sight to behold.

We are given no time to admire it because we were already running late.

When we enter inside, I wait for Silas outside while he discusses matters with the emperor...and that is where I saw her.

A sword, slashing through the wind. The amazing footwork right before me, in this very garden.

The long hair that flows through the cold breeze in a ponytail is very graceful, considering she's using that sword with everything inside of her.

That is one talented swordswoman.

I walk towards her but when she notices me, things don't go well.

I don't know why my feet had started to move towards her but all I know, was that I was not in control of it.

"Who might you be?" she howls in such an aggressive tone.

Her sword is pointed at me, her eyes are staring directly into my soul...and all I could do, is just stand there, breathing heavingly.

Her form is perfect, she can slice right through me if she wanted to.

"I-i'm Felix...Severan..." I stutter.

She sighs & swings her sword into her scabbard. "You're Silas' friend?"

I nod, slowly. "Correct."

"I see." she mutters. "Sorry for the confusion."

She turns around & begins to pick up her belongings. "I thought you were a scum, sneaking into the palace."

I should have stayed standing still until she was out of sight...but I was not in control of my own body.

"Wait!" I yell after her.

She swiftly turns back around. "Yeah? what is it?"

I had become standing so close to her. How did that happen? though she seems unfazed, I decide to man up & at least say something. I should have just let her be on her way.

"I want to..." "I need to..." I begin mumuring before I straighten up my posture to say what I was going to say. I open my eyes widely & stand confidently.

"I want to learn how to use a sword like you...battle me."

She smirks & looks me up & down.

"You?...a scrawny fella like you has no business using a sword."

My eyes widen.

Sure, I have no muscle...but I am pretty decent in using a sword...I just need to be better.

"Trust me angry gorilla, I am not as weak as you think..." I grin & lift my eyes up, tilting my head. "Battle me."

She keeps her composure, chuckling. "Fine then."

Throwing me her sword, I catch it quickly.

It's ordinary...and simple. Only a good warrior can make proper use of a sword like this.

"Your move first." she gloats.

I am looked upon as if I had never wielded a sword before. Perhaps I shall prove her conceited attitude wrong.

"As you wish." I beam, sarcastically.

My stance needs some work but I can still cut through pretty much anything. I lift the sword up & count to 3 in my head before I swing it towards her without a warning.

*CLASH*

Her sword had stopped mine in less than a second. Her speed is quick. She plays no games, just how I like it.

"Cleaver move" she whispers under her breath.

"But not fast enough for me."

That little grin on her lips just makes me want to fight that much harder. No holding back with her from here on out.

"Well then...two can play at that game."

I make the next move, once again, aiming the sword, nearly hitting her but she dodges as it slices a strand of her hair. This causes her to get serious as well & we begin sparring & clashing our swords together.

Her foot movement is magnificant, I wonder how she learnt such moves.

Examining her, aspires me to be a better swordsman in the future.

"Nice moves you got there..." she breaths. "But that won't get you anywhere."

She continues to use her sword with swift acceleration. I can barely pinpoint it.

"Perhaps...but at least I am not an overweening witch." I grunt.

She shows no emotion by what I said & proceeds to brawl. "Just give up...you're never going to beat me."

Every time I get near her, she easily dodges my attacks, which leads to the end of our quarrel. She hits her sword with mine & the grasp of my hand lets go. I watch as the sword falls over to her side & I just know that she won.

"You know, you're not as bad as I thought." she admits, then puts her sword away. "But...not quite on my level yet."

She's very confident & has every reason to be. I noticed how she never lets her guard down & goes for the kill. I must have that mindset.

"Key word:...yet." I mutter under my breath, making sure she didn't hear.

"The name's Rumia by the way." She states, distinctly through her teeth. "Rumia Ambrose."

She disappears into the grounds of the palace...and that's when I realize...I just called the Emperor's daughter "an overweening witch."

My mind can't comprehend that. I wasn't knowledged that the Emperor had another daughter but for all I know, she's the type to stay away from the media.

That female was trained to be a knight...not a princess.

"Felix!" Silas calls out. "What are you doing standing all the way over there?"

I turn my head & upper body. "Oh I was just

talking to-"

"Never mind that" He interrupts. "The Emperor invited us to dinner."

He begins to walk away, shouting from behind. "View the inside halls before then."

I guess I will be seeing Rumia at dinner then. If she had never told me her name & walked away all pertinacious, I would be one hell of a stupefied individual to see her there.

...

This palace is bigger than what Emperor Dominic owned...though Silas pledged to make an even greater one in the future. One where there's peace between the villages & not what thy status of one holds.

"Mr. Severan!" The Emperor greets me as I make my way to the table located in the dining hall.

It was a tad bit hard to find, making me a little late but at least i'm here now.

"When Silas had come in alone, I was beggining to get false hope that you didn't travel along side with him." he chuckles.

Emperor Cyngus was in contact with Silas & I for a long period of time, thenceforth the attack on Vortis Empire summoned by Oryn Empire. He had began to become weary of how close we are, sending us on multiple missions. Perhaps he was worried we had grown apart...but I had promised to stay by Silas' side forever, no matter what. Not even love can come in between that.

"Sorry i'm late father." a voice echoes through the hall.

It's her. Rumia.

The one beside her must be Rias.

"I, however, would have been on time if Rumia hadn't insisted on sparring with me!" Rias informs the Emperor, giving attitude.

"Oh Rumia...always one to push her limits." he sighs.

The Emperor turns to me & I swear I see a grin printed on his face.

"Felix...have you met Rumia?...I have a feeling you two will get along quite well."

What does he mean by that? my first impression of her was that she was obnoxious.

"Yes, sir..." I mutter. "Unfortunately...I had the dishonour of meeting her when I first arrived."

She stabs a fork in the surface while a snicker exits my lips.

"Oh, like meeting you was a whole party!"

"I thought I was talking to a witch when I saw you." I hoot, leaning forward.

"Your insults are just like your sword techniques..." she chuckles, whispering the next words under her breath. "Utter...trash."

I seem to see more emotion in her than earlier. This is quite shocking.

I roll my eyes. "As if I wouldn't go easy on a female."

"My, already fighting like a married couple are we?" the Emperor chimes in.

I had almost forgotten what our setting was.

Silas had tried to knowledge me on how not to say what i'm thinking.

To the people of the outside world, I look skinny & soft at heart...but my flaw is that I say horrid things without a second thought, hurting the people I say them too....though that's not the case with Rumia.

"Oh is that so?" Rumia screeches. "Let's have a match right now then. Just you & me!"

"I don't think that's necessary..." Rias says calmly, patting her shoulder. "Please, let's just enjoy this meal that was cooked for us."

Rumia breathes heavengly & sits back down. "You're correct...my ego had gotten the best of me."

"Yay...good sister, Rumia!" she hugs her.

I sneakily take a peek at her angry pout before she takes the fork back out of the table.

...

That...was a quick turn of events.

I look over at Silas & he is staring right into my soul. He doesn't even have to say anything, that look says it all.

...

The rest of dinner went by pretty quietly. The Emperor discussed matters that Silas & I are to take care of. The topic of Rias bethrothed to Silas had also come up.

Rumia had finished her meal & left the dining hall swiftly without a word.

I regret my turn of phrase, especially since it was in front of the Emperor but I guess what's done is done. I can't feel bad about it now.

"Rias...can you please show our kind guests to their rooms?" Emperor Cyngus asks before getting up from his seat.

"O-our rooms?" I utter, astonished.

"Yes." He smiles, squinting his eyes. "The rooms you are to stay in anytime you visit!"

The Emperor has done more than enough to help both Silas & I. He truly is kind.

Though, I feel bad that his Empress is no longer by his side & he refuses to get re-married...but I guess if he truly loved her...no other woman can compete with that.

"Sure thing, father." Rias smiles, graciously.

It's been far too long since I slept on a proper bed but sleeping on a rock hard ground didn't really bother me. It shaped me into a stronger person than I was as a young child.

Oh, the feeling of resting in a pleasantry room. I can't remember the last time I had...though, that doesn't really matter to me because I am trained to be a warrior & nothing more.

The open space is a decent size & the walls are very narrow but wide.

I leisurely begin to unbutton my shirt.

I am so tired & just want to retire for the night...but before I can, a faint knock is percieved through the door.

I cease to unbutton my shirt, sauntering towards the sound.

I should have asked who was there first but my mind didn't think that far ahead.

"Rumia." I blurt, sternly.

What is she doing here?

Her eyes point to my half unbuttoned shirt, revealing my chest, before glaring back up at me.

"You pervert...at least have some decency answering the door!" she screeches.

"Well excuse me, I didn't know the wicked witch of the west was going to visit me in my chamber!" I howl back & then grin, leaning on the wall. "Did you miss me that much?"

There I go again...saying things without thinking.

Rumia throws the insults first so that is my excuse as to why i'm talking the way that I am.

"Ew, miss you?" she gags. "Doofus, you're way in over your head. Hmph!"

"Doofus?" I whisper, confuzzled.

"Yeah. Doofus." she smirks.

I stand up straight & stomp my foot down. "Okay, is there a reason you came here? or did you just needed an excuse to call me a pervert?"

I ****** my hand to shut the door closed.

"Because in that case, you can just leave."

I am far too exhausted to keep up this act with her.

"Wait!" she shouts, sliding her foot in between the door crack to stop it from shutting completely closed. "I-I came for another...reason."

I wide open the door once again, revealing her. She appears calm but pouty.

"And what reason may that be?"

Her head swings to the side, puffing out her cheeks, as if she's embarrassed.

"Well? spill it!" I roll my eyes, checking the time on my watch.

"I-I jus-t wanted to s-say..." she mutters but stops mid sentence, closing her eyes, roughly.

"Okay, if you're not going to say it, then I will go to sleep...goodnight!" I mid yawn, shutting back the door.

"I'M SORRY!" she screams from the other side & my eyes open wide.

"What did you say?" I cough, seeking my face out the small split of the gateway.

"I'm sorry." She repeats. "I'm sorry you're a doofus who can't help saying jerky things!"

She crosses her arms, sulking again.

"Gee, thanks for the apology..." I respond, with a lazy voice.

"What i'm saying is..." she opens her mouth again. "Let's start on a fresh note...starting tomorrow..."

Her cheeks are red but return back to normal when she says the next words. "Now, if that's all...goodnight, doofus."

And with that, she marches off.

That...is one strange girl.

I close the door shut for the last time of the night & hit the sack. I'm too tired to even remove my shirt now.

...

The following day:

"How Futile." Silas scoffs. "Your stance is ever so boring."

"Perhaps you take over my teaching lesson then?" Rumia grunts.

"I bet I can get them into shape." he grins, walking over but Rias stops him. "Heh...let's not..."

Today, Silas & I have some free time on our hands so we decided to watch Rumia teach her fencing class...though Silas is strict when it comes to this stuff.

"That's the point of this lesson." Rias informs him, rolling her eyes. "They will be perfect with my sisters teachings soon."

"Yeah..." he sighs. "Let's hope they don't go on suicide missions with the way that female is grasping a sword."

I look over & one of the girls appear to be holding the weapon opposite from everyone else. Her cheeks turn pink from embarrassment.

"Well...I do not wish to see this catastrophe any longer." He yawns. "I'm going to go explore the Capital."

"I'll come with you!" Rias exclaims in a fake cheery voice, whispering "To make sure you don't get into any trouble."

I laugh at the thought.

"What's the point of exploring the capital if I can't put fat noblemen in their place." Silas mutters.

"Stop acting like a buffoon!" Rias' faint voice is heard as they disappear out of sight.

That just leaves Rumia & I now. She seems focused in her teaching methods so I decide to just observe & perhaps learn a thing or two. She hasn't said a single insult to me yet so I guess that is progress.

"Perhaps you should grab a sword & participate." She sneakly snickers. "You seem to be interested in the things you cannot do."

There we go.

"Whatever happened to starting fresh?" I irritatedly breath.

The whooshing sound of the blade is percieved through her laughter. "I am not insulting you...I am just simply deciding what's best for you."

I place my hand on my torso, calming the mind & body before I say something regretful.

"And what's best for me?"

She swiftly swings the sword right at me & grins. "Being a better swordsman."

Her eyes appear genuine but you can never tell with her, though I haven't known her very long.

That hazeled hair of hers flow into the air while cherry blossoms are slowly falling from the trees. For a second there, I can hear no sound from this so called "nature." It's just me & my blank thoughts.

"Felix?" "Felix are you listening?"

I am bought back into reality with an annoying voice.

I sigh & shake my head.

"You just stick to teaching your class." I move her sword away. "I am better on my own."

Giving her a little heartfelt smile, I exit her side & head towards the gates. She didn't seem too happy but being positive is what I ought to do.

Silas & I have another mission to attend in months time orders from His Majesty. I won't have to see nor hear Rumia for a while during that time...I will be at peace, getting back into sword wielding & traveling along side Silas.

...

"Felix." The Emperor calls out, severely from down the hall.

"Yes, your majesty?" I kneel down right before the very man strolls up closer.

"You needn't be so formal with me" his hand gently taps my head & I look up at the smile formed on his face right before me.

I rise back up into an appropriate position.

"What may I do you for?"

His smile fades & his eyes darken.

"What are your intentions with my daughter?"

The sweet look he gave me took a twisted turn so quickly. How can an expression change so rapidly?

I suddenly forget to breath, my legs feel numb. What is this aura surrounding him? does he prefer I avoid all contact with Rumia? It shall be easy if that's what he desires...so why am I afraid?

"I-intentions?..." I stutter, nervously. "I only just engage with her like a proper guest."

I step back to avoid a scolding from the Emperor. My body is stiff & I feel threatened. I close my eyes while he steps foot near me.

"Oh dear." He sighs, putting his hand on my shoulder & my eyes shoot wide open.

"O-oh...dear?"

Taking a seat on the side hall bench, he taps his fingers on the spot next to him for me to sit.

"As you can see, Rumia has no purpose of finding the one whom she'll spend her entire lifetime with..." he informs me & I nod. "Yes, I kind of figured that."

She gives the impression to keep to herself for the most part & enjoys looking down on people who don't meet her standards. At least, that's how I view her.

"You see...her mother was a swordswoman." He continues. "She was my love at first sight, though our countries were at war."

His smile is faint, reminiscing of his past lover. Even after all these years, she must be the only woman in his heart.

"Rumia wants to be just like her mother." his eyes appear of grief. "Which isn't quite frankly a bad thing..."

I get that. Anyone in her shoes would want to be like the one whom she cherished the most.

"I just expected her to be more like Rias." he reveals. "I know Silas is a good man & will take care as well as protect my daughter..."

He delicately places his hand on my scabbard. "I had thought the same of you."

Hearing him say such things, it makes me think differently of Rumia. She must really resemble her mother.

I am not the one who can be given such a task though. I am just a lone swordsman.

"I-I am honoured you feel that way, your majesty..." I stand up from the bench. "But Rumia is the type who would rather protect herself than want a scrawnly fella like me to rescue her."

I chuckle under my breath.

"That...and she is nowhere near a damsel in distress for a man to save."

I exit the perimeter after a sigh as the words have left my lips.

I know she can take care of herself, everyone is aware. She teaches her own fencing class & has the attitude of a vicious cat. She will be just fine.

...

{"I know I may look young...but I cannot look after those precious girls forever."}

   - Inside the Emperor's mind

...

Soon after, Silas & Rias return from their small journey outside the capital. They come back completely arguing upon eachother.

"You made me look like a baffoon!" Rias screeches whereas Silas replies "That was the work of the Gods, not me."

Rias is drenched from head to toe in water, I wonder what happened.

"You stupid little...ughhh you're so immature!!!" her face turns bright red, screaming from anger.

"Immature, maybe, but I had a good laugh today." he grins.

Silas may be at fault but I guess Rias bought this upon herself when she decided to go with him...to "stop" him from causing a ruckus.

"What is all this noise?" Rumia shouts, marching from the front gates.

She eyes Rias up & down, then adds "What happened?...you're all...wet."

Rias pouts angrily & stomps her foot down. "Silas pushed me into the magic waterfall on purpose!"

All eyes turn to Silas & he seems unfazed.

"On purpose?..." he flicks his hair. "I recall you standing there, stopping me from entering...perhaps I assumed you wanted to go first, so I simply, just gave you a little...push."

I just know that smug look on his face is making Rias exasperated.

Rumia is containing her laughter, I can tell that much. I am holding it all in as well.

"ACGKH!" Rias groans, making a weird sound. "I'VE HAD IT WITH HIM, I AM GOING TO BATHE IN RICH WATER!"

As soon as she leaves, Rumia & I burst into laughter, synchronizing together in harmony so unexpectedly.

The dining hall, where dinner was to be consumed was the same old conversations, though this time, Rias had kept complaining about Silas. It was amusing for him but perhaps he should tone it down a bit, considering that she is the one whom he'll spend the rest of his life with. I know he won't change his ways, it's only something that can be dreamt of but living in this never-ending cycle for him is not good. He once told me that he has no intention of loving Rias & I gathered together in my head in which that means any other female that walks his path.

...

"My dress was far too pretty to be drenched in dirty water, peasant!" Rias sobs.

"Rias!"

The look the Emperor gives her is unpleasant & when she looks back at him, she realizes to bite her tongue & remain quiet.

"Terribly sorry about that." he chimes. "She's well collected...but sometimes emotions get the better of her."

The smile on his face is terrifying.

"Rias, why don't you go get some rest?" he

asks her in a way where she has no choice.

No other words exit her lips. She knows it's for the best before she says something insensitive, something more brutal. A loud screech is heard from the backing of the well managed chair, followed by footsteps, exiting out of the dining hall.

The feelings between Rias & Silas are mutual, not one sided which means Silas won't be hurting her in the process. That puts me at ease.

After dinner, I go out into the gardens to get some fresh air before I go back into my chambers.

The entirety of this Empire is so magnificant which means I can view things such as this during my stay here. Although, as much as I love it, I wouldn't change the life Silas & I have lived growing up, for the world. We traveled, we fought alongside eachother, we stayed in various locations before making our way here after all those years. Life like that, is worth living.

I begin to hear the crunching of leaves from a distance, which had bought me out of my thoughts. It's Rumia.

What is she doing walking at this hour? I shouldn't think much of it but it's very suspicious.

She appears that she snuck out, that no one is suppose to see her & that this is meant to be kept a secret but that doesn't stop me.

I call out to her anyway without a second thought

"Miss Rumia!"

She stops in her tracks, looking up at me. At first she seems scared...but then she relaxes her body when she realizes it's just me.

"Where are you going at this late hour?" I interrogate.

I know I have no say in what she does with her life but I can't help but still ask her. It just seems very out of the blue.

She steps closer to me, a cold gaze in her eyes. "Don't you know?...it's polite to stay out of one's business."

The sharp tone she used should have scared me & told me to stop...but somehow, I am not frightened at all.

"I know." I tell her bluntly. "I just decided to make it my business."

I know that she could do whatever she wants but if I saw her out here & did nothing about it...i'd blame myself if something did happen.

Rumia appears taken aback by my words. She takes another step forward.

"This has nothing to do with you...so please...just don't interfere."

My mind begins to swirl around. Her expression just now...she seemed saddened. Something was on her mind. I have never seen her like this before so obviously, I was even more curious on what she was up to.

But she genuinely didn't want me to be apart of her schemes.

"Are you in danger?" I asked.

I don't know why I cared so much...I guess this is what people meant when they said I had a heart of gold.

She shook her head. "No...it is none of your concern."

I narrow my eyes down at her. "It's dark, you're in the garden at this hour, wandering around."

I lean into her. "If you're in danger, tell me so I don't look like the asshole who let you walk into that jeopardy."

Rumia bites her tongue. I seem to be holding her back while she appears to be in a rush.

"Just leave me be!" She shouts. "This has nothing to do with you!"

She tries to leave but I hold onto her shoulders. "What has got you so worked up?"

Looking into her eyes, I whisper "I know we barely know eachother...but you should still be able to open up if something is bothering you."

She takes a deep breath, as if she's about to listen...but then, in the brink of the moment, she changes her mind.

She pulls my arms away from her aggressively. "Nothing is wrong!"

She fixes her attire, glancing around. "Now, if you'll excuse me...I have things to attend to."

When she begins to walk away, she turns her head to the side with her back turned. "Don't follow me."

I let her go on her way. I couldn't argue with her. I couldn't stand in her way either, considering she was in a hurry.

I hope she's safe at least. She should have at least took a bodyguard with her, given the fact that she is the daughter of the all & mighty Emperor Jack Cyngus.

...

The following day, Silas & I discuss details on a region we're suppose to shut down. That is the journey we have to take in a months time.

"How are you boys holding up?" The Emperor comes over to us.

When I first met him, I was overwhelmed. So intimidated by him. He was the Emperor of an entire nation & I thought that one wrong move could result in my death...but he's quite the opposite of what I had imagined him to be.

He speaks to Silas & I like normal. It surely feels weird but I know that he is someone we can trust, after Emperor Dominic. He was the last father figure I had even though he wasn't my actual father.

Silas shows him the large map that we were looking at.

"We marked all the spots that need to be shut down."

The Emperor smiles. "Wonderful...though you know, life is not all about work!"

He sits inbetween us. "You guys are young. Enjoy your youth once in a while!"

That is the kind of person the Emperor is.

"Youth will be enjoyed after our mission." Silas states.

He says that everytime...but he never does live once in a while.

"Always quite the serious one!" The Emperor laughs. "i'm glad you're taking your work seriously...but please don't work too hard."

He cares deeply for both Silas & I, next to both of his daughters. He was close friends with Emperor Dominic & understood our situation. It only took him so long to actually track us down.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty." I assure him. "Work is fun for us."

I mean, in a way, it actually kind of is. I enjoy doing what I do, especially with my best friend.

"I see..." He sighs. "Well I guess if it's what you two enjoy..." Trailing off, he corners his eye at us. "Just know that I won't be getting any sleep if you two overexert yourselves."

He arises from his position.

"Now, I have a meeting to attend to."

"I will make sure Silas doesn't over work himself." I promise him before he leaves.

He smiles. "I trust you, Felix Severan."

The Emperor gets on his way while Silas & I still continue the work that had been layed right in front of us.

It wasn't until a couple hours later, he finally decided to get some rest.

I enjoy being being by his side for all these different obstacles in our lives but the Emperor was right...he should learn to live a little, he barely even makes jokes. I had hoped he would have fell in love with Rias & get his charm back but it wouldn't work if she didn't like him back.

...

On my way back to my chambers, I spot Rumia crying silent tears on the balcony from the hall.

I think to myself that it's best to leave her alone...but something tells me I shouldn't.

"Rumia." I speak in a hushed tone. "Is everything okay?"

She may be a cold person who likes to keep to herself most of the time but I lived with Silas long enough to know that I can get through that barrier they put themselves behind of, if I just act carefully.